bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Women's Nutrition before and during Early Pregnancy on Maternal and Infant Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ramakrishnan Usha , Grant Frederick , Goldenberg Tamar , Zongrone Amanda , Martorell Reynaldo
Published: June 2012

Current understanding of biologic processes indicates that women's nutritional status before and during early pregnancy may play an important role in determining early developmental processes and ensuring successful pregnancy outcomes. We conducted a systematic review of the evidence for the impact of maternal nutrition before and during early pregnancy (<12 weeks gestation) on maternal, neonatal and child health outcomes and included 45 articles (nine intervention trials and 32 observational studies) that were identified through PubMed and EMBASE database searches and examining review articles. Intervention trials and observational studies show that periconceptional (<12 weeks gestation) folic acid supplementation significantly reduced the risk of neural tube defects. Observational studies suggest that preconceptional and periconceptional intake of vitamin and mineral supplements is associated with a reduced risk of delivering offspring who are low birthweight and/or small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) and preterm deliveries (PTD). Some studies report that indicators of maternal prepregnancy size, low stature, underweight and overweight are associated with increased risks of PTD and SGA. The available data indicate the importance of women's nutrition prior to and during the first trimester of pregnancy, but there is a need for well‐designed prospective studies and controlled trials in developing country settings that examine relationships with low birthweight, SGA, PTD, stillbirth and maternal and neonatal mortality. The knowledge gaps that need to be addressed include the evaluation of periconceptional interventions such as food supplements, multivitamin‐mineral supplements and/or specific micronutrients (iron, zinc, iodine, vitamin B‐6 and B‐12) as well as the relationship between measures of prepregnancy body size and composition and maternal, neonatal and child health outcomes.
Biological Mechanisms for Nutritional Regulation of Maternal Health and Fetal Development
Authors: Wu Guoyao , Imhoff‐Kunsch Beth , Girard Amy Webb
Published: June 2012

This review paper highlights mechanisms for nutritional regulation of maternal health and fetal development. Malnutrition (nutrient deficiencies or obesity) in pregnant women adversely affects their health by causing or exacerbating a plethora of problems, such as anaemia, maternal haemorrhage, insulin resistance, and hypertensive disorders (e.g. pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia). Maternal malnutrition during gestation also impairs embryonic and fetal growth and development, resulting in deleterious outcomes, including intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), low birthweight, preterm birth, and birth defects (e.g. neural tube defects and iodine deficiency disorders). IUGR and preterm birth contribute to high rates of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Major common mechanisms responsible for malnutrition‐induced IUGR and preterm birth include: (i) abnormal growth and development of the placenta; (ii) impaired placental transfer of nutrients from mother to fetus; (iii) endocrine disorders; and (iv) disturbances in normal metabolic processes. Activation of a series of physiological responses leading to premature and sustained contraction of the uterine myometrium also results in preterm birth. Recent epidemiologic studies have suggested a link between IUGR and chronic metabolic disease in children and adults, and the effects of IUGR may be carried forward to subsequent generations through epigenetics. While advanced medical therapies, which are generally unavailable in low‐income countries, are required to support preterm and IUGR infants, optimal nutrition during pregnancy may help ameliorate many of these problems. Future studies are necessary to develop effective nutritional interventions to enhance fetal growth and development and alleviate the burden of maternal morbidity and mortality in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Effect of n‐3 Long‐chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intake during Pregnancy on Maternal, Infant, and Child Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Imhoff‐Kunsch Beth , Briggs Virginia , Goldenberg Tamar , Ramakrishnan Usha
Published: June 2012

Evidence from observational studies and randomised trials has suggested a potential association between intake of n‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) during pregnancy and certain pregnancy and birth outcomes. Marine foods (e.g. fatty sea fish, algae) and select freshwater fish contain pre‐formed n‐3 LCPUFA, which serve as precursors for bioactive molecules (e.g. prostaglandins) that influence a variety of biological processes. The main objective of this analysis was to summarise evidence of the effect of n‐3 LCPUFA intake during pregnancy on select maternal and child health outcomes. Searches were performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and other electronic databases to identify trials where n‐3 LCPUFA were provided to pregnant women for at least one trimester of pregnancy. Data were extracted into a standardised abstraction table and pooled analyses were conducted using RevMan software. Fifteen randomised controlled trials were eligible for inclusion in the meta‐analysis, and 14 observational studies were included in the general review. n‐3 LCPUFA supplementation during pregnancy resulted in a modest increase in birthweight (mean difference = 42.2 g; [95% CI 14.8, 69.7]) and no significant differences in birth length or head circumference. Women receiving n‐3 LCPUFA had a 26% lower risk of early preterm delivery (<34 weeks) (RR = 0.74; [95% CI 0.58, 0.94]) and there was a suggestion of decreased risk of preterm delivery (RR = 0.91; [95% CI 0.82, 1.01]) and low birthweight (RR = 0.92; [95% CI 0.83, 1.02]). n‐3 LCPUFA in pregnancy did not influence the occurrence of pre‐eclampsia, high blood pressure, infant death, or stillbirth. Our review of observational studies revealed mixed findings, with several large studies reporting positive associations between fish intake and birthweight and several reporting no associations. In conclusion, n‐3 LCPUFA supplementation during pregnancy resulted in a decreased risk of early preterm delivery and a modest increase in birthweight. More studies in low‐ and middle‐income countries are needed to determine any effect of n‐3 LCPUFA supplementation in resource‐poor settings, where n‐3 PUFA intake is likely low.
The urban underserved: attitudes towards gaining full access to electronic medical records
Authors: Dhanireddy Shireesha , Walker Jan , Reisch Lisa , Oster Natalia , Delbanco Thomas , Elmore Joann G.
Published: June 2012

Background

As the use of electronic medical records (EMRs) spreads, health‐care organizations are increasingly offering patients online access to their medical records. Studies evaluating patient attitudes towards viewing elements of their records through secure, electronic patient portals have generally not included medically underserved patients or those with HIV/AIDS. The goal of this study was to gain insight into such patients' attitudes towards online access to their medical records, including their doctors' visit notes.

Methods

Qualitative study of four focus groups with adult patients in general adult medicine and HIV clinics at a large county hospital. Transcripts were analysed for themes using an immersion/crystallization approach.

Results

Patients' baseline understanding of the health record was limited. Perceived benefits of online access were improved patient understanding of health and disease, convenience, empowerment and a stronger relationship with their provider. Concerns included threats to privacy, worries about being unable to understand their record, fear that the computer would replace direct provider contact and hesitancy about potential demands on a provider's time. Patients also recommended providing online visit reminders, links to credible health information and assistance for paying bills.

Conclusion

Despite their initial lack of knowledge of the health record, focus group participants were overwhelmingly positive about the prospect of online access to medical records. However, they worried about potential loss of privacy and interference with the patient–provider relationship. As EMRs increasingly offer patients open access to their medical records, vulnerable patient groups will likely join others in desiring and adopting such change, but may need targeted support during times of transition.
Response of Antioxidant Enzymes, Phytochelatins and Glutathione Production Towards Cd and Zn Stresses in Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. Genotypes Colonized by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
Authors: Garg N. , Kaur H.
Published: June 2012

Most metal polluted natural environments are contaminated with multiple metals, and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are among the extracellular strategies to avoid metal toxicity. To understand the interaction between Cd, Zn and AM fungi Glomus mosseae, two genotypes (Sel 85N and P792) of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.), differing in their metal tolerance, were chosen for study. Results revealed that root dry weights were more severely affected than shoot dry weights as both the metals were accumulated in roots than in the aerial parts. Mycorrhization promoted biomass yields by decreasing metal content in plant tissues. Exposure to the metals resulted in oxidative burst (high H2O2, malondialdehyde contents and electrolyte leakage), which was accompanied by decreased membrane stability. However, increase in the level of total non‐protein thiols (TNP‐SH) and the activity of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and glutathione reductase (GR) suggested that all these parameters were synergistic in combating heavy‐metal‐induced oxidative stress. Zn supplementation proved to be inhibitory for Cd‐induced oxidative stress. AM fungi alleviated oxidative stress through enhanced production of TNP‐SH as well as through upregulation of antioxidant enzymes. Sel 85N exhibited lesser oxidative damage and more efficient defence mechanism than P792.
Impact of the Learn to Play program on play, social competence and language for children aged 5–8 years who attend a specialist school
Authors: Stagnitti Karen , O'Connor Chloe , Sheppard Loretta
Published: June 2012

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the change in the relationship between play, language and social skills of children aged 5–8 years pre and post participation in the ‘Learn to Play’ program. The Learn to Play program is a child led play based intervention aimed at developing self‐initiated pretend play skills in children.

Methods

All 19 participants attended a specialist school, with 10 of the 19 children having a diagnosis of autism. The play, language and social skills of the children were assessed at baseline and at follow up. Children were assessed using the Child‐Initiated Pretend Play Assessment, the Preschool Language Scale and the Penn Interactive Peer Play Scale. Follow up data collection occurred after the children had been participating in the Learn to Play program for 1 hour twice a week for 6 months.

Results

After 6 months in the program, typical indicators of play accounted for an increase of 47.3% in shared variance with social interaction and an increase of 36% in shared variance for social connection. For language, object substitution ability accounted for 50% of the shared variance, which was an increase of 27% from baseline.

Conclusion

The ‘Learn to Play’ program was associated with increases in children's language and social skills over a 6‐month period within a special school setting, indicating the Learn to Play program is an effective intervention for children with developmental disabilities. This paper presents an example of how the Learn to Play program can be adapted into a classroom setting.
Fhit, E‐cadherin, p53, and activation‐induced cytidine deaminase expression in endoscopically resected early stage esophageal squamous neoplasia
Authors: Hayashi Akihiro , Yashima Kazuo , Takeda Yohei , Sasaki Shuji , Kawaguchi Koichiro , Harada Kenichi , Murawaki Yoshikazu , Ito Hisao
Published: June 2012

Background and Aim:  Abnormal expression of Fragile Histidine Triad (Fhit), E‐cadherin and p53 is observed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. It has recently been reported that aberrant expression of activation‐induced cytidine deaminase (AID) in gastric epithelium leads to the accumulation of nucleotide alterations in the p53 gene. However, little is known about the association between these molecular events and the clinicopathological characteristics of early stage esophageal squamous neoplasia, especially in endoscopically resected tumors.

Methods:  Esophageal squamous neoplasias (n = 49) comprising nine cases of low‐grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), 22 of high‐grade intraepithelial neoplasia/carcinoma in situ (HGIN/CIS) and 18 of invasive cancers, were endoscopically resected. Their expression of the tumor‐related proteins: Fhit, E‐cadherin, p53 and AID was assessed using immunohistochemical methods, and the relationship between protein expression and clinicopathological data was examined.

Results:  Reduced or absent Fhit and E‐cadherin expression was detected in 22% and 0% of LGIN cases, 73% and 14% of HGIN/CIS cases, and 94% and 61% of invasive cancer cases, respectively, showing progressive increases during neoplastic progression (Fhit: P < 0.01, E‐cadherin: P < 0.01). Although p53 and AID were overexpressed in these samples, no change in their expression occurred during neoplastic progression. Moreover, p53 expression was not significantly associated with AID expression.

Conclusions:  These results indicate that a decrease in Fhit and E‐cadherin expression could be related to the development and progression of esophageal squamous neoplasia, and that the expression of p53 was independent of aberrant AID expression in the early stage of esophageal carcinogenesis.
Hypermethylation of adenomatous polyposis coli gene promoter is associated with novel Wnt signaling pathway in gastric adenomas
Authors: Wang Zhen‐Kai , Liu Jiong , Liu Chan , Wang Fang‐Yu , Chen Chun‐Yan , Zhang Xin‐Hua
Published: June 2012

Background and Aim:  Gastric adenomas (GAs) are considered as premalignant lesions of gastric adenocarcinoma. The role of Wnt signaling pathway in GAs is rarely identified. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether Wnt signaling plays a role in the pathogenesis of GAs, and to clarify the mechanism of Wnt signaling in GAs.

Methods:  The study investigated the relationship between clinicopathological characteristics, Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection, adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) promoter methylation, APC and β‐catenin immunohistochemistry expression and mutation status, compared with 38 gastric adenoma and periadenomatous tissues (PTs).

Results:  The abnormal expression of β‐catenin in PTs, low‐grade adenomas (LGAs) and high‐grade adenomas (HGAs) was 0%, 9.09% and 81.25%. For APC, immunoreactive score (IRS) was 5.50 ± 0.5 in PTs, 3.59 ± 1.4 in LGAs and 1.8 ± 2.0 in HGAs. The scores in LGAs and HGAs were significantly lower than those in PTs (P = 0.000). IRS reflected significantly reduced expression of APC in HGAs (P = 0.002). The absent expression of APC had a correlation with the expression of β‐catenin (P = 0.000). Four LGAs (18.18%) and nine HGAs (56.25%) had methylation of APC. APC promoter methylation correlated with the grade (P = 0.014) and the expression of β‐catenin and APC (P = 0.000). Genes mutation was detected in only two adenomas (5.3%). The presence of Hp in HGAs (43.8%) was significantly higher than in LGAs (13.6%) (P = 0.038). But there was no statistical correlation to growth pattern, size, APC hypermethylation and gene mutation.

Conclusion:  Hypermethylation of APC promoter, instead of mutations involving APC and β‐catenin, may play a role in the development and progression of GAs contributing to moderate activation of Wnt signaling. Helicobacter pylori may accelerate the progress of gastric adenoma, but the pathogenesis needs further research.
Power of mental health nursing research: A statistical analysis of studies in the International Journal of Mental Health Nursing
Authors: Gaskin Cadeyrn J. , Happell Brenda
Published: June 2012

Having sufficient power to detect effect sizes of an expected magnitude is a core consideration when designing studies in which inferential statistics will be used. The main aim of this study was to investigate the statistical power in studies published in the International Journal of Mental Health Nursing. From volumes 19 (2010) and 20 (2011) of the journal, studies were analysed for their power to detect small, medium, and large effect sizes, according to Cohen's guidelines. The power of the 23 studies included in this review to detect small, medium, and large effects was 0.34, 0.79, and 0.94, respectively. In 90% of papers, no adjustments for experiment‐wise error were reported. With a median of nine inferential tests per paper, the mean experiment‐wise error rate was 0.51. A priori power analyses were only reported in 17% of studies. Although effect sizes for correlations and regressions were routinely reported, effect sizes for other tests (χ2‐tests, t‐tests, ANOVA/MANOVA) were largely absent from the papers. All types of effect sizes were infrequently interpreted. Researchers are strongly encouraged to conduct power analyses when designing studies, and to avoid scattergun approaches to data analysis (i.e. undertaking large numbers of tests in the hope of finding ‘significant’ results). Because reviewing effect sizes is essential for determining the clinical significance of study findings, researchers would better serve the field of mental health nursing if they reported and interpreted effect sizes.
Multispecies fisheries management and conservation: tactical applications using models of intermediate complexity
Authors: Plagányi Éva E , Punt André E , Hillary Richard , Morello Elisabetta B , Thébaud Olivier , Hutton Trevor , Pillans Richard D , Thorson James T , Fulton Elizabeth A , Smith Anthony D M , Smith Franz , Bayliss Peter , Haywood Michael , Lyne Vincent , Rothlisberg Peter C
Published: June 2012

Stakeholders increasingly expect ecosystem assessments as part of advice on fisheries management. Quantitative models to support fisheries decision‐making may be either strategic (‘big picture’, direction‐setting and contextual) or tactical (focused on management actions on short timescales), with some strategic models informing the development of tactical models. We describe and review ‘Models of Intermediate Complexity for Ecosystem assessments’ (MICE) that have a tactical focus, including use as ecosystem assessment tools. MICE are context‐ and question‐driven and limit complexity by restricting the focus to those components of the ecosystem needed to address the main effects of the management question under consideration. Stakeholder participation and dialogue is an integral part of this process. MICE estimate parameters through fitting to data, use statistical diagnostic tools to evaluate model performance and account for a broad range of uncertainties. These models therefore address many of the impediments to greater use of ecosystem models in strategic and particularly tactical decision‐making for marine resource management and conservation. MICE are capable of producing outputs that could be used for tactical decision‐making, but our summary of existing models suggests this has not occurred in any meaningful way to date. We use a model of the pelagic ecosystem in the Coral Sea and a linked catchment and ocean model of the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia, to illustrate how MICE can be constructed. We summarize the major advantages of the approach, indicate opportunities for the development of further applications and identify the major challenges to broad adoption of the approach.
Resisting medications: moral discourses and performances in illness narratives
Authors: Murdoch Jamie , Salter Charlotte , Cross Jane , Smith Jane , Poland Fiona
Published: June 2012

Adherence research has been dominated by attitudinal approaches that isolate individual statements made in interviews and then assign a fixed attitude to the individual who made that statement. Despite much sociological research having raised questions about the notion of fixed attitudes, little research has theorised the process by which individual utterances about medicine‐taking are produced as a form of resistance to medications within interviews. Using Goffman’s concept of performance as a starting point, this article offers an alternative framework for conceptualising adherence presentations when provided in the form of a rhetorical narrative. Through the presentation of case material taken from interviews with participants who had not taken prophylactic asthma medications as prescribed, we develop Goffman’s concept of performance to theorise the production of adherence talk in two important ways. First, individual performances can be seen to be shaped by how moral discourses of illness management transfer across contexts. Second, performances are subject to inequalities in the resources interactants have access to. An extended definition of Goffman’s concept of performance is thus offered, arguing that the ‘meaning’ of individual performances is produced by a combination of which moral discourses interactants orientate to and which discourses are used to categorise individuals.
Using Paradata to Explore Item Level Response Times in Surveys
Authors: Couper Mick P. , Kreuter Frauke
Published: June 2012

We analyse item level keystroke data from cycle 6 of the National Survey of Family Growth, which is a survey on fertility and related topics that is conducted in the USA. The National Survey of Family Growth is conducted among both males and females by using computer-assisted personal visit interviews and an audio computer-assisted self-interviewing component for the most sensitive topics. Our analyses focus on the time taken to answer a question as a function of item level characteristics, respondent characteristics and interviewer characteristics. Using multilevel models, we explore how these factors influence response times. Our exploratory study suggests that factors at all three levels (item, respondent and interviewer) influence response times. These results demonstrate that question features that explain variation in response times can be automatically derived from standard computer-assisted personal interviewing paradata. The effects of respondent characteristics that we observe are in line with prior findings from more controlled studies conducted in supervised telephone facilities. Some demographic characteristics of interviewers contributed to the variation in response times, though they failed to explain large portions of the between-interviewer variance.
Variance Estimation of the Gini Index: Revisiting a Result Several Times Published
Authors: Langel Matti , Tillé Yves
Published: June 2012

Since Corrado Gini suggested the index that bears his name as a way of measuring inequality, the computation of variance of the Gini index has been subject to numerous publications. We survey a large part of the literature related to the topic and show that the same results, as well as the same errors, have been republished several times, often with a clear lack of reference to previous work. Whereas existing literature on the subject is very fragmented, we regroup references from various fields and attempt to bring a wider view of the problem. Moreover, we try to explain how this situation occurred and the main issues that are involved when trying to perform inference on the Gini index, especially under complex sampling designs. The interest of several linearization methods is discussed and the contribution of recent references is evaluated. Also, a general result to linearize a quadratic form is given, allowing the approximation of variance to be computed in only a few lines of calculation. Finally, the relevance of the regression-based approach is evaluated and an empirical comparison is proposed.
Do Complicated Tax Systems Prevent Foreign Direct Investment?
Authors: Lawless Martina
Published: June 2012

The negative relationship between tax rates and FDI is well known. This paper looks at how complexity of the tax system affects FDI. Fulfilling tax requirements can be time‐consuming, and this implies a cost for more complex tax systems. Alternatively, complexity may provide opportunities to reduce the overall tax bill. We find that measures of tax complexity have a significant inhibiting effect on the presence of FDI for a country pair, but have little impact on the level of FDI flows. A 10% reduction in tax complexity is comparable to a one percentage point reduction in effective corporate tax rates.
Photodynamic therapy using topical 5‐aminolaevulinic acid vs. surgery for basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Cosgarea R. , Susan M. , Crisan M. , Senila S.
Published: June 2012

Background  Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an attractive modality for the treatment of BCC, based on its generally favorable efficacy, adverse effect profile and its excellent cosmetic outcome.

Objectives  The purpose of the study is to compare the efficacy and cosmetic outcome of photodynamic therapy with topical 5‐aminolaevulinic acid (ALA‐PDT) vs. simple excision surgery for superficial and nodular basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

Methods  A total of 72 patients, 32 with 48 lesions, were treated with ALA‐ PDT, and 40 with 46 lesions treated by excision were included in this prospective, comparative, controlled, clinical study. The patients have been followed for 16–37 months (mean 25 months). The PDT was performed in combination with 5‐aminolaevulinic acid twice, one month apart. Surgical excision was performed under local anesthesia with a 3‐mm margin, followed by histological examination. The cosmetic outcome was evaluated by the physician according to a 4‐point scale.

Results  Overall 94 BCC were treated. Complete healing rates did not differ significantly between groups, P = 0.64 (46/48 [95.83%] lesions treated with PDT vs. 44/46 [95.65%] lesions with surgery). In the first 12 months of follow‐up, 4 lesions had recurred, 2 of which were in the PDT group while 2 lesions after surgery. The mean follow‐up was 25 months. The recurrence rate in the ALA‐PDT group was 4.16% vs. 4.34% in the surgery group, p = 0.64. The cosmetic outcome was superior for ALA‐PDT at all time points. At 12 months, 100% lesions treated with ALA‐PDT had an excellent or good cosmetic outcome, according to the investigator, compared with 88.86% with surgery, P = 0.01.

Conclusion  ALA‐PDT offers a similarly high efficacy, and a better cosmetic outcome than simple excision surgery in the treatment of BCC.
National Identity, Citizenship and Immigration: Putting Identity in Context
Authors: Andreouli Eleni , Howarth Caroline
Published: June 2012

In this paper we suggest that there is a need to examine what is meant by “context” in Social Psychology and present an example of how to place identity in its social and institutional context. Taking the case of British naturalisation, the process whereby migrants become citizens, we show that the identity of naturalised citizens is defined by common‐sense ideas about Britishness and by immigration policies. An analysis of policy documents on “earned citizenship” and interviews with naturalised citizens shows that the distinction between “elite” and “non‐elite” migrants is evident in both the “reified” sphere of policy and the “common sense” sphere of everyday identity construction. While social representations embedded in lay experience construct ethno‐cultural similarity and difference, immigration policies engage in an institutionalised positioning process by determining migrants' rights of mobility. These spheres of knowledge and practice are not disconnected as these two levels of “managing otherness” overlap—it is the poorer, less skilled migrants, originating outside the West who epitomise difference (within a consensual sphere) and have less freedom of mobility (within a reified sphere). We show that the context of identity should be understood as simultaneously psychological and political.
Retracted: Food traceability in the context of Karoo lamb: supply chain and consumer perspectives
Authors: du Plessis Henriëtta , du Rand Gerrie
Published: June 2012

As food markets have become more globalized, consumers have become more concerned about the origin of the foods they eat as confidence in the quality and safety of foods produced outside their local region or country has decreased. Traceability systems address these concerns by accommodating the importance of establishing a link between the product, the producer and the place of production, and these are gaining momentum in the food industry.

This paper describes the product attributes that could influence the decision‐making process of consumers towards purchasing a specific type of meat, namely Karoo lamb. Karoo lamb is the product of specifically reared lambs in the Karoo region of South Africa and has a distinctive taste. The information used in this paper was obtained in the first phase of a research endeavour involving three focus groups. They were conducted to identify the product attributes that were critical in influencing the consumers' preferences and choices regarding Karoo lamb. In phase two, conjoint analysis was used to measure the importance that individual consumers attach to the various product attributes and their denominations, and the utility they then attach to it based on their valuation of the product as a whole.

Price, as an extrinsic attribute, was identified as the most important factor in the decision‐making process of consumers when purchasing lamb. Safety and quality were also relatively important, although, of the two, food safety was clearly the more important consideration. This is not surprising given the legacy of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, commonly known as mad‐cow disease, and Escherichia coli outbreaks that, in the past, received considerable publicity, especially in the press. The attribute ‘origin’ was rated as of the lowest importance. Traceability can be meaningful to consumers although in an indirect manner. The importance of traceability to consumers is mostly in terms of its benefits such as providing information on safety and quality, in relation to aspects that they think are important regarding food in general. In terms of meat especially, there is a need for fast and reliable traceability systems along the full supply chain. From origin to the user, the end consumer, provision of safe and high‐quality food is imperative.
What's in a name? The effect of a brand name on consumers' evaluation of fresh milk
Authors: Joubert Johan P.R. , Poalses Jacolize
Published: June 2012

It is commonly accepted that packaged fresh milk available from reputable retail outlets taste the same and that when consumers choose between relatively similar products, such as milk, the purchasing decision tends to become simplified by considering product images and relying on brand names with clear and positive associations. One may thus ask whether the brand name of milk can influence consumers' evaluation of the actual sensory taste delivery. A quasi‐experimental milk tasting was conducted to investigate this question. The procedure involved 312 participants who assessed milk from various milk brands that were decanted from either branded or unbranded packaging. The findings confirmed that the subjective associations bestowed on a brand name do indeed influence the way in which consumers experience the taste delivery of a milk product. This poses a challenge to milk brand manufacturers to identify alternative ways in which they could differentiate milk product offerings from competitor brands in order to retain or establish positive brand associations and ultimately ensure consumer loyalty.
Consumer willingness to pay for food safety in Tanzania: an incentive‐aligned conjoint analysis
Authors: Alphonce Roselyne , Alfnes Frode
Published: June 2012

In this paper, we present results from a consumer experiment in Tanzania focusing on food safety. We elicit consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) a premium for tomatoes that have been inspected by health officials to meet the standards set by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards. We also elicit consumers' WTP for tomato attributes that can be associated with different food safety standards: conventional vs. organically produced and various origins. Two hundred sixty‐nine urban consumers from Morogoro, Tanzania took part in the experiment where they evaluated tomatoes using the Becker–deGroot–Marschak mechanism. The results show that on average, consumers in Tanzania are willing to pay a premium for inspected and organically produced tomatoes. Consumers have a strong preference for tomatoes produced in Tanzania and do not discount tomatoes produced in areas associated with poor agricultural practices. However, consumers do significantly discount tomatoes imported from South Africa.
Evaluative criteria applied by South African female fashion consumers when purchasing casual daywear
Authors: Hugo Susanna Hendrina , van Aardt Annette Marie
Published: June 2012

Criteria used by fashion consumers to assess the quality of apparel products during the decision‐making process are a good indication of what considerations marketers and retailers should keep in mind for customer satisfaction. Evaluative criteria used to a great extent by apparel customers when judging garment quality are intrinsic attributes, embracing physical features such as design/style, materials and construction as well as performance features such as aesthetic and functional aspects of clothing. The broad research aim of this exploratory study was to determine which intrinsic criteria were used by female fashion consumers in the Vaal Region to evaluate apparel quality when purchasing casual daywear. A self‐administered, structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Section 1 measured the importance of intrinsic clothing evaluative criteria, while section 2 gathered demographic information of the respondents. A representative sample was chosen from the academic personnel of all seven tertiary institutions in the Vaal Region in South Africa. The majority of the lecturers (38%) was between the ages of 31 and 40, which was relatively young. The predominant population group was white (65.7%), while 25% of the respondents were black. They all had a tertiary qualification, indicating a relatively high educational level, and an average income, based on research by Stellenbosch Bureau for Economic Research. Regarding the application of evaluative criteria for quality assessment, these respondents used intrinsic apparel attributes extensively. Three functional performance aspects namely durability, comfort and fit were rated equal and most important for judging quality. Three clusters of respondents could be distinguished, each with a specific disposition towards the evaluative criteria.
Case Definitions for Acute Myocardial Infarction in Administrative Databases and Their Impact on In‐Hospital Mortality Rates
Authors: Metcalfe Amy , Neudam Annabelle , Forde Samantha , Liu Mingfu , Drosler Saskia , Quan Hude , Jetté Nathalie
Published: June 2012

Objective

To identify validated ICD‐9‐CM/ICD‐10 coded case definitions for acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Data Sources

Ovid Medline (1950–2010) was searched to identify studies that validated acute myocardial infarction (AMI) case definitions. Hospital discharge abstract data and chart data were linked to validate identified AMI definitions.

Study Design

Systematic literature review, chart review, and administrative data analysis.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Data on sensitivity/specificity/positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) were extracted from previous studies to identify validated case definitions for AMI. These case definitions were validated in administrative data through chart review and applied to hospital discharge data to assess in‐hospital mortality.

Principal Findings

Of the eight ICD‐9‐CM definitions validated in the literature, use of ICD‐9‐CM code 410 to define AMI had the highest sensitivity (94 percent) and specificity (99 percent). In our data, ICD‐9‐CM/ICD‐10 codes 410/I21‐I22 in all available coding fields had high sensitivity (83.3 percent/82.8 percent) and PPV (82.8 percent/82.2 percent). The in‐hospital mortality among AMI patients identified using this case definition was 7.6 percent in ICD‐9‐CM data and 6.6 percent in ICD‐10 data.

Conclusions

We recommend that ICD‐9‐CM 410 or ICD‐10 I21‐I22 in the primary diagnosis coding field should be used to define AMI. The use of a consistent validated case definition would improve comparability across studies
A Meta‐Analysis of the Effects of Common Management Actions on the Nest Success of North American Birds
Authors: HARTWAY CYNTHIA , MILLS L. SCOTT
Published: June 2012

Abstract: Management strategies for the recovery of declining bird populations often must be made without sufficient data to predict the outcome of proposed actions or sufficient time and resources necessary to collect these data. We quantitatively reviewed studies of bird management in Canada and the United States to evaluate the relative efficacy of 4 common management interventions and to determine variables associated with their success. We compared how livestock exclusion, prescribed burning, removal of predators, and removal of cowbirds (Molothrus ater) affect bird nest success and used meta‐regression to evaluate the influence of species and study‐specific covariates on management outcomes. On average, all 4 management interventions increased nest success. When common species and threatened, endangered, or declining species (as defined by long‐term trend data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey) were analyzed together, predator removal was the most effective management option. The difference in mean nest success between treatment and control plots in predator‐removal experiments was more than twice that of either livestock exclusion or prescribed burning. However, when we considered management outcomes from only threatened, endangered, or declining species, livestock exclusions resulted in the greatest mean increase in nest success, more than twice that of the 3 other treatments. Our meta‐regression results indicated that between‐species variation accounted for approximately 86%, 40%, 35%, and 7% of the overall variation in the results of livestock‐exclusion, prescribed‐burn, predator‐removal, and cowbird‐removal studies, respectively. However, the covariates we tested explained significant variation only in outcomes among prescribed‐burn studies. The difference in nest success between burned and unburned plots displayed a significant, positive trend in association with time since fire and was significantly larger in grasslands than in woodlands. Our results highlight the importance of comparative studies on management effects in developing efficient and effective conservation strategies.
Poor harvest of peripheral blood stem cell in donors with microcytic red blood cells
Authors: Wang Tso‐Fu , Chen Shu‐Huey , Yang Shang‐Hsien , Su Yu‐Chieh , Chu Sung‐Chao , Li Dian‐Kun
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: The outcome of peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) harvest depends on mobilization and leukapheresis. Some poor harvests might not be directly related to poor mobilizations.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the results of 793 consecutive healthy donors who underwent PBSC donation to evaluate the impact of low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of red blood cells on the outcomes of hematopoietic stem cell mobilization and leukapheresis.

RESULTS: The circulating CD34+ cells in peripheral blood after five doses of granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor injection were similar in donors with low MCV and those with normal MCV (68.0 × 106/L vs. 69.2 × 106/L, p = 0.38). The procedural settings were not different between the two groups. However, the apheresis outcome of donors with low MCV was significantly lower in total CD34+ cells, cell dose, apheresis yield, and collection efficiency than those with normal MCV (277.6 × 106 vs. 455.0 × 106; 4.9 × 106/kg vs. 8.2 × 106/kg; 16.9 × 106/L vs. 27.3 × 106/L; 0.285 vs. 0.388; all p < 0.0001). Similar results were noticed in subgroup analysis using the severity of microcytosis and Mentzer index for the donors with MCV of less than 80 fL. The collection efficiency was significantly correlated with the MCV (r = 0.30, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION: Low MCV was associated with poor apheresis outcomes in PBSC donors. This effect is not related to poor mobilization of CD34+ cells into the peripheral blood. Further studies to elucidate the detailed mechanism and develop strategy to avoid poor harvest are necessary.
Blood donors implicated in transfusion‐related acute lung injury with patient‐specific HLA antibodies are more broadly sensitized to HLA antigens compared to other blood donors
Authors: Saw Chee‐Loong , Hannach Barbara , Petrazsko Tanya , Nickerson Peter
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of HLA antibodies in randomly surveyed blood donors was compared to the prevalence of antibody in donors who were associated with transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) cases reported to Canadian Blood Services (CBS).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Current operating procedure mandates that the CBS TRALI Medical Review Group (TMRG) refer possible TRALI cases to the (CBS) Platelet Immunology Laboratory for investigation. Donor samples from these TRALI cases were screened for HLA antibodies. In parallel, a survey was conducted to screen serum samples from blood donors who were not associated in TRALI cases. A comparison analysis of HLA antibody profiles in the two groups of donors was performed.

RESULTS: We studied 121 TRALI‐associated donors (TDs) who were recalled in a total of 44 cases reported to CBS and classified by TMRG. We also studied 149 survey donors (SDs) who were deferred for donation for varied reasons and consented to participate in a survey for HLA antibody screening. Twenty‐two percent of SDs and 50.4% of TDs tested positive for HLA antibodies. In addition, TDs who were implicated in TRALI demonstrated broader sensitization and higher level of quantitative HLA antibody compared to nonimplicated TDs and SDs.

CONCLUSION: Patient‐specific Class I and II HLA antibodies are directly related to the risk of TRALI. Moreover, it supports the concept that HLA antibody strength is directly related to the risk of TRALI when the HLA antibody is patient specific; however, no clear cutoff as defined by mean fluorescence intensity is evident.
Systemic Weather Risk and Crop Insurance: The Case of China
Authors: Okhrin Ostap , Odening Martin , Xu Wei
Published: June 2012

Abstract

This article explores the possibility of spatial diversification of weather risk for 17 agricultural production regions in China. We investigate the relation between the size of the buffer load and the size of the trading area of a hypothetical temperature‐based insurance. The analysis adopts the hierarchical Archimedean copula approach that allows for flexible modeling of the dependence structure of insured losses. We find that the spatial diversification effect depends on the type of the weather index and the strike level of the insurance. Our findings are relevant for the current discussion on the viability of private crop insurance in China.
Directive Deficiencies: How Resource Constraints Direct Opportunity Identification in SMEs
Authors: van Burg Elco , Podoynitsyna Ksenia , Beck Lien , Lommelen Tinne
Published: June 2012

Previous studies show that resource constraints have mixed effects on innovation and opportunity identification by entrepreneurs. Sometimes, resource constraints lead to identifying more opportunities, whereas in other cases, entrepreneurs see fewer opportunities. This study explores a new approach to reconcile this inconsistency. Using a sample of 219 small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), we explore relationships between supply and demand constraints, on the one hand, and identifying supply and demand opportunities, on the other hand. The results show that supply constraints have a positive effect on identifying supply opportunities but a negative effect on identifying demand opportunities. Similarly, demand constraints have a positive effect on identifying demand opportunities but a negative effect on identifying supply opportunities. Thus, this study shows that resource constraints direct the entrepreneur's attention toward opportunities inside the constrained domain rather than outside the constrained domain. An important consequence for theory is that a complete explanation of the mixed effects of resource constraints should consider different types of resource constraints and different sources of opportunities simultaneously. For practicing entrepreneurs, being aware of this mechanism can prevent missing out on promising opportunities outside the constrained domains.
Gene variability and degree of expression of vaccine candidate factor H binding protein in clinical isolates of Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Kelly Anne , Jacobsson Susanne , Hussain Shahida , Olcén Per , Mölling Paula
Published: June 2012

The factor H binding protein (fHbp) is currently being evaluated in clinical trials as a vaccine candidate for a meningococcal group B vaccine. We have previously described the prevalence and sequence variation of
fHbp
(Jacobsson et al., 2009) and here we investigate the expression of the antigen. The present study includes isolates from carriers (n = 62) and patients with invasive Neisseria meningitidis infections (n = 146), of which 62 had a fatal outcome. Among the invasive isolates from patients with fatal and non‐fatal infections
fHbp
allele 1 was most common (42% and 29% respectively), but it was only identified in 3% of the carrier isolates, where allele 16 was most frequent (13%). The Fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis identified fHbp expression in all except seven isolates and further analysis by Western blot showed that five of these seven samples were indeed negative using a polyclonal anti‐fHbp serum. The negative isolates belonged to serogroup B

fHbp
allele 24, Y allele 104, and W‐135 allele 16 (all invasive). Two were non‐serogroupable carrier isolates (allele 21 and 101). An interesting finding is that isolates from invasive infections with fatal outcome had lower expression of fHbp or lower affinity for the fHbp antibody compared to isolates from non‐fatal invasive infections and carriers.