bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal birth trauma: why should it matter to urogynaecologists?
Authors: Dietz Hans P. , Wilson Peter D. , Milsom Ian
Published: July 2016

Purpose of review

There is increasing awareness of the importance of intrapartum events for future pelvic floor morbidity in women. In this review, we summarize recent evidence and potential consequences for clinical practice.

Recent findings

Both epidemiological evidence and data from perinatal imaging studies have greatly improved our understanding of the link between childbirth and later morbidity. The main consequences of traumatic childbirth are pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and anal incontinence. In both instances the primary etiological pathways have been identified: levator trauma in the case of POP and anal sphincter tears in the case of anal incontinence. As most such trauma is occult, imaging is required for diagnosis.

Childbirth-related major maternal trauma is much more common than generally assumed, and it is the primary etiological factor in POP and anal incontinence. Both sphincter and levator trauma can now be identified on imaging. This is crucial not only for clinical care and audit, but also for research. Postnatally diagnosed trauma can serve as intermediate outcome measure in intervention trials, opening up multiple opportunities for clinical research aimed at primary and secondary prevention.
A Proximally Based Sural Fasciocutaneous Flap for the Treatment of Recurrent Peroneal Neuropathy: A Case Report
Authors: Ohta Souichi , Ikeguchi Ryosuke , Noguchi Takashi , Kaizawa Yukitoshi , Oda Hiroki , Matsuda Shuichi
Published: July 2016

Surgical treatment for recurrent, common peroneal neuropathy has not been reported. Herein, we describe a successfully treated case using the proximally based sural fasciocutaneous flap after reneurolysis of the adhesive common peroneal nerve. A 33-year-old man received a neurolysis operation for entrapment neuropathy of the common peroneal nerve 2 years before first admission in our clinic. Although motor nerve conduction studies showed a marked improvement after the primary operation, the patient always required the use of a crutch because of severe pain radiating to the lower leg during standing or walking. We diagnosed adhesive neuropathy of the common peroneal nerve, and performed reneurolysis by wrapping of the released nerve with a proximally based sural fasciocutaneous flap to prevent readhesion. The radiating pain was significantly reduced at 1-month postoperation. At 1-year postoperation, the patient could walk a long distance without a crutch. Wrapping the released common peroneal nerve with a proximally based sural fasciocutaneous flap is a useful option for the treatment of recurrent, common peroneal neuropathy.
Recovery Trajectories of Executive Functioning After Pediatric TBI: A Latent Class Growth Modeling Analysis
Authors: Narad Megan E. , Treble-Barna Amery , Peugh James , Yeates Keith O. , Taylor H. Gerry , Stancin Terry , Wade Shari L.
Published: July 2016

Objective:

To identify latent trajectories of executive functioning (EF) recovery overtime after childhood traumatic brain injury (TBI) and examine the predictive value of known risk factors within and across recovery trajectories using latent class growth modeling (LCGM).

Method:

A total of 206 children between the ages of 3 and 7 years with a moderate to severe TBI or orthopedic injury (OI) were included. LCGM was applied to identify longitudinal trajectories of postinjury EF as assessed by the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning General Executive Composite (GEC). Separate models were estimated for the TBI and OI groups.

Results:

Two TBI trajectories—normal limits (70.8%) and clinically elevated (29.2%)—and 3 OI trajectories—normal limits (20.9%), subclinical (49.0%), and clinically elevated (30.17%)—were identified. Baseline GEC was the only predictor of class membership for all models. Both TBI trajectories demonstrated an increase in GEC over time, whereas only 1 of the 3 OI classes demonstrated this pattern. Family variables were associated with GEC across trajectories.

Conclusion:

The lack of association of injury characteristics with trajectory class membership highlights the heterogeneity in recovery after pediatric TBI. Associations of EF trajectories with family factors underscore the importance of involving the family in interventions for children with traumatic injuries.
Pilot Study to Determine the Effect of Lens and Eye Rinsing on Solution-Induced Corneal Staining (SICS)
Authors: Woods Jill , Jones Lyndon W.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The main purpose of this study was to determine whether two interventions (rinsing the lens before lens insertion and rinsing the ocular surface post-lens removal) had any impact on solution-induced corneal staining (SICS). In addition, the presence of hyper-reflective epithelial cells in the presence of SICS was investigated.

Methods

Twenty subjects wore new balafilcon A lenses, which had been soaked overnight in a multipurpose care product containing polyhexamethylene biguanide for 2 hours. The study was conducted across three phases. In phase 1 (investigator and subject masked, randomized eye), one lens was rinsed with nonpreserved saline before lens insertion. In phase 2 (investigator masked, randomized eye), one eye was rinsed with nonpreserved saline after lens removal, before staining assessment. Corneal staining was recorded as the percentage area of the cornea exhibiting superficial punctate staining. In both phases, ocular comfort and presence of specific symptoms were captured. In phase 3, there was no randomized treatment; confocal images of the epithelium were obtained after 2 hours of wear.

Results

In phase 1 (lens-rinse), there was no significant difference in staining between the treated and untreated eyes (84 vs. 92%, respectively; p = 0.06). In phase 2 (eye-rinse), there was also no significant difference between the treated and untreated eye (86 vs. 86%, p = 0.92). Most subjects were asymptomatic. In phase 3, images of hyper-reflective cells were captured in 97% of the eyes imaged.

Conclusions

The two rinsing procedures did not affect the level of the SICS response. Hyper-reflective epithelial cells were found to be present in a significant number of eyes exhibiting SICS, and their presence warrants further investigation.
The nonessentiality of essential genes in yeast provides therapeutic insights into a human disease
Authors: Chen Piaopiao , Wang Dandan , Chen Han , Zhou Zhenzhen , He Xionglei
Published: July 2016

Essential genes refer to those whose null mutation leads to lethality or sterility. Theoretical reasoning and empirical data both suggest that the fatal effect of inactivating an essential gene can be attributed to either the loss of indispensable core cellular function (Type I), or the gain of fatal side effects after losing dispensable periphery function (Type II). In principle, inactivation of Type I essential genes can be rescued only by re-gain of the core functions, whereas inactivation of Type II essential genes could be rescued by a further loss of function of another gene to eliminate the otherwise fatal side effects. Because such loss-of-function rescuing mutations may occur spontaneously, Type II essential genes may become nonessential in a few individuals of a large population. Motivated by this reasoning, we here carried out a systematic screening for Type II essentiality in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Large-scale whole-genome sequencing of essentiality-reversing mutants reveals 14 cases whereby the inactivation of an essential gene is rescued by loss-of-function mutations on another gene. In particular, the essential gene encoding the enzyme adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL) is shown to be Type II, suggesting a loss-of-function therapeutic strategy for the human disorder ADSL deficiency. A proof-of-principle test of this strategy in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans shows promising results.
Enviropreneurial marketing in greening corporate activities
Authors: Song-Turner Helen , Polonsky Michael
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the enviropreneurial marketing approach used by firms in China and its impact on the success of green marketing actions, with the aim of drawing useful lessons from the literature and successful green firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study follows the inductive case study approach, and the qualitative data come from a study of four firms engaging in enviropreneurial marketing activities. Interview data were triangulated with qualitative data from other sources.

Findings

The evidence from this study indicates that enviropreneurial marketing plays a central role in developing innovative product or services, adopting an innovative and pragmatic green marketing mix that differentiates and creates changes within industry and markets.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is that data samples are from successful firms labelled as “green” by the Chinese authorities, based on winning “official” awards. These do not necessarily represent the opinions of a cross section of firms within China with respect to enviropreneurial marketing. Future studies should include a mixed population of firms.

Practical implications

Policy makers and marketing practitioners need to consider drivers to ensure that Chinese firms integrate enviropreneurial marketing activities, which need to complement the delivery of functional value.

Social implications

Green initiatives/changes within the firm seem to be partly driven by the environmental orientation of these firms’ founders, thus, developing an environmental orientation in managers may be important to drive enviropreneurial marketing activities.

Originality/value

This study contributes by confirming the current literature on green marketing and examining the positive impact of enviropreneurial marketing on firms’ performance in the context of marketing in emerging markets.
Construction of garment pattern shape information system using image analysis and shape recognition techniques
Authors: Lee Jaewoong , Sul InHwan
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– As an extended work of the previous paper (Sul, 2010), this paper provides a guideline information for an anonymous garment pattern in sewing process. The purpose of this paper is to first, provide garment pattern database. By simply taking pictures of garment patterns, the shape database is constructed. Once the shape database is prepared, data retrieval can be done by image indexing, i.e., simply inserting garment pattern boundary shape again to the database. Using shock graph methodology, the pattern sets used for database preparation can be exactly retrieved. Second, to find the nearest shape of a given input pattern shape in the database. If the input garment pattern shape does not exist in the database, the shape matching algorithm provides the next similar pattern data. The user, who is assumed to be non-expert in garment sewing process, can easily predict the position and combination information of various patterns.

Design/methodology/approach

– Image processing is used to construct the garment pattern shape database. The boundary shapes are extracted from the photographs of garment patterns and their shape recognition information, especially shock graph, is also recorded for later pattern data retrieval.

Findings

– Using the image processing technique, garment patterns can be converted to electronic format easily. Also the prepared pattern database can be used for finding the nearest shape of an additional given input garment pattern. Patterns with irregular shapes were retrieved easily, while those with a simple shape, such as rectangle, showed a little erroneous result.

Originality/value

– Shape recognition has been adopted in various industrial areas, except for garment sewing process. Using the provided methodology, garment pattern shapes can be easily saved and retrieved only by taking pictures of them.
Design and practicability evaluation: a novel platform for fabric steam ironing
Authors: Liang Shuaitong , Ding Xue Mei , Wu Xiong Ying , Wu Fan , Asmamaw Tesfaye Mulu
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– Smooth appearance of fabrics after ironing with steam, soleplate, ironing speed and their interactions cannot be studied using household ironing machines such as hang steamer and flatiron. The purpose of this paper is to present the design and verification of a simple, low-cost test platform based on the fabric materials hang-ironing factors includes temperature, humidity, ironing speed (time).

Design/methodology/approach

– This platform achieves adjustable and stable steam flow rate, enabling any ironing speed and any temperature of soleplate below 200°C. Moreover, the whole ironing process is automatically after experiment level set ahead for better observation to the ironing process.

Findings

– Regression results of the apparatus are stable, statistical significant which is verified by the statistics under design of experiment.

Originality/value

– It is useful in other aspects such as nozzle test and improvement, new products evaluation and smooth appearance level experiment and test for new ironing product and its research. It is also useful in other aspects such as nozzle test and improvement, new products evaluation and smooth appearance level experiment and test for new ironing product and its research.
Analysis of lockstitch seam strength and its efficiency
Authors: Frydrych Iwona , Greszta Agnieszka
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– Seam efficiency plays an important role for obtaining a desired seam quality. Therefore, this issue is often referred in research papers. The purpose of this paper is to determine the seam strength and efficiency as well as examining, if and how such factors as: a kind of fabric, kind of thread, kind of seam and the stitch density influence the transverse seam strength and the seam efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

– For research four types of polyester/wool fabrics having different structural parameters and two types of polyester sewing threads were used. Three types of seam were made. The fabric samples were sewn using lockstitch with three different stitch densities. Obtained in this way seams were tested on the tensile machine. The influence of individual factors on the seam strength and its efficiency was assessed statistically using a multivariate variance analysis (ANOVA).

Findings

– The findings of this study revealed that the independent variable – stitch density affect significantly of the seam strength as well as its efficiency. Seam strength and seam efficiency values increase with the increase stitch density. Moreover, the variance analysis showed that a kind of fabric also is a statistically significant factor for the seam efficiency and its strength. Furthermore, in the case of seam efficiency it is also important to the stitch direction. However, the study did not show an impact of kind of thread and kind of seam on dependent variables: the seam strength and its efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

– Due to the fact that this paper focuses on the seams made only on wool/polyester fabrics with two the most popular weaves, involving only two sewing PES threads, the conclusions presented in this paper are valid only to this assortment and cannot be generalized.

Originality/value

– So far, it has not been taken research on the effect of seams with the different number of sewn layers on the seam strength and efficiency. This issue has been taken in this work.
Individual and institutional trading volume around firm-specific announcements
Authors: Mudalige Priyantha , Kalev Petko S , Duong Huu Nhan
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the immediate impact of firm-specific announcements on the trading volume of individual and institutional investors on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), during a period when the market becomes fragmented.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study uses intraday trading volume data in five-minute intervals prior to and after firm-specific announcements to measure individual and institutional abnormal volume. There are 70 such intervals per trading day and 254 trading days in the sample period. The first 10 minutes of trading (from 10.00 to 10.10 a.m.) is excluded to avoid the effect of opening auction and to ensure consistency in the “starting time” for all stocks. The volume transacted during five-minute intervals is aggregated and attributed to individual or institutional investors using Broker IDs.

Findings

– Institutional investors exhibit abnormal trading volume before and after announcements. However, individual investors indicate abnormal trading volume only after announcements. Consistent with outcomes expected from a dividend washing strategy, abnormal trading volume around dividend announcements is statistically insignificant. Both individual and institutional investors’ buy volumes are higher than sell volumes before and after scheduled and unscheduled announcements.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is Australian focused, but the results are applicable to other limit order book markets of similar design.

Practical implications

– The results add to the understanding of individual and institutional investors’ trading behaviour around firm-specific announcements in a securities market with continuous disclosure.

Social implications

– The results add to the understanding of individual and institutional investors’ trading behaviour around firm-specific announcements in a securities market with continuous disclosure.

Originality/value

– These results will help regulators to design markets that are less predatory on individual investors.
Short sales and price discovery of Chinese cross-listed firms
Authors: Chen Jun , Tourani-Rad Alireza , Yi Ronghua
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of short selling and margin trading on the price discovery and price informativeness of cross-listed firms, using a sample of Chinese firms listed on the China and Hong Kong stock exchanges.

Design/methodology/approach

– The sample consists of 67 Chinese cross-listed firms on A-share and H-share markets out of which 18 firms are allowed to be sold short/ traded on margin since March 2010. Using pre- and post-event period, the authors compare and contrast various market microstructure variables. The contributions of the home (A-share) and overseas (H-share) markets to the incorporation of new information into prices are calculated following the permanent-transitory approach of Gonzalo and Granger (1995) as well as the adverse selection component of Linet al.(1995).

Findings

– The findings indicate that for the group of Chinese cross-listed firms that are not allowed to be sold short or bought on margin, the home (A-share) market contributes more to the price discovery process over time. However, for the group of cross-listed firms that are eligible for short selling and margin trading, the authors observe no significant difference in the contribution of either A- or H-share markets to the price discovery. The contribution of home market for these firms is even lower around the announcement of major events. The authors further find that while the short sale activities appears to be informative, measured by the adverse selection (AS) component of spread, on the whole they have not led the A-share markets to be more informative.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample of cross-listed Chinese firms that are allowed to be sold short or bought on margin are rather limited. Hence, the results should be read with some caution.

Practical implications

– The removal of short selling constraints appears to improve the contribution of the respective markets to the process price discovery, in the case for larger cross-listed firms.

Originality/value

– The authors shed new lights on how the introduction of short selling and margin trading impacts on the price discovery of the Chinese cross-listed firms. A further contribution of the study is the use of high frequency data, while most of the previous studies on the Chinese markets use daily data.
Effective practices for the concept design of electromechanical systems
Authors: Booker Julian D. , Lock Richard , Williamson Sam , Freire Gómez Jon
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Concept design practices in engineering are not common across industry or academia. There are a number of well-known tools and methods acknowledged as useful in facilitating concept designing, that is, to assist idea generation, aid evaluation and final selection of one winning concept from many. Combinations of these popular concept design tools and methods provide various systematic methodologies by which practitioners propose to conduct or teach concept designing. In this paper, effective practices and trends are observed through the application of a specific concept design methodology over a range of different projects in electromechanical systems design.

Design/methodology/approach

The concept design methodology utilised in this study has been developed through the adoption of various tools and methods shown to be beneficial to concept designing, supported by previous positive experiences and successful utilisation associated with electromechanical systems research projects in academia. Each stage of the methodology is discussed and six case studies are presented, which are used to explore effective practices for concept designing.

Findings

Analysis of the case study data reveals the most popular criteria for the selection of concepts in electromechanical systems design, the number of selection criteria and number of initial concepts ideally required to converge on a final winning concept more efficiently, that is without the need for a more detailed second stage of selection using performance metrics.

Originality/value

Rarely are detailed studies undertaken in concept design, first, to address the justification for the concept design methodology adopted and, second, to show how effective practices emerge through the analysis of non-subjective data over a number of concept design projects. Although the paper uses only six case studies in electromechanical systems design, it is hoped that the approach presented promotes the possible future development of a framework for verification of concept design methodologies across different products, sectors and user groups.
Modeling for incentive payoffs in the Nigerian construction industry
Authors: Ogwueleka Amaka Chinweude , Maritz Marthinus Johannes
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Incentives are mechanisms used to create genuine opportunity for contracting parties to work together to achieve good results, rational returns and bear appropriate risks. The question of how to motivate the construction workforce rightly so as to achieve best performance has remained paramount to project owners. This paper aims to investigate on how to model for incentive payoffs in the Nigerian construction industry to effectively use the benefits of incentive mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

The collected data are analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, such as frequency counts, charts and principal component analysis.

Findings

The findings reveal the metrics for measuring organisational incentive payoff and the scaling factor for each metric. The study further develops the employee incentive payoff models for both operational workers and management staff in the construction sector.

Originality/value

This study provides a practical solution to the application of incentive mechanisms in construction projects. The paper recommends the need for restructuring of incentive mechanisms to significantly impact on other performance criteria, therefore contributing to best performance in project delivery.
Trends and determinants of IT-BPM exports in India
Authors: Malik Manzoor Hassan , Velan Nirmala
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of trends of Indian information technology and business processing management (IT-BPM) sector and to analyse the determinants of IT-BPM sector during the period 1991-2014.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on annual data collected from National Association of Software and Service Companies and Department of Electronic and Information Technology for the period 1991 to 2014. The methodology adopted for studying the objectives are simple averages, percentages, ratios, growth rates, graphs prepared on the basis of data from the IT-BPM sector and regression analysis. Trends and patterns in key variables, such as total revenue, domestic revenue, export revenue, employment and exports of the IT-BPM sector have been examined. Factors influencing IT-BPM export growth have been analysed using ordinary least square multiple regression model, with growth rates of gross domestic product (GDP), labour productivity, exchange rate and previous year’s export, as the explanatory variables.

Findings

The export revenue from IT-BPM sector increased continuously over the years, at an average growth rate of 36.60 per cent during the period 1991 to 2014. Similarly, domestic revenue of IT-BPM sector also increased, but at a lower growth rate. This is because domestic market in India is captured by multinational giants against Indian firms, which do not possess full comparative advantage in the case of IT-BPM sector. Indian firms are producing low skill activities required for production, mainly concentrated only in the export sector. Direct employment, excluding hardware from IT-BPM sector, has grown at an average rate of 18.08 per cent over the study period. The determinants of IT-BPM exports indicated previous year’s export demand to be significantly contributing the highest to export growth rate. This was followed by GDP growth rate, implying that overall growth of the economy leads to significant increase in export growth. Increased labour productivity followed next in significantly encouraging export growth.

Research limitations/implications

Generalization of the results may not be possible, as Indian conditions and policies vary.

Practical implications

The paper has implications for the expansion of domestic market, diversification of trade and products, innovations for increasing competitiveness and sustainability in the global market in the wake of stiff competitions from new competitors.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on originality in analysis of determinants of export growth.
Partial Fat Replacement by Boiled Quinoa on the Quality Characteristics of a Dry‐Cured Sausage
Authors: Fernández‐Diez Ana , Caro Irma , Castro Amaya , Salvá Bettit K. , Ramos Daphne D. , Mateo Javier
Published: July 2016

Different approaches have been previously studied in order to reduce the fat content of dry‐cured sausages. Among them, the use of polysaccharides, such as fiber, gums, or starch, have been proposed for fat replacing. Although scarcely studied, it is likely that starchy grains and vegetables might also be used as potential fat replacers in those sausages. Quinua is a starchy seed with high nutritive value, which contains substances of technological interest in dry‐cured manufacturing. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of replacing fat by quinoa on the quality characteristics of a small diameter dry‐cured sausage. Three types of sausages were prepared: a control (C; no fat replacement; 30% of pork back‐fat), a quinoa half‐fat (50% of fat replacement; 15% of pork back‐fat), and a quinoa low‐fat (LF; 85% of fat replacement; 4.5% of pork back‐fat) sausage. Sausages were analyzed for proximate and microbial composition, volatile compounds, and instrumental texture and color. Descriptive and hedonic sensory analyses were also performed. Fat reduction resulted in higher aw, protein content, hardness, chewiness and redness values and spice‐derived volatile levels, and in lower cohesiveness values (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the descriptive sensory analysis showed a higher pungent flavor and lower juiciness in LF sausages than in C sausages (P < 0.05). In spite of those differences, fat reduction did not result in a decreased overall acceptance of the sausages by consumers.
The use of portable video media vs standard verbal communication in the urological consent process: a multicentre, randomised controlled, crossover trial
Authors: Winter Matthew , Kam Jonathan , Nalavenkata Sunny , Hardy Ellen , Handmer Marcus , Ainsworth Hannah , Lee Wai Gin , Louie‐Johnsun Mark
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To determine if portable video media (PVM) improves patient's knowledge and satisfaction acquired during the consent process for cystoscopy and insertion of a ureteric stent compared to standard verbal communication (SVC), as informed consent is a crucial component of patient care and PVM is an emerging technology that may help improve the consent process.

Patients and Methods

In this multi‐centre randomised controlled crossover trial, patients requiring cystoscopy and stent insertion were recruited from two major teaching hospitals in Australia over a 15‐month period (July 2014–December 2015). Patient information delivery was via PVM and SVC. The PVM consisted of an audio‐visual presentation with cartoon animation presented on an iPad. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the validated Client Satisfaction Questionnaire 8 (CSQ‐8; maximum score 32) and knowledge was tested using a true/false questionnaire (maximum score 28). Questionnaires were completed after first intervention and after crossover. Scores were analysed using the independent samples t‐test and Wilcoxon signed‐rank test for the crossover analysis.

Results

In all, 88 patients were recruited. A significant 3.1 point (15.5%) increase in understanding was demonstrable favouring the use of PVM (P < 0.001). There was no difference in patient satisfaction between the groups as judged by the CSQ‐8. A significant 3.6 point (17.8%) increase in knowledge score was seen when the SVC group were crossed over to the PVM arm. A total of 80.7% of patients preferred PVM and 19.3% preferred SVC. Limitations include the lack of a validated questionnaire to test knowledge acquired from the interventions.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates patients' preference towards PVM in the urological consent process of cystoscopy and ureteric stent insertion. PVM improves patient's understanding compared with SVC and is a more effective means of content delivery to patients in terms of overall preference and knowledge gained during the consent process.
The effect of diagnostic label on care staff's perceptions of cause of challenging behaviour in individuals with learning disabilities
Authors: Gifford Clive , Knott Fiona
Published: July 2016

Accessible Summary

We wanted to know what care staff felt about difficult behaviour displayed by people with autism, learning disabilities or Down syndrome.

We asked many care staff who worked with people with disabilities to watch a video. The video was about a made up lady called Sophie. Sometimes Sophie was described as having autism, other times as having learning disabilities and sometimes as having Down syndrome.

After staff members watched the video, we asked them how they felt about Sophie's difficult behaviour.

Staff viewed Sophie's behaviour better when she was described as having autism and worst when she was described as having learning disabilities.

We believe that staff should view all people equally regardless of the way they are described. We have used the information about this study to make recommendations about staff training.

Background: This study investigated whether care staff's causal attributions and emotional reactions to the challenging behaviour displayed by service users were influenced by the service user's diagnostic label.

Materials and Method: One hundred and twenty care staff were randomly allocated to one of three conditions. Participants viewed a video of a senior staff member describing a service user, varying only in diagnostic label (autism, learning disability or Down syndrome). Participants then rated their endorsement of possible causes and emotional reactions to challenging behaviour.

Results: Participants in the Autism and Down syndrome groups made more use of biomedical causes and less use of learned behaviour as an explanation for challenging behaviour than those in the Learning Disabilities group. Those in the former groups reported more positive and fewer negative emotions than those in the Learning Disabilities group.

Conclusions: The way staff viewed people with learning disabilities was affected by their diagnostic label. Implications for further research and training have been discussed.
Learning in Complex Environments: The Effects of Background Speech on Early Word Learning
Authors: McMillan Brianna T. M. , Saffran Jenny R.
Published: July 2016

Although most studies of language learning take place in quiet laboratory settings, everyday language learning occurs under noisy conditions. The current research investigated the effects of background speech on word learning. Both younger (22‐ to 24‐month‐olds; n = 40) and older (28‐ to 30‐month‐olds; n = 40) toddlers successfully learned novel label–object pairings when target speech was 10 dB louder than background speech but not when the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) was 5 dB. Toddlers (28‐ to 30‐month‐olds; n = 26) successfully learned novel words with a 5‐dB SNR when they initially heard the labels embedded in fluent speech without background noise, before they were mapped to objects. The results point to both challenges and protective factors that may impact language learning in complex auditory environments.
From VET School to the Labour Market in Bosnia and Herzegovina: expected versus actual wages
Authors: Branković Nina , Oruč Nermin
Published: July 2016

This article analyses the differences between expected and actual wages of VET students and graduates. It uses a survey of VET students enrolled in schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and data about employed VET graduates from the Labour Force Survey. The model of determinants of wages, expected or actual, estimated separately on each dataset, reveals important differences in factors affecting individuals’ expectations and actual experience of the labour market. The results show that women have lower expected and actual wages than men. The same applies for those living in rural areas. The comparison between the two models suggests that VET students are well informed about their labour market (dis)advantages. The findings are similar to those reported in other studies that analysed expected and actual wages of university graduates.
A New LA‐ICP‐MS Method for Ti in Quartz: Implications and Application to High Pressure Rutile‐Quartz Veins from the Czech Erzgebirge
Authors: Cruz‐Uribe Alicia M. , Mertz‐Kraus Regina , Zack Thomas , Feineman Maureen D. , Woods Glenn , Jacob Dorrit E.
Published: July 2016

Experimental determination of the pressure and temperature controls on Ti solubility in quartz provides a calibration of the Ti‐in‐quartz (TitaniQ) geothermometer applicable to geological conditions up to ~ 20 kbar. We present a new method for determining 48Ti mass fractions in quartz by LA‐ICP‐MS at the 1 μg g−1 level, relevant to quartz in HP‐LT terranes. We suggest that natural quartz such as the low‐CL rims of the Bishop Tuff quartz (determined by EPMA; 41 ± 2 μg g−1 Ti, 2s) is more suitable than NIST reference glasses as a reference material for low Ti mass fractions because matrix effects are limited, Ca isobaric interferences are avoided, and polyatomic interferences at mass 48 are insignificant, thus allowing for the use of 48Ti as a normalising mass. Average titanium mass fraction from thirty‐three analyses of low temperature quartz from the Czech Erzgebirge is 0.9 ± 0.2 μg g−1 (2s) using 48Ti as a normalising mass and Bishop Tuff quartz rims as a reference material. The 2s average analytical uncertainty for individual analyses of 48Ti is 8% for 50 μm spots and 7% for 100 μm spots, which offers much greater accuracy than the 21–41% uncertainty (2s) incurred from using 49Ti as an analyte.
Joint bleeds increase the inhibitor response to human factor VIII in a rat model of severe haemophilia A
Authors: Lövgren K. M. , Søndergaard H. , Skov S. , Wiinberg B.
Published: July 2016

Introduction

The most serious complication in haemophilia A (HA) replacement therapy with coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) is neutralizing antibodies, i.e. inhibitors. It has been hypothesized that danger signals generated during a bleed might have an adjuvant effect on the immune response to FVIII in on‐demand treatment, increasing the inhibitor risk.

Aim

To compare the antibody response to treatment with recombinant human FVIII (rhFVIII) in relation to induced knee joint bleeds and treatment without concurrent bleeds in a HA rat model.

Method

HA rats were divided into two groups: one group (n = 10) receiving three needle induced knee joint bleeds 14 days apart and a control group (n = 9) receiving three sham procedures. Three hours after each injury/sham 50 IU kg−1 rhFVIII was administrated intravenously. Subsequently, both groups continued rhFVIII treatment for another 9 weeks. Binding antibodies were analysed using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and neutralizing antibodies using a Bethesda‐like assay.

Results

Rats in the knee‐bleed group developed a significantly faster inhibitor response and reached significantly higher inhibitor levels. In the knee‐bleed group, 80% developed inhibitors vs. 33% in the control group, demonstrating a 2.4 times higher inhibitor risk when treating concurrent with bleeds.

Conclusion

FVIII treatment in relation to a bleed potentiates inhibitor development compared to FVIII treatment alone in this HA rat, indicating that bleeding is a potential danger signal. Our results support the theory that FVIII replacement therapy concurrent with a bleeding episode increases the inhibitor risk, which to the best of our knowledge, has not been confirmed in an animal model before.
High promoter methylation levels of glutathione‐S‐transferase M3 predict poor prognosis of acute‐on‐chronic hepatitis B liver failure
Authors: Sun Feng‐Kai , Gao Shuai , Fan Yu‐Chen , Shi Chang‐He , Zhang Zhao‐Hua , Wang Li‐Yuan , Li Feng , Li Xin‐You , Ji Xiang‐Fen , Zhao Jing , Wang Kai
Published: July 2016

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of glutathione‐S‐transferase M3 (GSTM3) gene promoter methylation in patients with acute‐on‐chronic hepatitis B liver failure (ACHBLF).

Methods

A total of 119 patients with ACHBLF, 60 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 30 healthy controls were enrolled. We used a quantitative methylation detection technique, MethyLight, to examine the methylation levels of GSTM3 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Results

The GSTM3 methylation level was significantly higher in patients with ACHBLF than those in patients with chronic hepatitis B and healthy controls (both P < 0.05). In patients with ACHBLF, GSTM3 methylation level percentage of methylated reference (PMR) positively correlated with total bilirubin, international normalized ratio, and Model for End‐stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and negatively correlated with prothrombin activity and albumin (all P < 0.05). The PMR for GSTM3 of non‐survivors was significantly increased compared to that of survivors (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that GSTM3 methylation level was one of the independent prognostic factors for 3‐month mortality of ACHBLF (P = 0.000). The area under the receiver–operator characteristic curve of PMR for GSTM3 in predicting 3‐month mortality of ACHBLF was not statistically different from that of MELD score (0.798 vs. 0.716, P = 0.152). However, the area under the curve of PMR for GSTM3 was significantly higher than that of MELD score in predicting 1‐month mortality (0.887 vs. 0.737, P = 0.020).

Conclusion

Promoter methylation levels of GSTM3 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells closely correlated with disease severity and could be used to predict prognosis of patients with ACHBLF.
T follicular helper cell programming by cytokine‐mediated events
Authors: Read Kaitlin A. , Powell Michael D. , Oestreich Kenneth J.
Published: July 2016

CD4+ T cells, or T helper cells, are critical mediators and coordinators of adaptive immunity. Unique effector T helper cell populations have been identified that perform distinct functions in response to pathogenic infection. The T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are one such subset, which has been identified as the primary T‐cell population responsible for interacting with B cells to promote effective antibody‐mediated immune responses. Since their initial description at the turn of the century, and subsequent classification as a distinct T helper cell subset, there has been substantial interest in elucidating the regulatory mechanisms that govern Tfh cell formation. The collective insight from this body of work has demonstrated that Tfh cell differentiation is a complex and multistage process regulated by a litany of cell‐intrinsic and cell‐extrinsic factors. As with the development of the other recognized T helper cell subsets, specific cytokines exercise prominent roles in both the positive and negative regulation of Tfh cell development. However, the exact composition of, and stage‐specific requirements for, these environmental factors in the governance of Tfh cell differentiation remain incompletely understood. In this review, we summarize what is known regarding the role of cytokines in both the promotion and inhibition of Tfh cell differentiation and function.
Glaciations, deciduous forests, water availability and current geographical patterns in the diversity of European Carabus species
Authors: Calatayud Joaquín , Hortal Joaquín , Medina Nagore G. , Turin Hans , Bernard Rodolphe , Casale Achille , Ortuño Vicente M. , Penev Lyubomir , Rodríguez Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2016

Aim

Current climate, biotic habitat provision and historical events are known drivers of diversity patterns. However, these three factors are seldom evaluated together. Here, we study the influence of climate, the distribution of deciduous forests and Pleistocene climate changes on the species diversity of Carabus ground beetles in Europe.

Location

Continental Europe.

Methods

We used geographically weighted regressions (GWR) to explore geographical variation in the relationship between species richness and current climate in a spatially explicit context. Further, we analysed simultaneously the network of relationships among current temperature, climatic variability since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and the distribution of deciduous forests through structural equation models (SEM). Also, we assessed dissimilarity in the composition of European faunas by means of beta diversity metrics related with true spatial replacement and nestedness.

Results

We find that Carabus richness patterns are, at least in part, influenced by water–energy dynamics. However, the effects of current climate are also shaped by Pleistocene glaciations, as water and energy variables change in importance at the southern limits of the ice sheet during the LGM. Accordingly, this border results in abrupt shifts in the relative importance of both (1) current and past climate correlates on Carabus richness, and (2) nestedness and true turnover on the compositional changes among their assemblages. Moreover, we also detect a direct effect of the geographical distribution of deciduous forests on Carabus species richness in both northern and southern regions.

Main conclusions

Our results confirm that the processes shaping diversity patterns may depend on the history of particular regions. While Carabus richness seems to be largely driven by current climate in southern Europe, in the north it appears to be more affected by the imprint of past climates. Our findings also suggest that the areas of influence of Pleistocene glaciations may depend on the idiosyncratic characteristics of particular taxa.
Multimorbidity: a sociological perspective of systems
Authors: Walker Christine , Peterson Chris L.
Published: July 2016

There has been a great tradition of looking at health and illness from a systems perspective. For clinicians and people with illnesses a lot can be gained by mapping the interface of different sectors to understand the nature of conditions. This paper aims to use Sturmberg et als. paper as a stepping off point to present a sociological approach to understanding multimorbidities and gain insights into the illness experience of these people in the greater social system of health and illness. Parsons' sick role provides a useful systems concept through which we can understand the role of doctors and the experience of illness as social, beyond the personal. We also use Bourdieu's concept of habitas and of structure and agency to make sense of multimorbidities being social, economic and a broader part of experiencing social systems. We posit that one option for people coping with multiple conditions is to change identity. We also examine the doctor and patient encounter for mutlimorbidities as being problematic as it forces attention on competence and responsibility in that continuing encounter
Neonatal outcomes after prelabour rupture of membranes before 24 weeks' gestation
Authors: McLaughlin Linda M , Gardener Glenn J
Published: July 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine neonatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by prelabour rupture of membranes (PROM) before 24 weeks' gestation.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of medical records over a 5‐year period (2007–2011) at Mater Health Services, South Brisbane, Australia. Data relating to the antenatal and perinatal course of pregnancies complicated by PROM before 24 weeks' gestation were collected. Data were also collected on neonatal diagnoses, management and outcomes for all liveborn infants resulting from these pregnancies.

Results

One hundred and six pregnancies were complicated by PROM before 24 weeks' gestation. Thirty‐three (31%) of these pregnancies resulted in delivery at pre‐viable gestations (<23 weeks). There were 36 (37%) infants who survived to hospital discharge. At discharge, 47% of infants had chronic lung disease, with 81% of this group requiring supplemental oxygen at home.

Conclusions

Almost one‐third of pregnancies complicated by PROM before 24 weeks resulted in pre‐viable preterm delivery. In pregnancies continuing to a viable gestation, there remained a significant risk of neonatal mortality and morbidity, primarily due to respiratory disease.