bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addressing unmet need and religious barrier towards the use of family planning method among Muslim women in India
Authors: Patra Shraboni , Singh Rakesh Kumar
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to find out the prevalence and determinants of unmet need with a special focus on religious barrier towards the use of contraception among Muslim women in India. The study also addresses their future intention to use family planning method.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data from the latest round of District Level Household and Facility Survey (DLHS-3) in India is used. A multi-stage stratified probability proportion to size sampling design was adopted. The present analysis is based on 70,016 currently married Muslim women across the country.

Findings

– The prevalence of total unmet need is the highest in Bihar (48.5 per cent), which is two times higher than the national level (27.6 per cent). About 9 per cent Muslim women in India do not use contraception due to religious opposition. There is considerable gap in the future intention to use family planning method between Muslim (9.2 per cent) and non-Muslim (19.6 per cent) women particularly for limiting birth. The logistic regression analysis shows non-Muslim women are significantly more likely (OR=1.540, p<0.001) to have the intention to use family planning method in the future than Muslim women.

Research limitations/implications

– Men are not included to explore the differences in the perception of men and women towards family planning. Interventions targeting men and aiming at overcoming cultural barriers to using family planning method are equally imperative. Couple's knowledge, attitude and perception towards acceptance of family planning methods need to be addressed simultaneously by interviewing the couples separately.

Practical implications

– Public-private collaboration to promote family planning programme and providing services in the high prevalence (unmet need) states is required. Support from the religious leaders to overcome the cultural barriers towards the use of family planning is also needed.

Originality/value

– This is the first ever effort to address the existing unmet need for family planning among Muslim women in India, which is an important determinant of high fertility among Muslim women.
What in-patients want: a qualitative study of what's important to mental health service users in their recovery (Wayfinder Partnership)
Authors: Bredski Joanna , Forsyth Kirsty , Mountain Debbie , Harrison Michele , Irvine Linda , Maciver Donald
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a qualitative analysis of the facilitators of recovery in in-patient psychiatric rehabilitation from the service users’ perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

– Interviews with 31 in-patients were coded and analysed thematically at an interpretive level using an inductive approach.

Findings

– The dominant themes identified were hope, agency, relationships and opportunity. Totally, 20 subthemes were identified. Agency was more important to men than women and agency, hope and relationships were all more important to detained patients.

Research limitations/implications

– Interview data were collected in writing rather than taped. The results may not be transferrable to patient populations with significantly different demographic or service factors.

Practical implications

– Services need to target interventions at the areas identified by service users as important in their recovery. The findings suggest both environmental and relational aspects of care that may optimise recovery. Services also need to be able to measure the quality of the care they provide. A brief, culturally valid and psychometrically assessed instrument for measuring the recovery orientation of services is required.

Originality/value

– As far as the authors are aware no qualitative work to date has examined the recovery experiences of psychiatric rehabilitation in-patient service users in order to understand what services require to do to enable recovery from their perspective. The conceptual framework identified in this paper can be used to develop a service user self-report measure of the recovery orientation of services.
Effects of employment as a peer support worker on personal recovery: a review of qualitative evidence
Authors: Bailie H. Alistair , Tickle Anna
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to systematically identify, appraise and synthesise qualitative research into how working as a peer support worker (PSW) affects personal recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

– Ten articles were identified through a systematic search of seven databases, grey literature, reference lists, citations and contact with authors in the field. Identified articles were critically appraised and their results synthesised using metaethnography.

Findings

– There is potential to significantly improve the quality of the research in this field. Four categories were constructed to synthesise the findings of the reviewed studies, which demonstrated that being a PSW has the potential to be both facilitative of and detrimental to personal recovery.

Research limitations/implications

– The quality of existing studies varies widely. Further, high-quality research is required to specifically investigate the effects of employment as a PSW on personal recovery.

Practical implications

– The findings are tentative in light of the quality of the studies, but should be considered in the employment, training and ongoing support of PSWs and the services they join.

Originality/value

– Through its systematic methodology and appraisal of the quality of the studies reviewed, this review adds value to the literature about the effect of working as a PSW on personal recovery. It offers an original synthesis and criteria for measuring the quality of research in this field.
Resource-efficient supply chains: a research framework, literature review and research agenda
Authors: Matopoulos Aristides , Barros Ana Cristina , van der Vorst J.G.A.J. (Jack)
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The study aims to define a research agenda for creating resource-efficient supply chains (RESCs) by identifying and analysing their key characteristics as well as future research opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

– We follow a systematic review method to analyse the literature and to understand RESC, taking a substantive theory approach. Our approach is grounded in a specific domain, the agri-food sector, because it is an intensive user of an extensive range of resources.

Findings

– The review shows that works of literature has looked at the use of resources primarily from the environmental impact perspective. There is a need to explore whether or not and how logistics/supply chain decisions will affect the overall configuration of future food supply chains in an era of resource scarcity and depletion and what the trade-offs will be.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper proposes an agenda for future research in the area of RESC. The framework proposed along with the key characteristics identified for RESC can be applied to other sectors.

Practical implications

– Our research should facilitate further understanding of the implications and trade-offs of supply chain decisions taken on the use of resources by supply chain managers.

Originality/value

– The paper explores the interaction between supply chains and natural resources and defines the key characteristics of RESC.
Managing a variable acute patient flow – categorising the strategies
Authors: Olsson Olle , Aronsson Håkan
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore if actions used at a hospital to manage a variable acute patient flow can be categorised using the concepts of lean, agile and leagile.

Design/methodology/approach

– Empirical evidence from a university hospital was gathered by interviews, internal documents, shadowing and participation in meetings. Identified actions used at both hospital level and departmental level are categorised as lean or agile, while combinations of actions are compared with different leagile approaches.

Findings

– Actions from every lean and agile category derived from literature are used at the hospital, however in varying extent. Many agile actions are reactive, indicating a lack of proactive measures. Actions that directly manage external variation are also few in numbers. Leagile approaches of all three combinations derived from literature are also used at the hospital.

Research limitations/implications

– As a single-case study is used, empirical generalisation to other hospitals cannot be deduced. Future research assessing the appropriateness of different actions for managing a variable acute patient flow is encouraged.

Practical implications

– The use of actions within both lean and agile categories indicate the possibility of combining these process strategies in hospitals, and not only focusing on implementing lean. By cleverly combining lean and agile actions, leagile approaches can be formed.

Originality/value

– The use of lean in health care has been a topic of research, while the use of agile has been sparsely researched, as well as the combination of the two.
Coordinating collaboration in contractually different complex construction projects
Authors: Lavikka Rita Henriikka , Smeds Riitta , Jaatinen Miia
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The paper aims to compare the coordination of supply chain networks in contractually different complex construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

– A comparative case study of the coordination of collaborative work in two successful hospital construction projects was conducted. One of the projects applied multiple dyadic contracts, whereas the other project applied one multi-party contract between the parties. The projects were located in the USA. Data were collected by observing the coordination on the construction sites for six weeks and by conducting 72 interviews.

Findings

– The paper shows that depending on the contract type, the timing and extent of complementary procedural coordination differs during projects. Compared with one multi-party contract, the dyadic contracts needed to be complemented during the design phase with three additional procedural coordination mechanisms: organizational design, processes for collaborative work and integrated concurrent engineering sessions. Additionally, common rules of conduct were taken into use during the construction phase. However, regardless of the contract type, procedural coordination mechanisms, such as co-located working, collaborative decision-making in inter-organizational meetings, a liaison role and shared project goals were needed throughout the projects.

Practical implications

– If multiple dyadic contracts are applied, procedural coordination mechanisms have to be co-created by all supply chain parties at the beginning of the project.

Originality/value

– The paper provides an understanding on successful contractual and complementary procedural coordination mechanisms of supply chain networks in complex construction projects.
Characteristics of the most expensive residential placements for adults with learning disabilities in South East England: a follow-up survey
Authors: Deveau Roy , McGill Peter , Poynter Jo
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the characteristics of the highest cost residential placements provided for adults with learning disabilities in the South East of England, comparing findings with a previous survey.

Design/methodology/approach

– Lead commissioners for NHS and Local Authority teams in the South-East of England were asked to provide information on the five highest cost placements that they currently commissioned.

Findings

– The average placement cost was £200,000 per annum with a range from £81,000 to £430,000 per annum. Individual characteristics of people placed were broadly similar to those identified in previous studies.

Originality/value

– Significant resources are used to support relatively few individuals. These individuals’ needs and characteristics suggest areas for research and practice development.
The use of cognitive behaviour therapy to treat depression in people with learning disabilities: a systematic review
Authors: Jennings Caroline , Hewitt Olivia
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is currently one of the recommended treatments for depression for the general population and guidance recommends that people with a learning disability should have access to the same treatments as people without a learning disability. The purpose of this paper is to identify, outline and evaluate current research on the effectiveness of CBT for depression for people with a learning disability. The clinical, service and research implications are considered.

Design/methodology/approach

– A systematic search was conducted and five relevant articles were identified for critical review.

Findings

– There is a limited but promising evidence base for the use of CBT for depression with people with learning disabilities.

Research limitations/implications

– The current review identified a number of methodological issues and future research should attempt to overcome these (e.g. small sample sizes and lack of controls). In particular, research should focus on determining the relative contribution of cognitive and behavioural techniques in producing a change in depressive symptoms.

Practical implications

– Services (including those provided as part of Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) should be offering CBT-based interventions for people with learning disabilities who are experiencing depression.

Originality/value

– This paper provides a comprehensive and up to date review of the current literature regarding the use of CBT for depression for people with a learning disability. This will be of value to clinicians working with people with a learning disability as well as those commissioning services.
Network analysis and football team performance: a first application
Authors: Trequattrini Raffaele , Lombardi Rosa , Battista Mirella
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to illustrate how network analysis can be used to assess the group relationships within a professional football team, starting from the assumption that team results depend, at least in part, on the interaction between team members on the pitch. Elaborating an evaluation model of team relationships can help management in making conscious choices with regards to footballer assessment, selection and acquisition.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology is based on a qualitative/quantitative approach. Data have been acquired through direct observation. UCINET 6.4 software was used to elaborate the data.

Findings

– An empirical observation was carried out according to the network analysis applicative process, through the analysis of a UEFA Champions League match. The objective was to illustrate the potential of network analysis to assess football team relationships and identify a system of quantitative key indicators, which can be used to elaborate a framework for evaluating the relationships in professional football teams.

Originality/value

– This model means that it is possible to analyse elements such as the group members’ attitude towards cooperation, providing an evaluation tool for membership relationships that have not yet been expressed through quantitative indicators, as these indicators are relevant in the development of football game tactics.
Multilevel influences of team viability perceptions
Authors: Costa Patrícia Lopes , Passos Ana Margarida , Barata M. Clara
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this article was to examine how individual positive emotions and team work engagement (TWE) relate to the perceptions of team viability.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 254 teams (N= 1,154 individuals) participated in this study, and a multilevel analysis was conducted of the effects of individual and team-level factors.

Findings

– The multilevel analysis results suggest a partial compensatory effect. High levels of individual positive emotions and high TWE are associated with a positive effect on the perceptions of team viability. Simultaneously, being part of a highly engaged team has a protective effect on perceptions of team viability, when individuals experience low levels of positive emotions.

Research limitations/implications

– As the study was conducted with teams involved in a management simulation, generalizing the results to “real world” teams must be done with caution.

Practical implications

– Nonetheless, these findings have important implications for managers of work groups. They highlight the need to consider collective states of work groups as relevant for their effectiveness, and suggest that promoting positive interactions between team members may result in gains in team viability perceptions, mostly when individual emotions are less positive.

Originality/value

– We consider both individual and collective affective experiences at work, and focus on a less studied outcome, team viability. Additionally, we empirically demonstrate the relevance of collective states of teams for team members’ individual perceptions, as a top-down influence mechanism.
Representations of team work among organizations with a social entrepreneurship profile
Authors: Pais Celso Alves , Parente Cristina
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to show how work-teams are represented and work in non-profit organizations. From a theoretical point of view, the concepts of macro-team and micro-team, as well as their dynamics rooted in the entrepreneurial world have been discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

– Seven socially enterprising organizations have been studied through semi-structured individual and collective interviews with managers, technicians with and without supervisory functions and workers. Data discussed here underwent an inductive analysis based on the procedures of grounded theory.

Findings

– Data analysis supported the outlining of the interviewees’ representations of their belonging to the macro-team and of the working of micro-teams. There seem to be no significant differences between the way teams work in these organizations and in profit-making organizations. However, in the organizations we have analyzed, autonomous planning of activities as a mechanism of work organization and assertiveness as a fundamental communication tool between members stand out.

Research limitations/implications

– This research did not include the systematic observation of work teams in the field. As such, reliability may be somehow compromised due to the use of the individual and group interview as the single data collection technique.

Practical implications

– The outline of representations that we have designed points to a set of dimensions that shows, with some reliability, how to build a sense of belonging to the macro-team among the workers of this type of organization. It also clarifies the difference between behaviors that foster effective and ineffective micro-teams. This allows action over the latter to potentiate the first and eventually eliminate the second.

Originality/value

– Considering the scarce research about team-work in non-profit organizations, this study offers a groundbreaking reflection. Further ahead, one may establish a set of differences and similarities between effective macro and micro-teams in different economic sectors. This way, this study may contribute to more encompassing organizational theories focused on the representations about and the functioning of macro and micro-teams.
Uni-economics: impact of sunspot on quality, productivity & business growth
Authors: Ho Sam
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– Historically, the study of the world’s economy was classified into Micro-economics and Macro-economics. Perhaps, contemporary economists should learn from the universe which we are part of. Let us name this as “Uni-economics.” Many scientists have found that sunspots affect human behavior. Some research findings even relate the 11-year periodic cycle to war and peace of mankind. It is also widely known in the medical profession that sunspot radiation actually affects our human body. With all these evidence in mind, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how sunspot activities can affect business growth since 1960s when the global economy was building up fast since the Second World War.

Design/methodology/approach

– The econometrics methodology deployed is in three steps. First, time series techniques were deployed to track down the changes of Sunspot Counts over the last 48 years on the world’s four main financial indices, i.e., S & P, FTSE, Nikkei and HSI. Second, the long run function of a particular stock price index could be specified as a natural logarithm transformation function. Finally, Granger’s co-integration methodology is deployed to test the equilibrium relationships.

Findings

– This paper has harnessed a set of system and process that can ensure the long-term productivity and business growth of firms in this contemporary business world. It is predicted with 80 percent confidence that the next property depression in some affluent cities will happen in 2014/2015, with the global financial tsunami coming in 2019.

Originality/value

– More important is how organizations can make use of the trade-wind and avoid the counter-wind from the Uni-economics phenomena for their quality, productivity and business growth, in accordance to the Deming Cycle. As recalled from the previous two oil crisis (around 1975, 1986) and the two financial tsunami (1997 and 2008), 40-year-old organizations that can still survive today must have done something good, despite all these turmoil confronting them.
Performance journey mapping: a service performance assessment framework
Authors: Höber Angelika , Pergler Elisabeth , Weitlaner Doris , Grahsl Hans-Peter
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present the evaluation results of a novel performance measurement framework, which has been designed for the particular needs of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Prior research indicated that performance measurement is not much engaged in SMEs. The proposed framework aims to address this by creating bottom-up measurement systems based on service delivery processes. The paper presents the framework as well as its tools and gives insights into both the evaluation and its results.

Design/methodology/approach

– The framework and its tools have been evaluated in a first iteration of prototype implementation according to design science principles. Methodological triangulation was applied engaging participant observation, questionnaires, and formative evaluation. In the course of the evaluation the framework was assessed from a quality, user, and bird’s eye perspective.

Findings

– The evaluation results show that the application of the Technology Acceptance Model and goal setting theory did contribute to develop a performance measurement system (PMS) that is characterized by usefulness and ease of use. Deficiencies could be noted with regard to renowned quality criteria for PMS, especially concerning balance. First lessons learned are outlined.

Originality/value

– The main contribution is the theory-driven development of the performance measurement framework and its corresponding tools. The application of this approach resulted in accepted tools and improvements of the motivational power of performance goals. This is important to overcome the current gap between research results and practical application of such frameworks and tools.
MiR‐138/peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor β signaling regulates human hypertrophic scar fibroblast proliferation and movement in vitro
Authors: Xiao Ying‐ying , Fan Peng‐ju , Lei Shao‐rong , Qi Min , Yang Xing‐hua
Published: March 2015

Excessive scars affect a patient's quality of life, both physically and psychologically, by causing pruritus, pain and contractures. Because there is a poor understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying the processes of hypertrophic scar formation, most therapeutic approaches remain clinically unsatisfactory. In this study, we found that miR‐138 was downregulated and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPARβ) was inversely upregulated in hypertrophic scar tissues compared to in paired normal skin tissues. Using a dual‐luciferase assay, we validated that miR138 directly targets PPARβ and regulates its expression at the transcriptional and translational levels. In gain‐and‐loss experiments, we found that miR‐138/PPARβ signaling regulated human hypertrophic scar fibroblast proliferation and movement, and affected scarring‐related protein expression, which suggests that miR‐138/PPARβ signaling is important for hypertrophic scarring. Thus, our study provides evidence to help determine whether miR‐138/PPARβ signaling may be a potential target for hypertrophic scarring management.
Optimal strategies for sampling functional traits in species‐rich forests
Authors: Paine C. E. Timothy , Baraloto Christopher , Díaz Sandra
Published: March 2015

Functional traits provide insight into a variety of ecological questions, yet the optimal sampling method to estimate the community‐level distribution of plant functional trait values remains a subject of debate, especially in species‐rich forests.

We present a simulation analysis of the trait distribution of a set of nine completely sampled permanent plots in the lowland rain forests of French Guiana.

Increased sampling intensity consistently improved accuracy in estimating community‐weighted means and variances of functional trait values, whereas there was substantial variation among functional traits and minor differences among sampling strategies.

Thus, investment in intensified sampling yields a greater improvement in the accuracy of estimation than does an equivalent investment in sampling design complication.

Notably, ‘taxon‐free’ strategies frequently had greater accuracy than did abundance‐based strategies, which had the additional cost of requiring botanical surveys.

We conclude that there is no substitute for extensive field sampling to accurately characterize the distribution of functional trait values in species‐rich forests.
How do overwinter changes in body condition and hormone profiles influenceWeddell seal reproductive success?
Authors: Shero Michelle R. , Krotz Riley T. , Costa Daniel P. , Avery Julie P. , Burns Jennifer M.
Published: March 2015

Reproductive success can be influenced by maternal physiological condition at the time of embryo implantation and by foraging success during gestation. Polar marine mammals experience drastic fluctuations in body composition (lipid stores) as a result of life‐history events and large‐scale changes in seasonal productivity and environmental conditions. These species provide the opportunity to explore physiological parameters important to reproductive success.

There are conflicting physiological demands on Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) females during the moult period, when animals are at their leanest but still must generate an energetically costly new pelage and begin active gestation.

To investigate the impact of post‐moult condition and hormonal mediators on the reproductive success of the southernmost breeding mammal, body composition was determined for post‐moult (fall; 53 non‐reproductive) and pre‐breeding (spring; 31 non‐reproductive, 17 reproductive) adult female Weddell seals. Animals were significantly larger and had greater lipid stores in spring, after the winter foraging period. There were no differences in the proportion of mass or condition gained overwinter between females that gave birth (n = 12) and those that did not (n = 8) the following year.

Changes in body condition were correlated with endocrine factors that influence energy allocation, such as cortisol, growth hormone (GH), insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1 and thyroid hormones (T3and T4). Of these,GHand T4were significantly higher during the post‐moult period, likely to promote protein sparing and hair regeneration. In addition, females that had higher T4concentrations in fall were significantly more likely to have a pup the following year, possibly due to the role of thyroid hormones in embryo attachment. This suggests that hormones influencing fuel use during the moult may also impact subsequent reproductive success.

Unlike some other large pinnipeds, Weddell seals are not capital breeders. This work indicates that gestating Weddell seals do not gain as much mass or energy overwinter in preparation for lactation the following year as lower‐latitude phocid species, which might explain why female Weddell seals rely on foraging to meet energetic demands during lactation.
Larval UV exposure impairs adult immune function through a trade‐off with larval investment in cuticular melanin
Authors: Debecker Sara , Sommaruga Ruben , Maes Tim , Stoks Robby
Published: March 2015

Despite the strong impact of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on invertebrates, it is unknown whether it affects immune function across metamorphosis. More generally, the mechanisms on how larval stressors bridge metamorphosis and shape adult fitness in animals with a complex life cycle remain poorly understood.

We studied whether cuticular melanin content is upregulated under UV exposure in the larval stage of the damselfly Coenagrion puella and whether this is traded off across metamorphosis against a key component of the invertebrate immune response, the melanotic encapsulation response, in the adult stage.

Larvae exposed to UV increased the melanin content in their exoskeleton and metamorphosed later and at a smaller mass than animals reared without UV. Across metamorphosis, this was associated with a reduced melanotic encapsulation response, thereby constituting the first proof for a UV‐driven impaired immune response in an invertebrate. The demonstrated costs of UV exposure in terms of age and mass at metamorphosis and reduced adult immune response likely translate into reduced adult fitness.

Path analysis indicated that the immunosuppressive property of larval UV exposure was not mediated by age and mass at metamorphosis, but instead that the adult immune response was traded off against larval cuticular melanin investment.

Melanin‐based trade‐off across metamorphosis provides a new pathway by which effects of larval stressors are carried over to the adult stage and thereby advances our understanding of the still largely enigmatic mechanisms of carryover effects of larval stressors across metamorphosis. Given the mechanistic basis, this carryover effect of larval UV exposure on adult immune function is expected to be general and may constitute a widespread and important cost of UV exposure in invertebrates.
Forest management and regional tree composition drive the host preference of saproxylic beetle communities
Authors: Müller Jörg , Wende Beate , Strobl Carolin , Eugster Manuel , Gallenberger Iris , Floren Andreas , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf , Linsenmair Karl Eduard , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Gossner Martin M.
Published: March 2015

Among saproxylic beetles, many early colonizers prefer particular host species. Ranking of preferred hosts of local saproxylic beetle communities is critical for effective dead‐wood management in forests, but is rarely done because experiments with numerous tree species are labour and cost intensive.

We analysed the host preference of local saproxylic beetle communities on logs of 13 tree species in relation to management (unmanaged and managed beech stands, conifer plantations on natural beech sites) in three regions of Germany during the most critical period for host specificity, that is the first two years after harvesting. Hosts were ranked quantitatively based on the ordinal ranking of hosts by single beetle species, which in turn was based on the variation in beetle abundance. First, we employed a Bradley–Terry model in which ranking was derived from paired comparisons of host trees. Then, a model‐based recursive partitioning of the Bradley–Terry model tested whether host preference of beetle communities is affected by stand management, region and decay progress of dead wood.

Our results indicated that beetle communities overall avoided logs of Fraxinus, Pseudotsuga, Larix and Tilia, and Carpinus ranked highest in preference. Carpinus also ranked highest for communities of broadleaf specialists; Picea abies ranked highest for communities of conifer specialists. Model‐based recursive partitioning revealed that ranking of local hosts in conifer stands differed from that of broadleaf stands, and that ranking of hosts in broadleaf stands differed between regions, but only in the first year for both.

Synthesis and applications. Early‐colonizing saproxylic beetle communities vary locally in their choice of host trees. Therefore, forest managers should focus on the enrichment of dead wood of regional tree species and tree species of the local stand to successfully promote early‐colonizing beetle.
Inoculation of tannin‐degrading bacteria into novel hosts increases performance on tannin‐rich diets
Authors: Kohl Kevin D. , Stengel Ashley , Dearing M. Denise
Published: March 2015

It has been hypothesized that herbivores host tannin‐degrading bacteria (TDB) to overcome the toxic challenges posed by plant tannins. While TDB have been isolated from the guts of numerous mammals, their functional significance to their hosts has never been explicitly tested. We introduced TDB into lab rats, which do not host TDB, and measured host performance on tannin‐rich diets. We first isolated three species of TDB, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecalis, from the guts of the desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida), which regularly feeds on tannin‐rich plants. Then, we inoculated isolated TDB, as well as full woodrat microbial communities into laboratory rats. A control group was inoculated with sterilized woodrat faeces. Recipient lab rats were fed increasing concentrations of tannic acid, and we monitored tannic acid intake, body mass and liver damage as measured by serum alanine aminotransferase activity. Lab rats given TDB as isolates or full communities exhibited increased tannic acid intake, higher maintenance of body mass and lower indicators of liver damage compared with control animals. These differences were maintained when the trial was repeated after 6 weeks of feeding on tannin‐free diets. Our results are the first to demonstrate that TDB significantly increase host performance on tannin‐rich diets.
Comparing Emergency Response Infrastructure to Other Critical Infrastructures in the California Bay‐Delta of the United States: A Research Note on Inter‐Infrastructural Differences in Reliability Management
Authors: Roe Emery , Schulman Paul R.
Published: March 2015

This research note summarizes observed similarities, differences, and mixed similarities and differences between emergency responders in California's emergency response infrastructure and control room operators in some other critical infrastructures there. The dissimilarities are all the more striking given the many similarities. The chief difference, we speculate, lies in the conditions on and skills of control room operators to ensure the continuous and safe provision of the critical service in question, even during (especially during) turbulent times – what we have called ‘high reliability management’. This management differs considerably from the active crisis management of many emergency responders, although both groups seek to manage ‘reliably’.
A whole‐of‐population study of term and post‐term gestational age at birth and children's development
Authors: Smithers LG , Searle AK , Chittleborough CR , Scheil W , Brinkman SA , Lynch JW
Published: March 2015

Objective

To examine the risk of poor child development according to week of gestation at birth, among children born ≥37 weeks' gestation.

Design

Population‐based study using linked data (n = 12 601).

Setting

South Australia.

Population

All births ≥37 weeks' gestation.

Methods

Relative risks of developmental vulnerability for each week of gestation were calculated with adjustment for confounders and addressing missing information.

Main outcome measures

Child development was documented by teachers during a national census of children attending their first year of school in 2009, using the Australian Early Development Index (AEDI). Children scoring in the lowest 10% of the AEDI were categorised as developmentally vulnerable.

Results

The percentage of children vulnerable on one or more AEDI domains for the following gestational ages 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42–45 weeks was 24.8, 22.3, 20.6, 20.0, 20.4 and 24.2, respectively. Compared with children born at 40 weeks, the adjusted relative risks [(95% confidence interval (CI)] for vulnerability on ≥1 AEDI domain were; 37 weeks 1.13 (0.99–1.28), 38 weeks 1.05 (0.96–1.15), 39 weeks 1.02 (0.94–1.12), 41 weeks 1.00 (0.90–1.11) and 42–45 weeks 1.20 (0.84–1.72).

Conclusions

Children born at 40–41 weeks' gestation may have the lowest risk of developmental vulnerability at school entry, reinforcing the importance of term birth in perinatal care. Early term or post‐term gestational age at birth can help clinicians, teachers and parents recognise children with potential developmental vulnerabilities at school entry.
Are older women more likely to receive surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence since the introduction of the mid‐urethral sling? An examination of Hospital Episode Statistics data
Authors: Gibson W , Wagg A
Published: March 2015

Objective

To examine the trends in surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in older women since the introduction of the mid‐urethral sling.

Design

Analysis of data from Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) between 2000 and 2012.

Setting and Population

All surgical procedures for SUI in the National Health Service (NHS) in England.

Methods

Retrospective cohort analysis of Hospital Episode Statistics for England from 2000 to 2012.

Main outcome measures

Number of invasive, less invasive, and urethral bulking procedures performed in women in three age groups.

Results

There was a 90% fall in the number of invasive surgical treatments for SUI and a four‐fold increase in the number of mid‐urethral slings over this time. The total number of surgical procedures for SUI increased from 8458 to 13 219. However, the rise in the number of procedures in women aged over 75 was more modest—a three‐fold increase from a low start of 187—and these women now make up a smaller proportion of all women receiving a mid‐urethral sling (MUS).

Conclusions

Despite the development and wide availability of a less invasive, safe and effective operation for stress urinary incontinence in older women, they do not appear to have benefitted. The reasons for this require prospective investigation.
Is the probability of prenatal diagnosis or termination of pregnancy different for fetuses with congenital anomalies conceived following assisted reproductive techniques? A population‐based evaluation of fetuses with congenital heart defects
Authors: Tararbit K , Lelong N , Jouannic J‐M , Goffinet F , Khoshnood B ,   the EPICARD Study Group
Published: March 2015

Objective

To compare the probability of prenatal diagnosis (PND) and termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly (TOPFA) between fetuses conceived by assisted reproductive techniques (ART) and spontaneously‐conceived fetuses with congenital heart defects (CHD).

Design

Population‐based observational study.

Setting

Paris and surrounding suburbs.

Population

Fetuses with CHD in the Paris registry of congenital malformations and cohort of children with CHD (Epicard).

Methods

Comparison of ART‐conceived and spontaneously conceived fetuses taking into account potential confounders (maternal characteristics, multiplicity and year of birth or TOPFA).

Main outcome measures

Probability and gestational age at PND and TOPFA for ART‐conceived versus spontaneously conceived fetuses.

Results

The probability of PND (28.1% versus 34.6%, P = 0.077) and TOPFA (36.2% versus 39.2%, P = 0.677) were not statistically different between ART‐conceived (n = 171) and spontaneously conceived (n = 4620) fetuses. Estimates were similar after adjustment for potential confounders. Gestational age at PND tended to be earlier for ART fetuses (23.1 versus 24.8 weeks, P = 0.05) but no statistical difference was found after adjustment for confounders. Gestational age at TOPFA was comparable between ART‐conceived and spontaneously conceived fetuses.

Conclusions

In our population, ART conception was not significantly associated with the probability of PND or TOPFA for CHD. One implication of our results is that live births may be adequate for assessing the overall risk of CHD related to ART. However, total prevalence, in particular of severe CHD, would not be adequately assessed if TOPFA are not included.
The influence of the location and extent of intrauterine adhesions on recurrence after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis
Authors: Yang J‐H , Chen C‐D , Chen S‐U , Yang Y‐S , Chen M‐J
Published: March 2015

Objective

To investigate the recurrence potential of intrauterine adhesions after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

Tertiary university hospital.

Population

This study included 115 women who had intrauterine adhesions completely separated during hysteroscopic surgery. The treated adhesions were classified into four groups according to their location and extent: Group 1, central type (i.e. intervening space between the adhesions and both lateral uterine sidewalls) at the middle area of uterine cavity; Group 2, central type at uterine cornua; Group 3, cervico‐isthmic; and Group 4, extensive if the adhesions were dense with occlusion of part of the uterine cavity other than cervico‐isthmic region.

Methods

Postoperative outpatient hysteroscopic adhesiolysis was scheduled 10–14 days after the initial hysteroscopic surgery and procedures were repeated every 10–14 days until no reformed adhesions were detected. Multivariate logistic regression models were built to examine initial adhesion characteristics and other factors associated with adhesion reformation and need for subsequent outpatient adhesiolysis. Categorical data were compared using Fisher's exact test.

Main outcome measures

Number of postoperative outpatient hysteroscopic adhesiolysis procedures.

Results

The location and extent of adhesions according to the allocated group was the only parameter independently related to the number of postoperative outpatient adhesiolysis procedures (P = 0.0004). Women with Group 1 adhesions underwent a lower number of postoperative interventions compared with those with Group 2, 3 and 4 adhesions (P = 0.0355, P = 0.0004 and P = 0.0087, respectively).

Conclusions

There is an increased likelihood of intrauterine adhesion recurrence when successfully divided adhesions were originally located at the uterine cornua, the cervico‐isthmic region or involved a large portion of the uterine cavity.
Evidence for the effectiveness of visual supports in helping children with disabilities access the mainstream primary school curriculum
Authors: Foster‐Cohen Susan , Mirfin‐Veitch Brigit
Published: March 2015

Removing barriers to learning for children with mild to moderate disabilities in mainstream primary classrooms calls for creative approaches that exploit the cognitive and sensory strengths of each child. Although their efficacy has not been fully explored, pictorial, symbolic and written supports are often used with the intention of helping children access the curriculum by reducing anxiety, confusion and memory limitations both at school and at home. This paper reports a qualitative study carried out in New Zealand, which designed, delivered and evaluated a coordinated home and school visual supports programme for 23 children with moderate special education needs aged between 5 years and 7 months and 11 years and 10 months. Interview and questionnaire feedback from parents, teachers and the children themselves suggests the visual supports reduced anxiety and frustration, provided structured reminders of tasks and equipment needed, and permitted greater involvement in home and classroom routines. They also suggested a positive impact on distractibility, task completion, classroom independence and perseverance. It is suggested that while the visual supports were helpful, the attention to the child's needs across contexts contributed importantly to the success of the programme. Directions for further research are outlined.
Risk factors of early proximal gastric carcinoma in Chinese diagnosed using WHO criteria
Authors: Fang Cheng , Huang Qin , Lu Lin , Shi Jiong , Sun Qi , Xu Gui Fang , Gold Jason , Mashimo Hiroshi , Zou Xiao Ping
Published: March 2015

Objective

The incidence of proximal gastric carcinoma (PGC) is rising worldwide for unknown reasons. Herein we compare the risk factors of early PGC with distal gastric carcinoma (DGC) in patients treated at a single tertiary hospital in China.

Methods

Risk factors of 379 consecutive surgically resected early gastric carcinoma (EGC) diagnosed according to the 2010 World Health Organization criteria were studied by reviewing their medical records and esophagogastroduodenoscopy/biopsy findings and interviewing patients and family members for the patients' history of environmental toxin exposure (ETE), dietary habits, family (FCH) and personal cancer history (PCH) and survival. Differences between PGC (n = 115), DGC (n = 264) and age‐matched and gender‐matched controls (n = 225) were compared.

Results

Proportion of early PGC in all EGC patients was increased significantly (P < 0.05). The independent risk factors for both PGC and DGC identified by multivariate analysis were intake of preserved food and little fruit, and gastric mucosal intestinal metaplasia and atrophy (all P < 0.05). Advanced age (odds ratio [OR] 9.83, P < 0.01), PCH (OR 5.09, P < 0.05), a high body mass index (>24 kg/m2) (OR 2.79, P < 0.01) and ETE (OR 2.31, P < 0.05) were independent risk factors for PGC, but not male gender, tobacco or alcohol abuse, hiatus hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease or columnar‐lined esophagus. In contrast, FCH (OR 2.34, P < 0.01) and Helicobacter pylori infection (OR 2.81, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for DGC.

Conclusion

Independent risk factors for PGC in Chinese patients differ from those of DGC or esophageal adenocarcinoma, supporting the classification of PGC as a separate gastric carcinoma entity in the Chinese populations.