bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of professionally‐guided physical education on fitness outcomes of primary school children
Authors: Lucertini Francesco , Spazzafumo Liana , De Lillo Francesca , Centonze Debora , Valentini Manuela , Federici Ario
Published: November 2012

Physical education (PE) at school is an important starting point for long‐term interventions improving quality of life in elderly. To evaluate the effectiveness of professionally led PE on motor and health‐related abilities of Italian primary schoolchildren (3rd–5th graders), three schools were assigned to the experimental groups “A” (38 pupils, 17 M, 21 F) and “B” (37 pupils, 16 M, 21 F), and to control group “C” (26 pupils, 18 M, 8 F). All groups underwent a six‐month, twice‐a‐week (60 min each session) PE intervention. The PE program of the EGs was age‐tailored, included strength training and was administered by specialised teachers. Group A and B programs differed in the strength training devices used, while they were identical in terms of training load. The control group program was not structured and administered by generalist teachers. At baseline and follow‐up, children underwent a motor and health‐related abilities test battery. At follow‐up, children in group C gained significantly more weight than children in the EGs and scored significantly less than the children in the EGs in the following assessments: counter movement jump (C:+0.15% vs. A:+4.1% and B:+6.99%), plate tapping (C:+13.56% vs. A:+19.37% and B:+36.12%), sit‐and‐reach (C:−311.15% vs. B:+409.57%), pinch strength (C:+2.39% vs. B:+10.83, on average) and sit‐up (C:+29.69% vs. A:+72.61%). In conclusion, specialist‐led pupils demonstrated greater increases in some motor and health‐related abilities tests compared to generalist‐led peers, while different strength training devices produced comparable increases of strength in both EGs.
TOR and RAS pathways regulate desiccation tolerance inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Welch Aaron Z. , Gibney Patrick A. , Botstein David , Koshland Douglas E.
Published: November 2012

Tolerance to desiccation in cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is inducible; only one in a million cells from an exponential culture survive desiccation compared with one in five cells in stationary phase. Here we exploit the desiccation sensitivity of exponentially dividing cells to understand the stresses imposed by desiccation and their stress response pathways. We found that induction of desiccation tolerance is cell autonomous and that there is an inverse correlation between desiccation tolerance and growth rate in glucose-, ammonia-, or phosphate-limited continuous cultures. A transient heat shock induces a 5000–fold increase in desiccation tolerance, whereas hyper-ionic, -reductive, -oxidative, or -osmotic stress induced much less. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the Sch9p-regulated branch of the TOR and Ras-cAMP pathway inhibits desiccation tolerance by inhibiting the stress response transcription factors Gis1p, Msn2p, and Msn4p and by activating Sfp1p, a ribosome biogenesis transcription factor. Among 41 mutants defective in ribosome biogenesis, a subset defective in 60S showed a dramatic increase in desiccation tolerance independent of growth rate. We suggest that reduction of a specific intermediate in 60S biogenesis, resulting from conditions such as heat shock and nutrient deprivation, increases desiccation tolerance.
Income and the Environment in Rural India: Is There a Poverty Trap?
Authors: Bhattacharya Haimanti , Innes Robert
Published: November 2012

We study the relationships between rural income distributions and changes in environmental conditions in southern, western and central India between 1994–95 and 2000–01. Other than the relatively rich, we find that all income strata benefit from an improved environment, and intermediate expenditure households benefit more than the very poor in absolute terms. Higher median consumption expenditures and “richness” are estimated to increase environmental decline, but we do not find a significant impact of income poverty on local environmental health. The results do not support the “poverty trap” conjecture, with environmental degradation driving expenditure reductions that promote offsetting aforestation (which benefits the poor).
Selling Sexual Certainty? Advertising Lysol as a Contraceptive in the United States and Canada, 1919–1939
Authors: Hall Kristin
Published: November 2012

During the interwar period, Lysol Disinfectant was sold throughout Canada and the United States as a contraceptive douche for women. In fact, Lysol became the leading over-the-counter contraceptive sold on the euphemistically termed “feminine hygiene” market. Though the sale of contraceptives were illegal in both Canada and the United States since the latter part of the nineteenth century, by the 1920s, astute manufacturers were selling goods with supposedly contraceptive properties, including vaginal jellies, foaming tablets, and as was the case with Lysol, vaginal douches. As contemporaries argued, advertising played a central role in the success of the feminine hygiene industry. This article investigates Lysol's interwar advertising campaign to determine how the company attempted to communicate the purpose of its product to white, literate, married, Anglo-Saxon, middle-class female consumers while evading legal ramifications. It argues that North American Lysol advertisements were designed using euphemistic language and emergent modern advertising techniques that appealed to consumers' emotions (as opposed to their sense of reason as had previously been the case) to capitalize upon contextually specific trends, including women's fear of premature aging and loss of sexual attractiveness, the danger of maternal morbidity and mortality, as well as the threat of marital disunity, to convey the intended purpose of the product. This work also demonstrates the central importance of considering the historical context of companies' intended consumers when analyzing historical advertising and marketing campaigns.
Functional Identification of Sorting Receptors Involved in Trafficking of Soluble Lytic Vacuolar Proteins in Vegetative Cells of Arabidopsis
Authors: Lee Yongjik , Jang Mihue , Song Kyungyoung , Kang Hyangju , Lee Myoung Hui , Lee Dong Wook , Zouhar Jan , Rojo Enrique , Sohn Eun Ju , Hwang Inhwan
Published: November 2012

In eukaryotic cells, protein trafficking plays an essential role in biogenesis of proteins that belong to the endomembrane compartments. In this process, an important step is the sorting of organellar proteins depending on their final destinations. For vacuolar proteins, vacuolar sorting receptors (VSRs) and receptor homology-transmembrane-RING H2 domain proteins (RMRs) are thought to be responsible. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) contains seven VSRs. Among them, VSR1, VSR3, and VSR4 are involved in sorting storage proteins targeted to the protein storage vacuole (PSV) in seeds. However, the identity of VSRs for soluble proteins of the lytic vacuole in vegetative cells remains controversial. Here, we provide evidence that VSR1, VSR3, and VSR4 are involved in sorting soluble lytic vacuolar and PSV proteins in vegetative cells. In protoplasts from leaf tissues of vsr1vsr3 and vsr1vsr4 but not vsr5vsr6, and rmr1rmr2 and rmr3rmr4 double mutants, soluble lytic vacuolar (Arabidopsis aleurain-like protein:green fluorescent protein [GFP] and carboxypeptidase Y:GFP and PSV (phaseolin) proteins, but not the vacuolar membrane protein Arabidopsis βFructosidase4:GFP, exhibited defects in their trafficking; they accumulated to the endoplasmic reticulum with an increased secretion into medium. The trafficking defects in vsr1vsr4 protoplasts were rescued by VSR1 or VSR4 but not VSR5 or AtRMR1. Furthermore, of the luminal domain swapping mutants between VSR1 and VSR5, the mutant with the luminal domain of VSR1, but not that of VSR5, rescued the trafficking defects of Arabidopsis aleurain-like protein:GFP and phaseolin in vsr1vsr4 protoplasts. Based on these results, we propose that VSR1, VSR3, and VSR4, but not other VSRs, are involved in sorting soluble lytic vacuolar and PSV proteins for their trafficking to the vacuoles in vegetative cells.
Dignity in care survey in North Wales
Authors: Morgan Gareth
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to report on a survey conducted within North Wales regarding the perceptions of older people on dignity in care issues in the services received.

Design/methodology/approach

The North Wales Dignity in Care Forum did a survey, driven by the question: What one change today could make a difference to you tomorrow? National Health Service and local authority organisations participated in the survey. In total, 499 responses were received.

Findings

Some key themes were identified, particularly relating to keeping independence, individual respect and personal care. National Health Service and local authority responses had some differences.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include an absence of demographic data, an open sampling frame, so a response rate was difficult to measure and an inability to validate or further explore issues raised. This survey shows the value of a rapid and simple method of collecting information from older people accessing services.

Originality/value

The findings of the North Wales survey may help in taking forward new models of working for older people, especially for the most vulnerable.
Rethinking a framework for dementia 2: a new model of care
Authors: Minghella Edana , Schneider Kate
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This is the second of two papers that aim to propose a revised model of care for dementia based on the combined findings of a number of projects undertaken by the authors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a conceptual discussion based on the findings from a series of projects in which the key methodologies included listening to people with dementia and carers, non‐participant observation of services, and reviews of good practice, policy and literature.

Findings

The paper challenges traditional approaches to dementia services, and offers a radical new approach, based on a five‐pronged model of care: guiding principles, the condition itself, the person with the condition, services and effectiveness.

Practical implications

This paper challenges commissioners and service planners to make a radical shift in their approach to dementia, people living with it and services and opportunities that should be in place. It proposes that dementia services should be delivered principally in the community, led by primary care, with opportunities for inclusion and social engagement. Specialist dementia services need to refocus on providing effective interventions, training, advice and support. People living with dementia have assets as well as needs; this means changing practice to work alongside people as partners in care, nurture their capacity and capabilities and recognise and pre‐empt increasing needs.

Originality/value

The revised model of care implies a radically different approach to commissioning, designing and delivering services. It is a challenging, but optimistic, model, in which high quality, focused, cost‐effective services and community developments could work together as a whole system, to make living well with dementia a real possibility.
Time banking – new social currency or waste of time?
Authors: Lashko Gary
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The aims of this article are to introduce and explore the concept of time banking and then to give an example of how one housing association, the CHS Group, is trying to apply this to its social investment work in Cambridgeshire. Along the way, the article seeks to explore some of the related concepts such as co‐production, bartering, and social capital. Its purpose is to brief other housing and social care practitioners about recent developments in thinking and practice around community organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The article summarises key information about time banking, publishes the detail of a proposal to produce a social support time banking project, and draws conclusions about future directions.

Findings

There are numerous questions still to answer, such as: How we can enable all of our staff, resources permitting, to think and act in a community organising way? How best to engage and support customers in participating? How to avoid this being seen solely as a response to cuts in statutory funding, rather than a way of releasing civic potential and capacity to produce a more personalised support? How to reorganise performance management systems to include community organisation? How should staff and organisational time banking be organised in the context of providing closely regulated services, and managing risk while working with vulnerable group? Are there enough people out there who want to, or have the capacity for engagement, and if so how best to reach them?

Research limitations/implications

This is not unique primary research: the methodology is to use existing published documents and documents from within CHS Group. The article is limited by the absence of statistical data.

Practical implications

There are some lessons and ideas about how to structure a programme using timebanking to support vulnerable people in communities.

Social implications

Finding the right answers to the questions might assist services providers and customers to navigate through the impending welfare reform and social funding cut backs.

Originality/value

The article explores approaches to time banking used by a variety of agencies including the Department of Health POPP programme as applicable in social housing.
Limits of Mental Capacity Act training for residential care homes
Authors: Gough Matthew , Kerlin Lianne
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) was implemented in 2007 as a piece of legislation to empower and protect adults who require support making decisions. Many older adults in residential care homes will be in this position due to developmental disabilities associated with functional impairments of the mind and brain. This paper aims to evaluate the impact of MCA training within older persons' care homes within an East‐Midlands local authority.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi structured interviews were conducted with key informants who had strategic responsibility for implementation of MCA training as well as a focus group conducted with managers/deputy managers of care homes within the local authority.

Findings

With a primary focus on training, data revealed issues surrounding the delivery and content of training, and the organisational factors relating to both training and the subsequent implementation of the knowledge learned.

Research limitations/implications

The key informants for this paper are limited to management perspectives. Interviews and a focus group were conducted with stakeholders who either had direct responsibility for service delivery or managerial oversight for training and development.

Practical implications

The paper suggests methods of delivery with the Mental Capacity Act which offer a tailored, engaging and cost effective alternative to conventional “away day” training sessions.

Originality/value

The paper challenges and critiques conventional approaches to training the social care workforce.
Going global with health and wellbeing analytics
Authors: Barron Gen
Published: November 2012

Purpose

Medtronic needed a comprehensive, integrated, measurable and global approach to employee wellness. Its primary focus was putting the critical factors of prevention and early detection at the forefront of its employee health rewards. The ability to monitor and measure health and wellbeing across the organization was also vital in giving Medtronic key insight, through analytics, into the impact that employee health had on the business. This paper aims to examine this approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Medtronic's Total Health global employee wellness brand focused on investing in health rather than the cost of treatment and improving employee health through behavior change. Seeing that the web was critical to delivery and collection of information in this environment it sought an online health and wellbeing platform with the capability to be deployed globally.

Findings

Initial health assessments conducted through the online platform have provided essential baseline data to understand overall global health trends as well as territory specific differences and priorities. Medtronic has been able to establish an average employee health score. Digging deeper it has noted priority health indicators for global employees based on the number who are recorded to be “at risk” in each case.

Originality/value

Successful use of analytics and web‐based tools has helped Medtronic accelerate towards its vision of personalized, consistent wellbeing support for all employees. It now has greater insight into their health status to define the right strategy, and the tools to drive targeted initiatives where they are needed.
What do engagement measures really mean?
Authors: Baron Angela
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss how and with what employees engage at work. It seeks to offer an explanation of “locus of engagement” – what aspects of their work individuals engage with to a lesser or greater extent – and “emotional” and “transactional” engagement – demonstrating that people can engage at different levels, both of which might result in performance but also in very different behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on research completed for CIPD by The Kingston Engagement Consortium drawing on both quantative and qualitative data collected from member companies over a six‐year period of study.

Findings

The paper argues that managers need a deeper understanding of how employees are engaging with their work to effectively leverage performance through engagement. It finds that despite much work on engagement, the issues of with what and at what level people are engaging is still relatively unexplored. It also finds that how and with what people engage can have implications for their performance and other behavior which will impact on the success of the organization.

Originality/value

This has practical implications for managers and demonstrates that engagement surveys alone will not give sufficient information to enable them to manage engagement effectively.
The current state of integrated care: an overview
Authors: Minkman Mirella M.N.
Published: November 2012

Purpose

Although a large amount of literature about the levels, aims, and relevance of integrated care is present, to realise change in practice knowledge about the implementation and development process of integrated care is also crucial. Instruments such as quality management models can facilitate improvement, but are not frequently used in integrated care practice. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to present further insight into these models and into the related literature about network and organisational development.

Design/methodology/approach

An overview of the recent literature is presented.

Findings

The improvement of integrated care is complex and there is no consensus about a set of relevant elements for integrated care. Available quality management models vary in their underlying evidence and do not have integrated care as their central focus or are aimed at specific patient groups such as the chronically ill. The lack of a consistent set of elements and the need for a generic, evidence‐based quality management model for integrated care is important for integrated care improvement. It can be assumed that, as described in the literature about networks and organisations, dynamic stages or phases could be relevant for integrated care. These issues raise important next questions for further research and for facilitating organisational change.

Originality/value

The paper presents a current overview of the available literature about the concept of integrated care, with a special focus on integrated care improvement and its dynamics. It raises the relevant questions and challenges for the further expansion of knowledge about these topics, which will be addressed in a second article in a later issue of Journal of Integrated Care.
Implementing the Transforming Your Care agenda in Northern Ireland within integrated structures
Authors: Birrell Derek , Heenan Deirdre
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This paper assesses the recommendations and proposals contained in Transforming Your Care, the recent review of health and social care in Northern Ireland, in the context of the existing integrated structures. It is designed to promote a better understanding of the implications of the proposed reconfiguration of health and social care.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews a number of published documents encompassing an independent review and subsequent plans and strategies. It also draws upon a case study of a Rapid Access Clinic undertaken by the authors as part of a wider research project.

Findings

The paper concludes that the planned changes question the ability of an integrated structure operating across primary, secondary and social care. It notes that there are real concerns about the capacity of the social care workforce to deliver services. It is suggested that the proposal for Integrated Care Partnerships can be seen as a reflection of the need for a more localised approach to delivery.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are derived from a small‐scale study and as such may make generalisation difficult. There is a clear need for a more robust evidence‐based approach to the evaluation of structural integration in health and social care and a process for monitoring of this change process.

Originality/value

The article is a reminder of the unique example of structural integration within the UK. As such it could have important lessons for England, Scotland and Wales which are moving in a similar direction.
Miaow miaow: a review of the new psychoactive drug mephedrone
Authors: Brennan Rebekah , Claire Van Hout Marie
Published: November 2012

Purpose

Mephedrone is a synthetic stimulant drug causing entactogenic and hallucinogenic effects. A systematic review of all existing empirical research and literature from 2009‐2012 on this new psychoactive drug was conducted. This paper aims to report on that review.

Design/methodology/approach

The review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Electronic databases were utilised using the search terms “mephedrone” and product nomenclature; “Plant Food”, “Feeder”, “Meow Meow”, “Miaow”, “Drone”, “Meph” “Bubbles”, “Charge”, and “MCat”. The search was restricted to publications from 2009‐2012, and produced 702 results. Data were collected by one member of the research team and cross checked by another. A primary screening was carried out to exclude inaccurate search results and drugs other than mephedrone. The results were studied and duplicates removed; 598 results were discarded, with 104 deemed suitable for inclusion.

Findings

The review underscores mephedrone's popularity despite legislative controls. Drug displacement patterns from illicit to licit were observed prior to controls, with blending of mephedrone and other substitute cathinones with street drugs thereafter. User consumptive choices are grounded in availability, perceptions of legality and safety, curiosity and perceived quality of drug outcomes within poly drug taking repertoires. Clinical reports indicate that mephedrone has high abuse potential and toxicity, with several dependence symptoms. Risk assessment, detection, diagnosis and treatment of mephedrone use are difficult due to polydrug use and associated mental health disorders.

Research limitations/implications

The review points to the need for further research into the pharmacology and toxicity of mephedrone in order to better equip clinicians with assessment, diagnosis and treatment strategies to reduce morbidity.

Practical implications

The increasingly diversified new psycho stimulant market where mephedrone is a major player poses unprecedented challenges for drug surveillance, policy, community and clinical practice.

Social implications

Stricter legislative controls including internet vendor responsibility for supply of mephedrone have been suggested, along with raising public awareness on an international level through coordinated efforts.

Originality/value

The last review was published in 2009 by the Psychonaut Webmapping Group. This review brings together a comprehensive new set of data sources as they relate to this drug.
Karen refugees from Burma: focus group analysis
Authors: Power David V. , Pratt Rebekah J.
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This paper's aim is to describe the health experiences of a recently arrived group of refugees, the Karen from Burma, in an American midwestern city.

Design/methodology/approach

Four focus groups were conducted in their native language with 40 Karen refugees: one group of ten Sgaw Karen speaking men and one of women, one of East Pwo Karen speaking men and one of women. The focus groups and two additional individual interviews were coded using NVivo‐9.

Findings

The findings emphasize the significant communication barriers experienced by the Karen. The data provide rich insights into the struggles being experienced by these new Americans in their own words and highlight some of their differences from previous Asian refugees.

Research limitations/implications

These data are derived from focus groups with refugees in one city in the USA with few available demographic details. Their experiences and observations may not apply to other Burmese refugee groups in other cities and countries.

Practical implications

The data emphasize the complexity of language of this group of Burmese refugees which acts as a significant barrier to accessing health care. Poor or improper interpretation has increased obstacles. Data indicate that many struggle with simple health care tasks that are likely taken for granted by most providers. There appears to be more alcohol and tobacco usage amongst both genders than in other recently arrived Asian groups.

Originality/value

This is original research, which supplements a prior chart review and overview paper by the first author and supplements the otherwise scant literature on this group outside Asia.
Health needs and access to care in immigration detention: perceptions of former detainees
Authors: Zimmerman Susan E. , Chatty Dawn , Nørredam Marie Louise
Published: November 2012

Purpose

As immigration detainee numbers grow, doubts have arisen over the consistency, quality and suitability of the health care services provided among the UK detention estate and in other Western countries. Detained immigrants, due to their past and present situations, may be especially vulnerable in terms of their health. They may simultaneously lack entitlements to care due to their legal situation. Health needs and access to health care services in immigration detention is understudied. Therefore, this exploratory study aims to test the usefulness of a questionnaire among former detainees examining perceptions of their health needs and access to care within immigration detention in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 30 former detainees completed questionnaires, and 27 of these also participated in semi‐structured interviews, in June/July 2010. Frequency analyses of questionnaire responses were performed.

Findings

The results showed that 66 per cent of the participants entered detention with pre‐existing mental or physical health conditions that required ongoing or new treatments. In addition, new mental/emotional (93 per cent) or physical (53 per cent) health problems arose for the majority of the participants within detention.

Research limitations/implications

Access to health care in detention was often problematic in its effectiveness or availability due to a variety of formal and informal challenges.

Originality/value

The results of this exploratory study cast doubt on how appropriately the mental and physical health needs of detainees are being provided for within the current UK detention estate.
“Black white zebra orange orange”: how children with autism make use of computer‐based voice output communication aids in their language and communication at school
Authors: Checkley Rebecca , Reidy Lisa , Chantler Sue , Hodge Nick , Holmes Katie
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This naturalistic study adapted exploratory school practice in order to support empirically‐informed decision making in the provision of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technologies for children with autism.

Design/methodology/approach

Research was conducted with three boys with autism and little speech, as part of a curricular literacy lesson. A mixed method approach, involving observational coding and staff diaries, identified how the boys used computer‐based voice output communication aids (VOCAs), also called speech generating devices (SGDs) and how the technology impacted on their communication and language. The boys were observed in initial lessons (“baseline” sessions), without the VOCA present and in sessions in which the VOCA was available (“intervention” sessions).

Findings

VOCAs were used for two main communicative purposes; naming and giving information, with aids being used primarily to support curricular, task‐related communication. Existing modes of communication continued to be used when access to the VOCA was available. In addition, all three boys showed an increase in Mean Length of Utterance (MLU) after the VOCA was introduced. The findings suggest that computer‐based VOCA technology can augment children's communicative participation in lesson activities. Specific patterns of change were also recorded in the boys' communication, suggesting individualised responses to this technology.

Originality/value

This paper extends the empirical base for clinical decision making by reporting the use of high tech VOCAs by school age children with autism for additional forms of communication, beyond those described elsewhere. It adds to the evidence that interventions which include access to a computer VOCA can have a positive impact on the language complexity of children with autism. It describes the potential of VOCAs to provide an enabling and inclusive technology in a classroom setting.
Attachment theory‐based approaches to treatment and problem behaviour in a medium secure hospital: effects of staff gender on ratings
Authors: Bagshaw Ruth , Lewis Rhiannon , Watt Andrew
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The aim is to determine whether staff ratings of service user attachment style are associated with service user misconduct during inpatient treatment in a medium secure mental health unit; also, to gauge whether staff can evaluate attachment style reliably.

Design/methodology/approach

Retrospective case note analysis on 55 inpatient treatment episodes were supplemented with staff ratings of service user attachment style. Records of untoward incidents were centrally retrieved. Kappa statistics were used to analyse levels of staff agreement regarding service user attachment style.

Findings

Attachment style was associated with hostile episodes, treatment non‐compliance and service user aggression. Post hoc analysis on a subset of data yielded poor overall agreement in ratings of attachment style (Kappa=0.2). Further analysis revealed a sex‐based asymmetry with high consistency in ratings of female service users (Kappa=0.79) and very low inter‐rater reliability for male service users (Kappa=−0.05). It is important to note that the staff included in the interrater reliability analysis were female.

Research limitations/implications

The sample was small, the observation period was short and staff conducting the ratings had no special training in the rating tool.

Practical implications

Attachment style per se played a significant part in the success and/or failure of service user treatment (when measured by misconduct). However, the validity of staffs' ratings of attachment style may interact systematically with the sex of staff and service users. These findings have important implications for the application of the concept of attachment in clinical settings.

Social implications

Mental health professionals place central importance on the establishment of therapeutic relationships between clinicians and service users. Service user attachment style is assumed to play a role in mediating the success, or failure, of relationships with clinicians.

Originality/value

This study makes a novel contribution to the application of attachment theory to secure mental health care, it also demonstrates that gender is an important factor in staff appraisals of service users' approach to treatment.
Policy watch: implementing the mental health strategy
Authors: Corlett Sophie
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The Policy Watch series reflects on recent and forthcoming developments in mental health policy across the UK. This paper aims to review recent developments in mental health policy including the mental health implementation framework, draft Mandate to the NHS Commissioning Board, and proposals on shared decision making and integration of social and health care.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews and summarizes recent developments in national mental health policy in England and their implications for mental health service provision.

Findings

The paper outlines several developments which contribute towards the realisation of the mental health strategy, No Health Without Mental Health.

Originality/value

The paper updates and discusses knowledge on recent and forthcoming mental health policy initiatives and cites recent evidence from Mind.
Remarkable lives: Julie Leibrich in conversation with Jerome Carson
Authors: Leibrich Julie , Carson Jerome
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a profile of Julie Leibrich.

Design/methodology/approach

After a short introduction by Jerome, Julie provides a short biography and is then interviewed by Jerome. Areas covered in the interview include community care, discovery and sanctuary.

Findings

Julie is a psychologist, a poet and someone who has “lived experience” of mental health problems. Julie tells us about the historical problems of implementing community care, here and in New Zealand; she suggests that discrimination towards the mentally ill is more important than stigma; she talks about the importance of “A Gift of Stories” and why she has written her latest book on sanctuary.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates that Julie provides a unique perspective on recovery, though she prefers the term discovery. Her experiences as a research psychologist and as someone with lived experience have informed her writing.
Bacterial symbionts of Bathymodiolus mussels and Escarpia tubeworms from Chapopote, an asphalt seep in the southern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Raggi L. , Schubotz F. , Hinrichs K.‐U. , Dubilier N. , Petersen J. M.
Published: November 2012

Chemosynthetic life was recently discovered at Chapopote, an asphalt hydrocarbon seep in the southern Gulf of Mexico. Preliminary morphological analyses indicated that one tubeworm and two mussel species colonize Chapopote. Our molecular analyses identified the tubeworm as Escarpia sp., and the mussels as Bathymodiolus heckerae and B. brooksi. Comparative 16S rRNA analysis and FISH showed that all three species harbour intracellular sulfur‐oxidizing symbionts highly similar or identical to those found in the same host species from northern Gulf of Mexico (nGoM). The mussels also harbour methane‐oxidizing symbionts, and these shared highly similar to identical 16S rRNA sequences to their nGoM conspecifics. We discovered a novel symbiont in B. heckerae, which is closely related to hydrocarbon‐degrading bacteria of the genus Cycloclasticus. In B. heckerae, we found key genes for the use of aromatic compounds, and its stable carbon isotope values were consistently higher than B. brooksi, indicating that the novel symbiont might use isotopically heavy aromatic hydrocarbons from the asphalt seep. This discovery is particularly intriguing because until now only methane and reduced sulfur compounds have been shown to power cold‐seep chemosynthetic symbioses. The abundant hydrocarbons available at Chapopote would provide these mussel symbioses with a rich source of nutrition.
Genomes of marine cyanopodoviruses reveal multiple origins of diversity
Authors: Labrie S. J. , Frois‐Moniz K. , Osburne M. S. , Kelly L. , Roggensack S. E. , Sullivan M. B. , Gearin G. , Zeng Q. , Fitzgerald M. , Henn M. R. , Chisholm S. W.
Published: November 2012

The marine cyanobacteria Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus are highly abundant in the global oceans, as are the cyanophage with which they co‐evolve. While genomic analyses have been relatively extensive for cyanomyoviruses, only three cyanopodoviruses isolated on marine cyanobacteria have been sequenced. Here we present nine new cyanopodovirus genomes, and analyse them in the context of the broader group. The genomes range from 42.2 to 47.7 kb, with G+C contents consistent with those of their hosts. They share 12 core genes, and the pan‐genome is not close to being fully sampled. The genomes contain three variable island regions, with the most hypervariable genes concentrated at one end of the genome. Concatenated core‐gene phylogeny clusters all but one of the phage into three distinct groups (MPP‐A and two discrete clades within MPP‐B). The outlier, P‐RSP2, has the smallest genome and lacks RNA polymerase, a hallmark of the Autographivirinae subfamily. The phage in group MPP‐B contain photosynthesis and carbon metabolism associated genes, while group MPP‐A and the outlier P‐RSP2 do not, suggesting different constraints on their lytic cycles. Four of the phage encode integrases and three have a host integration signature. Metagenomic analyses reveal that cyanopodoviruses may be more abundant in the oceans than previously thought.
Geographic Variation in the Taphonomic Effect of Vulture Scavenging: The Case for Southern Illinois
Authors: Dabbs Gretchen R. , Martin D. C.
Published: November 2012

The taphonomic effect of vulture scavenging has been previously documented in central Texas (J Forensic Sci, 2009, 54, 524). This study reports on the behavioral differences between two species of vultures (Coragyps atratus, Cathartes aura) observed over a period of 1 year at the Complex for Forensic Anthropology Research in Southern Illinois. The decomposition of six research subjects and two control subjects was observed. Compared with the previous findings of vulture activity, the authors observed a severe delay in the time of first arrival (up to 28 days), decreased feeding time on remains (14–40 min), a less voracious feeding rate (7 days to 2 months to skeletonization), and a completely different feeding pattern of vultures in Southern Illinois. Additionally, no characteristic markings were observed on skeletal elements of research subjects. This study suggests the taphonomic effects of scavengers varies with climate and regions and may affect decomposition rates and patterns.
Substrate use and postural behavior in free‐ranging snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti) in Yunnan
Authors: GRUETER Cyril C. , LI Dayong , REN Baoping , LI Ming
Published: November 2012

Extant colobines represent a predominantly arboreal primate radiation, but there are outliers such as some species of snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus spp.) that utilize both arboreal and terrestrial substrates. We quantified the degree of terrestriality and the distribution of individuals across canopy levels, the extrinsic and intrinsic determinants and constraints of strata association as well as use of postures in relation to behavior and food sources in a wild population of Yunnan snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti) in the Samage Forest, China. The subjects spent 80.5% of the observation time in the trees and 19.5% on the ground. Ground use occurred most frequently in the context of travelling (61%) and less often in the context of feeding and resting (30% combined). Adult males frequented the ground significantly more often than other age‐sex classes. Age‐sex differences were also apparent in substrate preferences, which likely reflect body weight constraints. Adult males were significantly more associated with solid substrates and less with terminal branches than adult females and juveniles. Juveniles were seen more often on unstable ground (i.e. on thin and oblique branches) and in the upper canopy. Substrate use also varied with behavior: feeding was much more common in the upper stratum, outer canopy, on highly inclined and thin branches, as compared to resting. Severe weather also influenced canopy use in that tree crowns were used less often during periods of snowfall. The most frequently exhibited resting and feeding postures was sitting. Standing and suspensory postures were most often used in the context of feeding on lichens.
HIV, Sexual Violence and Special Populations: Adolescence and Pregnancy
Authors: Pellett Madan Rebecca , Herold Betsy C.
Published: November 2012

The risk of male to female transmission of HIV is impacted by baseline inflammation in the female genital tract, semen viral load and seminal plasma's ability to induce specific patterns of cervical cytokine signalling and influx of immune cell populations. Disruption of the epithelial barrier during non‐consensual intercourse may trigger further inflammation and initiation of cell‐signalling pathways, thus facilitating transmission of HIV and expansion of local infection. Adolescent and pregnant women are at high risk for sexual violence and may exhibit alterations of genital mucosal immunity that promote immune activation, making them uniquely vulnerable to HIV acquisition.
Acute Coronary Syndromes Presenting with Transient Diffuse ST Segment Depression and ST Segment Elevation in Lead aVR not Caused by “Acute Left Main Coronary Artery Occlusion”: Description of Two Cases
Authors: Kim Edward , Birnbaum Yochai
Published: November 2012

Background

Diffuse ST‐segment depression in the inferior + anterolateral leads with ST‐segment elevation in lead aVR has been described as characteristic of diffuse circumferential subendocardial ischemia caused by acute subtotal occlusion of the left main coronary artery.

Methods

Here we describe two patients admitted for acute neurological disorders who developed transient diffuse ST‐segment depression in the inferior + anterolateral leads with ST‐segment elevation in lead aVR, associated with elevation of cardiac troponin‐I.

Results

In both cases subsequent coronary angiography did not show significant left main stenosis or “left main equivalent” narrowings.

Conclusions

As both patients had acute neurological disorders, a possible association between the two conditions is discussed.
Notched QRS Complex in Lateral Leads as a Novel Predictor of Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Pan Wenzhi , Su Yangang , Zhu Wenqin , Shu Xianhong , Ge Junbo
Published: November 2012

Backgrounds

Notched QRS (nQRS) may be an indicator of ventricular delay. There are very few studies investigating the value of nQRS. The aim of the study was to identify the predictive value of nQRS for response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Methods

Eighty‐two patients with heart failure (HF) and widened QRS (≥120 ms) were implanted with a CRT device. nQRS was defined as presence of ≥2 R waves, or ≥1 notch in the R wave or S wave in ≥2 contiguous leads. Response to CRT was defined as percentage of left ventricular end‐systolic volume (LVESV) reduction after 6 months CRT (ΔLVESV%) ≥15%.

Results

nQRS was presented in 62 (76%) patients, 16 of whom had nQRS in anterior leads, 47 in inferior leads, and 42 in lateral leads. The rate of CRT response (65% vs 50%, P = 0.29) and ΔLVESV% (21.7 ± 31.7% vs 7.9 ± 25.4%, P = 0.09) were not different between patients with and without nQRS. But the rate of CRT response was higher in patients with nQRS in lateral leads (nQRS‐L) than in those without nQRS‐L (76% vs 45%, P = 0.006). ΔLVESV% was greater in patients with nQRS‐L than in those without nQRS‐L (25.2 ± 34.3% vs 10.1 ± 24.5%, P = 0.004). After adjusting for potential confounders including QRS duration, presence of nQRS‐L still predicted positive CRT response (OR = 4.04, P = 0.009).

Conclusions

nQRS‐L may be a novel predictor of response to CRT in patients with HF and widened QRS. Large‐scale studies are needed to confirm this prognostic value of nQRS‐L.
Predicting Recovery of Myocardial Function by Electrocardiography after Acute Infarction
Authors: Kylmälä Minna M. , Konttila Teijo , Vesterinen Paula , Lindholm Mats , Väänänen Heikki , Stenroos Matti , Nieminen Markku S. , Hänninen Helena , Toivonen Lauri
Published: November 2012

Background

In acute ischemic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, distinguishing viable myocardium is clinically important.

Methods

Body surface potential mapping (Electrocardiography [ECG] with 123 leads), was recorded in 62 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). ECG variables were computed from de‐ and repolarization phases. LV segmental wall motion was assessed by echocardiography acutely and after 1 year.

Results

The number of dysfunctional segments (DFS) diminished during follow‐up in 37 patients (recovery group) and remained the same or increased in 25 patients (nonrecovery group). Acutely, DFS was 5.7 ± 2.1 versus 4.4 ± 2.4 (P = 0.02), and peak CK‐MBm 141 ± 157 versus 156 ± 167 μg/L (P = 0.78) in the recovery versus nonrecovery group. At follow‐up, DFS was 1.9 ± 1.7 versus 6.5 ± 2.6 (P < 0.001). The best ECG variable to predict decrease in DFS depended on the region of acute LV dysfunction: The best variable in the left anterior descending region was the integral of the first QRS integral (area under the curve [AUC] 0.82, P = 0.002); in the right coronary artery region, this was the integral of the ST segment (AUC 0.98, P = 0.003); and in the left circumflex region, the area including the ST segment and the T wave (AUC 0.97, P = 0.006).

Conclusions

In ACS patients, computed ECG variables predict recovery of LV function from ischemic myocardial injury, even in the presence of comparable CK‐MBm release and LV dysfunction.
Omega‐3 PUFAs and Atrial Fibrillation: Have We Made Up Our Mind Yet?
Authors: Guerra Federico , Shkoza Matilda , Scappini Lorena , Roberti Laura , Capucci Alessandro
Published: November 2012

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of arrhythmia in adults, accounting for about one third of total arrhythmia‐related hospitalizations. AF impact on daily clinical practice is steadily rising, together with population aging and increased survival from underlying conditions closely associated with AF such as coronary heart disease and heart failure. Although antiarrhythmic therapy, oral anticoagulation, implanted device therapy, and ablation techniques are now all common and promptly available strategies in AF management, some of them are burdened by a low efficacy rate, while others are associated with increased proarrhythmic or hemorrhagic risk. Consequently, useful alternatives are being sought. Between those, polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFAs) have risen from mere alternative to statins in dyslipidemia management to powerful and well‐tolerated antiinflammatory, antithrombotic, and antiarrhythmogenic drugs.

From the evidence collected through basic science studies, whether on in vivo myocytes, animal models, or surrogate end points in human, n‐3 PUFAs seem to offer innumerable advantages. On the other hand, epidemiological and clinical trials failed to demonstrate a clear efficacy of n‐3 PUFAs as antiarrhythmic drugs, although covered by an optimal safety profile. The aim of the present review is to summarize the most important evidences currently available on the role of n‐3 PUFA in AF management and therapy.