bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time constraints and flexibility of growth strategies: geographic variation in catch‐up growth responses in amphibian larvae
Authors: Dahl Emma , Orizaola Germán , Nicieza Alfredo G. , Laurila Anssi
Published: June 2012

1. As size is tightly associated with fitness, compensatory strategies for growth loss can be vital for restoring individual fitness. However, immediate and delayed costs of compensatory responses may prevent their generalization, and the optimal strategy may depend on environmental conditions. Compensatory responses may be particularly important in high‐latitude habitats with short growing seasons, and thus, high‐latitude organisms might be more efficient at compensating after periods of unfavourable growth conditions than low‐latitude organisms.

2. We investigated geographical differences in catch‐up growth strategies of populations of the common frog (Rana temporaria) from southern and northern Sweden in two factorial common garden experiments involving predation risk and two different causes of growth arrest (nutritional stress and low temperatures) to evaluate how the compensatory strategies can be affected by context‐dependent costs of compensation. Larval and metamorphic traits, and post‐metamorphic performance were used as response variables.

3. Only northern tadpoles exposed to low food completely caught up in terms of metamorphic size, mainly by extending the larval period. Low food decreased survival and post‐metamorphic jumping performance in southern, but not in northern tadpoles, suggesting that northern tadpoles have a better ability to compensate after periods of restricted food.

4. Both northern and southern tadpoles were able to metamorphose at the same size as control tadpoles after being exposed to low temperatures, indicating that consequences of variation in temperature and food availability differed for tadpoles. However, the combination of low temperatures and predation risk reduced survival in both southern and northern tadpoles. Also, predation risk decreased energy storage in both experiments.

5. Our results highlight the influence of climatic variation and the type of stressor as selective factors shaping compensatory strategies.
Information content in cortical spike trains during brain state transitions
Authors: ARNOLD MARIA M. , SZCZEPANSKI JANUSZ , MONTEJO NOELIA , AMIGÓ JOSÉ M. , WAJNRYB ELIGIUSZ , SANCHEZ‐VIVES MARIA V.
Published: June 2012

Even in the absence of external stimuli there is ongoing activity in the cerebral cortex as a result of recurrent connectivity. This paper attempts to characterize one aspect of this ongoing activity by examining how the information content carried by specific neurons varies as a function of brain state. We recorded from rats chronically implanted with tetrodes in the primary visual cortex during awake and sleep periods. Electro‐encephalogram and spike trains were recorded during 30‐min periods, and 2–4 neuronal spikes were isolated per tetrode off‐line. All the activity included in the analysis was spontaneous, being recorded from the visual cortex in the absence of visual stimuli. The brain state was determined through a combination of behavior evaluation, electroencephalogram and electromyogram analysis. Information in the spike trains was determined by using Lempel–Ziv Complexity. Complexity was used to estimate the entropy of neural discharges and thus the information content (Amigóet al. Neural Comput., 2004, 16: 717–736). The information content in spike trains (range 4–70 bits s−1) was evaluated during different brain states and particularly during the transition periods. Transitions toward states of deeper sleep coincided with a decrease of information, while transitions to the awake state resulted in an increase in information. Changes in both directions were of the same magnitude, about 30%. Information in spike trains showed a high temporal correlation between neurons, reinforcing the idea of the impact of the brain state in the information content of spike trains.
Vertical niche partitioning between cryptic sibling species of a cosmopolitan marine planktonic protist
Authors: WEINER AGNES , AURAHS RALF , KURASAWA ATSUSHI , KITAZATO HIROSHI , KUCERA MICHAL
Published: June 2012

A large portion of the surface‐ocean biomass is represented by microscopic unicellular plankton. These organisms are functionally and morphologically diverse, but it remains unclear how their diversity is generated. Species of marine microplankton are widely distributed because of passive transport and lack of barriers in the ocean. How does speciation occur in a system with a seemingly unlimited dispersal potential? Recent studies using planktonic foraminifera as a model showed that even among the cryptic genetic diversity within morphological species, many genetic types are cosmopolitan, lending limited support for speciation by geographical isolation. Here we show that the current two‐dimensional view on the biogeography and potential speciation mechanisms in the microplankton may be misleading. By depth‐stratified sampling, we present evidence that sibling genetic types in a cosmopolitan species of marine microplankton, the planktonic foraminifer Hastigerina pelagica, are consistently separated by depth throughout their global range. Such strong separation between genetically closely related and morphologically inseparable genetic types indicates that niche partitioning in marine heterotrophic microplankton can be maintained in the vertical dimension on a global scale. These observations indicate that speciation along depth (depth‐parapatric speciation) can occur in vertically structured microplankton populations, facilitating diversification without the need for spatial isolation.
Aminoarabinose is essential for lipopolysaccharide export and intrinsic antimicrobial peptide resistance in Burkholderia cenocepacia†
Authors: Hamad Mohamad A. , Di Lorenzo Flaviana , Molinaro Antonio , Valvano Miguel A.
Published: June 2012

One common mechanism of resistance against antimicrobial peptides in Gram‐negative bacteria is the addition of 4‐amino‐4‐deoxy‐l‐arabinose (l‐Ara4N) to the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) molecule. Burkholderia cenocepacia exhibits extraordinary intrinsic resistance to antimicrobial peptides and other antibiotics. We have previously discovered that unlike other bacteria, B. cenocepacia requires l‐Ara4N for viability. Here, we describe the isolation of B. cenocepacia suppressor mutants that remain viable despite the deletion of genes required for l‐Ara4N synthesis and transfer to the LPS. The absence of l‐Ara4N is the only structural difference in the LPS of the mutants compared with that of the parental strain. The mutants also become highly sensitive to polymyxin B and melittin, two different classes of antimicrobial peptides. The suppressor phenotype resulted from a single amino acid replacement (aspartic acid to histidine) at position 31 of LptG, a protein component of the multi‐protein pathway responsible for the export of the LPS molecule from the inner to the outer membrane. We propose that l‐Ara4N modification of LPS provides a molecular signature required for LPS export and proper assembly at the outer membrane of B. cenocepacia, and is the most critical determinant for the intrinsic resistance of this bacterium to antimicrobial peptides.
The Effects of Iodine Deficiency in Pregnancy and Infancy
Authors: Zimmermann Michael B.
Published: June 2012

Iodine requirements are increased ≥50% during pregnancy. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy can cause maternal and fetal hypothyroidism and impair neurological development of the fetus. The consequences depend upon the timing and severity of the hypothyroidism; the most severe manifestation is cretinism. In moderate‐to‐severely iodine‐deficient areas, controlled studies have demonstrated that iodine supplementation before or during early pregnancy eliminates new cases of cretinism, increases birthweight, reduces rates of perinatal and infant mortality and generally increases developmental scores in young children by 10–20%. Mild maternal iodine deficiency can cause thyroid dysfunction but whether it impairs cognitive and/or neurologic function in the offspring remains uncertain. Two meta‐analyses have estimated that iodine‐deficient populations experience a mean reduction in IQ of 12–13.5 points. In nearly all regions affected by iodine deficiency, salt iodisation is the most cost‐effective way of delivering iodine and improving maternal and infant health.
Vitamin A and Carotenoids During Pregnancy and Maternal, Neonatal and Infant Health Outcomes: a Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Thorne‐Lyman Andrew L. , Fawzi Wafaie W.
Published: June 2012

Vitamin A (VA) deficiency during pregnancy is common in low‐income countries and a growing number of intervention trials have examined the effects of supplementation during pregnancy on maternal, perinatal and infant health outcomes. We systematically reviewed the literature to identify trials isolating the effects of VA or carotenoid supplementation during pregnancy on maternal, fetal, neonatal and early infant health outcomes. Meta‐analysis was used to pool effect estimates for outcomes with more than one comparable study. We used GRADE criteria to assess the quality of individual studies and the level of evidence available for each outcome. We identified 23 eligible trials of which 17 had suitable quality for inclusion in meta‐analyses. VA or beta‐carotene (βC) supplementation during pregnancy did not have a significant overall effect on birthweight indicators, preterm birth, stillbirth, miscarriage or fetal loss. Among HIV‐positive women, supplementation was protective against low birthweight (<2.5 kg) [risk ratio (RR) = 0.79 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64, 0.99]], but no significant effects on preterm delivery or small‐for‐gestational age were observed. Pooled analysis of the results of three large randomised trials found no effects of VA supplementation on neonatal/infant mortality, or pregnancy‐related maternal mortality (random‐effects RR = 0.86 [0.60, 1.24]) although high heterogeneity was observed in the maternal mortality estimate (I2 = 74%,P = 0.02). VA supplementation during pregnancy was found to improve haemoglobin levels and reduce anaemia risk (<11.0 g/dL) during pregnancy (random‐effects RR = 0.81 [0.69, 0.94]), also with high heterogeneity (I2 = 52%,P = 0.04). We found no effect of VA/βC supplementation on mother‐to‐child HIV transmission in pooled analysis, although some evidence suggests that it may increase transmission. There is little consistent evidence of benefit of maternal supplementation with VA or βC during pregnancy on maternal or infant mortality. While there may be beneficial effects for certain outcomes, there may also be potential for harm through increased HIV transmission in some populations.
Impact of Increasing Inter‐pregnancy Interval on Maternal and Infant Health
Authors: Wendt Amanda , Gibbs Cassandra M. , Peters Stacey , Hogue Carol J.
Published: June 2012

Short inter‐pregnancy intervals (IPIs) have been associated with adverse maternal and infant health outcomes in the literature. However, many studies in this area have been lacking in quality and appropriate control for confounders known to be associated with both short IPIs and poor outcomes. The objective of this systematic review was to assess this relationship using more rigorous criteria, based on GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology. We found too few higher‐quality studies of the impact of IPIs (measured as the time between the birth of a previous child and conception of the next child) on maternal health to reach conclusions about maternal nutrition, morbidity or mortality. However, the evidence for infant effects justified meta‐analyses. We found significant impacts of short IPIs for extreme preterm birth [<6 m adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.58 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.40, 1.78], 6–11 m aOR: 1.23 [1.03, 1.46]], moderate preterm birth (<6 m aOR: 1.41 [1.20, 1.65], 6–11 m aOR: 1.09 [1.01, 1.18]), low birthweight (<6 m aOR: 1.44 [1.30, 1.61], 6–11 m aOR: 1.12 [1.08, 1.17]), stillbirth (aOR: 1.35 [1.07, 1.71] and early neonatal death (aOR: 1.29 [1.02, 1.64]) outcomes largely in high‐ and moderate‐income countries. It is likely these effects would be greater in settings with poorer maternal health and nutrition. Future research in these settings is recommended. This is particularly important in developing countries, where often the pattern is to start childbearing at a young age, have all desired children quickly and then control fertility through permanent contraception, thereby contracting women's fertile years and potentially increasing their exposure to the ill effects of very short IPIs.
Maternal Nutrition and Birth Outcomes: Effect of Balanced Protein‐Energy Supplementation
Authors: Imdad Aamer , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: June 2012

The nutritional status of a woman before and during pregnancy is important for a healthy pregnancy outcome. Maternal malnutrition is a key contributor to poor fetal growth, low birthweight (LBW) and short‐ and long‐term infant morbidity and mortality. This review summarised the evidence on association of maternal nutrition with birth outcomes along with review of effects of balanced protein‐energy supplementation during pregnancy. A literature search was conducted on PubMed, WHOLIS, PAHO and Cochrane library. Only intervention studies were considered for inclusion and data were combined by meta‐analyses if available from more than one study. Sixteen intervention studies were included in the review. Pooled analysis showed a positive impact of balanced protein‐energy supplementation on birthweight compared with control [mean difference 73 (g) [95% confidence interval (CI) 30, 117]]. This effect was more pronounced in undernourished women compared with adequately nourished women. Combined data from five studies showed a reduction of 32% in the risk of LBW in the intervention group compared with control [relative risk (RR) 0.68 [95% CI 0.51, 0.92]]. There was a reduction of 34% in the risk of small‐for‐gestational‐age babies in the intervention compared with the control group [RR 0.66 [95% CI 0.49, 0.89]]. The risk of stillbirth was also reduced by 38% in the intervention group compared with control [RR 0.62 [95% CI 0.40, 0.98]]. In conclusion, balanced protein‐energy supplementation is an effective intervention to reduce the prevalence of LBW and small‐for‐gestational‐age births, especially in undernourished women.
Decrease in anti‐Leishmania IgG3 and IgG1 after cutaneous leishmaniasis lesion healing is correlated with the time of clinical cure
Authors: FAGUNDES‐SILVA G. A. , VIEIRA‐GONCALVES R. , NEPOMUCENO M. P. , De SOUZA M. A. , FAVORETO S. , OLIVEIRA‐NETO M. P. , DA‐CRUZ A. M. , GOMES‐SILVA A.
Published: June 2012

For better efficiency in the establishment of American tegumentary leishmaniasis clinical cure, the World Health Organization suggests that the clinical criteria are supported by serologic data. The present study aims to investigate the dynamics of IgG subclass production in clinical evolution post‐treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Paired sera from 23 subjects with CL resulting from Leishmania braziliensis infection were studied during the active lesion phase (aCL) and after clinical cure post‐therapy (hCL), which included an alternative protocol with a low dose of antimony. Anti‐Leishmania IgG and its subclasses were measured using ELISA, and the immunoglobulin levels were correlated with patients’ clinical data. All of the subjects were clinically healed and did not present relapse during follow‐up. Serum levels of anti‐Leishmania IgG (r = −0·79; P < 0·0001), IgG1 (r = −0·64, P < 0·001) and IgG3 (r = −0·42, P < 0·045) in hCL were negatively correlated with the duration of clinical cure. After 24 months of clinical cure, 73% of samples were negative for IgG1 and 78% were negative for IgG3. In conclusion, the detection of serum anti‐Leishmania IgG1 and IgG3 is an improved laboratory strategy to aid in the decision of interruption of the ambulatory follow‐up of CL patients.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells attenuate lung inflammation of hyperoxic newborn rats
Authors: Zhang Hongshan , Fang Jianpei , Su Haobin , Yang Min , Lai Wenyu , Mai Yougang , Wu Yanyun
Published: June 2012

Zhang H, Fang J, Su H, Yang M, Lai W, Mai Y, Wu Y. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells attenuate lung inflammation of hyperoxic newborn rats.

Abstract:  BPD is a significant global health problem and currently lacks effective therapy. We established a neonatal rat model of BPD to investigate therapeutic potential of BMSCs in neonatal lung disease. BMSCs were isolated, identified, and transfected by lentiviral vector carrying GFP gene in vitro. Neonatal rats were injected intravenously with either BMSCs or PBS after they had been already exposed to high oxygen for seven days, and assessed on post‐injection day 3, day 7, and day 14 for weight gaining, lung histology, radical alveolar counts, and lung cytokine level. BMSCs were positive for CD29, CD44, and CD90 whereas negative for CD34, CD45, CD11b and with differentiation potential into osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes. BMSCs expressed GFP after transfected by lentivirus. After injection, BMSCs exert their therapeutic benefit of improving weight gaining, preventing alveolar growth arrest, and suppressing lung inflammation of neonatal rats. Intravenous delivery of BMSCs in newborn rats conferred protection from hyperoxia‐induced lung injury, and one of the effects of BMSCs treatment is suppressing lung inflammation.
Prevalence of hepatitis E virus infection in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients – A single‐center experience
Authors: Hoerning André , Hegen Bianca , Wingen Anne‐Margret , Cetiner Metin , Lainka Elke , Kathemann Simone , Fiedler Melanie , Timm Jörg , Wenzel Jürgen J. , Hoyer Peter F. , Gerner Patrick
Published: June 2012

Hoerning A, Hegen B, Wingen A‐M, Cetiner M, Lainka E, Kathemann S, Fiedler M, Timm J, Wenzel JJ, Hoyer PF, Gerner P. Prevalence of hepatitis E virus infection in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients – A single‐center experience.

Abstract:  HEV infection appears to be an emerging disease in industrialized countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HEV infection in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients. One hundred and twenty‐four pediatric recipients of liver (n = 41) or kidney (n = 83) transplants aged between one and 18 yr were screened for anti‐HEV IgG antibodies. Patients were tested for fecal HEV RNA excretion if they showed anti‐HEV seropositivity. As a control group, 108 immunocompetent pediatric patients without liver disease aged between three and 18 yr were screened for anti‐HEV IgG. HEV seroprevalence was 2.4% in renal Tx (2/83), 4.9% in liver Tx patients (2/41), and 3.2% overall (4/124). Three of these four patients were HEV RNA‐negative. In one renal transplant patient, HEV genotype 3 RNA excretion persisted and liver enzymes were elevated, indicating chronic hepatitis. In the control group, eight patients (7.4%) were HEV IgG‐positive without biochemical evidence of hepatitis. The prevalence of HEV infection in pediatric renal or liver transplant recipients is not higher compared with immunocompetent children. Chronic HEV infection with long‐term carriage of the virus may develop in pediatric transplant recipients. Autochthonous HEV infection needs to be considered in uncertain cases of hepatitis in immunosuppressed as well as immunocompetent children.
Long‐term outcome of deceased donor renal transplantation in pediatric recipients: A single‐center experience from a developing country
Authors: Kute Vivek B. , Trivedi Hargovind L. , Vanikar Aruna V. , Shah Pankaj R. , Gumber Manoj R. , Patel Himanshu V. , Munjappa Bipin C. , Modi Pranjal R. , Gera Dinesh N.
Published: June 2012

Kute VB, Trivedi HL, Vanikar AV, Shah PR, Gumber MR, Patel HV, Munjappa BC, Modi PR, Gera DN. Long‐term outcome of deceased donor renal transplantation in pediatric recipients: A single‐center experience from a developing country

Abstract:  RTx is best treatment for children with ESRD. Data scarcity on DDRTx outcome in children prompted us to review our experience. This study was undertaken to evaluate patient/graft survival, function vis‐a‐vis SCr, rejection episodes, and mortality in DDRTx performed in 37 children between 1998 and 2011. The most common recipient diseases leading to ESRD were congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract (48.6%) and chronic glomerulonephritis (18.9%). Mean recipient age was 13.8 ± 3.1 yr; 67.5% (n = 25) were men. Mean donor age was 38.8 ± 18.6 yr; 48.5% (n = 18) were men. Mean dialysis duration pre‐transplantation was 15.5 ± 3.5 months. All recipients received r‐ATG, and triple immunosuppression. Over a mean follow‐up of 3.93 ± 3.5 yr, patient and graft survival rates were 72.9% (n = 27) and 83.7% (n = 31), respectively, with a mean SCr of 1.1 mg/dL; 21.6% (n = 8) of patients had acute rejection episodes; 24.3% (n = 9) of patients had DGF. A total of 27% (n = 10) patients died, mainly owing to infections (n = 6) and cardiovascular disease (n = 3). DDRTx is a viable option for children and achieves acceptable graft function with patient/graft survival over long‐term follow‐up, encouraging use of this approach.
Isolated unilateral cytomegalovirus retinitis: A rare long‐term complication after pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Squires James E. , Sisk Robert A. , Balistreri William F. , Kohli Rohit
Published: June 2012

Squires JE, Sisk RA, Balistreri WF, Kohli R. Isolated unilateral cytomegalovirus retinitis: A rare long‐term complication after pediatric liver transplantation.

Abstract:  To highlight the rare yet devastating complication of CMV retinitis in a minimally immunosuppressed patient eight yr after liver transplantation for biliary atresia. A 22‐yr‐old female status‐post deceased donor liver transplant at age 13 secondary to biliary atresia receiving single agent immunosuppression presented with acute, unilateral, profound decrease in visual acuity. The patient was diagnosed to have acute onset unilateral CMV retinitis. Retinal examination uncovered classical appearance of retinal whitening and retinal hemorrhages with extensive macular involvement. CMV retinitis can occur as a late complication following liver transplantation. Additionally, CMV retinal disease can occur in the absence of laboratory evidence of CMV infection and independent of additional clinical features suggesting CMV disease. Currently, there is no standard of care regarding screening for CMV retinitis, and thus, further research is needed to define the need for potential changes in current clinical practices and post‐transplant screening protocols.
Clinical reasoning process underlying choice of teaching strategies: A framework to improve occupational therapists' transfer skill interventions
Authors: Carrier Annie , Levasseur Mélanie , Bédard Denis , Desrosiers Johanne
Published: June 2012

Background/aim

Clinical reasoning, a critical skill influenced by education and practice context, determines how occupational therapists teach transfer skills. Teaching strategies affect intervention efficacy. Although knowledge about the way teaching strategies are chosen could help improve interventions, few studies have considered this aspect. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the clinical reasoning process of occupational therapists underlying the choice of strategies to teach older adults transfer skills.

Methods

A grounded theory study was carried out with eleven community occupational therapists recruited in six Health and Social Services Centres in Québec, Canada. Data were collected through observations of teaching situations (n = 31), in‐depth semi‐structured interviews (n = 12) and memos, and were analysed using constant comparative methods. Memos were also used to raise codes to conceptual categories, leading to an integrative framework. Rigour was assured by following scientific criteria for qualitative studies.

Results

The integrative framework includes the clinical reasoning process, consisting of eight stages, and its factors of influence. These factors are internal (experiences and elements of personal context) and external (type of transfer, clients' and their environment's characteristics and practice context).

Conclusions

The clinical reasoning process underlying the choice of strategies to teach transfer skills was conceptualised into an integrative framework. Such a framework supports clinicians' reflective practice, highlights the importance of theory and practice of pedagogy in occupational therapists' education, and encourages consideration and better documentation of the possible influence of practice context on teaching interventions. As such, this integrative framework could improve occupational therapists' transfer skill interventions with older adults.
Prevalence and risk factors for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in Asian people who are not obese
Authors: Liu Chun‐Jen
Published: June 2012

Fatty liver (hepatic steatosis) is prevalent in industrialized countries. It is typically linked to obesity, central obesity and the presence of metabolic syndrome. With the introduction of a Westernized lifestyle and the increasing frequency of obesity in the Asia‐Pacific region, the prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been increasing over the past two decades. The risk factors are similar to those in other ethnic populations; but it is important to adopt the regional (ethnic‐specific) anthropometric criteria to define overweight, obesity (including central obesity) and metabolic syndrome. To be noted, even using strict ethnic‐specific criteria, a high percentage (15–21%) of Asia‐Pacific NAFLD subjects in some series have been found to be non‐obese, i.e. to have a normal body mass index (BMI) (17.5–22.4 kg/m2) or to be overweight (BMI 22.5–24.9 kg/m2). Differential distribution of visceral adipose tissue, recent increase in body weight, intake of high cholesterol diet and genetic background are factors likely associated with the development of NAFLD in these non‐obese (but often overweight) Asia‐Pacific subjects. Furthermore, insulin resistance may be the underlying key mechanism. In addition, since NAFLD may be the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, the presence of NAFLD is a predictor of future type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, interventions at the public health level are indicated to halt the trend of overweight as well as obesity in Asia‐Pacific region, particularly among those with relevant family history. Since the pathophysiology of NAFLD is closely related to metabolic derangement, lifestyle modification remains the cornerstone of management.
Prolonged percutaneous SNM testing does not cause infection‐related explanation
Authors: Amend Bastian , Bedke Jens , Khalil Mahmoud , Stenzl Arnulf , Sievert Karl‐Dietrich
Published: June 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is an effective treatment option of different pelvic‐related dysfunctions. SNM evaluation by either temporary or permanent electrodes is generally accepted. Extended testing with temporary electrodes has been reported on before but less is known about infection‐related risks during prolonged evaluation with definitive electrodes.

The present findings show that prolonged testing (mean = 52.3 days) with permanent electrodes does not increase infection‐associated explantation rates, although bacterial colonization was found in more than one‐third of the patients. Prolonged SNM evaluation under everyday conditions might improve long‐term success.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of prolonged stage 1 testing on bacterial electrode colonization, infection and treatment success.

Materials and Methods

In all, 21 patients who underwent sacral neuromodulation (SNM) for periods ≥1 month were prospectively evaluated; nine patients had overactive bladder syndrome (OAB), 10 had urinary retention, two had faecal incontinence (FI), and 13 had diabetes and overweight/obesity.

After stage 1 testing electrode extension leads were microbiologically analysed to assess bacterial colonization.

The primary measurements were pre‐ and post‐SNM treatment comparisons based on patient‐agreed criteria using an increased 70% minimum improvement rate; secondary measurements were bacterial colonization and impact of infection.

Results

The mean stage 1 evaluation period was 52.3 days; 16 patients (76%) progressed to stage 2, and five patients were explanted due to inadequate improvement (<70%).

There was bacterial colonization in 42.9% of patients and 38.2% of extension leads.

Stage 2 patients showed no infection or wound‐healing disorders at a mean follow‐up of 33.9 months.

The success rate for stage 2 implantation treatment was 94%.

Conclusions

There are few studies in the literature evaluating SNM testing periods vs the risk of clinically relevant implant infection rates. The present study shows that prolonged testing could potentially enhance treatment efficacy without infection‐related explantations of the chronic implant, despite the identification of bacteria.

SNM‐implanted patients with diabetes mellitus or obesity should be followed closely.

Clinicians might consider using prolonged testing under everyday conditions.

Prolonged SNM stage 1 testing is a very effective minimally invasive treatment option to evaluate pelvic‐related dysfunction.
The end of life and the family: hospice patients’ views on dying as relational
Authors: Broom Alex , Kirby Emma
Published: June 2012

The end of life is a highly emotive and critical period in the life course and families often play a central role during this time. Despite significant sociological work on dying as a relational experience, there has been little exploration of the significance of contemporary family structures and relations. In this article, drawing on the accounts of twenty hospice in‐patients, we explore how the end of life (in this case within an in‐patient unit) is mediated by family dynamics and expectations. Participants’ accounts reveal a range of interpersonal experiences, including: pressures and strains on families and patients; differentiation in family responses to and involvement in the dying process; and tensions between individual and family preferences/desires. We argue that family dynamics strongly influence individual experiences near death and that the focus on individual preferences and the management of disease in palliative care contexts must be augmented with sophisticated and nuanced understandings of the family context. We suggest that sociological conceptual explanations of shifts in social and family life, such as individualisation and ontological security, may also help us better understand the ways families approach and respond to the dying process.
A Spatial Poisson Hurdle Model for Exploring Geographic Variation in Emergency Department Visits
Authors: Neelon Brian , Ghosh Pulak , Loebs Patrick F.
Published: June 2012

We develop a spatial Poisson hurdle model to explore geographic variation in emergency department (ED) visits while accounting for zero inflation. The model consists of two components: a Bernoulli component that models the probability of any ED use (i.e. at least one ED visit per year), and a truncated Poisson component that models the number of ED visits given use. Together, these components address both the abundance of 0s and the right-skewed nature of the non-zero counts. The model has a hierarchical structure that incorporates patient and area level covariates, as well as spatially correlated random effects for each areal unit. Because regions with high rates of ED use are likely to have high expected counts among users, we model the spatial random effects via a bivariate conditionally auto-regressive prior, which introduces dependence between the components and provides spatial smoothing and sharing of information across neighbouring regions. Using a simulation study, we show that modelling the between-component correlation reduces bias in parameter estimates. We adopt a Bayesian estimation approach, and the model can be fitted by using standard Bayesian software. We apply the model to a study of patient and neighbourhood factors influencing ED use in Durham County, North Carolina.
The Internet, employment and Polish migrant workers: communication, activism and competition in the new organisational spaces
Authors: Fitzgerald Ian , Hardy Jane , Lucio Miguel Martinez
Published: June 2012

This article discusses the content of Polish community–administered websites and trade union engagement. It is based on three sources of data, firstly, semi‐structured interviews with Polish web administrators and trade union officers in the north of England. Secondly, audits of the location of Polish administered UK websites undertaken in April 2007 and 2008. Lastly, an in‐depth thematic questionnaire was undertaken of websites in November 2008. The key findings are that the Internet is an increasingly systematic feature of new migrant politics and representation. Further the trade union movement is not ‘at odds’ with independent and virtual forms of communication and representation. It does pose questions of how to combine and coordinate these and create a more meaningful and sustainable dialogue based on a politics of empowerment.
Impact of a soy nutrition education programme on knowledge in a low‐income community in Qwa‐Qwa, South Africa
Authors: Oldewage‐Theron Wilna , Egal Abdulkadir A.
Published: June 2012

The objective of this study was to measure the knowledge of the South African food‐based dietary guidelines (FBDG), as well as of soy gardening and uses of soy, before and after a nutrition education training programme (NEP). The methods consisted of the four phases of the Food and Agriculture Organization framework for nutrition education. A structured nutrition education questionnaire (NEQ) consisting of 32 questions was developed. The NEQ was used to collect data both at baseline and at the end of a NEP in 75 purposively selected households. Descriptive statistics (frequencies) and paired t‐tests were done to determine the statistically significant (P < 0.05) differences in knowledge before and after the NEP. At baseline, the results showed a good knowledge of the FBDG as the majority of the respondents (66%) answered the questions correctly. Regarding soy, the knowledge of respondents improved significantly (P < 0.05) from 65.0% correctly answered questions before the NEP to 74.1% after the NEP. It can be concluded that the NEP proved to be successful in teaching the caregivers about soy gardening and soy use in the household. It is recommended that memory retention is measured over a longer period and that soy gardens be implemented to further strengthen sustainability and to address household food insecurity and malnutrition.
Consumers' preferences for private and national brand food products
Authors: Wyma Louise , van der Merwe Daleen , Bosman Magdalena J.C. , Erasmus Alet C. , Strydom Herman , Steyn Faans
Published: June 2012

Consumers' choice of private brands reflects distinct differences in terms of product categories, and indications are that demographic and psychographic factors are also influential in terms of the sales of private vs. national brand foods. This study investigated the relationship between selected demographic and psychographic variables and consumers' brand preferences for selected food products in a South African context. A mall intercept, interviewer‐administered questionnaire was used to collect data (n = 620) in an urban area at prominent supermarkets. Findings revealed that consumers' choice of private brands is probably associated with the product category. Although the present study could not expose significant relationships with psychographics for different grocery products, certain demographic factors seem noteworthy. Home language and education level seemed to be more significant indicators of brand preference, which suggests that consumers' ability to interpret label information may be influential. This study concluded that brand preference depends on specific demographics for each product, and that psychographic factors were not significant in terms of product choice. Brand preference research therefore seems to be product and region specific and related to specific demographic variables.
Subject‐specific aortic wall shear stress estimations using semi‐automatic segmentation
Authors: Renner J. , Nadali Najafabadi H. , Modin D. , Länne T. , Karlsson M.
Published: June 2012

Atherosclerosis development is strongly believed to be influenced by hemodynamic forces such as wall shear stress (WSS). To estimate such an entity in‐vivo in humans, image‐based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a useful tool. In this study, we use a combination of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CFD to estimate WSS. In such method, a number of steps are included. One important step is the interpretation of images into 3D models, named segmentation. The choice of segmentation method can influence the resulting WSS distribution in the human aorta. This is studied by comparing WSS results gained from the use of two different segmentation approaches: manual and semi‐automatic, where the manual approach is considered to be the reference method. The investigation is performed on a group of eight healthy male volunteers. The different segmentation methods give slightly different geometrical depictions of the human aorta (difference in the mean thoracic Aorta lumen diameter were 0·7% P<0·86). However, there is a very good agreement between the resulting WSS distribution for the two segmentation approaches. The small differences in WSS between the methods increase in the late systole and early diastolic cardiac cycle time point indicating that the WSS is more sensitive to local geometric differences in these parts of the cardiac cycle (correlation coefficient is 0·96 at peak systole and 0·68 at early diastole). We can conclude that the results show that the semi‐automatic segmentation method can be used in future to estimate relevant aortic WSS.
Intermediation and (Mis‐)Matching in Insurance Markets—Who Should Pay the Insurance Broker?
Authors: Focht Uwe , Richter Andreas , Schiller Jörg
Published: June 2012

Abstract

This article addresses the role of independent insurance intermediaries in markets where matching is important. We compare fee‐based and commission‐based compensation systems and show that they are payoff equivalent if the intermediary is completely honest. Allowing for strategic behavior, we discuss the impact of remuneration on the quality of advice. The possibility of mismatching gives the intermediary substantial market power, which will not translate into mismatching if consumers are rational. Furthermore, we offer a rationale for the use of contingent commissions and address whether or not the ban of any commission payments is an appropriate market intervention.
Product Choice and the Importance of Aesthetic Design Given the Emotion‐laden Trade‐off between Sustainability and Functional Performance
Authors: Luchs Michael G. , Brower Jacob , Chitturi Ravindra
Published: June 2012

This paper investigates the trade‐off decision that consumers face when choosing between a product that is perceived to be more sustainable (i.e., more socially and environmentally responsible) and another product that instead is perceived to offer superior functional performance. Prior research has demonstrated that consumers often believe that there is a trade‐off between sustainability and performance, and in some cases, this trade‐off may be real and not just perceived. The objectives of the current research are to understand the mediators and moderators of this trade‐off choice and to illustrate one specific way in which to use this understanding to promote the consumption of relatively more sustainable products despite a perceived performance trade‐off.

Two separate studies were conducted. The first employed a student‐based sample, whereas the second employed a nationally representative online sample. In both studies, participants were presented with a choice between two consumer products. One product was depicted as having superior sustainability characteristics (and average functional performance), and the other product was depicted as having superior functional performance (and average sustainability characteristics). Participants were asked to imagine that they were leaning toward choosing one product over the other, and then rated the degree to which they were feeling a set of possible emotions. Following these ratings, participants chose one of the products. The results suggest that consumers presented with such a trade‐off will tend to choose the product with superior functional performance over the product with superior sustainability characteristics, due to feelings of distress, until a minimum threshold of functional performance is achieved. The current research also shows that choice given this trade‐off depends upon the degree to which consumers value sustainability that, in turn, is mediated by consumers’ feelings of confidence and guilt.

Further, based on an understanding of the emotions mediating choice in this context, the authors demonstrate how the effective use of product aesthetic design can improve the relative choice likelihood of sustainable products. Specifically, the authors demonstrate that superior aesthetic design has a disproportionately positive effect on the choice likelihood of sustainability‐advantaged (versus performance‐advantaged) products due to the effect that superior aesthetic design has on overcoming the potential lack of confidence in sustainable products. These findings highlight the specific value of aesthetic product design in the context of marketing sustainable products and suggest that it is especially important for firms interested in marketing sustainable products to also develop market‐leading product aesthetic design capabilities.
Strategic Orientation and Product Innovation: Exploring a Decompositional Approach
Authors: Spanjol Jelena , Mühlmeier Silke , Tomczak Torsten
Published: June 2012

While a considerable body of research examines the strategic orientation–innovation relationship, findings in that literature have been mixed. This article calls attention to an underinvestigated problem: the composite, multidimensional conceptualization and measurement of most strategic orientations, which likely contribute to the mixed findings in the literature. To address this issue, the researchers explore a decompositional approach to the strategic orientation–product innovation relationship. The authors utilize the stimulus‐organism‐response framework to select, decompose, and recast a set of strategic orientation components previously identified to be essential to product innovation. To produce more nuanced insights, the authors also decompose product innovation outcomes into breakthrough versus incremental. Furthermore, the sample is decomposed by product type to assess the generalizability of the conceptual model across manufactured goods and services firms. The authors test the conceptual model with a sample of 222 executives of services and manufacturing firms in Germany and Switzerland using partial least squares. By decomposing the strategic orientation effects into direct, indirect, total, and specific components, the detailed empirical analysis yields several new insights. Overall, the results suggest that the relationship between strategic orientation and product innovation is more complex than previously identified in the literature. For example, the results demonstrate that technology orientation works to augment innovation differently in services versus manufacturing firms. More specifically, a focus on technology boosts only breakthrough innovation in manufacturing firms, and only indirectly by enhancing an organization's open‐mindedness. In contrast, services firms extract additional benefits from investing in technology directly (and for both incremental and breakthrough innovation), as well as indirectly by increasing open‐mindedness. The authors also identify complementary as well as suppressing effects on product innovation outcomes from different strategic orientation components. Based on the findings in this study, future research avenues are identified, and managers are advised to consider each component of alternative strategic orientations individually and evaluate the capabilities aligned with components to assess their interdependencies.
Reconsidering the Relationship Between Cultural Theory, Political Ideology, and Political Knowledge
Authors: Ripberger Joseph T. , Song Geoboo , Nowlin Matthew C. , Jones Michael D. , Jenkins‐Smith Hank C.
Published: June 2012

Objective

Social scientists from a variety of disciplines have employed concepts drawn from cultural theory (CT) to explain preferences across an array of issues. Recent research has challenged key elements of CT in a number of ways, perhaps most importantly by arguing that cultural types are simply another formulation of political ideology, and that only politically knowledgeable respondents reliably utilize either cultural or ideological categories in formulating preferences. This study reconsiders and expands upon this contention.

Methods

Principal component analyses of responses to a U.S. national survey of 4,387 people.

Results

Our findings are threefold: (1) people with low levels of political knowledge are able to sort egalitarianism and individualism into coherent worldviews; (2) people with high levels of knowledge do not collapse egalitarianism and individualism onto a single scale of political ideology; and (3) regardless of levels of knowledge, survey respondents are able to recognize all four of the value orientations proposed by CT.

Conclusion

CT, which is related to but different than political ideology, offers a robust system of worldviews that both high‐ and low‐knowledge individuals might draw upon to formulate opinions and make decisions.
Esquamula lacrimiformis n. g., n. sp., a New Member of Thaumatomonads that Lacks Siliceous Scales
Authors: Shiratori Takashi , Yabuki Akinori , Ishida Ken‐Ichiro
Published: June 2012

We report a new naked cercozoan flagellate, Esquamula lacrimiformis n. g., n. sp., collected from a sandy beach in Japan. Its cells were 4.5–11.3 μm in length and 3.9–8.8 μm in width and possess two unequal flagella. Cells move in a smooth gliding motion and have a trailing long posterior flagellum. Phylogenetic analyses with small and large subunit ribosomal RNA genes revealed that E. lacrimiformis forms a novel lineage within the Thaumatomonadida, the members of which are flagellates with siliceous scales. However, our light and electron microscopic observations indicated that E. lacrimiformis cells do not possess any siliceous structures. Furthermore, other morphological characteristics, such as the shape of the extrusomes and the structural arrangement of the microbody, were clearly different from those of previously described thaumatomonads. On the basis of a combination of these morphological observations and our phylogenetic analyses, we conclude that E. lacrimiformis should be treated as a new species of a new genus and placed into a new family, Esquamulidae n. fam., under Thaumatomonadida.