bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A binge-consuming culture: The effect of consumerism on social interactions in western societies
Authors: Passini Stefano
Published: August 2013

We live in a “binge-consuming” culture. Indeed, a certain compulsion to consume seems to characterize not only the way in which people relate to the object world of luxury goods, but also the way we relate to other people, institutions and society in general. In this sense, the term “binge”—usually associated with addictions—may be also useful in identifying our consuming culture. The aim of this article is to discuss how the same psychological processes that are taken into account to explain binge compulsions may be applied to binge as a consumerist and utilitarian way of relating to others. In particular, four aspects characterizing binge addictions—present-time orientation, impulsiveness, the crisis of the relationship with authority and narcissism—may also be recognized in the “normal” way of approaching life and society.
Positive adjustment to poverty: How family communities encourage resilience in traditional African contexts
Authors: Theron Linda Carol , Theron Adam
Published: August 2013

In the main, resilience literature explains positive adjustment to adversity in ways that are biased towards western culture. Although studies of resilience among African Americans have reported the importance of kinship, a typically Africentric concept, no studies have explored how family communities promote youths’ positive adjustment, particularly in contexts of poverty. Family communities are a feature of traditional African culture and comprise extended family members, both alive and deceased. We draw on 14 case studies to illustrate how positive adjustment to poverty was facilitated by appreciative attachment to this community. Each case comprised a resilient black South African student who had adjusted well to the complex challenges associated with poverty. An inductive comparison of their resilience processes, as recounted by each participant in narrative and visual form, demonstrated how their positive adjustment was supported by resilience-supporting transactions within their family community. Specifically, expectation-dominated and example-focused transactions, arising from the family community’s accentuation of mutuality, supported resilience. As such, we conclude that black youth resilience follows communal pathways as emphasised by Africentric culture, in general, and kinship systems, in particular, but urge continued critical investigation of the influence of family communities on youths’ resilience.
Constructing public worlds: Culture and socio-economic context in the development of children’s representations of the public sphere
Authors: Jovchelovitch Sandra , Priego-Hernández Jacqueline , Glăveanu Vlad-Petre
Published: August 2013

This paper explores how children in different cultures and socio-economic contexts develop representations about the public sphere. It addresses how contexts of representation shape the form and content of children’s thinking while expressing the two-way transactions between the child and their social world. Drawings by children from two age groups (seven- and 10-year-olds) and two socio-economic milieus (affluent and deprived), in four cultures (Germany, Mexico, Brazil and Romania), supported by observations and interviews, were used to investigate children’s representations of their public world and their position within it. Findings show that public spheres characterised by collectivism, poverty and/or marginalisation: a) accelerate decentration bringing the public world and its complexity to the foreground of children’s depictions, and b) show a strong link between self and the public world. In affluent or individualistic public spheres we recognise the classical developmental pathway proposed by Piaget, with a clear increase in the separation between self and society as children grow. Children’s representations are flexible semiotic systems whose form and content interact productively with the context in which they develop. These results reject conceptions of children’s knowledge as a prototype of adult knowledge, suggesting that children’s societal knowledge evolves through adaptive strategies to specific socio-cultural environments.
Stressful life experiences and mental health problems among unaccompanied asylum-seeking children
Authors: Jensen Tine K , Fjermestad Krister W , Granly Lene , Wilhelmsen Nicolai H
Published: August 2013

Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children aged 10–16 years ( N = 93, M = 13.8, SD = 1.4, 81% boys) were assessed 6 months after arrival in Norway (SD = 5 months). Participants originated from 14 countries (63% Asia; 36% Africa). Severe life events (SLE) and psychological symptoms were measured by self-report. Participants reported a mean of 5.5 SLE (SD = 2.4), the most prevalent being death of a close person (68%), witnessing violence (63%), and war (62%). Some 54% scored above clinical cutoff on posttraumatic stress symptoms, 30% on anxiety symptoms, 20% on depressive symptoms, and 7% on externalizing symptoms. Number of SLE was associated with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms ( r =.50, p < .001), depression ( r =.27, p = .020), and anxiety symptoms( r =. 34, p = .003), but not externalizing symptoms ( r =.02, p = .874). None of the symptom variables were associated with age or gender. Results indicate that many unaccompanied asylum-seeking children have experienced not only war-related traumas but several other severe life adversities as well. It may thus be helpful to conduct early assessments on this group of children to assess their need for treatment or other psychosocial interventions.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment of a second-generation child of Pakistani descent: Ethnocultural and clinical considerations
Authors: Mahr Fauzia , McLachlan Niel , Friedberg Robert D , Mahr Safia , Pearl Amanda M
Published: August 2013

Ethnocultural variables in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are gaining an increasing amount of attention. This is a welcome development since cultural responsiveness is a core element in ethical and effective CBT practice. However, the literature is sparse and generally silent regarding CBT with children of Pakistani descent. Accordingly, this case based article attempts to close the knowledge gap by reviewing the extant literature pertaining to the role of religion, help seeking behavior, and emotional expression in Pakistani families. The literature review is followed by a case discussion of an 11 year old second generation Pakistani male living in the United Kingdom who is struggling with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The case presentation highlights the importance of culturally informed case conceptualization and individually tailored interventions. The case illustrates the way cognitive behavioral psychotherapy balanced empirically based procedures with a sensitive appreciation of cultural context.
Accuracy of death certificates of cardiovascular disease in a community intervention in Sweden
Authors: Eriksson Anders , Stenlund Hans , Ahlm Kristin , Boman Kurt , Bygren Lars Olov , Johansson Lars Age , Olofsson Bert-Ove , Wall Stig , Weinehall Lars
Published: August 2013

Aim: The aim was to investigate the possibility to evaluate the mortality pattern in a community intervention programme against cardiovascular disease by official death certificates. Methods: For all deceased in the intervention area (Norsjö), the accuracy of the official death certificates were compared with matched controls in the rest of Västerbotten. The official causes of death were compared with new certificates, based on the last clinical record, issued by three of the authors, and coded by one of the authors, all four accordingly blinded. Results: The degree of agreement between the official underlying causes of death in “cardiovascular disease” (CVD) and the re-evaluated certificates was not found to differ between Norsjö and the rest of Västerbotten. The agreement was 87% and 88% at chapter level, respectively, but only 55% and 55% at 4-digit level, respectively. The reclassification resulted in a 1% decrease of “cardiovascular deaths” in both Norsjö and the rest of Västerbotten. Conclusions: The disagreements in the reclassification of cause of death were equal but large in both directions. The official death certificates should be used with caution to evaluate CVD in small community intervention programmes, and restricted to the chapter level and total populations.
The Communicative and Critical Health Literacy Scale – Swedish Version
Authors: Wångdahl Josefin M. , Mårtensson Lena I.
Published: August 2013

Background: Health literacy (HL) is an important determinant for health and a valuable health indicator within public health. As such, it is a significant outcome variable of health promotion efforts. Valid and reliable instruments are needed to evaluate health promotion interventions and to assess levels of HL in a population. One of the few measurements of communicative and critical HL is the Japanese Communicative and Critical Health Literacy scale (C & C HL scale). To make it possible to use this instrument in Sweden, the C & C HL scale was translated into Swedish and different aspects of validity, including test–retest reliability, of the translated version were tested. Methods: After translation and back-translation, The Swedish C & C HL scale was tested for content validity and test–retest reliability. Data were collected from a committee consisting of public health experts and bilingual people, and from a test group of 35 persons. Results: The Swedish C & C HL scale was understandable and showed evidence of content validity. The test–retest confirmed that it was stable over time, percentage agreements for the items ranging from 66% to 89% ( M = 74%). Conclusions: The Swedish C & C HL scale is equivalent to the Japanese C & C HL scale in terms of language and content. The items cover the major aspects of communicative and critical HL and are understandable and stable over time, i.e., reliable.
Rider control identification in bicycling using lateral force perturbation tests
Authors: Schwab AL , de Lange PDL , Happee R , Moore Jason K
Published: August 2013

A model describing rider control while steering and stabilizing a bicycle has been developed. Experimental data were obtained from riding a bicycle on a narrow treadmill while perturbing balance with impulsive forces at the seat post. The experiments were conducted at 2–7 m/s covering both the stable and the unstable forward speed range. Bicycle and rider mechanics have been modeled using the Whipple bicycle model extended with the rider inertia. A rider control model applying steering torque at the handle bars has been developed exploring potential feedback of visual, vestibular and arm proprioceptive cues. The identified rider control parameters, after model reduction, stabilize the system and mimic realistic rider control behavior. The feedback gains of this control model were used to identify the specific optimal control linear-quadratic regulator (LQR) cost function which the rider was using to control the bicycle. The identified cost functions indicate that at low speed the rider minimizes his control effort and at high speed he minimizes the heading error.
Sen on Rawls’s “transcendental institutionalism”: An analysis and critique
Authors: Thomas Alan
Published: August 2013

This paper evaluates Amartya Sen’s criticisms of Rawls’s theory of justice, in particular his critique of the ideal versus nonideal distinction in Rawls, and corrects what I take to be various misconceptions that underpin this critique. I will then move on to the more general issue of how we are to understand the role of the ideal versus nonideal distinction (and how we ought not to understand it) before going on to consider one focused application of Sen’s ideas. I will look at the choice between property-owning democracy and welfare state capitalism, drawing on the important work of Ingrid Robeyns specifically on “gender justice”, in order to argue that Sen’s methodological claims will – if heeded – send us all off on the wrong track.
Punishment at home: Offenders’ experiences with electronic monitoring
Authors: Vanhaelemeesch Delphine , Vander Beken Tom , Vandevelde Stijn
Published: August 2013

As an increasingly popular alternative to prison sentences, electronic monitoring is assumed to generate fewer side effects and to be more humane than imprisonment. While most research on electronic monitoring focuses on its financial or technical implications for penal policy, or on numbers and recidivism, this article analyses the experiences of 27 Belgian convicted offenders with electronic monitoring. Overall, most preferred electronic monitoring to prison, but this was not the case for all the offenders and every circumstance. These findings show that electronic monitoring cannot necessarily be considered a ‘softer’ alternative to imprisonment. The results imply that, as well as reducing over-population in prisons, electronic monitoring may contribute to a decrease in risks for society and the positive empowerment of offenders. Such empowerment can increase their chances of living a crime-free life, which means electronic monitoring can be considered an important step forward for offenders in regaining control over their own lives.
Psychopathic traits and age of crime onset in male juvenile delinquents
Authors: Pechorro Pedro , Maroco João , Gonçalves Rui Abrunhosa , Nunes Cristina , Jesus Saul Neves
Published: August 2013

The aim of this study was to examine the role of psychopathic traits in the crime onset age of male juvenile delinquents. A group of early crime onset ( n = 102), a group of late crime onset ( n = 102), and a non-delinquent group ( n = 102) were formed from a sample of 306 male youths from Portuguese juvenile detention centres and schools. Results showed that early crime onset participants scored higher on psychopathic measures, self-reported delinquency, crime seriousness and conduct disorder than late crime onset participants, and the non-delinquent participants. Psychopathic-traits scores showed significant associations with age of crime onset, age at first encounter with the law, age of first incarceration, self-reported delinquency, seriousness of crime and conduct disorder.
Study on the channel effect of deposition characteristics of neutral atoms in the laser standing wave field
Authors: Baohua Zhu , Wentao Zhang , Jiejun Wang , Xianming Xiong , Yuxin Xiao
Published: August 2013

Based on semiclassical theory, a model of the interaction between neutral atoms and the laser standing wave field has been established in this article. The trajectories and the deposition characteristics are analyzed with channel effect, and the full width at half maximum of nano-grating is 96.70, 0.532 and 12.16 nm when the divergence angle, spherical and chromatic aberration are discussed, respectively. The simulation results show that the contrast of the stripes decreases with the increasing divergence angle of the atomic beam. Also, the contrasts of the stripe are 85.2:1 and 5.33:1 when the divergence angles equal 0.1 and 0.3 mrad. Owing to the scission of the stripe, the quality of the deposition deteriorates with a divergence angle over 0.5 mrad.
Natural convection heat and mass transfer from a sphere in non-Newtonian nanofluids
Authors: Kumari Mahesh , Subba Reddy Gorla Rama
Published: August 2013

A boundary layer analysis has been presented for the natural convection flow of a non-Newtonian nanofluid past a sphere. Solutions of the set of nonsimilarity equations are obtained by employing the implicit finite difference method together with Keller box elimination method. Numerical results for friction factor, surface heat transfer rate and mass transfer rate have been presented for parametric variations of the material parameters, buoyancy ratio parameter [Formula: see text], Brownian motion parameter NB, thermophoresis parameter NT and Schmidt number Sc. The dependency of the surface heat transfer rate (Nusselt number) and mass transfer rate on these parameters has been discussed. It was found that the heat transfer rate decreases and mass transfer rates increase as Schmidt number increases. The friction factor and heat transfer rates decrease as the cross viscosity parameter [Formula: see text] increases. The heat transfer rates increase and mass transfer rates decrease as the buoyancy ratio parameter N increases. As the thermophoresis parameter NT increases, the heat and mass transfer rates increase. As the Brownian parameter NB increases, the heat and mass transfer rates decrease. Brownian motion decelerates the flow in the nanofluid boundary layer. Brownian diffusion promotes heat conduction. The Brownian motion and thermophoresis of nanoparticles increase the effective thermal conductivity of the nanofluid. Both Brownian diffusion and thermophoresis give rise to cross diffusion terms that are similar to the familiar Soret and Dufour cross diffusion terms that arise with a binary fluid.
Do Bayesian adaptive trials offer advantages for comparative effectiveness research? Protocol for the RE-ADAPT study
Authors: Connor Jason T , Luce Bryan R , Broglio Kristine R , Ishak K Jack , Mullins C Daniel , Vanness David J , Fleurence Rachael , Saunders Elijah , Davis Barry R
Published: August 2013

Background

Randomized clinical trials, particularly for comparative effectiveness research (CER), are frequently criticized for being overly restrictive or untimely for health-care decision making.

Purpose

Our prospectively designed REsearch in ADAptive methods for Pragmatic Trials (RE-ADAPT) study is a ‘proof of concept’ to stimulate investment in Bayesian adaptive designs for future CER trials.

Methods

We will assess whether Bayesian adaptive designs offer potential efficiencies in CER by simulating a re-execution of the Antihypertensive and Lipid Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) study using actual data from ALLHAT.

Results

We prospectively define seven alternate designs consisting of various combinations of arm dropping, adaptive randomization, and early stopping and describe how these designs will be compared to the original ALLHAT design. We identify the one particular design that would have been executed, which incorporates early stopping and information-based adaptive randomization.

Limitations

While the simulation realistically emulates patient enrollment, interim analyses, and adaptive changes to design, it cannot incorporate key features like the involvement of data monitoring committee in making decisions about adaptive changes.

Conclusion

This article describes our analytic approach for RE-ADAPT. The next stage of the project is to conduct the re-execution analyses using the seven prespecified designs and the original ALLHAT data.
Bayesian hierarchical modeling of patient subpopulations: Efficient designs of Phase II oncology clinical trials
Authors: Berry Scott M , Broglio Kristine R , Groshen Susan , Berry Donald A
Published: August 2013

Background

In oncology, the treatment paradigm is shifting toward personalized medicine, where the goal is to match patients to the treatments most likely to deliver benefit. Treatment effects in various subpopulations may provide some information about treatment effects in other subpopulations.

Purpose

We compare different approaches to Phase II trial design where a new treatment is being investigated in several groups of patients. We compare considering each group in an independent trial to a single trial with hierarchical modeling of the patient groups.

Methods

We assume four patient groups with different background response rates and simulate operating characteristics of three trial designs, Simon’s Optimal Two-Stage design, a Bayesian adaptive design with frequent interim analyses, and a Bayesian adaptive design with frequent interim analyses and hierarchical modeling across patient groups.

Results

Simon’s designs are based on 10% Type I and Type II error rates. The independent Bayesian designs are tuned to have similar error rates, but may have a slightly smaller mean sample size due to more frequent interim analyses. Under the null, the mean sample size is 2–4 patients smaller. A hierarchical model across patient groups can provide additional power and a further reduction in mean sample size. Under the null, the addition of the hierarchical model decreases the mean sample size an additional 4–7 patients in each group. Under the alternative hypothesis, power is increased to at least 98% in all groups.

Limitations

Hierarchical borrowing can make finding a single group in which the treatment is promising, if there is only one, more difficult. In a scenario where the treatment is uninteresting in all but one group, power for that one group is reduced to 65%. When the drug appears promising in some groups and not in others, there is potential for borrowing to inflate the Type I error rate.

Conclusions

The Bayesian hierarchical design is more likely to correctly conclude efficacy or futility than the other two designs in many scenarios. The Bayesian hierarchical design is a strong design for addressing possibly differential effects in different groups.
Analytical and clinical evaluation of biomarkers assays: When are biomarkers ready for prime time?
Authors: Pennello Gene A
Published: August 2013

Background

Biomarker assays can be evaluated for analytical performance (ability of assay to measure the biomarker quantity) and clinical performance (ability of assay result to inform of the clinical condition of interest). Additionally, a biomarker assay is said to have clinical utility if it ultimately improves patient outcomes when used as intended.

Purpose

This article reviews analytical and clinical performance studies of biomarker assay tests and also some designs of clinical utility studies.

Results

Appropriate design and statistical analysis of analytical and clinical evaluation studies depend on the intended clinical use of the test. Some key aspects to valid performance studies include using subjects who are independent of those used to develop the test, masking users of the test to any other available test or reference results, and including in the primary statistical analysis subjects with unavailable results in an intention-to-diagnose analysis. Ingenuity in study design and analysis may be required for efficient and unbiased estimation of performance.

Limitations

Performance studies need to be carefully planned as they can be prone to many sources of bias. Analytical inaccuracy can hamper the clinical performance of biomarkers.

Conclusions

As biomedical research and technology advance, challenges in study design and statistical analysis will continue to emerge for analytical and clinical performance studies of biomarker assays. Although not emphasized in some circles, the analytical performance of a biomarker assay is important to characterize. Analytical performance studies have many study design and statistical analysis challenges that deserve further attention.
Reconnecting with urban youth enrolled in a randomized controlled trial and overdue for a 12-month follow-up survey
Authors: Ezell Jerel M , Saltzgaber Jacquelyn , Peterson Edward , Joseph Christine LM
Published: August 2013

Background

Retention of study participants in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is crucial to study validity.

Purpose

We analyzed the results of four retention strategies used to reconnect with urban teens enrolled in a school-based RCT and overdue for a 12-month follow-up survey.

Methods

Traditional retention strategies used to reconnect with teens categorized as ‘unable to contact’ were weekly redials of nonworking telephone numbers and mailings to the student’s home. Nontraditional retention strategies were obtaining assistance from school administration and performing outreach on Facebook.

Results

Of the 422 students enrolled, 125 (29.5%) were overdue for a 12-month follow-up survey, but had no working telephone number (unable to contact). We made 196 attempts to contact these 125 students, of which 82 attempts (41.8%) were successful in ‘reconnecting’ with the student. Using ‘mailed reminder letters’ as the referent category, odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the association between the strategy used and reconnecting were 4.60 (1.8–11.8), 1.94 (1.01–3.73), and 2.91 (0.58–14.50), respectively, for telephone number redials, Facebook outreach, and school administration assistance. Of the 422 students, 380 (90%) ultimately completed the 12-month follow-up survey.

Limitations

Retention strategies were not applied hierarchically or systematically. We were unable to determine student preference for a particular strategy. Findings are likely only applicable to similar study populations.

Conclusion

A mix of traditional retention strategies and more contemporary methods was effective in reconnecting with urban teenagers enrolled in a school-based RCT and in controlling attrition during the 12-month follow-up survey period.
Comprendre les représentations du personnel soignant face aux infections nosocomiales au Clostridium difficile au Québec pour mieux en promouvoir la santé
Authors: Seifert Ana María , O’Neill Michel
Published: August 2013

Au cours des dernières années, la transmission des infections nosocomiales, notamment des infections à Clostridium difficile, est devenue une importante préoccupation au Québec. Pour éviter leur transmission, les experts recommandent notamment la formation du personnel. Dans cet article, nous décrivons la représentation que se font certaines catégories de personnel de la santé à propos des risques reliés à la transmission du Clostridium difficile et leur perception des messages de prévention, afin d’identifier des avenues permettant de contribuer à cette formation. Nous avons effectué 27 entrevues et 186 heures d’observation auprès d’infirmières, infirmières auxiliaires, préposés aux bénéficiaires et préposés à l’entretien sanitaire expérimentés, dans deux unités de soins de courte durée et deux de longue durée d’un hôpital à Montréal. Résultats : le personnel se préoccupe de la transmission du C difficile envers les patients et envers leurs propres familles davantage que des conséquences immédiates sur leur propre santé. Les pratiques pour éviter de transporter le microorganisme à leur maison sont décrites. Malgré l’application de mesures de prévention, certains participants pensent s’être contaminés et être porteurs sains du C difficile, qui persisterait dans leur organisme et pourrait s’activer s’ils sont affaiblis ou sous antibiotiques. Cette contamination surviendrait à cause de situations mettant en échec la prévention : les patients non diagnostiqués et les délais de diagnostic, un manque de formation sur les mesures de prévention et sur les mesures pratiques pour les appliquer et un manque d’information sur les produits désinfectants, ces deux dernières mesures affectant surtout les préposées aux bénéficiaires. Nous concluons sur la nécessité de prendre en compte les préoccupations du personnel dans les interventions éducatives ; de formations pratiques, adaptées au travail et sur le besoin d’information quant aux raisons de changements de produits.
Violencia en el noviazgo y salud mental en estudiantes universitarios mexicanos
Authors: Lazarevich Irina , Irigoyen Camacho María E , Sokolova Anna V , Delgadillo Gutiérrez Hector J
Published: August 2013

Antecedentes:

En las últimas dos décadas, ha aumentado el interés por la promoción de la salud en el sector educativo superior, a través del programa “Universidades Saludables” promovido por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Es importante reconocer las necesidades relacionadas con la salud de los integrantes de la comunidad universitaria, así como reflexionar sobre las acciones dirigidas a cubrirlas. Uno de los problemas prioritarios respecto a la salud mental de los jóvenes universitarios es la violencia en el noviazgo. Considerando lo anterior, los objetivos del presente estudio fueron: evaluar la violencia en el noviazgo, la sintomatología depresiva y la autoestima en estudiantes universitarios; estudiar la relación entre la violencia, la depresión y la autoestima; y promover la implementación de programas preventivos entre la comunidad universitaria.

Métodos:

Se realizó un estudio transversal y descriptivo con las respuestas de 729 estudiantes universitarios, aplicando el “Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationship Inventory,” el Inventario de Depresión de Beck y el Inventario de Coopersmith para evaluar la autoestima.

Resultados:

Los resultados mostraron una elevada prevalencia de violencia en los jóvenes universitarios, particularmente verbal-emocional (75%). Las agresiones fueron de carácter bidireccional, tanto hombres como mujeres cometieron y sufrieron la violencia. La conducta violenta se asoció con la baja autoestima en las mujeres y con síntomas depresivos en ambos sexos.

Conclusiones:

Desde el enfoque del programa “Universidades Saludables,” es importante que las instituciones de educación superior sean promotoras de la salud mediante la creación y difusión del conocimiento, la formación de recursos humanos y la promoción de la organización comunitaria. Los resultados del estudio indican la necesidad de desarrollar programas educativos orientados a la prevención de la violencia, al manejo de emociones y a la resolución de conflictos.
Sur la contribution des personnes utilisatrices de services de santé mentale en tant que partenaires d’enseignement en psychiatrie
Authors: Pelletier Jean-François , Gifuny Anthony , Nicole Luc , Labrie Racine Gabrielle , Bordeleau Julie , Rowe Michael
Published: August 2013

Le Collège royal des médecins et chirurgiens du Canada prévoit qu’au terme de leur formation, les résidents en psychiatrie pourront agir efficacement en tant que promoteurs de la santé. Ce commentaire présente une analyse d’entrevues réalisées dans le cadre d’un perfectionnement professionnel auprès d’experts mondialement reconnus du rétablissement en santé mentale. À la lumière de la Charte d’Ottawa pour la promotion de la santé, il en ressort que des personnes utilisatrices de services de santé mentale peuvent être de précieux partenaires d’enseignement à la fois en matière de promotion de la santé et de rétablissement. Le recours à des patients partenaires d’enseignement en psychiatrie peut également représenter une stratégie de lutte à la stigmatisation et aux préjugés en favorisant davantage de réciprocité entre les professionnels et les personnes traitées.
The impact of public expenditure on undernourishment distribution in Mexico
Authors: Moreno-Macías Lidia , Palma-Solís Marco , Zapata-Vázquez Rita E
Published: August 2013

The status of undernourishment in children under the age of five in Mexico is open to debate. Linked to poverty, underweight and stunting, the rates of undernourishment are reported to be diminishing, although poverty remains an incessant problem. This study was done to determine whether there is an association between public expenditure and underweight and stunting distribution in Mexico based on data from the 2006 health and population census and from macroeconomic, social, and demographic variables. We used principal component analysis to reduce the number of variables and analyze their behavior. Multiple regressions showed that underweight and stunting are significantly associated with the marginalization index, support from the Sistema Nacional para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia (DIF) supplies and breakfast program, the gross domestic product per capita, and expenditure from the Opportunities program. Further, public expenditure aimed to combat undernourishment is inadequately oriented to address the needs of the poor.
Impacto de acciones formativas en la percepción de riesgo de jóvenes universitarios: Estudio preliminar
Authors: Andrés Villas Montserrat , Raquel Remesal Cobreros , Esperanza Torrico Linares , Salazar Torres Isabel C
Published: August 2013

En el presente trabajo mostramos los datos de una actividad realizada con estudiantes universitarios. La actividad constaba de dos partes: en primer lugar, una experta dió una conferencia sobre estilos de vida y salud, haciendo referencia a las principales conductas de salud y de riesgo, el efecto de éstas sobre la salud, los factores que determinan su instauración y mantenimiento, y las posibilidades de cambio. Posteriormente, se realizó un taller en el que el alumnado trabajaba con el “Cuestionario de prácticas y creencias sobre estilos de vida” (Arrivillaga, Salazar y Gómez, 2002), completándolo y analizándolo, planteando en los casos necesarios las intervenciones oportunas. Los objetivos eran que el alumnado fuese capaz de identificar sus propios hábitos, conductas de salud y conductas de riesgo, así como valorar su intención de participar en actividades de promoción de su salud o de prevención de riesgo, tras la realización de la actividad. Encontramos que, con respecto a la valoración inicial, al finalizar la actividad un mayor número estaría dispuesto a participar en programas de promoción de la salud o prevención de la enfermedad. En conclusión, podemos afirmar que las actividades informativas y de sensibilización pueden ser una estrategia importante en la motivación para el cambio.
“The Best I Can Be”
Authors: Butler Sim , Bissell Kim
Published: August 2013

For the first time ever during the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, the mascots for each game were introduced together. The Paralympic mascot, Mandeville, and the Olympic mascot, Wenlock, are similar in appearance and construction. However, their adventures, established through online movies, highlight striking differences between the mascots and the athletes they represent. As mascots portray physical representations of the ideologies of sporting teams and events, producing two mascots for two different sets of athletic competition creates a unique situation through which to compare normative constructions. Through the online-mediated representations of Mandeville and Wenlock, the present study used rhetorical analysis to examine how the two mascots’ stories communicated specific messages to viewers about ability and disability. Within these films, those deemed as disabled are clearly otherized through injury, isolation, and displays of ability. The lens through which viewers learned about able-bodiedness and disability present a stereotypical representation of the body at best, but through the animated stories told about the two mascots, viewers’ perceptions about disabled athletes being injured, being feminine, or being incapable of managing specific tasks may have developed or been reinforced.
Explaining Educational Differences in Adolescent Substance Use and Sexual Activity
Authors: de Looze Margaretha , Bogt Tom FM ter , Vollebergh Wilma AM
Published: August 2013

Secondary school adolescents attending vocational tracks engage considerably more often in substance use and sexual activity compared to those attending academic tracks. Prior studies have sought explanations for these differences in higher levels of social-emotional problems among vocational students. This study presents a novel approach. Inspired by ethnographic and cultural studies, it examines the role of conceptions and expectations of adulthood in the association between educational track and adolescent substance use and sexual activity. Self-report data were collected among 1,568 Dutch adolescents by means of a web-based questionnaire. First, in a preliminary qualitative analysis, conceptions of adulthood were explored among vocational and academic students. Next, a mediation analysis was employed. Results of the qualitative analysis revealed that vocational and academic students had different conceptions of adulthood, with vocational students perceiving substance use and sexual activity more often as typical adult behaviors. The results of the quantitative analysis confirmed this finding and added that vocational students expect social role transitions earlier in life than academic students. Both factors mediated the association between educational track and adolescent substance use and sexual activity. Implications of the findings and future directions for research are discussed.
Emerging Adult Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors
Authors: Luster Stephanie S. , Nelson Larry J. , Poulsen Franklin O. , Willoughby Brian J.
Published: August 2013

Numerous studies have shown how shyness affects individuals in childhood and adolescence; however, little is known about the effects shyness may have in emerging adulthood. This study addressed how shyness may be associated with sexual attitudes and behaviors of emerging adult men and women. Participants included 717 students from four college sites across the United States, who were largely female (69%), European American (69%), unmarried (100%), and living outside their parents’ home (90%). Results suggested that shyness was positively associated with sexual attitudes (reflecting more liberal views) for men whereas shyness was negatively associated with sexual attitudes for women. Shyness was positively associated with solitary sexual behaviors of masturbation and pornography use for men. Shyness was also negatively associated with relational sexual behaviors (coital and noncoital) and number of lifetime partners for women. Implications for these findings are discussed.
A novel role for factor VIII and thrombin/PAR1 in regulating hematopoiesis and its interplay with the bone structure
Authors: Aronovich Anna , Nur Yaniv , Shezen Elias , Rosen Chava , Zlotnikov Klionsky Yael , Milman Irit , Yarimi Liran , Hagin David , Rechavi Gidi , Martinowitz Uriel , Nagasawa Takashi , Frenette Paul S. , Tchorsh-Yutsis Dalit , Reisner Yair
Published: August 2013

Key Points

The coagulation cascade via the factor VIII/thrombin/PAR1 axis regulates HSC maintenance. The coagulation cascade via factor VIII/thrombin/PAR1 axis regulates a reciprocal interplay between HSCs and the dynamic bone structure.
Human VKORC1 mutations cause variable degrees of 4-hydroxycoumarin resistance and affect putative warfarin binding interfaces
Authors: Czogalla Katrin J. , Biswas Arijit , Wendeln Ann-Christin , Westhofen Philipp , Müller Clemens R. , Watzka Matthias , Oldenburg Johannes
Published: August 2013

Key Points

In vitro analysis of VKORC1 mutations perfectly reflects patients’ warfarin resistance phenotypes. In silico docking of warfarin on a VKORC1 model reveals a putative docking site in agreement with the locations of OACR-associated mutations.
RNA-Seq effectively monitors gene expression in Eutrema salsugineum plants growing in an extreme natural habitat and in controlled growth cabinet conditions
Authors: Champigny Marc J , Sung Wilson WL , Catana Vasile , Salwan Rupa , Summers Peter S , Dudley Susan A , Provart Nicholas J , Cameron Robin K , Golding G Brian , Weretilnyk Elizabeth A
Published: August 2013

Background

The investigation of extremophile plant species growing in their natural environment offers certain advantages, chiefly that plants adapted to severe habitats have a repertoire of stress tolerance genes that are regulated to maximize plant performance under physiologically challenging conditions. Accordingly, transcriptome sequencing offers a powerful approach to address questions concerning the influence of natural habitat on the physiology of an organism. We used RNA sequencing ofEutrema salsugineum,an extremophile relative ofArabidopsis thaliana, to investigate the extent to which genetic variation and controlled versus natural environments contribute to differences between transcript profiles.

Results

Using 10 million cDNA reads, we compared transcriptomes from two naturalEutremaaccessions (originating from Yukon Territory, Canada and Shandong Province, China) grown under controlled conditions in cabinets and those from Yukon plants collected at a Yukon field site. We assessed the genetic heterogeneity between individuals using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the expression patterns of 27,016 genes. Over 39,000 SNPs distinguish the Yukon from the Shandong accessions but only 4,475 SNPs differentiated transcriptomes of Yukon field plants from an inbred Yukon line. We found 2,989 genes that were differentially expressed between the three sample groups and multivariate statistical analyses showed that transcriptomes of individual plants from a Yukon field site were as reproducible as those from inbred plants grown under controlled conditions. Predicted functions based upon gene ontology classifications show that the transcriptomes of field plants were enriched by the differential expression of light- and stress-related genes, an observation consistent with the habitat where the plants were found.

Conclusion

Our expectation that comparative RNA-Seq analysis of transcriptomes from plants originating in natural habitats would be confounded by uncontrolled genetic and environmental factors was not borne out. Moreover, the transcriptome data shows little genetic variation between laboratory YukonEutremaplants and those found at a field site. Transcriptomes were reproducible and biological associations meaningful whether plants were grown in cabinets or found in the field. Thus RNA-Seq is a valuable approach to study native plants in natural environments and this technology can be exploited to discover new gene targets for improved crop performance under adverse conditions.
Molecular footprints of domestication and improvement in soybean revealed by whole genome re-sequencing
Authors: Li Ying-hui , Zhao Shan-cen , Ma Jian-xin , Li Dong , Yan Long , Li Jun , Qi Xiao-tian , Guo Xiao-sen , Zhang Le , He Wei-ming , Chang Ru-zhen , Liang Qin-si , Guo Yong , Ye Chen , Wang Xiao-bo , Tao Yong , Guan Rong-xia , Wang Jun-yi , Liu Yu-lin , Jin Long-guo , Zhang Xiu-qing , Liu Zhang-xiong , Zhang Li-juan , Chen Jie , Wang Ke-jing , Nielsen Rasmus , Li Rui-qiang , Chen Peng-yin , Li Wen-bin , Reif Jochen C , Purugganan Michael , Wang Jian , Zhang Meng-chen , Wang Jun , Qiu Li-juan
Published: August 2013

Background

Artificial selection played an important role in the origin of modern Glycine max cultivars from the wild soybean Glycine soja. To elucidate the consequences of artificial selection accompanying the domestication and modern improvement of soybean, 25 new and 30 published whole-genome re-sequencing accessions, which represent wild, domesticated landrace, and Chinese elite soybean populations were analyzed.

Results

A total of 5,102,244 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 707,969 insertion/deletions were identified. Among the SNPs detected, 25.5% were not described previously. We found that artificial selection during domestication led to more pronounced reduction in the genetic diversity of soybean than the switch from landraces to elite cultivars. Only a small proportion (2.99%) of the whole genomic regions appear to be affected by artificial selection for preferred agricultural traits. The selection regions were not distributed randomly or uniformly throughout the genome. Instead, clusters of selection hotspots in certain genomic regions were observed. Moreover, a set of candidate genes (4.38% of the total annotated genes) significantly affected by selection underlying soybean domestication and genetic improvement were identified.

Conclusions

Given the uniqueness of the soybean germplasm sequenced, this study drew a clear picture of human-mediated evolution of the soybean genomes. The genomic resources and information provided by this study would also facilitate the discovery of genes/loci underlying agronomically important traits.
Genetic variability of Mycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex in patients with no known risk factors for MDR-TB in the North-eastern part of Lima, Peru
Authors: Barletta Francesca , Otero Larissa , Collantes Jimena , Asto Belisa , de Jong Bouke C , Seas Carlos , Rigouts Leen
Published: August 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity among Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex circulating in patients with no known risk factors for multi-drug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) living in a high MDR burden area and analyze the relationship between genotypes, primary drug resistance and age.

Methods

Samples were collected during January-July 2009. Isolates were tested for drug susceptibility to first-line drugs and were genotyped by spoligotyping and the 15-loci Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive Unit (MIRU15).

Results

Among the 199 isolates analyzed, 169 (84.9%) were identified in the SpolDB4.0 and 30 (15.1%) could not be matched to any lineage. The most prevalent lineage was Haarlem (29.6%), followed by T (15.6%), Beijing (14.1%), Latin American Mediterranean (12.6%) and U (8.5%). A few isolates belonged to the X and S clades (4.5%). Spoligotype analysis identified clustering among 148 of 169 isolates, whereas with MIRU15 all isolates were unique. Out of 197 strains; 31.5% were resistant to at least one drug, 7.5% were MDR and 22.3% showed any resistance to isoniazid.

Conclusion

In contrast with other Latin-American countries where LAM lineage is the most predominant, we found the spoligotype 50 from the Haarlem lineage as the most common. None of the prevailing lineages showed a significant association with age or resistance to isoniazid and/or rifampicin.
Protection of the heart by treatment with a divalent-copper-selective chelator reveals a novel mechanism underlying cardiomyopathy in diabetic rats
Authors: Zhang Lin , Ward Marie-Louise , Phillips Anthony RJ , Zhang Shaoping , Kennedy John , Barry Bernard , Cannell Mark B , Cooper Garth JS
Published: August 2013

Background

Intracellular calcium (Ca2+) coordinates the cardiac contraction cycle and is dysregulated in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Treatment with triethylenetetramine (TETA), a divalent-copper-selective chelator, improves cardiac structure and function in patients and rats with diabetic cardiomyopathy, but the molecular basis of this action is uncertain. Here, we used TETA to probe potential linkages between left-ventricular (LV) copper and Ca2+homeostasis, and cardiac function and structure in diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Methods

We treated streptozotocin-diabetic rats with a TETA-dosage known to ameliorate LV hypertrophy in patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy. Drug treatment was begun either one (preventative protocol) or eight (restorative protocol) weeks after diabetes induction and continued thereafter for seven or eight weeks, respectively. Total copper content of the LV wall was determined, and simultaneous measurements of intracellular calcium concentrations and isometric contraction were made in LV trabeculae isolated from control, diabetic and TETA-treated diabetic rats.

Results

Total myocardial copper levels became deficient in untreated diabetes but were normalized by TETA-treatment. Cardiac contractility was markedly depressed by diabetes but TETA prevented this effect. Neither diabetes nor TETA exerted significant effects on peak or resting [Ca2+]i. However, diabetic rats showed extensive cardiac remodelling and decreased myofibrillar calcium sensitivity, consistent with observed increases in phosphorylation of troponin I, whereas these changes were all prevented by TETA.

Conclusions

Diabetes causes cardiomyopathy through a copper-mediated mechanism that incorporates myocardial copper deficiency, whereas TETA treatment prevents this response and maintains the integrity of cardiac structure and myofibrillar calcium sensitivity. Altered calcium homeostasis may not be the primary defect in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Rather, a newly-described copper-mediated mechanism may cause this disease.