bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Capital as a Portfolio of Resources Across Multiple Microsystems: Implications for Middle‐School Students
Authors: Rose Roderick A. , Woolley Michael E. , Bowen Gary L.
Published: August 2013

Widespread approaches to the conceptualization and measurement of social capital have been subjected to critical examination in recent years; some argue that its meaning and impact have been diluted. Many authors have subsequently clarified the concept of social capital as fungible resources: social norms, rules, and obligations formed from youths' social networks that provide benefits to youth that further positive development. Using latent profile analysis on social capital data gathered from middle school students, the authors offer a measurement approach that more closely reflects this conceptualization by more effectively accounting for critical information about the varied sources and the aggregate effects of those sources of capital. The authors label the resulting multiple microsystem patterns of social capital “portfolios,” making explicit the conceptual connection of social capital to other forms of capital.
Strengthening Incarcerated Families: Evaluating a Pilot Program for Children of Incarcerated Parents and Their Caregivers
Authors: Miller Alison L. , Perryman Jamie , Markovitz Lara , Franzen Susan , Cochran Shirley , Brown Shavonnea
Published: August 2013

Parental incarceration can be devastating for families. Children may experience difficulties, and the stress on caregivers who take on unexpected childrearing is high. The authors implemented and evaluated a family‐level intervention with caregivers and children experiencing parental (typically maternal) incarceration in a community setting. The authors partnered with a community‐based organization serving families with an incarcerated parent to conduct a pilot trial of the Strengthening Families Program (SFP). Process evaluation indicated high implementation fidelity, satisfaction, engagement, and attendance. Outcome evaluation results indicated positive changes in family‐level functioning, caregivers' positive parenting, and caregiver depression symptoms from pre‐ to postintervention, with some changes retained at follow‐up 4 months later. Implications for preventive interventions with children of incarcerated parents and their caregivers, are discussed.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Extended Family, Friendship, Fictive Kin, and Congregational Informal Support Networks
Authors: Taylor Robert Joseph , Chatters Linda M. , Woodward Amanda Toler , Brown Edna
Published: August 2013

This study examined differences in kin and nonkin networks among African Americans, Caribbean Blacks (Black Caribbeans), and non‐Hispanic Whites. Data are taken from the National Survey of American Life, a nationally representative study of African Americans, Black Caribbeans, and non‐Hispanic Whites. Selected measures of informal support from family, friendship, fictive kin, and congregation/church networks were utilized. African Americans were more involved in congregation networks, whereas non‐Hispanic Whites were more involved in friendship networks. African Americans were more likely to give support to extended family members and to have daily interaction with family members. African Americans and Black Caribbeans had larger fictive kin networks than non‐Hispanic Whites, but non‐Hispanic Whites with fictive kin received support from them more frequently than African Americans and Black Caribbeans. The discussion notes the importance of examining kin and nonkin networks, as well as investigating ethnic differences within the Black American population.
Offering Relationship Education (PREP) for Couples During Pregnancy: Self‐Selection Patterns
Authors: Engsheden Natalie , Fabian Helena , Sarkadi Anna
Published: August 2013

The aim of the study was to investigate patterns of self‐selection into the Prevention and Relationship Education Program (PREP) as it was offered universally to expectant couples attending maternity services in a Swedish town. The baseline questionnaire was answered by 141 couples, of whom 63% later participated in PREP, and 37% served as a comparison group. The results showed that couples who chose to participate in PREP had a shorter relationship, were more often unmarried first‐time parents, and reported lower levels of relationship adjustment. PREP participants also had higher scores of depressive symptoms and poorer self‐rated health. It seems that expectant couples are interested in preventive relationship education and that couples with more risk factors for vulnerable relationships self‐selected into PREP when the program was offered universally during pregnancy. The selection pattern into PREP has interesting implications for public health interventions and their dissemination.
Stress intensity factors and fatigue growth of surface cracks in notched shells and round bars: two decades of research work
Authors: Carpinteri Andrea , Ronchei Camilla , Vantadori Sabrina
Published: August 2013

In the present paper, some research results determined by the authors during the last two decades are reviewed. The influence of notches (geometrical discontinuities) on the fatigue life of metallic structural components is analysed. In particular, notches with different shapes (therefore characterised by different values of the stress concentration factor) are examined in the case of both double‐curvature shells and round bars under mode I loading. An elliptical‐arc surface crack is assumed to exist at the notch root. The stress intensity factor (SIF) is numerically evaluated, and the crack propagation under cyclic loading is analysed through a numerical procedure, which takes into account the aforementioned SIF.
Oligodendrocyte‐microglia cross‐talk in the central nervous system
Authors: Peferoen Laura , Kipp Markus , van der Valk Paul , van Noort Johannes M. , Amor Sandra
Published: August 2013

Communication between the immune system and the central nervous system (CNS) is exemplified by cross‐talk between glia and neurons shown to be essential for maintaining homeostasis. While microglia are actively modulated by neurons in the healthy brain, little is known about the cross‐talk between oligodendrocytes and microglia. Oligodendrocytes, the myelin‐forming cells in the CNS, are essential for the propagation of action potentials along axons, and additionally serve to support neurons by producing neurotrophic factors. In demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis, oligodendrocytes are thought to be the victims. Here, we review evidence that oligodendrocytes also have strong immune functions, express a wide variety of innate immune receptors, and produce and respond to chemokines and cytokines that modulate immune responses in the CNS. We also review evidence that during stress events in the brain, oligodendrocytes can trigger a cascade of protective and regenerative responses, in addition to responses that elicit progressive neurodegeneration. Knowledge of the cross‐talk between microglia and oligodendrocytes may continue to uncover novel pathways of immune regulation in the brain that could be further exploited to control neuroinflammation and degeneration.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of human dendritic cells decreases integrin expression, adhesion and migration to chemokines
Authors: Roberts Lawton L. , Robinson Cory M.
Published: August 2013

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health problem accounting for millions of deaths annually. Approximately one‐third of the world's population is infected with the causative agent Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The onset of an adaptive immune response to M. tuberculosis is delayed compared with other microbial infections. This delay permits bacterial growth and dissemination. The precise mechanism(s) responsible for this delay have remained obscure. T‐cell activation is preceded by dendritic cell (DC) migration from infected lungs to local lymph nodes and synapsis with T cells. We hypothesized that M. tuberculosis may impede the ability of DCs to reach lymph nodes and initiate an adaptive immune response. We used primary human DCs to determine the effect of M. tuberculosis on expression of heterodimeric integrins involved in cellular adhesion and migration. We also evaluated the ability of infected DCs to adhere to and migrate through lung endothelial cells, which is necessary to reach lymph nodes. We show by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy that M. tuberculosis‐infected DCs exhibit a significant reduction in surface expression of the β2 (CD18) integrin. Distribution of integrin β2 is also markedly altered in M. tuberculosis‐infected DCs. A corresponding reduction in the αL (CD11a) and αM (CD11b) subunits that associate with integrin β2 was also observed. Consistent with reduced integrin surface expression, we show a significant reduction in adherence to lung endothelial cell monolayers and migration towards lymphatic chemokines when DCs are infected with M. tuberculosis. These findings suggest that M. tuberculosis modulates DC adhesion and migration to increase the time required to initiate an adaptive immune response.
K0.5Na0.5NbO3‐Based Lead‐Free Transparent Electro‐Optic Ceramics Prepared by Pressureless Sintering
Authors: Li Faliang , Kwok Kin‐Wing
Published: August 2013

Transparent lead‐free electro‐optic (EO) ceramics (K0.5Na0.5) 0.9Li0.1Nb0.9Bi0.1O3 have been fabricated by pressureless sintering. The ceramics have a fine‐grained structure and cubic‐like symmetry. The comodification with Li and Bi induces a diffuse phase transition, causing the ceramics become relaxor‐like and contain polar nanoregions. Our results reveal that excess Bi2O3 can further enhance the changes in the crystal structure and dielectric behavior of the ceramics, causing them become more cubic‐like and more relaxor‐like, respectively. These can reduce the light scattering arisen from birefringence and domain walls, and thus improving the optical properties. For the ceramics added with 4 and 6 mol% excess Bi2O3, the optical transmittance reaches a high value of 60%–70% in the near‐infrared region. The ceramics also exhibits a good linear EO response, giving an effective EO coefficient of 30–40 pm/V.
Ultra‐Low Temperature Sintering and Dielectric Properties of SiO2‐Filled Glass Composites
Authors: Ju Kui , Yu Hongtao , Ye Lin , Xu Guangliang
Published: August 2013

Ultra low temperature co‐fired ceramics system based on zinc borate 3ZnO–2B2O3 (3Z2B) glass matrix and SiO2 filler was investigated with regard to the phase composition, the microstructure and the dielectric properties as functions of the filler content and sintering temperature. The softening temperature of 554°C and the crystallization temperature of around 650°C for the glass were confirmed by Differential Thermal Analysis result. The X‐ray diffraction results show that all SiO2‐filled samples were made up of SiO2, α‐Zn(BO2)2, Zn3B2O6 phases. And there was no chemical reaction between SiO2 and the glass during densification. And then the dielectric constant decreased with the increasing content of SiO2. At the level of 15 wt% SiO2 addition, the composites can be densified at a sintering temperature of 650°C for 30 min, and showed the optimal dielectric properties at 1 MHz with the dielectric constant of 6.1 and the dielectric loss of 1.3 × 10−3, which demonstrates a good potential for use in LTCC technology.
Factors Controlling Properties of Ca‐Mg, Ca‐Er, Ca‐Nd, or Ca‐Y‐Modified Aluminosilicate Glasses Containing Nitrogen and Fluorine
Authors: García‐Bellés Ángel R. , Monzó María , Barba Antonio , Clausell Carolina , Pomeroy Michael J. , Hanifi Amir R. , Hampshire Stuart
Published: August 2013

Glasses with composition (in eq.%) (30 − x)Ca:xM:55Si:15Al:80O:15N:5F have been prepared with different levels of substitution of Ca2+ cations by Mg2+, Y3+, Er3+, or Nd3+. The properties of these glasses are examined in detail and changes observed in molar volume (MV), free volume, fractional glass compactness, Young's modulus, microhardness, glass transition temperature, and thermal expansion as a function of M content are presented. Using linear regression analysis, evidence is presented which clearly shows that these glass properties are either solely dependent on the effective cation field strength, if modifier cation valency is the same (e.g., Mg substitution for Ca), or dependent on the effective cation field strength and the number of (Si, Al) (O, N, F) tetrahedra associated with each modifier when Ca is replaced by the trivalent modifiers. Combining these correlations with those observed previously relating glass properties to N and F substitution for O, it becomes apparent that glass properties for Ca–M–Si–Al–O–N–F glasses can be described by correlations which involve independent, but additive contributions by N and F substitution levels, effective cation field strength, and the number of tetrahedra associated with each modifier ion.
Measurement equivalence of the autism symptom phenotype in children and youth
Authors: Duku Eric , Szatmari Peter , Vaillancourt Tracy , Georgiades Stelios , Thompson Ann , Liu Xiao‐Qing , Paterson Andrew D. , Bennett Terry
Published: August 2013

Background

The Autism Diagnostic Interview‐Revised (ADI‐R) is a gold standard assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) symptoms and behaviours. A key underlying assumption of studies using the ADI‐R is that it measures the same phenotypic constructs across different populations (i.e. males/females, younger/older, verbal/nonverbal). The objectives of this study were to evaluate alternative measurement models for the autism symptom phenotype based on the ADI‐R algorithm items and to examine the measurement equivalence of the most parsimonious and best fitting model across subgroups of interest.

Methods

Data came from the Autism Genome Project consortium and consisted of 3,628 children aged 4–18 years (84.2% boys and 75% verbal). Twenty‐eight algorithm items applicable to both verbal and nonverbal participants were used in the analysis. Measurement equivalence of the autism phenotype was examined using categorical confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

A second‐order model resembling the proposed DSM‐5 two‐factor structure of the phenotype showed good overall fit, but not for all the subgroups. The autism symptom phenotype was best indexed by the first‐order, six‐factor measurement model proposed by Liu et al. (2011). This model was well fitting and measurement equivalent across subgroups of participants (age, verbal ability and sex).

Conclusions

The autism symptom phenotype is adequately characterized by a six‐factor measurement model; this model appears to be measurement equivalent across subgroups of children and youth with ASD that differ in age, sex and verbal ability. The two‐factor model provides equally good fit for the sample as a whole, but comparison of these two dimensions between subgroups that might differ in terms of age, sex or verbal ability is challenged by lack of measurement equivalence.
Evaluation of dermoscopic algorithm for seborrhoeic keratosis: a prospective study in 412 patients
Authors: Lin J. , Han S. , Cui L. , Song Z. , Gao M. , Yang G. , Fu Y. , Liu X.
Published: August 2013

Background

Although most seborrhoeic keratoses can be easily diagnosed with dermoscopy, some lesions mimic a number of other diseases and lack typical dermoscopic criteria. Validation of the diagnostic algorithm and further understanding about dermoscopy of seborrhoeic keratosis is necessary.

Objective

To evaluate the dermoscopic criteria, define dermoscopic patterns and optimize the diagnostic algorithm of seborrhoeic keratosis in a large series of cases.

Patients and methods

An unselected consecutive series of 416 clinically suspected seborrhoeic keratoses from 412 patients were prospectively included. All the lesions were imaged with dermoscopy, analysed for dermoscopic patterns and features. An independent blinded histopathological diagnosis as well as dermoscopic diagnosis was made for each lesion.

Results

A total of 416 lesions were analysed. Using histopathological diagnoses as the gold standard, the two‐step algorithm achieved a sensitivity of 79.1, a specificity of 78.3% (P < 0.01) and a κ index of 0.223. An optimized algorithm that combined lack of blue–grey or blue–white colour, sharp demarcation, mica‐like structure and yellowish colour with the two‐step algorithm demonstrated a sensitivity of 95.7%, a specificity of 78.3% (P < 0.001) and a κ index of 0.594. Pattern analysis revealed 12 dermoscopic patterns. The elevated lesions mainly presented fissures/ridges pattern, exophytic papillary pattern, crypts pattern and mica‐like pattern; the flat lesions mainly presented structureless pattern and coral‐like pattern.

Conclusion

Seborrhoeic keratosis may present a variety of dermoscopic patterns and features. The combination of lack of blue–grey or blue–white colour, sharp demarcation, mica‐like structure and yellowish colour with the two‐step algorithm could improve its diagnostic accuracy.
Measurement of tanning dependence
Authors: Heckman C.J. , Darlow S. , Kloss J.D. , Cohen‐Filipic J. , Manne S.L. , Munshi T. , Yaroch A.L. , Perlis C.
Published: August 2013

Background

Indoor tanning has been found to be addictive. However, the most commonly used tanning dependence measures have not been well validated.

Objective

The study's purpose was to explore the psychometric characteristics of and compare the modified Cut‐down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye‐opener Scale (mCAGE), modified Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fourth Edition – Text Revised (mDSM‐IV‐TR) and Tanning Pathology Scale (TAPS) measures of tanning dependence and provide recommendations for research and practice.

Methods

This study was a cross‐sectional online survey with 18‐ to 25‐year‐old female university students. The main outcome variable was tanning dependence measured by the mCAGE, mDSM‐IV‐TR and TAPS.

Results

Internal consistency of the TAPS subscales was good but was poor for the mCAGE and mDSM‐IV‐TR, except when their items were combined. Agreement between the mCAGE and mDSM‐IV‐TR was fair. Factor analysis of the TAPS confirmed the current four‐factor structure. All of the tanning dependence scales were significantly correlated with one another. Likewise, most of the tanning dependence scales were significantly correlated with other measures of tanning attitudes and behaviours. However, the tolerance to tanning TAPS subscale was not significantly correlated with any measure of tanning attitudes or behaviours and had the lowest subscale internal reliability and eigenvalues.

Conclusion

Based on the data and existing literature, we make recommendations for the continued use of tanning dependence measures. Intervention may be needed for the approximately 5% of college women who tend to be classified as tanning dependent across measures. Monitoring of individuals reporting tanning dependence symptoms is warranted.
Trichoscopy in Paediatric Patients with Tinea Capitis: A Useful Method to Differentiate from Alopecia Areata
Authors: Ekiz Ö. , Şen B.B. , Rifaioğlu E.N. , Balta İ.
Published: August 2013

Objectives

Trichoscopy (hair and scalp dermatoscopy) facilitates the diagnosis of hair and scalp disorders. The aim of our study was to identify the trichoscopic features in diagnosis of tinea capitis (TC) and to compare these findings with alopecia areata (AA).

Materials and Methods

Our study included 15 children with TC and 10 children with AA as a control group. Affected areas of the scalp on all the cases were analysed under a magnification of 20X and 40X by a digital dermatoscope (MoleMax II).

Results

Broken and dystrophic hairs were found in dermatological examination of all the patients with TC. In addition, corkscrew hairs, comma hairs and black dots were observed respectively. Yellow dots, exclamation mark hairs and vellus hair were observed in patients with AA.

Conclusions

Broken and dystrophic hairs, corkscrew hairs, comma hairs and black dots were observed only in patients with TC; yellow dots, exclamation mark hairs and vellus hairs were observed only in patients with alopesi areata. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to determine specific trichoscopic findings of TC and to access differential diagnosis.
Impact of systemic treatment of psoriasis on inflammatory parameters and markers of comorbidities and cardiovascular risk: results of a prospective longitudinal observational study
Authors: Montaudié H. , Albert‐Sabonnadière C. , Acquacalda E. , Fontas E. , Danré A. , Roux C. , Ortonne J.P. , Lacour J.P. , Euller‐Ziegler L. , Passeron T.
Published: August 2013

Background

Several markers of comorbidities and cardiovascular (CV) risk are disturbed in moderate to severe psoriasis (PsO). The effect of systemic treatments of psoriasis on these markers remains poorly understood.

Objectives

To study the frequency of disturbance of inflammatory parameters and markers of comorbidities and CV risk associated with moderate to severe PsO and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and to assess their evolution under systemic treatments.

Methods

Monocentric prospective study on patients with PsO and PsA starting a systemic treatment for their psoriasis. The following markers were evaluated at baseline (M0), 3 months (M3) and 6 months (M6); weight, fasting blood glucose, blood pressure, uric acid, hepatic steatosis, smoking, lipid, metabolic and inflammatory parameters.

Results

Forty‐three patients, 31 PsO and 12 PsA, were included. Forty completed the study. Response to treatment was good, with 71% of the population obtaining a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) of 75. All patients had at least one comorbidity, and 45% had two or more. A statistically significant decrease was observed only for inflammatory parameters (C‐reactive protein [CRP], P = 0.004) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, P = 0.002). We did not observe any correlation between the PASI and CRP (correlation coefficient 0.128, P = 0.438) or ESR (correlation coefficient 0.294, P = 0.069) for responding patients.

Conclusions

We observed a high frequency of disturbance of inflammatory parameters and markers of comorbidities and CV risk in a population with moderate to severe PsO and PsA, most of which were not detected before. A significant decrease in inflammatory parameters was noted after the introduction of systemic therapy, while other parameters remained unaffected by the treatment, except the weight that increased under biologics therapies.
Overview of Behavioral Genetics Research for Family Researchers
Authors: Samek Diana , Koh Bibiana D. , Rueter Martha A.
Published: August 2013

This article provides an overview of the methods, assumptions, and key findings of behavioral genetics methodology for family researchers with a limited background. We discuss how family researchers can utilize and contribute to the behavioral genetics field, particularly in terms of conducting research that seeks to explain shared environmental effects. This can be done, in part, by theoretically controlling for genetic confounds in research that seeks to determine cause‐and‐effect relationships among family variables and individual outcomes. Gene–environment correlation and interaction are especially promising areas for the family researcher to address. Given the methodological advancements in the field, we also briefly comment on new methods in molecular genetics for studying psychological mental health disorders.
Rethinking Maternal Gatekeeping
Authors: Puhlman Daniel J. , Pasley Kay
Published: August 2013

This article offers a new definition and an expanded conceptual model of maternal gatekeeping derived from the extant literature and critiques offered by scholars and applied to fathering. Typically, maternal gatekeeping is conceptualized as the mothers' ability to restrict fathers' involvement with children. We redefine maternal gatekeeping as a set of complex behavioral interactions between parents, where mothers influence father involvement through their use of controlling, facilitative, and restrictive behaviors directed at father's childrearing and interaction with children on a regular and consistent basis. We propose a three‐dimensional model (control, encouragement, and discouragement) in which each dimension operates along continua and intersects to result in 8 types of gatekeeping. We explain these types and describe examples of behaviors in terms of their influence on father involvement. We end with suggestions for developing a measure of maternal gatekeeping and for applying the model to better understand how gatekeeping influences and is influenced by family patterns and characteristics.
Nutrient displacement associated with walnut supplementation in men
Authors: Kranz S. , Hill A. M. , Fleming J. A. , Hartman T. J. , West S. G. , Kris‐Etherton P. M.
Published: August 2013

Background

Dietary guidance issued by various global government agencies recommends nut consumption within the context of a healthy‐eating pattern. Nuts are nutrient dense and may promote nutrient adequacy. As an energy‐dense food, nuts must replace other foods in the diet to prevent an excess of calories.

Methods

We evaluated how recommending the inclusion of walnuts (75 g day−1) in the diet affected energy and nutrient intake in men (45–75 years; mean body mass index = 27.6 kg m–2; n = 19) at risk for developing prostate cancer. Guidance was provided about incorporating walnuts isocalorically in a healthy diet. Three‐day food records and body weight were collected at baseline and after two 8‐week diet periods (usual versus walnut supplement diets).

Results

Energy intake on the walnut supplement diet exceeded the usual diet, although body weight was maintained. Energy intake was lower on the actual walnut supplement diet than the calculated walnut diet [10 865 kJ (2595 kcal) versus 11 325 kJ (2705 kcal) per day, respectively] and contributed 23% less energy than 75 g of walnuts. Approximately, 86% and 85% of the total fat and saturated fatty acids from walnuts were not displaced, whereas the increase in fibre from the usual diet to the actual walnut supplement diet represented less than one‐half (39%) of the fibre provided by 75 g of walnuts. Walnuts were substituted, in part, for other foods, and the nutrient profile of the diet was improved, however, the beneficial effect of walnuts on the diet quality was not optimized.

Conclusions

Individuals do not optimally implement food‐based guidance. Consequently, nutrition professionals play a key role in teaching the implementation of food‐based recommendations.
Relationship between vitamin D knowledge and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels amongst pregnant women
Authors: Toher C. , Lindsay K. , McKenna M. , Kilbane M. , Curran S. , Harrington L. , Uduma O. , McAuliffe F. M.
Published: August 2013

Background

Pregnant women living at northerly latitudes are at risk of suboptimal vitamin D status. There is a paucity of studies correlating knowledge, attitudes and practices of vitamin D with serum levels amongst pregnant women. We aimed to determine the prevalence of suboptimal vitamin D status in pregnant women of various ethnicities attending two Dublin maternity hospitals and to assess levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning vitamin D.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study of 116 pregnant women of Irish, Asian, Sub‐Saharan African and Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) origin. Vitamin D status was determined by measurement of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD). We examined knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning vitamin D using an interview‐assisted questionnaire.

Results

The median (interquartile range) 25OHD level was 25.9 (16.5–44.7) nmol L–1. Using a cut‐off point of <30 nmol L–1, the proportion at risk of deficiency was significantly higher among MENA (88%; P < 0.001) and Sub‐Saharan African women (68%; P = 0.019) than Irish women (36%). Eighty‐two women (71%) reported they had insufficient knowledge about vitamin D and its sources. Vitamin D containing supplement usage was the strongest predictor of 25OHD levels ≥30 nmol L–1 (odds ratio = 18.03, 95% confidence interval = 5.7256.8, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Suboptimal vitamin D status is common in this cohort of pregnant women, especially among those of Sub‐Saharan African and MENA origin. Awareness of vitamin D dietary sources is poor among all subgroups. Recommending vitamin D containing supplements may be the best strategy at present for improving vitamin D status with a need for increased vitamin D education.
Attitudes towards and knowledge of nutrition support amongst health care professionals on London intensive care units
Authors: Lane C. , Wedlake L. J. , Dougherty L. , Shaw C.
Published: August 2013

Background

Nutrition support on intensive care units (ICUs) has gained a higher profile ever since the development of published guidelines (Clin. Nutr. 2006, 25, 210; J. Parenter. Enteral Nutr. 2009, 33, 277; http://www.nice.org.uk/Guidance/CG32; Clin. Nutr. 2009, 28, 387). However, there are limited data available on knowledge and attitudes towards nutrition support specific to ICU.

Methods

An online survey was sent to all healthcare professionals working on ICUs across London via an e‐mail link. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge base of and attitudes of staff towards nutrition support, within an ICU setting, and to understand their educational needs. The results were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Attitudes were in line with the evidence in current nutrition guidelines. The proportion of healthcare professionals who were regarded as demonstrating sufficient understanding of the evidence set out in the nutrition support guidelines were 44% of clinicians, 26% of nurses, 76% of dietitians and 67% of other staff. In total, 59% of staff wanted more education on a number of aspects related to nutrition support on ICU.

Conclusions

The present study highlights the need for more prominent dissemination of the current guidelines and illustrates the preferred mode. Specific gaps in knowledge regarding energy intake and the use of parenteral feeding are highlighted. It is hoped that the present survey will help to guide education in this area.
Meeting challenges related to the dietary assessment of ethnic minority populations
Authors: Garduño‐Diaz S. D. , Husain W. , Ashkanani F. , Khokhar S.
Published: August 2013

Background

Migrants from the Indian subcontinent comprise the largest minority group in the UK. With the process of migration come alterations in lifestyle and eating habits. The present study aimed to disseminate the valuable information, experiences and challenges faced by researchers who conduct studies with ethnic minority groups in the area of diet and nutritional surveys, with an emphasis on migrant South Asians.

Methods

The findings reported are the result of research carried out during 2008–2012, involving 1100 face‐to‐face dietary recalls conducted in the UK among South Asian children (aged 1.5–11 years; n = 300) and adults (≥30 years; n = 100).

Results

Factors to consider when planning and carrying out diet and nutrition survey studies among migrant South Asians were identified and include the employment of culture‐specific tools, visual aid reinforcement and the involvement of key community members and translators to facilitate recruitment and data collection. One of the best practices found when working with minority groups was the use of incentives and tangible benefits to reward study participants. It was also found that constant communication and follow‐up of the study participants improved the quality of the data and the likelihood of maintaining links with community members for future studies.

Conclusions

From the results of in‐house studies and a revision of practices reported in earlier literature, two 24‐h face‐to‐face dietary recalls are recommended as the optimal method for the dietary assessment of migrant South Asians. To complement this assessment, ethnic‐specific food frequency questionnaires such as that developed and successfully implemented among South Asians in the present study must be employed.
Changes in reported food intake in adults with type 2 diabetes in response to a nonprescriptive dietary intervention
Authors: England C. Y. , Andrews R. , Jago R. , Thompson J. L.
Published: August 2013

Objectives

There is a lack of published data about the food intake of patients with type 2 diabetes and the changes that they make in response to patient‐centred dietary advice. The present study describes the changes reported in response to a nonprescriptive dietary intervention based upon UK dietary guidelines.

Methods

Two hundred and sixty‐two patients (87 women and 175 men) from the Early ACTivity in Diabetes (ACTID) trial who received the dietary intervention returned 4 days food diaries at baseline and 6 months. Nonparametric tests were used to examine changes in meal patterns, total energy intake and energy from food groups between baseline and 6 months.

Results

Mean (SD) number of reported meals day–1 was 3.0 (0.3) and mean (SD) number of snacks was 1.1 (0.6) at both baseline and 6 months for men and women. Men reported decreasing energy intake by a mean (SD) of 912 (1389) KJ/day [218 (332) kcal day–1] (P < 0.001) and women by 515 (1130) KJ/day [123 (270) kcal day–1] (P < 0.001). Men reported reducing energy from alcoholic drinks [−234 (527) KJ day–1; P < 0.001], white bread [−113 (402) KJ day–1; P = 0.001], biscuits [i.e. cookies −67 (205) KJ day–1; P < 0.001] and cakes [−50 (410) KJ day–1; P = 0.0012]. Women reported reducing energy from mixed main meals [−134 (456) KJ day–1; P = 0.036], pasta and rice [−79 (326) KJ day–1; P = 0.019], high‐energy drinks [−59 (159) KJ day–1; P = 0.001] and white bread [−59 (368) KJ day–1; P = 0.042].

Conclusions

Men and women in the Early ACTID study reported small changes in higher‐energy and lower‐fibre foods and drinks in response to patient‐centred dietary advice.
Neuron‐specific specificity protein 4 bigenomically regulates the transcription of all mitochondria‐ and nucleus‐encoded cytochrome c oxidase subunit genes in neurons
Authors: Johar Kaid , Priya Anusha , Dhar Shilpa , Liu Qiuli , Wong‐Riley Margaret T. T.
Published: August 2013

Neurons are highly dependent on oxidative metabolism for their energy supply, and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) is a key energy‐generating enzyme in the mitochondria. A unique feature of COX is that it is one of only four proteins in mammalian cells that are bigenomically regulated. Of its thirteen subunits, three are encoded in the mitochondrial genome and ten are nuclear‐encoded on nine different chromosomes. The mechanism of regulating this multisubunit, bigenomic enzyme poses a distinct challenge. In recent years, we found that nuclear respiratory factors 1 and 2 (NRF‐1 and NRF‐2) mediate such bigenomic coordination. The latest candidate is the specificity factor (Sp) family of proteins. In N2a cells, we found that Sp1 regulates all 13 COX subunits. However, we discovered recently that in primary neurons, it is Sp4 and not Sp1 that regulates some of the key glutamatergic receptor subunit genes. The question naturally arises as to the role of Sp4 in regulating COX in primary neurons. The present study utilized multiple approaches, including chromatin immunoprecipitation, promoter mutational analysis, knockdown and over‐expression of Sp4, as well as functional assays to document that Sp4 indeed functionally regulate all 13 subunits of COX as well as mitochondrial transcription factors A and B.

image

The present study discovered that among the specificity family of transcription factors, it is the less known neuron‐specific Sp4 that regulates the expression of all 13 subunits of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COX) enzyme in primary neurons. Sp4 also regulates the three mitochondrial transcription factors (TFAM, TFB1M, and TFB2M) and a COX assembly protein SURF‐1 in primary neurons.
Differential regulation of CaMKIIα interactions with mGluR5 and NMDA receptors by Ca2+ in neurons
Authors: Jin Dao‐Zhong , Guo Ming‐Lei , Xue Bing , Mao Li‐Min , Wang John Q.
Published: August 2013

Two glutamate receptors, metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5), and ionotropic NMDA receptors (NMDAR), functionally interact with each other to regulate excitatory synaptic transmission in the mammalian brain. In exploring molecular mechanisms underlying their interactions, we found that Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase IIα (CaMKIIα) may play a central role. The synapse‐enriched CaMKIIα directly binds to the proximal region of intracellular C terminal tails of mGluR5 in vitro. This binding is state‐dependent: inactive CaMKIIα binds to mGluR5 at a high level whereas the active form of the kinase (following Ca2+/calmodulin binding and activation) loses its affinity for the receptor. Ca2+ also promotes calmodulin to bind to mGluR5 at a region overlapping with the CaMKIIα‐binding site, resulting in a competitive inhibition of CaMKIIα binding to mGluR5. In rat striatal neurons, inactive CaMKIIα constitutively binds to mGluR5. Activation of mGluR5 Ca2+‐dependently dissociates CaMKIIα from the receptor and simultaneously promotes CaMKIIα to bind to the adjacent NMDAR GluN2B subunit, which enables CaMKIIα to phosphorylate GluN2B at a CaMKIIα‐sensitive site. Together, the long intracellular C‐terminal tail of mGluR5 seems to serve as a scaffolding domain to recruit and store CaMKIIα within synapses. The mGluR5‐dependent Ca2+ transients differentially regulate CaMKIIα interactions with mGluR5 and GluN2B in striatal neurons, which may contribute to cross‐talk between the two receptors.

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We show that activation of mGluR5 with a selective agonist triggers intracellular Ca2+ release in striatal neurons. Released Ca2+ dissociates preformed CaMKIIα from mGluR5 and meanwhile promotes active CaMKIIα to bind to the adjacent NMDAR GluN2B subunit, which enables CaMKIIα to phosphorylate GluN2B at a CaMKIIα‐sensitive site. This agonist‐induced cascade seems to mediate crosstalk between mGluR5 and NMDA receptors in neurons.
Exercise and sleep in community‐dwelling older adults: evidence for a reciprocal relationship
Authors: Dzierzewski Joseph M. , Buman Matthew P. , Giacobbi Peter R. , Roberts Beverly L. , Aiken‐Morgan Adrienne T. , Marsiske Michael , McCrae Christina S.
Published: August 2013

Exercise behaviour and sleep are both important health indicators that demonstrate significant decreases with age, and remain modifiable well into later life. The current investigation examined both the chronic and acute relationships between exercise behaviour and self‐reported sleep in older adults through a secondary analysis of a clinical trial of a lifestyle intervention. Seventy‐nine community‐dwelling, initially sedentary, older adults (mean age = 63.58 years, SD = 8.66 years) completed daily home‐based assessments of exercise behaviour and sleep using daily diary methodology. Assessments were collected weekly and continued for 18 consecutive weeks. Multilevel models revealed a small positive chronic (between‐person mean‐level) association between exercise and wake time after sleep onset, and a small positive acute (within‐person, day‐to‐day) association between exercise and general sleep quality rating. The within‐person exercise and general sleep quality rating relationship was found to be reciprocal (i.e. sleep quality also predicted subsequent exercise behaviour). As such, it appears exercise and sleep are dynamically related in older adults. Efforts to intervene on either sleep or exercise in late‐life would be wise to take the other into account. Light exposure, temperature regulation and mood may be potential mechanisms of action through which exercise can impact sleep in older adults.
CONTEMPORANEOUS AGGREGATION OF TRIANGULAR ARRAY OF RANDOM‐COEFFICIENT AR(1) PROCESSES
Authors: Philippe Anne , Puplinskaite Donata , Surgailis Donatas
Published: August 2013

We discuss contemporaneous aggregation of independent copies of a triangular array of random‐coefficient processes with i.i.d. innovations belonging to the domain of attraction of an infinitely divisible law W. The limiting aggregated process is shown to exist, under general assumptions on W and the mixing distribution, and is represented as a mixed infinitely divisible moving average in (4). Partial sums process of is discussed under the assumption EW2 < ∞ and a mixing density regularly varying at the ‘unit root’ x = 1 with exponent β > 0. We show that the previous partial sums process may exhibit four different limit behaviors depending on β and the Lévy triplet of W. Finally, we study the disaggregation problem for in spirit of Leipus et al. (2006) and obtain the weak consistency of the corresponding estimator of ϕ(x) in a suitable L2 space.
THE MANAGEMENT OF CHANGE IN PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: KUIPERS BEN S. , HIGGS MALCOLM , KICKERT WALTER , TUMMERS LARS , GRANDIA JOLIEN , VAN DER VOET JORIS
Published: August 2013

This article presents a review of the recent literature on change management in public organizations and sets out to explore the extent to which this literature has responded to earlier critiques regarding the lack of (public) contextual factors. The review includes 133 articles published on this topic in the period from 2000 to 2010. The articles are analysed based on the themes of the context, content, process, outcome, and leadership of change. We identified whether the articles referred to different orders of change, as well as their methods and theory employed. Our findings concentrate on the lack of detail on change processes and outcomes and the gap between the common theories used to study change. We propose an agenda for the study of change management in public organizations that focuses on its complex nature by building theoretical bridges and performing more in‐depth empirical and comparative studies on change processes.
TOWARDS A GENERAL THEORY OF COLLABORATIVE PERFORMANCE: THE IMPORTANCE OF EFFICACY AND AGENCY
Authors: DICKINSON HELEN , SULLIVAN HELEN
Published: August 2013

Much of what has been written about collaboration treats it instrumentally as a means–ends tool of improvement. However, despite considerable collaborative activity there is little evidence that clearly links collaboration to improvements in service‐user outcomes or reduced inequalities. In this article we draw on literature from critical public policy and governance studies to recast collaboration as an expression of cultural performance associated with a rather different set of values and measures. We argue that understanding collaboration in the round means that we need to pay attention to all dimensions of performance including cultural performance. We argue that this in turn helps to explain the persistent appeal of collaboration amongst policy makers and practitioners.
THE ‘NEW PUBLIC GOVERNANCE’ AND EMPLOYABILITY SERVICES IN AN ERA OF CRISIS: CHALLENGES FOR THIRD SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS IN SCOTLAND
Authors: LINDSAY COLIN , OSBORNE STEPHEN P. , BOND SUE
Published: August 2013

Third sector organizations (TSOs) have emerged as key players in the delivery of public services to assist jobless people to improve their employability and move from welfare to work. Drawing on in‐depth research with employability providers in Scotland, this article explores how TSOs have responded to the challenges of a rapidly changing public services environment. Specifically, we use the concept of the ‘New Public Governance’ to explore TSOs' relationships with UK, devolved and local government stakeholders. TSOs demonstrated a pragmatic approach to shaping their services to reflect the priorities of public funders, and identified some opportunities arising from the new emphasis on ‘localism’. However, the evidence suggests that opportunities for collaboration at times remained constrained by certain forms of ‘contractualism’ and top‐down performance management. Based on the evidence, lessons for future policy and practice are considered.
Randomized controlled trial of daily interruption of sedatives in critically ill children
Authors: Verlaat Carin W. M. , Heesen Ger P. , Vet Nienke J. , de Hoog Matthijs , van der Hoeven Johannes G. , Kox Matthijs , Pickkers Peter
Published: August 2013

Aim

To study the feasibility of daily interruption of sedatives in critically ill children.

Methods

Prospective randomized controlled open‐label trial, performed in a pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary care teaching and referring hospital. 30 children (0–12 years) receiving mechanically ventilation for >24 h were included. In the intervention group, all sedatives were stopped daily and restarted when COMFORT‐behavior score ≥17. The control group received standard care. Primary end points were amounts of sedatives and number of bolus medications in the first 3 days after enrollment and number of (near) incidents. Secondary end points were duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay in pediatric intensive care, and changes in COMFORT‐behavior score.

Results

Midazolam and morphine use were lower in the intervention group compared with the control group (P = 0.007 and P = 0.02, respectively), whereas the number of bolus medications did not differ between groups. Two complications were recorded: one patient (intervention group) lost his intravenous line, and one patient (control group) had an unplanned extubation. Duration of mechanical ventilation was significantly shorter in the intervention group compared with the control group (median [interquartile range] of 4 [3–8] and 9 [4–10] days, respectively, P = 0.03). Length of stay in the PICU in the intervention group was significantly shorter than in the control group (median [interquartile range] of 6 [4–9] and 10 [7–15] days, respectively, P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Daily interruption of sedatives in critically ill children is feasible, results in decreased use of sedation, earlier extubation, and shorter length of stay.
Spanish version of the Investment Model Scale
Authors: VANDERDRIFT LAURA E. , AGNEW CHRISTOPHER R. , WILSON JUAN E.
Published: August 2013

Voluminous work has catalogued the utility of Rusbult's (1980) investment model of commitment processes in understanding why some relationships persist whereas others fail. To date this work has been conducted almost exclusively with samples of English‐speaking individuals. To facilitate testing novel hypotheses among Spanish‐speaking populations as well examining various cross‐cultural questions, we present a Spanish version of the Investment Model Scale (Rusbult, Martz, & Agnew, 1998). With a sample of Spanish‐speaking individuals from Chile, we demonstrate that our translation has the same structural properties as the English version (Study 1) and has good predictive validity (Study 2). The Spanish version of the Investment Model Scale will enable researchers to sample a larger subset of the population and allow for the examination of cultural influences on relationship processes.
Married Black men's opinions as to why Black women are disproportionately single: A qualitative study
Authors: HURT TERA R. , McELROY STACEY E. , SHEATS KAMERON J. , LANDOR ANTOINETTE M. , BRYANT CHALANDRA M.
Published: August 2013

This study's purpose was to explore the reasons Black women are disproportionately single according to the unique viewpoint of married Black men. The sample comprises 52 married Black men who resided in northeast Georgia (mean age = 43). Qualitative interviews were conducted in 2010 as part of the Pathways to Marriage study. The authors analyzed the data in a collaborative fashion and utilized content analyses to explore the relationships in the data, which were derived from qualitative interviews with the men. Findings on the reasons for the disproportionality of singlehood among Black women reflected these four themes: gender relations, marriage education and socialization, individual development, and a preference for gay/lesbian relationships. Recommendations for future research are discussed.