bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health behaviour change interventions for couples: A systematic review
Authors: Arden‐Close Emily , McGrath Nuala 
Published: February 2017

ObjectivesPartners are a significant influence on individuals’ health, and concordance in health behaviours increases over time in couples. Several theories suggest that couple‐focused interventions for health behaviour change may therefore be more effective than individual interventions.DesignA systematic review of health behaviour change interventions for couples was conducted.MethodsSystematic search methods identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non‐randomized interventions of health behaviour change for couples with at least one member at risk of a chronic physical illness, published from 1990–2014.ResultsWe identified 14 studies, targeting the following health behaviours: cancer prevention (6), obesity (1), diet (2), smoking in pregnancy (2), physical activity (1) and multiple health behaviours (2). In four out of seven trials couple‐focused interventions were more effective than usual care. Of four RCTs comparing a couple‐focused intervention to an individual intervention, two found that the couple‐focused intervention was more effective.ConclusionsThe studies were heterogeneous, and included participants at risk of a variety of illnesses. In many cases the intervention was compared to usual care for an individual or an individual‐focused intervention, which meant the impact of the couplebased content could not be isolated. Three arm studies could determine whether any added benefits of couple‐focused interventions are due to adding the partner or specific content of couple‐focused interventions.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Health behaviours and health behaviour change are more often concordant across couples than between individuals in the general population.

Couple‐focused interventions for chronic conditions are more effective than individual interventions or usual care (Martire, Schulz, Helgeson, Small, & Saghafi, ).

What does this study add?

Identified studies targeted a variety of health behaviours, with few studies in any one area.

Further assessment of the effectiveness of couple‐focused versus individual interventions for those at risk is needed.

Three‐arm study designs are needed to determine benefits of targeting couples versus couple‐focused intervention content.
Role of PVAT in coronary atherosclerosis and vein graft patency: friend or foe?
Authors: Fernández‐Alfonso M S , Gil‐Ortega M , Aranguez I , Souza D , Dreifaldt M , Somoza B , Dashwood M R 
Published: February 2017

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) releases numerous factors and adipokines with paracrine effects on both vascular structure and function. These effects are variable as they depend on regional differences in PVAT among blood vessels and vary with changes in adiposity. There is considerable evidence demonstrating an association between coronary PVAT and the development and progression of coronary artery disease, which is associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, angiogenesis, vascular remodelling and blood clotting. However, PVAT also has a protective role in vascular grafts, especially the no‐touch saphenous vein, in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass. This beneficial influence of PVAT involves factors such as adipocyte‐derived relaxing factor, nitric oxide (NO), leptin, adiponectin, prostanoids, hydrogen sulphide and neurotransmitters, as well as mechanical protection. This article aims to highlight and compare the dual role of PVAT in the development and progression of coronary atherosclerosis, as well as in increased graft patency. Different deleterious and protective mechanisms of PVAT are also discussed and the inside‐outside signalling paradigm of atherosclerosis development re‐evaluated. The bidirectional communication between the arterial and venous wall and their surrounding PVAT, where signals originating from the vascular wall or lumen can affect PVAT phenotype, has been shown to be very complex. Moreover, signals from PVAT also influence the structure and function of the vascular wall in a paracrine manner.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Perivascular Adipose Tissue – Potential Pharmacological Targets? To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.20/issuetoc
Seabird mortality induced by land‐based artificial lights
Authors: Rodríguez Airam , Holmes Nick D. , Ryan Peter G. , Wilson Kerry‐Jayne , Faulquier Lucie , Murillo Yovana , Raine André F. , Penniman Jay F. , Neves Verónica , Rodríguez Beneharo , Negro Juan J. , Chiaradia André , Dann Peter , Anderson Tracy , Metzger Benjamin , Shirai Masaki , Deppe Lorna , Wheeler Jennifer , Hodum Peter , Gouveia Catia , Carmo Vanda , Carreira Gilberto P. , Delgado‐Alburqueque Luis , Guerra‐Correa Carlos , Couzi François‐Xavier , Travers Marc , Corre Matthieu Le 
Published: February 2017

AbstractArtificial lights at night cause high mortality of seabirds, one of the most endangered groups of birds globally. Fledglings of burrow‐nesting seabirds, and to a lesser extent adults, are attracted to and then grounded (i.e., forced to land) by lights when they fly at night. We reviewed the current state of knowledge of seabird attraction to light to identify information gaps and propose measures to address the problem. Although species in families such as Alcidae and Anatidae can be grounded by artificial light, the most affected seabirds are petrels and shearwaters (Procellariiformes). At least 56 species of Procellariiformes, more than one‐third of them (24) threatened, are subject to grounding by lights. Seabirds grounded by lights have been found worldwide, mainly on oceanic islands but also at some continental locations. Petrel breeding grounds confined to formerly uninhabited islands are particularly at risk from light pollution due to tourism and urban sprawl. Where it is impractical to ban external lights, rescue programs of grounded birds offer the most immediate and employed mitigation to reduce the rate of light‐induced mortality and save thousands of birds every year. These programs also provide useful information for seabird management. However, these data are typically fragmentary, biased, and uncertain and can lead to inaccurate impact estimates and poor understanding of the phenomenon of seabird attraction to lights. We believe the most urgently needed actions to mitigate and understand light‐induced mortality of seabirds are estimation of mortality and effects on populations; determination of threshold light levels and safe distances from light sources; documentation of the fate of rescued birds; improvement of rescue campaigns, particularly in terms of increasing recovery rates and level of care; and research on seabird‐friendly lights to reduce attraction.
Repositioning in the global apparel value chain in the post‐MFAera: Strategic issues and evidence from Sri Lanka
Authors: Athukorala Prema‐chandra , Ekanayake Raveen 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis article examines structural adjustment in the world apparel trade following the abolition of Multi‐Fibre Arrangement (MFA) quotas through a case study of the apparel industry in Sri Lanka. The evidence suggests that, in a quota‐free global market, individual exporting countries have room for carving out a niche in specific products. The Sri Lankan apparel industry has managed to maintain growth dynamism through specialization in intimate apparel and upmarket casualwear. The expansion of the industry and its adjustment toMFAabolition was aided by an easily trainable domestic workforce and collaborative actions of industry associations and the government, with foreign buyers playing a pivotal role in linking the Sri Lankan firms to the global value chain.
An evaluation of donor agencies’ policies on participatory development: The case of Ghana
Authors: Danquah Joseph Kwadwo , Analoui Farhad , Koomson Yvonne Ekua Deiba 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis article critically evaluates guidelines concerning participatory development by the World Bank and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It focuses on the different conceptual frameworks adopted in order to examine the different ways of incorporating participation in their development agenda.A literature‐based method was adopted and the analysis included evaluation of five documented experiences, including the Ghana Secondary Education Improvement Project and Ghana Water Sanitation and Hygiene Project from both the World Bank andUSAID. Baum project cycle stages have been taken as activities for project participation. The findings show the need for better planning, ensuring sustainability and involving beneficiaries.
Measuring learning outcomes
Authors: Caspersen Joakim , Smeby Jens‐Christian , Olaf Aamodt Per 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe growing interest for measurement of learning outcomes relates to long lines of development in higher education, the request for accountability, intensified through international reforms and movements such as the development and implementation of qualifications frameworks. In this article, we discuss relevant literature on different approaches to measurement and how learning outcomes are measured, what kinds of learning outcomes are measured, and why learning outcomes are measured. Three dimensions are used to structure the literature: Whether the approaches emphasise generic or disciplinary skills and competence, self‐assessment or more objective test based measures (including grades), and how the issue of the contribution from the education program or institution (the value‐added) are discussed. It is pointed out that large scales initiatives that compare institutions and even nations seem to fall short because of the implicit and explicit differences in context, whilst small‐scale approaches suffer from a lack of relevance outside local contexts. In addition, competence (actual level of performance) is often confused with learning (gain and development) in many approaches, laying the ground for false assumptions about institutional process‐quality in higher education.
Incidence and prognostic significance of isolated trisomies in adult acute myeloid leukemia: A population‐based study from the Swedish AML registry
Authors: Lazarevic Vladimir Lj , Rosso Aldana , Juliusson Gunnar , Antunovic Petar , Derolf Åsa Rangert , Deneberg Stefan , Möllgård Lars , Uggla Bertil , Wennström Lovisa , Wahlin Anders , Höglund Martin , Lehmann Sören , Johansson Bertil 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectives and MethodsTo ascertain the incidence/clinical implications of isolated autosomal trisomies in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML), all such cases were retrieved from the Swedish AML Registry.ResultsOf the 3179 cytogenetically informative AMLs diagnosed January 1997‐May 2015, 246 (7.7%) had isolated trisomies. The frequency increased by age (2.4% at age 18‐60 years vs. 23% at >60 years; P<.0001); the median age was 69 years. The five most common were +8 (4.0%), +13 (0.9%), +11 (0.8%), +21 (0.7%), and +4 (0.5%). Age and gender, types of AML and treatment, and complete remission and early death rates did not differ between the single trisomy and the intermediate risk (IR) groups or among cases with isolated gains of chromosomes 4, 8, 11, 13, or 21. The overall survival (OS) was similar in the single trisomy (median 1.6 years) and IR groups (1.7 years; P=.251). The OS differed among the most frequent isolated trisomies; the median OS was 2.5 years for +4, 1.9 years for +21, 1.5 years for +8, 1.1 years for +11, and 0.8 years for +13 (P=.013).ConclusionAML with single trisomies, with the exception of +13, should be grouped as IR.
Seminal microbiome in men with and without prostatitis
Authors: Mändar Reet , Punab Margus , Korrovits Paul , Türk Silver , Ausmees Kristo , Lapp Eleri , Preem Jens‐Konrad , Oopkaup Kristjan , Salumets Andres , Truu Jaak 
Published: February 2017

ObjectivesTo profile the seminal microbiome applying next generation sequencing.MethodsSemen samples of 67 men were involved in the study (21 men with and 46 men without prostatitis). Seminal microbiomes were profiled applying the method that uses combinatorial sequence tags attached to polymerase chain reaction primers that amplify the ribosomal ribonucleic acid V6 region. Amplified polymerase chain reaction products were sequenced using an Illumina paired‐end protocol on HiSeq2000 platform.ResultsThe most abundant phylum in semen was Firmicutes, comprising nearly half of the sequences found (median 41.7%, quartiles 28.5–47.2%) followed by Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. The counts of lactobacilli were higher in healthy men than prostatitis patients (27% [20.2–34.6%] vs 20.2% [4.9–25.0%]; P = 0.05), especially for Lactobacillus iners. Proteobacteria comprised higher proportions in prostatitis patients than healthy men. The species richness was higher in prostatitis patients than healthy men (inverted Simpson index 13.5 ± 5.8 vs 10.3 ± 4.0).ConclusionsThe semen of chronic prostatitis patients contains fewer health‐supporting lactobacilli, and has higher species diversity than that of healthy men. Firmicutes (especially lactobacilli), Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria comprise the highest proportion of seminal microbiome.
An ethnography of managing emotions when talking about life‐threatening illness
Authors: Ayers N.E. , Vydelingum V. , Arber A. 
Published: February 2017

AimThis ethnographic study was concerned with how dying patients, palliative care staff and family caregivers communicate about life‐threatening illness in a palliative care setting in Ethiopia.BackgroundEthiopia, as a developing country, had few resources for caring for those requiring end‐of‐life care. However, palliative care was supported by local champions in Ethiopia and by the Federal Ministry of Health.IntroductionThe disclosure of bad news was discouraged because it was believed that such disclosure may lead to unnecessary distress and to loss of hope.MethodsNon‐participant observation amounting to 276 h of observation and ethnographic interviews with four patients, six family caregivers and five palliative care staff during two periods of data collection (November 2011–January 2012 and May 2012–August 2012) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.FindingsAlthough palliative care staff create openness in communication with patients and family caregivers about terminal illness and dying, ultimately palliative care staff deferred to family wishes about significant news disclosures, in order to avoid upset. Family caregivers were found to avoid disclosing news of a terminal illness to their family member and wished to keep the patient in closed awareness. In contrast, an open awareness context existed between palliative care staff and family caregivers.DiscussionIn managing truth telling in different cultural settings, medical and nursing staff as well as health policy makers need to take into account the various awareness contexts highlighted in this study. Palliative care staff should consider how actions such as protecting patients from upset may inadvertently deny the patient the right to exercise control.Conclusion and implications for policyHealth policy makers should ensure that the design and implementation of palliative care services should not be a wholesale adoption of Western style services but ensure that such services are adapted to reflect the religious, cultural and social needs of the community. Foreign workers and volunteers who deliver palliative care services and education in Ethiopia should reflect local religious and cultural sensitivities.
Structural and emission properties of Eu3+‐doped alkaline earth zinc‐phosphate glasses for white LED applications
Authors: Jha Kaushal , Jayasimhadri Mula 
Published: February 2017

AbstractQuaternary alkaline earth zinc‐phosphate glasses in molar composition (40 − x)ZnO – 35P2O5 – 20RO – 5TiO2 – xEu2O3 (where x=1 and R=Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba) were prepared by melt quenching technique. These glasses were studied with respect to their thermal, structural, and photoluminescent properties. The maximum value of the glass transition temperature (Tg) was observed for BaO network modifier mixed glass and minimum was observed for MgO network modifier glass. All the glasses were found to be amorphous in nature. The FT‐IR suggested the glasses to be in pyrophosphate structure, which matches with the theoretical estimation of O/P atomic ratio and the maximum depolymerization was observed for glass mixed with BaO network modifier. The intense emission peak was observed at 613 nm (5D0→7F2) under excitation of 392 nm, which matches well with excitation of commercial n‐UV LED chips. The highest emission intensity and quantum efficiency was observed for the glass mixed with BaO network modifier. Based on these results, another set of glass samples was prepared with molar composition (40 − x)ZnO – 35P2O5 – 20BaO – 5TiO2 – xEu2O3 (x=3, 5, 7, and 9) to investigate the optimized emission intensity in these glasses. The glasses exhibited crystalline features along with amorphous nature and a drastic variation in asymmetric ratio at higher concentration (7 and 9 mol%) of Eu2O3. The color of emission also shifted from red to reddish orange with increase in the concentration of Eu2O3. These glasses are potential candidates to use as a red photoluminsecent component in the field of solid‐state lighting devices.
Nutrient intakes and compliance with nutrient recommendations in children aged 1–4 years in Ireland
Authors: Walton J. , Kehoe L. , McNulty B. A. , Nugent A. P. , Flynn A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe early childhood years represent a period of rapid growth and development characterised by unique requirements for energy and individual nutrients.MethodsThe present study uses data from the National Pre‐School Nutrition Survey, a nationally representative sample of Irish children (1–4 years) (n = 500), aiming to estimate energy and nutrient intakes across age and compliance with recommendations (UK and European). A 4‐day weighed food‐record was used to collect dietary data and statistical modelling (National Cancer Institute method) was applied to estimate usual nutrient intakes.ResultsIntakes of carbohydrate [48–50% energy (E)], protein (15–16%E), total fat (32–34%E), dietary fibre (2.5 g MJ−1), α‐linolenic acid (0.45%E) and most micronutrients were in good compliance with recommendations. However, intakes of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) (65–80 mg) were low and significant proportions of children had inadequate intakes (< estimated average requirement) of vitamin D and iron. Small proportions of children with intakes exceeding the upper level for retinol, folic acid, zinc, copper and iodine, are unlikely to give rise to adverse health effects. Mean intakes of free sugars (12%E) and salt (3.1 g day−1) exceeded recommendations and increased with age, whereas mean intake of saturated fat (15%E) decreased with age. By the age of 4 years, patterns established for intakes of salt, saturated fat and free sugars were unfavourable and similar to those observed in the diets of older children.ConclusionsFurther research is needed to identify dietary strategies that improve the quality of the diet in young children, particularly in relation to excess of saturated fat, free sugars and salt, as well as inadequacy of iron, vitamin D and LCPUFA.
Nitrogen balance in patients with hemiparetic stroke during the subacute rehabilitation phase
Authors: Wada A. , Kawakami M. , Otsuka T. , Aoki H. , Anzai A. , Yamada Y. , Liu F. , Otaka E. , Akaboshi K. , Liu M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundIn highly invasive diseases, metabolism commonly changes. Hypercatabolism is frequent in acute stroke, and nitrogen balance tends to be negative. However, there has been no study describing nitrogen balance in subacute and chronic stroke patients. The present study aimed to examine nitrogen balance in the subacute and chronic phases and to identify the factors related to it.MethodsNitrogen balance was calculated from the collected urine of 56 patients with subacute stroke [mean (SD) 53.8 (18.4) days post‐stroke] who were admitted for rehabilitation for their first‐ever ischaemic or nonsurgical haemorrhagic stroke. In the first experiment, their nitrogen balance was measured during the rehabilitation phase, and factors (type, severity of hemiparesis, activities of daily living, dysphagia and malnutrition status) related to it were evaluated. The second experiment was performed to describe the time course of nitrogen balance in 31 consecutive patients, with assessments made at admission and at discharge.ResultsNitrogen balance was positive in all patients in the subacute phase. A significant difference was seen in nitrogen balance between high and low fat‐free mass in male patients. In the chronic phase, nitrogen balance was positive in 96% of the patients. There was no significant difference in nitrogen balance between discharge and admission.ConclusionsIn the subacute and chronic phases of stroke, it was confirmed that hypercatabolism had resolved and that intensive rehabilitation is possible in the convalescent period of stroke.
Exchange Rates and Monetary Policy Uncertainty
Authors: MUELLER PHILIPPE , TAHBAZ‐SALEHI ALIREZA , VEDOLIN ANDREA 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTWe document that a trading strategy that is short the U.S. dollar and long other currencies exhibits significantly larger excess returns on days with scheduled Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announcements. We show that these excess returns (i) are higher for currencies with higher interest rate differentials vis‐à‐vis the United States, (ii) increase with uncertainty about monetary policy, and (iii) increase further when the Federal Reserve adopts a policy of monetary easing. We interpret these excess returns as compensation for monetary policy uncertainty within a parsimonious model of constrained financiers who intermediate global demand for currencies.
Prenatal assessment of coronary artery anatomy using color Doppler in cases of D‐transposition of the great arteries: Case reports
Authors: Kaji Takashi , Hayabuchi Yasunobu , Maeda Kazuhisa , Nakayama Soichiro , Irahara Minoru 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAbnormal coronary artery (CA) anatomy is common in cases of D‐transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and can be a significant risk factor during the arterial switch operation. Here, we report three cases of TGA in which CA anatomy was assessed prenatally using color Doppler imaging. All CA, except the left circumflex CA in one case, were identified. CA anatomy was completely correctly diagnosed in one of our three cases. In the two remaining cases, the left circumflex CA could not be visualized in one patient, and the origin of the left anterior descending CA was not correctly diagnosed in the other. We found that prenatal assessment of CA anatomy using color Doppler in TGA was feasible, but the diagnostic accuracy was limited. We anticipate that more experience with the advancing technology will improve accuracy.