bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quasi‐experimental evaluation of a telephone‐based peer support intervention for maternal depression
Authors: Letourneau Nicole , Secco Loretta , Colpitts Jennifer , Aldous Sarah , Stewart Miriam , Dennis Cindy‐Lee 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimsTo evaluate the effect of telephone‐based peer support on maternal depression and social supportBackgroundPostpartum depression is a global health concern and lack of treatment options mean many mothers are depressed beyond the first year after birth. Strong evidence has shown telephone‐based peer support, provided by a mother recovered from depression, effectively improves depression outcomes. This model has not been tested with mothers with depression any time up to two years postpartum.DesignQuasi‐experimental, one group pre‐test, posttest.MethodThe study population was mothers in New Brunswick, Canada with depression up to 24 months after delivery. The sample (N = 64) was recruited between May 2011–October 2013. Peer volunteers recovered from postpartum depression were trained and delivered an average of 8·84 (Range 1–13) support telephone calls. Depression and social support outcomes were assessed at intervention mid‐point (average 7·43 weeks, n = 37) and end (average 13·9 weeks, n = 34).ResultsMean depression significantly declined from baseline, 15·4 (N = 49), to mid‐point, 8·30 and end of the study, 6·26. At mid‐point 8·1% (n = 3/37) of mothers were depressed and at endpoint 11·8% (4/34) were depressed suggesting some relapse. Perceptions of social support significantly improved and higher support was significantly related with lower depression symptoms.ConclusionFindings offer promise that telephone‐based peer support is effective for both early postpartum depression and maternal depression up to two years after delivery.
Experimental evolution in fluctuating environments: tolerance measurements at constant temperatures incorrectly predict the ability to tolerate fluctuating temperatures
Authors: Ketola T. , Saarinen K. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe ability to predict the consequences of fluctuating environments on species distribution and extinction often relies on determining the tolerances of species or genotypes in different constant environments (i.e. determining tolerance curves). However, very little is known about the suitability of measurements made in constant environments to predict the level of adaptation to rapidly fluctuating environments. To explore this question, we used bacterial clones adapted to constant or fluctuating temperatures and found that measurements across a range of constant temperatures did not indicate any adaptation to fluctuating temperatures. However, adaptation to fluctuating temperatures was only apparent if growth was measured during thermal fluctuation. Thus, tolerance curves based on measurements in constant environments can be misleading in predicting the ability to tolerate fast environmental fluctuations. Such complications could lead to false estimates of the genetic merits of genotypes and extinction risks of species due to climate change‐induced thermal fluctuations.
Positive genetic correlation between brain size and sexual traits in male guppies artificially selected for brain size
Authors: Kotrschal A. , Corral‐Lopez A. , Zajitschek S. , Immler S. , Maklakov A. A. , Kolm N. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBrain size is an energetically costly trait to develop and maintain. Investments into other costly aspects of an organism's biology may therefore place important constraints on brain size evolution. Sexual traits are often costly and could therefore be traded off against neural investment. However, brain size may itself be under sexual selection through mate choice on cognitive ability. Here, we use guppy (Poecilia reticulata) lines selected for large and small brain size relative to body size to investigate the relationship between brain size, a large suite of male primary and secondary sexual traits, and body condition index. We found no evidence for trade‐offs between brain size and sexual traits. Instead, larger‐brained males had higher expression of several primary and precopulatory sexual traits – they had longer genitalia, were more colourful and developed longer tails than smaller‐brained males. Larger‐brained males were also in better body condition when housed in single‐sex groups. There was no difference in post‐copulatory sexual traits between males from the large‐ and small‐brained lines. Our data do not support the hypothesis that investment into sexual traits is an important limiting factor to brain size evolution, but instead suggest that brain size and several sexual traits are positively genetically correlated.
Timing recalibration in childhood Tourette syndrome associated with persistent pimozide treatment
Authors: Vicario Carmelo M. , Gulisano Mariangela , Martino Davide , Rizzo Renata 
Published: February 2015

In this study, we have tested the effects of the dopamine D2 receptor blocker pimozide on timing performance in patients with Tourette syndrome (TS). Nine children with TS were tested off‐medication and following 3 months of daily treatment with pimozide. Subjects completed a time reproduction and a time production task using supra‐second temporal intervals. We show that pimozide improves motor timing performance by reducing the patients' variability in reproducing the duration of visual stimuli. On the other hand, this medication has no effect on the reproduction accuracy and on both variability and accuracy of the performance on the time production task. Our results suggest that pimozide might have improved motor timing variability as a result of its beneficial side effect on endogenous dopamine levels (i.e., normalization).
Dignity‐conserving care in palliative care settings: An integrative review
Authors: Johnston Bridget , Larkin Philip , Connolly Michael , Barry Catriona , Narayanasamy Melanie , Östlund Ulrika , McIlfatrick Sonja 
Published: February 2015

Aims and objectivesTo report an integrative review of evidence relating to dignity‐conserving care in palliative care settings. It will also suggest avenues for future research.BackgroundResearch suggests that dignity is welcomed by those receiving palliative and end of life care. However, as dignity is a subjective term, it is not always explicit how this may be employed by nurses. Given that the preferred place of care for patients with palliative care needs is the home, the issue of dignity may be particularly important for community nurses. Therefore, synthesising evidence of dignity‐conserving care for community nurses caring for people with palliative care needs provides clarity in a complex area of palliative care research.DesignIntegrative literature review.MethodThe review involved key bibliographic and review databasesCINAHL,MEDLINE,EMBASE,ASSIAand PsycInfo. Medical Subject Headings and free terms were undertaken for articles published from January 2009–September 2014 and retrieved papers were assessed against inclusion criteria. Final included articles were reviewed for reported dignity‐conserving care actions, which were classified under nine themes of the Dignity Model.ResultsThirty‐one articles were included. Nine Dignity Model themes were used to classify care actions: Level of Independence; Symptom Distress; Dignity‐Conserving Perspectives; Dignity‐Conserving Practices; Privacy Boundaries; Social Support; Care Tenor; Burden to Others; and Aftermath Concerns. Reported care actions included listening, conveying empathy, communication and involving patients in care.ConclusionCare actions could be classified under most of Dignity Model themes. However, there were less reported care actions related to Level of Independence and Aftermath Concerns, which meant that these had to be formulated independently. Future research should be structured around these areas to determine appropriate care actions for nurses to give dignity‐conserving care that addresses these specific themes.Relevance to clinical practiceSynthesising the available evidence of dignity‐conserving care identifies evidence‐based care actions and provides guidance to nurses in clinical practice caring for patients with palliative care needs. Future opportunities for research are identified to guide promotion of dignity in palliative care.
Neurological signs and pre‐ and post‐traction low‐fieldMRIfindings in Dobermanns with disc‐associated cervical spondylomyelopathy
Authors: Stabile F. , Bernardini M. , Bevilacqua G. , Ekiri A. B. , de Stefani A. , De Risio L. 
Published: February 2015

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether the presence of neurological signs and magnetic resonance imaging findings could predict the presence of a traction‐responsive lesion in Dobermanns affected by disc‐associated cervical spondylomyelopathy.METHODSRetrospective review of neurological signs and low‐field pre‐ and post‐traction magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities of the cervical spine (abnormal vertebral body shape and vertebral tipping, intervertebral disc degeneration, protrusion and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy) in Dobermanns with disc‐associated cervical spondylomyelopathy. The main outcome of interest was response to linear traction (dynamicversusstatic) atC6‐C7intervertebral disc space. The association between investigated variables and response to linear traction was assessed.RESULTSThe study included 25 dogs. No association was identified between neurological status grading and the presence of a static or traction‐responsive lesion. Of the investigated magnetic resonance findings,C7‐T1intervertebral disc degeneration was significantly (P = 0 · 03) associated with the presence of a traction‐responsive lesion atC6‐C7intervertebral disc space.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThe presence ofC7‐T1intervertebral disc degeneration might help in predicting the presence of traction‐responsiveC6‐C7intervertebral disc lesions.
Molecular Characterization of dax1 and SF‐1 and Their Expression Analysis During Sex Reversal in Spotted Scat, Scatophagus argus
Authors: Chen Jianhua , He Maoxian , Yan Binlun , Zhang Junbin , Jin Sichen , Liu Lu 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe nuclear receptors dax1 and SF‐1 play important and antagonistic roles in gonad differentiation in mammals. To study their potential functions in teleost fish, the full‐length cDNAs of dax1 and SF‐1 were cloned and characterized from spotted scat. Their expression patterns in adult tissues and juveniles treated with 17α‐methyltestosterone (MT) and their gonadal histological changes were investigated, respectively. The tissue‐specific expression results showed that dax1 was abundantly expressed in the gonads, spleen, brain, and intestine. SF‐1 was preferentially expressed in the gonad and spleen. Histological results showed that sex reversal could be induced by MT, and the degenerating oocytes and proliferations of spermatogonia were observed in gonad. At the beginning of sex reversal (40 d after treatment), the mRNA level of dax1 significantly increased, and the transcript level of SF‐1 mRNA was inhibited at the point of 20 d following treatment with MT. Our results suggested that masculinization could be induced by MT treatment in spotted scat, and MT could upregulate the dax1 expression, whereas it downregulates the expression of SF‐1, which implied that dax1 and SF‐1 might be involved in the gonad development from female to male and there was an antagonistic effect between dax1 and SF‐1.
Effects of Dissolved Carbon Dioxide on Cataract Formation and Progression in Juvenile Atlantic Cod, Gadus morhua L.
Authors: Neves Kevin J. , Brown Nick P. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn this study, the effects of elevated levels of dissolved carbon dioxide were investigated in a marine recirculation system on the development of cataracts in juvenile Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua. Replicate groups (n = 9), at an initial average weight of 23.5 ± 0.8 g, were exposed to one of the three levels of dissolved CO2: low (6.99 ± 0.021 mg/L), mid (12.23 ± 0.013 mg/L), or high (19.77 ± 0.029 mg/L) for 5 mo. Fish were sampled every 30 d to measure growth and assess cataract status. Fish in all CO2 treatments developed cataracts, but cataract prevalence (%) was significantly higher after 5 mo in fish from the high CO2 (97.8 ± 2.4%) than mid (60.7 ± 9.1%) or low CO2 (29.6 ± 8.1%) treatments. Cataract severity, graded on a scale of 0–8, showed a similar pattern with average cataract scores of 6.0 ± 0.3, 3.0 ± 0.5, and 1.2 ± 0.3 for fish in high, mid, and low CO2 treatments, respectively. Survival was reduced in the high CO2 treatments (94.5%) compared to the low CO2 treatments (97.6%). Lengths were significantly smaller in the high CO2 treatment fish after 5 mo (217.9 ± 5.2 mm) than either mid (231.1 ± 3.1 mm) or low CO2 (236.0 ± 4.5 mm) treatments. Weights of the fish followed a similar pattern with the fish in the high CO2 treatments weighing significantly less after 5 mo (91.6 ± 7.8 g) than fish in the low CO2 treatment (126.7 ± 8.8 g). Condition factor, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio were also negatively affected by increasing levels of CO2 but by the end of the trial, these values were comparable to those of the low and mid CO2 treatments. These results demonstrate that elevated levels of dissolved CO2 significantly affect the performance of Atlantic cod in a production setting and leads to the development of cataracts. Although the physiological mechanism of CO2‐induced cataract formation remains unknown, the results from this study suggest that levels of dissolved CO2 must be given more attention in order to avoid potentially negative consequences on the growth, eye health, and survival of juvenile Atlantic cod.
Evaluation of a Dairy‐Yeast Prebiotic in the Diet of Juvenile Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Peredo Anjelica M. , Buentello Alejandro , Gatlin Delbert M. , Hume Michael E. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractTwo feeding trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with the prebiotic GroBiotic‐A on juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Juvenile fish in both trials received a basal diet composed of practical and semipurified ingredients or the basal diet supplemented with GroBiotic‐A at either 1 or 2% of dry weight. Trial 1 (8 wk), was conducted with juvenile fish initially averaging 4.3 g/fish in which their performance indices, nonspecific humoral and cellular immune responses, and intestinal microbiota were characterized. In that trial, only survival was significantly affected by dietary treatment with the greatest survival (98.7%) observed for fish fed the diet containing 2% GroBiotic‐A and significantly (P < 0.05) lower survival (86.9%) for fish fed the diet containing 1% GroBiotic‐A (GBA) and intermediate survival (90.7%) for fish fed the basal diet. Trial 2 (5 wk), was conducted with larger juveniles initially averaging 6.5 g/fish to provide a more in‐depth assessment of cellular immune responses, intestinal morphometric characteristics, and disease resistance of tilapia fed the three experimental diets. Fish fed the diet with 2% GroBiotic‐A exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) increased production of extracellular superoxide anion by macrophages and a distinct microbial community within the intestine compared to fish fed the other diets. No significant differences were seen in survival after controlled exposure to Streptococcus iniae although fish fed the diet with 2% GBA tended to experience reduced mortality (12.5%) compared to those fed the basal diet (35%). Thus, based on the results from both trials, supplementation of 2% GroBiotic‐A generally improved survival, altered gut microbiota, and enhanced extracellular superoxide anion production of Nile tilapia.
The Effects of Live and Artificial Diets on Feeding Performance of Winter Flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus, in the Hatchery
Authors: Walsh Michelle L. , Fairchild Elizabeth A. , Rennels Nathan , Howell W. Huntting 
Published: February 2015

AbstractWinter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus, are capable of releasing hundreds of thousands of eggs annually, but because of the vulnerability of the small, early life stages, there is high natural mortality, and few survive to maturity. Captively spawning, rearing, and releasing animals at a size or age beyond this period of high mortality may enhance stocks. The objectives of this research were to determine how different diets (both live and formulated) influenced hatchery survival and growth of juvenile winter flounder. Live feeds included post‐nauplii of brine shrimp, Artemia salina; white worms, Enchytraeus albidus; and common burrower amphipods, Leptocheirus plumulosus. Fish reared on live feeds exhibited significantly higher survival (P <  0.0001) and growth (P <  0.01) than those reared on formulated feed, with fish fed white worms exhibiting the highest growth rates. This study provides hatchery feeding strategies that may ease the transition of flatfish released into the wild for stock enhancement.
Economics of Small‐scale Commercial Aquaponics in Hawai‘i
Authors: Tokunaga Kanae , Tamaru Clyde , Ako Harry , Leung PingSun 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAquaponics, the symbiotic integration of aquaculture and hydroponics, has been touted as a sustainable food production technology. While there is anecdotal evidence, there are only a few studies on the economics of commercial aquaponics. In this study, we collect economic and production information from three aquaponic farms to investigate the economic feasibility of an aquaponics industry in Hawaii. Based on the information supplied by the farms, we develop a model case to analyze (i) profitability, (ii) return on investment, and (iii) input requirements for small‐scale commercial aquaponics operation in Hawaii. We find that small‐scale commercial aquaponics is economically feasible, but our findings are not as optimistic as those previously published. The modified internal rate of return of the model farm is 7.36%. We conduct sensitivity and decision reversal analysis to investigate how output prices and operational cost parameters affect the overall economic outcome. We find that economic outcome is very sensitive to output price. Investment in commercial aquaponics cannot be supported if annual sales revenue falls by 11%. We conclude by discussing challenges and risks faced by commercial aquaponic farms and the potential economic gain from organic certification and renewable energy implementation.
Are extra‐pair males different from cuckolded males? A case study and a meta‐analytic examination
Authors: Hsu Yu‐Hsun , Schroeder Julia , Winney Isabel , Burke Terry , Nakagawa Shinichi 
Published: February 2015

AbstractTraditional models for female extra‐pair matings assume that females benefit indirectly from extra‐pair mating behaviour. Under these so‐called adaptive models, extra‐pair males are hypothesized to have more compatible genotypes, larger body size, exaggerated ornaments or to be older than cuckolded males. Alternatively, (‘nonadaptive’) models that consider female extra‐pair matings to be a by‐product posit that female extra‐pair mating can be maintained even if there is no benefit to females. This could happen if, for example, males gained fitness benefits from extra‐pair mating, while female and male extra‐pair mating behaviours were genetically correlated. Extra‐pair males are also expected to be older and larger if this improves their ability to convince or coerce females to mate. We investigated whether a female's extra‐pair mates differed from her cuckolded mate in both genetic and phenotypic traits by analysing data from an insular house sparrow population. We found that extra‐pair males were older than cuckolded males, consistent with both models. However, in contrast to the expectations from from adaptive models, extra‐pair and cuckolded males were of similar genetic relatedness, and hence expected compatibility, with the female, and had comparable body size and secondary sexual traits. We also updated previous meta‐analyses examining differences between extra‐pair and cuckolded males. The meta‐analytic results matched results from our house sparrow case study. Although we cannot completely exclude indirect benefits for females, nonadaptive models may better explain female extra‐pair matings. These neglected alternative models deserve more research attention, and this should improve our understanding of the evolution of mating systems.
I. SLEEP AND DEVELOPMENT: INTRODUCTION TO THE MONOGRAPH
Authors: El‐Sheikh Mona , Sadeh Avi 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTLiterature on sleep and child development is growing rapidly in exciting new directions across several disciplines and with this comes a need for guiding conceptual principles and methodological tools. In this introductory chapter, the importance of sleep for child development across multiple domains is highlighted. The aims of this monograph are presented and pertain to the need to consider and integrate theory and research across multiple disciplines and use state‐of‐the‐art methodologies. A developmental ecological systems perspective adapted to sleep illustrates the multiple levels of influence and their importance in the study of child sleep and development. A focal aim is to provide examples of longitudinal studies linking sleep with child development, which are presented in seven chapters of this volume.
II. MOVING SLEEP AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH FORWARD: PRIORITIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SRCD‐SPONSORED FORUM ON SLEEP AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Authors: El‐Sheikh Mona , Buckhalt Joseph A. 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTPrevalent in typically developing children, insufficient or poor‐quality sleep are matters of public health concern. Programmatic studies of the predictors and sequelae of sleep are increasing rapidly and yielding novel research paradigms that explicate connections between sleep, family processes, and child development within the sociocultural milieu. In an SRCD‐sponsored Forum, established researchers and junior scholars from disparate areas of inquiry (e.g., Pediatrics; Public Health; Psychology; Anthropology) convened. An overarching goal of the Forum was to promote dialogue and collaborations, identify pivotal areas in the study of typically developing children's sleep, and integrate knowledge of sleep and child development across disciplines toward making conceptual advances about the ways that sleep and waking behaviors are intertwined. In addition to conceptual advances, a second goal focused on the need for methodological advances, including contemporary approaches and tools in the measures and analyses of sleep to help accelerate the pace and enhance the quality of research in this interdisciplinary field.
III. SLEEP ASSESSMENT METHODS
Authors: Sadeh Avi 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTSleep is a complex phenomenon that could be understood and assessed at many levels. Sleep could be described at the behavioral level (relative lack of movements and awareness and responsiveness) and at the brain level (based on EEG activity). Sleep could be characterized by its duration, by its distribution during the 24‐hr day period, and by its quality (e.g., consolidated versus fragmented). Different methods have been developed to assess various aspects of sleep. This chapter covers the most established and common methods used to assess sleep in infants and children. These methods include polysomnography, videosomnography, actigraphy, direct observations, sleep diaries, and questionnaires. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are highlighted.