Genetic architecture of rainbow trout survival from egg to adult

Survival from birth to a reproductive adult is a challenge that only robust individuals resistant to a variety of mortality factors will overcome. To assess whether survival traits share genetic architecture throughout the life cycle, we estimated genetic correlations for survival within fingerling stage, and across egg, fingerling and grow-out stages in farmed rainbow trout. Genetic parameters of survival at three life cycle stages were estimated for 249 166 individuals originating from ten year classes of a pedigreed population. Despite being an important fitness component, survival traits harboured significant but modest amount of genetic variation (h2=0·07–0·27). Weak associations between survival during egg-fry and fingerling periods, between early and late fingerling periods (rG=0·30) and generally low genetic correlations between fingerling and grow-out survival (mean rG=0·06) suggested that life-stage specific survival traits are best regarded as separate traits. However, in the sub-set of data with detailed time of death records, positive genetic correlations between early and late fingerling survival (rG=0·89) showed that during certain years the best genotypes in the early period were also among the best in the late period. That survival across fingerling period can be genetically the same, trait was indicated also by only slightly higher heritability (h2=0·15) estimated with the survival analysis of time to death during fingerling period compared to the analysis treating fingerling survival as a binary character (h2=0·11). The results imply that (1) inherited resistance against unknown mortality factors exists, but (2) ranking of genotypes changes across life stages

The discrepancy between perceived importance and adequacy in discussing topics related to pregnancy and birthing in maternity services: the views of mothers giving birth in Northern Greece

Aim: To explore aspects of maternity care regarding mode of delivery, preferred mode and place for next delivery, number of abortions, and the discrepancy between perceived importance and adequacy in discussing topics related to pregnancy and birth in maternity services. Background: Childbearing has been highly medicalized in Greece; deliveries are taking place in hospitals under the supervision of obstetricians.Methods: A convenience sample of 607 mothers (mean age 33.1±5.8) who had given birth one week to one year prior to the study participated and completed the Kuopio Instrument for Mothers.Results: Out of 607 eligible subjects, 46.8% (n=284) completed the KIM after first delivery and 52.7% (n=320)after second or multiple deliveries; 9.1% (n=55) reported preterm delivery and 22.7% (n=138) one or more abortions. The majority, 66.3 % (n=403), had vaginal delivery, while 32.9% (n=200) had caesarean section (CS). A total of 485 mothers (81.5%) reported that they preferred to have their next delivery in a hospital, and 298 (49.8%) visited private obstetricians for pregnancy monitoring. The discussion of CS in maternity clinics(p=0.001) was rated as more important by women who had undergone CS, while recovery after delivery (p=0.050) and normal course of pregnancy (p=0.014) were rated as not adequately discussed during their last pregnancy.Conclusions: there is a need for further research in order to obtain information on these important issues at a national level

Pregnancy outcomes of overweight and obese women aged 35 years or older - A registry-based study in Finland

Objective: To compare pregnancy outcomes of overweight and obese pregnant women aged 35 years or older to women aged less than 35 years old. Methods: A registry-based study covering years 2004-2008 including data on women >= 35 years (N = 45,718) compared to those = 30). In multivariable modelling, the main outcome measures were preterm delivery ( Results: Maternal overweight and obesity along with advanced maternal age (AMA) significantly increased the risks of preterm delivery, preeclampsia, foetal death, LGA and Caesarean as compared to women of average weight aged = 35 years to normal weight women of the same age, the rates of preeclampsia, preterm delivery Conclusions: The risks were increased by maternal age >= 35 years and both obesity and overweight. The combined effect of AMA and either overweight or obesity appeared to be a high risk state particularly for stillbirth and preterm delivery. (C) 2015 Asian Oceanian Association for the Study of Obesity. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Peer reviewe

The effectiveness of web-based and face-to-face continuing education methods on nurses' knowledge about AIDS: a comparative study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Information about web-based education outcomes in comparison with a face-to-face format can help researchers and tutors prepare and deliver future web-based or face-to-face courses more efficiently. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of web-based and face-to-face continuing education methods in improving nurses' knowledge about AIDS.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A quasi-experimental method was used with a pre-test and post-test design. In this study 140 nurses with BSc degrees were chosen through a random sampling method and divided into a web-based and a face-to-face group by random allocation. For the former group the intervention consisted of a web-based course on AIDS; the latter received a 3-hour lecture course on the same subject. At the beginning and end of the course in both groups, the nurses' knowledge was measured by a questionnaire. Pre- and post-test scores were compared within and between the groups.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The results show that there was no significant difference between the groups in either the pre-test (t₍₁₃₈₎= -1.7, <it>p </it>= 0.096) nor the post-test (t₍₁₃₈₎= -1.4, <it>p </it>= 0.163) scores in the knowledge test. However, there was a significant difference in the pre-test and post-test scores within each group (web-based, <it>t</it>₍₆₉₎= 26, <it>p </it>< .001; face-to-face, <it>t</it>₍₆₉₎= 24.3, <it>p </it>< .001).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The web-based method seems to be as effective as the face-to-face method in the continuing education of nurses. Therefore, the web-based method is recommended, as complementary to the face-to-face method, for designing and delivering some topics of continuing education programs for nurses.</p

Socio-cultural and Economic Determinants of Delayed Reporting of Breast Cancer Among Ghanaian Women: A Qualitative Study

Delayed reporting of breast cancer continues to increase in African countries, including Ghana, which is attributable to socio-cultural and economic factors. However, there is a paucity of data on socio-cultural and economic determinants of delayed reporting of breast cancer in Ghana. This study aimed to explore the socio‐cultural and economic determinants of delayed reporting of breast cancer among Ghanaian women. The study adopted an exploratory descriptive qualitative design with purposive sampling to recruit 17 women with breast cancer from the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Data were collected through in-depth interviews. Analysis: Data analysis was done using the thematic analysis approach. Delayed reporting was due to inaccurate information, the influence of social networks, cultural misconceptions, belief in alternative treatment, high cost of treatment, and extreme poverty. A combination of socio‐cultural and economic factors influences the delay in reporting breast cancer in Ghana. Culturally appropriate and adequate health information and education, integration of alternative treatment into the formal healthcare system in Ghana, and financial support from the government are needed to promote early reporting for treatment

Evaluation of novel computerized tomography scoring systems in human traumatic brain injury : An observational, multicenter study

Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality. Computerized tomography (CT) scanning of the brain is essential for diagnostic screening of intracranial injuries in need of neurosurgical intervention, but may also provide information concerning patient prognosis and enable baseline risk stratification in clinical trials. Novel CT scoring systems have been developed to improve current prognostic models, including the Stockholm and Helsinki CT scores, but so far have not been extensively validated. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the Stockholm and Helsinki CT scores for predicting functional outcome, in comparison with the Rotterdam CT score and Marshall CT classification. The secondary aims were to assess which individual components of the CT scores best predict outcome and what additional prognostic value the CT scoring systems contribute to a clinical prognostic model. Methods and findings TBI patients requiring neuro-intensive care and not included in the initial creation of the Stockholm and Helsinki CT scoring systems were retrospectively included from prospectively collected data at the Karolinska University Hospital (n = 720 from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2014) and Helsinki University Hospital (n = 395 from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2014), totaling 1,115 patients. The Marshall CT classification and the Rotterdam, Stockholm, and Helsinki CT scores were assessed using the admission CT scans. Known outcome predictors at admission were acquired (age, pupil responsiveness, admission Glasgow Coma Scale, glucose level, and hemoglobin level) and used in univariate, and multivariable, regression models to predict long-term functional outcome (dichotomizations of the Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS]). In total, 478 patients (43%) had an unfavorable outcome (GOS 1-3). In the combined cohort, overall prognostic performance was more accurate for the Stockholm CT score (Nagelkerke's pseudo-R-2 range 0.24-0.28) and the Helsinki CT score (0.18-0.22) than for the Rotterdam CT score (0.13-0.15) and Marshall CT classification (0.03-0.05). Moreover, the Stockholm and Helsinki CT scores added the most independent prognostic value in the presence of other known clinical outcome predictors in TBI (6% and 4%, respectively). The aggregate traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (tSAH) component of the Stockholm CT score was the strongest predictor of unfavorable outcome. The main limitations were the retrospective nature of the study, missing patient information, and the varying follow-up time between the centers. Conclusions The Stockholm and Helsinki CT scores provide more information on the damage sustained, and give a more accurate outcome prediction, than earlier classification systems. The strong independent predictive value of tSAH may reflect an underrated component of TBI pathophysiology. A change to these newer CT scoring systems may be warranted.Peer reviewe

Living in the shadow of shame and stigma: Lived experience of mothers with deaf children

Congenital deafness is one of the most common childhood disorders and every year many children are born with permanent hearing loss. The present study was carried out to understand the experience of mothers with deaf children. This study was conducted with a qualitative approach. The participants were 35 mothers of children with congenital deafness who were selected by purposive sampling. The data was collected through semi-structured indepth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis introduced by Braun and Clarke. Data analysis revealed 3 themes and 9 sub-themes including social stigma (prying eyes, pity aversion, feeling of discrimination, taunt from people), internalized stigma (feeling of inferiority, feeling of shame and embarrassment), and reaction to stigma (turning to concealment, cautious disclosure, and marginalization). Shame and stigma were the major experiences of Iranian mothers of deaf children that shadowed their lives. These experiences lead mainly to ineffective coping mechanisms such as avoidance of using hearing aids and concealment of the child’s hearing loss. In addition, to cope with perceived stigma, mothers isolate and marginalize themselves and pursue secrecy strategies. Therefore, our findings are important for health professionals who are working with families having children with hearing loss. They need to aware of the problems faced by the families and should advocate necessary support

Fathers’ emotional involvement with the neonate: impact of the umbilical cord cutting experience

Aims. This paper is a report on a study analysing the effect of the umbilical cord cutting experience on fathers’ emotional involvement with their infants. Background. Participation in childbirth offers an opportunity for father and mother to share the childbirth experience, so it is vital that midwives improve the fathers’ participation in this event. Design. A quasi-experimental study with a quantitative methodology was implemented. Methods. One hundred and five fathers were recruited as part of a convenience sample in a Maternity Public Hospital in a Metropolitan City in Portugal, between January and May of 2008. The Bonding Scale, the Portuguese version of the ‘Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale’ was used to evaluate the fathers’ emotional involvement with the neonate at different moments: before childbirth, first day after childbirth and first month after childbirth. After childbirth, the fathers were divided into three separate groups depending on their umbilical cord cutting experience. Results. The results demonstrate that the emotional involvement between father and child tends to increase during the first days after childbirth and to decrease when evaluated 1 month after birth, for fathers who did not cut the umbilical cord. However, fathers who cut the umbilical cord demonstrate an improvement in emotional involvement 1 month later. Conclusion. Results suggest that the umbilical cord cutting experience benefits the father’s emotional involvement with the neonate, supporting the benefits of his participation and empowerment in childbirth