Ultrasound-guided motor unit scanning electromyography.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Measuring the spatial dimensions of a single motor unit remains a challenging problem, and current techniques, such as scanning electromyography (EMG), tend to underestimate the true dimensions. In this study we aimed to estimate more accurately the dimensions of a single motor unit by developing a clinically applicable scanning EMG protocol that utilizes ultrasound imaging to visualize and target a transect through the center of a single motor unit. METHODS: Single motor unit twitches in the tibialis anterior muscles of healthy volunteers were elicited via stimulation of the fibular nerve, visualized with ultrasound, and targeted with an intramuscular EMG electrode. The electrode was moved by hand in small steps through the motor unit territory. Ultrasound video output was synchronized to EMG capture, and the needle position was tracked at each step. RESULTS: Eight recordings from six participants were collected. The technique was quick and easy to perform (mean time, 6.1 minutes) with reasonable spatial resolution (mean step size, 1.85 mm), yielding motor unit territory sizes between 1.53 and 14.65 mm (mean, 7.15 mm). DISCUSSION: Ultrasound-guided motor unit scanning EMG is a quick and accurate method for obtaining a targeted motor unit transect. This combination of two readily available clinical tools provides insights into the dimensions and internal structure of the motor unit as a marker for neuromuscular conditions.

Novel delivery of cellular therapy to reduce ischemia reperfusion injury in kidney transplantation.

Ex vivo normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) of donor kidneys prior to transplantation provides a platform for direct delivery of cellular therapeutics to optimize organ quality prior to transplantation. Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells (MAPC® ) possess potent immunomodulatory properties that could minimize ischemia reperfusion injury. We investigated the potential capability of MAPC cells in kidney NMP. Pairs (5) of human kidneys, from the same donor, were simultaneously perfused for 7 hours. Kidneys were randomly allocated to receive MAPC treatment or control. Serial samples of perfusate, urine, and tissue biopsies were taken for comparison. MAPC-treated kidneys demonstrated improved urine output (P = .009), decreased expression of injury biomarker NGAL (P = .012), improved microvascular perfusion on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (cortex P = .019, medulla P = .001), downregulation of interleukin (IL)-1ß (P = .050), and upregulation of IL-10 (P < .047) and Indolamine-2, 3-dioxygenase (P = .050). A chemotaxis model demonstrated decreased neutrophil recruitment when stimulated with perfusate from MAPC-treated kidneys (P < .001). Immunofluorescence revealed prelabeled MAPC cells in the perivascular space of kidneys during NMP. We report the first successful delivery of cellular therapy to a human kidney during NMP. Kidneys treated with MAPC cells demonstrate improvement in clinically relevant parameters and injury biomarkers. This novel method of cell therapy delivery provides an exciting opportunity to recondition organs prior to transplantation.

Associations between conflicting nutrition information, nutrition confusion and backlash among consumers in the UK.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of exposure to conflicting nutritional information (CNI) through different forms of media on nutrition-related confusion and backlash among consumers in the UK. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey administered via Qualtrics among 18-75-year-old participants in the UK. The sample was stratified by age and gender with quotas defined according to the 2011 UK census distribution. SETTING: Qualtrics' Online panel of respondents in the UK. PARTICIPANTS: 676 participants comprising nearly an equal number of females (n 341) and males (n 335) and a majority (58·6 %) from households whose income was <£30 000. RESULTS: Our findings showed that nearly 40 % of respondents were exposed to some or a lot of CNI. We found that while exposure to CNI from TV and online news increased nutrition confusion, CNI from health professionals increased backlash. Exposure to CNI from social media and health websites was associated with reduced backlash. We also found that nutrition confusion and backlash were negatively associated with exercise behaviour and fruit and vegetable consumption, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports the theoretical pathways that explain the influence of CNI exposure on nutrition-related cognitive and behavioural outcomes. Additionally, different types of online information sources are associated with these outcomes to varying degrees. In the context of obesity and diabetes rates in the UK, our findings call for (a) further experimental research into the effects of CNI on consumers' diet-related cognitions and behaviours and (b) multi-stakeholder, interdisciplinary approaches to address this problem.

The impact of conspiracy beliefs on a targeted group: Perceived popularity of Jewish-targeted conspiracy beliefs elicits outgroup avoidant behaviours.

In three studies with Jewish participants, we explored the consequences of intergroup conspiracy theories on those targeted. In Study 1 (N = 250), perceived Jewish conspiracy theory popularity was positively associated with intergroup threat and negatively associated with the closeness of contact with non-Jewish people. Study 2 (n = 194) employed an experimental design where Jewish participants were exposed to the idea that many (vs. few) non-Jewish people believe in Jewish conspiracy theories. A path model demonstrated that exposure to the many (vs. few) manipulation increased intergroup threat, which was then positively associated with emotional reactions. Intergroup anxiety and ingroup anger were then positively associated with avoidance, whilst ingroup anxiety was positively associated with approach tendencies. Study 3 (n = 201) used the same experimental design, and a path model revealed that conspiracy popularity increased intergroup threat, which, in turn, was positively associated with ingroup anger and anxiety. Ingroup anxiety was then associated with intentions to help ingroup members. Notably, conspiracy popularity rendered participants less likely to interact with a non-Jewish partner in a behavioural task. Our work provides evidence that conspiracy beliefs, especially when perceived to be widely held, are likely to significantly impact targeted ingroup members.

Frequent gamblers' perceptions of the role of gambling marketing in their behaviour: An interpretative phenomenological analysis.

This study explored how frequent gamblers perceive gambling marketing and the role they feel it has in their gambling behaviour. Ten frequent gamblers participated in semi-structured interviews oriented around their experiences of gambling marketing. An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the data led to three overarching themes: exploiting gambling marketing for personal gain; gambling marketing as a test of self-control; and safer gambling messages marketing perceived as ineffective. These themes encapsulated participants' views of gambling marketing as something they could take advantage of to increase their own gambling success. Marketing was also perceived as a test of self-control among self-identified experienced gamblers, although identified as a risk to those who are considered more vulnerable. Finally, safer gambling messages included within marketing was considered ineffective due to perceived insincerity and being seen as an 'afterthought' by marketers. In support of previous research, the current investigation highlights concerning narratives around self-control and perceived risk, as encapsulated within gambling marketing, and these are evident in the perceptions of frequent gamblers. Given gamblers' perceived lack of effectiveness of current safer gambling messages within marketing, future research should explore new avenues for safer gambling promotion.

'You're on the waiting list': An interpretive phenomenological analysis of young adults' experiences of waiting lists within mental health services in the UK.

Waiting lists in mental health services are currently considered too long. Lengthy waits of up to 18 weeks are commonly reported in the UK. Waiting lists have long been associated with a variety of negative psychological responses, however there is little understanding behind young adults' personal experiences of such delays within mental health services. The current study aimed to explore young adults' experiences of waiting lists in mental healthcare in the UK. Seven young adults were interviewed in the current study (aged 19-22). Interpretive phenomenological analysis was utilised to explore participant accounts. Three super-ordinate themes were generated: Reliance on Alternative Methods of Support; Inability to Function Sufficiently; and Emergence of Negative Beliefs, Emotions and Thoughts. Participants primarily reported a variety of negative psychological and behavioural consequences associated with waiting lists in mental health services, as well as exacerbated existing physical and psychological health issues. In accordance with the limited number of previous studies, waiting lists are considered by patients to be barriers to mental health support and intervention. Future direction is advised.

The Shadows of the Past: Effects of Historical Group Trauma on Current Intergroup Conflicts.

We examined associations between two orientations based on historical group trauma, a form of enduring group victimhood (Perpetual Ingroup Victimhood Orientation [PIVO]) and the belief that one's group might itself become a victimizer (Fear of Victimizing [FOV]), and attitudes, cognitions, and emotions related to intergroup conflicts. PIVO was positively and FOV was negatively related to aggressive attitudes and emotions toward the outgroup (Studies 1a-1c, Israeli-Palestinian conflict), and to the attribution of responsibility for a series of hostilities to the outgroup (Study 3, Israeli-Palestinian conflict). PIVO was negatively and FOV positively related to support for forgiveness and reconciliation (Study 2, Northern Ireland conflict). In Experimental Study 4, FOV predicted greater accuracy in remembering harm, regardless of victims' group identity, whereas PIVO was associated with reduced accuracy only when victims were Palestinians (outgroup members). Taken together, these findings indicate that both orientations have a significant impact on intergroup conflicts and their resolution.

Twitter Influence on UK Vaccination and Antiviral Uptake during the 2009 H1N1 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Information exchange via Twitter and other forms of social media make public health communication more complex as citizens play an increasingly influential role in shaping acceptable or desired health behaviors. Taking the case of the 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic, we explore in detail the dissemination of H1N1-related advice in the UK through Twitter to see how it was used to discourage or encourage vaccine and antiviral uptake. METHODS: In three stages we conducted (1) an analysis of general content, retweeting patterns, and URL sharing, (2) a discourse analysis of the public evaluation of press releases and (3) a template analysis of conversations around vaccine and antiviral uptake, using Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) as a way of understanding how the public weighed the costs and benefits. RESULTS: Network analysis of retweets showed that information from official sources predominated. Analysing the spread of significant messages through Twitter showed that most content was descriptive but there was some criticism of health authorities. A detailed analysis of responses to press releases revealed some scepticism over the economic beneficiaries of vaccination, that served to undermine public trust. Finally, the conversational analysis showed the influence of peers when weighing up the risks and benefits of medication. CONCLUSION: Most tweets linked to reliable sources, however Twitter was used to discuss both individual and health authority motivations to vaccinate. The PMT framework describes the ways individuals assessed the threat of the H1N1 pandemic, weighing this against the perceived cost of taking medication. These findings offer some valuable insights for social media communication practices in future pandemics.

Reconstructing apology: David Cameron's Bloody Sunday apology in the press.

While there is an acknowledgement in apology research that political apologies are highly mediated, the process of mediation itself has lacked scrutiny. This article suggests that the idea of reconstruction helps to understand how apologies are mediated and evaluated. David Cameron's apology for Bloody Sunday is examined to see how he constructs four aspects of apology: social actors, consequences, categorization, and reasons. The reconstruction of those aspects by British, Unionist, and Nationalist press along with reconstructions made by soldiers in an online forum are considered. Data analysis was informed by thematic analysis and discourse analysis which helped to explore key aspects of reconstruction and how elements of Cameron's apology are altered in subsequent mediated forms of the apology. These mediated reconstructions of the apology allowed their authors to evaluate the apology in different ways. Thus, in this article, it is suggested that the evaluation of the apology by different groups is preceded by a reconstruction of it in accordance with rhetorical goals. This illuminates the process of mediation and helps to understand divergent responses to political apologies.

Alcohol and older people. The European project VINTAGE: good health into older age. Design, methods and major results.

OBJECTIVES: The European project VINTAGE - Good Health Into Older Age aims at filling the knowledge gap and building capacity on alcohol and the elderly, encouraging evidence- and experience-based interventions. METHODS: Systematic review of scientific literature on the impact of alcohol on older people; ad hoc survey and review of grey literature to collect EU examples of good practices for prevention; dissemination of findings to stakeholders involved in the field of alcohol, aging or public health in general. RESULTS: Design and procedures of the VINTAGE project are described, providing also an outline of major results, with particular attention to those related to the dissemination activity. CONCLUSIONS: Much more information and research is needed. This issue should be part of both alcohol and healthy ageing policies.

Good practices for the prevention of alcohol harmful use amongst the elderly in Europe, the VINTAGE project.

INTRODUCTION: There is a lack of information about initiatives aimed at preventing the harmful effects of alcohol amongst the elderly. OBJECTIVES: One of the objectives of the VINTAGE study was to collect the initiatives carried out in Europe and review the published grey literature about this topic. METHODS: Email-based survey addressed to researchers, professionals and policymakers, and internet search of grey literature. RESULTS: Three hundred nine contacts were finally made, and 21 of the 36 collected initiatives were considered as useful in preventing the harmful use of alcohol amongst the elderly. Out of the about 2900 references identified 96 were classified as relevant. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a growing interest, alcohol use in the elderly is not yet perceived as a major issue for prevention.