Ten years of enhancing neuro-imaging genetics through meta-analysis: An overview from the ENIGMA Genetics Working Group

Here we review the motivation for creating the enhancing neuroimaging genetics through meta-analysis (ENIGMA) Consortium and the genetic analyses undertaken by the consortium so far. We discuss the methodological challenges, findings, and future directions of the genetics working group. A major goal of the working group is tackling the reproducibility crisis affecting “candidate gene” and genome-wide association analyses in neuroimaging. To address this, we developed harmonized analytic methods, and support their use in coordinated analyses across sites worldwide, which also makes it possible to understand heterogeneity in results across sites. These efforts have resulted in the identification of hundreds of common genomic loci robustly associated with brain structure. We have found both pleiotropic and specific genetic effects associated with brain structures, as well as genetic correlations with psychiatric and neurological diseases.     

Impact of parity on ewe vaginal mechanical properties relative to the nonhuman primate and rodent

Introduction and hypothesis

Parity is the leading risk factor for the development of pelvic organ prolapse. To assess the impact of pregnancy and delivery on vaginal tissue, researchers commonly use nonhuman primate (NHP) and rodent models. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ewe as an alternative model by investigating the impact of parity on the ewe vaginal mechanical properties and collagen structure.

Methods

Mechanical properties of 15 nulliparous and parous ewe vaginas were determined via uniaxial tensile tests. Collagen content was determined by hydroxyproline assay and collagen fiber thickness was analyzed using picrosirius red staining. Outcome measures were compared using Independent samples t or Mann–Whitney U tests. ANOVA (Gabriel’s pairwise post-hoc test) or the Welch Alternative for the F-ratio (Games Howell post-hoc test) was used to compare data with previously published NHP and rodent data.

Results

Vaginal tissue from the nulliparous ewe had a higher tangent modulus and tensile strength compared with the parous ewe (p?<?0.025). The parous ewe vagina elongated 42 % more than the nulliparous ewe vagina (p?=?0.015). No significant differences were observed in collagen structure among ewe vaginas. The tangent modulus of the nulliparous ewe vagina was not different from that of the NHP or rodent (p?=?0.290). Additionally, the tangent moduli of the parous ewe and NHP vaginas did not differ (p?=?0.773).

Conclusions

Parity has a negative impact on the mechanical properties of the ewe vagina, as also observed in the NHP. The ewe may serve as an alternative model for studying parity and ultimately prolapse development.

     

Stronger together: midwifery twinning between Tanzania and Canada

This article describes a twinning relationship between the Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM) and the Tanzania Midwives Association (TAMA). It argues that the twinning relationship strengthened both associations. The article briefly reviews the existing literature on professional associations and association strengthening to demonstrate that professional associations are a vital tool for improving the performance of healthcare workers and increasing their capacity to contribute to national and international policy-making. It then suggests that midwifery associations are particularly significant given the frequent professional marginalization of midwives. The article then describes in depth the relationship between CAM and TAMA, highlighting the accomplishments of the twinned partners, and analyzing the factors that contributed to the success of the relationship. The findings demonstrate that twinning can successfully strengthen associations, increasing their ability to support their membership, care for the public, and shape national policy-making. The article therefore proposes twinning as a successful and cost-effective model for encouraging the growth of the midwifery profession.     

Single‐item measure of food insecurity used in the National Health Survey may underestimate prevalence in Australia

Objectives : To compare prevalence estimates of food insecurity using a single‐item measure, with three adaptations of the United States Department of Agriculture Food Security Survey Module (USDA‐FSSM). Methods : Data were collected by postal survey, from individuals aged ≥18 years from disadvantaged suburbs of Brisbane, Australia (n= 505, 53% response). Food security status was ascertained by the Australian single‐item measure, and the 6‐, 10‐ and 18‐item versions of the USDA‐FSSM. Prevalence estimates of food insecurity and different levels of severity of food insecurity estimated by each tool were determined. Data were analysed using McNemar's test, polychoric correlation and Rasch analyses. Results : The prevalence of food insecurity was 19.5% using the single‐item measure; significantly less than the 24.4%, 22.8% and 21.1% identified using the 18‐item, 10‐item and 6‐item versions of the USDA‐FSSM, respectively. Rasch analyses revealed that overall the USDA‐FSSM may be a valid tool for the measurement of food insecurity within the current sample. Conclusion : The measure of food insecurity employed in national surveys in Australia may underestimate its prevalence and public health significance. Implications for public health : Future monitoring and surveillance efforts should seek to employ a more accurate measure as the first step in recognising the right to food for all Australians.     

Ethnic Discrimination and Smoking-Related Outcomes among Former and Current Arab Male Smokers in Israel: The Buffering Effects of Social Support

We examined the relationship between two forms of ethnic discrimination—interpersonal and institutional—and smoking outcomes among Arab men in Israel, and whether social support buffered these associations. We used cross-sectional data of adult Arab men, current or former smokers (n?=?954). Mixed-effects regression models estimated the association between discrimination and smoking status, and nicotine dependence among current smokers. Interpersonal discrimination was associated with higher likelihood of being a current smoker compared to a former smoker, whereas institutional group discrimination was not. Social support moderated the ethnic discrimination-nicotine dependence link. Among men with low social support, greater interpersonal discrimination was associated with greater nicotine dependence. Similarly, among smokers with high institutional group discrimination, those with high social support reported lower nicotine dependence compared to those with low social support. Ethnic discrimination should be considered in efforts to improve smoking outcomes among Arab male smokers in Israel.     

Economic evaluations of occupational therapy approaches for people with cognitive and/or functional decline: A systematic review

With the ageing of the world's population comes significant implications for nearly all sectors of society, including health and aged care spending. Health and aged care systems need to respond to the increasing need for services for older people. Occupational therapy is concerned with maintaining a person's functional independence and well‐being from preventative and treatment perspectives. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the costs and outcomes of occupational therapy for people with cognitive and/or functional decline. The searches for this review were conducted on 23 September 2016 and updated on 20 April 2017. Full economic evaluation studies, partial economic evaluations, randomised trials reporting estimates of resource use or costs associated with intervention(s) and comparator(s) and studies with pre‐ and post‐intervention cost comparators were included. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The type and duration of occupational therapy intervention in the included studies varied, ranging from one‐off assessments through to systematic multicomponent programmes. Results suggested that structured occupational therapy interventions which comprised of multiple consultations and engaged caregivers delivered better functional and economic outcomes.