Feasibility of Oral Prenatal Probiotics against Maternal Group B \u3cem\u3eStreptococcus\u3c/em\u3e Vaginal and Rectal Colonization

Objective To examine the effect of an oral prenatal probiotic on group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization and to demonstrate the feasibility of a larger randomized controlled trial. Design This pilot study was an open‐label, two‐group quasi‐experiment. Setting An urban central city nurse‐midwifery and wellness center serving a diverse population. Participants Ten pregnant participants received the oral probiotic (Florajen3) taken once daily, and 10 participants served as controls. Methods A questionnaire on dietary practices, vaginal cleansing, sexual history, and symptoms and GBS colony count samples were taken at 28‐, 32‐, and 36‐weeks gestation. Results Participants in the probiotic group reported no adverse events or minor side effects; one half reported improved gastrointestinal symptoms. Although two women in each group had positive qualitative prenatal GBS cultures at 36 weeks, the probiotic group participants had lower quantitative GBS colony counts. The eight GBS negative averaged 90% probiotic adherence compared with two GBS positive women who averaged 68%. Yogurt ingestion was inversely related (p= .02) to GBS colonization. Conclusions Prenatal probiotic therapy has the potential to reduce GBS colonization. The potential of the probiotic intervention appears to be linked to daily adherence. A controlled clinical trial with a larger, adequately powered sample is feasible and justified

Affective and Cognitive Correlates of Interpersonal Dependency in Neurologic Populations

This project investigates the relationships between some of the interpersonal traits and neuropsychological functions which are observed to deviate following brain insult, with a focus on patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. More specifically, this study investigated the associations of interpersonal dependency with anxiety, depression, and executive function (due to their documented relationship to the temporal lobe and their subservience as simple, direct measures of quality of life) following assorted brain insults. Results displayed strong associations and comorbidity between these traits, yet no strong predictive or causal evidence, leading us to reaffirm the concept of the Temporolimbic Personality, as described in separate studies by Aycicegi-Dinn and Trimble, which suggests that these traits coexist in a psychopathologic web of symptoms. Results also showed the efficacy of the temporal lobectomy in curtailing the progressive deterioration of function within these behavioral domains. Within the context of clinical neuropsychological populations, this study provided strong evidence of relationships between these characteristics. Thus, findings suggested that interpersonal dependency should be studied as an area of focus in therapy and interventions to improve the quality of life of neurologic populations

Response to "The Legitimacy of Genetic Ancestry Tests"

Anthropolog

Pharmacogenetics: a reality or misplaced optimism?

The paper aims to review current evidence that supports the application of genetic information in the management and use of psychotropic medication. Although the importance of an individual's genetic makeup in the metabolism of drugs has been known for at least 50 years, it is only recently that such information is finding clinical application. A literature review of recent studies suggest that there are clear variations in the way people respond to psychotropic medication. These variations can be seen across racial and ethnic lines, and are genetically determined. The hope is that, in future we will be able to use genetic information to predict which patient will benefit from which drug and at what dose. In other fields of health care such as anticoagulant therapy, the application of pharmacogenetics is now established in routine clinical care. Several psychiatric pharmacogenetic tests are currently available, including tests for the determination of metabolic status, risk of agranulocytosis and metabolic syndrome, and selection of beneficial medications. Since nurses are the centrepiece of mental health care, these advances are likely to alter significantly future mental health nurse education and practice

Examining discourses of whiteness and the potential for reconciliation

The aim of this paper is to explore how examining discourses of whiteness can contribute to an anti-racism that does not simply reduce racism to problems located with the ‘other’ or focus on the benefits of anti-racism for the dominant group. We discuss how by examining discursive negotiations at the micro level we are able to critique dominance and privilege at the macro level. To illustrate this we use the findings from a discourse analysis (Henriques, Hollway, Urwin, Venn, & Walkerdine, 1998)of discussions with white Australians about their involvement in Reconciliation. In particular, we identify spaces for the examination and critique of whiteness within white Australians’ discursive negotiations of Reconciliation. We also discuss how engagement with Indigenous knowledges is a necessary part of the critique of whiteness