Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Family-Based Interventions Targeting Childhood Obesity: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND With the rising prevalence of childhood obesity over the last several decades, and the call for more family-based intervention research to combat childhood obesity, it is important to examine the extant research on family-based interventions in order to make recommendations and improve future research. OBJECTIVE To conduct a meta-analysis of family-based interventions targeting childhood obesity in the last decade in order to inform the research in the next decade. METHODS A literature review was conducted between December 2009-April 2010. Studies published between the years 2000-2009 that used family-based interventions to treat childhood obesity were included. A total of 20 studies met inclusionary criteria. RESULTS Although results varied by study design, the majority of studies had a moderate to large effect size for change in the target child's BMI (BMI percentile, zBMI, percent overweight) after participating in a family-based intervention. Long-term change varied by study, but the majority of studies produced sustainable change in child BMI, although smaller effect sizes. Change in secondary variables (dietary intake, sugar-sweetened beverage intake, physical activity) were substantially different between studies and are reported as trends. CONCLUSION To date, there is preliminary evidence suggesting that family-based interventions targeting childhood obesity are successful in producing weight loss in the short and long-term. Including families in weight loss treatment of obese children warrants further implementation and study. Limitations with the research, recommendations for future research, and implications for practitioners working with overweight/obese children are discussed.
Metabolites and biodegradation pathways of fatty alcohol ethoxylates in microbial biocenoses of sewage treatment plants

The biodegradation of fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers was studied by analyzing the 14C-labeled intermediates isolated from the effluent of a model continuous-flow sewage treatment plant after dosage of either alkyl- or heptaglycol-labeled stearyl alcohol ethoxylate (SA-7EO). In each case, uncharged and carboxylated (mainly dicarboxylated) polyethylene glycols constituted the most prominent metabolites. The results indicate that there is a faster degradation of the alkyl than the polyethylene glycol moiety and that there are two distinct primary degradation mechanisms acting simultaneously in microbial biocenoses: intramolecular scission of the surfactant as well as omega- and beta-oxidation of the alkyl chain. Characterization of the bulk of 14C-labeled metabolites as a homologous series of neutral and acidic polyglycol units and identification of several C2-fragments accounted for the depolymerization of the hydrophilic part of the surfactant by stepwise cleavage of ether-bound EO units; from additional degradation studies employing either neutral or carboxylated 14C-labeled polyethylene glycols as model metabolites, it was concluded that hydrolytic as well as oxidative cleavage of C2-units is involved. Most of the identified low-molecular-weight 14C-labeled acids suggest an ultimate degradation of EO monomers by the oxidative dicarbonic acid cycle or the glycerate pathway or both. In addition, the finding of considerable amounts of oxalic and formic acids allow consideration of an additional mineralization route via glyoxylic, oxalic, and formic acids. The simultaneous action of different degradation mechanisms indicates the involvement of several distinct bacterial groups in the biodegradation of fatty alcohol ethoxylates under environmental conditions.
Wealth Effects Revisited 1975-2012

We re-examine the links between changes in housing wealth, financial wealth, and consumer spending. We extend a panel of U.S. states observed quarterly during the seventeen-year period, 1982 through 1999, to the thirty-seven year period, 1975 through 2012Q2. Using techniques reported previously, we impute the aggregate value of owner-occupied housing, the value of financial assets, and measures of aggregate consumption for each of the geographic units over time. We estimate regression models in levels, first differences and in error-correction form, relating per capita consumption to per capita income and wealth. We find a statistically significant and rather large effect of housing wealth upon household consumption. This effect is consistently larger than the effect of stock market wealth upon consumption. In our earlier version of this paper we found that households increase their spending when house prices rise, but we found no significant decrease in consumption when house prices fall. The results presented here with the extended data now show that declines in house prices stimulate large and significant decreases in household spending. The elasticities implied by this work are large. An increase in real housing wealth comparable to the rise between 2001 and 2005 would, over the four years, push up household spending by a total of about 4.3%. A decrease in real housing wealth comparable to the crash which took place between 2005 and 2009 would lead to a drop of about 3.5%.
Regulation of neurite outgrowth mediated by localized phosphorylation of protein translational factor eEF2 in growth cones

Nerve growth cones contain mRNA and its translational machinery and thereby synthesize protein locally. The regulatory mechanisms in the growth cone, however, remain largely unknown. We previously found that the calcium entry‐induced increase of phosphorylation of eukaryotic elongation factor‐2 (eEF2), a key component of mRNA translation, within growth cones showed growth arrest of neurites. Because dephosphorylated eEF2 and phosphorylated eEF2 are known to promote and inhibit mRNA translation, respectively, the data led to the hypothesis that eEF2‐mediating mRNA translation may regulate neurite outgrowth. Here, we validated the hypothesis by using a chromophore‐assisted light inactivation (CALI) technique to examine the roles of localized eEF2 and eEF2 kinase (EF2K), a specific calcium calmodulin‐dependent enzyme for eEF2 phosphorylation, in advancing growth cones of cultured chick dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. The phosphorylated eEF2 was weakly distributed in advancing growth cones, whereas eEF2 phosphorylation was increased by extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐evoked calcium transient through P2 purinoceptors in growth cones and resulted in growth arrest of neurites. The increase of eEF2 phosphorylation within growth cones by inhibition of protein phosphatase 2A known to dephosphorylate eEF2 also showed growth arrest of neurites. CALI of eEF2 within growth cones resulted in retardation of neurite outgrowth, whereas CALI of EF2K enhanced neurite outgrowth temporally. Moreover, CALI of EF2K abolished the ATP‐induced retardation of neurite outgrowth. These findings suggest that an eEF2 phosphorylation state localized to the growth cone regulates neurite outgrowth. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2013
In vitro comparison of microleakage of posterior resin composites with and without liner using two-step etch-and-rinse and self-etch dentin adhesive systems.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Composite restorations frequently have gingival margins apical to the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ). Microleakage at the cementodentinal margins is one of the most important causes of failure in these restorations. The current study evaluated microleakage at the occlusal and gingival margins of Class II packable composite restorations using resin-modified glass ionomer and flowable composite as liners, using the two-step etch-and-rinse and self-etch dentin-bonding systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS This in vitro study was carried out on 48 intact human premolars. Class II preparations were made with the gingival margins placed 1.0 mm apical to the CEJ. The teeth were randomly assigned to six groups of 16 boxes and restored using the following techniques: Group 1: Single Bond (3M ESPE) + Filtek P60 (3M ESPE); Group 2: Clearfil SE Bond (Kuraray) + Filtek P60; Group 3: Single Bond + Filtek Flow (3M ESPE) + Filtek P60; Group 4: Clearfil SE Bond + Filtek Flow + Filtek P60. Group 5: Single Bond + Fuji II LC (GC) + Filtek P60; Group 6: Clearfil SE Bond + Fuji II LC + Filtek P60. The restorations were thermocycled for 1000 cycles at 5{degree sign}C and 55°C, soaked in 2% methylene blue for 48 hours, then sectioned mesiodistally and viewed under a stereomicroscope for leakage at the gingival margin. The data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis, two-way ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U-tests. RESULTS The resin-modified glass-ionomer liner demonstrated significantly less leakage than flowable composite (p<0.05). There was no difference between restorations with flowable resin composite liners and those without the liner; in addition, no significant difference was observed between the two kinds of adhesive systems. CONCLUSIONS The current study supports the use of resin-modified glass ionomer as a liner in closed-sandwich technique to decrease microleakage of Class II packable composite restorations, applying either the two-step etch-and-rinse or the self-etch dentin adhesive system.
Reserve Management and Audit Committee Characteristics: Evidence from U.S. Property–Liability Insurance Companies

We examine the relation between reserve management and a set of audit committee characteristics of property–liability insurers, using reserve errors as a proxy for reserve management. We find that insurers with three audit committee characteristics have more conservative loss reserve estimations: larger audit committee size and more members with accounting expertise, and more audit committee meetings. Our results also find that three recommendations of the 1999 Blue Ribbon Committee can make corporate audit committees more effective: a minimum audit committee size, a minimum level of accounting expertise, and a minimum number of audit committee meetings. These results were obtained when we controlled for board of director characteristics, firm‐specific characteristics, and Sarbanes–Oxley. Some board composition variables (e.g., director ownership) also have an impact on reserve management during our study period. The evidence overall suggests that the audit committee and some board characteristics have an impact on reserve management (earnings management) even in a regulated environment such as the insurance industry.
Comparing Cervical Cytology and Histology Among Human Papillomavirus–Vaccinated and –Unvaccinated Women in an Academic Colposcopy Clinic

OBJECTIVE: To analyze differences in cytology and histology results between patients previously vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) compared with unvaccinated patients who presented to an academic colposcopy clinic for evaluation of abnormal cervical cytology. METHODS: Using data from a patient registry from 2007 to 2014, we examined 1,662 patients aged 26 years or younger at the time of presentation. Demographics, HPV vaccination status, smoking, pregnancy history, sexually transmitted infections, number of sexual partners, contraception, immunosuppression, and other relevant medical issues were reviewed. Cytology and histology results were compared between previously HPV-vaccinated and unvaccinated women to determine if there was a difference in the severity of subsequent cytologic or pathologic specimens. RESULTS: In multivariable analyses, women who previously received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine had 53% (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.34–0.66; P<.001) lower odds of presenting with high-grade cytology (adenocarcinoma in situ, atypical glandular cells, atypical squamous cells cannot rule out high grade, and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion) and 36% (adjusted OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.48–0.85; P=.002) lower odds of presenting with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or 3 or worse histology compared with unvaccinated women. CONCLUSION: Patients presenting for colposcopic evaluation of abnormal cytology who had previously received the HPV vaccine had fewer high-grade lesions on both cytology and histology when compared with HPV-unvaccinated women. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II
Fine structural features of the acetylcholine innervation in the developing neostriatum of rat

The acetylcholine (ACh) innervation in the developing neostriatum of rat was examined by means of light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry with a highly sensitive antibody against choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). ChAT‐immunoreactive cell bodies and their emerging processes, located at birth in the lateral part of neostriatum, progressively pervaded the whole region, to give rise to an extremely dense axonal network. As visualized and measured in single thin sections, at postnatal (P) ages P8, P16, and P32, the intrinsic and relational features of ChAT‐immunostained profiles of axon varicosities in the lateral and medial parts of neostriatum were similar to those previously described in the adult. At the three postnatal ages, the immunoreactive profiles were comparable in shape, size, and vesicular content, and displayed one or more mitochondria with increasing frequency (from 10% at P8 to 29% at P32). The proportion which showed a synaptic junction was low at the three ages (8–16%), indicating an average synaptic incidence of 22% for whole varicosities after stereological extrapolation. The observed junctions were relatively small, mostly symmetrical, and made with dendritic spines or branches. The frequency of synapses on spines versus branches increased with age, from 20% at P8 to almost 60% at P32. Thus, the relational features of the neostriatal ACh innervation were similar to adult as soon as it appeared, as previously observed to be the case in the developing cerebral cortex. The diffuse mode of transmission may therefore be characteristic of both ACh interneurons (neostriatum) and projection neurons (cerebral cortex) in the CNS, and could be determining their functional properties during development as well as at maturity. J. Comp. Neurol. 460:280–291, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aboriginal Student Engagement and Achievement: Educational Practices and Cultural Sustainability

In his book, Lorenzo Cherubini, a professor in education from Brock University, presents the culmination of a comprehensive and holistic research study that evaluates an Aboriginal Student Program (ASP) implemented at a secondary school in Ontario in order to address high dropout rates amongst Aboriginal students attending grades 9-12. Importantly, the book not only tells a story of Aboriginal students in public education systems but also situates the narrative within a broader socio-historical context that serves to provide the reader with significant insights into how the education system in Canada has failed Aboriginal youth. Cherubini’s exploration of the ASP offers educators, administrators, parents, policymakers and other stakeholders an alternate vision of Aboriginal student engagement that is grounded in traditional Aboriginal cultural practices and integrated with mainstream academic supports, thus fostering positive cultural identity and nurturing the academic success of Aboriginal students. In this review, I will provide an overview of the contextual background and organization of the book, highlight key points within each chapter, and offer an evaluative and critical commentary on its overall impact.
Efficacy of alosetron in irritable bowel syndrome: a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract The 5HT3 receptor antagonist alosetron has been tested in several trials on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients. The aim of the present meta‐analysis was to determine its effect on adequate relief of pain or global improvement of symptoms in IBS patients. Six large, multicentre, randomized, placebo‐controlled trials fulfilled pre‐set criteria for high quality and were included in the meta‐analysis; 1762 patients were randomized to alosetron treatment and 1356 to placebo. Seventy‐five per cent of the patients experienced diarrhoea‐predominant IBS and 93% were females. The pooled odds ratio for adequate relief of pain or global symptoms improvement was 1.81 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.57–2.10). The average number of patients needed to treat with alosetron for one patient to achieve improvement over placebo treatment was seven (95% CI 5.74–9.43). The present analysis shows that alosetron 1 mg b.i. d. positively impacts global symptoms, and pain and discomfort in non‐constipated IBS female patients. One in four patients treated with alosetron may develop constipation. The efficacy of alosetron is unclear in male patients.
Training university teachers and students in Sri Lanka on Gender Based Violence: testing of a participatory training program

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. In all societies, violence is a social problem and violation of human rights. Changing attitudes and behaviors, which accept violence at individual and societal levels are key components in prevention strategies. The aim of this study was to produce educational material on Gender Based Violence (GBV). A participatory study design including educators and university students was used to create four teaching modules. The teaching was evaluated by descriptive surveys before and after the training and focus group discussions followed the training session. The questionnaire covered attitudes to gender, violence and laws. One hundred eleven teachers and 25 students representing different faculties and universities participated in separate workshops in three Sri Lankan universities. The students lacked knowledge of the meaning of GBV, consequences and existing laws. Women held more gender-equitable attitudes. Both women and men favoured equal participation of work and decision in the households. Male undergraduates showed less accepting attitudes toward rape or blaming women for rape Three categories emerged after the FGDs; Make training module compulsory and teacher led; Mind your own business; What can be done. The newly prepared and context specific material was well-received by educators and students and they provided valuable inputs, which improved the educational modules.
Using reproductive endpoints in small forage fish species to evaluate the effects of athabasca oil sands activities

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of naturally occurring oil sands‐related compounds (OSRC) on reproductive function in fish in order to assess the impacts of anthropogenic point‐source inputs. The health of slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus) and pearl dace (Semotilus margarita) collected from the Alberta Athabasca Oil Sands (Canada) watershed were examined. Two rivers were selected for study: the Steepbank and the Ells. These rivers originate outside the oil sands formation, where fish are unexposed (Ref), exposed to naturally occurring oil sands‐related compounds (Nat), or exposed to naturally occurring compounds as well as adjacent to surface mining activity (Dev). Assessment endpoints included gonadosomatic indices (GSI), fecundity, and in vitro gonadal steroid production. In vitro gonadal incubations demonstrated lower levels of steroid production at sites along the Steepbank River within the oil sands deposit. Hepatic 7‐ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase (EROD) activity, an indicator of exposure to OSRC, was elevated twofold at the site with natural compounds and up to 10‐fold at the site adjacent to development compared to EROD activity in fish from the reference site. Fish collected in the Ells River had a threefold induction in EROD activity but no significant reduction in steroid production when compared to reference fish. No consistent alterations in gonadal development were seen in fish collected from sites within the oil sands deposit. This research in the Athabasca River basin provides baseline information of the health of fish populations within the oil sands deposit prior to further development in the area.
Evaluation of the Advance Off-Stylet Insertion Technique and the Cochlear Insertion Tool in Temporal Bones

Objective: The concept and design of new cochlear implant electrodes is a challenging process. To evaluate new electrode designs, we present a study that uses a microgrinding procedure to evaluate damage to the microstructures of the cochlea resulting from the insertion procedure. In this study, we compared different insertion techniques with the Contour electrode with Softip for placement inside the cochlea and any resulting damage. Methods: Twenty-five fresh frozen human temporal bones were used to compare electrode insertion characteristics with three insertion techniques (i.e., conventional insertion, Advance Off-Stylet performed manually, and Advance Off-Stylet performed with insertion tool) and two prototype variants of the Contour electrode with Softip (referred as Softip I and Softip II in this article). Five temporal bones were used for each arm of the study: Softip I electrode and conventional insertion; Softip I electrode and manual Advance Off-Stylet insertion; Softip I electrode and Advance Off-Stylet insertion with an early experimental insertion tool; Softip II prototype electrode and manual Advance Off-Stylet insertion; and Softip II prototype and Advance Off-Stylet insertion with a prototype insertion tool. The temporal bones were dehydrated and embedded in epoxy and used for the microgrinding procedure. Resulting images were documented and compared with conventional radiographic images. Results: Our results showed that, especially when using the conventional insertion technique with Softip I electrode arrays, basilar membrane perforations were observable. Using the prototype insertion tool, good placement of the electrode array but also two basilar membrane perforations (one with each type of electrode) were observed. In contrast, the Advance Off-Stylet insertion technique did not show basilar membrane perforation with Softip I and II electrodes and resulted in reliable perimodiolar placement of the arrays. Conclusion: Using microgrinding of temporal bones, the Advance Off-Stylet insertion technique was proven to enable more atraumatic insertions of Contour electrodes with Softip and to provide very reliable perimodiolar placements.
Intermunicipal Cooperation in Metropolitan Regions in Brazil and Mexico: Does Federalism Matter?

While Latin America is undergoing a process of metropolitanization, we argue that intermunicipal cooperation (IMC) arrangements may serve as a quality check of the region’s metropolitan governance. We also adhere to the notion that IMC in a metropolitan region is affected not only by constitutional variables embedded in federalist arrangements but also in different ways. We test this assumption by building on a series of hypotheses taken from the literature on IMC. We then compare results from Mexico and Brazil, both federal countries with metropolitan regions. In testing the same variables, we observe different outcomes and a different explanatory power of the theoretical premises underlying IMC. We assign these explanatory differences to features of federalism, an understudied variable. We conclude that, while municipal drivers constitute relevant factors in predicting IMC within a metropolitan region, federalist arrangements modify the weight attributed to these factors.