bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring and enhancing children’s sustainable consumption and production literacy
Authors: Watkins Leah , Aitken Rob , Ford Jess
Published: July 2019

Purpose

A sustainable future requires that we empower our children to not only make green consumer choices but also consider the wider issues of sustainable consumption. This paper aims to investigate suitable measures to evaluate children’s sustainable consumption and production (SCP) knowledge, attitudes and behaviour and develop and test intervention content aimed at improving literacy in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method approach was adopted to develop measurement and intervention materials for SCP. 21 Year Eight (12-13-year-old) New Zealand children participated in one-hour focus groups where they completed scales to measure their sustainable consumption attitudes two major environmental values, behaviours The middle school environmental literacy survey and knowledge and participated in discussions to evaluate the SCP knowledge intervention content and questions developed.

Findings

A qualitative analysis of group discussion was used to test the understandability, perceived usefulness and level of difficulty of the intervention booklet to inform its further development. The results show children’s (prior) knowledge score was highly correlated with their attitudes, and attitudes were highly correlated with both intention and behaviour scores. The paired t tests demonstrated significant differences in the pre- and post-intervention knowledge scores.

Research limitations/implications

The measures and intervention content piloted in this study fill an important gap in existing literature, addressing the lack of appropriate measures and resources to encourage and enhance children’s important role in contributing to a sustainable consumption future.

Originality/value

The development of a measurable intervention will enable the establishment of a platform for the continued and participatory development of sustainable consumption and production resources for children.
Reverse time migration using water‐bottom‐related multiples
Authors: Zhang Yanbao , Liu Yike , Liu Xuejian , Zhou Xiaopeng
Published: July 2019

Reverse time migration of multiples can be used to construct subsurface structures where primaries cannot illuminate well. However, the images generated using multiples suffer from severe artefacts due to the cross‐talks created by interference among unrelated multiples. We developed a migration approach using water‐bottom‐related multiples to reduce these cross‐talk artefacts. This approach first isolates primaries from the original data and predicts water‐column primaries. The nth‐order water‐column multiples can be obtained by auto‐convolving the water‐column primaries n times, followed by convolving the nth‐order water‐column multiples with the primaries to extract the (n+1)th‐order water‐bottom‐related multiples. The approach takes the nth‐order water‐column multiples as the secondary source and regards the (n+1)th‐order water‐bottom‐related multiples as the receiver wavefield, followed by a cross‐correlation imaging condition. Numerical examples from synthetic and field data sets reveal that our approach can provide images with substantially fewer cross‐talk artefacts than conventional reverse time migration using multiples, as well as greatly improving shallow imaging compared with reverse time migration of primaries.
Increasing the uptake of stroke upper limb guideline recommendations with occupational therapists and physiotherapists. A qualitative study using the Theoretical Domains Framework
Authors: Jolliffe Laura , Hoffmann Tammy , Lannin Natasha A.
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Despite the availability of stroke clinical practice guidelines and acceptance by therapists that guidelines contain ‘best practice’ recommendations, compliance remains low. While previous studies have explored barriers associated with implementing rehabilitation guidelines in general, it remains unknown if these barriers are applicable to upper limb rehabilitation specifically. To plan effective implementation activities, key motivators and barriers to use should be identified.

Method

To investigate occupational and physiotherapists’ perceptions of motivators and barriers to using upper limb clinical practice guideline recommendations in stroke rehabilitation, a mixed‐method study was conducted. Using an online survey and semi‐structured focus groups, physiotherapists and occupational therapists working in one of six stroke rehabilitation teams in Melbourne, Australia were invited to participate. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and thematic coding of free‐text responses. Focus groups were transcribed, thematically coded and mapped against the Theoretical Domains Framework.

Results

Forty‐six participants completed the survey and 29 participated in the focus groups. Key motivators to use guideline recommendations included past experience with specific interventions, availability of required resources and an enabling workplace culture. Barriers included: limited training/skills in specific interventions, the complexity of intervention protocols, and beliefs about intervention effectiveness. Lack of accountability was highlighted and therapists perceived they are rarely checked for quality assurance purposes regarding guideline adherence.

Conclusion

Therapists identified that both motivators and barriers to implementing best‐practice upper limb rehabilitation occur largely at the levels of the individual and the environment. As such, intervention efforts should focus at both these levels to facilitate change.
Effect of QUiPP prediction algorithm on treatment decisions in women with a previous preterm birth: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Goodfellow L , Care A , Sharp A , Ivandic J , Poljak B , Roberts D , Alfirevic Z
Published: July 2019

Objective

The QUiPP algorithm combines cervical length, quantitative fetal fibronectin (qfFN) and medical history to quantify risk of preterm birth. We assessed the utility of QUiPP to inform preterm birth prevention treatment decisions.

Design

A prospective cohort study with a subsequent impact assessment using the QUiPP risk of birth before 34 weeks’ gestation.

Setting

A UK tertiary referral hospital.

Sample

In all, 119 women with previous spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) or preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) before 34 weeks’ gestation.

Methods

Cervical length and qfFN were measured at 19+0 to 23+0 weeks’ gestation. Clinical management was based on history and cervical length. After birth, clinicians were unblinded to qfFN results and QUiPP analysis was undertaken.

Main outcome measures

Predictive statistics of QUiPP algorithm using 10% risk of sPTB before 34+0 weeks as treatment threshold.

Results

Fifteen of 119 women (13%) had PPROM or sPTB before 34 weeks. Of these, 53% (8/15) had QUiPP risk of sPTB before 34+0 weeks above 10%. Applying this treatment threshold in practice would have doubled our treatment rate (20 versus 42%). QUIPP threshold of 10% had positive likelihood ratio (LR) of 1.3 (95% CI 0.76–2.18), and negative LR of 0.8 (95% CI 0.45–1.40) for predicting sPTB before 34+0 weeks.

Conclusions

Use of the QUiPP algorithm in this population may lead to substantial increase in interventions without evidence that currently available treatment options are beneficial for this particular group.

Tweetable abstract

Independent study finds that the QUiPP algorithm could lead to substantial increases in treatment without evidence of benefit.
Chemistry and Biological Activities of Processed Camellia sinensis Teas: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Zhang Liang , Ho Chi‐Tang , Zhou Jie , Santos Jânio Sousa , Armstrong Lorene , Granato Daniel
Published: July 2019

Tea is a typical processed beverage from the fresh leaves of Camellia sinensis [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] or Camellia assamica [Camellia sinensis var. assamica (Mast.) Kitamura] through different manufacturing techniques. The secondary metabolites of fresh tea leaves are mainly flavan‐3‐ols, phenolic acids, purine alkaloids, condensed tannins, hydrolysable tannins, saponins, flavonols, and their glycoside forms. During the processing, tea leaves go through several steps, such as withering, rolling, fermentation, postfermentation, and roasting (drying) to produce different types of tea. After processing, theaflavins, thearubigins, and flavan‐3‐ols derivatives emerge as the newly formed compounds with a corresponding decrease in concentrations of catechins. Each type of tea has its own critical process and presents unique chemical composition and flavor. The components among different teas also cause significant changes in their biological activities both in vitro and in vivo. In the present review, the progress of tea chemistry and the effects of individual unit operation on components were comprehensively described. The health benefits of tea were also reviewed based on the human epidemiological and clinical studies. Although there have been multiple studies about the tea chemistry and biological activities, most of existing results are related to tea polyphenols, especially (‐)‐epigallocatechin gallate. Other compounds, including the novel compounds, as well as isomers of amino acids and catechins, have not been explored in depth.
Work–life programs and performance in Australian organisations: the role of organisation size and industry type
Authors: Akter Kohinur , Ali Muhammad , Chang Artemis
Published: July 2019

Organisations are increasingly using work–life programs to strategically manage their workforce in a competitive labour market. Extant research has investigated various outcomes of work–life programs but has lacked focus on organisational financial performance and context. Drawing on strategic human resource management theory, this study proposes and tests a work–life programs–performance relationship. It also investigates the moderating effects of organisation size and industry on the work–life programs–performance relationship. We used a time‐lagged design and data from multiple sources to link work–life programs with firm performance in 117 organisations in Australia. The findings support the hypothesis that work–life programs are positively associated with financial performance. This study also provides pioneering evidence for the moderating effects of organisation size and industry type on the work–life programs–organisational performance relationship.
Evaluation of Some Ingredients and Energy Content on Front‐of‐Pack Cereal Bar Labeling as Drivers of Choice and Perception of Healthiness: A Case Study with Exercisers
Authors: Salazar Natalia A. , Fiszman Susana , Orrego Carlos E. , Tarrega Amparo
Published: July 2019

The objective of this study was to explore the drivers of choice and perceptions of healthiness that specific ingredient or energy content information displayed on the front‐of‐pack label of cereal bars triggers among different groups of consumers. The participants (18 to 50 years old), classified as exercisers (n = 103, 52 women) or nonexercisers (n = 101, 51 women), completed a questionnaire and then rated their interest using images of cereal bars that varied in four characteristics (“With fruit,” “With chocolate,” “High protein,” and calorie content). Conjoint analysis showed that the most important motives were associated with the convenience, pleasure/indulgence and liking dimensions, which did not differ between groups. These were followed by two other motives introduced in this study: energy/physical activity and satiety, in which the exercisers showed a distinctively higher level of interest than the nonexercisers. Chocolate and a low calorie content were the outstanding drivers of interest, at similar levels for both groups. A high protein content claim increased the interest of all participants, but more so for exercisers and for men. Fruit had a low impact on interest, which was only significant for women. These results indicate that front‐of‐pack label information influences choice in a distinctive way for some targeted population groups.

Practical Application

This study contributes knowledge about the impact that front‐of‐pack label information about certain ingredients and the energy content has on the motives and drivers for snack choices and perceptions of healthiness. The results contribute interesting results on the behavior of some consumer segments, in particular, exercisers and people involved in fitness activities, who are supposed to have special dietary needs.
Multi‐individual microsatellite identification: A multiple genome approach to microsatellite design (MiMi)
Authors: Fox Graeme , Preziosi Richard F. , Antwis Rachael E. , Benavides‐Serrato Milena , Combe Fraser J. , Harris W. Edwin , Hartley Ian R. , Kitchener Andrew C. , de Kort Selvino R. , Nekaris Anne‐Isola , Rowntree Jennifer K.
Published: July 2019

Bespoke microsatellite marker panels are increasingly affordable and tractable to researchers and conservationists. The rate of microsatellite discovery is very high within a shotgun genomic data set, but extensive laboratory testing of markers is required for confirmation of amplification and polymorphism. By incorporating shotgun next‐generation sequencing data sets from multiple individuals of the same species, we have developed a new method for the optimal design of microsatellite markers. This new tool allows us to increase the rate at which suitable candidate markers are selected by 58% in direct comparisons and facilitate an estimated 16% reduction in costs associated with producing a novel microsatellite panel. Our method enables the visualisation of each microsatellite locus in a multiple sequence alignment allowing several important quality checks to be made. Polymorphic loci can be identified and prioritised. Loci containing fragment‐length‐altering mutations in the flanking regions, which may invalidate assumptions regarding the model of evolution underlying variation at the microsatellite, can be avoided. Priming regions containing point mutations can be detected and avoided, helping to reduce sample‐site‐marker specificity arising from genetic isolation, and the likelihood of null alleles occurring. We demonstrate the utility of this new approach in two species: an echinoderm and a bird. Our method makes a valuable contribution towards minimising genotyping errors and reducing costs associated with developing a novel marker panel. The Python script to perform our method of multi‐individual microsatellite identification (MiMi) is freely available from GitHub (https://github.com/graemefox/mimi).
Simultaneous Concept Analysis of Diagnoses Related to Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Neves da Costa Juliana , de Oliveira Lopes Marcos Venicios , Baena de Moraes Lopes Maria Helena
Published: July 2019

PURPOSE

To elucidate six diagnostic concepts related to urinary incontinence (UI).

METHODS

Eight out of nine steps of the simultaneous concept analysis (SCA) method were used to elucidate six diagnostic concepts related to UI proposed by NANDA International.

FINDINGS

Individual concepts of each diagnosis were elucidated, including antecedents, outcomes, associated conditions, and risk populations, and the interrelations among these concepts were identified, comparing them to those already present in the current NANDA‐I taxonomy. The overflow UI was excluded, and were included mixed and transient UI diagnoses.

CONCLUSIONS

SCA enabled identifying similar characteristics and factors exclusive to the revised nursing diagnoses.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

To support for clinical reasoning to identify properly the types of UI.

OBJETIVO

Elucidar seis conceitos diagnósticos relacionados à incontinência urinária.

MÉTODOS

Oito das nove etapas do método de análise simultânea de conceitos foram utilizadas para elucidar seis conceitos diagnósticos relacionados à incontinência urinária propostos pela NANDA International.

RESULTADOS

Conceitos individuais de cada diagnóstico foram elucidados, incluindo antecedentes, consequentes, condições associadas e populações em risco, e as inter‐relações entre esses conceitos foram identificadas, comparando‐as com aquelas já presentes na atual taxonomia da NANDA‐I. A incontinência urinária por transbordamento foi excluída e foram incluídos os diagnósticos de incontinência urinária mista e incontinência urinária transitória.

CONCLUSÕES

A análise simultânea de conceitos permitiu identificar características e fatores semelhantes exclusivos aos diagnósticos de enfermagem revisados.

IMPLICAÇÕES PARA A PRÁTICA DE ENFERMAGEM

Apoiar o raciocínio clínico para identificar adequadamente os tipos de incontinência urinária.
Assessment of signal quality measured with a smart 12‐lead ECG acquisition T‐shirt
Authors: Fouassier David , Roy Xavier , Blanchard Anne , Hulot Jean‐Sébastien
Published: July 2019

Background

Ambulatory ECG monitoring is typically achieved using portable devices with limited number of surface leads, autonomy, and length of recording. Smart garments with multiple conductive textile electrodes provide great promise to perform continuous and comfortable ECG monitoring.

Methods

We evaluated the ECG signal quality measured on healthy subjects with a smart 12‐lead ECG acquisition T‐shirt or a 12‐lead Holter recording. ECG signals were recorded during 3 min with both techniques in three resting positions (supine, seated, standing) and while walking. Three readers independently assessed ECG patterns and evaluated the denoising of the isoelectric line, the distinction of p waves, R peaks and RR intervals, and the possible appreciation of cardiac rhythm in at least 3 leads.

Results

Thirty healthy subjects (70% males, 29.5 ± 7.8 years) were enrolled in the study. For all three resting conditions, cardiac rhythm was appreciated in 100% of recordings with distinction of p waves, R peaks, and isoelectric line in >97% of recordings. Appreciation of cardiac rhythm was lower in the walking conditions with both techniques (53.3% vs. 46.7%, Holter vs. smart T‐shirt, p = .60) mainly due to difficulties to distinguish p waves. These results were consistent across both genders. All ECG parameters (heart rate, PR, QRS and QTC intervals) were comparable between both techniques. No skin irritation was seen with the textile electrodes.

Conclusions

A smart T‐shirt with 13 textiles electrodes allows short‐duration 12‐lead ECG acquisition with quality levels comparable to Holter recordings. The novel device should now be evaluated for long‐term non‐invasive ECG monitoring.
Radiographic severity of knee osteoarthritis and its relationship to outcome post total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review
Authors: Youlden Daniel J. , Dannaway Jasan , Enke Oliver
Published: July 2019

Background

Up to 20% of patients are dissatisfied after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). There are many contributing factors. The relationship between preoperative osteoarthritis (OA) severity and outcome post TKA remains unclear. This review explores the relationship between preoperative OA severity with patient reported pain, function and satisfaction post TKA.

Methods

A pre‐registered systematic review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Major databases were searched until September 2017. We included studies assessing adults undergoing TKA for OA. Minimum follow‐up was 6 months. Methodological quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale.

Results

Twenty cohort studies with 7478 patients were included. There were 16 good, one fair and three poor quality studies. Knee OA was most commonly reported according to the Kellgren and Lawrence tool. Ten studies showed statistically significant pain outcomes for those with worse preoperative OA. This was supported by meta‐analysis of the Knee Society Score pain change scores to final follow‐up for those with Kellgren and Lawrence grade 4 OA. Six studies showed statistically significant results for various aspect of functional recovery, although meta‐analysis of Knee Society Score function change scores identified no difference. Meta‐analysis of final follow‐up pain and function scores alone yielded no significant difference. Patients with more severe preoperative OA were more likely to be satisfied. There were no studies demonstrating that less severe OA resulted in better pain, function or satisfaction.

Conclusion

Review of available research indicates that TKA for OA improves pain, function and satisfaction. Those with more severe preoperative radiological knee OA benefit most.
The Indirect Effect of Holistic Career Values on Work Engagement: A Longitudinal Study Spanning Two Decades
Authors: Eldor Liat , Westring Alyssa Friede , Friedman Stewart D.
Published: July 2019

Background

In contrast to earlier assumptions that the “ideal worker” should embrace traditional notions of career success, there is growing recognition that possessing holistic career values may be beneficial in the work domain as well. However, there is little empirical evidence to support this argument. We hypothesised that individuals who at the time of their university graduation possessed holistic career values would display stronger personal life satisfaction 20 years later, which in turn would enhance their work engagement (i.e. an individual's perceptions of the extent to which the work environment possesses engaging characteristics).

Methods

Data from a longitudinal study of 158 university students who completed two questionnaires, one in 1992 and the other 20 years later, supported our hypotheses.

Results

We found that individuals who possessed holistic career values displayed stronger personal life satisfaction 20 years later, which in turn enhanced their work engagement. We further found that this indirect effect of holistic career values on work engagement (through personal life satisfaction) is conditionally moderated by work–family interference.

Conclusions

Cultivating a holistic career perspective among employees is beneficial for both employee well‐being (i.e. personal life satisfaction) and the flourishing of their organisations (i.e. work engagement).
Genotype/phenotype correlations of childhood‐onset congenital sideroblastic anaemia in a European cohort
Authors: Fouquet Cyrielle , Le Rouzic Marie‐Amelyne , Leblanc Thierry , Fouyssac Fanny , Leverger Guy , Hessissen Laila , Marlin Sandrine , Bourrat Emmanuelle , Fahd Mony , Raffoux Emmanuel , Vannier Jean‐Pierre , Jäkel Nadja , Knoefler Ralf , Triolo Valerie , Pasquet Marlene , Bayart Sophie , Thuret Isabelle , Lutz Patrick , Vermylen Christiane , Touati Mohamed , Rose Christian , Matthes Thomas , Isidor Bertrand , Kannengiesser Caroline , Ducassou Stephane
Published: July 2019

Congenital sideroblastic anaemia (CSA) is a rare disease caused by germline mutations of genes involved in haem and iron‐sulphur cluster formation, and mitochondrial protein biosynthesis. We performed a retrospective multicentre European study of a cohort of childhood‐onset CSA patients to explore genotype/phenotype correlations. We studied 23 females and 20 males with symptoms of CSA. Among the patients, the most frequently mutated genes were ALAS2 (n = 10; 23·3%) and SLC25A38 (n = 8; 18·6%), causing isolated forms of microcytic anaemia of varying severity. Five patients with SLC19A2 mutations suffered from thiamine‐responsive megaloblastic anaemia and three exhibited the ‘anaemia, deafness and diabetes’ triad. Three patients with TRNT1 mutations exhibited severe early onset microcytic anaemia associated with thrombocytosis, and two exhibited B‐cell immunodeficiency, inflammatory syndrome and psychomotor delay. The prognoses of patients with TRNT1 and SLC2A38 mutations were generally dismal because of comorbidities or severe iron overload. No molecular diagnosis could be established in 14/43 cases. This study emphasizes the frequency of ALAS2 and SLC25A38 mutations and provides the largest comprehensive analysis to date of genotype/phenotype correlations in CSA. Further studies of CSA patients with data recorded in an international registry would be helpful to improve patient management and establish standardized guidelines.
Myricanol modulates skeletal muscle–adipose tissue crosstalk to alleviate high‐fat diet‐induced obesity and insulin resistance
Authors: Shen Shengnan , Liao Qiwen , Zhang Tian , Pan Ruile , Lin Ligen
Published: July 2019

Background and Purpose

Skeletal muscle is the predominant site for glucose disposal and fatty acid consumption. Emerging evidence indicates that the crosstalk between adipose tissue and skeletal muscle is critical in maintaining insulin sensitivity and lipid homeostasis. The current study was designed to investigate whether myricanol improves insulin sensitivity and alleviates adiposity through modulating skeletal muscle–adipose tissue crosstalk.

Experimental Approach

The therapeutic effect of myricanol was evaluated on palmitic acid (PA)‐treated C2C12 myotubes and high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice. The crosstalk between myotubes and adipocytes was evaluated using Transwell assay. The cellular lipid content was examined by Nile red staining. The mitochondrial content was assessed by MitoTracker Green staining and citrate synthase activity, and the mitochondrial function was examined by Seahorse assay. Expression of mitochondria‐related and insulin signalling pathway proteins was analysed by Western blot, and the irisin level was determined by elisa kit.

Key Results

Myricanol increased mitochondrial quantity and function through activating AMP‐activated protein kinase, resulting in reduced lipid accumulation and enhanced insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake, in PA‐treated C2C12 myotubes. Furthermore, myricanol stimulated irisin production and secretion from myotubes to reduce lipid content in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. In HFD‐fed mice, myricanol treatment alleviated adiposity and insulin resistance through enhancing lipid utilization and irisin production in skeletal muscle and inducing browning of inguinal fat.

Conclusions and Implications

Myricanol modulates skeletal muscle–adipose tissue crosstalk, to stimulate browning of adipose tissue and improve insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle. Myricanol might be a potential candidate for treating insulin resistance and obesity.
Cystic swelling in a cervical lymph node: A diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Kapatia Gargi , Dey Pranab
Published: July 2019

In this article, we have presented a case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis with cystic swelling in the neck.
Recruitment and disruption of ventral pallidal cue encoding during alcohol seeking
Authors: Ottenheimer David J. , Wang Karen , Haimbaugh Alexandria , Janak Patricia H. , Richard Jocelyn M.
Published: July 2019

A critical area of inquiry in the neurobiology of alcohol abuse is the mechanism by which cues gain the ability to elicit alcohol use. Previously, we found that cue‐evoked activity in rat ventral pallidum robustly encodes the value of sucrose cues trained under both Pavlovian and instrumental contingencies, despite a stronger relationship between cue‐evoked activity and behavioral latency after instrumental training (Richard et al., 2018, Elife, 7, e33107). Here, we assessed: (a) ventral pallidal representations of Pavlovian versus instrumental cues trained with alcohol reward, and (b) the impact of non‐associative alcohol exposure on ventral pallidal representations of sucrose cues. Decoding of cue identity based on ventral pallidum firing was blunted for the Pavlovian alcohol cue in comparison to both the instrumental cue trained with alcohol and either cue type trained with sucrose. Further, non‐associative alcohol exposure had opposing effects on ventral pallidal encoding of sucrose cues trained on instrumental versus Pavlovian associations, enhancing decoding accuracy for an instrumental discriminative stimulus and reducing decoding accuracy for a Pavlovian conditioned stimulus. These findings suggest that alcohol exposure can drive biased engagement of specific reward‐related signals in the ventral pallidum.
Differences in Strategic Issue Interpretation across Cultures – A Socio‐Cognitive Perspective
Authors: Wulf Torsten , Florian Sophie , Meissner Philip
Published: July 2019

The framing of strategic issues as opportunities or threats has been shown to significantly affect strategic behavior in organizations. However, whether and how this framing effect differs among executives from different national cultures remains unclear. Building on psychological research on culture and decision‐making, we introduce a socio‐cognitive approach to culture that offers a more differentiated explanation for the effect of culture on issue interpretation than the traditional values‐based approach. We argue that cultural differences in cognitive style affect strategic issue interpretation. However, this impact depends on the framing of the issue. We use a vignette‐based decision experiment involving 65 German and 63 Chinese executives to show that cultural differences occur if an issue is framed as a threat but not if it is framed as an opportunity. The socio‐cognitive approach to culture opens new avenues for cross‐cultural research on strategic issue interpretation in particular and strategic decision‐making in general.
Harsh Parenting and Black Boys' Behavior Problems: Single Mothers' Parenting Stress and Nonresident Fathers' Involvement
Authors: Jackson Aurora P. , Choi Jeong‐Kyun , Preston Kathleen S. J.
Published: July 2019

Objective

To test a model linking economic hardship, parenting stress, and nonresident fathers' involvement in single mothers' family life during Black boys' early childhood (3–5 years of age) to harsh parenting and behavior problems in middle childhood (9 years of age).

Background

Parenting stress among single mothers heading low‐income Black families is poorly understood. Most of the research on the effects of stress in the parenting role and outcomes for mothers and children has focused on middle‐class White samples. Boys are of primary interest in this article because of evidence, based largely on studies of economically disadvantaged, two‐parent, White families, that boys may be more negatively affected than girls by aspects of family conflict that include harsh and coercive parenting.

Method

Using data from a subsample of unmarried Black mothers and nonresident biological fathers with a 3‐year‐old son (n = 748) from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a nationally representative data set, and survey interviews with mothers when the children were 3, 5, and 9 years of age, we examined relationships between and among mothers' economic hardship, depressive symptoms, parenting stress, father involvement, harsh parenting, and child behavior problems when the children were 3, 5, and 9 years of age. Latent variable structural equation modeling and effect decomposition were estimated.

Results

Economic hardship was linked indirectly to harsh parenting through mothers' depressive symptoms and parenting stress, both of which were related directly to increased harsh parenting. Fathers' involvement was associated directly with mothers' reduced economic hardship and reduced parenting stress when children were 3 to 5 years of age, and reduced levels of harsh parenting at 9 years of age. Harsh parenting during middle childhood, in turn, was associated directly and positively with boy's behavior problems at 9 years of age.

Conclusion

Nonresident Black fathers' sustained involvement may buffer adverse consequences of stressful conditions on single mothers' parenting. This is important because studies have found that children growing up in households without the involvement of both biological parents are at greater risk for negative developmental and well‐being outcomes than their counterparts who grow up in households in which both biological parents are involved.

Implications

The most important scientific and policy implications of our results are that intervention approaches that focus on honing relationship and coparenting skills between unmarried nonresident, Black, biological fathers and the mothers of their children early on should be a high priority. Studies have found that although these couples are typically optimistic about their future together early in the relationship, most are no longer in a romantic relationship by the time the child is 5 years old.
Local and regional drivers of taxonomic homogenization in stream communities along a land use gradient
Authors: Budnick William R. , Leboucher Thibault , Belliard Jérôme , Soininen Janne , Lavoie Isabelle , Pound Katrina , Jamoneau Aurélien , Tison‐Rosebery Juliette , Tales Evelyne , Pajunen Virpi , Campeau Stéphane , Passy Sophia I.
Published: July 2019

Aim

The interaction of land use with local versus regional processes driving biological homogenization (β‐diversity loss) is poorly understood. We explored: (a) stream β‐diversity responses to land cover (forest versus agriculture) in terms of physicochemistry and physicochemical heterogeneity; (b) whether these responses were constrained by the regional species pool, i.e. γ‐diversity, or local assembly processes through local (α) diversity; (c) whether local assembly operated through the regional species abundance distribution (SAD) or intraspecific spatial aggregation; and (d) the dependence on body size, dispersal capacity and trophic level (producer versus consumer).

Location

USA, Canada and France.

Time period

1993–2012.

Major taxa studied

Stream diatoms, insects and fish.

Methods

We analysed six datasets totalling 1,225 stream samples. We compared diversity responses to eutrophication and physicochemical heterogeneity in forested versus agricultural streams with regression methods. Null models quantified the contribution of local assembly to β‐diversity (β‐deviance, βDEV) for both types of land covers and partitioned it into fractions explained by the regional SAD (βSAD) versus aggregation (βAGG).

Results

Eutrophication explained homogenization and more uneven regional SADs across groups, but local and regional biodiversity responses differed across taxa. The βDEV was insensitive to land use. The βSAD largely exceeded βAGG and was higher in agriculture.

Main conclusions

Eutrophication but not physicochemical heterogeneity of agricultural streams underlay β‐diversity loss in diatoms, insects and fish. Agriculture did not constrain the magnitude of local versus regional effects on β‐diversity but controlled the local assembly mechanisms. Although the SAD fraction dominated in both land covers, it increased further in agriculture at the expense of aggregation. Notably, the regional SADs were more uneven in agriculture, exhibiting excess common species or stronger dominance. Diatoms and insects diverged from fish in terms of biodiversity, SAD shape and βDEV patterns, suggesting an overriding role of body size and/or dispersal capacity compared with trophic position.
Verapamil and Cluster Headache: Still a Mystery. A Narrative Review of Efficacy, Mechanisms and Perspectives
Authors: Petersen Anja S. , Barloese Mads C. J. , Snoer Agneta , Soerensen Anne Mette S. , Jensen Rigmor H.
Published: July 2019

Objective

A evaluation of the effect of verapamil and other calcium channel blockers in cluster headache (CH) treatment and an investigation of possible effect mechanisms.

Background

Verapamil has been used in the prevention of CH for almost 3 decades, however, the mode of action and therapeutic target is still unknown.

Methods

A Pubmed search was conducted: “Verapamil”[Mesh] and “Cluster Headache”[Mesh]. We identified 5 relevant studies for CH. Publications were included if they made a substantial contribution within 3 prespecified areas: Efficacy (randomized controlled‐trials or open labels studies), safety, and mechanism of effect.

Results

Clinical effect: Clinical preventive treatment of CH with verapamil is based on 2 randomized controlled studies and 3 open‐label studies. In total, 183 CH patients participated. Verapamil 360 mg/day was used in both controlled studies. Half of the chronic patients experienced benefit from verapamil treatment and the attack burden of episodic patients was, on average, reduced by 1 attack/day. Open‐label studies support a dose‐dependent level of efficacy. Mechanism of effect: Human and animal studies indicate that verapamil may exert its effect by modulating circadian rhythms, perhaps in central pacemakers, and/or by affecting release of calcitonin gene‐related peptide.

Conclusion

Verapamil appears to be an effective prophylactic drug in the treatment of CH and despite the scarcity of controlled trials, it is still the drug of choice. A chronotherapeutic approach might increase the effect. More basic and pharmacokinetic research is needed before the mechanism can be fully understood.
Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of Brazilian hop (Humulus lupulus L.) extracts
Authors: Almeida Aline da Rosa , Maciel Matheus Vinícius de Oliveira Brisola , Machado Michelle Heck , Bazzo Giovana Carolina , de Armas Rafael Dutra , Vitorino Vinicius Bittencourt , Vitali Luciano , Block Jane Mara , Barreto Pedro Luiz Manique
Published: July 2019

Bioactive compounds from Brazilian hop (Humulus lupulus L.) cultivars were extracted by ultrasound and their phenolic profile compared with commercial hop from the USA. The most effective extraction conditions (solution of ethanol 49%, at 52 °C and a solid/liquid ratio of 1 g per 34 mL) for the total phenolic compounds (TPC) were determined using a Central Composite Rotatable Design. The Brazilian hop showed higher content of TPC (33.93 ± 0.67 mg GAE g−1), total flavonoids (54.47 ± 0.10 mg QE g−1) and higher antioxidant activity (ABTS: EC50 21.29 ± 1.36 μL mL−1; DPPH: EC50 3.91 ± 0.17 μL mL−1) when compared with the USA hop. The main phenolic compounds present in the extracts were the flavonoids isoquercitrin and quercetin. The antioxidant properties of the Brazilian hop extract had not been reported yet in the literature for this raw material, thus showing potential to be incorporated in polymeric films used as active packaging.
Physical, sensory, in‐vitro starch digestibility and glycaemic index of granola bars prepared using sucrose alternatives
Authors: Sethupathy Priyanka , Suriyamoorthy Priyanga , Moses Jeyan A. , Chinnaswamy Anandharamakrishnan
Published: July 2019

Granola bars were prepared using barley flakes, groundnut bits, cocoa powder, sucrose and/or sucrose alternatives (coconut sugar, fructooligosaccharide and inulin). Apart from sensory acceptance, nutritional composition, energy values and glycaemic responses (glycaemic index, GI and glycaemic load, GL) of the bars were evaluated. Physico‐chemical properties and sensorial acceptance of granola bar made with coconut sugar and fructooligosaccharide were on par with those made with sucrose. Further, all formulated granola bars, except with inulin, were intermediate moisture foods. GI of all five formulations of granola bars was <55; ranging between 51 and 54.9, corresponding to low glycaemic food. Granola bars with coconut sugar had high GL (≥20), while bars prepared with FOS, inulin and without sugar were in the medium range (>10 to <20). Effect of choice of raw materials, complexity of matrix structure and particle size of ingredients on GI and GL of the bars is explained.
Recovery of protein hydrolysates from brewer’s spent grain using enzyme and ultrasonication
Authors: Yu Dajun , Sun Yewei , Wang Wenjun , O’Keefe Sean F. , Neilson Andrew P. , Feng Hao , Wang Zhiwu , Huang Haibo
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study was to develop a green ultrasound‐assisted enzymatic process to separate protein from brewer’s spent grain (BSG) to produce protein hydrolysates and determine the physicochemical properties of produced protein hydrolysates. When the enzyme (Alcalase) loading increased from 1 to 20 μL g−1 BSG, the protein separation efficiency increased from 34.0% to 61.6%. The application of ultrasound pretreatment further increased protein separation efficiency to 69.8%. More promisingly, the ultrasound pretreatment was able to reduce enzyme loading by 73% and decrease enzyme incubation time by 56%. The produced protein hydrolysates had molecular weights lower than 15 kDa and high protein solubilities at the pH of 1.0–11.0. The ultrasound pretreatment improved the protein solubility to above 90%. Glutamic acid and proline were the most abundant amino acids in produced protein hydrolysates. This study demonstrated that enzymatic hydrolysis along with ultrasound pretreatment is an effective way to separate protein from BSG.
Novel gallate‐based oxide and oxyfluoride glasses with wide transparency, high refractive indices, and low dispersions
Authors: Chung Jaeyeop , Watanabe Yasuhiro , Yananba Yutaka , Nakatsuka Yuko , Inoue Hiroyuki
Published: July 2019

The glass‐forming region of a BaO‐La2O3‐Ga2O3 ternary system was confirmed and BaF2‐BaO‐La2O3‐Ga2O3 new oxyfluoride glasses were prepared by a containerless processing. We also analyzed the physical, thermal, and optical properties of new oxide and oxyfluoride glasses. The direct effects of the substitution of oxygen by fluorine and the effect of BaO and La2O3 on the refractive index and Abbe number were discussed on the basis of electronic polarizability and resonance wavelength of oscillator. The refractive indices increased with increasing La2O3 concentration because La2O3 increased the electronic polarizabilities. Abbe number increased with increasing BaO and fluorine concentration because of the decrease in resonance wavelength of oscillator. By the combination of the BaO, La2O3, and fluorine in the gallate glass system, we could obtain novel oxide and oxyfluoride glasses with high refractive index (1.81‐1.95) and high Abbe number (31‐55). The absorption edge in UV region shifted to the shorter wavelength and IR cut‐off wavelength shifted to the longer wavelength with increasing fluorine. Therefore, wide transparent glass was obtained from 262 nm to 11.3 μm.
Berberine attenuates XRCC1‐mediated base excision repair and sensitizes breast cancer cells to the chemotherapeutic drugs
Authors: Gao Xingjie , Wang Jing , Li Meiqi , Wang Jia , Lv Jian , Zhang Lu , Sun Caifeng , Ji Jiamei , Yang Wenbo , Zhao Zinan , Mao Weifeng
Published: July 2019

Berberine (BBR) is a natural isoquinoline alkaloid, which is used in traditional medicine for its anti‐microbial, anti‐protozoal, anti‐diarrhoeal activities. Berberine interacts with DNA and displays anti‐cancer activities, yet its effects on cellular DNA repair and on synthetic treatments with chemotherapeutic drugs remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of BBR on DNA repair and on sensitization of breast cancer cells to different types of DNA damage anti‐tumoural drugs. We found BBR arrested cells in the cell cycle S phase and induced DNA breaks. Cell growth analysis showed BBR sensitized MDA‐MB‐231 cells to cisplatin, camptothecin and methyl methanesulfonate; however, BBR had no synergistic effects with hydroxurea and olaparib. These results suggest BBR only affects specific DNA repair pathways. Western blot showed BBR down‐regulated XRCC1 expressions, and the rescued XRCC1 recovered the resistance of cancer cells to BBR. Therefore, we conclude that BBR interferes with XRCC1‐mediated base excision repair to sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. These finding can contribute to understanding the effects of BBR on cellular DNA repair and the clinical employment of BBR in treatment of breast cancer.
Shared decision‐making in maternity care: Acknowledging and overcoming epistemic defeaters
Authors: Begley Keith , Daly Deirdre , Panda Sunita , Begley Cecily
Published: July 2019

Shared decision‐making involves health professionals and patients/clients working together to achieve true person‐centred health care. However, this goal is infrequently realized, and most barriers are unknown. Discussion between philosophers, clinicians, and researchers can assist in confronting the epistemic and moral basis of health care, with benefits to all. The aim of this paper is to describe what shared decision‐making is, discuss its necessary conditions, and develop a definition that can be used in practice to support excellence in maternity care. Discussion between the authors, with backgrounds in philosophy, clinical maternity care, health care management, and maternity care research, assisted the team to confront established norms in maternity care and challenge the epistemic and moral basis of decision‐making for caesarean section. The team concluded that shared decision‐making must start in pregnancy and continue throughout labour and birth, with equality in discourse facilitated by the clinician. Clinicians have a duty of care for the adequacy of women's knowledge, which can only be fulfilled when relevant knowledge is offered freely and when personal beliefs and biases that may impinge on decision‐making (defeaters) are disclosed. Informed consent is not shared decision‐making. Key barriers include existing cultural norms of “the doctor knows best” and “patient acquiescence” that prevent defeaters being acknowledged and discussed and can lead to legal challenges, overuse of medical intervention and, in some areas, obstetric violence. Shared decision‐making in maternity care can thus be defined as an enquiry by clinician and expectant woman aimed at deciding upon a course of care or none, which takes the form of a dialogue within which the clinician fulfils their duty of care to the client's knowledge by making available their complete knowledge (based on all types of evidence) and expertise, including an exposition of any relevant and recognized potential defeaters. Research to develop measurement tools is required.
Soybean roasting using continuous solar roaster–A decentralized approach for agricultural processing
Authors: Raza Ali , Munir Anjum , Ghafoor Abdul , Ali Shoukat
Published: July 2019

The study was carried out to evaluate the performance of a continuous solar roaster for the roasting of soybeans. The system comprises a 10 m2 fixed focus concentrator coupled with the continuous solar roasting system which is designed for decentralized processing of agricultural products in medium to high temperature range. The independent variables of roasting time (10–30 min) and temperature (140–160°C) were optimized for soybean roasting using response surface methodology. The optimized roasting conditions were found to be 29 min and 160°C at which urease activity was decreased to 0.09 ΔpH, protein solubility decreased to 80.76% and protein dispersibility index decreased to 28.53%, which inferred quite satisfactory performance for continuous solar roaster for soybean roasting in terms of quality. Moreover, moisture and fat contents were reduced by 86.3 and 29.9%, respectively whereas protein, fiber, carbohydrate and ash contents were increased by 12.9, 10.6, 8.1, and 14.1%, respectively after roasting. It was also concluded that 100 kg soybean can be roasted successfully on a sunny day with average direct normal irradiance ranging between 600 and 800 W m−2. The payback period of continuous solar roaster was estimated to be 1.3 years in terms of fuel savings.

Practical applications

Roasting of perishable agricultural products by concentrating solar power is a novel research area of solar thermal energy utilization in medium to high temperature range agricultural processing. A prototype of a continuous solar roaster (CSR) was developed that was fitted with a 10 m2 elliptical fixed focus concentrator and a copper coil heat receiver coupled with the roasting unit. The CSR can generate a temperature >200°C for roasting with available direct normal irradiance (DNI) of 600–800 Wm−2 during the peak hours on a sunny day, thus capable of roasting a variety of agricultural products between 150 and 220°C. The farmers can install CSR at farm‐gate level for commercialized value addition as it is completely independent from fossil fuel based energy supplies for thermal and electric energy generation. Significant socio‐economic benefits could be realized for small to medium scale rural farming communities with this decentralized and eco‐friendly technology particularly in developing countries.