bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revival of Hejaz embroidery: a collaborative design process engaging Saudi female academics
Authors: Ejeimi Sahar , Sparks Diane , Yan Ruoh-Nan
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to collaboratively design eight professional dress ensembles incorporating Hejazi tribal embroidery and to evaluate Saudi female academics’ perceptions about those ensembles as appropriate for professional attire. The concept aimed to offer the potential for increased cultural identity by wearing modernized ethnic dress as everyday workplace attire that was relatively practical, affordable and expressive of Saudi cultural identity.

Design/methodology/approach

The goal in this research was to engage Saudi female academic professionals in designing clothing that integrated Saudi textile and costume traditions into contemporary styles appropriate for the academic work environment. Two models guided the research. The FEA model (Lamb and Kallal, 1992) was used to organize the questions in the survey questionnaire around an integration of culture with functional, aesthetic and expressive aspects of apparel. The second model guiding the research was an adaptation of the USAP participatory co-design model (Demirbilek and Demirkan, 2004). This model was used to engage study participants in the design process.

Findings

Qualitative results showed that participants were willing to wear the garments in this study, as the garments represented heritage, looked contemporary in terms of style lines, had comfort and interchangeable garment components, embroidery and printed fabric, fabric used in garment designs and color. Quantitative results showed that the ratings for the final garments were generally higher than the first sketches in the first phase. Results of the eight designs in the collection revealed that the aesthetic aspect was the most referenced by the participants among the FEA aspects. Results also indicated that silver waves design received the highest rating among the designs in terms of FEA aspects.

Originality/value

This research provides greater understanding of the ethnic culture of the Western region of Saudi Arabia for Western scholars. Previous research has indicated an interest in having garment manufacturing take place in Saudi Arabia (Turkustani, 1995). Findings from this research may lead to future study on the state of apparel production in Saudi Arabia and the potential feasibility of establishing a center for training in digital technology to support small business opportunities for Saudi women who are trained for work in the apparel industry.
The effect of microbial transglutaminase on probiotic fermented milk produced using a mixture of bovine milk and soy drink
Authors: Temiz Hasan , Çakmak Esra
Published: May 2018

In this study, the effects of microbial transglutaminase (m‐TGs) enzymes on the physicochemical, microbial and sensorial properties of probiotic fermented milk produced using a mixture of bovine milk and soy drink were investigated. Probiotic fermented milk samples were prepared by 3:1 v/v bovine milk, 0.002 w/v soy drink and 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 U m‐TGs per gram of milk protein. The starter culture used was ABT‐2 1000 I (a mixture of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA‐5, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB‐12 and Streptococcus thermophilus). Viscosity and hardness values increased with increased transglutaminase ratio, whereas syneresis values decreased. All samples had an apparently acceptable number of probiotic bacteria over the storage period. While the minimum and maximum percentage ratios of alcohol components and carbonyl components in total volatile aromatic components of fermented milk samples are 24.75–30.70% (v/v) and 65.66–71.96% (v/v) during storage time, the minimum and maximum percentage ratios of organic acids and esters are 0.56–2.54% (v/v) and 0.73–1.57% (v/v).
Developing a set of consensus indicators to support maternity service quality improvement: using Core Outcome Set methodology including a Delphi process
Authors: Bunch KJ , Allin B , Jolly M , Hardie T , Knight M
Published: May 2018

Objective

To develop a core metric set to monitor the quality of maternity care.

Design

Delphi process followed by a face‐to‐face consensus meeting.

Setting

English maternity units.

Population

Three representative expert panels: service designers, providers and users.

Main outcome measures

Maternity care metrics judged important by participants.

Methods

Participants were asked to complete a two‐phase Delphi process, scoring metrics from existing local maternity dashboards. A consensus meeting discussed the results and re‐scored the metrics.

Results

In all, 125 distinct metrics across six domains were identified from existing dashboards. Following the consensus meeting, 14 metrics met the inclusion criteria for the final core set: smoking rate at booking; rate of birth without intervention; caesarean section delivery rate in Robson group 1 women; caesarean section delivery rate in Robson group 2 women; caesarean section delivery rate in Robson group 5 women; third‐ and fourth‐degree tear rate among women delivering vaginally; rate of postpartum haemorrhage of ≥1500 ml; rate of successful vaginal birth after a single previous caesarean section; smoking rate at delivery; proportion of babies born at term with an Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes; proportion of babies born at term admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit; proportion of babies readmitted to hospital at <30 days of age; breastfeeding initiation rate; and breastfeeding rate at 6–8 weeks.

Conclusions

Core outcome set methodology can be used to incorporate the views of key stakeholders in developing a core metric set to monitor the quality of care in maternity units, thus enabling improvement.

Tweetable abstract

Achieving consensus on core metrics for monitoring the quality of maternity care.
The Forensic Confirmation Bias: A Comparison Between Experts and Novices
Authors: van den Eeden Claire A. J. , de Poot Christianne J. , van Koppen Peter J.
Published: May 2018

A large body of research has described the influence of context information on forensic decision‐making. In this study, we examined the effect of context information on the search for and selection of traces by students (N = 36) and crime scene investigators (N = 58). Participants investigated an ambiguous mock crime scene and received prior information indicating suicide, a violent death or no information. Participants described their impression of the scene and wrote down which traces they wanted to secure. Results showed that context information impacted first impression of the scene and crime scene behavior, namely number of traces secured. Participants in the murder condition secured most traces. Furthermore, the students secured more crime‐related traces. Students were more confident in their first impression. This study does not indicate that experts outperform novices. We therefore argue for proper training on cognitive processes as an integral part of all forensic education.
The Biggest “Have” of Them All: Wal‐Mart and Its Litigation Outcomes in Slip‐and‐Fall Cases
Authors: Penrod Charles , Crow Matthew
Published: May 2018

Scholars have theorized that resource‐rich litigants known as the “haves” tend to succeed disproportionately in litigation when the adverse party is a “have‐not.” The traditional theory suggests that haves are able to use their wealth to secure better attorney representation and can use their frequent experience in litigation to tip the scales of justice in their favor, particularly when faced with “one‐shotters” whose involvement in litigation is infrequent. A remaining question, however, is whether some haves fare better than other similarly situated haves. Specifically, this article posits that the litigation strategy used by the defendant may also play a role in litigation outcomes. Companies that tenaciously fight claims that, in the short term, would be cheaper to settle might discourage otherwise valid claims in the future from being filed out of fear that the litigation will be a protracted battle. This article examines Wal‐Mart Stores, Inc. (Wal‐Mart)—the largest revenue‐generating company in the United States—to explore whether it fares better than other resource‐rich defendants. Wal‐Mart in particular has a reputation against settling cases and thus is an excellent vehicle to investigate this hypothesis. Appellate cases in an eleven‐year period involving slip‐and‐fall litigation were compiled, and the results show that Wal‐Mart did win at a higher rate than other defendants. Although more research is needed to explore fully the effect of litigation strategy on win–loss rates, this sample of cases demonstrates that Wal‐Mart is a more effective and victorious litigant.
How Employers Profit from Digital Wage Theft Under the FLSA
Authors: Tippett Elizabeth C.
Published: May 2018

This study describes three types of digital wage theft, as depicted in 330 cases litigated in federal and state court. The first, known as “rounding,” occurs when employers set their timekeeping software to alter employee punch time in a preset increment (typically moving punches to the nearest quarter hour). The second, “automatic break deductions,” involves subtracting a preset increment of time (usually thirty minutes) from employee hours to reflect their scheduled meal break, regardless of whether the break is taken. Both such practices occupy a legal gray zone under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The third, known as “time shaving,” occurs when supervisors alter employee time records to reduce recorded hours. Although more clearly prohibited under existing rules, time shaving cases can be difficult to certify as collective actions beyond a single worksite. Plaintiffs seeking to recover lost wages in these cases face highly uncertain prospects in litigation. Outcomes depend on complex questions of fact and unpredictable judicial rulings that turn on implied notions of fairness. Even in successful cases, employers keep most of the lost wages because damages are only awarded to the small fraction of employees who opted in to the litigation. In sum, this article illustrates how federal rules fail to deter employers from adopting these practices. It concludes by recommending several changes to federal law.
Q969R polymorphism in NLRP3 is associated with immune responses to vaccination against bacterial infections in pigs
Authors: Shinkai Hiroki , Terada Kei , Toki Daisuke , Tohno Masanori , Uenishi Hirohide
Published: May 2018

Nucleotide‐binding domain, leucine‐rich‐containing family, pyrin‐domain containing‐3 (NLRP3) is an important pattern recognition receptor involved in various inflammatory responses and adjuvant effects upon vaccination. We previously identified the Q969R (A2906G) gain‐of‐function polymorphism in porcine NLRP3, which increased production of interleukin‐1β in in vitro gene transfection experiments. Here, we explored the associations between the A2906G polymorphism and antibody responses after vaccination against bacteria in Large White pigs maintained under specific pathogen‐free conditions. The NLRP3‐2906A/G pigs had a greater antibody response to vaccine antigens than NLRP3‐2906A/A pigs. We observed a significant association of the antibody response against Haemophilus parasuis serotype 2 and 5 with NLRP3 genotypes. As the A2906G polymorphism in NLRP3 is widely distributed in commercial pig breeds, Landrace, Large White and Berkshire pigs, there is potential for improvement in vaccine efficiency and disease resistance using this polymorphism in various pig populations.
Pool‐based genome‐wide association study identified novel candidate regions on BTA9 and 14 for oleic acid percentage in Japanese Black cattle
Authors: Kawaguchi Fuki , Kigoshi Hiroto , Nakajima Ayaka , Matsumoto Yuta , Uemoto Yoshinobu , Fukushima Moriyuki , Yoshida Emi , Iwamoto Eiji , Akiyama Takayuki , Kohama Namiko , Kobayashi Eiji , Honda Takeshi , Oyama Kenji , Mannen Hideyuki , Sasazaki Shinji
Published: May 2018

Fatty acid composition is an important indicator of beef quality. The objective of this study was to search the potential candidate region for fatty acid composition. We performed pool‐based genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) for oleic acid percentage (C18:1) in a Japanese Black cattle population from the Hyogo prefecture. GWAS analysis revealed two novel candidate regions on BTA9 and BTA14. The most significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in each region were genotyped in a population (n = 899) to verify their effect on C18:1. Statistical analysis revealed that both SNPs were significantly associated with C18:1 (p = .0080 and .0003), validating the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) detected in GWAS. We subsequently selected VNN1 and LYPLA1 genes as candidate genes from each region on BTA9 and BTA14, respectively. We sequenced full‐length coding sequence (CDS) of these genes in eight individuals and identified a nonsynonymous SNP T66M on VNN1 gene as a putative candidate polymorphism. The polymorphism was also significantly associated with C18:1, but the p value (p = .0162) was higher than the most significant SNP on BTA9, suggesting that it would not be responsible for the QTL. Although further investigation will be needed to determine the responsible gene and polymorphism, our findings would contribute to development of selective markers for fatty acid composition in the Japanese Black cattle of Hyogo.
Pilot randomized trial of a volitional help sheet‐based tool to increase leisure time physical activity in breast cancer survivors
Authors: Chapman Janine , Fletcher Chloe , Flight Ingrid , Wilson Carlene
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To develop and test a volitional help sheet‐based tool to improve physical activity in breast cancer survivors compared to a standard self‐generated implementation intention intervention.

Design

Pilot randomized trial conducted online over 3 months.

Methods

Participants were randomized to an online volitional help sheet (n = 50) or implementation intention (n = 51) intervention. Measures were taken at baseline, 1 and 3 months. The main outcome measure was moderate‐strenuous leisure time physical activity. Secondary outcomes were health‐related quality of life and mood.

Results

Participants exposed to the volitional help sheet and implementation intention interventions showed similar effects after 1 month, with both groups reporting a significant increase in moderate‐strenuous physical activity. After 3 months, the initial increase in physical activity was maintained by the volitional help sheet group, but not the implementation intention group. Improvements were also found for negative affect and emotional quality of life.

Conclusion

While both interventions show promise in promoting physical activity in breast cancer survivors, the volitional help sheet may be more effective for facilitating lasting change and emotional well‐being. Findings suggest that the volitional help sheet may have potential to offer a cost‐effective contribution to consumer‐led tertiary preventive health. Future research should test these initial findings in a definitive trial.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Physical activity is important for optimizing health in breast cancer survivors. Despite this, physical activity in this cohort remains low. Theory‐based strategies are needed to help breast cancer survivors independently manage and maintain regular physical activity over the long term.

What does this study add?

Online planning interventions can improve physical activity in breast cancer survivors.

Volitional help sheets, but not implementation intentions, show sustained effects for 3 months.

The intervention shows promise as a potential low‐cost addition to long‐term survivorship care plans.
Women's Participation in a Radical Trade Union Movement That Claims to be Feminist
Authors: Guillaume Cécile
Published: May 2018

This article investigates the under‐researched topic of women's representation in radical unions, drawing on an in‐depth case study of the French Solidaires, Unitaires et Démocratiques (SUD) movement. In addition to an overview of the institutional and organizational dynamics of unions’ ‘inequality regimes’, it offers a contextually grounded analysis of the barriers and enablers of women's participation in SUD unions. More specifically, this research reflects on the complex interrelationships between class and gender in class‐based militant trade unions that claim to be feminist but fail to support working‐class female workers’ participation.
Evaluation of two prognostic indices for adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma in the subtropical endemic area, Okinawa, Japan
Authors: Tamaki Keita , Morishima Satoko , Nomura Shogo , Nishi Yukiko , Nakachi Sawako , Kitamura Sakiko , Uchibori Sachie , Tomori Shouhei , Hanashiro Taeko , Shimabukuro Natsuki , Tedokon Iori , Morichika Kazuho , Taira Naoya , Tomoyose Takeaki , Miyagi Takashi , Karimata Kaori , Ohama Masayo , Yamanoha Atsushi , Tamaki Kazumitsu , Hayashi Masaki , Uchihara Jun‐nosuke , Ohshiro Kazuiku , Asakura Yoshitaka , Kuba‐Miyara Megumi , Karube Kennosuke , Fukushima Takuya , Masuzaki Hiroaki
Published: May 2018

Aggressive adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) has an extremely poor prognosis and is hyperendemic in Okinawa, Japan. This study evaluated two prognostic indices (PIs) for aggressive ATL, the ATL‐PI and Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG)‐PI, in a cohort from Okinawa. The PIs were originally developed using two different Japanese cohorts that included few patients from Okinawa. The endpoint was overall survival (OS). Multivariable Cox regression analyses in the cohort of 433 patients revealed that all seven factors for calculating each PI were statistically significant prognostic predictors. Three‐year OS rates for ATL‐PI were 35.9% (low‐risk, n = 66), 10.4% (intermediate‐risk, n = 256), and 1.6% (high‐risk, n = 111), and those for JCOG‐PI were 22.4% (moderate‐risk, n = 176) and 5.3% (high‐risk, n = 257). The JCOG‐PI moderate‐risk group included both the ATL‐PI low‐ and intermediate‐risk groups. ATL‐PI more clearly identified the low‐risk patient subgroup than JCOG‐PI. To evaluate the external validity of the two PIs, we also assessed prognostic discriminability among 159 patients who loosely met the eligibility criteria of a previous clinical trial. Three‐year OS rates for ATL‐PI were 34.5% (low‐risk, n = 42), 9.2% (intermediate‐risk, n = 109), and 12.5% (high‐risk, n = 8). Those for JCOG‐PI were 22.4% (moderate‐risk, n = 95) and 7.6% (high‐risk, n = 64). The low‐risk ATL‐PI group had a better prognosis than the JCOG‐PI moderate‐risk group, suggesting that ATL‐PI would be more useful than JCOG‐PI for establishing and examining novel treatment strategies for ATL patients with a better prognosis. In addition, strongyloidiasis, previously suggested to be associated with ATL‐related deaths in Okinawa, was not a prognostic factor in this study.
Where is the residual terrestrial carbon sink?
Authors: Houghton Richard A. , Baccini Alessandro , Walker Wayne S.
Published: May 2018

The apparent accumulation of carbon on land necessary to balance the global carbon budget has perplexed scientists since the first carbon budgets were constructed more than 40 years ago. The magnitude of the sink over the decade 2006–2015 averaged 3.1 ± 0.9 PgC/year, but neither the factors causing it nor its location are known. Here, based on results from a recent analysis by Baccini et al. (), we estimate that about a third (1.0 PgC/year) of the residual sink is in the tropics, and about two‐thirds is outside the tropics (2.1 PgC/year).
Distribution, age, and origin of a submarine landslide deposit in the Pleistocene Kiwada Formation, forearc basin fill on the Boso Peninsula, east‐central Japan: Constraints from tephro‐ and biostratigraphy
Authors: Utsunomiya Masayuki
Published: May 2018

A mass‐transport deposit named MTD1 (up to 100 m in thickness) is intercalated in the upper Kiwada Formation, a Pleistocene forearc basin fill on the Boso Peninsula, east‐central Japan. The present study aims to examine the origin, age, and distribution of MTD1. MTD1 consists mainly of mudstone blocks containing thin very fine‐ to medium‐grained sandstones, and ranges from tens of centimeters to more than tens of meters in length and thickness. Correlation of marker tuff beds and application of the biostratigraphy of calcareous nannofossils suggest that the blocks in MTD1 were derived from the underlying strata. The total thickness of the stratified blocks from the different stratigraphic horizons exceeds 60 m, implying that MTD1 originated from deeply‐excavated slope failure. The slope failure occurred in a short time interval at ca 1.3 Ma. MTD1 provides an estimate of the height of the escarpment on the basis of the stratigraphic origin of the blocks.
What can we learn from the public’s understanding of drug information and safety? A population survey
Authors: Salgueiro Esther , Gurruchaga Cristina , Jimeno Francisco J , Martínez-Múgica Cristina , Martín Arias Luis H , Manso Gloria
Published: May 2018

Objective

The aim of our study was to analyse the perceptions of the public on medicine information and safety and on consumer reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADR).

Methods

A voluntary survey was conducted in a population ≥18 years of age in Asturias, a region in northern Spain. The survey was designed to be completed in a face-to-face street interview or completed independently by the public. The survey consisted of structured questions organised in four sections: (1) demographic data, (2) use of medicines, (3) reading and understanding of the patient information leaflet (PIL) and (4) awareness and perception about consumer reporting of ADR.

Key findings

A total of 402 surveys were given and analysed; 295 were completed independently and 107 were completed in street interviews. Of the population surveyed, 82.3% had taken some drug(s) in the previous 3 months, although only 62.4% had performed so by medical prescription. A quarter of respondents claimed that they never read the PIL of medicines, 12.7% that they sometimes read it, and 61.4% that they always read this information. A high percentage (82.8%) of respondents reported that they were not aware of consumer reporting of ADR, and 86.1% stated their agreement with this option.

Conclusions

The public has great interest in useful information about all aspects involved in the use of medicines. This includes consumer reporting of suspected ADR, which is still unknown to many people.
Investor Myopia and CEO Turnover
Authors: Goyal Vidhan K. , Low Angie
Published: May 2018

We find that Chief Executive Officer (CEO) turnover is significantly higher and considerably less sensitive to performance in firms with short investor horizons. Decisions to dismiss a CEO lead to worse operating performance, which is even poorer when investors have short horizons. Furthermore, new managers respond to investor short‐termism by increasing industry‐adjusted capital expenditures while maintaining R&D and patenting activity. In addition, in firms with short‐horizon investors, total risk increases around forced CEO turnovers, largely because of an increase in idiosyncratic risk. The evidence is consistent with short‐term investors distorting corporate policies of firms through their influence on top management turnover.
Formation mechanism and optimized luminescence of Mn4+‐doped unequal dual‐alkaline hexafluorosilicate Li0.5Na1.5SiF6
Authors: Zhu Mengmeng , Pan Yuexiao , Chen Xi'an , Lian Hongzhou , Lin Jun
Published: May 2018

A novel red phosphor Li0.5Na1.5SiF6:Mn4+ (LNSF:Mn) based on the unequal dual‐alkaline hexafluorosilicate with superior optical performances has been synthesized via ion‐exchange between [MnF6]2− and [SiF6]2− at room temperature. The composition and the crystal structure of the as‐obtained phosphor LNSF:Mn were determined by energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) and x‐ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The formation mechanism of the red phosphor LNSF:Mn has been discussed in detail. The phosphor LNSF:Mn exhibits good chromaticity properties and a quantum yield (QY) of 96.1%, which are better than the identified fluorosilicate phosphors Na2SiF6:Mn4+ (NSF:Mn) and K2SiF6:Mn4+ (KSF:Mn). A broad and intense absorption in the blue and a bright emission in red‐shifted wavelengths make the phosphor LNSF:Mn a desired candidate for applications in warm white light‐emitting diodes.
The social construction of “shared growth”: Zambia Sugar and the uneven terrain of social benefit
Authors: German Laura A. , Parker Lowery
Published: May 2018

Recent years have witnessed a growing trend in agricultural investment and large‐scale farmland acquisition in the Global South and a rapid expansion of scholarship and public debate over the nature, consequences, and desirability of these trends. The polarization of this debate into “win/lose” narratives raises the question of whether, and under what conditions, the logic of capital accumulation driving farmland acquisition and investment can engender broad‐based social benefits akin to “shared growth.” This paper sheds light on this question through a detailed look at the recent expansion of Zambia Sugar's Nakambala Estate in Mazabuka, Zambia. We explore outcomes linked to two of the most prominent pathways through which social benefits are said to accrue: smallholder incorporation and employment. Findings demonstrate the unevenness of outcomes linked to both pathways, with the concrete benefits both claimed and observed through some measures quickly eroding under the weight of alternative performance metrics. The unevenness produced by the intensification of capitalist relations is manifested not just between those differentially positioned with respect to the incoming investment (“outgrower,” “employee,” and “land loser”) but within each of those conditions. This ambiguity opens spaces for competing representations of the promises and pitfalls of these processes, while highlighting the shaky ground on which shared growth and inclusive business agendas stand.
Potatoes, Petty Commodity Producers and Livelihoods: Contract farming and agrarian change in Maharashtra, India
Authors: Vicol Mark
Published: May 2018

This paper explores the implications of contract farming for patterns of agrarian change in India. The paper draws on a detailed analysis of primary qualitative data from a case study of potato contract farming in the state of Maharashtra. It argues that debates on contract farming are often ideological in nature, leading to overly simplified narratives of “win–win” or “win–lose.” Instead, by combining the strengths of agrarian political economy and rural livelihood analysis, the paper offers a concrete exploration of the intersections between contract farming, livelihoods, and agrarian change. It finds that contract farming activities in the case study villages are focused on a group of petty commodity producers. However, rather than sparking dynamic new processes of accumulation among contract farmers or leading to new forms of exploitation, the paper argues that contract farming is contributing to processes of agrarian change “already under way.” These processes are intimately connected to livelihood diversification and the struggles of new classes of fragmented labour.
A Research Note on the Stability of Coresidential Unions Formed Postconception
Authors: Guzzo Karen Benjamin
Published: May 2018

There is a large literature examining the stability of mid‐pregnancy unions, and parallel work on unions formed after a nonmarital birth, but research has yet to compare pre‐ and postbirth unions and simultaneously consider whether the union is with the father or a new partner. Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1997 Cohort, the author compares the stability of coresidential unions (cohabitations and marriages) among three groups of mothers with nonunion first conceptions: those with a mid‐pregnancy union with the father (n = 203), those with a postbirth union with the father (n = 333), and those with a union with a new partner (n = 342). Compared to mid‐pregnancy unions with the father, postbirth father unions are 35% more likely to dissolve. New‐partner unions are more likely to dissolve than both types of father unions. These associations persist when accounting for union type and socioeconomic and demographic characteristics.
Personal Network Characteristics as Predictors of Change in Obesity Risk Behaviors in Early Adolescence
Authors: Marks Jennifer , de la Haye Kayla , Barnett Lisa M. , Allender Steven
Published: May 2018

The potential for peers to influence obesity risk behavior increases in adolescence, yet there are knowledge gaps of how behaviors are modified in response to peers over time. This study examined how personal friendship network characteristics were associated with obesity‐related behaviors from late childhood to early adolescence. Two waves of friendship, physical activity, screen time, and dietary recall data were collected from 11‐ to 13‐year‐old students (99% retention) in Australia (n = 308) over a five‐ to eight‐month period. Regression models identified friendship network characteristics that predicted later health behaviors which varied by gender and behavior type, such as the number of friends positively associated with physical activity intensity (males) and screen time (females). The need for considering context to influence behavior change is discussed.
Approaches to increase mechanistic understanding and aid in the selection of precipitation inhibitors for supersaturating formulations – a PEARRL review
Authors: Price Daniel J , Ditzinger Felix , Koehl Niklas J , Jankovic Sandra , Tsakiridou Georgia , Nair Anita , Holm René , Kuentz Martin , Dressman Jennifer B , Saal Christoph
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Supersaturating formulations hold great promise for delivery of poorly soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). To profit from supersaturating formulations, precipitation is hindered with precipitation inhibitors (PIs), maintaining drug concentrations for as long as possible. This review provides a brief overview of supersaturation and precipitation, focusing on precipitation inhibition. Trial-and-error PI selection will be examined alongside established PI screening techniques. Primarily, however, this review will focus on recent advances that utilise advanced analytical techniques to increase mechanistic understanding of PI action and systematic PI selection.

Key findings

Advances in mechanistic understanding have been made possible by the use of analytical tools such as spectroscopy, microscopy and mathematical and molecular modelling, which have been reviewed herein. Using these techniques, PI selection can be guided by molecular rationale. However, more work is required to see widespread application of such an approach for PI selection.

Precipitation inhibitors are becoming increasingly important in enabling formulations. Trial-and-error approaches have seen success thus far. However, it is essential to learn more about the mode of action of PIs if the most optimal formulations are to be realised. Robust analytical tools, and the knowledge of where and how they can be applied, will be essential in this endeavour.
Anticancer activity of tetrandrine by inducing pro-death apoptosis and autophagy in human gastric cancer cells
Authors: Bai Xin-Yu , Liu Yuan-Gui , Song Wu , Li Ying-Ying , Hou Dong-Shun , Luo Hao-Ming , Liu Ping
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To investigate the antitumour property of tetrandrine by inducing autophagy and apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells, and to explore the potential molecular mechanisms.

Methods

The antitumour activity of tetrandrine was assessed through MTT assay. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and microscopic examination of cellular morphology. The mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by staining with Rh-123. Induction of autophagy was monitored by transmission electron microscopy observation, using GFP-LC3 transfection.

Key findings

The results revealed that tetrandrine exhibits significant antitumour activity against gastric human cancer cell and the antigastric tumour activity was depended on inducing autophagy and apoptosis through upregulating the apoptosis-related protein (cleaved PARP, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9) and autophagy-related protein (Beclin-1, LC3-II and p62), and decreasing the phosphorylation of AKT/mTOR, PS6K and P-4EBP1. Adding the inhibitor of autophagy, 3-MA or Baf-A1, increased the viability of tetrandrine-exposed gastric cancer cells, which confirmed the role of autophagy played in the gastric cancer cell death induced by tetrandrine.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated that the antitumour effects of tetrandrine by inducing autophagy and apoptosis involving Akt/mTOR pathway. Thus, tetrandrine may be a promising lead compound to be further developed in future for cancer therapy.
Poor self‐reported sleep quality and health‐related quality of life in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis
Authors: Castro‐Marrero Jesús , Zaragozá Maria C. , González‐Garcia Sergio , Aliste Luisa , Sáez‐Francàs Naia , Romero Odile , Ferré Alex , Fernández de Sevilla Tomás , Alegre José
Published: May 2018

Non‐restorative sleep is a hallmark symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis. However, little is known about self‐reported sleep disturbances in these subjects. This study aimed to assess the self‐reported sleep quality and its impact on quality of life in a Spanish community‐based chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis cohort. A prospective cross‐sectional cohort study was conducted in 1,455 Spanish chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis patients. Sleep quality, fatigue, pain, functional capacity impairment, psychopathological status, anxiety/depression and health‐related quality of life were assessed using validated subjective measures. The frequencies of muscular, cognitive, neurological, autonomic and immunological symptom clusters were above 80%. High scores were recorded for pain, fatigue, psychopathological status, anxiety/depression, and low scores for functional capacity and quality of life, all of which correlated significantly (all p < 0.01) with quality of sleep as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Multivariate regression analysis showed that after adjusting for age and gender, the pain intensity (odds ratio, 1.11; p <0.05), psychopathological status (odds ratio, 1.85; p < 0.001), fibromyalgia (odds ratio, 1.39; p < 0.05), severe autonomic dysfunction (odds ratio, 1.72; p < 0.05), poor functional capacity (odds ratio, 0.98; p < 0.05) and quality of life (odds ratio, 0.96; both p < 0.001) were significantly associated with poor sleep quality. These findings suggest that this large chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis sample presents poor sleep quality, as assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and that this poor sleep quality is associated with many aspects of quality of life.
Macrobenthic colonization on the derelict Fisheries Vessel Khronometer, Cristo Rey Submarine Park, Argentina
Authors: Genzano G. N. , Meretta P. E. , Bremec C.
Published: May 2018

We investigated the fouling community on the Fisheries Vessel (F/V) Khronometer during a 3‐year period, from its sinking, by means of video transects. The results demonstrate that the shipwreck presented high macroinvertebrate coverage from the first survey (100 days after sinking). The most conspicuous organisms were cnidarians, followed by amphipods and serpulids (tubes). The hydroid Ectopleura crocea was the most abundant colonizer in the early stages; the sea anemone Anthothoe chilensis and the azooxanthellate soft coral Tripalea clavaria were abundant 2 years after the vessel sank. Interestingly, shipwreck coverage and species composition at the end of the sampling period (940 days after sinking) were similar to those of the wood vessel Cristo Rey, which sank 36 years before the Khronometer. Besides, some different taxa from that seen on video transects were identified from samples taken during dives, corresponding to isolated organisms with scarce abundance or cryptic habits. Moreover, four reef fish species were recorded. Shipwrecks represent interesting places for recreational activities such as diving and fishing. This is the only study about the early development of an invertebrate community on artificial reefs in Buenos Aires coast, Argentina. Monitoring natural and artificial substrata could help to understand the ecological patterns occurring around them and provide information to help manage artificial reefs in sustainable ways.
A review of child stunting determinants in Indonesia
Authors: Beal Ty , Tumilowicz Alison , Sutrisna Aang , Izwardy Doddy , Neufeld Lynnette M.
Published: May 2018

Child stunting reduction is the first of 6 goals in the Global Nutrition Targets for 2025 and a key indicator in the second Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger. The prevalence of child stunting in Indonesia has remained high over the past decade, and at the national level is approximately 37%. It is unclear whether current approaches to reduce child stunting align with the scientific evidence in Indonesia. We use the World Health Organization conceptual framework on child stunting to review the available literature and identify what has been studied and can be concluded about the determinants of child stunting in Indonesia and where data gaps remain. Consistent evidence suggests nonexclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, low household socio‐economic status, premature birth, short birth length, and low maternal height and education are particularly important child stunting determinants in Indonesia. Children from households with both unimproved latrines and untreated drinking water are also at increased risk. Community and societal factors—particularly, poor access to health care and living in rural areas—have been repeatedly associated with child stunting. Published studies are lacking on how education; society and culture; agriculture and food systems; and water, sanitation, and the environment contribute to child stunting. This comprehensive synthesis of the available evidence on child stunting determinants in Indonesia outlines who are the most vulnerable to stunting, which interventions have been most successful, and what new research is needed to fill knowledge gaps.
Maternal depressive symptoms are negatively associated with child growth and development: Evidence from rural India
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Hong , Friedman Jed , Kak Mohini , Menon Purnima , Alderman Harold
Published: May 2018

Maternal depression has been suggested as a risk factor for both poor child growth and development in many low‐ and middle‐income countries, but the validity of many studies is hindered by small sample sizes, varying cut‐offs used in depression diagnostics, and incomplete control of confounding factors. This study examines the association between maternal depressive symptoms (MDSs) and child physical growth and cognitive development in Madhya Pradesh, India, where poverty, malnutrition, and poor mental health coexist. Data were from a baseline household survey (n = 2,934) of a randomized controlled trial assessing an early childhood development programme. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted, adjusting for socio‐economic factors to avoid confounding the association of mental health and child outcomes. MDS (measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Short Depression Scale) was categorized as low, medium, and high in 47%, 42%, and 10% of mothers, respectively. The prevalence of child developmental delay ranged from 16% to 27% for various development domains. Compared with children of mothers with low MDS, those of high MDS mothers had lower height‐for‐age, weight‐for‐age, and weight‐for‐height z‐scores (0.22, 0.21, and 0.15, respectively), a higher rate of stunting and underweight (~1.5 times), and higher rate of developmental delay (partial adjusted odds ratio ranged from 1.3–1.8 for different development domains and fully adjusted odds ratio = 1.4 for fine motor). Our results—that MDS is significantly associated with both child undernutrition and development delay—add to the call for practical interventions to address maternal depression to simultaneously address multiple outcomes for both women and children.
Microevolutionary selection dynamics acting on immune genes of the green‐veined white butterfly, Pieris napi
Authors: Keehnen Naomi L.P. , Hill Jason , Nylin Sören , Wheat Christopher W.
Published: May 2018

Insects rely on their innate immune system to successfully mediate complex interactions with their microbiota, as well as the microbes present in the environment. Previous work has shown that components of the canonical immune gene repertoire evolve rapidly and have evolutionary characteristics originating from interactions with fast‐evolving microorganisms. Although these interactions are likely to vary among populations, there is a poor understanding of the microevolutionary dynamics of immune genes, especially in non‐Dipteran insects. Here, we use the full set of canonical insect immune genes to investigate microevolutionary dynamics acting on these genes between and among populations by comparing three allopatric populations of the green‐veined white butterfly, Pieris napi (Linné; Lepidoptera, Pieridae). Immune genes showed increased genetic diversity compared to genes from the rest of the genome and various functional categories exhibited different types of signatures of selection, at different evolutionary scales, presenting a complex pattern of selection dynamics. Signatures of balancing selection were identified in 10 genes, and 17 genes appear to be under positive selection. Genes involved with the cellular arm of the immune response as well as the Toll pathway appear to be enriched among our outlier loci, regardless of functional category. This suggests that the targets of selection might focus upon an entire pathway, rather than functional subsets across pathways. Our microevolutionary results are similar to previously observed macroevolutionary patterns from diverse taxa, suggesting that either the immune system is robust to dramatic differences in life history and microbial communities, or that diverse microbes exert similar selection pressures.
Different neural activities support auditory working memory in musicians and bilinguals
Authors: Alain Claude , Khatamian Yasha , He Yu , Lee Yunjo , Moreno Sylvain , Leung Ada W. S. , Bialystok Ellen
Published: May 2018

Musical training and bilingualism benefit executive functioning and working memory (WM)—however, the brain networks supporting this advantage are not well specified. Here, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging and the n‐back task to assess WM for spatial (sound location) and nonspatial (sound category) auditory information in musician monolingual (musicians), nonmusician bilinguals (bilinguals), and nonmusician monolinguals (controls). Musicians outperformed bilinguals and controls on the nonspatial WM task. Overall, spatial and nonspatial WM were associated with greater activity in dorsal and ventral brain regions, respectively. Increasing WM load yielded similar recruitment of the anterior‐posterior attention network in all three groups. In both tasks and both levels of difficulty, musicians showed lower brain activity than controls in superior prefrontal frontal gyrus and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) bilaterally, a finding that may reflect improved and more efficient use of neural resources. Bilinguals showed enhanced activity in language‐related areas (i.e., left DLPFC and left supramarginal gyrus) relative to musicians and controls, which could be associated with the need to suppress interference associated with competing semantic activations from multiple languages. These findings indicate that the auditory WM advantage in musicians and bilinguals is mediated by different neural networks specific to each life experience.
The Relationships Between Pain‐Catastrophizing Subcomponents and Multiple Pain‐Related Outcomes in Japanese Outpatients with Chronic Pain: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Adachi Tomonori , Nakae Aya , Maruo Tomoyuki , Shi Kenrin , Maeda Lynn , Saitoh Youichi , Shibata Masahiko , Sasaki Jun
Published: May 2018

Objectives

The present study sought to examine associations between the pain‐catastrophizing subcomponents and multiple pain‐related outcomes in Japanese individuals with chronic pain.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study design was employed with 213 chronic pain outpatients. The participants were recruited from 3 units at a university hospital and from a pain clinic at a municipal hospital. Study measures were used to assess pain catastrophizing, anxiety, depression, pain interference, and pain severity.

Results

Path analysis with multiple pain‐related outcomes while controlling for age and gender revealed that the Helplessness subcomponent was associated with anxiety, depression, pain interference, and pain severity. The Magnification subcomponent was related to anxiety and depression, and the Rumination subcomponent accounted for the variance of pain interference.

Discussion

The present results suggested the important role of helplessness across cultural backgrounds. It also provides guidance on the application of cognitive behavioral techniques for chronic pain management in Japan.
Interactions between Trichoderma harzianum and defoliating Verticillium dahliae in resistant and susceptible wild olive clones
Authors: Carrero‐Carrón I. , Rubio M. B. , Niño‐Sánchez J. , Navas‐Cortés J. A. , Jiménez‐Díaz R. M. , Monte E. , Hermosa R.
Published: May 2018

Verticillium wilt (VW) in olive is best managed by an integrated disease management strategy, of which use of host resistance is a key element. The widespread occurrence of a highly virulent defoliating (D) Verticillium dahliae pathotype has jeopardized the use of commercial olive cultivars lacking sufficient resistance to this pathogen. However, the combined use of resistant wild olive rootstocks and Trichoderma spp. effective in the biocontrol of VW can improve the management of VW in olive. In vivo interactions between D V. dahliae and Trichoderma harzianum were studied in olive and wild olive plants displaying different degrees of resistance against this pathogen using confocal microscopy. This multitrophic system included wild olive clones Ac‐4 and Ac‐15, olive cv. Picual, and the fungal fluorescent transformants T. harzianum GFP22 and V. dahliae V138I‐YFP, the latter being obtained in this study. In planta observations indicated that V138I‐YFP colonizes the roots and stems of the olive and wild olive genotypes, and that GFP22 grows endophytically within the roots of them all. YFP fluorescence signal quantifications showed that: (i) the degree of root and stem colonization by the pathogen varied depending upon the susceptibility of the tested wild olive genotype, being higher in Ac‐15 than in Ac‐4 plants; and (ii) treatment with T. harzianum GFP22 reduced the extent of pathogen growth in both clones. Moreover, root colonization by strain GFP22 reduced the percentage of pathogen colonies recovered from stems of olive and wild olive plants.