bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytolith‐rich biochar: A potential Si fertilizer in desilicated soils
Authors: Li Zimin , Delvaux Bruno
Published: June 2019

Silicon (Si) is beneficial to plants since it increases photosynthetic efficiency, and alleviates biotic and abiotic stresses. In the most highly weathered and desilicated soils, plant phytoliths make up the reservoir of bioavailable Si. The regular removal of crop residues, however, substantially decreases this pool. Si supply may therefore be required to sustain continuous cropping. Available Si fertilizers are costly and usually poor in soluble Si. Biochar produced from the pyrolysis of phytolith‐rich biomass is thus a promising alternative Si source for plants. Taking into account the challenges of increasing food demand and environmental concerns, we evaluate the global potential of biochar produced from major crop residues and manures in terms of phytogenic Si (PhSi) supply. Crop residues contribute to 80% of the global production of biomass dry matter (8,201 Tg/year) of which 3,137 Tg/year are potentially available after pyrolysis, giving a potential application rate of 1.7 T ha−1 year−1 for highly weathered soils in the tropics. The potential PhSi supply from crop biochar amounts to 102 Tg Si/year. On its own, rice straws produce 57.7 Tg PhSi/year, accounting for 56.6% of the potential annual PhSi production. The Si release from crop biochar depends on inter altere feedstock type, pyrolysis temperature, soil pH, and buffer capacity. Furthermore, the amplitude of plant Si uptake and mineralomass depends on plant species, soil properties, and processes. These factors interact and can exert a decisive influence on the effectiveness of phytolithic biochar in releasing Si into highly weathered soils. We conclude that the use of phytolithic biochar as a Si fertilizer offers undeniable potential to mitigate desilication and to enhance Si ecological services due to soil weathering and biomass removal. This potential must be explored, as well as the conditions for using biochar in the field.
Geographical Analysis: Reflections of a Recovering Editor
Authors: Rey Sergio
Published: June 2019

This paper considers the past and future of the journal Geographical Analysis (GA), as well as the broader field of spatial analysis. From my experiences as a former editor of GA, I first identify three external trends that I feel will provide the backdrop for the future evolution of spatial analysis. These surround the rise of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science as disciplines. The paper also considers the structural changes that are occurring in the organization of science, and the trend toward democratization of spatial analysis and spatial data. I identify critical areas for methodological advances along with some opportunities for the rebranding of GA in the new era of data science.
Social infrastructure and the public life of cities: Studying urban sociality and public spaces
Authors: Latham Alan , Layton Jack
Published: June 2019

Libraries, laundrettes, and lidos. Pizzerias, plazas, and playgrounds. Sidewalks, swimming pools, and schools. These are just some of the kinds of spaces and facilities that contribute to the public life of cities. Drawing on the arguments of the sociologist Eric Klinenberg, this article develops the concept of “social infrastructure” as a way to research and value these kinds of spaces. Social infrastructure helps in recognising the public dimensions of often overlooked and undervalued spaces. It draws attention to the breadth, depth, and textures of sociality that can be afforded by different urban environments. In developing the concept of social infrastructure, this article pulls together four related strands of social scientific inquiry: work on infrastructure; publicness and public space; sociality and encounter; and the politics of provision. An infrastructural approach to the topic of public space presents geographers with some productive tools for understanding the public life of cities.
Interlopers in class: A duoethnography of working‐class women academics
Authors: Johansson Marjana , Jones Sally
Published: June 2019

This article introduces the concept of the interloper for examining classed and gendered dislocation. Focusing on academia, which we view as a classed and gendered field, we draw on Bourdieu and feminist standpoint theory to account for how we, as women of working‐class origin, have experienced ‘breaches' through which we have come to understand ourselves in classed and gendered terms. Coming from different cultural backgrounds, we also reflect on how understandings of class are context‐specific. We employ a duoethnographic method which emphasizes the value of subjective experiences for organizational and social analyses. The article shows how the concept of the interloper may shed light on the dynamic, relational character of constructions of class and gender; the maintenance work that is performed; and how a sense of permanent inbetweenness characterizes our ongoing movement between the fields of the family and academia.
Shifting positionalities across international locations: Embodied knowledge, time‐geography, and the polyvalence of privilege
Authors: Torres‐Olave Blanca , Lee Jenny J.
Published: June 2019

Despite a robust body of scholarship on positionality, the practice of international Higher Education research often neglects engagement with the varied, fluid and complex positionalities of researchers across national boundaries. Through a series of vignettes, the authors argue for reflexivity that extends beyond rigid social identities and towards embodied knowledge, or self‐understanding that is mutable and context responsive. For international mobile researchers especially, new affinities can evolve through propinquity and social custom, and gradually become incorporated into self‐knowledge with the passing of time. Beyond mere cultural competency, this article raises the importance of symbolic competency that simultaneously negotiates the multiple dimensions of language, various forms of capital, as well as evolving social identities in conducting research in different contexts.
Steel spheres impact on alumina ceramic tiles: Experiments and finite element simulations
Authors: Toussaint Geneviève , Polyzois Ioannis
Published: June 2019

Finite element simulations can be very useful for assessing and optimizing the design of advanced armor systems, but they require capturing the mechanisms of damage and failure that occur in composite‐backed ceramic tiles when subjected to shock impact. The damage that occurs, primarily by the formation of radial and conical cracks and comminution, is complex. Therefore, the first step toward understanding these mechanisms are to simplify the problem. In this work, impact experiments using spherical steel projectiles were conducted on free‐standing bare alumina ceramic tiles of two different thicknesses. Observations of the damage were then used to investigate the ability of numerical codes to capture the damage mechanisms occurring in the alumina tiles at various impact velocities. Three constitutive material models, used to simulate brittle fracture in isotropic solids, were explored, using commercially available finite element hydrocode LS‐DYNA. These were the popular Johnson‐Holmquist model 2 for ceramic materials, the pseudo‐rheological Karagozian & Case Concrete model—Release III, and the elastic bond‐based peridynamics model. The numerical results obtained demonstrated the capability of each approach to capture the damage produced by the impact of steel spheres on alumina ceramic tiles.
How to assess the effectiveness of nasal influenza vaccines? Role and measurement of sIgA in mucosal secretions
Authors: Gianchecchi Elena , Manenti Alessandro , Kistner Otfried , Trombetta Claudia , Manini Ilaria , Montomoli Emanuele
Published: June 2019

Secretory IgAs (sIgA) constitute the principal isotype of antibodies present in nasal and mucosal secretions. They are secreted by plasma cells adjacent to the mucosal epithelial cells, the site where infection occurs, and are the main humoral mediator of mucosal immunity. Mucosally delivered vaccines, such as live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), are able to mimic natural infection without causing disease or virus transmission and mainly elicit a local immune response. The measurement of sIgA concentrations in nasal swab/wash and saliva samples is therefore a valuable tool for evaluating their role in the effectiveness of such vaccines. Here, we describe two standardized assays (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and microneutralization) available for the quantification of sIgA and discuss the advantages and limitations of their use.
Happiness or hopelessness in late life: A cluster RCT of the 3L‐Mind‐Training programme among the institutionalized older people
Authors: Chiang Yi‐Chen , Lee Chun‐Yang , Hsueh Shao‐Chieh
Published: June 2019

Aim

To explore the effectiveness of a new mental health promotion activities programme by including the criterion variables of happiness and depressive mood.

Design

A single‐blinded, clustered, randomized and controlled trial.

Method

A list consisting of the names of elderly residents was provided by the senior social worker at a geriatric institution. The participants recruited for the study were living on one of four different floors that had separate and non‐interfering spaces and having comparable disabilities. The researchers randomly assigned residents on two floors as members of the intervention group; the other residents were considered the control group. The intervention groups attended 6 weeks of the 3L‐Mind‐Training programme, whereas the control group only engaged in regular health promotion activities. The mini version of the Chinese Happiness Inventory was adapted to measure happiness. The Geriatric Depression Scale short‐form was used to measure depression in older people. A generalized estimating equation was used to analyse the short‐term and durative effects.

Findings

The 126 residents included in the study were 65–97 years old, and 90% of the residents relied on wheelchairs. The intervention activities give significant immediate and durative effects both on subjective well‐being enhancement and depressive mood relief. When evaluating the overall intervention activity, 93.8% of the aged residents indicated that this programme was helpful and allowed them to view life events positively.

Conclusion and impact

A well‐planned mind‐training programme could help elderly people reform their viewpoint and create a more fun and happy experience of ageing.

Trial registration: Data were obtained from the project, initiated in 2014, which was funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology in Taiwan and was approved by the Institutional Review Board in Chung Shan Medical University (No. CS15009). The trial registration number of the study was No. ChiCTR1900021811.
“But I did not touch nobody!”—Patients' and nurses' perspectives and recommendations after aggression on psychiatric wards—A qualitative study
Authors: Vermeulen Jentien M. , Doedens Paul , Boyette Lindy‐Lou N. J. , Spek Bea , Latour Corine H. M. , de Haan Lieuwe
Published: June 2019

Aims

To gain a deeper understanding of the differences in patients and staff perspectives in response to aggression and to explore recommendations on prevention.

Design

Qualitative, grounded theory study.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured interviews with patients and nurses involved in an aggressive incident. Data collection was performed from May 2016 ‐ March 2017.

Results

Thirty‐one interviews were conducted concerning 15 aggressive incidents. Patients and nurses generally showed agreement on the factual course of events, there was variation in agreement on the perceived severity (PS). Patients' recommendations on prevention were mostly personally focussed, while nurses suggested general improvements.

Conclusion

Patients are often capable to evaluate aggression and give recommendations on prevention shortly after the incident. Patients and nurses differ in the PS of aggression. Recommendations on prevention of patients and nurses are complementary.

Impact

What problem did the study address? Perspectives of patients and nurses differ with respect to aggression, but how is unclear. What were the main findings? Patients and nurses generally described a similar factual course of events concerning the incident, patients often perceive the severity less than nurses. Patients are capable to give recommendations on prevention of aggressive incidents, shortly after the incident. Where and on whom will the research have impact? Factual course of events can be a common ground to start evaluating aggressive incidents and post‐incident review should address the severity of incidents. Asking recommendations from patients on how to improve safety and de‐escalation can lead to innovative and personal de‐escalation strategies and supports patients autonomy.
Does improved postgraduate capacity shift the balance of power for nurse specialists in a low‐income country: A mixed methods study
Authors: Bruce Judith C. , Baumann Jennifer , Schmollgruber Shelley
Published: June 2019

Aim

To explore nurse specialists’ experiences of change and influence on practice two years after graduating with a postgraduate degree.

Background

In the absence of further study opportunities for nurses in their own country, a master's degree was introduced to train the first group of nurse specialists in Mozambique.

Design

Within a hybrid evaluation framework an exploratory, sequential mixed methods design was followed.

Methods

Qualitative data from focus group interviews with nurse specialists (N = 12) led to five thematic data sets from which survey questions were formulated for the sequential quantitative component.

Findings

“Change expectations”, “Ambiguous practice environments”, “Feeling powerless”, “Having some influence” and “Workplace support” were emergent themes from interview data. Areas of positive change occurred in research (100%) and the use of evidence (88.9%) and involvement in decision‐making (77.8%). For some change did not happen as anticipated—reasons included lack of nurse mentors to support new graduates (55.6%); lesser respect compared with doctors (44.4%) and poor understanding of the value of a master's degree (44.4%). Improvements in service quality and elevating the status of nursing were areas of greatest influence (77.8%).

Conclusion

Several enabling and limiting factors were identified in the experiences of change and influence on practice of newly qualified nurse specialists. Tacit change with respect to the value of the degree in improving the status of nursing seems not to have affected nurse specialists’ own ability and power to influence practice. Improved postgraduate capacity on its own does not empower nurses in their role as specialists.

Impact

The findings point to a two‐tiered strategy to be developed to dismantle barriers to the empowerment and advancement of nurse specialists. The identification of designated nurse mentors is essential to induct and sustain newly graduated nurse specialists. A clear research policy should be developed that supports the conduct of relevant research and the use of evidence in specialist practice.
Technology‐assisted nursing for postpartum support: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: McCarter Deborah E. , Demidenko Eugene , Sisco Tauna S. , Hegel Mark T.
Published: June 2019

Aim

To determine if an electronic nursing intervention during the first 6 months postpartum was effective in improving mood and decreasing stress.

Background

Unmet needs postpartum can have a negative impact on mood and parenting stress. Technology‐assisted nursing care may provide needed support and reduce risk.

Design

Randomized controlled trial (RCT) with three conditions.

Methods

Enrollment began on 11 May 2017. Participants were randomized into one of three groups after completion of the baseline survey. Intervention I participants received standardized electronic messages four times/week for 6 months postpartum. Intervention II participants additionally received the option for nurse contact. Depression and parenting stress as measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Parenting Stress Index‐Short form (PSI‐SF) was obtained at 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months postpartum and results compared with a usual care group. Patient satisfaction and nursing factors were measured.

Results

Significantly higher satisfaction scores were found in both intervention groups as compared with control, but there were no significant changes in EPDS or PSI‐SF.

Conclusion

The interventions were perceived as helpful and not burdensome. Better nurse‐sensitive outcome measures are needed to adequately assess effectiveness.

Impact

Postpartum women report unmet needs for support and education. The interventions were perceived as being helpful but did not significantly reduce depressive symptoms or parenting stress. Nurses can use this research to inform development of innovative approaches to support postpartum women.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT 02843022.
A sense of belonging: A meta‐ethnography of the experience of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease receiving care through telemedicine
Authors: Barken Tina Lien , Söderhamn Ulrika , Thygesen Elin
Published: June 2019

Aim

To synthesize the qualitative research in the literature addressing how patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease experience care received by telemedicine.

Design

Meta‐ethnography.

Data Sources

Twelve studies, published from 2013 – 2018, were identified by a search of relevant systematic databases in June 2017, including updated searches performed in June 2018.

Review Methods

The studies were reviewed and critically appraised independently by three researchers. The review followed the seven steps of meta‐ethnography developed by Noblit and Hare, including a line‐of‐argument synthesis.

Results

The synthesis revealed three second‐order constructs: presence, transparency, and ambivalence. Using a line‐of‐argument synthesis, a model was developed that showed patients’ experience of a sense of belonging when receiving care by telemedicine.

Conclusion

This meta‐ethnography contributes to the existing and contradictory evidence base of telemedicine to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. It addresses and adds renewed understanding of who would benefit from telemedicine and why, by illustrating the interrelationship between the conditions of telemedicine care, the severity of COPD, and the need for connectedness and emphasizes that the need to belong in telemedicine care increases with the progression of illness burden and severity.

Impact

The present study endorses the view that the patients with a severe illness burden are likely to benefit the most when receiving care by telemedicine. However, the benefits rely on the fact that the telemedicine interventions involve emotional, social, and clinical support, including regular contact with healthcare professionals, to meet the requirements to belong.
Minimally invasive thoracoscopic surgery is an effective approach for treating inappropriate sinus tachycardia
Authors: Aalaei‐Andabili Seyed Hossein , Miles William M. , Burkart Thomas A. , Panna Mark E. , Conti Jamie B. , McKillop Matthew S. , Beaver Thomas M
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) is characterized by increased heart rate out of proportion to normal physiologic demand. IST ablation is challenging for the electrophysiology community due to the epicardial location of the sinus node and the risk of phrenic nerve (PN) injury during catheter ablation. In this study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of a minimally invasive thoracoscopic surgery for elimination of IST.

Methods

Patients with IST who failed medical therapy or endocardial ablation underwent minimally invasive thoracoscopic epicardial ablation. Epicardial activation mapping was performed to identify the earliest activation site and any possible migration of earliest activation along the lateral right atrium. The PN in each patient was protected by a pericardial retraction suture.

Results

From 1 January 2000 to 15 June 2018, 10 patients (eight females and two males) underwent minimally invasive thoracoscopic IST ablation. Mean age of the patients was 36.7 ± 12.5 years. Mean baseline sinus rate was 113.8 ± 21.8 beats per minute. After surgery, the mean heart rate significantly decreased to 79.8 ± 8.2 at postoperative day 1 and to 75.8 ± 8.1 at day 30 (both P < .001). No in‐hospital death, stroke, or PN injury occurred. One patient required reintubation, one patient developed postoperative pericarditis, and another patient had a pulmonary embolus. Median follow‐up was 6 months (range, 1‐50). Freedom from reintervention was 88% at 6 months.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive thoracoscopic ablation for IST is a safe and effective approach that preserves the phrenic nerve. Due to the possibility of IST activation site migration, continued follow‐up after surgery is required.
Regional isolation in the right atrium with disruption of intra‐atrial conduction after catheter ablation of atrial tachycardia
Authors: Markowitz Steven M. , Choi Daniel Y. , Daian Foysal , Liu Christopher F. , Cheung Jim W. , Thomas George , Ip James E. , Lerman Bruce B.
Published: June 2019

Background

Ablation of atrial tachycardia (AT) that occurs after cardiac surgery or prior ablation often requires complex lesion sets. In combination with the pre‐existing atrial scar, these lesion sets may result in inadvertent intra‐atrial conduction block. This study reports the phenomenon of incidental isolation of right atrial (RA) regions that occurs secondary to AT ablation, which in some cases results in profound bradycardia due to sinus exit block.

Methods and Results

Intracardiac electrograms were examined in consecutive patients who underwent AT ablation in the RA. Cases of localized isolation of the RA were defined as areas that developed electrical dissociation during ablation. Of 132 patients having ablation in both the RA free wall and the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI), 10 (7.6%) developed unintentional isolation of the lateral RA. Five of these patients had prior mitral valve surgery, comprising 12.2% of all 41 patients with mitral surgery who underwent ablation in the CTI and the RA free wall. All patients with regional isolation had a pre‐existing scar in the lateral wall of the RA. In six patients, isolation of the lateral RA resulted in profound bradycardia due to exit block from the peri‐sinus node myocardium.

Conclusions

Complex ablation lesions in patients with prior valve surgery, prior ablation, or atrial myopathy may result in unintended localized conduction block in the RA. In some cases, isolation of the lateral RA can result in complete sinus exit block with profound bradycardia requiring pacemaker implantation.
Pulse wave velocity progression over a medium‐term follow‐up in hypertensives: Focus on uric acid
Authors: Maloberti Alessandro , Rebora Paola , Andreano Anita , Vallerio Paola , De Chiara Benedetta , Signorini Stefano , Casati Marco , Besana Silvia , Bombelli Michele , Grassi Guido , Valsecchi Maria Grazia , Giannattasio Cristina
Published: June 2019

The role of uric acid (UA) on the arterial stiffness progression has been evaluated only in three studies. Our aim was to evaluate its role as a possible determinant of the pulse wave velocity (PWV) progression over a 3.7 ± 0.5 years follow‐up period in hypertensive patients. Specific sex analysis was done due to the well‐known sex interaction with UA levels. We enrolled 422 consecutive hypertensive outpatients. At baseline anamnestic, blood pressure (BP) and laboratory data as well as PWV were assessed. PWV was performed again at follow‐up examination. Hyperuricemia was defined as a UA > 6 mg/dL for women and > 7 mg/dL for men. Baseline age was 53.2 ± 13 years, 58% were males, systolic and diastolic BP (SBP/DBP) 141.7 ± 17.7/86.8 ± 10.8 mm Hg, UA 5.2 ± 1.4 mg/dL, and PWV 8.5 ± 1.9 m/s. At follow‐up, despite better BP values (−8.5 ± 24.6 for SBP and −7.5 ± 15.4 for DBP), PWV increases to 9.1 ± 2.3 m/s (P < 0.001) with mean ΔPWV of+ 0.5 ± 2.2 m/s. A total of 61 patients were hyperuricemic (14.4%), and they present higher PWV baseline (9.0 ± 2.5 vs 8.5 ± 1.8 m/s, P = 0.03) without significant differences in ΔPWV. Hyperuricemic female (6.2%, 11 patients) presents higher baseline PWV without significant differences in ΔPWV. No differences were found in arterial stiffness in hyperuricemic males (20.4%, 50 patients). UA showed association with baseline and ΔPWV in the whole population but it loses statistical significance at the linear regression model. Same figures were also for sex analysis. Our findings provide evidence that baseline UA levels are not determinants of PWV progression over a median follow‐up of 3.8 years’ in hypertensive patients.
Yellow Wine Polyphenolic Compounds prevents Doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity through activation of the Nrf2 signalling pathway
Authors: Lin Hui , Zhang Jie , Ni Tingjuan , Lin Na , Meng Liping , Gao Feidan , Luo Hangqi , Liu Xiatian , Chi Jufang , Guo Hangyuan
Published: June 2019

Doxorubicin (DOX) is considered as the major culprit in chemotherapy‐induced cardiotoxicity. Yellow wine polyphenolic compounds (YWPC), which are full of polyphenols, have beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease. However, their role in DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity is poorly understood. Due to their antioxidant property, we have been suggested that YWPC could prevent DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity. In this study, we found that YWPC treatment (30 mg/kg/day) significantly improved DOX‐induced cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac dysfunction. YWPC alleviated DOX‐induced increase in oxidative stress levels, reduction in endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities and inflammatory response. Besides, administration of YWPC could prevent DOX‐induced mitochondria‐mediated cardiac apoptosis. Mechanistically, we found that YWPC attenuated DOX‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and down‐regulation of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1)/smad3 pathway by promoting nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2) nucleus translocation in cultured H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Additionally, YWPC against DOX‐induced TGF‐β1 up‐regulation were abolished by Nrf2 knockdown. Further studies revealed that YWPC could inhibit DOX‐induced cardiac fibrosis through inhibiting TGF‐β/smad3‐mediated ECM synthesis. Collectively, our results revealed that YWPC might be effective in mitigating DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity by Nrf2‐dependent down‐regulation of the TGF‐β/smad3 pathway.
Age‐dependent effect between MARCO and TLR4 on PMMA particle phagocytosis by macrophages
Authors: Yamada Chiaki , Beron‐Pelusso Camila , Algazzaz Neira , Heidari Alireza , Luz Diogo , Rawas‐Qalaji Mutasem , Toderas Ion , Mascarenhas Ana Karina , Kawai Toshihisa , Movila Alexandru
Published: June 2019

Progressive generation of total joint implant‐derived wear particles is one of the major risk factors in development of peri‐prosthetic osteolysis especially in the aging society. It is commonly accepted that macrophages predominantly drive the inflammatory response to wear debris particles. Among various surface receptors that activate the macrophages to phagocytize particles, it is believed that the Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and the scavenger macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) play key roles in recognition of wear debris particles. However, a strong body of evidence indicates an age‐dependent diminished function of human TLRs. Thus, we hypothesized that the MARCO receptor may be more engaged than TLRs in the phagocytosis of wear debris particles which in turn up‐regulate production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines from aged macrophages. We demonstrated that peritoneal macrophages isolated from aged mice show elevated expression of MARCO receptor compared to that from young mice. In contrast the expression of TLR4 was significantly decreased on the surface of aged macrophages. Furthermore, using anti‐MARCO and anti‐TLR4 neutralizing mAbs, we demonstrated the age‐dependent pathogenic role of MARCO, but not TLR4, receptor in promoting poly‐methyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement particles phagocytosis by macrophages leading to the release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines migration inhibitory factor and tumour necrosis factor in vitro. These data also suggest that the approach to neutralize MARCO may lead to the development of therapeutic regimen for the prevention of particle‐induced osteolysis in aged patients.
Optimization of mechanical oil extraction process from Camellia oleifera seeds regarding oil yield and energy consumption
Authors: Huang Shuai , Hu Youmin , Li Fengcheng , Jin Wenwen , Godara Vikas , Wu Bo
Published: June 2019

Mechanical pressing is widely used for producing high‐quality vegetable oil in industry. However, mechanical pressing process faces a challenge from meeting the industrial demand for high yield with low energy consumption. Hence, the objective of this study was to optimize mechanical oil extraction process from Camellia oleifera seeds by maximizing the yield and minimizing the energy consumption. A Box–Behnken design of response surface methodology is adopted for the experiments of mechanical oil extraction from C. oleifera seeds. The effects of experimental factors namely moisture content (0–9% w.b.), applied pressure (10–45 MPa), pressing temperature (40–100°C) and extraction time (10–40 min) on yield and energy consumption were investigated by modeling the oil extraction process. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that moisture content, applied pressure and extraction time significantly effect on yield while applied pressure, pressing temperature, and extraction time have an obvious influence on energy consumption. In addition, the oil extracted under the processing conditions investigated was validated to be of acceptable quality. The Pareto fronts based on multiobjective genetic algorithm provides a set of optimal process parameters to obtain sustainable end products.

Practical Application

Moisture content, applied pressure, pressing time, and pressing temperature are primary processing conditions affecting oil extraction from C. oleifera seeds during the mechanical process. The use of inappropriate processing parameters may lead to low yield and high‐energy consumption. Understanding the mechanisms of oil extraction process thoroughly while taking important parameters into consideration is vital for the process to be efficient. This can be obtained by modeling oil extraction process using both experimental and theoretical methods. In this article, how these factors affect the yield and energy consumption of the system were investigated by modeling the oil extraction process. Processing conditions were optimized by multiobjective optimization technique based on NSGA‐II. The oil extracted under the processing conditions investigated was of acceptable quality. The data collected during this study can be utilized to design the equipment and to obtain sustainable end products.
Randomized parallel control trial checking the efficacy and impact of two concentrations of retinol in the original formula on the aging skin condition: Pilot study
Authors: Zasada Malwina , Budzisz Elżbieta
Published: June 2019

Background

The aging process is defined as natural, biological, progressive, and physiologically irreversible phenomena occurring in the body.

Objective

We attempted to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of treating signs of the aging skin using retinol 0.15% and 0.3%. Retinol was added to the original, developed liquid crystal formula.

Methods

Patients at two sites (n = 20, n = 20) presenting signs of aging applied a novel formulation of retinol at 0.15% (on the left) and 0.3% (on the right) concentrations daily to their faces for 2 months. An expert blinded evaluation of images was carried out after 8 weeks. Tolerability was assessed throughout the whole study. Positive results of the observational pilot study guaranteed a follow‐up trial with the use of the higher concentration and another parallel study.

Results

In the observational pilot study, most of the participants showed an improvement in the overall skin condition. These improvements were assessed after 4 and 8 weeks. Those observed after 56 days were more remarkable than those identified 28 days, however, without any statistical significance. Application of retinol formula 0.3% and serum 0.15% gives similar results after 8 weeks of daily care. Both products improve the overall skin condition considerably, even the skin color, hydration, and radiance. In a VAS assessment, the number of wrinkles decreased and skin discoloration was reduced. Side effects such as burning, dryness, pruritus, and erythema during the 8‐week study period were minimal.

Conclusions

The topical formulation of liquid crystal serum with retinol 0.15% and 0.3% improves the overall skin condition after 8 weeks. Burning, pruritus, dryness, and erythema caused by the application of retinol 0.15% and 0.3% concentrations were minimal. Nevertheless, there were no significance changes found between the left and right side of the face. These encouraging results justify a longer‐term study to determine whether topically applied retinol 0.3% can provide more benefits as compared to those observed after topical application of retinol 0.15%.
Classification of hydrocolloids based on small amplitude oscillatory shear, large amplitude oscillatory shear, and textural properties
Authors: Alghooneh Ali , Razavi Seyed M. A. , Kasapis Stefan
Published: June 2019

Dynamic rheological and mechanical properties of seven commercial (xanthan [XG], guar [GG], high methoxylated pectin [HMP], κ‐carrageenan [κ‐Car], agar [AG], alginate [ALG], and carboxymethylcellulose [CMC]) and four emerging hydrocolloids (basil seed gum [BSG], sage seed gum [SSG], Balangu‐Shirazi seed gum [BSSG], and cress seed gum [CSG]) were investigated and the classification of the hydrocolloids were carried out based on them. AG belonged to the first class with 0.81 membership function (MF), κ‐Car and HMP grouped in the second class with 0.68 and 0.71 MFs, respectively, XG, BSG, and SSG were depended to the third class with 0.61–0.70 MFs, finally, CMC, GG, BSSG, ALG, and CSG related to the fourth class, as the most populated class, with MF > 0.61. The first class contained the highest amount of hardness parameter (43.40 ± 2.76 g), the second class included the highest pseudoplasticity parameter (shear‐thinning ratio = −0.54 ± 0.03) and relaxation time (66.25 ± 2.61 s) and the fourth cluster comprised the highest frequency dependency of viscous modulus (exponent of power‐law model for viscous modulus vs. frequency = 0.30 ± 0.05). In addition, the results of this study showed that there was a distinct relationship between nonlinear harmonics in the stress wave and fundamental characteristics of hydrogel networks. The investigation of the rheo‐mechanical properties of biopolymers in large deformation under shear and normal forces can have an important role in the prediction of the behavior of the material in real processes and application conditions, especially in the food industry. Due to the inconvenience of large deformation mechanical tests, such as Weissenberg effect, the complication of the results analyzing and sampling difficulty of semi‐dilute samples; herein, we determined the correlation between large deformation (LAOS and texture analysis) and small deformation (SAOS) tests properties. The studied rheo‐mechanical parameters showed high correlation with the four mentioned network parameters (more than 65% similarity index). Using these results, other scientists could rationally design the experiments and avoid experiments with similar parameters.
Effects of adenovirus‐induced hepatocyte damage on chronic bile duct inflammation in a sclerosing cholangitis mouse model
Authors: Fuchs Sina , Bayer Monika , Taubert Richard , Manns Michael P. , Pfeilschifter Josef M. , Christen Urs , Hintermann Edith
Published: June 2019

Background & Aims

Four major autoimmune diseases target the liver. They develop because of bile duct destruction, leading to chronic cholestasis or result from hepatocyte damage like autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Interestingly, some patients simultaneously show features of both cholangitis and AIH. Our goal was to mimic such concurrent characteristics in a mouse model that would help deciphering mechanisms possibly involved in an inflammatory crosstalk between cholestatic disease and hepatitis.

Methods

Mdr2−/− mice, which spontaneously develop sclerosing cholangitis because of accumulation of toxic bile salts, were infected with adenovirus (Ad) encoding human Cytochrome P4502D6 (hCYP2D6), the major target autoantigen in type‐2 AIH, to trigger hepatocyte injury. Wild type FVB mice were controls.

Results

Resulting Ad‐Mdr2−/− mice presented with cholangitis, fibrosis and cellular infiltrations that were higher than in Mdr2−/− or Ad‐FVB mice. Increased levels of anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies but similar anti‐hCYP2D6 antibody titres were detected in Ad‐Mdr2−/− compared to Mdr2−/− and Ad‐FVB mice respectively. IFNγ‐expressing hCYP2D6‐specific CD4 T cells declined, whereas hCYP2D6‐specific CD8 T cells increased in Ad‐Mdr2−/− compared to Ad‐FVB mice. The overall T cell balance in Ad‐Mdr2−/− mice was a combination of a type 17 T cell response typically found in Mdr2−/− mice with a type 1 dominated T cell response characteristic for Ad‐FVB mice. Simultaneously, the type 2 T cell compartment was markedly reduced.

Conclusions

Experimental hepatitis induction in a mouse with sclerosing cholangitis results in a disorder which represents not simply the sum of the individual characteristics but depicts a more complex entity which urges on further analysis.
High proportions of children under 3 years of age consume commercially produced snack foods and sugar‐sweetened beverages in Bandung City, Indonesia
Authors: Green Mackenzie , Hadihardjono Dian N. , Pries Alissa M. , Izwardy Doddy , Zehner Elizabeth , Huffman Sandra L.
Published: June 2019

Child undernutrition continues to be a national concern in Indonesia, whereas childhood overweight/obesity rises. Economic development has led to wide availability of highly processed foods and beverages, with growing evidence that children are consuming commercial snack products during the critical complementary feeding period. This study assessed the prevalence and patterns of consumption of commercially produced snack foods and sugar‐sweetened beverages among Indonesian children. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted with 495 mothers of children aged 6–35 months living in Bandung City, Indonesia. Among all children, 81.6% consumed a commercial snack food and 40.0% consumed a sugar‐sweetened beverage in the day preceding the interview. At 6–11 months, 46.5% of children consumed a snack food and 2.0% consumed a sugar‐sweetened beverage. Snack foods were consumed 3 or more times a day by 60.0% of children 24–35 months of age. Sweet biscuits and savory snacks were the most commonly consumed snack foods; sweetened milks and sweetened teas were the most common beverages. Maternal education, child age, and consumption of a commercially produced complementary food were associated with snack food consumption. Factors associated with sugar‐sweetened beverage consumption were child age and consumption of a commercially produced complementary food or breastmilk substitute. These findings reflect a high presence of processed, high‐sugar/salt commercial snack products in the diets of children 6–35 months. National attention should focus on interventions to reduce reliance on processed snack products and increase consumption of nutrient‐rich, locally available foods during the complementary feeding period.
Energy intake from unhealthy snack food/beverage among 12‐23‐month‐old children in urban Nepal
Authors: Pries Alissa M. , Sharma Nisha , Upadhyay Atul , Rehman Andrea M. , Filteau Suzanne , Ferguson Elaine L.
Published: June 2019

Unhealthy snack food and beverage (USFB) consumption among young children has been noted in many low‐income and middle‐income countries (LMIC), however, there is a lack of information on the contribution of these foods to children's diets in these contexts. This study describes the nutrient profiles and costs of snacks consumed by young children in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, and assesses the proportion of total energy intake from nonbreastmilk foods (%TEI‐NBF) contributed by USFB and factors associated with high USFB consumption. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 745 randomly sampled primary caregivers of children aged 12–23 months. Of 239 unique snack foods and beverages consumed, 180 (75.3%) were classified as unhealthy based on nutrient profiling, with 158 of these being commercially branded. Median cost/100 kcal of USFB was lower as compared with healthy snacks. Ninety‐one percent of children had consumed a USFB in the previous 24 hr, with these foods contributing a mean %TEI‐NBF of 24.5 ± 0.7 among all children. Biscuits (10.8%), candy/chocolate (3.5%), and savoury snacks (3.4%) provided the largest %TEI‐NBF. Children who were older, female, or from the poorest households had significantly higher odds of high USFB consumption, whereas children whose caregivers were of upper caste/ethnicity or had achieved tertiary education had lower odds of consumption than other children. To reduce USFB consumption, interventions should seek to further understand social/cultural drivers of feeding practices, target disadvantaged populations, and ensure caregivers are fully aware of the nutritional quality of food products they choose for their children.
Prevalence, duration, and content of television advertisements for breast milk substitutes and commercially produced complementary foods in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Dakar, Senegal
Authors: Champeny Mary , Hou Kroeun , Diop Elhadji Issakha , Sy Gueye Ndeye Yaga , Pries Alissa M. , Zehner Elizabeth , Badham Jane , Huffman Sandra L.
Published: June 2019

Promotion of breast milk substitutes (BMS) and inappropriate marketing of commercially produced complementary foods (CPCF), including through television, can negatively influence infant and young child feeding. The World Health Organization International Code of Marketing of Breast‐milk Substitutes and subsequent relevant World Health Assembly (WHA) resolutions prohibit such advertising and require manufacturers and distributors to comply with its provisions; however, such regulations at national level may vary. Advertisements require Ministry of Health approval in Cambodia but are not regulated in Senegal. Television stations were monitored for 13 months in Phnom Penh and for 3 months in Dakar to assess advertisements for BMS and CPCF. Ten television channels (out of 16) in Phnom Penh and four (out of 20) in Dakar aired advertisements for BMS. Three and five channels, respectively, aired advertisements for CPCF. All BMS advertised in Phnom Penh were for children over 1 year of age. BMS products for children 6+ months of age and 1+ years of age were advertised in Dakar. Average air time for BMS advertisements was 189.5 min per month in Phnom Penh and 29.7 min in Dakar. Air time for CPCF advertisements averaged 3.2 min per month and 13.6 min, respectively. Fewer than half of BMS advertisements and three quarters of CPCF advertisements explicitly stated an age of use for products. Nutrition and health claims were common across BMS advertisements. This study illustrates the need to adopt, regulate, monitor, and enforce legislation prohibiting BMS promotion, as well as to implement regulations to prevent inappropriate promotion of CPCF.
Commercially produced complementary foods in Bandung City, Indonesia, are often reported to be iron fortified but with less than recommended amounts or suboptimal forms of iron
Authors: Dreyfuss Michele L. , Green Mackenzie , Agustino  , Hadihardjono Dian N. , Izwardy Doddy , Huffman Sandra L.
Published: June 2019

Commercially produced complementary foods (CPCF) that are iron fortified can help improve iron status of young children. We conducted a review of 217 CPCF sold in 42 stores in Bandung, Indonesia, in 2017. There were 95 (44%) infant cereals, 71 (33%) snacks or finger foods (biscuits or cookies, puffs, and noodles or crackers), 35 (16%) purees, and 16 (7%) other foods for which we obtained label information. Nearly 70% of CPCF reported iron content on their labels, but only 58% of products were reported to be fortified with iron according to ingredient lists. Among iron‐fortified products, only one fifth indicated a specific type of iron used as the fortificant, but all of these were recommended by the World Health Organization for fortifying complementary foods. Infant cereal was more likely to contain added iron (81%) compared with snacks or finger food (58%) and purees (14%) and had higher iron content per median serving size (cereal = 3.8 mg, snacks or finger food = 1.3 mg, mixed meals = 2.7 mg, and purees = 0.9 mg). Infant cereal was most likely to meet the recommended daily intakes for iron (41% for infants 6–12 months of age and 66% for children 12–36 months) compared with snacks or finger food (infants = 14%, children = 22%), mixed meals (infants = 28%, children = 46%), or purees (infants = 9%, children = 15%). Regulations on fortification of complementary foods need to specify minimum levels and forms of iron and require reporting in relation to requirements by child age and serving size. Monitoring and enforcement of regulations will be essential to ensure compliance.
Promotions of breastmilk substitutes, commercial complementary foods and commercial snack products commonly fed to young children are frequently found in points‐of‐sale in Bandung City, Indonesia
Authors: Hadihardjono Dian N. , Green Mackenzie , Stormer Ame , Agustino  , Izwardy Doddy , Champeny Mary
Published: June 2019

Few studies have documented the marketing of commercial foods and beverages for infants and young children in West Java, Indonesia. To assess the prevalence of promotions at points‐of‐sale for commercially produced products commonly fed to young children in Bandung City, 43 small and large stores were visited in 2017. Promotions for breastmilk substitutes (BMS), commercially produced complementary foods (CPCF), and select types of commercial snack products were photographed and information recorded on promotion characteristics. There were 402 and 206 promotions observed with BMS and CPCF products, respectively. Sixteen promotions with BMS products for infants under 12 months were found in 42.9% of stores selling BMS, violating national regulations. Almost all BMS promotions (98.3%) included BMS products for ages 1 year and above (“growing‐up milks”). Of all BMS products available for sale, half of all infant/follow‐up formula and 77.2% of growing‐up milks were promoted. CPCF were found in 97.7% of stores, and 81.0% of these stores had promotions; 70.5% of all available CPCF products were promoted. Of the 2,451 promotions observed for commercial snack products, 17.3% used promotional techniques targeting young children or caregivers. Joint‐promotions were common, with BMS and CPCF marketed in combination with commercial snack products; 49.0% of BMS promotions were joint BMS‐snack promotions, and 80.0% or more of infant/follow‐up formula promotions included a commercial snack. Revising and enforcing infant food and beverage marketing regulations to ensure consistency with global standards are necessary to protect and promote optimal infant and young child feeding in Indonesia.