bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discrimination in the United States: Experiences of black Americans
Authors: Bleich Sara N. , Findling Mary G. , Casey Logan S. , Blendon Robert J. , Benson John M. , SteelFisher Gillian K. , Sayde Justin M. , Miller Carolyn
Published: October 2019

Objective

To examine experiences of racial discrimination among black adults in the United States, which broadly contribute to their poor health outcomes.

Data Source and Study Design

Data come from a nationally representative, probability‐based telephone survey including 802 non‐Hispanic black and a comparison group of 902 non‐Hispanic white US adults, conducted January–April 2017.

Methods

We calculated the percent of blacks reporting discrimination in several domains, including health care. We used logistic regression to compare the black‐white difference in odds of discrimination, and among blacks only to examine variation by socioeconomic status, gender, and neighborhood racial composition.

Principal Findings

About one‐third of blacks (32 percent) reported experiencing discrimination in clinical encounters, while 22 percent avoided seeking health care for themselves or family members due to anticipated discrimination. A majority of black adults reported experiencing discrimination in employment (57 percent in obtaining equal pay/promotions; 56 percent in applying for jobs), police interactions (60 percent reported being stopped/unfairly treated by police), and hearing microaggressions (52 percent) and racial slurs (51 percent). In adjusted models, blacks had significantly higher odds than whites of reporting discrimination in every domain. Among blacks, having a college degree was associated with higher odds of experiencing overall institutional discrimination.

Conclusions

The extent of reported discrimination across several areas of life suggests a broad pattern of discrimination against blacks in America, beyond isolated experiences. Black‐white disparities exist on nearly all dimensions of experiences with public and private institutions, including health care and the police. Evidence of systemic discrimination suggests a need for more active institutional interventions to address racism in policy and practice.
Understanding how discrimination can affect health
Authors: Williams David R. , Lawrence Jourdyn A. , Davis Brigette A. , Vu Cecilia
Published: October 2019

Background

To provide an overview of the empirical research linking self‐reports of racial discrimination to health status and health service utilization.

Methods

A review of literature reviews and meta‐analyses published from January 2013 to 2019 was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, Sociological Abstracts, and Web of Science. Articles were considered for inclusion using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) framework.

Results

Twenty‐nine studies met the criteria for review. Both domestic and international studies find that experiences of discrimination reported by adults are adversely related to mental health and indicators of physical health, including preclinical indicators of disease, health behaviors, utilization of care, and adherence to medical regimens. Emerging evidence also suggests that discrimination can affect the health of children and adolescents and that at least some of its adverse effects may be ameliorated by the presence of psychosocial resources.

Conclusions

Increasing evidence indicates that racial discrimination is an emerging risk factor for disease and a contributor to racial disparities in health. Attention is needed to strengthen research gaps and to advance our understanding of the optimal interventions that can reduce the negative effects of discrimination.
Scale‐appropriate spatial modelling to support area‐wide management of a polyphagous fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: van Klinken Rieks D. , Murray Justine V. , Garcia Javier N. , Clarke Anthony R.
Published: October 2019

Control of mobile pests frequently requires area‐wide management (AWM) that spans commercial and non‐commercial habitats. Spatial modelling of habitat suitability can guide investment and implementation of AWM, but current approaches rarely capture population drivers, including local foraging, at an appropriate spatial resolution. To support the development of AWM for the fruit fly pest, Bactrocera tryoni (Tephritidae), we developed a habitat suitability model for the three premier fruit‐growing regions in south‐eastern Australia (~34,780 km2). Expert elicitation and published literature was used to develop a Bayesian network to model the drivers of B. tryoni habitat suitability, as determined by the ability of populations to persist and increase. The effect of uncertainty was tested through sensitivity analysis. The model was then linked with spatially explicit data (at 10 m resolution) to generate risk maps, using moving windows to capture local foraging movement. Habitat suitability was most strongly influenced by host availability within a distance of 200 m. Climate stress, and soil moisture for pupation, was also limiting. Experts were uncertain regarding the relative importance of drivers of host availability (host preference, host density, fruit seasonality), but this did not greatly affect model outputs. Independent trapping data supported model predictions, but their value was limited as traps were placed almost exclusively in optimal or suitable habitat. Amenability to AWM, when assessed as the ratio of suitable or optimal habitat that was under non‐horticultural versus horticultural land‐uses, differed by region (0.15–1.17). However, risk‐mapping did identify where ratios were locally most favourable (lowest). Also, predominantly local dispersal by B. tryoni suggests AWM for pest suppression could be applied at a landscape‐scale. Results show that a relatively simple model could capture the multi‐scale drivers of population dynamics and the complexity of landscapes sufficiently to guide AWM of a mobile pest.
PBC‐10: a short quality of life measure for clinical screening in primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Alrubaiy Laith , Mells George , Flack Steven , Bosomworth Helen , Hutchings Hayley , Williams John , Jones David ,   on behalf of the UK‐PBC Research Consortium
Published: October 2019

Background

Current guidelines in primary biliary cholangitis ( PBC) recommend routine screening for symptoms. However, at present there are no validated practical tools suitable for screening use in practice.

Aim

To develop a short quality of life questionnaire for PBC

Methods

The short PBC HRQL questionnaire was derived and validated by analysing the PBC‐40 questionnaires from the UK‐PBC Research Cohort. Construct validity was assessed using the European Quality of Life Five Dimensions (EQ5D) questionnaire. Test‐retest analysis was done by asking a subgroup of patients to complete the questionnaire twice within 2‐4 weeks.

Results

A total of 2219 patients completed PBC‐40 questionnaire in 2013. Stepwise regression identified 10 questions that contributed to more than 95% of the PBC‐40 score variance and covered the main domains of PBC. The short HRQL questionnaire, PBC‐10, had good internal consistency (Cronbach's α 0.905) and item‐total correlations. PBC‐10 demonstrated no ceiling effects but a floor effect was noted. Further validation on 2502 patients who completed the PBC questionnaire in 2017 confirmed the psychometric properties of PBC‐10. Further analysis on 186 patients showed that PBC‐10 demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.936), had good reproducibility (intra‐class correlation coefficient = 0.945), good correlation with the EQ5D (r = .736), and was responsive to change. A change of 4 points in the PBC‐10 score would be considered clinically important.

Conclusion

PBC‐10 is a short and valid questionnaire for assessing the HRQL in patients with PBC in clinical practice.
Presence of chlorogenic acid during in vitro maturation protects porcine oocytes from the negative effects of heat stress
Authors: Nguyen Thanh‐Van , Do Lanh Thi Kim , Somfai Tamas , Otoi Takeshige , Taniguchi Masayasu , Kikuchi Kazuhiro
Published: October 2019

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is known to protect oocytes from oxidative stress. Here we investigated the effects of CGA on porcine oocyte maturation under heat stress and subsequent embryonic development after parthenogenetic activation. For in vitro maturation (IVM) at 41.0°C (hyperthermic condition), supplementation of the maturation medium with 50 μM CGA significantly improved the percentage of matured oocytes and reduced the rate of apoptosis relative to oocytes matured without CGA (p < .05). CGA treatment of oocytes during IVM under hyperthermia tended to increase (p < .1) percentage of blastocyst formation after parthenogenesis and significantly increased (p < .05) the total cell number per blastocyst relative to oocytes matured without CGA. For IVM at 38.5°C (isothermic condition), CGA significantly improved the rate of blastocyst development compared with oocytes matured without CGA (p < .05), but did not affect oocyte maturation, apoptosis rate or the number of cells per embryo. Omission of all antioxidants from the IVM medium significantly reduced the rate of oocyte maturation, but the rate was restored upon addition of CGA. These results demonstrate that CGA is a potent antioxidant that protects porcine oocytes from the negative effects of heat stress, thus reducing the frequency of apoptosis and improving the quality of embryos.
A novel approach to support implementation of biosimilars within a UK tertiary hospital
Authors: Saxby Katherine , Sanghvi Sonali , Bodalia Pritesh N. , Ferner Robin E. , Leandro Maria , Urquhart Robert , Sofat Reecha
Published: October 2019

Aims

To assess the transfer of patients treated with originator biological therapies to biosimilar products in a large UK tertiary referral hospital reflecting practice within the National Health Service (NHS) using prospectively collected data by a hospital‐based registry administered by the Biologics Steering Group (BSG).

Methods

We analysed data collected prospectively in a hospital‐based registry in a large NHS tertiary referral hospital in the UK. The registry was administered by the hospital's BSG, which considered requests for patients to remain on or revert to originator products. The registry contained prospectively collected data on patients switching therapy from an originator to a biosimilar. The data included clinical circumstances or rationale for each request, whether it was granted, and the results of clinical reviews at 3–6 months.

Results

In a 12‐month period, we identified 1299 patients who could switch to the respective biosimilar and, of these, 1196 (92%) did so. Of the 260 patients taking infliximab, 250 (96%) switched to infliximab biosimilar; of the 390 patients taking etanercept 50 mg, 298 (76%) switched to etanercept 50 mg biosimilar; and of the 649 patients taking rituximab, 648 (99%) switched to rituximab biosimilar. The BSG received 39 applications: 12 (out of 39) applications were to remain on the originator and 27 (out of 39) were to switch back to the originator. Of the applications to remain on the originator 10 (out of 12) were approved. At 3–6 month review, 2 of these approvals reported continued efficacy, 3 switched to the biosimilar, 3 switched to an alternative therapy and 2 stopped treatment. Two (out of 10) applications were not approved, both applicants reported efficacy with the biosimilar at follow up. Of the 27 applications to switch back to the originator, 16 (out of 27) applications were approved. At 3–6 months, 9 (out of 16) applicants reported regain of efficacy, 6 (out of 16) reported cessation of reported adverse effects and 1 (out of 16) switched to alternative therapy. Eight (out of 27) applications were not approved, and, at point of follow up, 50% reported efficacy with the biosimilar and 50% had switched to an alternative therapy. Three (out of 27) applications were withdrawn by the clinical team as efficacy was achieved with the biosimilar.

Conclusion

We have set up a system within a busy NHS clinical practice to successfully switch patients to biosimilars, and established a mechanism to guide decisions on continuing with or reverting back to the originator. Such a system could be of use more broadly within the NHS and other health care systems.
MicroRNA profiles of MS gray matter lesions identify modulators of the synaptic protein synaptotagmin‐7
Authors: Fritsche Lena , Teuber‐Hanselmann Sarah , Soub Daniel , Harnisch Kim , Mairinger Fabian , Junker Andreas
Published: October 2019

We established microRNA (miRNA) profiles in gray and white matter multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions and identified seven miRNAs which were significantly more upregulated in the gray matter lesions. Five of those seven miRNAs, miR‐330‐3p, miR‐4286, miR‐4488, let‐7e‐5p, miR‐432‐5p shared the common target synaptotagmin7 (Syt7). Immunohistochemistry and transcript analyses using nanostring technology revealed a maldistribution of Syt7, with Syt7 accumulation in neuronal soma and decreased expression in axonal structures. This maldistribution could be at least partially explained by an axonal Syt7 transport disturbance. Since Syt7 is a synapse‐associated molecule, this maldistribution could result in impairment of neuronal functions in MS patients. Thus, our results lead to the hypothesis that the overexpression of these five miRNAs in gray matter lesions is a cellular mechanism to reduce further endogenous neuronal Syt7 production. Therefore, miRNAs seem to play an important role as modulators of neuronal structures in MS.
The KWAK TI‐RADS and 2015 ATA guidelines for medullary thyroid carcinoma: Combined with cell block‐assisted ultrasound‐guided thyroid fine‐needle aspiration
Authors: Li Jianming , Li Huarong , Yang Yan , Zhang Xiaoli , Qian Linxue
Published: October 2019

Objective

To compare the value of the thyroid imaging reporting and data system proposed by Kwak (KWAK TI‐RADS) and the 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines for diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). To confirm the role of cell block (CB)‐assisted fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) in final diagnosis of MTC.

Design

Retrospective hospital‐based cohort study.

Patients

Ninety‐three patients with 29 MTCs, 31 PTCs and 33 thyroid adenomas (TAs) who underwent thyroidectomy from January 2010 to May 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The KWAK TI‐RADS and ATA guidelines were used to assess each thyroid nodule. FNA, CB‐assisted FNA and core needle biopsy (CNB) were performed in final diagnosis.

Results

Age and ultrasound features (composition, echogenicity and shape) were significantly different between MTC and PTC. Sex and ultrasound features (echogenicity, margin and calcification) were significantly different between MTC and TA. The KWAK TI‐RADS and ATA guidelines showed no significant difference for MTC (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.812 and 0.808; P = .37‐.85) or PTC (AUC: 0.883 and 0.885; P = .25‐.96). The KWAK TI‐RADS and ATA guidelines showed high specificity and sensitivity for MTC (93.9% and 62.1%, 87.9% and 65.5%) and PTC (93.9% and 67.7%, 87.9% and 77.4%), respectively. For suspicious MTC (7 cases), CB‐assisted FNA provide accuracy preoperative diagnosis.

Conclusions

Although the diagnostic performance of the TI‐RADS and ATA guidelines is worse for MTC than PTC, the difference is not statistically significant. CB‐assisted FNA should be performed in thyroid nodules with 4a or lower suspicion to avoid misdiagnosis of MTC.
Rapid assessment of management options for promoting stock rebuilding in data‐poor species under climate change
Authors: Reum Jonathan C. P. , McDonald P. Sean , Long W. Christopher , Holsman Kirstin K. , Divine Lauren , Armstrong David , Armstrong Jan
Published: October 2019

The development of species recovery plans requires considering likely outcomes of different management interventions, but the complicating effects of climate change are rarely evaluated. We examined how qualitative network models (QNMs) can be deployed to support decision making when data, time, and funding limitations restrict use of more demanding quantitative methods. We used QNMs to evaluate management interventions intended to promote the rebuilding of a collapsed stock of blue king crab (Paralithodes platypus) (BKC) around the Pribilof Islands (eastern Bering Sea) to determine how their potential efficacy may change under climate change. Based on stakeholder input and a literature review, we constructed a QNM that described the life cycle of BKC, key ecological interactions, potential climate‐change impacts, relative interaction strengths, and uncertainty in terms of interaction strengths and link presence. We performed sensitivity analyses to identify key sources of prediction uncertainty. Under a scenario of no climate change, predicted increases in BKC were reliable only when stock enhancement was implemented in a BKC hatchery‐program scenario. However, when climate change was accounted for, the intervention could not counteract its adverse impacts, which had an overall negative effect on BKC. The remaining management scenarios related to changes in fishing effort on BKC predators. For those scenarios, BKC outcomes were unreliable, but climate change further decreased the probability of observing recovery. Including information on relative interaction strengths increased the likelihood of predicting positive outcomes for BKC approximately 5–50% under the management scenarios. The largest gains in prediction precision will be made by reducing uncertainty associated with ecological interactions between adult BKC and red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus). Qualitative network models are useful options when data are limited, but they remain underutilized in conservation.
Laparoscopy for living donor left nephrectomy: Comparison of three‐dimensional and two‐dimensional vision
Authors: Prudhomme Thomas , Roumiguié Mathieu , Benoit Thibaut , Lesourd Marine , Beauval Jean Baptiste , Doumerc Nicolas , Sallusto Federico , Soulié Michel , Kamar Nassim , Gamé Xavier
Published: October 2019

The main objective of this preliminary study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of 3‐D laparoscopic living donor left nephrectomy (LDLN). The secondary objective was to compare intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between 3‐D and 2‐D laparoscopic LDLN. All patients who underwent a laparoscopic LDLN from January 2015 to April 2018 in a university center were included. All surgeries were performed by three experienced surgeons. Seventy three patients were included the following: 16 underwent a 3‐D laparoscopic LDLN (3‐D group), and 57 underwent a 2‐D laparoscopic LDLN (2‐D group). Operative time and warm ischemia time (WIT) were significantly lower in the 3‐D group (operative time: 80.9 ± 10.2 vs 114.1 ± 32.3 minutes in the 3‐D and 2‐D groups, P = .0002) (WIT: 1.7 ± 0.6 vs 2.3 ± 0.9 minutes in the 3‐D and 2‐D groups, P = .02). No conversion to open surgery occurred in both groups. Length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the 3‐D group. No major postoperative complications (Clavien ≥ III) occurred. One‐year postoperative GFR was similar to 3‐D and 2‐D groups. Our preliminary study demonstrates that 3‐D laparoscopic LDLN is a feasible and safe surgical procedure. Intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were similar in both 2‐D and 3‐D vision systems, but 3‐D vision systems allow reduction in WIT and operative time.
Validation of the Spartan RXCYP2C19 Genotyping Assay Utilizing Blood Samples
Authors: Davis Brittney H. , DeFrank Gina , Limdi Nita A. , Harada Shuko
Published: October 2019

The antiplatelet agent clopidogrel, a prodrug that requires bioactivation through the cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) enzyme, is commonly prescribed post‐percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Genetic variation in CYP2C19 contributes to individual variability in clopidogrel response, and can lead to adverse cardiovascular events. Incorporating CYP2C19 testing during routine clinical care helps identify high‐risk patients, and provides the opportunity for pharmacotherapeutic interventions in the early post‐PCI period. The Spartan RX CYP2C19 System has emerged as an optimal genotyping assay for use in clinical care due to ease of use, utilization of buccal swabs, and rapid turnaround time. However, workflow constraints related to sample collection and processing, storage, time, and personnel were encountered when integrating testing into clinical care. To improve clinical workflow and successfully implement CYP2C19 genotyping at our institution, we validated the Spartan RX System to return genotype utilizing blood samples. Our Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory tested 26 known reference materials and both blood and buccal swab samples from 23 patients and volunteers using the Spartan RX Assay. Genotype results were 100% concordant between DNA from blood and buccal swabs for all patients or volunteers, and consistent with expected results for the 26 reference materials. For reproducibility, three samples were tested in at least four separate runs, with all resulting genotypes in agreement between runs. Post‐validation, the laboratory began offering CYP2C19 testing during clinical care. DNA extracted from blood can serve as a genomic DNA source for the Spartan RX Assay. Alteration of the methodology allowed for clinical implementation to support genotype‐guided therapy.
Soil alters seedling establishment responses to climate
Authors: Ford Kevin R. , HilleRisLambers Janneke
Published: October 2019

Ecologists expect species and biomes to shift poleward and upward with climate change, but non‐climatic factors complicate these predictions. In mountains, forests are expected to expand upward along climate gradients into subalpine/alpine meadows, while meadows expand upward onto bare ground. However, soils also vary across elevation, with bare soil above the meadows potentially poorer for plant establishment. Poor soil might constrain expansion at meadows' upper edges, while rich meadow soil might facilitate contraction at lower edges by promoting tree establishment. We assessed climate and soil effects on establishment by transplanting soil and seedlings of meadow and tree species across climate gradients on Mount Rainier. There were considerable interspecific differences, but some generalisations emerged. Survival often declined with earlier snow disappearance, with somewhat smaller declines in meadow soil. Size often increased with earlier snow disappearance, with larger increases in meadow soil. Thus, soil patterns may complicate range shifts.
The use of a weighted affective lexicon in a tutoring system to improve student motivation to learn
Authors: Jiménez Samantha , Juárez‐Ramírez Reyes , Castillo Víctor H. , Ramírez‐Noriega Alan , Quezada Ángeles
Published: October 2019

In recent years, several educational systems have integrated text‐based affective feedback. However, analyses of the educational lexicon from the affectivity perspective are scarce. The provision of affective support by these systems is significant because it improves student motivation to learn. This study analyzes the use of a weighted affective lexicon in tutoring systems to improve student motivation. First, based on the suggestions of 166 undergraduate students, this study constructed and evaluated an educational lexicon in Spanish. Additionally, after considering the assessment of another group of 185 undergraduate students, this study provides an interpretation of words/phrases on a valence and arousal scale. The authors carried out a comprehensive analysis to categorize the words/phrases. Furthermore, this study integrates an affective lexicon in a tutoring system. Finally, this paper presents a review of the impacts of this system on the motivation of its potential users. The authors believe that the results of the present study will support the development of a highly adopted Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITSs), which will benefit prospective users.
Narratives of Working Mothers Experiencing Workplace Bullying: Trauma Transferred to Young Children
Authors: Jahng Kyung Eun
Published: October 2019

Objective

To examine how workplace bullying experienced by South Korean working mothers is connected to the displacement of the mothers' anger and anxiety onto their young children.

Background

Workplace bullying has become a nationally and internationally recognized occupational health and safety issue in recent years. Despite an increasing number of working mothers, there is no research on the relationship between workplace bullying and working mothers' perception and experience in relation to their children and parenting.

Method

Both purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit study participants, who were 11 South Korean working mothers with children 6 years of age or younger. Data collected from in‐depth interviews were analyzed thematically.

Results

First, the working mothers' experiences of workplace bullying involved relational bullying and its costs, such as depression and psychological burnout. Second, the working mothers' views of their children and parenting were intensely negative; the mothers considered parenting to be “just more work.” Their children were at greater risk of being socially and emotionally deprived due to problematic parenting.

Conclusion

Workplace bullying adversely affects victim mothers' children via the spillover effect between work and home.

Implications

Working mothers who raise young children should be protected from workplace bullying. Training programs for employers and managers and context‐specific interventions are essential to ensure a healthy organizational culture.
Prognostic significance of common preoperative laboratory variables in penile squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Zaishang , Li Xueying , Zhang Xueqi , Chen Peng , Wang Bin , Chen Xiaofeng , Han Hui , Zhou Fangjian
Published: October 2019

Objective

To investigate the predictive value of common preoperative laboratory variables in patients undergoing bilateral inguinal lymph node dissection surgery for penile squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the records of 228 patients who had bilateral inguinal lymph node dissection for penile squamous cell carcinoma to assess the following clinical factors: preoperative laboratory measurements, white blood cell count, platelet count, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, serum calcium, total protein, globulin, pathological factors and survival rates after surgery.

Results

The percentage of positive lymph nodes was 52.6%. Univariate analysis showed that the tumor stage and grade, the presence of metastasis, white blood cell count, platelet count, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, and globulin were significantly associated with the disease‐specific survival (all P < 0.05). At multivariate analysis, only the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio had an independent effect (hazard ratio 2.131; P = 0.035). The predictive accuracy of the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio was the best among the laboratory variables. The predictive accuracy of the basic pathological factors was significantly increased by incorporating the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio prognosticator.

Conclusion

The neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio before inguinal lymph node dissection might be useful for predicting the prognosis of patients with penile squamous cell carcinoma.
Labour geographies of the platform economy: Understanding collective organizing strategies in the context of digitally mediated work
Authors: JOHNSTON Hannah
Published: October 2019

The article examines the geographies of collective labour struggle in the platform economy. It distinguishes between the unique spatial features associated with place‐based work and crowdwork to examine the divergent collective organizing strategies developed therein. Taking works councils, collective bargaining and multi‐enterprise agreements as three examples of social dialogue, the article considers why different types of platform workers gravitate towards particular strategies, analyses the regulatory frameworks within which these workers' collective struggles are bound, and assesses the propensity for these expressions of solidarity to improve the terms and conditions of platform work.
Enhancement of emission intensity in Ce3+‐activated aluminoborosilicate scintillating glass synthesized in air
Authors: Sun Xin‐Yuan , Liu Xiu‐Jian , Xiao Zhuo‐Hao , Jiang Da‐Guo , Wang Wen‐Feng , Wen Yufeng , Yang Qing‐Mei , Kang Zhitao
Published: October 2019

A highly effective method of synthesizing transparent and colorless Ce3+‐activated aluminoborosilicate glass in air by high temperature melt‐quenching is reported. This is achieved by partial substitution of AlN for Al2O3 without using any reduction in atmosphere. The optimized Ce3+‐activated aluminoborosilicate scintillating glass is featured with a density of ~4.5 g/cm3 and a lifetime of 41.74 ns. Compared to the glass synthesized without AlN substitution, both the photo and raidoluminescence intensity of the optimized Ce3+‐activated aluminoborosilicate scintillating glass are enhanced by a factor of 24.4 and 6.76, respectively. The corresponding integrated raidoluminescence intensity is about 17.6% of that of BGO crystal under X‐ray excitation at 30 kV and 3 mA, respectively.
Transparent glass and glass‐ceramic in the binary system NaPO3‐Ta2O5
Authors: Marcondes Lia Mara , Maestri Sérgio , de Sousa Bianca Paula , da Cunha Cristiano Ramos , Evangelista Renato Oliveria , Manzani Danilo , Cassanjes Fabia Castro , Poirier Gael Yves
Published: October 2019

Transparent and homogeneous tantalum phosphate glasses were prepared in the binary system (100‐x)NaPO3‐xTa2O5 with x varying from 10 to 50 mol%. Thermal, structural, and optical properties, as well as crystallization mechanisms, were investigated by thermal analysis, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopies, optical absorption, transmission electron microscopy in terms of Ta2O5 content. FTIR and Raman results support the tantalum insertion in the phosphate chains with [TaO6] polyhedra cross‐linking the phosphate units. At higher Ta2O5 content, [TaO6] clusters are formed and connected to the phosphate network by P‐O‐Ta bonds. This structural evolution is in good agreement with the thermal features measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) with a strong increase of the Tg temperatures up to 920°C, high thermal stability against crystallization for low Ta2O5 content and increasing of crystallization tendency for the most Ta‐concentrated samples. Besides, due to the progressive insertion of [TaO6] units, the precipitation of Na2Ta8O21 perovskite‐like phase was identified in the sample with 50 mol% of Ta2O5. The optimal heat treatment conditions were identified using DSC measurements and a transparent glass‐ceramic from 50NaPO3 to 50Ta2O5 composition was prepared. The obtaines glass‐ceramic has great potential for optical applications, such as host for rare‐earth ions, nonlinear optical materials, and ferroelectric domain.
Evaluation of thermal destruction kinetics of Clostridium difficile spores (ATCC 17857) in lean ground beef with first‐order/Weibull modeling considerations
Authors: Arora Jay , Oudit Denise , Austin John W. , Ramaswamy Hosahalli S.
Published: October 2019

Thermal destruction kinetics of spores of Clostridium difficile ATCC 17857 was evaluated between 74 and 82°C and characterized using the first‐order log‐linear and Weibull models. Computed decimal reduction times using the first‐order model ranged from 4.39 min at 82°C to 146 min at 74°C, with a z value of 5.17°C. Thermal destruction data were also analyzed using the Weibull model. Based on regression, the predicted one‐D value (first‐order model) and the reliable life (tR) (Weibull model) were 3.86 and 4.05 min at 82°C and 136 and 165 min at 74°C, respectively, indicating the Weibull model to be more conservative yielding higher decimal reduction time values. However, when extended to achieve 2.5, 4, and 6 decimal reductions in C. difficile spores, the calculated process times were more conservative with the first‐order model than with the Weibull model. Moreover, within the experimental range, when data for both models could be compared, predictions from the first‐order model were much closer to the experimental values. Therefore, when used for process calculation for 2.5 or higher log reductions, the first‐order model would give more conservative and safer process times. The study provides destruction kinetics data for C. difficile under a range of temperature conditions.

Practical Applications

Clostridium difficile is a major cause of antibiotic‐associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis in humans. C. difficile infection is the leading cause of gastroenteritis‐associated death. C. difficile infections have been increasing in recent years, and therefore warrant appropriate remedial measures. Thermal inactivation is the most common method for pathogen control, and often the cooking practices are adjusted to a level pre‐established to make the foods pathogen free. Available information on thermal destruction kinetics is scarce, and therefore the data generated here should be of significant importance for safety considerations.
Searching potential candidates for development of protective cultures: Evaluation of two Lactobacillus strains to reduce Listeria monocytogenes in artificially contaminated milk
Authors: García María J. , Ruíz Francesca , Asurmendi Paula , Pascual Liliana , Barberis Lucila
Published: October 2019

The aims of this work were (a) to select the minimum concentrations of two bacteriocin‐producing lactobacilli strains to reduce Listeria monocytogenes growth in whole milk, (b) to evaluate the individual and combined application of these chosen lactobacilli concentrations as protective culture in this food and, (c) to estimate if lactobacilli growth caused undesirable changes in the visible characteristics of milk. The selected minimum lactobacilli concentration with antilisterial activity was 106 CFU ml−1 for both lactobacilli. Although a high initial concentration of L. monocytogenes (104 CFU ml−1) was added to milk, a notable reduction on listerial counts (2–4 log CFU ml−1) was achieved in comparison to the control. These lactobacilli showed a good adaptability in milk reaching optimal counts and not causing undesirable visible changes. In conclusion, the use of these lactobacilli could be considered as a bio‐strategy potentially effective to limit the contamination by L. monocytogenes in certain milk‐derived products.
Toward Enhancing the Role of Idiographic‐Based Analyses in Describing, Explaining, and Optimizing the Study of Human Development: The Sample Case of Adolescent ⟷ Family Relationships
Authors: Lerner Richard M. , Lerner Jacqueline V. , Chase Paul A.
Published: October 2019

There are significant nomothetic, differential, and idiographic domains of human development. We suggest the usefulness of efforts to understand human development in regard to specific facets of development—for instance, relationships within families with adolescent children—beginning with a focus on the specific, idiographic attributes of individuals. Using these relationships as a sample case, we provide a brief history of the study of the development of these relationships, and we explain the role of models derived from relational developmental systems metatheory in framing contemporary research about this development. We describe some of the nomothetic, differential, and idiographic features of adolescents and families, and we explain the methodological features of a truly developmental approach to measuring the development of mutually influential adolescent↔family relationships. Finally, we discuss the importance of including idiographic‐based information along with nomothetic or differential information in efforts to optimize adolescent–family relationships.
The influence of sleep quality on the development of periocular hyperchromia: a case‐control study
Authors: Rocha Barone Carolina , Catucci Boza Juliana , Challub Pires Gabriel , Perusato Pereira Paula , Ferreira Cestari Tania
Published: October 2019

Background

Periorbital hyperchromia (POH), popularly known as “dark circles,” is a very frequent complaint in dermatological appointments. It affects all phototypes, genders, and ages, and it is associated with a tired and aged aspect to the face, which may lead to esthetic concerns and impairments in the quality of life. Its etiology is multifactorial, and it is believed that sleep disorders may be considered as precipitating or aggravating factors.

Aims

Our objective is to compare sleep quality (using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index—PSQI) of patients with POH to patients without this complaint.

Methods

A single‐center, case‐control study. Patients from both genders were included. Cases were patients with POH, and controls had no POH. Demographic data, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and PSQI were collected. A power of 80% and statistical significance when a P‐value was lower than .05 were stipulated.

Results

Out of 303 patients, 149 cases and 154 controls, with a mean age of 35.83 ± 11.38 for cases and 37.52 ± 14.89 for controls, there was no significant difference between groups. The DLQI revealed a mean of 4.86 ± 4.89 for cases and 2.25 ± 3.73 for controls (P < .0001), which translates into a modest effect in life quality. The PSQI mean was 5.93 ± 2.52 for cases and 6.14 ± 3.58 for controls (P = .633), which characterizes the poor quality of sleep.

Conclusions

Dark circles impact negatively on the quality of life of affected patients, especially in women. Contrary to what has been believed, sleep alone does not seem to influence the appearance of POH. NCT03393624.
Iron deficiency anaemia revisited
Authors: Cappellini M. D. , Musallam K. M. , Taher A. T.
Published: October 2019

Iron deficiency anaemia is a global health concern affecting children, women and the elderly, whilst also being a common comorbidity in multiple medical conditions. The aetiology is variable and attributed to several risk factors decreasing iron intake and absorption or increasing demand and loss, with multiple aetiologies often coexisting in an individual patient. Although presenting symptoms may be nonspecific, there is emerging evidence on the detrimental effects of iron deficiency anaemia on clinical outcomes across several medical conditions. Increased awareness about the consequences and prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia can aid early detection and management. Diagnosis can be easily made by measurement of haemoglobin and serum ferritin levels, whilst in chronic inflammatory conditions, diagnosis may be more challenging and necessitates consideration of higher serum ferritin thresholds and evaluation of transferrin saturation. Oral and intravenous formulations of iron supplementation are available, and several patient and disease‐related factors need to be considered before management decisions are made. This review provides recent updates and guidance on the diagnosis and management of iron deficiency anaemia in multiple clinical settings.
An intra‐cultural investigation in Brazil using Coalho cheese and preferred attribute elicitation
Authors: Soares Eveline K. B. , Silva Ramon , da Silva Wanessa P. , Kuriya Shigeno P. , Maçaira Paula M. , Cyrino Oliveira Fernando L. , da Silva Maria A. A. P. , Pimentel Tatiana C. , Freitas Mônica Q. , Cruz Adriano G. , Esmerino Erick A.
Published: October 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the application of preferred attribute elicitation (PAE) methodology for assessing the perceptions of consumers from different regions of Brazil (Northeast, Southeast or South, n = 20) about Coalho cheese samples. Northeast Brazilian consumers elicited a higher number of attributes (22 vs. 13–15) and had a higher frequency of consumption (3 vs. 1.3–1.6 times a week), while those from South region had higher reliability (RV = 0.95) with a low number of consumers (n = 16). Consumers from different Brazilian regions elicited common sensory descriptors considered important for Coalho cheese characterization, such as yellow color, presence of eyes, brightness, Coalho cheese aroma, salty taste, bitter taste, acid taste, and rubbery texture. Furthermore, there was no impact of the region on the acceptance of the products. In conclusion, Brazilian consumers from different regions characterized the Coalho cheeses in a similar manner, and PAE methodology could be used in intra‐cultural investigations, being recommended a minimum of 19 consumers.

Practical Applications

Consumer based methodologies are gaining popularity in the sensory and consumer science. This is the first study that evaluated the application of PAE methodology regards an intra‐cultural consumer perception using as stimulus Coalho cheese, a typical Brazilian cheese. The findings are relevant to improve the processing of the Coalho cheese taking in account the consumer perception as well as to develop efficient marketing strategies of commercialization of this product.
Effects of over‐load iron on nutrient digestibility, haemato‐biochemistry, rumen fermentation and bacterial communities in sheep
Authors: Wang Yingjie , Jiang Mengyu , Zhang Zhongyuan , Sun Haixia
Published: October 2019

There is a risk of iron overload in grazing livestock. However, the effects on nutrient absorption and rumen function induced by excessive iron have not been well understood. Therefore, the purpose of present study was to investigate the impact of over‐load iron on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood biochemistry, rumen fermentation and bacterial communities in sheep. Twenty‐four German Mutton Merino cross‐bred sheep with weight (42.66 ± 2.34 kg BW) were randomly divided into 4 groups, each with 6 replicates and 1 sheep per replicate. The basal diet consisted of 60% Leymus chinensis hay and 40% concentrate. The sheep in 4 groups were fed the basal diets supplemented with 50 (Control), 500 (T1), 1,000 (T2) and 1,500 (T3) mg Fe/kg as ferrous sulphate monohydrate (FeSO4·H2O) respectively. And the actual contents of iron in the diet were determined to be 457.68 (control), 816.42 (T1), 1,256.78 (T2) and 1,725.63 (T3) mg/kg respectively. The experiment lasted 62 days including a 7‐day metabolism trial. During the whole experiment, the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre showed a quadratic increase with increasing over‐load iron levels (p < .05), and maximum responses were found with 500 mg/kg supplementation. However, the response of total VFA concentration showed a quadratic decrease, as did the concentrations of propionate, butyrate and valerate (p < .05). Serum total iron‐binding capacity on day 30 showed a quadratic decrease with the increase in high‐dose iron, while the serum iron content increased linearly at day 60 (p < .05). Excessive iron resulted in the change in bacterial communities. An increase in over‐load iron linearly decreased the abundance of bacteria in the phylum Bacteroidetes (p < .05), but linearly increased the Firmicutes (p = .037) and Proteobacteria (p = .018). In addition, there was a quadratic effect (p = .003) on the Fibrobacteres, which was higher in the 500 and 1,000 mg/kg Fe‐supplemented groups. At the genus level, there were quadratic effects on the abundances of Selenomonas_1 (p = .023) and Ruminococcaceae_UCG‐014 (p = .016). Furthermore, feeding of iron linearly increased the relative abundances of Succiniclasticum and Succinivibrionaceae_UCG‐002 (p < .05). These results indicate that increasing ferrous sulphate monohydrate in diets had no negative impact on the growth performance, but it changed nutrient digestibility, blood iron parameters, rumen fermentation and bacterial communities in sheep.
Knowledge Diffusion in a Global Supply Network: A Network of Practice View
Authors: Marques Leonardo , Yan Tingting , Matthews Lee
Published: October 2019

This study investigates how knowledge diffusion occurs in a globally dispersed supply network, wherein buying firms and suppliers often do not have strong relationships and competitive tensions prevail. We elaborate the Network of Practice (NoP) view by examining a global supply network in the food sector that is as an exemplar of high global dispersion. This paper provides several novel insights into global knowledge diffusion. We introduce the NoP concept ofhomophilyinto the field of supply chain management to explain knowledge diffusion within global supply networks. We take a longitudinal perspective to show that although prior contractual ties (relational homophily) and co‐location (location homophily) initially drive knowledge diffusion, in the long‐term, shared practices (practice homophily) are the principal driver of knowledge diffusion. We demonstrate that buying firms’ assurance ofprocedural justice, together with the predominance of geographically dispersed suppliers and the emergence ofnexus members, can help dampen supplier resistance to knowledge diffusion. The study shows that knowledge diffusion in a global supply NoP occurs in two complementary forms—broadcasting forums and action groups—which vary in breadth, depth, and tie diversity. Ultimately, we present vertical (buyer‐supplier), horizontal (suppliersupplier), and diagonal (non‐competitive) relationships as important refinements of the NoP view that characterize a global supply NoP. Overall, our findings offer a path for buying firms to establish adequate online infrastructure to support the emergence of decentralized and self‐organized knowledge diffusion in a globally dispersed supply network.
Loss to follow‐up: A significant barrier in the treatment cascade with direct‐acting therapies
Authors: Darvishian Maryam , Wong Stanley , Binka Mawuena , Yu Amanda , Ramji Alnoor , Yoshida Eric M. , Wong Jason , Rossi Carmine , Butt Zahid A. , Bartlett Sofia , Pearce Margo E. , Samji Hasina , Cook Darrel , Alvarez Maria , Chong Mei , Tyndall Mark , Krajden Mel , Janjua Naveed Z.
Published: October 2019

Effectiveness of direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapies could be influenced by patient characteristics such as comorbid conditions, which could lead to premature treatment discontinuation and/or irregular medical follow‐ups. Here, we evaluate loss to follow‐up and treatment effectiveness of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir ± ribavirin (SOF/LDV ± RBV), ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir + dasabuvir ± ribavirin (OBV/PTV/r + DSV ± RBV) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 (GT1) and sofosbuvir + ribavirin (SOF + RBV) for genotype 3 (GT3) in British Columbia Canada: The British Columbia Hepatitis Testers Cohort includes data on individuals tested for HCV since 1992, integrated with medical visit, hospitalization and prescription drug data. HCV‐positive individuals who initiated DAA regimens, irrespective of treatment completion, for GT1 and GT3 until 31 December, 2017 were included. Factors associated with sustained virological response (SVR) and loss to follow‐up were assessed by using multivariable logistic regression models. In total 4477 individuals initiated DAAs. The most common prescribed DAA was SOF/LDV ± RBV with SVR of 95%. The highest SVR of 99.5% was observed among OBV/PTV/r + DSV‐treated patients. Overall, 453 (10.1%) individuals were lost to follow‐up. Higher loss to follow‐up was observed among GT1 patients treated with OBV (17.8%) and GT3 patients (15.7%). The loss to follow‐up rate was significantly higher among individuals aged <60 years, those with a history of injection drug use (IDU), on opioid substitution therapy and with cirrhosis. Our findings indicate that loss to follow‐up exceeds viral failure in HCV DAA therapy and its rate varies significantly by genotype and treatment regimen. Depending on the aetiology of lost to follow‐up, personalized case management for those with medical complications and supporting services among IDU are needed to achieve the full benefits of effective treatments.