bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compression Heating of Selected Polymers During High‐Pressure Processing
Authors: Casulli K.E. , Dhakal S. , Sandeep K.P. , Balasubramaniam V.M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPressure‐assisted thermal processing is an innovative technology, which has been discussed for sterilization of low‐acid foods for over a decade. This approach can result in improved product quality from rapid temperature increase during pressurization and temperature decrease during depressurization. Five plastics (high‐density polyethylene, low‐density polyethylene, polyamide, polypropylene and polystyrene) were evaluated for their compression heating characteristics from initial temperatures of 25, 50 and 75°C. Samples were pressurized to 600 MPa with a laboratory‐scale high pressure kinetic testing unit. Temperature and pressure were recorded as a function of time. Samples showed temperature increases as a function of pressure and initial temperature. For initial temperatures of 25, 50 and 75°C, low‐density polyethylene showed transient temperature increases of 5.65 ± 0.03°C, 6.44 ± 0.07°C and 7.41 ± 0.07°C per 100 MPa pressure increase, respectively. Polystyrene had the least transient temperature increase of 4.31 ± 0.02°C, 4.39 ± 0.02°C and 4.53 ± 0.02°C per 100 MPa pressure increase, respectively. All polymers tested generally have greater heat of compression than water, protein and carbohydrates, but lower than those of fatty food substances.Practical ApplicationsThermal gradients in pressure vessels can cause nonuniformity in the microbial and enzyme inactivation, as well as nutrient and organoleptic quality retention, achieved in foods during pressure assisted thermal processing. Packaging materials, insulation and carrier baskets may be made of plastic polymers. Only limited studies documented heat of compression values of different polymers as a function of pressure and heat. Knowledge gained from this study will help to improve temperature uniformity within a pressure vessel. Improved understanding compression heating behavior of plastic polymers will aid in pressure vessel design and implementing and validating pressure processes.
Prograde evolution of Sulu UHP metamorphic rock in Yangzhuang, Junan region, deduced by combined Raman and petrological studies
Authors: Taguchi T. , Enami M. , Kouketsu Y. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe prograde metamorphic history of the Sulu ultrahigh‐pressure metamorphic terrane has been revealed using Raman‐based barometry of the SiO2 phases and other mineral inclusions in garnet porphyroblasts of a coesite eclogite from Yangzhuang, Junan region, eastern China. Garnet porphyroblasts have inner and outer segments with the boundary being marked by discontinuous changes in the grossular content. In the inner segment, the SiO2 phase inclusions are α‐quartz with no coesite or relict features such as radial cracks. The residual pressures retained by the quartz inclusions systematically increase from the crystal centre to the margin of the inner segment. The metamorphic conditions estimated by calculation from the residual pressure and conventional thermodynamic calculation range from 500 to 630 °C and 1.3 to 2.3 GPa for the stage of the inner segment. Coesite and its pseudomorph occur as inclusions in the outer segment of the garnet and matrix omphacite. This occurrence of coesite is consistent with the pressure and temperature conditions of 660–725 °C and 3.1 GPa estimated by conventional geothermobarometry. Our results suggest that the quartz inclusions in the inner segment were trapped by garnet under α‐quartz‐stable conditions and survived phase transition to coesite at the peak metamorphic stage. The SiO2 phases and other inclusions in the garnet have retained evidence of the pre‐eclogite prograde stage even during exhumation stage. The combined Raman spectroscopic and petrological approaches used here offers a powerful means for obtaining more robust constraints prograde stages involving garnet growth where different SiO2 phases are present as inclusions.
Probiotics for Treatment and Prevention of Urogenital Infections in Women: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hanson Lisa , VandeVusse Leona , Jermé Martha , Abad Cybéle L. , Safdar Nasia 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionProbiotics are a complementary and integrative therapy useful in the treatment and prevention of urogenital infections in women. This study extends the work of researchers who systematically investigated the scientific literature on probiotics to prevent or treat urogenital infections.MethodsA systematic review was conducted to determine the efficacy of probiotics for prevention and/or treatment of urogenital infections in adult women from January 1, 2008, through June 30, 2015. We searched in CINAHL, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Dissertations and Theses, and Alt‐HealthWatch. After removing duplicates and studies that did not meet inclusion criteria, 20 studies were reviewed. All included at least one species of Lactobacillus probiotic as an intervention for treatment or prevention of urogenital infections. Data extracted included samples, settings, study designs, intervention types, reported outcomes, follow‐up periods, and results. We evaluated all randomized controlled trials for risk of bias and made quality appraisals on all studies.ResultsFourteen of the studies focused on bacterial vaginosis (BV), 3 on urinary tract infections (UTIs), 2 on vulvovaginal candidiasis, and one on human papillomavirus (HPV) as identified on Papanicolaou test. Studies were heterogeneous in terms of design, intervention, and outcomes. Four studies were of good quality, 9 of fair, and 7 poor. Probiotic interventions were effective for treatment and prevention of BV, prevention of recurrences of candidiasis and UTIs, and clearing HPV lesions. No study reported significant adverse events related to the probiotic intervention.DiscussionThe quality of the studies in this systematic review varied. Although clinical practice recommendations were limited by the strength of evidence, probiotic interventions were effective in treatment and prevention of urogenital infections as alternatives or co‐treatments. More good quality research is needed to strengthen the body of evidence needed for application by clinicians.
Are there gender differences in locus of control specific to alcohol dependence?
Authors: McPherson Andrew , Martin Colin R 
Published: May 2016

Aims and objectivesTo investigate gender differences in locus of control in an alcohol‐dependent population.BackgroundLocus of control helps to explain behaviour in terms of internal (the individual is responsible) or external (outside forces, such as significant other people or chance, are responsible) elements. Past research on gender differences in locus of control in relation to alcohol dependence has shown mixed results. There is a need then to examine gender and locus of control in relation to alcohol dependence to ascertain the veracity of any locus of control differences as a function of gender.Design and methodsThe Multidimensional Health Locus of Control form‐C was administered to clients from alcohol dependence treatment centres in the West of Scotland. Independentt‐tests were carried out to assess gender differences in alcohol dependence severity and internal/external aspects of locus of control.ResultsOne hundred and eighty‐eight (53% females) participants were recruited from a variety of alcohol dependence treatment centres. The majority of participants (72%) came from Alcoholics Anonymous groups. Women revealed a greater internal locus of control compared with men. Women also had a greater ‘significant others’ locus of control score than men. Men were more reliant on ‘chance’ and ‘doctors’ than women. All these trends were not, however, statistically significant.ConclusionsGender differences in relation to locus of control and alcohol dependence from past studies are ambiguous. This study also found no clear statistically significant differences in locus of control orientation as a function of gender.Relevance to clinical practiceThis article helps nurses to contextualise health behaviours as a result of internal or external forces. It also helps nursing staff to better understand alcohol dependence treatment in relation to self‐efficacy and control. Moreover, it highlights an important concept in health education theory.
Identification and assessment of intimate partner violence in nurse home visitation
Authors: Jack Susan M , Ford‐Gilboe Marilyn , Davidov Danielle , MacMillan Harriet L ,   the NFP IPV Research Team
Published: May 2016

Aims and objectivesTo develop strategies for the identification and assessment of intimate partner violence in a nurse home visitation programme.BackgroundNurse home visitation programmes have been identified as an intervention for preventing child abuse and neglect. Recently, there is an increased focus on the role these programmes have in addressing intimate partner violence. Given the unique context of the home environment, strategies for assessments are required that maintain the therapeutic alliance and minimise client attrition.DesignA qualitative case study.MethodsA total of four Nurse–Family Partnership agencies were engaged in this study. Purposeful samples of nurses (n = 32), pregnant or parenting mothers who had self‐disclosed experiences of abuse (n = 26) and supervisors (n = 5) participated in this study. A total of 10 focus groups were completed with nurses: 42 interviews with clients and 10 interviews with supervisors. The principles of conventional content analysis guided data analysis. Data were categorised using the practice–problem–needs analysis model for integrating qualitative findings in the development of nursing interventions.ResultsMultiple opportunities to ask about intimate partner violence are valued. The use of structured screening tools at enrolment does not promote disclosure or in‐depth exploration of women's experiences of abuse. Women are more likely to discuss experiences of violence when nurses initiate nonstructured discussions focused on parenting, safety or healthy relationships. Nurses require knowledge and skills to initiate indicator‐based assessments when exposure to abuse is suspected as well as strategies for responding to client‐initiated disclosures.ConclusionA tailored approach to intimate partner violence assessment in home visiting is required.Relevance to clinical practiceMultiple opportunities for exploring women's experiences of violence are required. A clinical pathway outlining a three‐pronged approach to identification and assessment was developed.
The correlation between quality of life and social support in female nurses
Authors: Sun Ning , Lv Dong‐Mei , Man Jing , Wang Xiao‐yu , Cheng Qin , Fang Hong‐li , Fu Zhen , Liu Shuang , Wu Qun‐hong 
Published: May 2016

Aims and objectivesTo investigate the relationship between quality of life and social support in female nurses.BackgroundNurses play an important role in providing care and managing patients’ health in hospitals. However, limited studies have shown an association between quality of life and social support in female nurses in China.DesignQuestionnaire survey.MethodsTo investigate 320 full‐time female nurses in different departments at four comprehensive hospitals in Harbin with a cross‐sectional correlational design using questionnaires. A demographic data questionnaire, menopause‐specific quality of life questionnaire and social support scale were used.ResultsThe scores on the physical (36·93 ± 17·65) and psychological (17·57 ± 9·45) subscales were higher than those of the vasomotor (4·88 ± 3·48) and sexual (4·53 ± 3·23) subscales of quality of life. The average score of objective support (25·12 ± 4·32) was higher than those of subjective support (9·80 ± 3·04) and utilisation of social support (7·80 ± 1·97). A significant association between quality of life and social support was found (p < 0·01).ConclusionsSocial support influenced quality of life. Social support as a buffer for pressure can influence individual stress perception, help individuals cope with pressure and reduce the negative impact of stress on mental and physical health, thus improving different aspects of health.Relevance to clinical practiceEnhancing social support in an active environment would allow female nurses to enjoy a better quality of life in their clinical practice.
Effectiveness of an adolescent healthcare training programme for enhancing paediatric nurses’ competencies
Authors: Lee Regina Lai Tong , Wang Jing Jing 
Published: May 2016

Aims and objectivesTo evaluate the effects of an educational intervention programme on improving paediatric nurses’ competencies in performing adolescent healthcare practice in central China.BackgroundThe WHO Adolescent Health Framework was integrated into this training programme to examine the effects of educational interventions on the competencies of paediatric nurses in promoting adolescent healthcare. This study is one of the first in central China to evaluate paediatric nurses’ competencies in promoting adolescent health.DesignThe study used a mixed‐method design with a quasi‐experimental approach and focus group interviews.MethodsThe study was conducted with 57 paediatric nurses from 28 institutes and hospitals in central China in 2010 to evaluate their competencies in adolescent health and development, specifically with regard to conducting needs assessments, planning effective interventions and evaluating outcome measures. The paediatric nurses received training and were assessed by individual and group work during the structured three‐week programme. Data were collected before and after the training programme as pre‐ and post‐tests. The researchers gathered information about their experiences by conducting focus group interviews.ResultsThe paediatric nurses demonstrated significant improvements in their adolescent healthcare practice after attending the three‐week structured training programme. The post‐test scores had significant effects on the dimensions of the adolescent healthcare practice competency checklist. The qualitative data also showed positive and encouraging experiences and feedback from the paediatric nurses in this study.ConclusionThe findings suggest that an educational intervention can change knowledge, attitudes and practice among paediatric nurses in adolescent healthcare. All the paediatric nurses in this study demonstrated increased competencies in carrying out adolescent healthcare practice after participating in the three‐week intensive intervention programme.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study showed that paediatric nurses have an important role in promoting and coordinating adolescent healthcare practice in primary healthcare practice.
Factors associated with self‐care agency in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Saeidzadeh Seyedehtanaz , Darvishpoor Kakhki Ali , Abed Saeedi Jila 
Published: May 2016

Aims and objectivesThe aim of this study is to assess the factors associated with self‐care agency in postpercutaneous coronary intervention patients.BackgroundPatients after percutaneous coronary intervention need to perform self‐care to reduce the side effects and increase the quality of life. Self‐care agency is considered to be an important factor in guaranteeing self‐care actions.DesignIn this descriptive study a total number of 300 postpercutaneous coronary intervention patients participated. Data were collected from the four hospitals affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Iran between February–May 2015.MethodsThe data were gathered using demographic and basic conditioning factors questionnaire and appraisal of self‐care agency scale. Data analysis was performed by anova and t‐test.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 62·10 ± (8·14), which included 52·7% men and 47·3% women. Most patients (72%) had good level of self‐care agency. Self‐care agency had higher level in married and higher income patients.ConclusionSelf‐care agency is influenced by economic and marital situation.Relevance to clinical practiceIdentifying factors associated with self‐care agency can help healthcare professionals to consider these factors in self‐care planning.
The Gendered Division of Housework and Couples' Sexual Relationships: A Reexamination
Authors: Carlson Daniel L. , Miller Amanda J. , Sassler Sharon , Hanson Sarah 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAlthough contemporary couples increasingly express preferences for egalitarian unions, previous research has suggested that sexual intimacy decreases when routine housework is shared. Yet this research was conducted on data that are decades old. To update this work, the authors compared data from the 2006 Marital and Relationship Survey (MARS) and Wave 2 of the National Survey of Families and Households (NSFH2), collected in 1992–1994. The results indicated change in the association between housework arrangements and sexual intimacy across surveys. Although egalitarian arrangements were associated with lower sexual frequency compared to conventional arrangements in the NSFH2, no such difference was found in the MARS. In fact, reported sexual frequency increased across surveys among egalitarian couples only. In addition, how housework was arranged mattered more for sexual satisfaction among MARS couples than NSFH2 couples. These changes appear to result from the increasing role of perceived equity as a mechanism linking the division of housework to sex.
Does self‐efficacy mediate the effect of oral health literacy on self‐rated oral health in an Indigenous population?
Authors: Jones Kelly , Brennan David S. , Parker Eleanor Jane , Mills Helen , Jamieson Lisa 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectivesMediation analyses are critical to understanding why behavioral interventions work. Health literacy is a known mediator between socio‐economic factors, health behavior and oral health outcomes in various populations, explaining gradients in oral health status and outcomes. We explore whether self‐efficacy (SE) mediates the association between oral health literacy (OHL) and self‐rated oral health (SROH) in an Indigenous population.MethodsCross‐sectional data collected from 278 rural‐dwelling Indigenous Australians evaluated OHL, SE, SROH, socio‐demographic and behavioral characteristics. OHL was measured using a validated OHL scale (HeLD‐14), SE was measured using a validated SE scale and SROH was measured using a global, one‐item statement. Theoretically‐driven multivariable models, adjusted for age, sex, income, education, and dental service use estimated the prevalence ratios (PR) and 95 percent confidence intervals for poor SROH.ResultsThe overall prevalence of poor SROH was 78.8 percent. The prevalence of low OHL was 46.0 percent, while the prevalence of low SE was 56.8 percent. Analysis showed a significant main effect of SE (PR = 2.5, 95 percent CI 1.3–4.6). SE attenuated the effects of OHL on poor SROH (from PR = 2.4 to PR = 2.0), supporting its associated role in the Indigenous population under study. Sobel and bootstrap testing confirmed the significance of the mediating effect (z = 2.2, SE 0.30, P < 0.05) and 95 percent CI (0.11–0.07) (P < 0.05) respectively.ConclusionsGiven that SE is a construct amenable to change, our results suggest that interventions that aim to improve SE may have positive impacts on SROH among this vulnerable population.
Targeted transfer of trait for Verticillium wilt resistance from Gossypium barbadense into G. hirsutum using SSR markers
Authors: Yan Zhang , Liqiang Wu , Zhikun Li , Guiyin Zhang , Xingfen Wang , Zhiying Ma 
Published: May 2016

AbstractVerticillium wilt (VW) is a soil‐borne disease of cotton that is destructive worldwide. Transferring desired traits from Gossypium barbadense is challenging through traditional interspecific introgression. We previously demonstrated that a molecular marker, BNL3255‐208, is associated with VW resistance in G. barbadense. This breakthrough opens the way for marker‐assisted selection (MAS) breeding. Here, the highly resistant G. barbadense cv. ‘Pima90‐53’ and the severe diseased Gossypium hirsutum cv. ‘CCRI8’ were used as donor parent and recipient parent, respectively. Our goal was to transfer the disease resistance from donor to recipient via MAS. Among 71 MAS obtained lines, as many as 19 lines had enhanced resistance. Among those lines, 11 lines showed high resistance and four lines displayed resistance to VW. Moreover, seven lines displayed improved fibre quality. After combining the markedly improved resistance and fibre properties, we identified two elite innovated introgression lines – ZY2 and ZY31 – that did not seem to differ in other agronomic traits from the recipient parent. This study first successfully transferred of G. barbadense resistance into G. hirsutum by MAS.
Introgression of clubroot resistance into an elite pak choi inbred line through marker‐assisted introgression breeding
Authors: Chen Longzheng , Zhang Xiaoqing , Xu Hai , Song Bo , Fan Xiaoxue 
Published: May 2016

AbstractClubroot is a soilborne disease that severely infects cruciferous species. Pak choi (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) is an economically important cruciferous crop cultivated throughout the world. However, no clubroot‐resistant germplasms have been identified in pak choi to date. To improve disease resistance, we used marker‐assisted selection (MAS) to introgress the clubroot resistance (CR) trait from the ‘CCR13685’ Chinese cabbage (B. rapa subsp. pekinensis) inbred line into an elite pak choi inbred line, ‘GHQ11021’. Genetic analysis of F2 and BC1 progeny showed that CR of ‘CCR13685’ was controlled by a single dominant gene. We designed nine candidate sequence‐characterized amplified region markers, K‐1 to K‐9, based on two molecular markers linked to the CR gene. We found that K‐3 co‐segregated with CR and an inoculation test confirmed that K‐3 could be used for MAS. Two introgression lines, BC3‐1‐4 and BC3‐2‐18, were developed using K‐3 for foreground selection. These lines displayed the same phenotypic properties as ‘GHQ11021’, but were highly resistant to clubroot, indicating that the CR gene of ‘CCR13685’ had been successfully introduced into pak choi.
Glutathione maintenance is crucial for survival of melanocytes after exposure to rhododendrol
Authors: Kondo Masatoshi , Kawabata Keigo , Sato Kohji , Yamaguchi Sayuri , Hachiya Akira , Takahashi Yoshito , Inoue Shintaro 
Published: May 2016

SummaryRhododendrol is a phenolic compound that shows a tyrosinase‐dependent toxicity for melanocytes and occasionally induces a vitiligo‐like skin depigmentation. The post‐tyrosinase mechanisms determining melanocyte death or survival, however, are far from clear. Here, we find that rhododendrol treatment leads to a reduction in the levels of cellular glutathione but also induces a cellular antioxidant response that eventually increases glutathione levels. We further find that rhododendrol toxicity is enhanced when glutathione levels are experimentally reduced and alleviated when glutathione levels are increased. Hence, it appears that the size of the preexisting glutathione pool along with the capacity to supply glutathione via the antioxidant response determines whether melanocytes survive or die after rhododendrol exposure. It is conceivable, therefore, that rhododendrol‐induced leukoderma depends on the capacity to maintain appropriate glutathione levels and that enhancement of glutathione levels may preserve a patient's melanocytes and potentially help in repigmentation.