Strengths of Australian Aboriginal cultural practices in family life and child rearing

This paper explores some of the characteristics of traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practices that contribute to effective family functioning, and how these practices can have positive effects on children and communities. The approach is to gather the views of Aboriginal families and compare these perspectives with supporting evidence drawn from the literature. The findings suggest that, provided the necessary social conditions are in place, culture can be a protective force for children, families and communities. Key Messages Aboriginal kinship relations reflect a complex and dynamic system that is not captured by existing non- Indigenous definitions of family. Emerging evidence supports some of the strengths of traditional Aboriginal culture in family functioning and raising children, yet conventional academic wisdom can be incompatible with traditional Aboriginal knowledge systems. The strengths of Aboriginal cultural traditions, as they apply to family life and raising children, revolve around four interrelated themes, including: –    Theme 1: A collective community focus on child rearing helps children—The values of interdependence, group cohesion and community loyalty are key features of Aboriginal family and community life, where raising children is considered to be a shared responsibility of all community members. –    Theme 2: Children need the freedom to explore and experience the world—Aboriginal communities offer their children every opportunity to explore the world around them, to help them develop the necessary skills to successfully negotiate their pathways to adulthood. –    Theme 3: Elderly family members are important to family functioning—The elderly are highly respected for their contributions to family life in Aboriginal communities, particularly in helping children to understand the practical aspects of life and society. –    Theme 4: Spirituality helps families cope with challenges—Families and communities who engage in spiritual practices benefit from a greater sense of identity, and individuals are more likely to connect with, support and help protect one another

A role for AMPK in the regulation of mitosis and cytokinesis

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has a central role in maintaining cellular energy homeostasis. AMPK is activated allosterically by AMP and signals to inhibit ATP consuming pathways while simultaneously promoting ATP producing pathways. As such AMPK exerts an anti-proliferative effect to induce cell cycle arrest when nutrient resources are limited. Although many of the anti-proliferative effects of AMPK have been well documented during interphase, less is known about how AMPK signalling may influence mitosis. A few publications have reported that levels of active phospho-T172 AMPK increase as mitosis progresses and a link has also been reported between AMPK and myosin regulatory light chain (MRLC) in mitosis. In this Thesis, a combination of cellular, genetic and biochemical techniques were used to further characterise the role of AMPK in mitosis. A novel localisation of the AMPKα1 subunit was described, where AMPKα1 was detected at the microtubule organising centres (MTOCs) during mitosis in both primary human cells and in HeLa cells. AMPKα2 localisation to the midbody was also demonstrated in primary cells and in cell lines. Modulation of AMPK activity by either pharmacological or genetic means caused cell cycle arrest and influenced polyploidy in a number of cell lines. A yeast genetic approach was utilised to investigate the link between the AMPK pathway and a number of key mitotic regulates. Genetic interactions were detected between the AMPK pathway and S. pombe aurora kinase (ark1), polo-like kinase (plo1), anillin (mid1) and components of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) machinery. Furthermore, a network of cross phosphorylation events were described in vitro between the mammalian protein orthologues. This included the phosphorylation of aurora A, aurora B and PLK1 by AMPK and the phosphorylation of aurora A and aurora B by Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ). Considering the localisation of AMPK to mitotic structures and the numerous interactions documented with mitotic proteins, a role for AMPK in the regulation of mitosis is clear although the precise cellular effects remain difficult to discern

International Cooperation to Defend the Food Supply Chain

Global Food System Defense is an area where, so far, we have not yet obtained real traction in this post-September 11, 2001 world of international terrorism. Cooperative international efforts to defend and protect the global food supply system may well be crucial to the security of every developed nation in the coming years. Affordable energy--currently fossil fuels--and food are at the heart of the security and prosperity of every nation. Yet the food protection efforts that have been historically supported by the international community have focused on traditional food security, defined as access to sufficient calories and nutrition to sustain the population--usually meant as poor, underfed populations.\u27 For the purposes of this Article, this is not the same as food defense. As Dr. Marc Ostfield, Senior Advisor for Bioterrorism, Biodefense, and Health Security, U.S. Department of State, pointed out in his recent remarks to the European Institute, [m]any have used these terms interchangeably and, I would argue, erroneously, creating confusion during both national and international policy discussions.\u27 Of course, in countries and regions of the world where food security is a significant concern itself, food defense is a relatively low priority compared to the basics of a sustainable supply of safe and wholesome foods. Unfortunately, however, the global nature of our food system means that primary production or ingredient sourcing from such regions flows directly into countries where food defense has ascended above the base level of the Maslow hierarchy of needs, from physiological to safety needs. Of the few defensive steps designed to protect food supply chains that are in place, these are usually centered on protecting food stocks from theft or misappropriation by both local government and insurgent groups. The concept of a large-scale effort to defend the global food supply chain from adulteration or destruction that might target an entire population is relatively new

Achieving change in primary care—causes of the evidence to practice gap : systematic reviews of reviews

Acknowledgements The Evidence to Practice Project (SPCR FR4 project number: 122) is funded by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) School for Primary Care Research (SPCR). KD is part-funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Research and Care West Midlands and by a Knowledge Mobilisation Research Fellowship (KMRF-2014-03-002) from the NIHR. This paper presents independent research funded by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR). The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health. Funding This study is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) School for Primary Care Research (SPCR).Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Ecosystem Health Education: Teaching Leadership Through Team-Based Assignments

The health and sustainability of humans, animals, and environments are interdependent. The relationship between climate change, disease emergence, and food security on sustainability of ecosystem services is embodied in the sustainable development goals (SDGs). A diverse workforce needs to be equipped with leadership skills to function in a transdisciplinary, team-based environment. Ecosystem health (ESH) provides a critical and innovative approach to solving these complex challenges and offers a toolbox to actualize SDGs. This article outlines the development of a course detailing the process of framing a new academic approach in ESH as a training pathway for undergraduate and graduate students

A systematic analysis of anti-diabetic medicinal plants from cells to clinical trials

Background Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health emergencies of the 21st century, placing a severe economic burden on many countries. Current management approaches have improved diabetic care, but several limitations still exist, such as decreased efficacy, adverse effects, and the high cost of treatment, particularly for developing nations. There is, therefore, a need for more cost-effective therapies for diabetes management. The evidence-based application of phytochemicals from plants in the management of diseases is gaining traction. Methodology Various plants and plant parts have been investigated as antidiabetic agents. This review sought to collate and discuss published data on the cellular and molecular effects of medicinal plants and phytochemicals on insulin signaling pathways to better understand the current trend in using plant products in the management of diabetes. Furthermore, we explored available information on medicinal plants that consistently produced hypoglycemic effects from isolated cells to animal studies and clinical trials. Results There is substantial literature describing the effects of a range of plant extracts on insulin action and insulin signaling, revealing a depth in knowledge of molecular detail. Our exploration also reveals effective antidiabetic actions in animal studies, and clear translational potential evidenced by clinical trials. Conclusion We suggest that this area of research should be further exploited in the search for novel therapeutics for diabetes

Isotopic Constraints on the Chemical Evolution of Geothermal Fluids, Long Valley, CA

Abstract A spatial survey of the chemical and isotopic composition of fluids from the Long Valley hydrothermal system was conducted. Starting at the presumed hydrothermal upwelling zone in the west moat of the caldera, samples were collected from the Casa Diablo geothermal field and a series of monitoring wells defining a nearly linear, ~14 km long, west-to-east trend along the proposed fluid flow path Introduction The efficiency of heat extraction from geothermal reservoir rocks is limited by chemical processes and the physical characteristics of the reservoir. Specifically, mineral dissolution and precipitation and the geometry of heat and mass exchange between fluids and the reservoir lithologies of fractured dominated systems define the long term efficiency of heat extraction but are difficult to quantify and therefore predict. Increased knowledge about the water-rock exchange in geothermal systems and the size and spacing of the major fluid transporting fractures would be valuable information that impact decisions guiding the management of natural and enhanced geothermal systems

Replica exchange molecular dynamics simulation of the coordination of Pt(ii)-Phenanthroline to amyloid-β†

We report replica exchange molecular dynamics (REMD) simulations of the complex formed between amyloid-β peptides and platinum bound to a phenanthroline ligand, Pt(phen). After construction of an AMBER-style forcefield for the Pt complex, REMD simulation employing temperatures between 270 and 615 K was used to provide thorough sampling of the conformational freedom available to the peptide. We find that the full length peptide Aβ42, in particular, frequently adopts a compact conformation with a large proportion of α- and 3,10-helix content, with smaller amounts of β-strand in the C-terminal region of the peptide. Helical structures are more prevalent than in the metal-free peptide, while turn and strand conformations are markedly less common. Non-covalent interactions, including salt-bridges, hydrogen bonds, and π-stacking between aromatic residues and the phenanthroline ligand, are common, and markedly different from those seen in the amyloid-β peptides alone

The effect of RaceRunning on cardiometabolic disease risk factors and functional mobility in young people with moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy:A feasibility study

Introduction: There is consistent evidence that people with cerebral (CP) do not engage in the recommended physical activity guidelines for the general population from a young age. Participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is particularly reduced in people with CP who have moderate-to-severe disability. RaceRunning is a growing disability sport that provides an opportunity for people with moderate-to-severe disability to participate in physical activity in the community. It allows those who are unable to walk independently, to propel themselves using a RaceRunning bike, which has a breastplate for support but no pedals. The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of RaceRunning for young people with moderate-to-severe CP and the feasibility of conducting a definitive study of the effect of RaceRunning on cardiometabolic disease risk factors and functional mobility. Methods and analysis: Twenty-five young people (age 5-21 yr) with CP or acquired brain injury affecting co-ordination will be included in this single arm intervention study. Participants will take part in one RaceRunning session each week for 24 weeks. Outcomes assessed at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks include body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity and sedentary behaviour, functional mobility, activity competence and psychosocial impact. Adverse events will be systematically recorded throughout the 24 weeks. Focus groups will be conducted with participants and/or parents to explore their views and experiences of taking part in RaceRunning. Ethics and dissemination: Approval has been granted by Queen Margaret University Research Ethics Committee (REC) and the South East of Scotland REC. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and distributed to people with CP and their families through RaceRunning and Athletic Clubs, NHS trusts, and organisations for people with disabilities