bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A third theory: inventive negotiation
Authors: Graham John L.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a new theory of “inventive negotiation” as a useful alternative to the outdated thinking of the past century.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature is reviewed, and a series of stories is used to bolster a new understanding.

Findings

The paper is a critique of the theory of integrative bargaining, arguing that it often limits the creative processes that produce long-term relationships with customers. This paper introduces a third theory of negotiation, something the author calls inventive negotiation.

Originality/value

The primary lesson of negotiation courses in American business and law schools suggests a narrow focus on reaching agreements while paying little attention to implementation and the paramount importance of maintaining ongoing commercial relationships. This paper introduces a third theory of negotiation, something the authors call inventive negotiation. It places emphasis on long-term, trusting commercial relationships as the key outcome of negotiation. The theory also posits negotiation as a creative process wherein innovations processes can play a central role. For example, both group diversity and facilitators can aid in producing creative agreements along the way toward mutually profitable business relationships.
Building a bibliographic hierarchy for manga through the aggregation of institutional and hobbyist descriptions
Authors: Kiryakos Senan , Sugimoto Shigeo
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Multiple studies have illustrated that the needs of various users seeking descriptive bibliographic data for pop culture resources (e.g. manga, anime, video games) have not been properly met by cultural heritage institutions and traditional models. With a focus on manga as the central resource, the purpose of this paper is to address these issues to better meet user needs.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an analysis of existing bibliographic metadata, this paper proposes a unique bibliographic hierarchy for manga that is also extendable to other pop culture sources. To better meet user requirements of descriptive data, an aggregation-based approach relying on the Object Reuse and Exchange-Open Archives Initiative (OAI-ORE) model utilized existing, fan-created data on the web.

Findings

The proposed hierarchy is better able to portray multiple entities of manga as they exist across data providers compared to existing models, while the utilization of OAI-ORE-based aggregation to build and provide bibliographic metadata for said hierarchy resulted in levels of description that more adequately meet user demands.

Originality/value

Though studies have proposed alternative models for resources like games or comics, manga has remained unexamined. As manga is a major component of many popular multimedia franchises, a focus here with the intention while building the model to support other resource types provides a foundation for future work seeking to incorporate these resources.
Foreign direct investment and institutional quality: empirical evidence from South America
Authors: Owusu-Nantwi Victor
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of institutional quality on foreign direct investment (FDI) flows in South America.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses two-stage least squares (2SLS) and fixed effect ordinary least squares regression analyses to examine the relationship between institutional quality and FDI in South America.

Findings

The study finds a significant positive relationship between institutional quality index and FDI. This implies that improvements in the institutional quality relate to increases in the flow of FDI to South America. Domestic capital, GDP per capita growth, and trade positively relate to FDI. However, the coefficient of trade is not significant. This implies that increases in these variables relate to increases in FDI flows to South America.

Practical implications

The study recommends that quality of institutions matter to the flow of FDI and therefore, efficient institutional reforms should be a priority for policymakers as this creates a conducive investment environment to attract FDI in South America. Further, policies that are focused on promoting competition, open market, and effective non-corrupt public institution as well as open and transparent legal and regulatory regimes, and effective delivery of government services should be the priority of policymakers in South America (Mishra and Daly, 2007).

Originality/value

The study uses a single measure of institutional quality based on a broad set of institutional indicators. This broad measure of institutional quality differs from the available studies that mainly focused on single aspects of institutional quality, that is, either corruption, governance, or political risk.
Can early initiation to breastfeeding prevent stunting in 6–59 months old children?
Authors: Muldiasman Muldiasman , Kusharisupeni Kusharisupeni , Laksminingsih Endang , Besral Besral
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The prevalence of stunting in children under five years old is high (37.9 percent). The health advantage of breast milk as a prevention is recognized. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship of early initiation to breastfeeding, wherein a child is breastfed within an hour of birth, as a means of preventing stunted growth in 6–59 month old children in Jambi province, Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used data from the 2015 National Nutrition Survey in Jambi province. A total of 2,502 children aged 6–59 months were analyzed by binary logistic regression.

Findings

The results showed that as many as 27.5 percent (95% CI: 25.2–29.9) children aged 6–59 months were stunted and 54.1 percent (95% CI: 51.1–57.1) had not been introduced to breastfeeding soon after birth. The analysis showed that delayed initiation to breastfeeding is a significant factor in stunting amongst 6–59 month old children. (p=0.024; AOR=1.3; 95% CI: 1.0–1.6). Other results of the analysis showed a significant association between water source and birth weight issues as causes for stunting.

Originality/value

Research revealed that delayed initiation into breastfeeding results in a 1.3 times higher risk of stunting. Furthermore, early initiation to breastfeeding reduces the risk of consuming polluted river water that is a health risk and cause of stunting.
Understanding in-library use data lifecycle within Greek and Spanish higher education ecosystems
Authors: Sant-Geronikolou Stavroula
Published: October 2018

Purpose

As learning analytics, an emergent field, nowadays is seen as a way to break barriers to intra-institutional collaboration that will ultimately lead to educational deep transformational change, HE administrators and library and information science (LIS) researchers argue on the purpose of connecting in-library user activity data to campus-wide initiatives, their relevance and potential contribution to library strategic alignment with broader institutional goals. In this realm and framed within a PhD research, this paper aims to provide an overview of preliminary findings relevant to the exploration of the potential of Spanish and Greek academic libraries to becoming involved in learning analytics initiatives

Design/methodology/approach

Spanish and Greek public university library director large scale mini-survey and LIS undergraduate curricula desk research.

Findings

Analysis of public university library director mini-survey bring to light a series of negative correlations between different LRRC types, in-library use data collection and sharing practices and library-based learning analytics conversations, while LIS undergraduate curricula review identified a limited integration of learning analytics and assessment critical skills.

Originality/value

It is the first Greek and Spanish university library-specific study aiming to contribute to the dialogue on whether, how and when the wealth of in-library use-generated knowledge could be capitalized within future learning analytics initiatives.
Consortia from past to future
Authors: Nesta Frederick
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the global history of library consortia from ancient times until the present and propose further development of consortia to address journal costs and research distribution.

Design/methodology/approach

The global history of consortia is reviewed, with a concentration on the early years of the American Library Association.

Findings

Consortia have proved their value in making libraries more efficient and in advancing research through combined efforts in developing indexes and catalogues.

Research limitations/implications

The paper encourages libraries to build on their history of cooperation and extend it by linking their repositories, using their own strengths to battle excessive subscription fees, and become publishers in their own right.

Practical implications

Consortia are encouraged to work together to build a global repository, to stand firm against predatory pricing and to take the lead in the dissemination of scholarship.

Originality/value

This paper proposes that libraries join in broad regional consortia to oppose unjustifiable prices imposed by the major publishers and that libraries, with their institutions, work regionally and internationally to take control of the distribution of research.
Liner shipping alliances and their impact on shipping connectivity in Southeast Asia
Authors: Yap Wei Yim , Zahraei Seyed Mehdi
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The liner shipping industry underwent a major round of change between 2014 and 2017 where the concentration ratio of the top ten carriers rose from 64 per cent in 2013 to 82 per cent by 2017. This paper aims to analyze the impact of these developments on the state of shipping connectivity for major container transshipment hubs in Southeast Asia, namely, Port Klang, Singapore and Tanjung Pelepas.

Design/methodology/approach

The developments in shipping services deployed before and after the latest round of reshuffling in the liner shipping industry were analyzed.

Findings

Significant service rationalization took place in the period that saw 38 per cent reduction in the number of shipping services called at the ports. Participation in alliance arrangement was revealed to be important for shipping lines to compete successfully on the Asia–Europe trade route in the new shipping landscape. Terminal operators should expect further rationalization of services should overcapacity persist. Maintaining hub status would require the ability to accommodate the strategic, operational and commercial requirements of the entire alliance rather than just focusing on the key shipping line.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to examine the effects of the latest round of consolidation in the liner shipping industry. In-depth analyses were conducted for shipping services where the service configuration was examined. The case of Southeast Asia and the Asia–Europe trade route was used to illustrate the impact with managerial and policy implications for shipping lines, terminal operators and port authorities.
On the relationship between goals, membership and network design in multi-agency “fusion” centres
Authors: Bright David , Whelan Chad
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to adopt an organisational network perspective to examine the structural properties underpinning the design and governance of multi-agency fusion centres and related environments, focussing particularly on how they are formed and internally managed.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted several focus groups and follow-up interviews with executive and operational members of Australia’s principal fusion centres and related environments.

Findings

The authors argue that in order to understand the internal dynamics of fusion centres, and the ways in which they form and function, the analysis of interrelationships between partners and potential partners is critical. The authors have demonstrated that a network model can assist in this type of analysis. For example, hub-and-spoke network structures appear to be a particularly effective solution to the centralisation-density trade-off for such inter-agency networks.

Originality/value

The authors use a novel approach that combines a goal-oriented network framework with the existing literature on fusion centres to synthesise key features of the network structure of fusion centres and associated processes of information sharing.
Determination of urban sprawl’s indicators toward sustainable urban development
Authors: Paydar Mohammad , Rahimi Enayatollah
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Iran’s metropolitan areas are growing rapidly, and, among them, Shiraz has experienced a high rate of urban sprawl in recent decades. On the other hand, besides wasting the resources, urban sprawl does not follow the principles of sustainable urban development and its consideration would help to determine and employ the required type of sustainable urban development approach. The purpose of this paper is to assess urban sprawl in Shiraz.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the indicators and their weights for Shiraz’s sprawl assessment are identified through Delphi and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) methods. In addition, the degree of urban sprawl is assessed using the preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluations (PROMETHEE).

Findings

The Delphi method produced the four criteria of “land use,” “urban fabric,” “social characteristics,” and “accessibility,” and “urban fabric” was the most important criterion per the AHP. Finally, the results of the PROMETHEE analysis indicated a high amount of urban sprawl in most of Shiraz’s municipal zones.

Practical implications

Therefore, due to the high degree of urban sprawl in Shiraz and its geographical limitations for horizontal development, a study on sustainable approaches to urban development in Shiraz, including Smart Growth and sustainable urban regeneration, seems mandatory for this city. However, this study indicates the requirement for more studies on urban sprawl in major cities of Iran, but by comparison of these findings with other relevant studies, it is inferred that using sustainable urban development approaches seems crucial for the majority of the cities in this country. Finally guidelines on how to impede urban sprawl and encourage sustainable urban development in Shiraz and Iranian cities as well as certain implications in this regard are discussed.

Originality/value

The findings of this study are expected to contribute valuable information for policy makers in terms of urban planning and the development of the cities in Iran.
The future of HR is being BRAVE
Authors: Silver Wendy
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Organizations will need HR departments that take bold new approaches if they are to weather the uncertainty and changes on the horizon. This paper aims to discuss what makes an organization or a leader BRAVE, and examples of HR professionals and organizations leading the way are provided to help readers bravely shape their own organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws upon various real-life examples of organizations whose HR departments are leading the way.

Findings

Organizations need BRAVE HR professionals and leaders to create, implement and communicate key initiatives to ensure companies make decisions that support workplace cultures that people choose to join and remain a part of.

Originality/value

No amount of technology can replace the forward-thinking thought, communication and action that being BRAVE requires. This paper will help HR professionals gain a braver perspective.
Potentials and pitfalls in the analysis of bipartite networks to understand plant–microbe interactions in changing environments
Authors: Bennett Alison E. , Evans Darren M. , Powell Jeff R.
Published: October 2018

Complex networks of interactions involving multiple plant and microbial species have consequences for ecosystem productivity and energy movement through higher trophic levels, but the sensitivity of these networks to environmental change is uncertain. The fast developing field focused on the construction of ecological networks involving multiple plant and microbial species allows the structure, complexity and robustness of these networks to be examined. However, the choice of methods used to generate data and construct networks can significantly influence network‐level metrics.

Here, we provide background and guidance on approaches for building and analysing bipartite networks of plant–microbe interactions. Researchers need to explore these methods (and their advantages and pitfalls) to create high quality and reproducible data that allow comparisons within and between systems. In particular, we highlight the significant advances of DNA‐based approaches for characterising interactions between plants and microbes, while suggesting future work needed to help overcome their current limitations.

As more studies embrace these approaches, these guidelines will allow robust characterisation and analysis of networks of plant and microbial interactions, and further enable our understanding of the influence of environmental change on species interactions and, ultimately, communities and ecosystem functioning.

plain language summary is available for this article.
When do we have the power to detect biological interactions in spatial point patterns?
Authors: Rajala Tuomas , Olhede Sofia Charlotta , Murrell David John
Published: October 2018

Uncovering the roles of biotic interactions in assembling and maintaining species‐rich communities remains a major challenge in ecology. In plant communities, interactions between individuals of different species are expected to generate positive or negative spatial interspecific associations over short distances. Recent studies using individual‐based point pattern datasets have concluded that (a) detectable interspecific interactions are generally rare, but (b) are most common in communities with fewer species; and (c) the most abundant species tend to have the highest frequency of interactions. However, it is unclear how the detection of spatial interactions may change with the abundances of each species, or the scale and intensity of interactions. We ask if statistical power is sufficient to explain all three key results.

We use a simple two‐species model, assuming no habitat associations, and where the abundances, scale and intensity of interactions are controlled to simulate point pattern data. In combination with an approximation to the variance of the spatial summary statistics that we sample, we investigate the power of current spatial point pattern methods to correctly reject the null model of pairwise species independence.

We show the power to detect interactions is positively related to both the abundances of the species tested, and the intensity and scale of interactions, but negatively related to imbalance in abundances. Differences in detection power in combination with the abundance distributions found in natural communities are sufficient to explain all the three key empirical results, even if all pairwise interactions are identical. Critically, many hundreds of individuals of both species may be required to detect even intense interactions, implying current abundance thresholds for including species in the analyses are too low.

Synthesis.The widespread failure to reject the null model of spatial interspecific independence could be due to low power of the tests rather than any key biological process. Since we do not model habitat associations, our results represent a first step in quantifying sample sizes required to make strong statements about the role of biotic interactions in diverse plant communities. However, power should be factored into analyses and considered when designing empirical studies.
Re‐imagining occupational wellbeing: Development of an evidence‐based framework
Authors: Saraswati Jaya Mai Rose , Milbourn Benjamin Tyler , Buchanan Angus James
Published: October 2018

Background/aim

Occupational therapists concern themselves with understanding engagement in everyday activity as a mode of facilitating wellbeing. However, there appears to be little consensus within the literature as to how engagement in meaningful activities contributes to wellbeing. Currently, there are no published evidence‐based frameworks for wellbeing to support occupational therapy practitioners to address wellbeing with clients. The purpose of the study was to establish an evidence‐based contemporary framework, domains and descriptive statements defining occupational wellbeing.

Methods

A multiphase, exploratory sequential mixed methods design, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches was used. Two phases were identified for data collection. The first phase involved exploration of the domains of occupational wellbeing, through conducting a literature review and two focus groups. The Delphi technique was employed in the second phase to refine and corroborate the domains of occupational wellbeing with an expert panel.

Results

Six new domains of occupational wellbeing were generated in the first phase of the study, namely: Competence, autonomy, contentment and pleasure, identity, hope and belonging. In the second phase, five out of the six domains reached a consensus level of 70% or more. Hope was the only domain not to reach consensus.

Conclusion

The framework for occupational wellbeing produced by this study was created using evidence‐based, replicable methodology and garnered support from a highly regarded expert key informant group of occupational therapy and occupational science academics. Further exploration to determine whether there is widespread support and applicability for these domains with normative and vulnerable population groups is required.
Feigning Hand Preference? A Case Report Preliminary Data
Authors: Merckelbach Harald , Jelicic Marko
Published: October 2018

Hand preference may be crucial in the forensic domain, notably in cases where the assailant is known to be left‐handed and the defendant claims to be right‐handed (or vice versa). In such cases, forensic psychologists or physicians may be asked to test the hand preference of the defendant. However, hand preference may be faked. The case described here illustrates this problem and addresses potential solutions. We also present preliminary data showing that a standard instrument for measuring handedness is sensitive to feigning. We conclude that when hand preference is determined, multiple sources of information should be assessed in order to identify possible feigning.
Factors influencing pigment production by halophilic bacteria and its effect on brine evaporation rates
Authors: Silva‐Castro Gloria Andrea , Moyo Anesu Conrad , Khumalo Londiwe , van Zyl Leonardo Joaquim , Petrik Leslie F. , Trindade Marla
Published: October 2018

The disposal of reject brine, a highly concentrated waste by‐product generated by various industrial processes, represents a major economic and environmental challenge. The common practice in dealing with the large amounts of brine generated is to dispose of it in a pond and allow it to evaporate. The rate of evaporation is therefore a key factor in the effectiveness of the management of these ponds. The addition of various dyes has previously been used as a method to increase the evaporation rate. In this study, a biological approach, using pigmented halophilic bacteria (as opposed to chemical dyes), was assessed. Two bacteria, an Arthrobacter sp. and a Planococcus sp. were selected due to their ability to increase the evaporation of synthetic brine. When using industrial brine, supplementation of the brine with an iron source was required to maintain the pigment production. Under these conditions, the Planococcus sp. CP5‐4 produced a carotenoid‐like pigment, which resulted in a 20% increase in the evaporation rate of the brine. Thus, the pigment production capability of halophilic bacteria could potentially be exploited as an effective step in the management of industrial reject brines, analogous to the crystallizer ponds used to mine salt from sea water.
Groundwaters at Risk: Wetland Loss Changes Sources, Lengthens Pathways, and Decelerates Rejuvenation of Groundwater Resources
Authors: Ameli Ali A. , Creed Irena F.
Published: October 2018

Wetland loss alters the hydrology of wetlandscapes in poorly understood ways. To quantify the effects of wetland loss on subsurface hydrology, a physically based hydrologic model that simulates the timing and pathways of subsurface hydrologic connections was coupled with wetland inventories over a 50‐year period during which substantial wetland loss occurred. The model revealed, based on vertical variations in saturated hydraulic conductivities, wetland loss of different degrees led to a contraction of catchment contributing areas to local surface waters but an expansion of contributing areas to the regional surface water body. This shift in groundwater contributing areas reflected (1) a decrease in baseflow contribution to the local surface water bodies, and (2) an increase in the transit time and length of subsurface hydrologic connections with an associated increase in the magnitude and age of baseflow discharging to the regional surface water body. The model also showed regions with thick permeable aquifers were particularly sensitive to the loss of wetlands. Our ability to predict these changes in hydrology of the watershed provides important support for designing science‐based policies to promote sustainable water resource management.
Impact of Phaeobacter inhibens on marine eukaryote‐associated microbial communities
Authors: Dittmann Karen K. , Sonnenschein Eva C. , Egan Suhelen , Gram Lone , Bentzon‐Tilia Mikkel
Published: October 2018

Bacteria–host interactions are universal in nature and have significant effects on host functionality. Bacterial secondary metabolites are believed to play key roles in such interactions as well as in interactions within the host‐associated microbial community. Hence, prominent secondary metabolite‐producing bacteria may be strong drivers of microbial community composition in natural host‐associated microbiomes. This has, however, not been rigorously tested, and the purpose of this study was to investigate how the secondary metabolite producer Phaeobacter inhibens affects the diversity and composition of microbiomes associated with the microalga Emiliania huxleyi and the European flat oyster, Ostrea edulis. Roseobacters were indigenous to both communities exhibiting relative abundances between 2.8% and 7.0%. Addition of P. inhibens caused substantial changes in the overall structure of the low‐complexity microbiome of E. huxleyi, but did not shape microbial community structure to the same degree in the more complex oyster microbiomes. Species‐specific interactions occurred in both microbiomes and specifically the abundances of other putative secondary metabolite‐producers such as vibrios and pseudoalteromonads were reduced. Thus, the impact of a bioactive strain like P. inhibens on host‐associated microbiomes depends on the complexity and composition of the existing microbiome.
Polydrug use patterns and their impact on relapse among heroin‐dependent patients in Shanghai, China
Authors: Chen Tianzhen , Zhong Na , Du Jiang , Li Zhibin , Zhao Yan , Sun Haiming , Chen Zhikang , Jiang Haifeng , Zhao Min
Published: October 2018

Aims

To describe the polysubstance use patterns of heroin‐dependent patients and to understand the impact of polysubstance use patterns on relapse during the 5 years after completing compulsory rehabilitation programmes.

Design

In this secondary analysis, the baseline data of 503 heroin‐dependent patients were linked with their 5‐year follow‐up data from official records.

Setting

Four compulsory rehabilitation centres in Shanghai, China.

Participants

A total of 564 heroin‐dependent patients who were discharged from Shanghai compulsory rehabilitation facilities in 2007 and 2008 were recruited. Among these, 503 patients with available follow‐up records were included in this analysis.

Measurements

The baseline measurements included the Addiction Severity Index, the Temperament and Character Inventory and the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale. Relapses after discharge from the compulsory rehabilitation centres were extracted monthly from the official electronic record system. Latent class analysis was used to identify different polysubstance use patterns. Associations between the identified latent classes and heroin use and the factors related to relapse during the 5‐year follow‐up were analysed with the Cox regression model.

Findings

Three latent classes were identified in this cohort: (1) alcohol polydrug users (APU; 13.7%), (2) low polydrug users (LPU; 76.5%) and (3) amphetamine‐type stimulant polydrug users (ASPU; 9.7%). During the 5‐year follow‐up, 298 heroin patients relapsed, and the three groups showed different relapse rates (ASPU 69.4 versus LPU 60.5 versus APU 44.9%, P = 0.02). The average durations of abstinence for the three groups differed (ASPU 31.27 ± 3.41 months versus LPU 36.77 ± 1.19 months versus APU 42.46 ± 2.81 months, P = 0.02). Multivariate Cox regression analyses found that the LPU [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.63, 1.06–2.51] and ASPU (HR = 2.10, 1.24–3.56) classes were positively associated with the risk of heroin relapse.

Conclusion

Polydrug use patterns differ among heroin‐dependent patients in compulsory rehabilitation programmes in China. A history of polydrug use may predict heroin relapse risk among patients in those compulsory rehabilitation programmes.
Impact of timing of methadone initiation on perinatal outcomes following delivery among pregnant women on methadone maintenance therapy in Ontario
Authors: Guan Qi , Sproule Beth A. , Vigod Simone N. , Cadarette Suzanne M. , Greaves Simon , Martins Diana , Gomes Tara
Published: October 2018

Background and Aims

Methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) is associated with improved outcomes for children exposed to maternal opioid dependence in utero. We examined Ontario's population of pregnant women on MMT and determined the impact of timing of MMT initiation on perinatal outcomes.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

Ontario, Canada.

Participants

Women eligible for public drug benefits and on MMT during pregnancy between 2005 and 2015.

Measurements

We stratified women based on their timing of MMT initiation: (1) stabilized prior to conception, (2) newly initiated prior to conception, (3) initiation in trimester 1, (4) initiation in trimester 2 or (5) initiation in trimester 3. The primary outcomes in the multivariable logistic regression analysis were key perinatal health indicators: small for gestational age, preterm birth, congenital anomalies, severe maternal morbidity, caesarean section and induced labor. Secondary outcomes were specific to maternal opioid dependence: neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), admission to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), NAS treatment, removal from mother's custody at hospital discharge and neonatal death.

Findings

Among 1842 women on MMT during pregnancy, 87.6% (n = 1614) initiated MMT before conception. Almost a quarter of their infants (22.2%; n = 408) were born small for gestational age, 17.5% (n = 323) were preterm and 5.9% (n = 109) were born with a congenital anomaly. The odds of primary outcomes occurring did not differ based on timing of methadone initiation; however, infants of mothers who initiated methadone during pregnancy had up to a fourfold increase in the odds of social services removal at the hospital [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) range = 3.70–4.19] compared with those whose mothers were stabilized on MMT prior to conception.

Conclusions

Later initiation of methadone maintenance therapy among pregnant women in Ontario, Canada has not been found to be clearly related to most key perinatal adverse health outcomes.
Age‐varying effects of cannabis use frequency and disorder on symptoms of psychosis, depression and anxiety in adolescents and adults
Authors: Leadbeater Bonnie J. , Ames Megan E. , Linden‐Carmichael Ashley N.
Published: October 2018

Aims

We tested the age‐varying associations of cannabis use (CU) frequency and disorder (CUD) with psychotic, depressive and anxiety symptoms in adolescent and adult samples. Moderating effects of early onset (≤ 15 years) and sex were tested.

Design

Time‐varying effect models were used to assess the significance of concurrent associations between CU and CUD and symptoms of psychosis, depression and anxiety at each age.

Setting and Participants

Adolescent data (V‐HYS; n = 662) were collected from a randomly recruited sample of adolescents in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada during a 10‐year period (2003–13). Adult cross‐sectional data (NESARC‐III; n = 36 309) were collected from a representative sample from the United States (2012–13).

Measurements

Mental health symptoms were assessed using self‐report measures of diagnostic symptoms. CU was based on frequency of past‐year use. Past‐year CUD was based on DSM‐5 criteria.

Findings

For youth in the V‐HYS, CU was associated with psychotic symptoms following age 22 [b = 0.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.002, 0.25], with depressive symptoms from ages 16–19 and following age 25 (b = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.003, 0.34), but not with anxiety symptoms. CUD was associated with psychotic symptoms following age 23 (b = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.01, 1.01), depressive symptoms at ages 19–20 and following age 25 (b = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.001, 1.42) and anxiety symptoms ages 26–27 only. For adults in the NESARC‐III, CU was associated with mental health symptoms at most ages [e.g. psychotic symptoms; age 18 (b = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.10, 0.33) to age 65 (b = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.16, 0.56)]. CUD was associated with all mental health symptoms across most ages [e.g. depressive symptoms; age 18 (b = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.19, 1.73) to age 61 (b = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.01, 2.21)]. Interactions with sex show stronger associations for females than males in young adulthood [e.g. V‐HYS: CUD × sex interaction on psychotic symptoms significant after age 26 (b = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.02, 2.21)]. Findings were not moderated by early‐onset CU.

Conclusions

Significant associations between cannabis use (CU) frequency and disorder (CUD) and psychotic and depressive symptoms in late adolescence and young adulthood extend across adulthood, and include anxiety.
LncRNAnet: a comprehensive Sus scrofa lncRNA database
Authors: Liang G. , Yang Y. , Li H. , Yu H. , Li X. , Tang Z. , Li K.
Published: October 2018

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) constitute a large class of functional non‐coding RNAs that play important roles in many biological processes. Thousands of lncRNAs have been identified in mammals. Pig is an important farm animal and biomedical model. It is essential to create a Sus scrofa lncRNA database to enable further study of the function and evolution of lncRNAs. In this study, we built a systematic S. scrofa lncRNA database named lncRNAnet that contains 53 468 S. scrofa lncRNAs with their sequence characteristics, genomic locations, conservation, overlapping SNPs and QTLs, and transcript abundance across nine tissues in pigs. We also integrated 212 922 human and mouse lncRNAs sequences into lncRNAnet. This database will provide for a systematic S. scrofa lncRNA classification and help investigators browse, search for and analyze lncRNAs as well as do blast searches among human, mouse and pig lncRNAs. Thus, lncRNAnet should improve the understanding of the biological functions of lncRNA. The database is freely accessible at http://lnc.rnanet.org/.
Genome‐wide association study and heritability estimate for ectopic ureters in Entlebucher mountain dogs
Authors: Gallana M. , Utsunomiya Y. T. , Dolf G. , Pintor Torrecilha R. B. , Falbo A.‐K. , Jagannathan V. , Leeb T. , Reichler I. , Sölkner J. , Schelling C.
Published: October 2018

An ectopic ureter is a congenital anomaly which may lead to urinary incontinence and without a surgical intervention even to end‐stage kidney disease. A genetic component contributes to the development of this anomaly in Entlebucher mountain dogs (EMD); however, its nature remains unclear. Using the Illumina CanineHD bead chip, a case–control genome‐wide association study was performed to identify SNPs associated with the trait. Six loci on canine chromosomes 3, 17, 27 and 30 were identified with 16 significantly associated SNPs. There was no single outstanding SNP associated with the phenotype, and the association signals were not close to known genes involved in human congenital anomalies of the kidney or lower urinary tract. Additional research will be necessary to elucidate the potential role of the associated genes in the development of ectopic ureters in the EMD breed.
Expectations of care within marriage for older couples
Authors: Cash Belinda , Warburton Jeni , Hodgkin Suzanne
Published: October 2018

Objectives

This study explores the intersection of marriage and caregiving amongst older spousal caregivers in regional Australia. Specifically, we address the research question: ‘How do expectations of informal care impact spousal caregivers in later life?’

Methods

These comprise interpretive qualitative in‐depth interviews in order to understand the lived experience of caregiving within the context of long‐term marriage.

Results

Findings highlight the complexity and diversity of marital relationships as the context of informal care. Individual and social obligations were evident in key themes, demonstrating how spouses automatically assume and continue in caregiver roles in later life.

Conclusion

Caregiving is an expectation of couples in long‐term marriages, regardless of the relationship quality and willingness to care. Normative expectations also impact decision‐making around future care planning and transitions away from home‐based care. These are important considerations for both policy and practice with older adults and their caregivers.
Bronchiolitis needs a revisit: Distinguishing between virus entities and their treatments
Authors: Jartti Tuomas , Smits Hermelijn H. , Bønnelykke Klaus , Bircan Ozlem , Elenius Varpu , Konradsen Jon R. , Maggina Paraskevi , Makrinioti Heidi , Stokholm Jakob , Hedlin Gunilla , Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Ruszczynski Marek , Ryczaj Klaudia , Schaub Bianca , Schwarze Jürgen , Skevaki Chrysanthi , Stenberg‐Hammar Katarina , Feleszko Wojciech ,   EAACI Task Force on Clinical Practice Recommendations on Preschool Wheeze
Published: October 2018

Current data indicate that the “bronchiolitis” diagnosis comprises more than one condition. Clinically, pathophysiologically, and even genetically three main clusters of patients can be identified among children suffering from severe bronchiolitis (or first wheezing episode): (a) respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)‐induced bronchiolitis, characterized by young age of the patient, mechanical obstruction of the airways due to mucus and cell debris, and increased risk of recurrent wheezing. For this illness, an effective prophylactic RSV‐specific monoclonal antibody is available; (b) rhinovirus‐induced wheezing, associated with atopic predisposition of the patient and high risk of subsequent asthma development, which may, however, be reversed with systemic corticosteroids in those with severe illness; and (c) wheeze due to other viruses, characteristically likely to be less frequent and severe. Clinically, it is important to distinguish between these partially overlapping patient groups as they are likely to respond to different treatments. It appears that the first episode of severe bronchiolitis in under 2‐year‐old children is a critical event and an important opportunity for designing secondary prevention strategies for asthma. As data have shown bronchiolitis cannot simply be diagnosed using a certain cutoff age, but instead, as we suggest, using the viral etiology as the differentiating factor.
Outcomes following resection of non‐small cell lung cancer in octogenarians
Authors: Vazirani Jaideep , Moraes Johanna , Barnett Stephen , Johnson Douglas F. , Knight Simon , Miller Alistair , Wright Gavin , Alam Naveed Z. , Conron Matthew , Irving Louis B. , Antippa Phillip , Steinfort Daniel P.
Published: October 2018

Background

The treatment of choice for early stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is surgical resection. Little is known about the short‐ and long‐term outcomes among very elderly patients. We sought to determine predictors of short‐ and long‐term survival among octogenarians undergoing curative‐intent resection for NSCLC in Victoria, Australia.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from all patients aged ≥80 years who underwent curative‐intent resection for NSCLC over 12 years (January 2005–December 2016) across five tertiary centres. We examined effect of age, stage of disease, extent of surgery and lung function on short‐ and long‐term survival.

Results

Two hundred patients aged ≥80 years underwent curative‐intent resections. Mortality at 30 and 120 days was 2.9% and 5.9%, respectively. Increased early mortality was observed among those ≥83 years, at 30 days (6.8% versus 0.8%, P = 0.044) and 120 days (12.2% versus 2.3%, P = 0.0096). Early mortality was highest among patients ≥83 years requiring lobectomy, compared to sub‐lobar resection at 120 days (17% versus 3.8%, P = 0.019). Long‐term survival was predicted by age and stage of disease. Among patients with Stage I disease aged <83 years, lobectomy was associated with superior 5‐year survival, compared to sub‐lobar resection (83% versus 61%, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

In carefully selected elderly patients undergoing curative‐intent resection of early stage NSCLC, both short‐ and long‐term outcomes appear consistent with younger historical cohorts. Early mortality was associated with lobectomy in those with advanced age. Older patients undergoing lobectomy appeared to be at highest risk for early mortality, while younger patients with Stage I disease undergoing at least lobectomy appear to have the best long‐term survival.
The Use of Mineralogy to Identify Sources of Soapstone Artefacts: an Example from Soapstone Ridge, Georgia (USA)
Authors: Swanson S. E. , Radko N. C.
Published: October 2018

The late Archaic Soapstone Ridge quarries, near Atlanta, Georgia, are the largest sources of archaeological soapstone in the south‐eastern USA. Ten soapstone artefacts from the coastal plain, over 200 km south of Soapstone Ridge (SSR), were used in an attempt to relate their mineralogy to that of the Soapstone Ridge quarries and to investigate the utility of mineralogy in the sourcing of soapstone. There is an overall similarity in the abundance of the major soapstone minerals, talc, chlorite and amphiboles in the artefacts and the SSR soapstone. Differences in the variety of amphibole (tremolite/actinolite, magnesiohornblende and magnesiocumingtonite/anthophyllite) and FeTi oxides (magnetite and ilmenite) eliminate SSR as a source for some of the artefacts. The compositions of chlorite (Cr), magnesiohornblende (Si, Al) and Fe oxides (Cr, Mn) in other artefacts are not consistent with a Soapstone Ridge source. The talc compositions are identical in the artefacts and the SSR soapstone. The mineral assemblage and compositions of two artefacts are consistent with a Soapstone Ridge source. Despite an overall similarity in the modal mineralogy of the artefacts and Soapstone Ridge quarries, there is enough diversity to distinguish between artefacts from Soapstone Ridge or some other source. Mineralogy is a useful tool for the evaluation of soapstone sources.
Association between lower urinary tract symptoms and cardiovascular risk scores in ostensibly healthy women
Authors: Lee Hyun Young , Moon Ji Eun , Sun Hwa Yeon , Doo Seung Whan , Yang Won Jae , Song Yun Seob , Lee So‐Ryoung , Park Byoung‐Won , Kim Jae Heon
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To investigate the association between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in women, as severe LUTS are known to be associated with CVD risk in men but few studies have focused on this issue in women.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 1014 ostensibly healthy women, who participated in a voluntary health check in a health promotion centre from November 2013 to October 2015, were enrolled. LUTS were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS). CVD risk scores were calculated using the Framingham risk score and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) score. Correlation, partial correlation, and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted.

Results

The mean age and body mass index (BMI) of the women were 51 years and 22.6 kg/m2, respectively. The ASCVD score showed significant positive correlations with IPSS items Question 2 (Q2), Q3, Q5, and Q7 (all P < 0.05), total IPSS (P = 0.001), IPSS storage (P = 0.006) and IPSS voiding symptoms scores (P = 0.001) based on partial correlation analysis after adjustment for BMI. For the OABSS, the ASCVD score showed significant positive correlations with OABSS items Q2, Q3, and Q4 (P < 0.001, P = 0.017, and P < 0.001, respectively) and total OABSS (P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the moderate–severe risk groups of the OABSS and IPSS were associated with the ASCVD risk score in adjusted models (P < 0.001) compared to the none–mild OABSS and mild IPSS groups. After adjustment for age and BMI, IPSS storage score was significantly related with the ASCVD risk score (B = 0.855, P = 0.016)

Conclusions

LUTS, especially storage symptoms, might be risk factors for predicting future CVD risk in women. Further prospective or cohort studies are needed to validate this possibility.
Bioactive lipids and pathological retinal angiogenesis
Authors: Elmasry Khaled , Ibrahim Ahmed S , Abdulmoneim Samer , Al‐Shabrawey Mohamed
Published: October 2018

Angiogenesis, disruption of the retinal barrier, leukocyte‐adhesion and oedema are cardinal signs of proliferative retinopathies that are associated with vision loss. Therefore, identifying factors that regulate these vascular dysfunctions is critical to target pathological angiogenesis. Given the conflicting role of bioactive lipids reported in the current literature, the goal of this review is to provide the reader a clear road map of what has been accomplished so far in the field with specific focus on the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)‐derived metabolites in proliferative retinopathies. This necessarily entails a description of the different retina cells, blood retina barriers and the role of (PUFAs)‐derived metabolites in diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and age‐related macular degeneration as the most common types of proliferative retinopathies.
Relationship between serum level of growth differentiation factors 8, 11 and bone mineral density in girls with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Wu Yali , Qu Jian , Li Huabing , Yuan Haiyan , Guo Qi , Ouyang Zhanbo , Lu Qiong
Published: October 2018

Background

Adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) have low body mass and low bone mineral density (BMD). Growth differentiation factor 8 (Myostatin, GDF8) and its homologue growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), members of the TGF‐β super‐family, play an important role in muscle regeneration and bone metabolism in healthy individuals. However, their association with BMD in AN is unknown. The present study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between GDF8, GDF11 and BMD in adolescent girls with AN.

Methods

Serum GDF8, GDF11 and BMD were determined in 25 girls (12‐16 years old) with AN and 31 healthy girls (12‐16 years old).

Results

Growth differentiation factor 8 levels were lower in AN subjects. On the contrary, GDF11 levels were higher in AN subjects than controls. There was no relationship between GDF8 and BMD. A significant negative correlation between GDF11 and BMD was found. In multiple linear stepwise regression analysis, BMI, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, GDF11, or lean mass, but not fat mass and GDF8, were independent predictors of BMD in the AN and control groups separately.

Conclusions

Growth differentiation factor 11 was independent predictor of BMD in girls with AN. It suggested that GDF11 exerts a negative effect on bone mass.