bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OP‐9 MODULATION OF THE RECTOANAL INHIBITORY REFLEX IN PATIENTS WITH MYELOMENINGOCELE WITH AND WITHOUT BLADDER AUGMENTATION
Authors: Kardosh Fernanda Pilate , de Morais Mauro Batista , Miasato Marcio , Junior Antonio Macedo , Tahan Soraia
Published: September 2015

Introduction:

Some patients with myelomeningocele need bladder augmentation (augmentation cystoplasty). The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the bladder augmentation and the rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) modulation in patients with myelomeningocele. The modulation of the anorectal inhibitory reflex in accord the use of oxybutynin chloride was also evaluated.

Methods:

It is a cross‐sectional and comparative study. We studied a convenience sample consisting of 24 children and adolescents with myelomeningocele aged between 4 and 18 years. Ten of these 24 patients had surgery to expand the bladder. Anorectal manometry of perfusion were performed with 8‐channel radial catheter (Dynamed®) in latex free protocol. The evaluation of the (RAIR) modulation was determined by inflating the balloon with 20 mL of air in rectal. The RAIR modulation was determined by duration (seconds) and amplitude (% relaxation) of RAIR.

Results:

RAIR was present in all the patients. The duration of the RAIR (seconds) with 20 mL and 40 mL was similar in the both groups, with or without bladder augmentation (27.11 ± 11.95; 27.37 ± 9.29; p = 0.953 and 30.32 ± 7.30; 32.08 ± 10.13, p = 0.653). The RAIR amplitude with 20 mL and 40 mL was higher in the patients with bladder augmentation than in patients without bladder augmentation (63.87 ± 24.58; 82.31 ± 15.94, p = 0.036 and 68.06 ± 14.80;88.93 ± 16.31, p = 0.004). The patients who used oxybutynin chloride presented higher amplitude (% relaxation) in relation those did not used this drug, with 20 mL (80.91 ± 15.37 and 65.21 ± 25.73; p = 0.074) and 40 mL (85.78 ± 15.96 and 73.05 ± 19.29; p = 0.084), however, the statistic evaluation did not reach significance.

Conclusions:

The RAIR modulation is different between patients with and without bladder augmentation. The use of oxybutynin chloride also appears to interfere in the RAIR, increasing its amplitude.
OP‐11 DO TRAUMATIC LIFE EVENTS PREDISPOSE CHILDREN TO DEVELOP CONSTIPATION?
Authors: Rrajindrajith S. , Devanarayana N.M. , Rajapakshe N.N. , Benninga M.A.
Published: September 2015

Background:

The aetiology of functional constipation (FC) in children is not been fully understood. Exposure to physical, emotional and sexual abuse are known to predispose children to develop FC. No paediatric study has evaluated traumatic life events other than abuse as a potential predisposing factor for FC in children. We aimed to assess the association between traumatic life events and development of FC in children.

Methods:

We conducted a cross sectional, school based study. Children aged 13–18 years were selected from four semi‐urban schools in the Gampaha district, Sri Lanka. A validated, self‐administered questionnaires were used for collect data on functional gastrointestinal disease and traumatic life events. FC was defined using the Rome III criteria.

Results:

A total of1792 children were included in the analysis [males 975 (54.4%), mean age 14.4 years, SD 1.3 yearsyears]. Out of them, 138(7.7%) had FC. Prevalence of FC was significantly higher in those exposed to traumatic life events compared to controls (53.6% vs.32.9%,p < 0.0001). Traumatic life events such as parents living separately (13.4% vs. 7.12%,p = 0.038), living in a boarding house (10.1% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.049), liquor abuse by parents (14,8% vs. 6,3%, p < 0.0001), witnessing a murder (16.7% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.002), child labour (13.9%vs. 7.3%, p = 0.02) and ill‐treated by parents (27.5% vs. 7.3%, p < 0.0001) were shown to predispose children to develop FC. Parental substance abuse (12.8% vs. 7.4%), domestic violence (14.8 vs. 7.5%) were not associated with FC (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

FC is associated with childhoodtraumatic experiences. This provides further insight intohow traumatic childhood events are associated withdevelopment and perpetuation of FC in children.
OP‐14 EFFECT OF TUBE‐FEEDING ON BOLUS CLEARANCE TIME IN NEUROLOGICALLY IMPAIRED CHILDREN VERSUS NORMAL CHILDREN
Authors: Tan L.N. Michelle , Liwanag Janelle M. , Quak S.H. , Aw Marion M.
Published: September 2015

Aim:

Neurologically impaired children are at increased risk of gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Pathogenic factors that can lead to GERD include transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation and impaired oesophageal clearance. Previous studies had suggested that neurologically impaired children have increased bolus clearance time (BCT). The aim of our study is to determine the effect of (naso‐gastric) tube‐feeding on BCT in these children.

Methods: Retrospective review of the multi‐channel intra‐luminal impedance‐pH (MII‐pH) results of the paediatric population performed from January 2012 to December 2014.

Results:

A total of 71 studies were performed. 7 studies were excluded from data analysis as these children had previous fundoplication which is known to alter oesophageal peristalsis. Of the 64 analysed, 33 were in neurologically impaired children and 32 were male. The median (range) age was 1.35 (0.03–18.58) years. 60 (93.75%) children were less than 5 years old at the time of the study.

In our cohort, all the neurologically impaired children were tube‐fed. 41 (68.75%) of the children were tube‐fed; bolus fed (n = 30), continuous naso‐gastric (n = 7) or naso‐jejunal (n = 4). Based on the MII‐pH results, 16 children (25%) were diagnosed to have GERD. 9 of the neurologically‐impaired children had GERD while 7 of the neurologically normal children had GERD. There was no difference in the means of the “median BCT” in neurologically impaired versus normal children (10.42 (SD 4.27) vs 9.18 (SD 2.12) seconds, p = 0.144), or in those with or without GERD based on MII‐pH, regardless of underlying neurological status.

Conclusions:

Our data suggest that BCT in neurologically abnormal children who are tube‐fed do not appear to be longer than neurologically normal children, or associated with an increased risk of GERD. This suggests that other mechanisms have a greater role in conferring the increased risk of GERD in this population. Of note, “median BCT” values were also shorter in our population of predominantly young children of age less than 5.
OP‐15 FEATURES OF AEROPHAGIA MEASURED WITH MULTICHANNEL PH‐IMPEDANCE IN CHILDREN
Authors: Rybak Anna , Gomez Carlos Tutau , Lindley Keith , Thapar Nikhil , Mutalib Mohamed
Published: September 2015

Introduction and Aim:

Diagnosis of aerophagia is based on clinical symptoms and described in Rome III Criteria. The aim of this study was to estimate the normal and pathological values for air swallows measured with pH‐impedance in children.

Material and methods:

We analysed features of air swallowing in pH‐impedance for patients hospitalized in the Great Ormond Street Hospital in 2008–2014, with the clinical symptoms of aerophagia, who have met the Rome III Criteria. Children with pH‐impedance performed due to other gastrointestinal conditions (GORD, Abdominal pain, food allergy and asthma) and had normal studies comprised the control group. The exclusion criteria were: neurological, metabolic or genetic disorders, previous oesophageal surgery including fundoplication, connective tissue disorders and studies lasting less than 16 hours in duration

All studies were re analysed manually, meals were excluded from analysis. Total number of air swallows (in upright and recumbent position); mixed swallows, gastric belching and supragastric belching were counted. The results were presented as total number of episodes and as median number of episodes per hour.

Results:

Impedance recording of 10 patients (7 males) with clinical aerophagia and control group of10 children (7 males) were analysed. Mean age of patients was 10 years (4.5–13.5) and 7 years in control group (4.5–17 years). Mean (±SD) recording time for patients 21.3 hrs (±2.3) for control 21.2 hrs (±1.2). Total number of liquid reflux (mean ± SD) for patients 46.9 (±22.6), control 27.6 (±15.4) p = 0.028. The median of total air swallows per hour was 30.35 (IQR: 22.6 to 43.50) in patients with aerophagia and 7.33 (IQR: 5.43 to 9.9) in control group. There were significant differences in total number of air swallows, as well as in supragastric belches between the groups (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Both, air swallows and gastric belches were significantly more often observed in boys (median for boys 20.92 and 1.06; for girls 7.20 and 0.34; p = 0.02 and p = 0.006, respectively).

Conclusions:

pH‐impedance is an important diagnostic tool in the measurement of gas and fluid movement in the oesophagus. Hereby we showed suitability of pH‐impedance in the assessment of children with clinically diagnosed aerophagia.
OP‐20 THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ADVERSE LIFE EVENTS AND ABDOMINAL PAIN‐PREDOMINANT FUNCTIONAL GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS
Authors: Devanarayana N.M. , Rajindrajith S. , Benninga M.A.
Published: September 2015

Background:

Abdominal pain‐predominant functional gastrointestinal disorders (AP‐FGIDs) are a common public health problem in children. The precise aetiology of AP‐FGIDs is far from clear. Psychological stress and all forms of child abuse are known predisposing factors to develop AP‐FGIDs. The main objective of this study is to study the association between adverse life events (ALEs) and development of AP‐FGIDs.

Methods:

A cross sectional, school based study was conducted in Gampaha district of Sri Lanka. All children aged 13–18 years were recruited from four randomly selected semi‐urban schools in the district after obtaining consent from parents, school administration and children themselves. A translated and validated, self‐administered questionnaire consisting of four parts was used for data collection. Part I was the Rome III questionnaire for functional gastrointestinal disorders, self‐report form for children above 10 years. Part II was a questionnaire on exposure to adverse life events. Part III was the Sinhala (the native language) version of the PedsQL, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (Generic Core Scales). Part IV was the Child Somatization Inventory. The questionnaire was administered under examination setting to ensure confidentiality and privacy. Research assistant were present during filling the questionnaire for provide assistance and verifications. AP‐FGIDs were defined using the Rome III criteria.

Results:

A total of 1792 children were included in the analysis (males 975 [54.4%], mean age 14.4 years, SD 1.3 years years). Out of them, 305 (17.0%) had AP‐FGIDs. ALEs that showed a significant association with AP‐FGIDs include, parental substance abuse (25.1% vs. 16.0% in controls, p = 0.015) and domestic violence (28.5% vs. 16.1%, p = 0.02). Children with AP‐FGIDs exposed to ALEs have a higher somatization index compared to children not exposed to ALEs (16.9 vs. 13.4, p = 0.003), and a lower overall health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) score (81.8 vs. 85.1, p = 0.02). The scores they obtained for psycho‐social (86.4 vs. 92.4, p < 0.0001) and emotional (72.5 vs. 77.7, p = 0.03) domains of the HRQoL were also lower than that of children with no such experiences.

Conclusions:

Exposure to ALEs predispose children to develop AP‐FGIDs. Experience of childhood ALEs deleteriously affects the HRQoL and somatization of children with AP‐FGIDs.
OP‐23 FUNCTIONAL DYSPEPSIA IS ASSOCIATED WITH DUODENAL EOSINOPHILIA IN A PEDIATRIC COHORT
Authors: Wauters L. , Nightingale S. , Sulaiman B. , Talley N. , Walker M.
Published: September 2015

Objectives:

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder with unknown etiology. We aimed to assess the association between dyspeptic symptoms and duodenal eosinophilia in children referred for upper endoscopy.

Methods:

In this retrospective cohort study, all histopathology reports of normal upper endoscopies performed at a single tertiary center between 2010 and 2014 were reviewed. FD was defined as epigastric pain or discomfort for more than 2 months with no response to acid suppressants. Controls were those with non‐erosive reflux disease, dysphagia or rumination syndrome. Duodenal biopsies were analyzed by pathologists blinded to indication. Intramucosal eosinophils were counted per mm2 on haematoxylin and eosin stained digital imaged sections using Aperio eSlide Manager. Demographics, clinical variables, family history and histologic findings were compared between cases and controls.

Results:

In total, 36 cases and 36 non‐matched controls were identified of which 56% and 53% were female (p = 0.81). Mean (± SD) age was higher in cases compared to controls (13.6 (± 3.1) vs. 10.5 (± 4.0) years; p = .001). Dyspeptic symptoms (epigastric pain 81% and/or upper abdominal discomfort 33%) were food‐related in 69% and nocturnal in 31% of cases. Self‐reported nausea (64% vs. 17%; p < .0001), lethargy (19% vs. 0%; p = .005) and a family history of functional gastrointestinal disorders (28% vs. 3%; p = .003) were more common in cases than controls. There was a higher but not significantly different rate of atopic history (39% vs. 25%; p = .21) and psychological co‐morbidity (53% vs. 39%; p = .24) in FD cases versus controls. Duodenal intraepithelial lymphocytes per 100 enterocytes were similar in cases and controls (median (IQR) 10 (8–13) vs. 12 (8–18); p = 0.12). Duodenal eosinophil counts per mm2 were significantly increased in cases compared to controls (151 (118–207) vs. 76 (60–106); p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

This study confirms recent reports of duodenal eosinophilia in FD. The high rate of atopic and psychological co‐morbidity in FD suggests multi‐factorial mechanisms and may explain why current therapeutic options aimed at symptom control are largely unsatisfactory. Duodenal eosinophilia in FD should be considered a therapeutic target.
PP‐1 BOWEL HABITS IN SRI LANKAN INFANTS AND TODDLERS, A POPULATION BASED STUDY
Authors: Walter Hannah A.W. , Hovenkamp Anne , Rajindrajit Shaman , Devanarayana Niranga M. , Benninga Marc A.
Published: September 2015

Objective:

To obtain knowledge about bowel habits in healthy population of infants and toddlers in Sri Lanka.

Methods:

We selected healthy children between 7 months and 5 years of age who visited vaccination and weighing clinics. To achieve data we used a self‐administered questionnaire about the child's bowel habits during the previous two months. All subjects were selected in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka. Only those without defecation disorders were used for analysis.

Results:

A total of 879 toddlers were eligible for analysis, (female n = 442 [50,3%], mean age 21,7 months, standard deviation [SD] 12,5 months). Of them, 595 (69,6%) defecated once a day, 20 (2,3%) had defecation >3/week and 6 (0,7%) <3/week. Stool consistency was hard or very hard in 30 (3,4%), 665 (78,9%) had smooth and soft stool and 107 (12,2%) had varying consistency. Straining and painful stool were reported in 560 (64,7%) respectively 194 (23%) of the sample, stool holding was present in 93 (10,8%) and 44 (4,9%) passed blood with the stool. No children reported fecal incontinence.

Conclusions:

This study provides data on normal bowel habits of Sri Lankan toddlers and infants. Bowel habits and disorders related to defecation in Sri Lankan toddlers and children differ from those living in the West probably due to dietary, genetic and environmental variations.
PP‐2 ABNORMAL PERSONALITY TRAITS IN CHILDREN WITH AEROPHAGIA
Authors: Devanarayana Niranga Manjuri , Jayawickrama Nirodha , Gulegoda Ishani Chathurika , Rajindrajith Shaman
Published: September 2015

Objective:

The main objective of this study is to study the personality types in children with aerophagia.

Methods:

A cross sectional survey was conducted in 8 randomly selected schools in 4 randomly selected provinces Sri Lanka. From each school, all cchildren aged 13–18 years were selected after obtaining written consent from parents, school administration and provincial education office. Assent was obtained from all children recruited. Date were collected using a self‐administered questionnaire administered under examination setting to ensure confidentiality and privacy. Questionnaire contained previously translated and validated Rome III questionnaire for functional gastrointestinal diseases (self‐administered form for children above 10 years) and childhood personality assessment questionnaire. Trained research assistants were present during filling the questionnaire to provide assistance and to verify doubts. Aerophagia was defined using the Rome III criteria. Severities of individual symptoms were recorded in 100 mm visual analogue scale.

Results:

A total of 1069 questionnaires were distributed and all of them were returned and included in analysis [males 508 (47.5%), mean age 15.3 years, SD 1.8 years years]. One hundred and thirty six (12.7%) fulfilled Rome III criteria for aerophagia and 933 children without aerophagia were considered as controls. Nineteen (13.8%) children with aerophagia and 71 (7.6%) controls had personality scores above the international cut‐off value (105) for abnormal personality (p = 0.01). Children with aerophagia had significantly higher scores for different personality traits than controls; including hostility and aggression (13.2 vs. 12.2 in controls, p = 0.006), negative self‐esteem (11.0 vs. 9.9, p < 0.0001), negative self‐adequacy (10.6 vs. 9.6, p = 0.001), emotional unresponsiveness (10.5 vs. 9.6, p < 0.0001), emotional instability (16.9 vs. 15.7, p < 0.001), negative world view (10.9 vs. 10.1, p = 0.02) and total personality score (92.1 vs. 87.7, p = 001). In children with aerophagia, scores obtained for severity of bloating correlated with scores obtained for hostility and aggression (r = 0.22, p = 0.02).

Conclusions:

Children with aerophagia has abnormal personality traits and this fact may at least partly responsible for development and perpetuation of symptoms in them.
PP‐10 CHARACTERIZATION OF ESOPHAGEAL MOTILITY IN INFANTS BORN WITH CONGENITAL DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA USING HIGH RESOLUTION MANOMETRY
Authors: Rayyan Maissa , Omari Taher , Allegaert Karel , Decaluwe Herbert , Nafteux Philippe , Van Veer Hans , Deprest Jan , Rommel Nathalie
Published: September 2015

Purpose:

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare condition characterized by a congenital defect in the diaphragm. Abdominal organs are displaced into the thorax through the diaphragmatic defect, hereby causing lung hypoplasia. Survivors also present with long‐term functional gastro‐intestinal morbidity such as gastro‐esophageal reflux, esophageal dysfunction and poor nutritional status. Congenital esophageal dysmotility and surgical disruption of the esophago‐gastric junction (EGJ) may contribute to this esophageal dysfunction. The aim of this study was to characterize esophageal function in young infants born with CDH.

Methods:

High resolution solid state manometry was used to investigate the esophageal function in 9 postoperative infants born with CDH (6 M, median age 23 days). A total of 416 liquid swallows were analyzed (range 27–70 swallows per patient; mean 46 swallows). All data are presented as median (IQR).

Results:

We included 9 patients: 8 with a left diaphragmatic defect, 5 with a “liver up” defect, 4 underwent a fetal tracheal occlusion procedure because of severe lung hypoplasia, 8 needed a patch to close a large diaphragmatic defect. Across patients, length of peristaltic defects was 0.4 (0.3,0.6) cm. Distal contractile integral (DCI) was 357 (249,428) mmHg.sec.cm. Distal Latency (DL) was 4.9 (3.6,5.6) sec, whereby 5/9 patients had a DL less than 4.5 sec. EGJ resting pressure was 37 (17,60) mmHg. The integrated relaxation pressure (IRP4) was 14 (9,19) mmHg with IRP4 over 15 mmHg in 4 patients.

Conclusion:

We investigated the esophageal body and EGJ function in 9 patients with CDH using high resolution manometry. This pilot study shows that the distal contractile integral is reduced in all infants with CDH. This reflects weak esophageal contractile strength and supports the congenital foregut dysmotility hypothesis. Surprisingly, deglutitive relaxation pressures were increased in only 4/9 patients suggesting that EGJ outflow obstruction post hernia repair of the crural diaphragm, is only partially contributing to the esophageal motor dysfunction observed in patients with CDH.
PP‐12 EFFICACY OF A STANDARDIZED EXTRACT OF MATRICARIAE CHAMOMILLA L., MELISSA OFFICINALIS L. AND TYNDALLIZED LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS (H122) COMPARED WITH LACTOBACILLUS REUTERI (DSM 17938) AND WITH SIMETHICONE FOR THE TREATMENT OF INFANTILE COLIC
Authors: Ummarino Dario , Martinelli Massimo , Giugliano Francesca Paola , Tortora Clelia , Valenti Simona , Pidone Caterina , De Giovanni Donatella , Rutigliano Irene , Campanozzi Angelo , Romano Claudio , Miele Erasmo , Staiano Annamaria
Published: September 2015

Background and Aim:

Infant colic is a prevalent physiological event of healthy children under 3 months of age, which can disrupt the child's home environment. Despite its benign natural history, sometimes it requires a therapeutic approach. There is limited evidence supporting the use of complementary and alternative treatments. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a mixture of standardized extract of matricariae Chamomilla L., Melissa Officinalis L. and tyndallized Lactobacillus Acidophilus (H122) compared with Lactobacillus Reuteri (DSM 17938) and with simethicone for the treatment of infantile colic.

Patients and Methods:

A multicenter prospective, randomized comparative study was conducted involving 133 infants with colic, according to Rome III criteria, who were assigned at random to receive Chamomilla L., Melissa Officinalis L. and tyndallized L. Acidophilus (H122) (Group A; n = 45), L reuteri DSM 17938 (108 CFU) (Group B; n = 45) or simethicone (Group C; n = 43). Treatment was given to subjects for 21 days and they were followed for 4 weeks. Treatment success was assessed at the end of study period. Daily crying and fussing times were recorded in a structured diary, and maternal questionnaires were completed to monitor changes in infant colic symptoms and adverse events.

Results: Treatment success was observed in 30 out of 45 patients (66.7%) of infants in Group A, while it was seen in 31 out of 45 patients (68.9%) of Group B and in 19 out of 43 (44.2%) of subjects of Group C (χ2: 6.8; p = 0.03). Mean daily crying time was more significantly reduced (from 211.3 ± 40 min/day to 69.6 ± 59 min/day) in the Group A and in Group B (from 201.6 ± 32.5 min/day to 58.1 ± 48.9 min/day) when compared with Group C (from 199.5 ± 32 min/day to 106 ± 56.5 min/day) (p < 0.01, p = 0.006 respectively). No significant difference was observed comparing Group A and B (p = 0.4). No adverse events were reported in any group.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that administration of Chamomilla L., Melissa Officinalis L. and tyndallized L. Acidophilus (H122) and L reuteri DSM 17938 are significantly more effective than simethicone in improving colic symptoms. Therefore, the use of herbal supplements may represent a new therapeutic strategy in the management of colicky infants.
Rotavirus NSP6 localizes to mitochondria via a predicted N-terminal α-helix
Authors: Holloway Gavan , Johnson Rebecca I. , Kang Yilin , Dang Vi T. , Stojanovski Diana , Coulson Barbara S.
Published: September 2015

Specific roles have been ascribed to each of the 12 known rotavirus proteins apart from the non-structural protein 6 (NSP6). However, NSP6 may be present at sites of viral replication within the cytoplasm. Here we report that NSP6 from diverse species of rotavirus A localizes to mitochondria via conserved sequences in a predicted N-terminal α-helix. This suggests that NSP6 may affect mitochondrial functions during rotavirus infection.
Algorithmic Methods to Infer the Evolutionary Trajectories in Cancer Progression
Authors: Caravagna Giulio , Graudenzi Alex , RAMAZZOTTI DANIELE , Sanz-Pamplona Rebeca , De Sano Luca , Mauri Giancarlo , Moreno Victor , Antoniotti Marco , Mishra Bud
Published: September 2015

The genomic evolution inherent to cancer relates directly to a renewed focus on the voluminous next generation sequencing (NGS) data, and machine learning for the inference of explanatory models of how the (epi)genomic events are choreographed in cancer initiation and development. However, despite the increasing availability of multiple additional -omics data, this quest has been frustrated by various theoretical and technical hurdles, mostly stemming from the dramatic heterogeneity of the disease. In this paper, we build on our recent works on "selective advantage" relation among driver mutations in cancer progression and investigate its applicability to the modeling problem at the population level. Here, we introduce PiCnIc (Pipeline for Cancer Inference), a versatile, modular and customizable pipeline to extract ensemble-level progression models from cross-sectional sequenced cancer genomes. The pipeline has many translational implications as it combines state-of-the-art techniques for sample stratification, driver selection, identification of fitness-equivalent exclusive alterations and progression model inference. We demonstrate PiCnIc's ability to reproduce much of the current knowledge on colorectal cancer progression, as well as to suggest novel experimentally verifiable hypotheses.
Social selection parapatry in an Afrotropical sunbird
Authors: McEntee Jay P , Penalba Joshua , Werema Chacha , Mulungu Elia , Mbilinyi Maneno , Moyer David , Hansen Louis , Fjeldsaa Jon , Bowie Rauri C.K.
Published: September 2015

The extent of range overlap of incipient and recent species depends on the type and magnitude of phenotypic divergence that separates them. Trait divergence by social selection likely initiates many speciation events, but may yield niche-conserved lineages predisposed to limit each others ranges via ecological competition. Here we examine this neglected aspect of social selection speciation theory in relation to the discovery of a non-ecotonal species border between sunbirds. We find that Nectarinia moreaui and N. fuelleborni meet in a ~6 km wide contact zone, as estimated by molecular cline analysis. These species exploit similar bioclimatic niches, but sing highly divergent learned songs, consistent with divergence by social selection. Cline analyses suggest that within-species stabilizing social selection on song-learning predispositions maintains species differences in song despite both hybridization and cultural transmission in the contact zone. We conclude that ecological competition between moreaui and fuelleborni contributes to the stabilization of the species border, but that ecological competition acts in conjunction with reproductive interference. The evolutionary maintenance of learned song differences in a hybrid zone recommend this study system for future studies on the mechanisms of learned song divergence and its role in speciation.
Summer temperature can predict the distribution of wild yeast populations
Authors: Robinson Heather A. , Pinharanda Ana , Bensasson Douda
Published: September 2015

The wine yeast,Saccharomyces cerevisiae,is the best understood microbial eukaryote at the molecular and cellular level, yet its natural geographic distribution is unknown. Here we report the results of a field survey forS. cerevisiae, S. paradoxusand other budding yeast on oak trees in Europe. We show that yeast species differ in their geographic distributions, and investigated which ecological variables can predict the isolation rate ofS. paradoxus, the most abundant species. We find a positive association between trunk girth andS. paradoxusabundance suggesting that older trees harbour more yeast.S. paradoxusisolation frequency is also associated with summer temperature, showing highest isolation rates at intermediate temperatures. Using our statistical model, we estimated a range of summer temperatures at which we expect highS. paradoxusisolation rates, and show that the geographic distribution predicted by this optimum temperature range is consistent with the worldwide distribution of sites whereS. paradoxushas been isolated. Using laboratory estimates of optimal growth temperatures forS. cerevisiaerelative toS. paradoxus, we also estimated an optimum range of summer temperatures forS. cerevisiae. The geographical distribution of these optimum temperatures are consistent with the locations where wildS. cerevisiaehave been reported, and can explain why only human-associatedS. cerevisiaestrains are isolated at northernmost latitudes. Our results provide a starting point for targeted isolation ofS. cerevisiaefrom natural habitats, which could lead to a better understanding of climate associations and natural history in this important model microbe.
Parental effects and the evolution of phenotypic memory
Authors: Kuijper Bram , Johnstone Rufus A.
Published: September 2015

Despite growing evidence for nongenetic inheritance, the ecological conditions that favor the evolution of heritable parental or grandparental effects remain poorly understood. Here, we systematically explore the evolution of parental effects in a patch-structured population with locally changing environments. When selection favors the production of a mix of offspring types, this mix differs according to the parental phenotype, implying that parental effects are favored over selection for bet-hedging in which the mixture of offspring phenotypes produced does not depend on the parental phenotype. Positive parental effects (generating a positive correlation between parental and offspring phenotype) are favored in relatively stable habitats and when different types of local environment are roughly equally abundant, and can give rise to long-term parental inheritance of phenotypes. By contrast, unstable habitats can favor negative parental effects (generating a negative correlation between parental and offspring phenotype), and under these circumstances even slight asymmetries in the abundance of local environmental states select for marked asymmetries in transmission fidelity.
Crystal structure of di-μ-isobutyrato-κ4O:O′-bis[cis-dichlorido(dimethyl sulfoxide-κS)rhenium(III)]
Authors: Golichenko Alexander A. , Shtemenko Alexander V.
Published: September 2015

The title compound, [Re2(C3H7COO)2Cl4{(CH3)2SO}2], comprises binuclear complex molecules [Re—Re = 2.24502 (13) Å] involvingcis-oriented double carboxylate bridges, four equatorial chloride ions and two weakly bonded O atoms from dimethyl sulfoxide ligands in the axial positions at the ReIIIatoms. In the crystal, molecules are linked into corrugated layers parallel to (101) by very weak C—H...Cl and C—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions. C—H...Cl hydrogen bonding provides the links between layers to consolidate a three-dimensional framework.
Crystal structure of 1-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(propan-2-ylideneamino)thiourea
Authors: Jotani Mukesh M. , Yeo Chien Ing , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: September 2015

In the title thiosemicarbazone, C11H15N3S, thep-tolyl-N—H and imino-N—H groups areantiandsyn, respectively, to the central thione-S atom. This allows for the formation of an intramolecularp-tolyl-N—H...N(imino) hydrogen bond. The molecule is twisted with the dihedral angle between thep-tolyl ring and the non-hydrogen atoms of the N=CMe2residue being 29.27 (8)°. The crystal packing features supramolecular layers lying in thebcplane whereby centrosymmetric aggregates sustained by eight-membered thioamide {...HNCS}2synthons are linked by further N—H...S hydrogen bonds. Layers are connectedviamethyl-C—H...π interactions. The supramolecular aggregation was further investigated by an analysis of the Hirshfeld surface and comparison made to related structures.
Determining value in the food supply chain
Authors: Manning Louise
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore what the term “value” means to the multiple stakeholders interfacing and interacting with the food supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research included a literature review and the development of a cost: reward (give: get) stakeholder interaction model.

Findings

– Perceptions of value are individualistic. Conflict of interest exists for business between maintaining shareholder value and delivering “value” within the food offering to its customers and the wider array of societal stakeholders. Shareholders are profit driven and price is the predominant factor that influences consumer purchasing behaviour leading to a constantly negotiated interface between price and other reward factors. Reward factors such as financial, degree of utility, affordability, hedonistic factors defining the emotional worth of food, acquirability and the ratio of price: volume of food are explored.

Originality/value

– This research is of academic value and of value to policy makers and practitioners in the food supply chain.
The average Irish consumer a packaged food profile
Authors: Broderick Meave , Bouchier-Hayes Agnes , Larkin Tracey
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of the average Irish consumer (AIC) of preferences that drive food choice and purchasing of packaged foods.

Design/methodology/approach

– A number of Irish consumer studies have been carried out and most notably by An Bord Bia. Purchasing and Eating in the Republic of Ireland (PERIscope) investigates Irish consumer food preferences from 2009-2013, based on data obtained from +1,000 people in Ireland. Frequency analysis of these data sets was used to generate majority findings and preference attributes from which to propose a profile of the AIC. Component and cluster analysis was applied to investigate potential relationships between preference attributes and the significance of these relationships.

Findings

– The AIC is a female to whom price is a priority in food choice and prefers foods that are quick and easy to prepare. The AIC checks foods labels, looks for the low-fat option, but has difficulty understanding nutrition claims and labels. The AIC buys local produce at least monthly, believes local food has less artificial/preservative ingredients and checks for the country of origin on food products. The AIC is conscious of environmental issues and prefers to buy from companies that are environmentally friendly. The AIC buys food in smaller packs as it means less waste, is possibly more convenient and lower priced.

Originality/value

– It is the aim of this publication to provide a profile of the AIC to assist food companies in understanding and targeting the consumers of their products when developing packaged food products.
Wine as a unique and valuable resource
Authors: Duarte Alonso Abel
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– With a wine history that dates as far as the fifteenth century, and includes exports of highly valued wine products, the Canary Islands illustrates the case of a region with a splendorous wine trading past. While the potential of the uniqueness of local wines still exists, little is known about consumer patterns, and perceptions of Canary Islands wines among the local consumers. The purpose of this paper is to address this area of research, focusing on the case of La Palma Island.

Design/methodology/approach

– An online questionnaire was designed to investigate both local and outside consumers. A total of 378 respondents, predominantly local residents, participated in the study.

Findings

– The potential of the local wines to become a valuable resource is identified in various ways. In particular, many respondent comments highlight the uniqueness of some of the local wines, including the Albillo, Malvasía, and “vino de tea”. In comparing various respondent groups to their wine perceptions and experiences with local wines, the findings also identify strengths, and areas of improvement, not only for those involved in wine production, but also for the island’s wine tourism.

Practical implications

– The potential for the local designation of origin to maximise the uniqueness, historic value, and other valuable elements of the wines is highlighted. In addition, given the importance of tourism in this and other islands, opportunities exist for the local wines to be a highlight in visitors’ and local residents’ leisure pursuits, particularly through the organisation of special events, winery visitations, and the establishment of wine trails.

Originality/value

– This exploratory research on La Palma Island’s consumers seeks to address a knowledge gap about a region where, albeit a very rich wine history, wine consumer research has been very limited.
Road to default: Tracoma holding Berhad Bai Bithaman Ajil Debt securities (BaIDS)
Authors: Hafizi A.M. , Shahimi Shahida , Abdullah Mohd Hafizuddin Syah Bangaan , Daud M. Badrul Hakimi
Published: September 2015

Subject area

Islamic Finance and Investment

Study level/applicability

Level of program/audience: Advanced undergraduate and postgraduate.

Courses

Intermediate and Advanced Finance, Economics, Islamic Economics & Finance, Islamic Banking & Finance, Islamic Capital Market and other relevant courses.

Specifictopics/syllabus

Capital markets instruments, conventional or Islamic.

Case overview

This case focuses on Tracoma Holding Berhad Bai Bithaman Ajil Debt Securities (BaIDS) amounting to RM 100 million which was issued by Tracoma Holding Berhad in 2005. It was the first issuance of a sukuk (Islamic debt securities or bond) by the company. The proceeds were used to finance its growth and to repay existing bank borrowings and capital requirements. This case is interesting, as it allows students to study the bai bithaman ajil sukuk structure and issuance process in the Malaysian capital market. It also provides basic financial transaction and credit rating of sukuk which requires analytical skills. Being a debt-based facility, the sukuk was subjected to credit rating evaluation by the MARC, the rating agency appointed by the company. Further downgrading of the sukuk meant it would lead to the worst-case scenario. Some actions needed to be taken to solve this issue; therefore, the CFO suggested an urgent meeting with the sukuk holders.

Expected learning outcomes

The students should be able to: understand the issuance process and the principle of BBA (bai bithamin ajil) in sukuk structure; understand reason(s) methods of fund raising by firm and the allocations of fund; understand the sukuk default issue; analyze the reasons for sukuk default; understand the importance of debt securities credit ratings; and identify investors' protection in the case of sukuk default.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Creating a supportive environment among youth football players
Authors: Larsen Torill , Van Hoye Aurelie , Tjomsland Hege Eikeland , Holsen Ingrid , Wold Bente , Heuzé Jean-Philippe , Samdal Oddrun , Sarrazin Philippe
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The health promoting benefits of sport participation are under-utilized and should be further developed, particularly at the grassroots level. The purpose of this paper is to examine how grassroots coaches in youth football perceive their coaching practices after participating in a community-based coach education program aimed at optimizing their experiences in youth sport, namely the Empowering Coaching™ training program, based on self-determination theory (SDT) and achievement goal theory (AGT). It compares French and Norwegian coaches to suggest whether the principles of the Empowering Coaching™ training program can be applied successfully in the two countries.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Empowering Coaching™ training program is a six hour workshop and was delivered at the beginning of the 2011 football season. At the end of the season, the grassroots coaches’ reflections on their coaching practices were examined through a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews of 18 coaches in France and Norway, applying a hybrid analyses and comparing country-wise.

Findings

– All coaches expressed the intention to embrace the philosophy of the program, and to apply several of the strategies they had learnt during the workshop. The coaches perceived that the program supported their efforts to develop and implement strategies to stimulate intrinsic motivation, enjoyment and long-term participation among the players. There were some differences between coaches from France and Norway (e.g. rules and involvement), but the similarities were more evident, supporting the universality of applying SDT in the youth sport setting.

Social implications

– The findings are encouraging for sport as a health promoting setting and for the development of the personal skills in grassroot coaches, as they imply that coaches who feel competent in how to structure practices and matches that provide the players with positive sport experiences are likely to enable players to feel supported and motivated.

Originality/value

– This study explores qualitatively the impact of an intervention based on SDT and AGT, focussing on football coaches’ reflections on their coaching practices.
Portraying physical activity in food advertising targeting children
Authors: Castonguay Jessica
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Childhood obesity is a serious health concern (World Health Organization (WHO), 2013) and advertising exposure is known to be a contributing factor (Institute of Medicine (IOM), 2006). In recent years consumers have expressed an increased interest in products appearing healthy and food companies have committed to changing their child-targeted marketing practices to promote a healthy lifestyle. The purpose of this paper is to examine depictions of physical activity in food advertising and assess how recognition of a promoted food’s healthy and unhealthy traits influences dietary selections among youth in Southern Arizona in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

– A content analysis of food advertisements aired during 2009-2013 (n=534 and 354, respectively) identified changes to child-targeted food marketing messages. A structured interview determined differences in recognition of “juxtaposed beliefs” (i.e. that are contradictory and both healthy and unhealthy e.g. connecting exercise with a food high in sugar) among younger children, five to six years of age (n=34) and older children, ten to 11 years of age (n=34). Children were offered snacks to determine how this ability to recognize juxtaposition related to their dietary selections.

Findings

– There has been an increase in the frequency with which physical activity is depicted in advertisements for high-sugar foods. When presented with such advertising, a greater number of older than younger children recognized juxtaposed beliefs. Those younger children who showed recognition were more likely to select the advertised item, although this was not the case with older children.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings from this research relate to children’s responses to advertisements for sugared cereal that depict physical activity and may not be generalizable further.

Practical implications

– Children who are able to recognize both the healthy and unhealthy aspects of food are paradoxically likely to find it more appealing. Given the increased practice of associating high-sugar foods with physical activity in child-targeted food marketing, this raises concerns for nutrition education strategies, and the regulation of food marketing to children.

Originality/value

– Little research has examined the depiction of physical activity in food marketing targeting children, nor children’s ability to recognize, and react to, juxtaposed beliefs regarding a product’s healthfulness.
The impact of dependence and relationship commitment on logistics outsourcing
Authors: Huo Baofeng , Liu Chen , Kang Mingu , Zhao Xiande
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical framework involving dependence, relationship commitment, logistics outsourcing and service quality to exhibit the roles of the relational factors involved in logistics outsourcing and their outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on data collected from 361 companies in Greater China, the authors use the structural equation model approach to examine the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

– Both normative and instrumental relationship commitment are necessary for third party logistics (3PL) users to cope with their goal dependence on 3PL providers. However, only normative relationship commitment is necessary when users perceive switch dependence. Normative relationship commitment also plays a more important role than instrumental relationship commitment in facilitating the adoption of 3PL logistic outsourcing. In addition, both basic and advanced outsourcing practices have a positive effect on service quality.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to both 3PL theories and practices by clarifying how relationships between 3PL users and providers in China are managed.
Salient task environment, reverse logistics and performance
Authors: Huang Yi-Chun , Rahman Shams , Wu Yen-Chun Jim , Huang Chi-Jui
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of the salient task environment on reverse logistics (RL) practices and organizational performance in the context of Taiwanese computer, communication, and consumer (3C) electronics retail industry.

Design/methodology/approach

– A hierarchical regression analysis was employed to test relationships between four constituents of the task environment and RL, as well as relationships between RL and environmental/economic performance. In addition, a regression analysis was used to examine the mediating effect of RL on relationships between the constituents of the task environment and environmental/economic performance. Data and information collected from a sample of 284 companies from the Taiwanese 3C retail industry were used for analysis.

Findings

– Results suggest that three out of four constituents of task environment including government agencies, suppliers, and customers are associated positively with RL activities. In other words, as the salience of the constituents of the task environment increases, their level of influence on the firm’s RL also increases. This study also found the mediating effect of RL, indicating that superior performance emerges when a company’s RL matches the salient task environment.

Practical implications

– The findings provide an insight into the relationships between the constituents of the task environment, RL, and environmental/economic performance which can assist firms within 3C retail industry in designing and developing appropriate strategy for RL. In practice, some retailers, especially SMEs, have outsourced their RL to professional recyclers. Investment in RL activity may be an option for some 3C retailers.

Originality/value

– While previous research provides a strong foundation to further develop RL and subsequent policies, analysis of the factors affecting the decision processes to implement RL specially in the retail sector is scarce. This study fills this gap.