bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025
Authors: Barradas José , Sampaio Paulo
Published: February 2017

Purpose

According to the ISO 9001 standard, all the certified companies should calibrate their measuring equipment. By doing so, companies can guarantee, with rigor and quality, its measurement and use reliable data for monitoring the quality of their products. However, a metrology laboratory is not required to have an ISO 9001 certification or ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. At this moment, there are companies with their quality management systems certified according to the ISO 9001 standard which have metrology laboratories to make internal checks of their measuring equipment. On the other hand, there are companies with ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories. Finally, there are companies that have their QMS certified according to ISO 9001 and also their metrology laboratory accredited by ISO/IEC 17025. In this case the metrology laboratory must comply with the requirements of both standards. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the level of importance of the ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 standards from the perspective of a metrology laboratory.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology used to conduct this research was supported in case studies that had been carried out in nine metrology laboratories. The information was gathered based on semi-structured interviews.

Findings

After an analysis and discussion over the data obtained, the authors verified that the impact on customer perception is significantly positive, if the metrology laboratory is simultaneous certified and accredited.

Originality/value

From the laboratories perspective, the issue analyzed in this paper is of the utmost importance and the aim is to give the contribution in order to clarify this kind of organizations of which could be the best option for their context.
5S – a quality improvement tool for sustainable performance: literature review and directions
Authors: Randhawa Jugraj Singh , Ahuja Inderpreet Singh
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the comprehensive literature review on 5S and suggest possible gaps from the point of view of researchers and practitioners. The manuscript presents the overview of 5S implementation and highlights the achievements realized from deployment of 5S initiatives for sustainable performance of organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper critically examines the literature on 5S, analyzes and reviews it systematically. The study highlights the critical barriers and success factors for sustainable 5S implementation in the organizations in the competitive world.

Findings

5S is an outstanding Japanese philosophy for the development of any type organization all over the world. This study bring out the concept of 5S, requirements for its holistic implementation, relationship with other lean tools, benefits, success factors and obstacles in 5S implementation. The significant contributions through 5S initiatives in the organization like production, quality, safety and effective utilization of workspace for the sustained organizational improvement have also been highlighted in the study.

Practical implications

The literature on assortment of 5S technique has been so far very limited. The present paper reviews large number of research publications related to 5S to highlight the significance of 5S philosophy in the sustainable organizational improvement across the world. It foregrounds the approach advised by the various researchers, practitioners and appraises censoriously the reason behind the demand of 5S program in the organization. The needful steps and obstacles are also foreground for the effective implementation of 5S in the organization.

Originality/value

The paper presents a comprehensive review of literature publications in the area of 5S and their assortment to develop an understanding of the significance and implementation of 5S in the organizations. The paper will be helpful or useful to researchers, safety executives, development professionals and managers in the organizations.
The integration of standardized management systems: managing business risk
Authors: Ferreira Rebelo Manuel , Silva Rui , Santos Gilberto
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Protecting business value is regarded to be the cornerstone of any organization. The purpose of this paper is to investigate and explore the potential contributions of the integration of standardized management systems (MSs) into an integrated MS. This will support a better coordinated management of different kinds of risks that exist in organizational processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings are based on literature as well as empirical case studies conducted by the authors. It focuses on the potential results of integration of MSs.

Findings

It is found that the integration of MSs leads to a more coherent, extensive, consistent, and harmonized process of identification of hazards. Also, it is found that from integration also results in the minimization of associated risks that affect key aspects of business, considering the organizational context vs requirements of each relevant stakeholder, as defined in related management systems standards.

Research limitations/implications

This research, investigate the risk management (RM) and the integration of MSs from existing research papers about empirical studies for the period 2000-2014, including case studies in which the authors are involved. The number of enterprises can be larger.

Originality/value

Although there is some research regarding RM in organizations related to isolated implementations of MSs, this paper stands in a different perspective, since it addresses the issues emerging from the integration of standardized MSs in a broader perspective.
Defining a theoretical framework for information seeking and parenting
Authors: Montesi Michela , Álvarez Bornstein Belén
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Information seeking for child-rearing is an increasingly popular topic in the medical and social science literature, though a theoretical framework in which to understand this phenomenon is still missing. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present results from a qualitative research in which data were obtained from 21 interviews and the personal experience of one of the authors. Participants were all mothers supportive of attachment parenting, a parenting style inspired by attachment theory which advocates making parenting decisions on a strong basis of information. They were recruited in several Spanish autonomous communities and interviewed between April and July 2015.

Findings

Results were analyzed using grounded theory and allowed to define five major themes: becoming a mother implies a new perception of oneself in which it is common to feel more in need for information; the need to search for information originates in situations of “conflict” or crisis, or as a consequence of conflicting information; information is judged and weighed on the basis of affect and perceptions; scientific and experiential knowledge are valued as complementary; and finally, information seeking appears as one activity of identity work.

Originality/value

Placing conflict, instead of uncertainty, at the beginning of the search process allows to emphasize the role of information seeking in mediating relationships and interactions at a societal level. From this point of view, the authors understand that LIS should pay more attention to information seeking as an important factor in social change.
Once more unto the breach
Authors: Buschman John
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore an approach to epistemology which allows a portion of library and information science (LIS) to coherently explain its social and intellectual contributions, and to overcome some of the problems of epistemology that LIS encounters.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature based conceptual analysis of the problems of epistemology in LIS and the productive approach of Deweyan Pragmatism.

Findings

LIS’ problems with epistemology come from a variety of sources: epistemology itself, the combining of librarianship with information science, and the search for a common grounding of the information professions, their tools and their institutions. No such theoretical foundation is possible, but Deweyan Pragmatism offers a sensible, practical explanation for the historical development and practices of librarianship.

Originality/value

Pragmatism has been deployed in portions of LIS, but the full implications and the “fit” of Dewey’s ideas for librarianship and its epistemology are productive explorations.
Tourism and global logistics hub development in the Caribbean
Authors: Anderson Kirkland Robert
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of agritourism as a development model which enables the diversification of agriculture and targets the utilization of endogenous approaches in an effective manner to distribute benefits for the majority of the community. The logistics hub is a channel by which sustainability of this model can be achieved.

Methodology

This explorative study used survey methodology to gather data from a cross-section of stakeholders: an influential group consisting of 20 directors and senior directors, and 146 farmers, extension and assistant extension officers from rural agriculture development agency (RADA). The study was explored in terms of six proposed sustainability indicators as demonstrated by the Mandel Model for sustainable rural poultry farming.

Findings

The presence of the logistics hub made possible environmentally friendly infrastructural development, quality control of agritourism services, availability of financial resources and improved publicity and promotion of services. Arising from this, economics, socio-cultural and environmental benefits are likely to be achieved.

Research limitations/implications

Although the research has achieved its aims, there are some limitations. First, this research was conducted in seven of the fourteen parishes of Jamaica. Second, a broader-based longitudinal study is best suited to research of this nature.

Practical implications

Participating rural communities are likely to experience increased economic activity and development and ultimately a better standard of living. This must be seen in the context of the need for citizens in rural Jamaica to achieve cultural and educational change.

Social implications

This study has implications for the development and maintenance of public services and for local customs and cultures.

Originality/value

It is estimated that more than 100,000 Jamaicans could improve their standard of living and ultimately this would benefit all Jamaicans.
Capacity building for tourism and logistics: redefining the role of human resources
Authors: Arhelo Betty Aigbogho
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the current position of human resources in Caribbean ports and how this position has impacted the development of tourism and logistics in the region.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research was used to describe the data collected from five different ports across the Caribbean. Documents and interviews were chosen because the study is limited to five ports with five senior managers.

Findings

The study shows that, on average, 20 per cent of Caribbean port workers are provided with new skills in the areas of technology, human resource development, information technology, health and safety and handling of dangerous goods and customs documentation.

Practical implications

There is a need for a re-think among educational institutions in the Caribbean in relation to the development of human resources for the logistics and tourism industries. The implications of this study go beyond the Caribbean, given the global nature of the maritime constituency.

Originality/value

This paper draws on an MSc research project and offers directions for further research in logistics and supply chain management.
Tourism business development and logistics in the Caribbean
Authors: Ajagunna Ibrahim , Pinnock Fritz , Amonde Tom M. , Teare Richard
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to profile the WHATT theme issue “Tourism business development and logistics in the Caribbean: Will there be a symbiotic relationship?” by drawing on reflections from the theme editors and theme issue outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Structured questions are used to enable the theme editors to reflect on the rationale for the theme issue question, the starting-point, the selection of the writing team and material and the editorial process.

Findings

The paper draws on academic and practitioner perspectives to examine the interrelatedness between tourism development and logistics in the Caribbean and concludes that there is much common ground.

Practical implications

This paper outlines challenges and new approaches to the management of tourism business development and logistics in the Caribbean.

Originality/value

The present paper profiles the main developments that need to occur to maximize benefits for the people and economies of the Caribbean region.
Using a forest dynamics model to link community assembly processes and traits structure
Authors: Chauvet Mickaël , Kunstler Georges , Roy Jacques , Morin Xavier
Published: February 2017

Trait‐based approaches have been increasingly used to understand the role of environmental and biotic filters on species assembly. However, our understanding of the relationships between traits and community assembly processes remain limited. Indeed, various assembly processes may lead to similar functional patterns, and the effects of a given process may vary with the considered traits. Especially, competition can result in trait divergence or convergence depending on whether the trait is related to niche differences or to species’ competitive abilities.

In this study, we used a process‐based forest gap‐model to explore the effects of environmental and biotic assembly processes on the functional diversity of tree communities along a productivity gradient of 11 sites across central Europe. In a simulation experiment, we (i) disentangled the effects of environmental and biotic filtering on community structure, and (ii) tested whether competition resulted in trait divergence or convergence.

Our results confirmed the expected decrease in species richness with decreasing site fertility. We detected environmental filtering for traits related to both species environmental requirements and species competitive ability, highlighting that environmental trait filtering can affect all aspects of tree life‐history strategies.

We observed convergence of traits related to growth and light capture resulting from competition for light, suggesting that tree species assembly is mainly driven by differences in competitive abilities. Additionally, the observed trait convergence was stronger in more productive sites than in less fertile ones, reflecting the impact of environmental conditions on competitive interactions.

Synthesis. Our study shows that process‐based forest gap‐models can help to test whether functional traits composition reveal the signature of community assembly processes. This process‐based approach challenges the classical view on the links between traits and mechanisms driving community assembly.

A lay summary is available for this article.
Trait‐matching and mass effect determine the functional response of herbivore communities to land‐use intensification
Authors: Le Provost Gaëtane , Gross Nicolas , Börger Luca , Deraison Hélène , Roncoroni Marilyn , Badenhausser Isabelle
Published: February 2017

Trait‐based approaches represent a promising way to understand how trophic interactions shape animal communities. The approach relies on the identification of the traits that mediate the linkages between adjacent trophic levels, i.e. ‘trait‐matching’. Yet, how trait‐matching explains the abundance and diversity of animal communities has been barely explored. This question may be particularly critical in the context of land‐use intensification, currently threatening biodiversity and associated ecosystem services.

We collected a large dataset on plant and grasshopper traits from communities living in 204 grasslands, in an intensively managed agricultural landscape. We used a multi‐trait approach to quantify the relative contributions of trait‐matching and land‐use intensification acting at both local and landscape scales on grasshopper functional diversity. We considered two key independent functional traits: incisor strength and body size of grasshopper species. Incisor strength, a resource‐acquisition trait, strongly matches grasshopper feeding niche. Body size correlates with mobility traits, and may determine grasshopper dispersal abilities.

Plant functional diversity positively impacted the diversity of grasshopper resource‐acquisition traits, according to the degree of trait‐matching observed between plants and herbivores. However, this positive effect was significantly higher in old grasslands. In addition, the presence of specific habitats in the landscape (i.e. wood and alfalfa) strongly enhanced grasshopper resource‐acquisition trait diversity in the focal grassland. Finally, grasshopper body size increased with landscape simplification, although the response was modulated by local factors such as soil depth.

Trait‐matching between plants and herbivores was an important driver explaining the abundance and diversity of resource‐acquisition traits within grasshopper communities. However, the presence of specific habitats in the surrounding landscape had also a strong influence on herbivore functional diversity in grasslands. Our study suggests that also mass effects are a central mechanism promoting higher functional diversity within animal communities in highly disturbed anthropogenic systems.

A lay summary is available for this article.
Do Rising Labour Costs Drive Innovation in Enterprises? Propensity Score Matching Evidence from Chinese Firms
Authors: Huang Xianhai , Chen Hangyu , Yang Gaoju
Published: February 2017

This paper uses a monopolistic competition model and propensity score matching (PSM) with Chinese firm‐level data to determine whether rising labour costs drive innovation within enterprises. The results indicate that rising wages do drive firms to invest more in R&D and use more capital to substitute for labour to minimize costs, which improves total factor productivity. The results are verified by several robustness tests.
The effect of maternal low flow oxygen administration during the second stage of labour on umbilical cord artery pH: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Qian G , Xu X , Chen L , Xia S , Wang A , Chuai Y , Jiang W
Published: February 2017

Objective

To assess the effect of maternal low flow oxygen administration during the second stage of labour on umbilical cord artery pH.

Design

A randomised controlled trial.

Setting

A tertiary teaching hospital in China.

Population

Women in the second stage of labour with no complications.

Methods

About 443 women were randomly allocated to receive either supplemental oxygen at a flow rate of 2 l/min or a sham supplementation by nasal cannula. Healthcare providers, women and outcome assessors were blinded to allocation.

Main outcome measures

Umbilical cord artery pH and fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern.

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the umbilical cord artery pH [median 7.261, interquartile range (IQR) 7.228–7.295 versus 7.266 (IQR 7.232–7.297), P = 0.64], the proportion with pH less than 7.2 [30/219 versus 34/224, P = 0.66, RR (relative risk) 0.9, 95% CI 0.57–1.42], and the proportion with normal FHR pattern (147/219 versus 153/224, P = 0.79, RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.86–1.12). Maternal partial pressure of dissolved oxygen was significantly higher in the oxygen group than in the sham group [median 150.0 mmHg (IQR 142.6–156.7) versus 112.0 (IQR 104.8–118.3), P < 0.001], whereas carbon dioxide was significantly lower in the oxygen group than in the sham group (mean difference −1.1, 95% CI −2.1 to −0.1, P = 0.03).

Conclusion

The use of 2 l/min maternal oxygen during the second stage of labour did not adversely affect either the umbilical artery pH or the FHR pattern distribution.

Tweetable abstract

No difference in abnormal fetal acid base or normal heart rate if maternal O2 given, randomised trial finds.
Edible insects in China: Utilization and prospects
Authors: Feng Ying , Chen Xiao‐Ming , Zhao Min , He Zhao , Sun Long , Wang Cheng‐Ye , Ding Wei‐Feng
Published: February 2017

The use of edible insects has a long history in China, where they have been consumed for more than 2000 years. In general, the level of acceptance is high for the consumption of insects in China. Many studies on edible insects have been conducted in the last 20 years, and the scope of the research includes the culture of entomophagy and the identification, nutritional value, farming and breeding of edible insects, in addition to food production and safety. Currently, 324 species of insects from 11 orders are documented that are either edible or associated with entomophagy in China, which include the common edible species, some less commonly consumed species and some medicinal insects. However, only approximately 10 to 20 types of insects are regularly consumed. The nutritional values for 174 species are available in China, including edible, feed and medicinal species. Although the nutritional values vary among species, all the insects examined contain protein, fat, vitamins and minerals at levels that meet human nutritional requirements. Edible insects were, and continue to be, consumed by different ethnic groups in many parts of China. People directly consume insects or food products made from insects. The processing of products from insect protein powder, oil and chitin, and the development of healthcare foods has been studied in China. People also consume insects indirectly by eating livestock that were fed insects, which may be a more acceptable pathway to use insects in human diets. Although limited, the data on the food safety of insects indicate that insects are safe for food or feed. Incidences of allergic reactions after consuming silkworm pupae, cicadas and crickets have been reported in China. Insect farming is a unique breeding industry in rural China and is a source of income for local people. Insects are reared and bred for human food, medicine and animal feed using two approaches in China: the insects are either fully domesticated and reared completely in captivity or are partially raised in captivity, and the insect habitat is manipulated to increase production. Depending on the type of relationship the insect has with humans, plants and the environment, different farming strategies are used. The social and scientific communities must work together to promote the use of insects as food and feed.
Synthetic extreme environments: overlooked sources of potential biotechnologically relevant microorganisms
Authors: Sibanda Timothy , Selvarajan Ramganesh , Tekere Memory
Published: February 2017

Synthetic extreme environments like carwash effluent tanks and drains are potential sources of biotechnologically important microorganisms and molecules which have, however, remained unexplored. Using culture‐ and molecular‐based methods, a total of 17 bacterial isolates belonging to the genera Shewanella, Proteus, Paenibacillus, Enterobacter and Citrobacter, Aeromonas, Pseudomonas and Pantoea were identified. Hydrocarbon utilization and enzyme production screening assays showed that Aeromonas sp. CAC11, Paenibacillus sp. CAC12 and Paenibacillus sp. CAC13 and Citrobacter sp. PCW7 were able to degrade benzanthracene, naphthalene and diesel oil, Paenibacillus sp. CAC12 and Paenibacillus sp. CAC13 could produce cellulase enzyme, while Proteus sp. BPS2, Pseudomonas sp. SAS8 and Proteus sp. CAL3 could produce lipase. GC‐MS analysis of bacterial secondary metabolites resulted in identification of 107 different compounds produced by Proteus sp. BPS2, Paenibacillus sp. CAC12, Pseudomonas sp. SAS8, Proteus sp. CAL3 and Paenibacillus sp. CAC13. Most of the compounds identified by both GC‐MS and LC‐MS have previously been determined to have antibacterial, antifungal and/or anticancer properties. Further, microbial metabolites which have previously been known to be produced only by plants or microorganisms found in natural extreme environments were also identified in this study. This research has revealed the immense bioresource potential of microorganisms inhabiting synthetic extreme environments.
Economic and social impact of diabetes mellitus in a low‐income country: A case‐control study in Sudan
Authors: Elrayah‐Eliadarous Hind A. , Östenson Claes‐Göran , Eltom Mohamed , Johansson Pia , Sparring Vibeke , Wahlström Rolf
Published: February 2017

Background

Diabetes mellitus accounts for 11% of total health expenditure worldwide, and most people with diabetes live in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The present study examined the economic and social effects attributed to diabetes in Sudan by calculating out‐of‐pocket medical expenses and the health and social effects of the disease for people with diabetes (n = 375) and their families compared with a non‐diabetic control group (n = 375), matched for age, sex, and residence area.

Methods

Data were obtained in 2013 in four states within the Sudan, via structured interviews, using instruments from the International Diabetes Federation. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze differences between case and control participants.

Results

The median total annual medical expenditure was fourfold higher for people with than without diabetes (US$579 vs US$148, respectively). Annual mean expenditure was 85% higher for those with diabetes (US$1004 vs US$544). People with diabetes were also significantly more likely to suffer from serious comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disorders and foot ulcers, compared with control participants. Moreover, those with diabetes reported a higher proportion of personal adverse social effects, such as being prevented from doing paid work or participating in education, both for themselves and their families.

Conclusions

The high economic burden and adverse social effects on people with diabetes and their families in Sudan call for the development of evidence‐based policy and program strategies for the prevention and management of diabetes, with an emphasis on low‐resource communities.
Does Ownership Identity Matter? A Meta‐analysis of Research on Firm Financial Performance in Relation to Government versus Private Ownership
Authors: Wang Kun Tracy , Shailer Greg
Published: February 2017

We examine whether reported ownership–performance relations systematically differ for government versus private ownership by integrating the diverse empirical results for listed corporations in emerging markets. Our meta‐analysis confirms popular perceptions that, compared to private ownership, government ownership is associated with inferior performance. We find that, on average, the underlying ownership–performance relation is negative for government ownership and positive for private ownership, and the difference between these relations is significant. We also find that the positive private ownership–performance relation is stronger for institutional/foreign ownership compared to family/management ownership. Further analysis shows that negative (positive) government (private) ownership and performance relations have weakened (strengthened) over time. Our assessment of the sources of heterogeneity shows that reported relations are biased by estimation methods that fail to adequately control for endogeneity. Our results suggest that the nature of ownership–performance relations in emerging markets remains very dynamic and warrants ongoing research interest.
Modeling human methamphetamine use patterns in mice: chronic and binge methamphetamine exposure, reward function and neurochemistry
Authors: Kesby James P. , Chang Ariel , Markou Athina , Semenova Svetlana
Published: February 2017

Different methamphetamine use patterns in human subjects may contribute to inconsistent findings regarding the effects of methamphetamine abuse on brain and behavior. The present study investigated whether human‐derived chronic and binge methamphetamine use patterns have differential effects on reward and neurochemistry in mice. Brain reward function in mice was evaluated during acute/prolonged withdrawal, and in response to methamphetamine challenge using the intracranial self‐stimulation procedure. Brain dopaminergic, serotonergic and glutamatergic neurochemistry was determined with high‐performance liquid chromatography. Chronic and binge regimens induced withdrawal‐related decreases in reward function that were more severe during the binge regimen during cycles 1–2. Despite large differences in methamphetamine dose, both regimens induced similar reward deficits during cycles 3–4. Neither methamphetamine regimen led to persistent alterations in the sensitivity to the reward‐enhancing effects of acute methamphetamine challenge. The binge regimen severely depleted striatal dopamine levels and increased brain glutamine levels. The chronic regimen had milder effects on striatal dopamine levels and altered cortical dopamine and serotonin levels. This work highlights that the magnitude of acute/prolonged withdrawal may not reflect amount or frequency of methamphetamine intake. In contrast, the array of underlying neurochemical alterations was methamphetamine regimen dependent. Thus, stratifying methamphetamine‐dependent individuals based on use pattern may help to cater therapeutic interventions more appropriately by targeting use pattern‐specific neurotransmitter systems.
Natural evolution in patients with nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐induced urticaria/angioedema
Authors: Doña I. , Barrionuevo E. , Salas M. , Cornejo‐García J. A. , Perkins J. R. , Bogas G. , Prieto A. , Torres M. J.
Published: February 2017

Background

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most frequent triggers of drug hypersensitivity with NSAIDs‐induced urticaria/angioedema (NIUA) the most common phenotype. Loss of hypersensitivity has been reported for IgE‐mediated reactions; however, it has not been assessed in nonimmunological reactions such as NIUA. We evaluated NSAID‐hypersensitivity over time in NIUA patients.

Methods

Patients confirmed as NIUA by positive drug provocation test (DPT) with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) during 2005‐2012 (V1) were included (n=38). Subjects were prospectively re‐evaluated by DPT with ASA/other NSAIDs at two time points between 2013 and 2015 (V2 and V3). Atopy was assessed by skin prick test (SPT) using inhalant and food allergens.

Results

Patients were evaluated at V1 and re‐evaluated after 60 months (V2; IR:48‐81) and a further 18 months (V3; IR:14‐24). At V2, the majority (24; 63.15%) tolerated ASA and other NSAIDs (Group A) while 14 (36.84%) still reacted (Group B). At V3, all Group A patients remained tolerant; all Group B patients remained hypersensitive. The number of previous episodes reported at V1 and the percentage of reactions induced by ASA/ibuprofen were significantly lower in Group A (P=.005 and P=.006, respectively). Group A patients developed tolerance 72 months (IR:45‐87) after their last evaluated reaction (V1); this interval was shorter in nonatopics (P=.003), patients who experienced reactions over 1 hour after NSAIDs administration (P=.001), and those who experienced isolated urticaria after NSAID intake (P=.024).

Conclusions

NIUA patients may develop tolerance to NSAIDs over time, a process that seems to be influenced by atopy and type of clinical reaction.
Magnetic Alteration of Soils by Late Holocene Hunter–Gatherer Groups (Tierra Del Fuego, South America)
Authors: Ozán I. L. , Orgeira M. J. , Vásquez C. , Naselli M.
Published: February 2017

The present work aims to analyse the magnetic signature from the Late Holocene open‐air archaeological deposits of hunter–gatherer ephemeral occupations. For this purpose, two profiles were sampled at the Marazzi 2 site in the north‐western Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, Chile, in order to carry out studies of magnetic susceptibility, hysteresis cycles, back‐field remanent magnetization, isothermal remanent magnetization and thermal variation of magnetic susceptibility at high and low temperature. Despite short‐term occupations, the P1 profile shows a magnetic peak at a depth of ~30–70 cm due to magnetite, probably formed by anthropogenic activity related to combustion. The P2 profile instead yields an anomalous peak of coercivity (at a depth of 20–40 cm), which could also be anthropogenic, due to the presence of finely dispersed ancient ‘red ochre’. The red ochre is proposed to form anthropogenic thermal alteration of goethite associated with volcanic ash, the remnants of which were found in thin sections from the P2 subsoil.
The impact of childhood maltreatment on young adults’ mental health: Evidence from the Philippines
Authors: B. Sarmiento Cathe Ryne Denice , Rudolf Robert
Published: February 2017

Using a new retrospective data set on young Filipino adults, this study aims to quantify the prevalence, risk factors, and mental health consequences in later life of childhood maltreatment in the Philippines. A survey was conducted with a sample of 155 adults (83 women, 72 men) aged 18–24 living in Quezon City, the largest metropolitan city in the Philippines. Findings show that four out of five young Filipino adults experience minor physical violence during childhood, while one out of four suffer severe physical violence. Boys from less educated families that grow up in urban environments face the highest risks. While we find a strong link between childhood physical abuse and young adults’ mental health, no such effect was found for experiences of psychological aggression. Childhood physical abuse was further found to have negative effects on young adults’ family relations, social relations, and overall satisfaction with life.
Person‐specific versus multilevel autoregressive models: Accuracy in parameter estimates at the population and individual levels
Authors: Liu Siwei
Published: February 2017

This paper compares the multilevel modelling (MLM) approach and the person‐specific (PS) modelling approach in examining autoregressive (AR) relations with intensive longitudinal data. Two simulation studies are conducted to examine the influences of sample heterogeneity, time series length, sample size, and distribution of individual level AR coefficients on the accuracy of AR estimates, both at the population level and at the individual level. It is found that MLM generally outperforms the PS approach under two conditions: when the sample has a homogeneous AR pattern, namely, when all individuals in the sample are characterized by AR processes with the same order; and when the sample has heterogeneous AR patterns, but a multilevel model with a sufficiently high order (i.e., an order equal to or higher than the maximum order of individual AR patterns in the sample) is fitted and successfully converges. If a lower‐order multilevel model is chosen for heterogeneous samples, the higher‐order lagged effects are misrepresented, resulting in bias at the population level and larger prediction errors at the individual level. In these cases, the PS approach is preferable, given sufficient measurement occasions (T ≥ 50). In addition, sample size and distribution of individual level AR coefficients do not have a large impact on the results. Implications of these findings on model selection and research design are discussed.
Flotillins control zebrafish epiboly through their role in cadherin‐mediated cell–cell adhesion
Authors: Morris Eduardo A. Rios , Bodin Stéphane , Delaval Bénédicte , Comunale Franck , Georget Virginie , Costa Manoel L. , Lutfalla Georges , Gauthier‐Rouvière Cécile
Published: February 2017

Zebrafish gastrulation and particularly epiboly that involves coordinated movements of several cell layers is a dynamic process for which regulators remain to be identified. We show here that Flotillin 1 and 2, ubiquitous and highly conserved proteins, are required for epiboly. Flotillins knockdown compromised embryo survival, strongly delayed epiboly and impaired deep cell radial intercalation and directed collective migration without affecting enveloping layer cell movement. At the molecular level, we identified that Flotillins are required for the formation of E‐cadherin‐mediated cell–cell junctions. These results provide the first in vivo evidence that Flotillins regulate E‐cadherin‐mediated cell–cell junctions to allow epiboly progression.
Transforming growth factor β‐activated kinase 1 inhibitor suppresses the proliferation in triple‐negative breast cancer through TGF‐β/TGFR pathway
Authors: Zhang Liangyu , Fu Zelong , Li Xia , Tang Haitao , Luo Jiesi , Zhang Dehui , Zhuang Yongzhi , Han Zhiyang , Yin Mingzhu
Published: February 2017

Breast cancer is one of the most invasive cancer types in female population. The functional activity of Transforming growth factor β‐activated kinase 1 (TAK1) in breast cancer progression increasingly attracts attention as it provides a potential target for antibreast cancer drug development. However, the fundamental role of TAK1 for triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) progression and the effect of potential anti‐TAK1 drug candidate needs to be further evaluated. Herein, we focused on the role of TAK1 in human breast cancer cells, and we hypothesized that the inhibition of TAK1 activation can repress the growth of human TNBC cells. We found that the TAK1 is robustly activated within cancer cell population of clinic‐derived TNBC samples and the human breast cancer cell lines in culture. Furthermore, we determined the effect of 5Z‐7‐oxozeaenol (5Z‐O), a TAK1‐specific small molecule inhibitor, on proliferation of human TNBC cell line. 5Z‐O treatment significantly suppressed the proliferation of human TNBC cells. Collectively, these demonstrate the role of TAK1 in human breast cancer and the antiproliferate effect of TAK1 inhibitor. Our study sets the stage for further research on TAK1 as a promising target for development of anti‐TNBC drugs and therapeutic strategies.
Recent advances in neuroimmune interactions
Authors: Murakami Masaaki
Published: February 2017

The three reviews mentioned here highlight the importance of immune cell migration and its control by neural activations. Elucidation of these neuro‐immune interactions will provide novel strategies to treat chronic inflammation in the CNS including multiple sclerosis.
Molecular identification and distribution of non‐tuberculous mycobacteria isolated from clinical specimens byPCR‐sequencing method inWest ofIran
Authors: Dastranj Mahsa , Farahani Abbas , Hashemi Shahraki Abdolrazagh , Atashi Sara , Mohajeri Parviz
Published: February 2017

Background and Aims

Infections by non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has rapidly increased in recent years, due to high infection rates related to the populations at risk like immunocompromised individuals, patients predisposed by prior pulmonary. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of NTM in clinical samples and genetic diversity using 16S rRNA andrpoBsequence analysis.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 45 diverse isolates collected from sputum in 2 years 2014‐2015 using standard decontamination procedure. All mycobacterial isolates were grown on LJ medium and also conventional tests for preliminary identification of mycobacteria rely on traits and then DNA extraction. PCR was performed, and sequencing of 16S rRNA andrpoBgenes was applied for NTM strains identification.

Results

A total of 45 isolates collected, 37 samples (83%) were evaluated as NTM. All NTM strains using molecular methods by sequencing 16S rRNA andrpoBgene were identified, by this way 12 different species have been identified which sequencing ofrpoBwas able to identify all species. The major species obtained wereMycobacterium simiae(22%),M. fortuitum(19%), andM. abscessus(13%).

Conclusions

The results of our study showed that the patients were infected by a wide range of atypical mycobacteria. It was concluded that 16S rRNA gene sequencing coupled withrpoBmarker is a high discriminatory power in identification of NTM. The presence of various species in clinical samples in Iran emphasizes the use of molecular method like sequence analysis of genes is necessary for reliable identification.
Airway and sleep disorders in patients with acromegaly
Authors: Turan Onur , Akinci Barış , Ikiz Ahmet Omer , Itil Oya , Oztura Ibrahim , Ada Emel , Akdeniz Bahri , Yener Serkan , Kaya Murat , Gedik Arzu , Comlekci Abdurrahman
Published: February 2017

Objective

Acromegaly is a multisystemic disorder caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH). Sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) such as sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) may occur in acromegaly. The aim of study was to assess the presence of sleep disorders and evaluate the systemic complications on respiratory, cardiovascular, and upper airway systems in acromegalic patients.

Methods

The study group consisted of 30 acromegaly outpatients. GH and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) measurements were obtained; body pletysmography, arterial blood gas analysis, tissue‐doppler imaging, echocardiography, polysomnography, otorhinolaryngologic examination, and head‐neck computed tomography were performed.

Results

Sixteen female (53.3%) and 14 male (46.7%) acromegalic patients had a mean age of 51.1 ± 13.2. GH was supressed in 19 patients (63.3%) when 11 had active acromegaly (36.7%). There were 17 patients with SAS (62.9%) (7: mild, 3:intermediate, 7:severe SAS) and average AHI was 16/h. Sixteen patients had predominantly obstructive SAS while one patient had predominantly central SAS. SAS was statistically more frequent in males than females (P = .015). The mean neck circumference was significantly longer in patients with SAS (P = .048). In SAS patients,the soft palate was elongated and thickened,which was statistically significant (P = .014 and P = .05).Vallecula‐to‐tongue distance was statistically longer in acromegalic patients with SAS (P = .007).There was a positive correlation between tonsil size,vallecula‐to‐tongue distance and AHI (r = 0.432, P = .045 and r = 0.512, P = .021, respectively).

Conclusion

SDB seems to be common and clinically important in patients with acromegaly, particularly in men. The most frequent type of apnea in acromegalics is obstructive. Hormonal activity of acromegaly does not seem to have an effect on the development of SAS. Despite its high prevalence, SAS is frequently under‐assessed in patients with acromegaly. Systemic complications and SDB should be researched in acromegalics.
Shared musical knowledge in 11‐month‐old infants
Authors: Mehr Samuel A. , Spelke Elizabeth S.
Published: February 2017

Five‐month‐old infants selectively attend to novel people who sing melodies originally learned from a parent, but not melodies learned from a musical toy or from an unfamiliar singing adult, suggesting that music conveys social information to infant listeners. Here, we test this interpretation further in older infants with a more direct measure of social preferences. We randomly assigned 64 11‐month‐old infants to 1–2 weeks’ exposure to one of two novel play songs that a parent either sang or produced by activating a recording inside a toy. Infants then viewed videos of two new people, each singing one song. When the people, now silent, each presented the infant with an object, infants in both conditions preferentially chose the object endorsed by the singer of the familiar song. Nevertheless, infants’ visual attention to that object was predicted by the degree of song exposure only for infants who learned from the singing of a parent. Eleven‐month‐olds thus garner social information from songs, whether learned from singing people or from social play with musical toys, but parental singing has distinctive effects on infants’ responses to new singers. Both findings support the hypothesis that infants endow music with social meaning. These findings raise questions concerning the types of music and behavioral contexts that elicit infants’ social responses to those who share music with them, and they support suggestions concerning the psychological functions of music both in contemporary environments and in the environments in which humans evolved.
Inter‐ and intrarater clinician agreement on joint motion patterns during gait in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Nieuwenhuys Angela , Papageorgiou Eirini , Molenaers Guy , Monari Davide , de Laet Tinne , Desloovere Kaat
Published: February 2017

Aim

This study aimed to quantify the inter‐ and intrarater clinician agreement on joint motion patterns in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP), which were recently specified by a Delphi consensus study. It also examined whether experience with three‐dimensional gait analysis (3DGA) is a prerequisite for using the patterns.

Method

The experimental group consisted of 82 patients with CP (57 males, 25 females; uni‐/bilateral CP [n=27/55]; Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I to III; mean age 9y 5mo [range 4y–18y]). Thirty‐two clinicians were split into ‘experienced’ and ‘inexperienced’ rater groups. Each rater was asked to classify 3DGA reports of 27 or 28 patients twice. Inter‐ and intrarater agreement on 49 joint motion patterns was estimated using percentage of agreement and kappa statistics.

Results

Twenty‐eight raters completed both classification rounds. Intrarater agreement was ‘substantial’ to ‘almost perfect’ for all joints (0.64<ĸ<0.91). Interrater agreement reached similar results (0.63<ĸ<0.86), except for the knee patterns during stance (ĸ=0.49, ‘moderate agreement’). Experienced raters performed significantly better on patterns of the knee during stance and ankle during swing.

Interpretation

Apart from some specific knee patterns during stance and ankle patterns during swing, the results suggested that clinicians could use predefined joint motion patterns in CP with good confidence, even in case of limited experience with 3DGA.
Clinical trials in childhood stroke: from consensus to reality
Authors: Elkind Mitchell S V
Published: February 2017

This commentary is on the original article by Steinlin et al. on pages 713–718 of this issue.
Neurobehavioural vulnerability and autistic traits in RASopathies
Authors: Sznajer Yves
Published: February 2017

This commentary is on the original article by Garg et al. on pages 544–549 of this issue.