bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The incremental value relevance of cash flows and earnings affected by their extremity
Authors: Mostafa Wael
Published: July 2016

Purpose

In contrast to earlier studies, the most recent studies on the incremental value relevance of earnings and cash flows from operations find that both earnings and cash flows have incremental value relevance beyond each other. An interesting question that follows is whether these findings hold after controlling the extremity of earnings and cash flows. This study, therefore, aims to examine the incremental value relevance of earnings and cash flows in the following four cases: moderate earnings and moderate cash flows, moderate earnings and extreme cash flows, extreme earnings and moderate cash flows and extreme earnings and extreme cash flows.

Design/methodology/approach

To evaluate the incremental value relevance (information content) of earnings and cash flows for each of the four cases mentioned above, we examine the statistical significance of the slope coefficients for regression of returns on both unexpected earnings and unexpected cash flows from operations.

Findings

The results show that (i) both moderate and extreme earnings have incremental value relevance beyond both moderate and extreme cash flows, (ii) moderate cash flows have incremental value relevance beyond both moderate and extreme earnings and (iii) extreme cash flows lack incremental value relevance beyond moderate earnings; however, they (extreme cash flows) have incremental value relevance beyond extreme earnings. These results suggest that earnings and cash flows have incremental value relevance. However, only in cases when cash flows are extreme and earnings are moderate, cash flows do not possess incremental value relevance. In further analysis, we find that the value relevance for cash flows and earnings decreases when they are extreme and transitory. Moreover, the value relevance for cash flows increases when they are moderate (not extreme) and the other competing measure (earnings) is transitory and extreme.

Practical implications

The results support the idea that earnings and cash flows from operations complement each other in explaining variation in returns. However, when cash flows are extreme and less informative, investors rely more on earnings in firm valuation, especially when earnings are moderate. Because earnings are unlikely to persist to be permanent across the years, these results can be interpreted as indicating that cash flows and earnings information are used jointly by investors.

Originality/value

In contrast to previous studies, we control for the extremity of earnings and cash flows when evaluating the incremental value relevance of earnings and cash flows from operations.
Quality changes in fresh rohu (Labeo rohita) cutlets added with fibers from ragi, oat and jowar
Authors: Lubana Gurnoor Kaur , Randhawa Baljot Kaur , Surasani Vijay Kumar Reddy , Singh Ajeet
Published: July 2016

Purpose

This study aims to develop fiber-enriched cutlets from minced meat of rohu and study the effects of fiber inclusion on composition, cooking properties and acceptability of cutlets.

Design/methodology/approach

Cutlet mix prepared using rohu mince was divided into four lots, out of which three lots were enriched with fibers from ragi (RFC), jowar (JFC) and oat (OFC) at 10 per cent over and above its quantity. Prepared cutlets were analyzed for nutritional composition, texture, cooking properties and sensorial quality.

Findings

Moisture, protein, fat, fiber and ash contents (per cent) of the fiber-enriched cutlets ranged between 40.4-42.0, 24.5-25.5, 13.2-14.7, 1.8-2.0 and 2.4-2.5 per cent, respectively. The addition of fibers increased the cooking yield of cutlets from 84.6 to 87.5 per cent. RFC lot cutlets had the lowest whiteness values and the highest hardness and shear force values. Cutlets from all the lots had an overall acceptability scores more than 7.0, indicating the sensorial acceptability. Although the differences were insignificant, cutlets from the RFC lot were less acceptable, which might be because of the dark color and tough texture. Hence, jowar and oat flour at 10 per cent can be used to enrich rohu cutlets without affecting their sensorial acceptability.

Research limitations/implications

Sources of fiber will be the major limitation in the work, as the fiber inclusion may negatively affect the quality and acceptability of cutlets. Time of cooking will also influence the final product characteristics, which need to be standardized.

Practical implications

Fish is a rich source of protein but lacks fiber, which is essential for body metabolism. Grains are rich source of fibers but lack some essential nutrients required by the body. In India, many people are dependent on fish for protein due to its high nutritious value. So enriching fish meat with fiber sources will address the health-related problems associated with low-fiber diets. The methodology developed in this work can be used to fulfill the demand for balanced and nutritious diet. Because of increasing health awareness, fish products with added fiber will also increase its market potential.

Social implications

The methodology developed can be used by small-scale entrepreneurs to earn more income by developing functional fish products with low-cost ingredients. The developed products will not only address the issues related to the consumption of low-fiber diets but also create a market for fish products because of their health-benefiting effects.

Originality/value

The work is completely original in nature. The results reported are unique and the outcome of the research has social applicability.
Quality assurance and halal control points for the food industry
Authors: Lau An Nee , Jamaludin Mohd Hafiz , Mei Soon Jan
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the understanding of halal concept among food production workers and to develop a generic Halal Control Point (HCP) Plan for the manufacturing of processed foods.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method (interviews, surveys and microbiological analyses) approach was used to analyze the hygiene and halal practices of four food processing plants in Penang, Malaysia. In total, 200 food production workers were surveyed (and quality assurance staff were interviewed) to determine their understanding of halal concepts and attitude towards halal food products. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) swabbing tests were conducted to determine the hygiene of workers and food contact surfaces. End products were sampled and enumerated for total bacterial count.

Findings

The swabbing tests of food contact surfaces (i.e. tabletops) showed that only Company C (oat) and Company D (coffee powder) passed the ATP hygiene test (= 10 reflective light units [RLU]). The results obtained from all workers’ hands and aprons indicated a 100 per cent failure rate (>30 RLU). No ATP was detected on the packaging materials from all companies. The microbiological findings indicated that the end products are satisfactory and were below detection limits as verified by the enumeration done on the food samples. Besides, from the interview sessions conducted with the quality assurance staff, one generic Halal Control Points (HCPs) plan and four specific HCP plan tables were developed for the manufacturing process of halal food products for each company.

Originality/value

The HCP plans will be of value for food industry seeking to identify potential point sources of haram contamination and halal control points for their food production processes.
Quality evaluation of composite flour laddoo containing sprouted and malted ingredients
Authors: Agrahar-Murugkar Dipika , Zaidi Aiman , Gupta Chetan
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Development of new products rich in nutrients required for growth and development along with acceptability can contribute in alleviating malnutrition.Laddoo, a traditional sweet, is well-accepted by people at large. However, traditional laddoos contain one or two food groups – sugar and saturated fat, which are not healthy. The aim of this research was to formulate a nutritious laddoo using different food groups and to study its nutritional, functional, textural and sensory profile.

Design/methodology/approach

Composite flour laddoo (TL) was formulated using a mix of cereals, sprouted legumes, malted millets, dairy ingredients, fruit, oil and jaggery and evaluated for particle size, colour, texture, nutritional, functional and sensory evaluation and compared with traditional wheat (CL-1) and chickpea (CL-2) flour laddoos (CL).

Findings

The TL’s were significantly softer in texture compared to CLs, resulting in ease in biting, chewing and swallowing. The nutritional quality of TL was significantly higher in terms of protein (24.6 g/100 g), fibre (3.8 g/100 g), iron (10.4 mg/100 g) and phosphorus (287.5 mg/100 g). The functional quality of TL was also higher in terms of phenolics (123.0 gallic acid equivalent mg/100 g), flavonoids (6.9 quercitin equivalent mg/100 g) and antioxidant activity (62.6 per cent radical-scavenging activity). Organoleptic evaluation also showed higher acceptability (eight) of TL against six for CL-1 and seven for CL-2.

Originality/value

Fortification of food products to enhance the nutritive value has become the major focus of the researchers in the field of new product development, owing to the consumer need for products having high nutritive and sensorial properties. Malnutrition is a serious matter of concern among the population of India, and the present situation demands development of products that are rich in nutrients required for growth and development and readily acceptable. Traditional laddoos made using a single ingredient does not provide sufficient nutrients, and sugar and saturated fat used for binding are not healthy options. No work on using composite flour along with sprouting/malting, jaggery and unsaturated fat to prepare laddoos with its nutritional, functional and textural properties has been reported.
Effect of germination and dehulling on the nutritive value of soybean
Authors: Joshi Pallavi , Varma Kanika
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Soybean has great nutritional potential. Its high protein content makes it an alternative protein source to milk in situations where milk cannot be used due to allergic reactions or intolerance. However, the potential benefits of soybean might be limited by the presence of antinutritional factors, including trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA). The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of dehulling and germination on the nutritive value of the soy flour and on the factors that could negatively affect the nutritional potential of the bean.

Design/methodology/approach

Soybean seeds were soaked for 24 h and allowed to germinate for one to three days. Soaked soybeans were manually dehulled and the flours obtained were evaluated for nutritional and antinutritional factors.

Findings

Dehulling and germination produce significant increase in crude protein and crude fiber and ash content (p = 0.05). Crude fat and starch content decreased, but the reduction was insignificant. Trypsin inhibitor levels were significantly lower after germination and dehulling of the seeds (p = 0.05).

Originality/value

Dehulling and germination are cost-effective processing techniques to improve the nutritional quality of the legume.
Impact of maternal weight on pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Ayensu Jessica , Annan Reginald Adjetey , Edusei Anthony , Badu Eric
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The nutritional status of a woman before and during pregnancy is important for a healthy pregnancy outcome. The increasing prevalence of maternal overweight and obesity worldwide has become a problem of concern among public health professionals. The purpose of this paper is to review the evidence regarding the impact of maternal weight on pregnancy outcomes to facilitate the provision of evidence-based information to pregnant women during antenatal clinics in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A search was conducted in PubMed, PLOS ONE, Cochrane, Embase and bibliographies for all studies on maternal weight and pregnancy outcomes published from January 2000 to May 2013. The key words used for the search were: “pre-pregnancy BMI”, “gestational weight gain”, “maternal weight”, “pregnancy outcomes” and “birth outcomes”.

Findings

The search yielded 113 papers; out of these, 35 studies were included in the review after exclusion of duplicates and irrelevant papers. Excluded papers included animal studies and human studies that did not meet inclusion criteria.

Research limitations/implications

The review only considered papers published from 2000 to 2013 and might have left out other important papers published before 2000 and after 2013.

Practical implications

The origins of the studies included in the review suggest paucity of studies on maternal weight and pregnancy outcomes in developing countries where there is a double burden of malnutrition. There is the need for more studies to be initiated in this area.

Social implications

Results of this review have revealed that the extremes of maternal weight prior to and during pregnancy increase the risk of maternal and fetal complications.

Originality/value

This paper provides evidential information on the impact of maternal weight on pregnancy outcomes for counseling during antenatal clinics.
Systems intelligence inventory
Authors: Törmänen Juha , Hämäläinen Raimo P. , Saarinen Esa
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Systems intelligence (SI) (Saarinen and Hämäläinen, 2004) is a construct defined as a person’s ability to act intelligently within complex systems involving interaction and feedback. SI relates to our ability to act in systems and reason about systems to adaptively carry out productive actions within and with respect to systems such as organizations, family and everyday life. This paper aims to develop an inventory to measure the SI construct.

Design/methodology/approach

A combination of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were carried out using data from self-report questionnaires.

Findings

Eight factors labeled systemic perception, attunement, attitude, spirited discovery, reflection, wise action, positive engagement and effective responsiveness are identified as the main components of SI. SI has associations with emotional intelligence but also captures additional dimensions. People in supervisor positions are found to score higher in a number of the SI factors.

Originality/value

A new measure is developed to evaluate and develop our ability to succeed in systemic contexts. The new measure is suggested to be particularly applicable in organizational contexts. It is directly related to the original core disciplines of the learning organization as described by Senge (1990), in particular personal mastery and systems thinking.
Organizational learning through transformational leadership
Authors: Imran Muhammad Kashif , Ilyas Muhammad , Aslam Usman , Ubaid-Ur-Rahman Ubaid-Ur-Rahman
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The transformation of firms from resource-based-view to knowledge-based-view has extended the importance of organizational learning. Thus, this study aims to develop an organizational learning model through transformational leadership with indirect effect of knowledge management process capability and interactive role of knowledge-intensive culture.

Design/methodology/approach

Different statistical analyses were done to check the direct, indirect and interactive effects on 204 valid responses.

Findings

The results are clearly depicting that transformational leadership has significant positive impact on organizational learning and knowledge management process capability, and partially mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and organizational learning. Additionally, knowledge-intensive culture has strengthened the relationship between transformational leadership and knowledge management process capability.

Originality/value

This is an overarching and unique conceptual model. After examining the importance of organizational learning in the context of innovative ability, competitive advantage, creativity and organizational performance, management has to initiate steps to induct transformational leaders, develop knowledge-intensive culture and introduce knowledge management processes to boost learning environment in organizations.
Prioritizing revived species: what are the conservation management implications of de‐extinction?
Authors: Iacona Gwenllian , Maloney Richard F. , Chadès Iadine , Bennett Joseph R. , Seddon Philip J. , Possingham Hugh P.
Published: July 2016

De‐extinction technology that brings back extinct species, or variants on extinct species, is becoming a reality with significant implications for biodiversity conservation. If extinction could be reversed there are potential conservation benefits and costs that need to be carefully considered before such action is taken.

Here, we use a conservation prioritization framework to identify and discuss some factors that would be important if de‐extinction of species for release into the wild were a viable option within an overall conservation strategy.

We particularly focus on how de‐extinction could influence the choices that a management agency would make with regard to the risks and costs of actions, and how these choices influence other extant species that are managed in the same system.

We suggest that a decision science approach will allow for choices that are critical to the implementation of a drastic conservation action, such as de‐extinction, to be considered in a deliberate manner while identifying possible perverse consequences.

Alay summaryis available for this article.
Climate change and the generational timescape
Authors: White Jonathan
Published: July 2016

The problems raised by global warming are widely discussed in terms of their implications for future generations. Underlying this generational scheme, and buttressed by its use, are certain ideas of time and of the relationship between the present and future. This article seeks to illuminate and critically examine these ideas. After a brief survey of the emergence of generational thinking in green thought, it looks at the defining features of this way of conceiving time, identifying them as constitutive of a distinctive ‘timescape’. It goes on to show how the same qualities that account for its widespread appeal are also the source of tensions, ones with implications for its capacity to act as a framework to build political support for action on climate change.
Interpregnancy interval after live birth or pregnancy termination and estimated risk of preterm birth: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shachar BZ , Mayo JA , Lyell DJ , Baer RJ , Jeliffe‐Pawlowski LL , Stevenson DK , Shaw GM
Published: July 2016

Objectives

We assessed whether interpregnancy interval (IPI) length after live birth and after pregnancy termination was associated with preterm birth (PTB).

Design

Multiyear birth cohort.

Settings

Fetal death, birth and infant death certificates in California merged with Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development.

Population

One million California live births (2007–10) after live birth and after pregnancy termination.

Methods

Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) of PTB of 20–36 weeks of gestation and its subcategories for IPIs after a live birth and after a pregnancy termination. We used conditional logistic regression (two IPIs/mother) to investigate associations within mothers.

Main outcome measure

PTB relative to gestations of ≥ 37 weeks.

Results

Analyses included 971 211 women with IPI after live birth, and 138 405 women with IPI after pregnancy termination with 30.6% and 74.6% having intervals of <18 months, respectively. IPIs of <6 months or 6–11 months after live birth showed increased odds of PTB adjusted ORs for PTB of 1.71 (95% CI 1.65–1.78) and 1.20 (95% CI 1.16–1.24), respectively compared with intervals of 18–23 months. An IPI >36 months (versus 18–23 months) was associated with increased odds for PTB. Short IPI after pregnancy termination showed a decreased OR of 0.87 (95% CI 0.81–0.94). The within‐mother analysis showed the association of increased odds of PTB for short IPI, but not for long IPI.

Conclusions

Women with IPI <1 or >3 years after a live birth were at increased odds of PTB—an important group for intervention to reduce PTB. Short IPI after pregnancy termination was associated with reduced odds for PTB and needs to be further explored.

Tweetable abstract

Short and long IPI after live birth, but not after pregnancy termination, showed increased odds for PTB.
The role of remnant trees in carbon sequestration, vegetation structure and tree diversity of early succession regrowing fallows in eastern Sierra Leone
Authors: Cuni Sanchez Aida , Lindsell Jeremy A.
Published: July 2016

Remnant tree presence affects forest recovery after slash‐and‐burn agriculture. However, little is known about its effect on above‐ground carbon stocks, especially in Africa. We focused our study on Sierra Leone, part of the Upper Guinean forests, an important centre of endemism threatened by encroachment and forest degradation. We studied 99 (20‐m‐radius) plots aged 2–10 years with and without remnant trees and compared their above‐ground carbon stocks, vegetation structure (stem density, basal area) and tree diversity. Above‐ground carbon stocks, stem density, basal area, species richness and tree diversity increased significantly with fallow age. Remnant tree presence affected significantly tree diversity, species dominance and above‐ground carbon stocks, but not vegetation structure (stem density, basal area). Number of remnant trees and number of species of remnant trees were also important explanatory variables. Although other factors should be considered in future studies, such as the size and dispersal modes of remnant trees, our results highlight that more strategic inclusion of remnant trees is likely to favour carbon stock and forest recovery in old fallows. To our knowledge, this is the first study on early succession regrowing fallows in West Africa.
The relationship between liver stiffness measurement and outcome in patients with chronic hepatitis C and cirrhosis: a retrospective longitudinal hospital study
Authors: Sultanik P. , Kramer L. , Soudan D. , Bouam S. , Meritet J.‐F. , Vallet‐Pichard A. , Fontaine H. , Bousquet L. , Boueyre E. , Corouge M. , Sogni P. , Pol S. , Mallet V.
Published: July 2016

Background

There is a relationship between liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and outcome of HCV patients.

Aim

To evaluate the performance of LSM to predict outcome of HCV patients at risk of liver‐related complication.

Methods

We established a retrospective longitudinal cohort of 341 HCV patients with unequivocal cirrhosis. All underwent LSM and were followed from September 2006 to July 2015. Outcome measure was a composite end‐point of end‐stage liver disease (ESLD) and/or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cox models and areas under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves were used to evaluate independent risk factors of outcome.

Results

Overall, LSM was below the 12.5 kPa threshold in 129 (37.8%) patients, including three‐fourth and one‐third of patients with or without a sustained virological response respectively. Liver disease progressed in 136 (39.9%) patients after a median observational period of 23.5 months. Older age, male gender, alcohol use disorders, metabolic syndrome and LSM were independent risk factors of liver disease progression. Age, alcohol use disorders and LSM were independently associated with ESLD. Age, gender and metabolic syndrome, but not LSM, were associated with HCC. The AUROC curves for disease progression, ESLD and HCC were 0.67, 0.70 and 0.58 respectively. Patients with a liver stiffness >12.5 kPa were at the highest risk of liver disease progression; below 12.5 kPa, liver stiffness was not discriminant.

Conclusion

Liver stiffness measurement is not a surrogate of disease progression of HCV patients with cirrhosis. HCV patients with cirrhosis should undergo the recommended follow‐up, regardless of liver stiffness measurement.
Bioenergy harvest impacts to biodiversity and resilience vary across aspen‐dominated forest ecosystems in the Lake States region, USA
Authors: Curzon Miranda T. , D'Amato Anthony W. , Palik Brian J.
Published: July 2016

Questions

Does the increase in disturbance associated with removing harvest residues negatively impact biodiversity and resilience in aspen‐dominated forest ecosystems? How do responses of functional diversity measures relate to community recovery and standing biomass?

Location

Aspen (Populus tremuloides, Michx.) mixedwood forests in Minnesota and Michigan, USA.

Methods

Three levels for two factors, organic matter removal and compaction, were fully crossed, resulting in nine experimental treatments that spanned a range of disturbance severity. Each treatment was replicated three times at each of three sites dominated by the same tree species but having different soil textures (clay, silty loam, sandy). Community composition and taxonomic diversity (species richness, species evenness, Shannon diversity index) were quantified based on woody species abundance sampled 5, 10 and 15 yr after disturbance. Community composition response was assessed using non‐metric multidimensional scaling. Functional diversity (functional richness, evenness, dispersion and divergence) was also estimated using eight species effect and response traits. Finally, we examined community recovery as well as responses of species and functional diversity to disturbance severity over time using repeated measures ANOVA.

Results

Two responses indicated a potentially negative impact of whole‐tree harvest relative to conventional, stem‐only harvest: functional richness on silty loam soils and species evenness on clayey soils. Otherwise, negative impacts were restricted to forest floor removal or increased compaction. Recovery in community composition was reduced by the most severe treatments, particularly forest floor removal, across the study, but the responses of functional and taxonomic diversity varied among sites, with some measures increasing as a result of severe disturbance.

Conclusions

Maximization of standing biomass may mean a short‐term sacrifice in species and functional diversity. Also, examinations of forest management impacts on species and functional diversity and composition should apply multiple metrics and indices to ensure potential impacts are not obscured by the reliance on a single approach.
The Meta‐Nudge – A Response to the Claim That the Use of Nudges During the Informed Consent Process is Unavoidable
Authors: Gelfand Scott D.
Published: July 2016

Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein, in Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness, assert that rejecting the use nudges is ‘pointless’ because ‘[i]n many cases, some kind of nudge is inevitable’. Schlomo Cohen makes a similar claim. He asserts that in certain situations surgeons cannot avoid nudging patients either toward or away from consenting to surgical interventions. Cohen concludes that in these situations (assuming surgeons believe that surgery is the best option for their patients), nudging patients toward consenting to surgical interventions is (at the very least) uncriticizable or morally permissible. I call this argument: The Unavoidability Argument. In this essay, I will respond to Cohen's use of the unavoidability argument in support of using nudges during the process of informed consent. Specifically, I argue that many so‐called ‘unavoidable nudges’ are, in fact, avoidable. Although my argument is directed toward Cohen's use of the unavoidability argument, it is applicable to the unavoidability argument more generally.
Testosterone treatment is not associated with increased risk of prostate cancer or worsening of lower urinary tract symptoms: prostate health outcomes in the Registry of Hypogonadism in Men
Authors: Debruyne Frans M.J. , Behre Hermann M. , Roehrborn Claus G. , Maggi Mario , Wu Frederick C.W. , Schröder Fritz H. , Jones Thomas Hugh , Porst Hartmut , Hackett Geoffrey , Wheaton Olivia A. , Martin‐Morales Antonio , Meuleman Eric , Cunningham Glenn R. , Divan Hozefa A. , Rosen Raymond C. ,   the RHYME Investigators
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of testosterone‐replacement therapy (TRT) on prostate health indicators in hypogonadal men, including rates of prostate cancer diagnoses, changes in prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) over time.

Patients and Methods

The Registry of Hypogonadism in Men (RHYME) is a multi‐national patient registry of treated and untreated, newly‐diagnosed hypogonadal men (n = 999). Follow‐up assessments were performed at 3–6, 12, 24, and 36 months. Baseline and follow‐up data collection included medical history, physical examination, blood sampling, and patient questionnaires. Prostate biopsies underwent blinded independent adjudication for the presence and severity of prostate cancer; PSA and testosterone levels were measured via local and central laboratory assays; and LUTS severity was assessed via the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Incidence rates per 100 000 person‐years were calculated. Longitudinal mixed models were used to assess effects of testosterone on PSA levels and IPSS.

Results

Of the 999 men with clinically diagnosed hypogonadism (HG), 750 (75%) initiated TRT, contributing 23 900 person‐months of exposure. The mean testosterone levels increased from 8.3 to 15.4 nmol/L in treated men, compared to only a slight increase from 9.4 to 11.3 nmol/L in untreated men. In all, 55 biopsies were performed for suspected prostate cancer, and 12 non‐cancer related biopsies were performed for other reasons. Overall, the proportion of positive biopsies was nearly identical in men on TRT (37.5%) compared to those not on TRT (37.0%) over the course of the study. There were no differences in PSA levels, total IPSS, or the IPSS obstructive sub‐scale score by TRT status. Lower IPSS irritative sub‐scale scores were reported in treated compared to untreated men.

Conclusions

Results support prostate safety of TRT in newly diagnosed men with HG.
Aquaglyceroporin function in the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Liu Kun , Tsujimoto Hitoshi , Huang Yuzheng , Rasgon Jason L. , Agre Peter
Published: July 2016

Background information

Anopheles gambiae is the major mosquito vector for Plasmodium falciparum malaria in sub‐Saharan Africa, where it survives in stressful climates. Aquaporin water channels are expressed in all life forms, where they provide environmental adaptation by conferring rapid trans‐cellular movement of water (classical aquaporins) or water plus glycerol (aquaglyceroporins). Here, we report an aquaglyceroporin homolog in A. gambiae, AgAQP3 (A. gambiae aquaglyceroporin 3).

Results

Despite atypical pore‐lining amino acids, AgAQP3 is permeated by water, glycerol and urea, and is not significantly inhibited by 1 mM HgCl2. AgAQP3 is expressed more heavily in male mosquitoes, yet adult female A. gambiae abundantly express AgAQP3 in Malpighian tubules and gut where large amounts of fluid exchange occur during blood meal digestion, water and nutrient absorption and waste secretion. Reducing expression of AgAQP3 by RNA interference reduces median mosquito survival at 39°C. After an infectious blood meal, mosquitoes with depleted AgAQP3 expression exhibit fewer P. falciparum oocysts in the midgut compared to control mosquitoes.

Conclusions

Our studies reveal critical contributions of AgAQP3 to A. gambiae heat tolerance and P. falciparum development in vivo.

Significance

This study indicates that AgAQP3 may be a major factor explaining why A. gambiae is an important malaria vector mosquito in sub‐Saharan Africa, and may be a potential target for novel malaria control strategies.
Hydrocephalus compacted cortex and hippocampus and altered their output neurons in association with spatial learning and memory deficits in rats
Authors: Chen Li‐Jin , Wang Yueh‐Jan , Chen Jeng‐Rung , Tseng Guo‐Fang
Published: July 2016

Hydrocephalus is a common neurological disorder in children characterized by abnormal dilation of cerebral ventricles as a result of the impairment of cerebrospinal fluid flow or absorption. Clinical presentation of hydrocephalus varies with chronicity and often shows cognitive dysfunction. Here we used a kaolin‐induction method in rats and studied the effects of hydrocephalus on cerebral cortex and hippocampus, the two regions highly related to cognition. Hydrocephalus impaired rats' performance in Morris water maze task. Serial three‐dimensional reconstruction from sections of the whole brain freshly froze in situ with skull shows that the volumes of both structures were reduced. Morphologically, pyramidal neurons of the somatosensory cortex and hippocampus appear to be distorted. Intracellular dye injection and subsequent three‐dimensional reconstruction and analyses revealed that the dendritic arbors of layer III and V cortical pyramid neurons were reduced. The total dendritic length of CA1, but not CA3, pyramidal neurons was also reduced. Dendritic spine densities on both cortical and hippocampal pyramidal neurons were decreased, consistent with our concomitant findings that the expressions of both synaptophysin and postsynaptic density protein 95 were reduced. These cortical and hippocampal changes suggest reductions of excitatory connectivity, which could underlie the learning and memory deficits in hydrocephalus.
Marginal bone loss around implants with platform‐switched Morse‐cone connection: a radiographic cross‐sectional study
Authors: Degidi Marco , Daprile Giuseppe , Piattelli Adriano
Published: July 2016

Objectives

The aims of the present cross‐sectional study are to evaluate the bone remodeling around Morse‐cone implants placed subcrestally 1 year after loading and the prevalence of bone loss >0.5 mm after at least 3 years of loading.

Material and methods

Subjects who underwent a radiographic check in 2013 with implants that had been in function for at least 3 years were considered for inclusion. The study population comprised of 145 subjects with a total of 523 implants. At the moment of insertion, all the implants were placed subcrestally from 1 to 3 mm as clinically measured. Radiographs taken at baseline, that is 1 year after loading (T0), and at the follow‐up visit in 2013 (T1) were examined. The distance between the rim of the implant and the marginal bone level at mesial and distal aspects of each implant was determined and the mean bone loss calculated.

Results

In the total sample, the mean bone loss occurred between baseline and 2013 examination was 0.42 ± 0.77 mm; at T1 424 implants presented the marginal bone level at the implant rim (78) or above it (346). On the other hand, 99 implants presented the rim above the bone crest. Fifty‐one implants that at T1 presented the rim above the bone crest, and that between T0 and T1 had lost at least 0.5 mm, were considered losers: 10 implants lost up to 0.5 mm, 11 lost from 0.6 to 1 mm, 16 lost from 1.1 to 2 mm, and 14 lost more than 2 mm of bone. On a subject basis, 34 subjects (group A) with a total of 200 implant sites presented loser implants, while 111 subjects (group B) with 323 implants displayed non‐loser implants.

Conclusions

Within the limits of a cross‐sectional study, the results show that Morse‐cone implants placed subcrestally in the vast majority of cases (89.9%) are able to maintain the bone crest at level of the rim or above it 1 year after loading. The incidence of loser sites (bone loss >0.5 mm) after at least 3 years of follow‐up is 9.7% at implant level and 23.5% at patient level.
Socioeconomic Benefits of Large Carnivore Recolonization Through Reduced Wildlife‐Vehicle Collisions
Authors: Gilbert Sophie L. , Sivy Kelly J. , Pozzanghera Casey B. , DuBour Adam , Overduijn Kelly , Smith Matthew M. , Zhou Jiake , Little Joseph M. , Prugh Laura R.
Published: July 2016

The decline of top carnivores has released large herbivore populations around the world, incurring socioeconomic costs such as increased animal–vehicle collisions. Attempts to control overabundant deer in the Eastern United States have largely failed, and deer–vehicle collisions (DVCs) continue to rise at alarming rates. We present the first valuation of an ecosystem service provided by large carnivore recolonization, using DVC reduction by cougars as a case study. Our coupled deer population models and socioeconomic valuations revealed that cougars could reduce deer densities and DVCs by 22% in the Eastern United States, preventing 21,400 human injuries, 155 fatalities, and $2.13 billion in avoided costs within 30 years of establishment. Recently established cougars in South Dakota prevent $1.1 million in collision costs annually. Large carnivore restoration could provide valuable ecosystem services through such socio‐ecological cascades, and these benefits could offset the societal costs of coexistence.
The performance of chitosan/gelatin composite microspheres in the wash‐off procedure of reactive dyeing
Authors: He Baoyuan , Wang Xuechuan , Xue Haiyan
Published: July 2016

A chitosan/gelatin composite microsphere (CGMS) adsorbent prepared by inverse suspension was used as a reactive dye washing agent. Techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction analysis, and atomic force microscopy facilitated the evaluation of the materials. A series of experiments were conducted to assess the effect of variables, i.e. initial pH, temperature, microsphere dosage, and contact time. The wash‐off effectiveness increased with increase in temperature and decrease in pH. Results obtained from this study showed that it was possible to reduce the number of wash‐off stages and the water consumption. Furthermore, the microspheres had the properties of resistance to hard water and electrolyte as a wash‐off agent. The efficiency of the microspheres can rival routine detergent in colour fastness, while the chemical oxygen demand of the wash‐off residue of the microspheres amounted to about 1/10 of the chemical oxygen demand of detergent wash‐off residue. This research proved that chitosan/gelatin composite microspheres are a potential candidate for use as an adsorbent washing agent for reactive dyes.
Lack of evidence for a harmful effect of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on fracture risk among type 2 diabetes patients: a network and cumulative meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Tang H. L. , Li D. D. , Zhang J. J. , Hsu Y. H. , Wang T. S. , Zhai S. D. , Song Y. Q.
Published: July 2016

Aim

To evaluate the comparative effects of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on risk of bone fracture in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched from inception to 27 January 2016 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the outcome of fracture in patients with T2DM treated with SGLT2 inhibitors. Pairwise and network meta‐analyses, as well as a cumulative meta‐analysis, were performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

A total of 38 eligible RCTs (10 canagliflozin, 15 dapagliflozin and 13 empagliflozin) involving 30 384 patients, with follow‐ups ranging from 24 to 160 weeks, were included. The fracture event rates were 1.59% in the SGLT2 inhibitor groups and 1.56% in the control groups. The incidence of fracture events was similar among these three SGLT2 inhibitor groups. Compared with placebo, canagliflozin (OR 1.15; 95% CI 0.71‐1.88), dapagliflozin (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.37‐1.25) and empagliflozin (OR 0.93; 95% CI 0.74‐1.18) were not significantly associated with an increased risk of fracture. Our cumulative meta‐analysis indicated the robustness of the null findings with regard to SGLT2 inhibitors.

Conclusions

Our meta‐analysis based on available RCT data does not support the harmful effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on fractures, although future safety monitoring from RCTs and real‐world data with detailed information on bone health is warranted.
Temperature modulates the effects of predation and competition on mosquito larvae
Authors: GRIGALTCHIK VERONICA S. , WEBB CAMERON , SEEBACHER FRANK
Published: July 2016

1. Predation risk affects interspecific competition by decreasing foraging activity and relative competitive ability. Predation risk is determined by predators' prey choice and prey responses, both of which can be influenced by temperature. Temperature is especially important for larval prey and can result in a trade‐off between predator‐induced decreases in foraging activity and growth. Interspecific competition must also be examined in relation to intraspecific density‐dependent competition; weaker interspecific competition leads to coexistence of competitors.

2. This study explored how temperature (15 and 25 °C) could affect a focal species, larvae of the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus, by examining prey choice in a shared predator (mosquitofish; Gambusia holbrooki) and the effects of predation risk on interspecific competition with Limnodynastes peronii tadpoles. Intraspecific density‐dependent competition in C. quinquefasciatus at these temperatures was also examined.

3. At 25 °C, G. holbrooki consumption of both C. quinquefasciatus and L. peronii increased; however, the effects of interspecific competition on mosquito survival did not decrease with L. peronii exposure to predation risk. The relationship between intraspecific density‐dependent competition and interspecific competition was temperature‐dependent, with competitive dominance of L. peronii at 25 °C. Male and female mosquitoes had different temperature‐dependent responses, indicating sex‐specific intrinsic responses to starvation and differential selection pressures. At 25 °C, females were susceptible to interspecific competition by L. peronii, while males were susceptible to intraspecific competition.

4. The use of competitors as biological controls has implications for mosquito disease transmission, and these results suggest that control effectiveness may be modified by climate change.
Long‐term declines in an intertidal foundation species parallel shifts in community composition
Authors: Sorte Cascade J. B. , Davidson Victoria E. , Franklin Marcus C. , Benes Kylla M. , Doellman Meredith M. , Etter Ron J. , Hannigan Robyn E. , Lubchenco Jane , Menge Bruce A.
Published: July 2016

The earth is in the midst of a biodiversity crisis, and projections indicate continuing and accelerating rates of global changes. Future alterations in communities and ecosystems may be precipitated by changes in the abundance of strongly interacting species, whose disappearance can lead to profound changes in abundance of other species, including an increase in extinction rate for some. Nearshore coastal communities are often dependent on the habitat and food resources provided by foundational plant (e.g., kelp) and animal (e.g., shellfish) species. We quantified changes in the abundance of the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis), a foundation species known to influence diversity and productivity of intertidal habitats, over the past 40 years in the Gulf of Maine, USA, one of the fastest warming regions in the global ocean. Using consistent survey methods, we compared contemporary population sizes to historical data from sites spanning >400 km. The results of these comparisons showed that blue mussels have declined in the Gulf of Maine by >60% (range: 29–100%) at the site level since the earliest benchmarks in the 1970s. At the same time as mussels declined, community composition shifted: at the four sites with historical community data, the sessile community became increasingly algal dominated. Contemporary (2013–2014) surveys across 20 sites showed that sessile species richness was positively correlated to mussel abundance in mid to high intertidal zones. These results suggest that declines in a critical foundation species may have already impacted the intertidal community. To inform future conservation efforts, we provide a database of historical and contemporary baselines of mussel population abundance and dynamics in the Gulf of Maine. Our results underscore the importance of anticipating not only changes in diversity but also changes in the abundance and identity of component species, as strong interactors like foundation species have the potential to drive cascading community shifts.
Evolutionary and environmental determinants of freshwater fish thermal tolerance and plasticity
Authors: Comte Lise , Olden Julian D.
Published: July 2016

Understanding the extent to which phylogenetic constraints and adaptive evolutionary forces help define the physiological sensitivity of species is critical for anticipating climate‐related impacts in aquatic environments. Yet, whether upper thermal tolerance and plasticity are shaped by common evolutionary and environmental mechanisms remains to be tested. Based on a systematic literature review, we investigated this question in 82 freshwater fish species (27 families) representing 829 experiments for which data existed on upper thermal limits and it was possible to estimate plasticity using upper thermal tolerance reaction norms. Our findings indicated that there are strong phylogenetic signals in both thermal tolerances and acclimation capacity, although it is weaker in the latter. We found that upper thermal tolerances are correlated with the temperatures experienced by species across their range, likely because of spatially autocorrelated processes in which closely related species share similar selection pressures and limited dispersal from ancestral environments. No association with species thermal habitat was found for acclimation capacity. Instead, species with the lowest physiological plasticity also displayed the highest thermal tolerances, reflecting to some extent an evolutionary trade‐off between these two traits. Although our study demonstrates that macroecological climatic niche features measured from species distributions are likely to provide a good approximation of freshwater fish sensitivity to climate change, disentangling the mechanisms underlying both acute and chronic heat tolerances may help to refine predictions regarding climate change‐related range shifts and extinctions.
Preventing bleeds by treatment: new era for haemophilia changing the paradigm
Authors: Marijke van den Berg H.
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Coagulation products have allowed patients with severe haemophilia to lead a normal life. This is, however, only true for patients who received an early diagnosis and could start with primary prophylaxis. The absence of a positive family history for haemophilia, in the majority of children with severe haemophilia, postpones the age that treatment can be started. This makes general awareness of the clinical presentation important and a proper diagnosis a prerequisite for progress. The long delay between joint bleeding and overt arthropathy has been an important factor in the delay of implementation of primary prophylaxis. After the development of guidelines on ‘how to treat’, implementation of the advised practice is needed. Data collection of current treatment regimens in haemophilia centres will support the further optimization of the care for persons with haemophilia and further optimize treatment guidelines. Episodic (‘on demand’) therapy as a treatment strategy for severe haemophilia needs reconsideration.

Conclusion

In an era where clotting factor concentrates are abundant and gene therapy a reality, all patients with severe haemophilia should be offered a strategy of bleeding prevention.