bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrient Adequacy Evaluation of Aceh Cattle Fed with Concentrate for Forage Substitution and Performance Improvement
Authors: Budisatria IGS , Atmoko BA , Baliarti E , Widi TSM , Ibrahim A , Vierman A
Published: May 2020

This study aims to evaluate nutrient adequacy based on the nutrient requirement and intake of Aceh cattle fed by concentrate as a substitution for forage to improve their performance and productivity. The study was conducted from May to July 2018 at Livestock Breeding and Forage Center for Excellence (BPTU-HPT) of Indrapuri, Aceh. Twenty heads of selected male and healthy Aceh cattle aged 1.5-2.5 yo with a weight of ±160 kg were divided into four treatment groups based on different forage and commercial concentrate feed levels, i.e. T1 as a control (fed with 25 kg of forage without any additional concentrate feed), T2 (fed with 20 kg of forage plus 1 kg of concentrate feed), T3 (fed with 15 kg of forage plus 2 kg of concentrate feed), and T4 (fed with 10 kg of forage plus 3 kg of concentrate feed). The data observed were ADG, feed consumption, and nutrient intake, requirement, and balance. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and continued by DMRT. The difference in the amount of forage consumption was very significant (P <0.05), directly proportional to the amount of forage provided. Dry matter intake significantly increased with provision of concentrate (P <0.05). Increases in DM, CP, and TDN intakes were 0.75, 0.16, 0.40 kg/d, respectively. A negative balance was found in almost all nutrients and treatment groups, and there was only one positive balance, i.e. protein in T4 group. T3 group had met the DM requirement, but did not meet protein and TDN requirements, and also had the highest ADG (P <0.05) compared to the other groups. This study concludes that the use of concentrate as a substitute for forage improves nutrient intake of male Aceh cattle. Feeding of 2 kg of concentrate and 15 kg of forage can meet nutrient requirements of dry matter and provide the highest ADG.
The Identification of quantitative traits of Aceh cattle in Aceh Besar District of Aceh Province, Indonesia
Authors: Abdullah Mohd Agus Nashri , Aditia Deris Rizki , Sari Eka Meutia
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study was to identify the quantitative traits of Aceh cattle in Aceh Besar district of Aceh Province. The reason was because the lack of quantitative traits data of Aceh cattle. This research used survey method in two sub districts within Aceh Besar district, namely: Ingin Jaya sub district and Lembah Seulawah sub district. The material consisted of 84 Aceh cattle, 40 from Ingin Jaya sub district and 44 from Lembah Seulawah sub district. The determination of cattle samples was done by simple random sampling method. The data collected data were analyzed using a frequency table, averages, and standard deviations. The parameters observed were: (a) shoulder height; (b) body length; and (c) chest circumference. The results showed that the mean of shoulder height for male and female Aceh cattle in Ingin Jaya sub district were 111.67 ±3.01 and 107 ± 1.15, body length were 109.33 ± 2.58 and 108.50 ± 0.58, chest circumference were 140.67 ± 3.01 and 138 ± 1.83, respectively. In addition, in Lembah Seulawah sub district, the shoulder height were 107.25± 0.71 and 105.89±1.36, body length were 109.45±0.71 and 107.89±1.36, and chest circumference were 140.50±0.71 and 136.89.±1.90, respectively. It could be conclude that the average body measurements of the Aceh cattle were classified as medium size both male and female. The body sizes of the male Aceh cattle were larger than those of the female Aceh cattle.
Preserving genome integrity in human cells via DNA double-strand break repair
Authors: Jensen Ryan B. , Rothenberg Eli
Published: May 2020

The efficient maintenance of genome integrity in the face of cellular stress is vital to protect against human diseases such as cancer. DNA replication, chromatin dynamics, cellular signaling, nuclear architecture, cell cycle checkpoints, and other cellular activities contribute to the delicate spatiotemporal control that cells utilize to regulate and maintain genome stability. This perspective will highlight DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathways in human cells, how DNA repair failures can lead to human disease, and how PARP inhibitors have emerged as a novel clinical therapy to treat homologous recombination-deficient tumors. We briefly discuss how failures in DNA repair produce a permissive genetic environment in which preneoplastic cells evolve to reach their full tumorigenic potential. Finally, we conclude that an in-depth understanding of DNA DSB repair pathways in human cells will lead to novel therapeutic strategies to treat cancer and potentially other human diseases.
Dynamic morphogenesis of a pioneer axon in Drosophila and its regulation by Abl tyrosine kinase
Authors: Clarke Akanni , McQueen Philip G. , Fang Hsiao Yu , Kannan Ramakrishnan , Wang Victor , McCreedy Evan , Buckley Tyler , Johannessen Erika , Wincovitch Stephen , Giniger Edward
Published: May 2020

Live imaging of an axon in its native tissue shows that its growth is protrusive and occurs by stabilization of selected filopodia. Guidance signaling, however, for example, via Abl tyrosine kinase, does not control these morphological properties directly but rather controls actin distribution to determine where filopodial dynamics can occur.
Oxysterol-binding protein-related protein 1 variants have opposing cholesterol transport activities from the endolysosomes
Authors: Zhao Kexin , Foster Jason , Ridgway Neale D.
Published: May 2020

OSBPL1 encodes the full-length ORP1L and the truncated variant ORP1S. ORP1S is responsible for transferring cholesterol from late endosomes to the plasma membrane to regulate cholesterol efflux by ABCA1 and LDL receptor activity. ORP1L and ORP1S combine to transport cholesterol from late endosomes to the ER and PM, respectively.
Cell cycle oscillators underlying orderly proteolysis of E2F8
Authors: Wasserman Danit , Nachum Sapir , Cohen Meital , Enrico Taylor P. , Noach-Hirsh Meirav , Parasol Jasmin , Zomer-Polak Sarit , Auerbach Naomi , Sheinberger-Chorni Evelin , Nevenzal Hadas , Levi-Dadon Nofar , Wang Xianxi , Lahmi Roxane , Michaely Efrat , Gerber Doron , Emanuele Michael J. , Tzur Amit
Published: May 2020

We uncovered interlocking mechanisms regulating the temporal proteolysis of the transcriptional repressor E2F8 in cycling cells including SCFCyclin Fin G2, dephosphorylation of Cdk1 sites, and activation of APC/CCdh1, but not APC/CCdc20during mitotic exit and G1. Differential stabilization under limited APC/C activity allows E2F8 to reaccumulate during late G1 and coregulate S-phase entry.
Asymmetric Rab activation of vacuolar HOPS to catalyze SNARE complex assembly
Authors: Torng Thomas , Song Hongki , Wickner William
Published: May 2020

Rab proteins are known to recruit effector complexes for membrane fusion. Using pure yeast vacuole fusion proteins, we now show that the Rab Ypt7 and vacuolar lipids allosterically activate the effector HOPS to catalyze SNARE complex assembly when the R-SNARE is bound to the same membrane as Ypt7.
The Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Psychological Functioning in Family Caregivers: Secondary Analyses of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hives Benjamin A , Buckler E Jean , Weiss Jordan , Schilf Samantha , Johansen Kirsten L , Epel Elissa S , Puterman Eli
Published: May 2020

Background

The responsibility and stress of being a family caregiver are associated with reduced physical and mental health.

Purpose

To examine whether a 24-week aerobic exercise program improves multiple aspects of psychological functioning in family caregivers.

Methods

Family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias (n = 68) were recruited and randomized into either an aerobic exercise group (n = 34) or a waitlist control group (n = 34). The exercise group was assigned a 24-week aerobic training program that incrementally increased the intensity, duration, and frequency of the exercise program until 150 min of moderate to vigorous activity were completed per week by the ninth week. Twelve measures of psychological functioning were administered at baseline and compared with responses completed following the intervention.

Results

Multilevel modeling revealed significant decreases in caregiver burden (β = −4.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [−8.82, −0.38], RLMM2 = 0.11) and depression (β = −2.59, 95% CI = [−4.79, −0.38], RLMM2 = 0.13), as well as increases in mastery (β = 1.78, 95% CI = [0.09, 3.46], RLMM2 = .04) in the exercise intervention group compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Family caregivers report high levels of depression and caregiver burden. Engagement in a 24-week exercise intervention can ameliorate the perceived burden of caregiving, symptoms of depression, and their sense of mastery.
Using Cure Models to Estimate the Serial Interval of Tuberculosis With Limited Follow-up
Authors: Ma Yicheng , Jenkins Helen E , Sebastiani Paola , Ellner Jerrold J , Jones-López Edward C , Dietze Reynaldo , Horsburgh, Jr. Charles R , White Laura F
Published: May 2020

Serial interval (SI), defined as the time between symptom onset in an infector and infectee pair, is commonly used to understand infectious diseases transmission. Slow progression to active disease, as well as the small percentage of individuals who will eventually develop active disease, complicate the estimation of the SI for tuberculosis (TB). In this paper, we showed via simulation studies that when there is credible information on the percentage of those who will develop TB disease following infection, a cure model, first introduced by Boag in 1949, should be used to estimate the SI for TB. This model includes a parameter in the likelihood function to account for the study population being composed of those who will have the event of interest and those who will never have the event. We estimated the SI for TB to be approximately 0.5 years for the United States and Canada (January 2002 to December 2006) and approximately 2.0 years for Brazil (March 2008 to June 2012), which might imply a higher occurrence of reinfection TB in a developing country like Brazil.
Astronomy + biology
Authors: Cockell Charles S
Published: May 2020

Charles S Cockell reviews the eventful history and exciting future of astrobiology: the collaboration between astronomers and biologists.
HECNet: a hierarchical approach to enzyme function classification using a Siamese Triplet Network
Authors: Memon Safyan Aman , Khan Kinaan Aamir , Naveed Hammad
Published: May 2020

Motivation

Understanding an enzyme’s function is one of the most crucial problem domains in computational biology. Enzymes are a key component in all organisms and many industrial processes as they help in fighting diseases and speed up essential chemical reactions. They have wide applications and therefore, the discovery of new enzymatic proteins can accelerate biological research and commercial productivity. Biological experiments, to determine an enzyme’s function, are time-consuming and resource expensive.

Results

In this study, we propose a novel computational approach to predict an enzyme’s function up to the fourth level of the Enzyme Commission (EC) Number. Many studies have attempted to predict an enzyme’s function. Yet, no approach has properly tackled the fourth and final level of the EC number. The fourth level holds great significance as it gives us the most specific information of how an enzyme performs its function. Our method uses innovative deep learning approaches along with an efficient hierarchical classification scheme to predict an enzyme’s precise function. On a dataset of 11 353 enzymes and 402 classes, we achieved a hierarchical accuracy and Macro-F1 score of 91.2% and 81.9%, respectively, on the 4th level. Moreover, our method can be used to predict the function of enzyme isoforms with considerable success. This methodology is broadly applicable for genome-wide prediction that can subsequently lead to automated annotation of enzyme databases and the identification of better/cheaper enzymes for commercial activities.

Availability and implementation

The web-server can be freely accessed at http://hecnet.cbrlab.org/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The Controlled Arena of Contested Practices: Critical Practice in Israel’s State Social Services
Authors: Timor-Shlevin Shachar
Published: May 2020

Scholars claim that the integration of critical social work into public social services is impossible considering its weak position in the managerialist context of these services. Consequently, critical practice is mainly described as covert and reflective of the hierarchical power dynamics between managerialism and critical professionalism. Thus, the option of integrating critical social work into the institutionalised operation of the profession, which involves engaging in critical practice to the extent possible in the context of public services beyond micro and covert practices, has not been sufficiently described. This study addresses this gap, exploring the process of implementing the critical professional ‘Poverty-Aware Social Work Paradigm’ (PAP) into the Israeli public welfare services. Based on twenty-five interviews with field-level social workers in the PAP programmes, the findings describe critical practices as operating simultaneously at the interpersonal and structural levels, mainly through covert actions. The discussion illustrates the significance of merging the interpersonal and structural levels of critical practice and describes the limited arena in which critical professionalism operates in public services.
Utility of positron emission–computed tomography for predicting pathological response in resectable oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma after neoadjuvant chemoradiation
Authors: Lee Jiyun , Choi Joon Young , Lim Sung Won , Ahn Myung-Ju , Park Keunchil , Zo Jae Il , Shim Young Mog , Oh Dongryul , Sun Jong-Mu
Published: May 2020

OBJECTIVES

For patients with locally advanced oesophageal cancer, improved complete pathological response after neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) and the detrimental effects on the quality of life related to oesophagectomy have led to the need for a reliable method to select patients who have achieved complete pathological response and do not need surgery. The reliability of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission–computed tomography (PET-CT) for predicting the pathological response after nCRT was evaluated.

METHODS

Patients with locally advanced oesophageal cancer who were treated with nCRT and oesophagectomy from July 2010 to February 2017 were analysed. On the post-nCRT PET-CT, a complete metabolic response was defined as all tumourous lesions demonstrating maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) ≤2.5. To minimize the effect of radiation-induced oesophagitis, complete metabolic response was also defined as no viable lesion distinguishable from the background with diffuse uptake. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were analysed for SUVmax, [X]ΔSUVmax and %ΔSUVmax.

RESULTS

A total of 158 patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma were analysed. The rate of complete pathological response was 27.8%, and that of complete metabolic response was 7.6%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value based on SUVmax ≤2.5 and visual normalization were 95%, 14%, 74% and 50%, respectively. Analysis for [X]ΔSUVmax and %ΔSUVmax using the optimal cut-off values determined by the receiver operating characteristic curves did not show an improved predictive efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

PET-CT is not a reliable tool for predicting pathological response. Patients diagnosed with resectable oesophageal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant therapy should not be exempt from surgery based on PET-CT results.
Functional role of yeasts, lactic acid bacteria and acetic acid bacteria in cocoa fermentation processes
Authors: De Vuyst Luc , Leroy Frédéric
Published: May 2020

Cured cocoa beans are obtained through a post-harvest, batchwise process of fermentation and drying carried out on farms in the equatorial zone. Fermentation of cocoa pulp-bean mass is performed mainly in heaps or boxes. It is made possible by a succession of yeast, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and acetic acid bacteria (AAB) activities. Yeasts ferment the glucose of the cocoa pulp into ethanol, perform pectinolysis and produce flavour compounds, such as (higher) alcohols, aldehydes, organic acids and esters. LAB ferment the glucose, fructose and citric acid of the cocoa pulp into lactic acid, acetic acid, mannitol and pyruvate, generate a microbiologically stable fermentation environment, provide lactate as carbon source for the indispensable growth of AAB, and contribute to the cocoa and chocolate flavours by the production of sugar alcohols, organic acids, (higher) alcohols and aldehydes. AAB oxidize the ethanol into acetic acid, which penetrates into the bean cotyledons to prevent seed germination. Destruction of the subcellular seed structure in turn initiates enzymatic and non-enzymatic conversions inside the cocoa beans, which provides the necessary colour and flavour precursor molecules (hydrophilic peptides, hydrophobic amino acids and reducing sugars) for later roasting of the cured cocoa beans, the first step of the chocolate-making.
The body-wave magnitude mb: an attempt to rationalize the distance-depth correction q(Δ, h)
Authors: Saloor Nooshin , Okal Emile A
Published: May 2020

We explore the possible theoretical origin of the distance–depth correction q(Δ, h) introduced 75 yr ago by B. Gutenberg for the computation of the body-wave magnitude mb, and still in use today. We synthesize a large data set of seismograms using a modern model of P-wave velocity and attenuation, and process them through the exact algorithm mandated under present-day seismological practice, to build our own version, qSO, of the correction, and compare it to the original ones, q45 and q56, proposed by B. Gutenberg and C.F. Richter. While we can reproduce some of the large scale variations in their corrections, we cannot understand their small scale details. We discuss a number of possible sources of bias in the data sets used at the time, and suggest the need for a complete revision of existing mb catalogues.
Simulated Sunlight Rapidly Inactivates SARS-CoV-2 on Surfaces
Authors: Ratnesar-Shumate Shanna , Williams Gregory , Green Brian , Krause Melissa , Holland Brian , Wood Stewart , Bohannon Jordan , Boydston Jeremy , Freeburger Denise , Hooper Idris , Beck Katie , Yeager John , Altamura Louis A , Biryukov Jennifer , Yolitz Jason , Schuit Michael , Wahl Victoria , Hevey Michael , Dabisch Paul
Published: May 2020

Previous studies have demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 is stable on surfaces for extended periods under indoor conditions. In the present study, simulated sunlight rapidly inactivated SARS-CoV-2 suspended in either simulated saliva or culture media and dried on stainless steel coupons. Ninety percent of infectious virus was inactivated every 6.8 minutes in simulated saliva and every 14.3 minutes in culture media when exposed to simulated sunlight representative of the summer solstice at 40°N latitude at sea level on a clear day. Significant inactivation also occurred, albeit at a slower rate, under lower simulated sunlight levels. The present study provides the first evidence that sunlight may rapidly inactivate SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces, suggesting that persistence, and subsequently exposure risk, may vary significantly between indoor and outdoor environments. Additionally, these data indicate that natural sunlight may be effective as a disinfectant for contaminated nonporous materials.
Serum Procalcitonin Levels Predict Mortality Risk in Patients With Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Single-Center Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Osawa Takeshi , Watanabe Masato , Morimoto Kozo , Okumura Masao , Yoshiyama Takashi , Ogata Hideo , Goto Hajime , Kudoh Shoji , Ohta Ken , Sasaki Yuka
Published: May 2020

Globally, tuberculosis is the leading infectious cause of death; discovering biomarkers that predict a high mortality risk may improve treatment outcomes. We prospectively enrolled 252 pulmonary tuberculosis patients who were not coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus and initiated antituberculosis treatment, measured serum procalcitonin levels (PCT), and assessed mortality risk. PCT serum levels higher than 0.13 (day 0), 0.05 (day 7), 0.12 (day 14), or 0.06 (day 28) ng/mL predicted nonsurvivors with odds ratios of 7.9, 14.3, 20.0, and 7.3, respectively (P ≤ .005 for all), respectively. Therefore, serum PCT levels are a promising mortality risk indicator for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Main Point. For patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, a promising mortality risk indicator is the level of serum procalcitonin, which is weakly associated with sputum bacterial load and independent of radiographic findings.
COVID-19 and the potential long-term impact on antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Rawson Timothy M , Moore Luke S P , Castro-Sanchez Enrique , Charani Esmita , Davies Frances , Satta Giovanni , Ellington Matthew J , Holmes Alison H
Published: May 2020

The emergence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has required an unprecedented response to control the spread of the infection and protect the most vulnerable within society. Whilst the pandemic has focused society on the threat of emerging infections and hand hygiene, certain infection control and antimicrobial stewardship policies may have to be relaxed. It is unclear whether the unintended consequences of these changes will have a net-positive or -negative impact on rates of antimicrobial resistance. Whilst the urgent focus must be on controlling this pandemic, sustained efforts to address the longer-term global threat of antimicrobial resistance should not be overlooked.
Time-Dependent Changes in THC Concentrations in Deceased Persons
Authors: Chu Mark , Rago Matthew Di , Mantinieks Dylan , Glowacki Linda , Woodford Noel W , Gerostamoulos Dimitri , Drummer Olaf H
Published: May 2020

Changes in the concentrations of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the postmortem period were investigated in a series of cases by comparing concentrations in blood taken on receipt of the body in the mortuary (admission specimen, AD) with the concentrations obtained in blood taken at autopsy some time later and also from blood specimens taken antemortem. Overall, the median THC concentration in AD blood was 13.7 ng/mL (n = 239, range LOQ–220), while the median concentration at autopsy was 13.8 ng/mL (n = 106, range LOQ–810) and 1.9 ng/mL (n = 147, range LOQ–48) antemortem. Fourteen cases had all three specimens taken from the same decedent. The corresponding AM, AD and PM median concentrations were 4.0 (range LOQ–48), 15.5 (range 4.0–176) and 4.4 ng/mL (LOQ–56), respectively. The median elapsed times from AM to AD and AD to PM were 33 and 97.5 h, respectively. In contrast, acetaminophen showed no change in blood concentration from AM to AD (6.8 and 6.0 mg/L, respectively). These data show large increases in THC concentration in the early postmortem period, followed by a decline, although the median blood concentrations at autopsy were similar to that obtained antemortem. In contrast, when blood was taken from the femoral region, subclavian and heart ventricles sites, in the same case, the THC concentrations, while variable, showed overall no significant difference. These dynamic changes reflect complex phenomenon occurring in deceased persons and will further serve to increase the uncertainty over any interpretation of postmortem THC concentrations.
UPLC–MS-Based Procedures to Detect Prolyl-Hydroxylase Inhibitors of HIF in Urine
Authors: Mazzarino Monica , Perretti Ilaria , Stacchini Carlotta , Comunità Fabio , de la Torre Xavier , Botrè Francesco
Published: May 2020

This article presents newly developed screening and confirmation analytical procedures to detect the misuse of nine prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitors of the hypoxia-inducible factor: daprodustat, desidustat, FG2216, IOX2, IOX4, JNJ-42041935, molidustat, roxadustat and vadadustat, targeting either the parent drugs and/or their main metabolite(s). For the sample pretreatment, different extraction protocols and technologies were evaluated. The instrumental analysis was performed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to either high- or low-resolution mass spectrometry. The chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column, employing water and acetonitrile, both containing 0.1% formic acid, as mobile phase. Detection was achieved using as analyzer either a triple quadrupole or an Orbitrap, with positive and negative electrospray ionization and different acquisition modes. Validation of the procedures was performed according to the ISO 17025 and World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines. The methods do not show any significant interference at the retention times of the analytes of interest. The extraction efficiency was estimated to be greater than 75% for all analytes and the matrix effect smaller than 35%. Detection capability was determined in the range of 0.25–2.0 for the screening procedure and in the range of 0.5–2.0 ng/mL for the confirmation procedure, that is, in a range of concentration small enough to reveal the abuse of the compounds considered, in case they are used as performance-enhancing agents. The repeatability of the relative retention times (CV% < 0.5) and of the relative abundances of the selected ion transitions, considered only in the case of triple quadrupole (CV% < 15), was confirmed to be fit for purpose to ensure the unambiguous identification of all the target analytes in human urine. The applicability of the newly developed methods was verified by the analysis of urine samples containing molidustat, roxadustat or daprodustat. The developed procedures enabled to detect the compounds under investigation and their main metabolites.
The Canadian POEM Experience: The First 50 Patients
Authors: Rai Mandip , Woo Matthew , Bechara Robert
Published: May 2020

Background and Aims

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has emerged as a less invasive technique for performing myotomy in patients with achalasia. This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of POEM in a Canadian tertiary care center.

Methods

All consecutive patients who underwent POEM between March 2016 and May 2018 at a tertiary center were included. The primary outcome of the study was clinical success rate of POEM defined as a post-POEM Eckardt score ≤3 at ≥3 months. Adverse events were recorded according to the Clavien-Dindo grading system.

Results

A total of 50 consecutive patients underwent 51 POEM procedures with a mean procedure length of 85.6 ± 29.6 min. Post-POEM Eckardt scores of ≤3 at ≥3 months was achieved in 98% of patients. The incidence of pathologic reflux post-poem was 23%. The median length of hospital stay was 1 day. No major adverse events occurred.

Interpretation

POEM is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of achalasia. At a median follow-up of 19.5 months, 98% of patients had sustained clinical response (Eckardt score ≤3).
International Investment Agreements, Human Rights, and Environmental Justice: The Texaco/Chevron Case From the Ecuadorian Amazon
Authors: Pellegrini Lorenzo , Arsel Murat , Orta-Martínez Martí , Mena Carlos F
Published: May 2020

The Texaco/Chevron lawsuit, which started in November 1993 and is still being litigated in 2020, is a prominent example of the process of judicialization of environmental conflict. The Ecuadorian plaintiffs claim that the oil company’s operations generated ruinous impacts on the environment and on the development prospects and health of nearby individuals and communities. The tortuous and lengthy judiciary process was further hindered by an arbitration process, an Investor–State Dispute Settlement mechanism nested in the Ecuador—United States Bilateral Investment Treaty. The significance of the case goes beyond the specifics of Ecuador and provides further arguments fuelling the protracted legitimacy crisis experienced by International Investment Agreements. The current praxis of Investor–State Dispute Settlement mechanisms is generating an asymmetrical system, protecting the interest of investors, and intruding into the space of human and environmental rights. These issues are resonating with social movements, activist scholars and policy makers who are reacting to the vulnerabilities engendered by International Investment Agreements through multipronged strategies. These asymmetries provide ammunition to resist the signing of new International Investment Agreements, support the inclusion of human and environmental rights safeguards in International Investment Agreements, and contribute to the rationale of pre-empting extractive projects that are likely to produce severe environmental liabilities. Some of the potential ways in which a somewhat more level playing field can be created include, in addition to denouncing investment agreements, transforming Investor–State Dispute Settlement mechanisms towards a format that can also accommodate the complaints of affected communities or enacting moratoria on extraction projects that are prone to adverse socioenvironmental impacts. Both strategies could prove to be productive avenues towards the achievement of justice.
Bioethics and the Rule of Law: A Classical Liberal Theory
Authors: Brodrick Michael
Published: May 2020

Heated debates over healthcare policy in the United States point to the need for a legal framework that can sustain both moral diversity and peaceful cooperation. It is argued that the classical liberal Rule of Law, with its foundation in the ethical principle of permission, is such a framework. The paper shows to what extent the current healthcare policy landscape in the United States diverges from the rule of law and suggests how the current framework could be modified in order to better approximate that ideal. Two objections are then answered. The first is that the rule of law cannot be realized due to the structure of legislatures. The second objection is that government should guarantee both liberty and all of the necessary conditions of autonomy.
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF): Technique Video: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Duan Pingguo , Guinn Jeremy M V , Pennicooke Brenton , Mehra Ratnesh N , Chang Chih-Chang , Mayer Rory , Wang Minghao , Eichler Charles , Mummaneni Praveen V , Chou Dean
Published: May 2020

This surgical video demonstrates the technique of an anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF). This video demonstrates the surgical approach, technical nuances of ALIF, and pearls. The main surgical anatomy and approach-related risks are discussed. The video demonstrates the nuances of ALIF, discussing the importance of the release of the disc space to allow for height restoration and lordosis, endplate preparation to enhance arthrodesis, and choice of implant size. The incision is made via a left paramedian approach with a retroperitoneal dissection and mobilization of the vasculature for access to the disc space. The ALIF provides direct access to the ventral surface of the exposed disc, allowing for an incision of the anterior longitudinal ligament, bilateral release of the annulus fibrosus, and access to a large surface area of the vertebral endplate. This anterior access allows for the placement of implants with a greater surface area for fusion, and this facilitates restoration of segmental lordosis, disc height improvement, and foraminal height increase. We have received informed consent from this patient for the video of this case.
Paying by Donating: Corporate Donations Affiliated with Independent Directors
Authors: Cai Ye , Xu Jin , Yang Jun
Published: May 2020

Corporate donations to charities affiliated with the board’s independent directors (affiliated donations) are large and mostly undetected due to lack of formal disclosure. Affiliated donations may impair independent directors’ monitoring incentives. CEO compensation is on average 9.4% higher at firms making affiliated donations than at other firms, and it is much higher when the compensation committee chair or a large fraction of compensation committee members are involved. We find suggestive evidence that CEOs are unlikely to be replaced for poor performance when firms donate to charities affiliated with a large fraction of the board or when they donate large amounts.
O5.3. IMPAIRED LEFT TEMPORAL-PARIETAL JUNCTION FMRI ACTIVITY DURING CATEGORY FLUENCY IN FIRST-EPISODE PSYCHOSIS
Authors: Perumaly Leana , Curtis Mark , Fishel Vanessa , Torrence Natasha , Wang Yiming , Seebold Dylan , Farris Rebekah , Coffman Brian , Salisbury Dean
Published: May 2020

Background

Language impairments are a core feature of schizophrenia. Category fluency is severely impacted, even as early as the first-episode of psychosis (FEP). It remains unclear which brain regions in the early course of schizophrenia are dysfunctional during category fluency. Therefore, we investigated differences in fMRI bold activity during a category fluency task in FEP, with particular attention to left temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), areas critical to verbal fluency. Our hypothesis was that left TPJ would show overactivity in FEP due to functional dysconnectivity with IFG, thought to modulate TPJ activation.

Methods

Twenty-seven FEP and 25 matched healthy controls (HC) completed an overt category fluency task (animal naming) from the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB), and a covert category fluency task while BOLD fMRI was acquired. The fMRI task had a total of 10 blocks (30s duration) with two alternating conditions: category and rest. At the beginning of the category condition, a category name (birds, breeds of dogs, fruits and vegetables, fish, flowers and trees) was displayed on the screen, and individuals were instructed to think of items within that category. At the beginning of the rest condition, individuals were instructed to silently repeat the word “rest” to themselves. To isolate the activity related to category exemplar generation, the rest condition and the category condition fMRI data were contrasted using SPM12. An uncorrected cluster-defining primary threshold of p<.001 was used at the voxel level, and an FWE correction was used at the cluster level to correct for multiple comparison.

Results

FEP (47.3±12.1) were significantly less fluent compared to HC (55.8±11.3) in the overt MCCB category fluency task (p =.017). In the fMRI covert fluency task, several regions were activated during the category condition (FWE p<.05), primarily including regions in the language network (IFG and TPJ). The left TPJ activation interacted between groups (pFWE-corr =.016). During the category task, HC deactivated left TPJ, whereas FEP did not.

Discussion

FEP have impaired overt category fluency performance, and appear to have deficient deactivation in a region of the left TPJ language area during a category fluency task. TPJ is thought to communicate with Wernicke’s area to translate thoughts into words. Temporal language areas are also thought to be deactivated by IFG during verbal fluency tasks. This fMRI finding is consistent with dysconnectivity between IFG and TPJ during verbal fluency, although future work is needed to definitively address this possible network dysfunction.
O7.2. MENTAL HEALTH AND SOMATIC STATUS OF YOUNG CHILDREN (0–6 YEARS) BORN TO PARENTS WITH SEVERE MENTAL ILLNESSES - A NATIONWIDE DANISH REGISTER STUDY
Authors: Amalie Thorup Anne , Davidsen Kirstine , Ranning Anne , Jennes-Foli Pia , Harder Susanne , Munk Laursen Thomas , Nordentoft Merete
Published: May 2020

Background

Children born to parents with severe mental illness like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or recurrent major depression have been shown to have a higher risk, not only for developing a mental illness themselves in adulthood (Rasic) but also in childhood and adolescence. Less is known about the offspring’s somatic health and very early development processes. Increasing knowledge demonstrate the importance of the very early years of life from birth to age 6 for a healthy and natural brain development and for good life outcomes in general. Thus, more knowledge is needed about this vulnerable period in life, especially for children, who are born with a familial high risk for severe mental illness in order to develop relevant interventions for these children.

Methods

We used Danish registries to evaluate the incidence and the frequencies of early (i.e. age 0–6 years) psychiatric diagnoses of a nationwide cohort of children born to parents with severe mental illness. Further we calculated the frequencies of somatic health problems and compared them to population-based controls.

Results

We found increased ORs for children in all three FHR-groups for having received any diagnosis of a mental disorder before age 7 (e.g.: mother depressed, N=1223): OR:2.82 (CI:2.65–2.99), mother bipolar (N=98): OR: 3.06 (CI 2.50–3.76), mother schizophrenia (N=574): OR 5.23 (CI: 4.80–5.69), and similar although a bit smaller ORs if it was the father, who had a diagnosis. Especially ORs for attachment disorder and anxiety were increased but also ORs for eating disorders and sleep disorders were found to be significantly higher than for controls. Odd ratios for somatic disorders were marginally increased for all disorders and also for intoxications and injuries.

Discussion

Our results document that children born to parents with severe mental illnesses are vulnerable from the beginning of life, mainly in terms of their mental health but to some extent also in terms of somatic health. Parents who have a severe mental disorder may need extra support in the parenting role to ensure good health for the child.
T22. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CORTICAL THICKNESS AND FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME IN INDIVIDUALS AT RISK OF PSYCHOSIS
Authors: Sasabayashi Daiki , Takayanagi Yoichiro , Takahashi Tsutomu , Mizukami Yuko , Katagiri Naoyuki , Sakuma Atsushi , Obara Chika , Koike Shinsuke , Nakamura Mihoko , Furuichi Atsushi , Kido Mikio , Nishikawa Yumiko , Noguchi Kyo , Yamasue Hidenori , Matsumoto Kazunori , Mizuno Masafumi , Kasai Kiyoto , Suzuki Michio
Published: May 2020

Background

Previous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in patients with schizophrenia have demonstrated reduced cortical thickness predominantly in the fronto-temporal regions, but several MRI studies of regional cortical thickness in individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis have reported inconsistent results. In addition, it remains elusive whether abnormalities of the cortical thickness in individuals at risk of psychosis, if present, are related to their functional outcome.

Methods

T1-weighted structural MR scans were obtained from 107 individuals with at-risk mental state (ARMS), of whom 21 (19.6%) later developed psychosis during clinical follow-up (mean = 4.9 years, SD = 2.6 years), as well as 104 age- and gender- matched healthy control subjects recruited at 4 scanning sites (University of Toyama, Toho University, Tohoku University, and The University of Tokyo). ARMS individuals were subdivided into good (ARMS-G, n = 77) and poor (ARMS-P, n = 13) outcome groups based on the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores both at baseline and 1-year follow-up. After preprocessing MR images using FreeSurfer software (ver.5.3.), we continuously measured the cortical thickness of entire cortex. A general linear model controlling for age, gender, and sites was used to estimate group differences. To correct for multiple comparisons, a Monte Carlo simulation procedure was used. This study was approved by the Committees on Medical Ethics of each site. After a complete description of the study was provided, written informed consent was obtained from all subjects.

Results

Compared with the controls, ARMS individuals exhibited significantly reduced cortical thickness in the superior and inferior frontal gyri, parahippocampal gyri, fusiform gyri, temporal pole cortices, and insula cortices bilaterally, as well as in the left middle frontal gyrus and right precuneus cortex. ARMS individuals also showed significantly increased cortical thickness in the left pre- and postcentral gyrus and right pericalcarine cortex in comparison to the controls. Within ARMS population, ARMS-P individuals had significantly reduced cortical thickness in the right paracentral lobule compared with ARMS-G individuals.

Discussion

Cortical thinning in the fronto-temporal regions as well as cortical thickening in the posterior cortices seen in ARMS individuals might be associated with general vulnerability to psychopathology. Furthermore, cortical thickness of the right paracentral lobule could be a predictive marker for functional outcome in ARMS population.
T54. EFFECTS OF GAMMA TRANSCRANIAL ALTERNATING CURRENT STIMULATION TO THE LEFT DORSOLATERAL PREFRONTAL CORTEX ON WORKING MEMORY IN SCHIZOPHRENIA PATIENTS
Authors: Papazova Irina , Strube Wolfgang , Hoffmann Lina , Schwippel Tobias , Padberg Frank , Palm Ulrich , Falkai Peter , Plewnia Christian , Hasan Alkomiet
Published: May 2020

Background

Working memory (WM) impairment is characteristic for schizophrenia patients, lowering their occupational status and quality of life. Recent research suggests that non-invasive brain stimulation could have the potential to treat such cognitive deficits. One novel and promising approach is the transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) that could entrain the endogenous gamma oscillations in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), previously shown to be abnormal in schizophrenia patients and associated with WM deficits. Indeed, first studies demonstrated WM improvement in healthy participants following tACS at the gamma frequency (γ-tACS) to the DLPFC in healthy participants. However, till date, there is only one pilot study with ten schizophrenia patients, where cognitive enhancement was not evident. Here, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and feasibility of γ-tACS on simultaneous WM performance in schizophrenia patients with a bigger study sample and in regard of cognitive load

Methods

A total of fifteen patients with schizophrenia (N = 15, 8 female) participated in the current study. They underwent a pre-stimulation baseline, an active γ-tACS and a sham single-session in a double-blind, cross-over design. Stimulation was administered over the left DLPFC (F3, anode) and the contralateral region (F4, cathode) at a current of -1mA to 1mA (peek-to-peek) at 40 Hz for 20 min (48000 cycles). We assessed WM during stimulation using a verbal n-back task with three cognitive loads (1- to 3-back). Reaction times and discriminability index d prime served as primary study outcomes. Using several RM-ANOVAs, we compared working memory performance during γ-tACS and sham across all cognitive loads.

Results

Data analysis showed no significant main effect of γ-tACS compared to sham on both d prime values (p = .269) and reaction times (p = .166). However, we observed a significant stimulation x load interaction effect on reaction times (p = .043), suggesting that with increasing cognitive load participants responded slightly slower during active than during sham γ-tACS.

Discussion

The current work is one of the first to investigate the effects of γ-tACS to the DLPFC on simultaneous WM performance in schizophrenia patients. In line with previous research, we did not find any significant changes in cognition due to stimulation. Surprisingly, we observed a slight decrease in WM speed with higher cognitive load during active compared to sham tACS. Results are discussed in line of study protocol and tACS feasibility and emphasize the need for future research on the specific study design parameters.
T56. RISKY DECISION-MAKING IMPAIRMENT IN EARLY-STAGE PSYCHOTIC BIPOLAR DISORDER
Authors: Chung Man Ng Mary , Kwun Nam Chan Joe , Luk Martha , Fei Wong Cheuk , Fung Wo Sui , Sau Man Wong Corine , Ming Hui Lai , Wa Chan Kit , Ming Lee Ho , Nam Suen Yi , Chen Eric , Chung Chang Wing
Published: May 2020

Background

Previous research suggests that bipolar disorder may be associated with increased risk-taking / impulsivity. Risky decision-making paradigm is an objective, performance-based measure which has been increasingly applied in bipolar disorder research examining. Nonetheless, literature focused only on chronically ill samples, with illness chronicity, clinical heterogeneity and prolonged medication exposure being potential confounding factors of study results. The current study aimed to explore whether patients with early-stage psychotic bipolar disorder (BDP) exhibit impaired risky decision-making relative to healthy controls, using a well-validated, widely-applied experimental paradigm of Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART).

Methods

Thirty-nine patients with early-stage BDP (defined by having received psychiatric treatment for first-episode BDP within 3 years since service entry) and 36 demographically matched healthy controls were recruited. BART was administered to examine risky decision-making performance. Deliberative risky behavior was operationalized as the willingness to inflate balloons as each pump was accompanied by an extra point gained in the temporary repository or balloon explosion. Three performance-based indices (adjusted score, explosion rate and cumulative score) were derived and analyzed.

Results

There were no significant differences between patients and controls in age, gender and educational levels. Independent samples t-tests illustrated that patients had significantly lower adjusted score (t = -3.45, p = .001, d = .791), explosion rate (t = -2.75, p = .007, d = .631) and cumulative score (t = -3.07, p = .003, d = .714) in BART compared to controls. Similar findings were obtained when comparison analyses were restricted to patients who were treated with antipsychotic medications at the time of study assessment (n = 30). No significant correlations between BART performance-based indices and measures of clinical and treatment variables were found in patient sample.

Discussion

Our results demonstrated that early-stage BDP patients displayed suboptimal risky decision-making compared with controls. Abnormal risky decision-making observed in the euthymic state of patients in early stage of bipolar disorder suggests that such impairment might represent a trait factor in the disorder. Further prospective research is warranted to clarify the longitudinal course of risky decision-making impairment in bipolar disorder.