bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CSR focus in the mission and vision statements of public sector enterprises: evidence from India
Authors: Mansi Mansi , Pandey Rakesh , Ghauri Ehtasham
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This study aims to explore the weightage rendered to corporate social responsibility (CSR) keywords in mission and vision (M&V) statements of public sector enterprises (PSEs) in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysing the contents of M&V statements of 230 PSEs, this study has the twin research objectives of seeking to illuminate the current use of CSR-related keywords in PSEs’ M&V statements that reflect organisational strategy and provide an understanding for how firm age, industry and firm size variables serve to influence CSR keyword reporting in these statements.

Findings

The findings of this study provide evidence that half of the Indian PSEs reported at least one CSR-related keyword in their M&V statements. These public enterprises predominantly use 38 different categories of CSR keywords in their M&V statements. Furthermore, the authors find that environment-related keywords were predominantly used by PSEs in their M&V statements. The results indicate that PSEs’ size and industries are significantly associated with the use of CSR-related keywords in M&V statements, suggesting that bigger PSEs and PSEs in extractive industries (e.g. mining, coal and petroleum) tend to report more CSR-related keywords in their M&V statements.

Research limitations/implications

Findings imply that small public enterprises (those having a low annual turnover) lack CSR focus in their M&V statements. The authors argue that, irrespective of the size of the enterprise, CSR should be an integral part of these PSEs in framing their M&V statements.

Originality/value

This study systematically analyses CSR-related keywords in the M&V statements of all PSEs in India.
Independent monitoring and review functions in a financial reporting context
Authors: Louw Albertus , Maroun Warren
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Independent monitoring and review bodies have become a defining feature of the professional accounting and auditing space. Exactly how these institutions function to improve the quality of the corporate reporting or audit function is, however, poorly understood. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to provide empirical evidence on how the activities of an independent review process functions on individual preparers, auditors and those charged with an organisation’s governance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is an interpretive one. Data are collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed by the researchers.

Findings

The review function performed by an independent body results in companies being more aware of the need for compliance with the applicable financial reporting standards. Independent reviews also act as a process of examination which functions at the level of the individual accountant, auditor or director. These subjects of regulation report an added sense of accountability to their respective employer and profession and a heightened awareness of the need for high-quality corporate reporting.

Research limitations/implications

Independent monitoring and review bodies are not just symbolic displays which reassure uninformed users that the quality of financial statements are sound. Examination of financial statements and identification of non-compliance with the applicable financial reporting standards drive actual changes in reporting practices.

Originality/value

This study complements the predominantly positivist financial reporting research which does not deal with precisely how the work of regulatory bodies operates on the subjects of regulation. The research makes an important practical contribution by providing empirical evidence in support of laws and regulations which promote independent review of the accounting profession.
A dramaturgical accounting of cooperative performance indicators
Authors: Corrigan Lawrence T. , Rixon Daphne
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Electric cooperatives may be seen as an alternative form of organizing in the shadow of investor-owned utilities. They are presumed able to meet financial challenges while simultaneously honoring cooperative principles of member-owners. This paper aims to investigate such a balancing act and conceptualize “key performance indicators” (KPIs) as a dramatic accounting discourse.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a dramaturgical approach to cooperative performance accounting, and claims that KPIs are a simplification of a complex and shifting reality which they also socially construct. Data were gathered from annual financial reports and websites of rural electric cooperatives along with semi-structured interviews conducted with senior cooperative officials.

Findings

The cooperatives in this case study reported a huge number of KPIs. However, this paper reveals that the performance indicators serve impression management goals and operational demands rather than reporting on fulfillment of the “Seven Cooperative Principles” that are fundamental to the cooperative movement.

Research limitations/implications

Extant inquiry regarding electric cooperatives tends toward a positivist research approach and a realist worldview. This overlooks dramatic and critical possibilities of KPIs as a management construction project. Expanding beyond mainstream research, this paper calls attention to artistic production of knowledge and applies a qualitative framework to problematize accounting disclosures.

Originality/value

Prior KPI research has often been instrumental, looking for predictive evidence that KPIs have strategic value as a “tool” for organizations to attain competitive advantage. This paper introduces the notion that performance measures are theatrical, and applies this to rural electric cooperatives, an industry mostly ignored in the academic literature.
Logging increases the functional and phylogenetic dispersion of understorey plant communities in tropical lowland rain forest
Authors: Döbert Timm F. , Webber Bruce L. , Sugau John B. , Dickinson Katharine J. M. , Didham Raphael K.
Published: April 2017

Logging is a major driver of tropical forest degradation, with severe impacts on plant richness and composition. Rarely have these effects been considered in terms of their impact on the functional and phylogenetic diversity of understorey plant communities, despite the direct relevance to community reassembly trajectories. Here, we test the effects of logging on functional traits and evolutionary relatedness, over and above effects that can be explained by changes in species richness alone. We hypothesised that strong environmental filtering will result in more clustered (under‐dispersed) functional and phylogenetic structures within communities as logging intensity increases.

We surveyed understorey plant communities at 180 locations across a logging intensity gradient from primary to repeatedly logged tropical lowland rain forest in Sabah, Malaysia. For the 691 recorded plant taxa, we generated a phylogeny to assess plot‐level phylogenetic relatedness. We quantified 10 plant traits known to respond to disturbance and affect ecosystem functioning, and tested the influence of logging on functional and phylogenetic structure.

We found no significant effect of forest canopy loss or road configuration on species richness. By contrast, both functional dispersion and phylogenetic dispersion (net relatedness index) showed strong gradients from clustered towards more randomly assembled communities at higher logging intensity, independent of variation in species richness. Moreover, there was a significant nonlinear shift in the trait dispersion relationship above a logging intensity threshold of c. 65% canopy loss (±17% CL). All functional traits showed significant phylogenetic signals, suggesting broad concordance between functional and phylogenetic dispersion, at least below the logging intensity threshold.

Synthesis. We found a strong logging signal in the functional and phylogenetic structure of understorey plant communities, over and above species richness, but this effect was opposite to that predicted. Logging increased, rather than decreased, functional and phylogenetic dispersion in understorey plant communities. This effect was particularly pronounced for functional response traits, which directly link disturbance with plant community reassembly. Our study provides novel insights into the way logging affects understorey plant communities in tropical rain forest and highlights the importance of trait‐based approaches to improve our understanding of the broad range of logging‐associated impacts.
Content analysis of the professional journal of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, III: 1966–2015—into the 21st century
Authors: Armstrong Linda , Stansfield Jois , Bloch Steven
Published: April 2017

Background

Following content analyses of the first 30 years of the UK speech and language therapy professional body's journal, this study was conducted to survey the published work of the speech (and language) therapy profession over the last 50 years and trace key changes and themes.

Aim

To understand better the development of the UK speech and language therapy profession over the last 50 years.

Methods & Procedures

All volumes of the professional journal of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists published between 1966 and 2015 (British Journal of Communication Disorders,European Journal of Communication DisordersandInternational Journal of Language and Communication Disorders) were examined using content analysis. The content was compared with that of the same journal as it appeared from 1935 to 1965.

Outcomes & Results

The journal has shown a trend towards more multi‐authored and international papers, and a formalization of research methodologies. The volume of papers has increased considerably. Topic areas have expanded, but retain many of the areas of study found in earlier issues of the journal.

Conclusions & Implications

The journal and its articles reflect the growing complexity of conditions being researched by speech and language therapists and their professional colleagues and give an indication of the developing evidence base for intervention and the diverse routes which speech and language therapy practice has taken over the last 50 years.
Prebiotic flours in dairy food processing: Technological and sensory implications
Authors: Santos Renata O , Silva Marcus Vinicius F , Nascimento Kamila O , Batista Aline L D , Moraes Jeremias , Andrade Marlon M , Andrade Luiz Guilherme Z S , Khosravi‐Darani Kianoush , Freitas Monica Q , Raices Renata S L , Silva Marcia C , Barbosa Junior Jose L , Barbosa Maria Ivone M J , Cruz Adriano G
Published: April 2017

This review aims to evaluate the prebiotic potential of vegetable flours in the manufacture of dairy products and their effects on technological and sensory properties. Overall, studies have shown positive results, not only with regard to the growth of the lactic and/or probiotic bacteria but also for sensory acceptance, rheological and physicochemical properties. In addition, integrated studies focusing on the development of dairy functional foods must be conducted in order to optimise the amount of flour to be added in each dairy food formulation and also to assess the impact of prebiotic flour addition on the intrinsic quality parameters of the dairy products.
Wake and light therapy for moderate‐to‐severe depression – a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kragh M. , Martiny K. , Videbech P. , Møller D. N. , Wihlborg C. S. , Lindhardt T. , Larsen E. R.
Published: April 2017

Objective

To examine the efficacy of using wake and light therapy as a supplement to standard treatment of hospitalized patients with depression.

Method

In this randomized, controlled study, 64 patients with moderate‐to‐severe depression were allocated to standard treatment or to the intervention, which additionally consisted of three wake therapy sessions in one week, 30‐min daily light treatment and sleep time stabilization over the entire nine‐week study period.

Results

Patients in the wake therapy group had a significant decrease in depressive symptoms in week one as measured by HAM‐D17, 17.39 (CI 15.6–19.2) vs. 20.19 (CI 18.3–22.09) (P = 0.04), whereas no statistically significant differences were found between the groups in weeks two to nine. At week nine, the wake therapy group had a significantly larger increase in general self‐efficacy (P = 0.001), and waking up during nights was a significantly less frequent problem (1.9 times vs. 3.2) (P = 0.0008). In most weeks, significantly fewer patients in the wake therapy group slept during the daytime, and if they slept, their naps were shorter (week three: 66 min vs. 117 min P = 0.02).

Conclusion

The antidepressant effect initially achieved could not be maintained during the nine‐week study period. However, sleep and general self‐efficacy improved.
Presence of Ganglia and Telocytes in Proximity to Myocardial Sleeve Tissue in the Porcine Pulmonary Veins Wall
Authors: Vandecasteele T. , Cornillie P. , Vandevelde K. , Logothetidou A. , Couck L. , van Loon G. , Van den Broeck W.
Published: April 2017

Ganglia and telocytes were identified inside the porcine pulmonary veins wall near myocardial sleeve tissue at the atriopulmonary junction. These structures are reported to play a role in the initiation of pulses from outside the heart, which potentially can cause cardiac conduction disorders such as atrial fibrillation. In‐depth knowledge on the fine structure of the pulmonary vein wall is a pre‐requisite to better understand the underlying pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation and the origin and conduction of ectopic pulses. The importance of pulmonary vein myocardial sleeves as triggering foci for atrial fibrillation has been shown in human patients. In this context, the fine structure of the pulmonary vein wall was investigated qualitatively by light and transmission electron microscopy in the pig, which is a frequently used animal model for development of new treatment strategies. Additionally, intra and extramural ganglia, containing telocytes that create a network near the neurone cell bodies, were identified in pigs. Detailed illustration of the distribution and organization of tissues and cell types, potentially involved in the origin and propagation of ectopic stimuli originating from the pulmonary veins, might lead to a better insight on the actual composition of the tissues affected by ablation as studied in pigs.
Progesterone resistance in endometriosis: origins, consequences and interventions
Authors: Patel Bansari G. , Rudnicki Martin , Yu Jie , Shu Yimin , Taylor Robert N.
Published: April 2017

Endometriosis is a common cause of pelvic pain and affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age. Aberrant progesterone signaling in the endometrium plays a significant role in impaired decidualization and establishment of ectopic endometrial implants. Eutopic endometrial cells from women with endometriosis fail to downregulate genes needed for decidualization, such as those involved in cell cycle regulation, leading to unbridled proliferation. Several causes of progesterone resistance in the endometrium have been postulated, including congenital “preconditioning”, whereby the in utero environment renders infants susceptible to neonatal uterine bleeding and endometriosis. Progesterone action is crucial to decreasing inflammation in the endometrium, and deviant progesterone signaling results in a proinflammatory phenotype. Conversely, chronic inflammation can induce a progesterone‐resistant state. Repetitive retrograde endometrial shedding begets chronic peritoneal inflammation, which further exacerbates progesterone resistance. Genetic causes of progesterone resistance include progesterone receptor gene polymorphisms, altered microRNA expression, and epigenetic modifications to progesterone receptors and their targets. Environmental toxins such as dioxin play a possible role in the genesis of endometriosis by permitting an inflammatory milieu. A consequence of impaired progesterone action is that hormonal therapy is rendered ineffective for a subset of women with endometriosis. Synthetic progestins, such as dienogest, may overcome this phenomenon by increasing progesterone receptor expression and decreasing proinflammatory cytokines. Other modalities include high dose depot formulations of progestins, medicated intrauterine devices and the likely advent of oral GnRH antagonists. Unearthing root causes of progesterone inaction in endometriosis will aid in the development of novel therapeutics geared toward prevention and treatment.
A first look at the effects of long inter‐pregnancy interval and advanced maternal age on perinatal outcomes: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Qin Chunxiang , Mi Chunmei , Xia Aibin , Chen Wei‐Ti , Chen Chunxia , Li Ying , Li Yao , Bai Wenhui , Tang Siyuan
Published: April 2017

Background

After China's One‐child Policy was replaced with the Two‐child Policy in 2013, the rate of second pregnancies with a longer inter‐pregnancy interval (IPI) has suddenly increased in that country; however, the effect of long IPIs (≥49 months) on perinatal outcomes remains unreported.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study in China from July 2015 through June 2016. We used univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to test the associations among IPI, maternal age, and perinatal outcome (preterm delivery, term low birthweight, and small‐for‐gestational age). We included baseline factors and variables with biological plausibility as confounders.

Results

Our analytic sample included 3309 second pregnancies. The mean IPI was 75.36 months. Compared with second pregnancies with a short IPI of 7‐24 months, those with long IPIs had higher adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of preterm delivery (1.70‐2.00 [95% CI 1.20‐3.33]) and term low birthweight (2.16‐2.68 [1.10‐6.17]), but not small‐for‐gestational age. The mean maternal age at current delivery was 32.0 years. Compared with the reference group (25‐29 years), second pregnancies for the oldest maternal age group (≥35 years) showed no statistically significant increased ORs for adverse perinatal outcomes.

Conclusion

Long IPI is a significant contributor to preterm delivery and term low birthweight. Health care providers need to pay close attention to preterm delivery prevention and fetal growth during prenatal care for second pregnancies where the mothers have long IPIs.
It is not just about occupation, but also about where you work
Authors: Berthelsen Hanne , Westerlund Hugo , Hakanen Jari J. , Kristensen Tage S.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Dentistry is characterized by a meaningful but also stressful psychosocial working environment. Job satisfaction varies among staff working under different organizational forms. The aim of this study was to identify (i) to what extent crucial psychosocial work environment characteristics differ among occupations in general public dental clinics in Sweden, and (ii) how much of the variation within each occupation is attributable to the organizational level.

Methods

All staff (N=1782) employed in four public dental organizations received an email with personal log‐in to an electronic questionnaire based on the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire. After two reminders, a response rate of 75% was obtained. Responses from 880 nonmanagerial dentists, dental hygienists and dental nurses working in general practices were included in our analyses.

Results

First, we compared the three dental occupations. We found that job demands, task resources (eg influence, possibilities for development and role clarity), strain symptoms and attitudes to work differed among occupations, dentists having the least favourable situation. Next, we compared the four organizations for each occupational group, separately. For dentists, a significant and relevant amount of variance (P<.05 and ICC >.05) was explained by the organizational level for 15 of 26 subscales, least pronounced for task resources. By contrast, for dental nurses and hygienists, the corresponding number was 2 subscales of 26. The psychosocial working environment of people working at the organization with the highest levels of strain indicators and the least positive work‐related attitudes differed systematically from the organization with the most favourable profile, in particular regarding job demands and leadership aspects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the psychosocial working environment depended to a large degree on occupation and, for dentists in particular, also on their organizational affiliation. The findings suggest a potential for designing interventions at organizational level for improvements of the psychosocial working environment for dentists.
Subclinical lower airways correlates of chronic allergic and non‐allergic rhinitis
Authors: Saranz R. J. , Lozano A. , Lozano N. A. , Ponzio M. F. , Cruz Á. A.
Published: April 2017

The upper and lower airways behave as a physiological and pathophysiological unit. Subclinical lower airways abnormalities have been described in patients with rhinitis without asthma. These are expressed as bronchial hyperreactivity, abnormalities in lung function and bronchial inflammation, likely as a result of the same phenomenon with systemic inflammatory impact that reaches both the nose and the lungs, which for unknown reasons does not always have a full clinical expression. Patients with rhinitis are at increased risk of developing asthma; therefore, most authors suggest a careful clinical evaluation and monitoring of these patients, especially if symptoms related to inflammation in the lower airways are observed. Although current treatments, such as H1‐antihistamines, intranasal steroids and allergen immunotherapy, are quite effective for the management of rhinitis, it is difficult to prove their capacity to prevent asthma among subjects with rhinitis. Evidence showing that the treatment of rhinitis has a favourable impact on indicators of bronchial hyperreactivity and inflammation among subjects that have no symptoms of asthma is more frequently described. In this review, we address the frequency and characteristics of lower airway abnormalities in subjects with rhinitis, both in paediatric and adult populations, their likely predictive value for the development of asthma and the possibilities for therapeutic intervention that could modify the risk of subjects with rhinitis towards presenting asthma.
The association between psychosocial well‐being and living environments: a case of orphans in Rwanda
Authors: Caserta Tehetna Alemu , Pirttilä‐Backman Anna‐Maija , Punamäki Raija‐Leena
Published: April 2017

This study examined how various living environments (child‐headed households, orphanages, street children and foster homes), quality of care and demographic factors were associated with the psychosocial well‐being of orphans in Rwanda by using a sample of 430 participants. Results indicated that children in orphanages exhibited higher levels of emotional well‐being and lower levels of mental distress and risk‐taking behaviour than others. Decision‐making ability was the highest among child‐headed households, while it was the lowest among those in orphanages. Quality of care, such as meal availability and length of time spent in a particular living environment, along with demographic factors, such as age and sex, were also important predictors of psychosocial well‐being.
An epidemic of allergic contact dermatitis caused by a new allergen, caprylhydroxamic acid, in moisturizers
Authors: Ackermann Leena , Virtanen Hannele , Korhonen Laura , Laukkanen Arja , Huilaja Laura , Riekki Riitta , Hasan Taina
Published: April 2017

Background

In 2016, dermatologists in Finland suspected contact allergy in several patients using moisturizers under the trade name Apobase®. Following a formulation change, Phenostat™, which is a mixture of phenoxyethanol, caprylhydroxamic acid, and methylpropanediol, was used as a preservative in Apobase® moisturizers in Finland.

Objectives

To confirm the suspected contact allergy to Apobase® cream, oily cream, and/or lotion, and to identify the specific contact allergen and define its optimal patch test concentration.

Methods

Thirty‐nine patients with suspected contact allergy to Apobase® creams or lotion were patch tested in four Finnish dermatological clinics. The patch tests included old and new Apobase® formulas and their preservative agents: phenoxyethanol, methylpropanediol, and dilution series of Phenostat™ and caprylhydroxamic acid or its potassium salt.

Results

The patch tests showed positive reactions to the new Apobase® formulas, Phenostat™, and caprylhydroxamic acid or its potassium salt, but not to the old Apobase® formulas, methylpropanediol, or phenoxyethanol.

Conclusions

We found a new contact allergen, caprylhydroxyamic acid, which caused an epidemic of allergic contact dermatitis in patients using moisturizers containing this preservative. Whether the sensitizing capacity of caprylhydroxamic acid depends on the other chemicals used in Apobase® moisturizers needs further investigation.
Predicting abstinence from methamphetamine use after residential rehabilitation: Findings from the Methamphetamine Treatment Evaluation Study
Authors: McKetin Rebecca , Kothe Astrid , Baker Amanda L. , Lee Nicole K. , Ross Joanne , Lubman Dan I.
Published: April 2017

Introduction and Aims

We previously found that residential rehabilitation increased continuous abstinence from methamphetamine use 1 year after treatment. We examine what client and treatment characteristics predict this outcome.

Design and Methods

Participants (n = 176) were dependent on methamphetamine and entering residential rehabilitation for methamphetamine use. Simultaneous logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of continuous abstinence from methamphetamine use at 1 year follow‐up. Measures included demographics, drug use, psychiatric comorbidity (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, major depression, social phobia, panic disorder, schizophrenia, mania and conduct disorder), symptoms of psychosis and hostility, readiness to change, motivations for treatment and treatment characteristics (duration, rapport, group and individual counselling).

Results

Participants stayed in treatment for a median of 8 weeks; 23% remained abstinent at 1 year. The only independent predictors of abstinence were more weeks in treatment [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.2, P < 0.001], better rapport with treatment providers (AOR 2.4, P = 0.049) and receipt of individual counselling (AOR 3.7, P = 0.013), whereas injecting methamphetamine predicted not achieving abstinence (AOR = 0.25, P = 0.002). Individual counselling and good rapport increased abstinence to 45%; for injectors, longer stays in treatment (13+ weeks) were additionally needed to produce similar abstinence rates (43%).

Discussions and Conclusions

Abstinence from methamphetamine use following residential rehabilitation could be significantly increased by providing individual counselling, maintaining good rapport with clients and ensuring longer stays for people who inject the drug. [McKetin R, Kothe A, Baker AL, Lee NK, Ross J, Lubman DI. Predicting abstinence from methamphetamine use after residential rehabilitation: Findings from the Methamphetamine Treatment Evaluation Study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2018;37:70–78]
From Force to Legitimation: Rethinking Land Grabs in Cambodia
Authors: Beban Alice , So Sokbunthoeun , Un Kheang
Published: April 2017

This article moves beyond a focus on the brute force involved in high‐profile land grabs to examine the way legitimation, regulation and coercion intersect in Cambodia's property regime. It builds on the ‘powers of exclusion’ framework developed by Hall, Hirsch and Li to argue that increased connections within civil society in Cambodia and engagement with Western commodity markets have motivated state and private concessionaires to use different means of land exclusion, with less outright force and a greater focus on repressive regulation and legitimation. These exclusionary powers work through informal political connections, secrecy and obfuscation, which the authors term the ‘power of informality’. This argument is substantiated with two case studies that illustrate a move away from the dominant narrative of forceful expulsion of land users in Economic Land Concessions (ELC) towards approaches that provide in‐kind compensation and carve out land for smallholders: a recent land titling campaign in ELC areas, and the first oil palm ELC to gain responsible investment certification. While the authors remain cautious of the implications of this shift, given the persistence of the power of informality, these cases illustrate the potential for new forms of state–society relations: a shift from fear of authorities to a demand for greater accountability and responsiveness.
Spawning site fidelity and apparent annual survival of walleye (Sander vitreus) differ between a Lake Huron and Lake Erie tributary
Authors: Hayden Todd A. , Binder Thomas R. , Holbrook Christopher M. , Vandergoot Christopher S. , Fielder David G. , Cooke Steven J. , Dettmers John M. , Krueger Charles C.
Published: April 2017

Fidelity to spawning habitats can maximise reproductive success of fish by synchronising movements to sites of previous recruitment. To determine the role of reproductive fidelity in structuring walleye Sander vitreus populations in the Laurentian Great Lakes, we used acoustic telemetry combined with Cormack–Jolly–Seber capture–recapture models to estimate spawning site fidelity and apparent annual survival for the Tittabawassee River in Lake Huron and Maumee River in Lake Erie. Walleye in spawning condition were tagged from the Tittabawassee River in Lake Huron and Maumee River in Lake Erie in 2011–2012. Site fidelity and apparent annual survival were estimated from return of individuals to the stream where tagged. Site fidelity estimates were higher in the Tittabawassee River (95%) than the Maumee River (70%) and were not related to sex or fish length at tagging. Apparent annual survival of walleye tagged in the Tittabawassee did not differ among spawning seasons but was higher for female than male walleye and decreased linearly as fish length increased. Apparent annual survival of walleye tagged in the Maumee River did not differ among spawning seasons but was higher for female walleye than male walleye and increased linearly as fish length increased. Greater fidelity of walleye tagged in the Tittabawassee River than walleye tagged in the Maumee River may be related to the close proximity to the Maumee River of other spawning aggregations and multiple spawning sites in Lake Erie. As spawning site fidelity increases, management actions to conserve population structure require an increasing focus on individual stocks.
Hobbes on Teleology and Reason
Authors: Parietti Guido
Published: April 2017

Starting from considering how radical Hobbes' rejection of teleology was, this paper presents a coherent reading of Hobbesian reason, as applied to the justification of political obligation, striking a more perspicuous third way between the ‘orthodox’ (based on self‐interest and consequentialism) and the ‘revisionist’ (moralizing, or variously substantive) readings. Both families of interpretations are partial to some elements of Hobbes' thought, therefore incapable of providing a coherent reading of its whole. A precise rendering of Hobbes' deontological reason allows a better hermeneutical understanding of his philosophy as well as a keener appreciation of its relevance for past and present political thought.
Higher plasma leptin is associated with higher risk of androgenetic alopecia in men
Authors: Yang Chao‐Chun , Chung Pei‐Lun , Lin Li‐Yu , Hughes Michael W. , Tsai Yau‐Sheng
Published: April 2017

In addition to genetics and androgens, novel factors could play a role in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). This study aims to investigate the association between plasma leptin level with the risk and severity of AGA in men. Forty‐eight subjects were enrolled including 29 AGA and 19 non‐AGA subjects. The plasma leptin level was significantly higher in AGA subjects, compared to non‐AGA subjects (4.45 vs 2.76 ng/mL, P<.05). A higher plasma leptin levels were positively correlated with the risk of developing AGA in multivariate logistic analysis (odds ratio=2.77, P<.05). Leptin from the circulation might impact the development of AGA.
Gene‐environment interaction influences attachment‐like style in mice
Authors: Lassi G. , Tucci V.
Published: April 2017

Attachment styles are established soon after birth and form the basis for a healthy psychological life during adulthood. Here, we investigated whether genetic background (i.e. isogenic strains: C57BL/6N and BALB/c) and parent‐of‐origin (i.e. reciprocal hybrids) epigenetic effects influence attachment‐like styles in mice. We discovered that a specific genetic and epigenetic assortment exerts a role on the development of a secure or insecure attachment‐like style. In particular, when biological mothers raise their pups, the attachment‐like style is mainly secure, independently of the genetic background. However, when foster mothers raise pups, the attachment‐like style can be either secure or insecure, depending on the particular genetic background, and this effect is paternally transmitted. Finally, we observed that secure attachment‐like in mice leads to greater sociability during adulthood, while insecure attachment‐like leads to reduced sociability. Our study sheds light on gene‐environment interactions that shape the attachment‐like style early in development and pave the way for a healthy psychological life.
Transcriptional profiling of SHR/NCrl prefrontal cortex shows hyperactivity‐associated genes responsive to amphetamine challenge
Authors: dela Peña I. J. I. , dela Peña I. , de la Peña J. B. , Kim H. J. , Sohn A. , Shin C. Y. , Han D. H. , Kim B.‐N. , Ryu J. H. , Cheong J. H.
Published: April 2017

Several studies suggest a strong genetic component of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inappropriate levels of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Determining specific genetic risk variants for each symptom dimension of ADHD may aid in the identification of the biological risk factors of the disorder. In this study, we explored the potential genetic underpinnings of the hyperactive phenotype of ADHD. To this end, we examined differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of SHR/NCrl, an animal model of ADHD, compared with its genetic control, the Wistar Kyoto (WKY/NCrl) rat and the Wistar rat, strain used to represent the ‘normal’ heterogeneous population. Relative to WKY/NCrl and Wistar controls, SHR/NCrl showed hyperactivity in the open‐field test. Treatment with the ADHD drug, amphetamine (AMPH) reduced hyperactivity in SHR/NCrl. Meanwhile, AMPH increased locomotor activity in WKY/NCrl and Wistar rats. Gene expression analysis found 21 common upregulated and 36 downregulated genes in the PFC of drug‐naive SHR/NCrl when compared with WKY/NCrl and Wistar rats. Of these DEGs, expression levels of two genes, Atxn7 and Per2, which are involved in transcription and circadian rhythm, respectively, were downregulated following AMPH treatment in SHR/NCrl. Quantitative real‐time‐polymerase chain reaction analyses verified expression patterns of these genes in the PFC of drug‐naïve and AMPH‐treated SHR/NCrl. The present findings indicate genetic risk variants that may be associated with the hyperactive phenotype in ADHD. Further studies are warranted to establish the roles of Atxn7 and Per2 in mediating hyperactivity.
Corticosteroid might reduce serum levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in fulminant hepatitis: A case series
Authors: Fujiwara Keiichi , Hida Seiji , Yasui Shin , Yokosuka Osamu , Oda Shigeto
Published: April 2017

Aim

There are no beneficial therapies except for emergency liver transplantation for acute liver failure (ALF). However, in Japan, which has a serious problem in the shortage of donor livers, therapies other than transplantation must be further investigated for patients with ALF. Pro‐inflammatory cytokines promoting tissue destruction are predominant at an early phase of ALF. Corticosteroid (CS) influences monocyte/macrophage differentiation, by suppressing pro‐inflammatory genes, indicating CS treatment might be beneficial during the early phase of ALF. Our aim was to elucidate the efficacy of CS pulse therapy in decreasing pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels in the early stage of ALF.

Methods

Ten consecutive adult Japanese patients with fulminant hepatitis in the early stage, three treated with artificial liver support (ALS) and CS pulse therapy (ALS + CS group) and seven treated with ALS (ALS group), were enrolled. Clinical and biochemical data on admission were matched between the groups and retrospectively analyzed for serum concentrations of interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and interleukin‐1β over a 2‐week period.

Results

Mean cytokine levels on admission were not different between the two groups. Tumor necrosis factor‐α was significantly reduced on day 7 in patients with CS. Serum levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines tended to be reduced in patients with CS compared to those without during the observation period, although the differences were not significant.

Conclusions

It might be possible that introduction of CS pulse therapy in the early stage of ALF could reduce levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, which might inhibit the cascade of progression of ALF.
Use of resuscitation plans at a tertiary Australian hospital: room for improvement
Authors: Smith Roger J. , Santamaria John D. , Holmes Jennifer A. , Faraone Espedito E. , Hurune Patricia N. , Reid David A.
Published: April 2017

Background

The ‘Acute Resuscitation Plan’ (ARP) is a document for recording the resuscitation plans of patients at a tertiary hospital for adult patients. The ARP was introduced at the hospital in September 2014, superseding the ‘Not for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)’ form. Unlike the Not for CPR form, the ARP was relevant to patients with and without resuscitation limits.

Aim

To evaluate the introduction of the ARP.

Methods

This study is a retrospective audit of the records of all admissions to the hospital from January to June 2014 (Not for CPR period) and January to June 2015 (ARP period). The main outcomes are the incidence of resuscitation plans, the proportion of ARP specifying consultation with the patient (or representative) and with senior medical staff, and the proportion of ARP among older patients and those with significant comorbidity.

Results

Resuscitation plans were present for 453 of 23 325 (1.9%) admissions in the Not for CPR period versus 1801 of 24 037 (7.5%) in the ARP period (odds ratio (OR) 4.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.7–4.5, P < 0.001). A total of 42% of ARP specified ‘care of the dying’ in the event of arrest. Acknowledgement of the views of the patient (or representative) was indicated on 37% of ARP and of a senior physician on 28%. An ARP was not present for 67% of patients aged ≥90 years, 59% from aged care, 90% with metastatic cancer and 64% aged ≥80 years and with a Charlson comorbidity index ≥3.

Conclusions

More patients had resuscitation plans after introducing the ARP. However, patients and senior physicians were often remote from the consultation process, and an ARP was not present for many patients likely to have a poor outcome from cardiopulmonary arrest.
Genetic relationships among female fertility disorders, female fertility traits and productivity of Holstein dairy cows in the early lactation period
Authors: Gernand E. , König S.
Published: April 2017

Fertility health disorders from the early lactation period including retained placenta (REPLA), metritis (MET), corpus luteum persistence (CLP), anoestria/acyclia (AOEAC) and ovarial cysts (OC), as well as overall disease categories (disorders during the postpartal period (DPP), ovary infertility (OINF), overall trait definition “fertility disorders” (FD)), were used to estimate genetic (co)variance components with female fertility and test‐day traits. The disease data set comprised 25,142 Holstein cows from parities 1, 2 and 3 resulting in 43,584 lactations. For disease traits, we used the binary trait definition (sick or healthy) and disease count data reflecting the sum of treatments for the same disease within lactation or within lactation periods. Statistical modelling included single and multiple trait repeatability animal models for all trait combinations within a Bayesian framework. Heritabilities for binary disease traits ranged from 0.04 (OC) to 0.10 (REPLA) and were slightly lower for the corresponding sum trait definitions. Correlations between both trait definitions were almost one, for genetic as well as for permanent environmental effects. Moderate to high genetic correlations were found among puerperal disorders DPP, REPLA and MET (0.45–0.98) and among the ovarian disorders OINF, AOEAC, CLP and OC (0.59–0.99). Genetic correlations between puerperal and ovarian disorders were close to zero, apart from the REPLA–OC association (0.55). With regard to fertility disorders and productivity in early lactation, a pronounced genetic antagonistic relationship was only identified between OC and protein yield. Genetic correlations between fertility disorders and test‐day SCS were close to zero. OINF and all diseases contributing to OINF were strongly correlated with the female fertility traits “interval from calving to first service,” “interval from service to pregnancy” and “interval from calving to pregnancy.” The strong correlations imply that fertility disorders could be included in genetic evaluations of economic fertility traits as correlated predictors. Vice versa, a breeding focus on female fertility traits will reduce genetic susceptibility to OC, CLP and AOEAC.
Chemical composition, insecticidal and biochemical effects of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil on the Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Liao M. , Xiao J.‐J. , Zhou L.‐J. , Yao X. , Tang F. , Hua R.‐M. , Wu X.‐W. , Cao H.‐Q.
Published: April 2017

Pesticide resistance has developed as a result of long‐term and extensive use of chemical pesticides. Essential oils from aromatic plants may provide a new and safe alternative to conventional insecticides. In this study, the insecticidal activities of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia and their chemical constituents against Helicoverpa armigera Hubner were investigated, and the underlying mechanisms were studied. The essential oil showed distinct antifeedant (AFC50 = 8.93 mg/ml) and good contact (LD50 = 50.28 μg/larva) activities against H. armigera at 24 hr. Ten chemical components were identified using a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer, and mainly included terpinen‐4‐ol (40.09%), γ‐terpinene (21.85%), α‐terpinene (11.34%), α‐terpineol (6.91%), α‐pinene (5.86%), terpinolene (3.24%) and 1,8‐cineole (1.83%). Among them, five components were determined and results showed that these constituents possessed obvious antifeedant activities. The activities of acetylcholinesterase and glutathione S‐transferase were notably inhibited by the essential oil, as compared with the control, with strong dose‐ and time‐dependent effects. The results provide a basis for their development and utilization in the control of insects in the future.
Characteristics and Incidence of Chronic Illness in Community‐Dwelling Predominantly Male U.S. Veteran Centenarians
Authors: Kheirbek Raya Elfadel , Fokar Ali , Shara Nawar , Bell‐Wilson Leakie K. , Moore Hans J. , Olsen Edwin , Blackman Marc R. , Llorente Maria D.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To assess the incidence of chronic illness and its effect on veteran centenarians.

Design

Retrospective longitudinal cohort study.

Setting

United States Veterans Affairs Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW).

Participants

Community‐dwelling veterans born between 1910 and 1915 who survived to at least age 80 (N = 86,892; 31,121 octogenarians, 52,420 nonagenarians, 3,351 centenarians).

Measurements

The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate cumulative incidence of chronic conditions according to age group. Incidence rates were compared using the log‐rank test. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate unadjusted hazard ratios.

Results

Ninety‐seven percent of Centenarians were male, 88.0% were white, 31.8% were widowed, 87.5% served in World War II, and 63.9% did not have a service‐related disability. The incidence rates of chronic illnesses were higher in octogenarians than centenarians (atrial fibrillation, 15.0% vs 0.6%, P < .001; heart failure, 19.3% vs 0.4%, P < .001; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 17.9% vs 0.6%, P < .001; hypertension, 29.6% vs 3.0%, P < .001; end‐stage renal disease, 7.2% vs 0.1%, P < .001; malignancy, 14.1% vs 0.6%, P < .001; diabetes mellitus, 11.1% vs 0.4%, P < .001; stroke, 4.6% vs 0.4%, P < .001) and in nonagenarians than centenarians (atrial fibrillation, 13.2% vs 3.5%, P < .001; heart failure, 15.8% vs 3.3%, P < .001; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 11.8% vs 3.5%, P < .001; hypertension, 27.2% vs 12.8%, P < .001; end‐stage renal disease, 11.9% vs 4.5%, P < .001; malignancy, 8.6% vs 2.3%, P < .001; diabetes mellitus, 7.5% vs 2.2%, P < .001; and stroke, 3.5% vs 1.3%, P < .001).

Conclusion

In a large cohort of predominantly male community‐dwelling elderly veterans, centenarians had a lower incidence of chronic illness than those in their 80s and 90s, demonstrating similar compression of morbidity and extension of health span observed in other studies.
Laterality and grip strength influence hand bone micro‐architecture in modern humans, an HRpQCT study
Authors: Reina Nicolas , Cavaignac Etienne , Trousdale William H. , Laffosse Jean‐Michel , Braga José
Published: April 2017

It is widely hypothesized that mechanical loading, specifically repetitive low‐intensity tasks, influences the inner structure of cancellous bone. As such, there is likely a relationship between handedness and bone morphology. The aim of this study is to determine patterns in trabecular bone between dominant and non‐dominant hands in modern humans. Seventeen healthy patients between 22 and 32 years old were included in the study. Radial carpal bones (lunate, capitate, scaphoid, trapezium, trapezoid, 1st, 2nd and 3rd metacarpals) were analyzed with high‐resolution micro‐computed tomography. Additionally, crush and pinch grip were recorded. Factorial analysis indicated that bone volume ratio, trabeculae number (Tb.N), bone surface to volume ratio (BS.BV), body weight, stature and crush grip were all positively correlated with principal components 1 and 2 explaining 78.7% of the variance. Volumetric and trabecular endostructural parameters (BV/TV, BS/BV or Tb.Th, Tb.N) explain the observed inter‐individual variability better than anthropometric or clinical parameters. Factors analysis regressions showed correlations between these parameters and the dominant side for crush strength for the lunate (r2 = 0.640, P < 0.0001), trapezium (r2 = 0.836, P < 0.0001) and third metacarpal (r2 = 0.763). However, despite a significant lateralization in grip strength for all patients, the endostructural variability between dominant and non‐dominant sides was limited in perspective to inter‐individual differences. In conclusion, handedness is unlikely to generate trabecular patterns of asymmetry. It appears, however, that crush strength can be considered for endostructural analysis in the modern human wrist.