bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Busy boards and corporate earnings management: an international analysis
Authors: Ferris Stephen P. , Liao Min-Yu (Stella)
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Because of our limited understanding of the incidence and effect of board busyness globally, the mixed evidence of the effect of board busyness obtained in the USA and the divergence of international patterns of director busyness from that observed in the USA, the author contends that there is a strong need to examine board busyness from a global perspective. The literature, however, does not examine the effect of board busyness on reported earnings quality and certainly does not analyze it internationally. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to examine the effect of multiple board appointments on the quality of a firm’s reported earnings.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design for this study is empirical. It uses both univariate and multivariate statistical analysis to examine historical corporate accounting, finance and governance data.

Findings

Consistent with the busyness hypothesis of corporate governance, the author finds that firms with a higher proportion of busy independent directors or busy CEOs manage their earnings more extensively. Further, the findings of this study present that firms with a higher proportion of busy independent audit committee members have poorer financial reporting quality. Using a sample of American Depository Receipts (ADRs), this study determines that the ineffectiveness of busy boards regarding earnings management is mitigated by the listing regulations imposed by US exchanges.

Research limitations/implications

The author believes that this study offers new and important evidence regarding the debate whether busy directors provide knowledge, skill and corporate connections, or whether they are overextended and, thus, unable to fully perform their monitoring duties. This study shows that firms with busy directors are associated with poorer financial reporting quality and, consistent with the busyness hypothesis, are less effective as managerial monitors.

Practical implications

This study provides useful guidance regarding board design and the kinds of policies that firms should adopt regarding multiple boarding.

Social implications

The social implications focus on the public policy implications regarding the importance of effective corporate governance in the reporting of financial wealth, wealth creation and wealth management.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examines the relation between board/committee busyness and corporate earnings management using a comprehensive set of international firms. Second, the author expands the analysis of audit committee into a new dimension: committee quality as captured by the busyness of its independent members. This study also contributes to the ongoing debate in the corporate finance literature regarding the reputation and busyness hypotheses of multiple directorships.
Sequential mergers and competition policy under partial privatisation
Authors: Ebina Takeshi , Shimizu Daisuke
Published: October 2019

We examine optimal merger and privatisation policies in a partially privatised oligopoly with differentiated goods. We first show that under the subgame perfect Nash equilibrium, sequential mergers either emerge completely or do not emerge at all. Given this outcome, we derive the following policy implications. First, the level of social welfare can be U‐shaped with respect to the number of merged firm pairs. That is, given that there are some mergers that have already taken place, further mergers may actually lead to welfare improvement. However, these welfare‐improving mergers may not be privately profitable, implying that merger‐friendly policies are appropriate. Second, policymakers can halt privatisation in order to diminish the private incentive for further sequential (welfare‐deteriorating) mergers and improve welfare. Third, full nationalisation is never optimal unless the goods are homogeneous or independent. Our results are applicable to the Japanese life insurance industry and the partial privatisation of Japan Post Insurance.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw in an anti‐resorptive naïve patient taking trastuzumab and pertuzumab: case report
Authors: Manzie T , Vujcich N , Chan A
Published: October 2019

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in Australia, and second overall for all Australians. Molecular targets have been developed in the management of breast cancer to allow directed therapy. Complications such as nausea and vomiting can be common as well as less common such as osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). While previously thought to be attributable only to bisphosphonate medications, there has been an increase in recognition of other medications that may also cause this complication. This case report demonstrates a first instance of osteonecrosis of the jaw attributable to pertuzumab and trastuzumab, indicated in the management of HER2‐positive metastatic breast cancer, in a patient naïve to ONJ‐associated anti‐resorptive medications. Following sequestrectomy, the patient had an uncomplicated postoperative healing 5 months following intervention. With increasing medications being used for a number of malignant conditions such as this, an awareness of less common complications such as ONJ among dental and medical specialties is highlighted in this case report.
Ophthalmic features of retinitis pigmentosa in Cohen syndrome caused by pathogenic variants in the VPS13B gene
Authors: Nasser Fadi , Kurtenbach Anne , Biskup Saskia , Weidensee Sabine , Kohl Susanne , Zrenner Eberhart
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The aim of this study is to report on the phenotype and genotype of five patients diagnosed with Cohen syndrome, an extremely rare autosomal recessive disorder manifesting with mental and physiological defects.

Methods

Five patients from three German families and one Syrian family underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological examination. The scheduled visual acuity measurements, fundus ophthalmoscopy, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), full‐field electrophysiological recordings of scotopic and photopic electroretinograms (ERGs) and colour vision testing could not be carried out in all subjects, because of the mental and physical retardation. The genetic diagnosis was achieved by next‐generation sequencing.

Results

The ophthalmic and systemic phenotype of the patients is typical for Cohen syndrome including myopia, night blindness, photophobia, fundus pigmentary changes and bull's eye maculopathy. Electroretinograms (ERGs) were extinguished in the four patients, whose recording was possible. Genetic testing revealed homozygous or two heterozygous bi‐allelic mutations in the VPS13B (COH1) gene in all five patients, with five different allelic variants observed. The homozygous mutation c.6055_6056delGA; p.Asp2019Glnfs*15 in two sibling patients as well as the homozygous nonsense mutation c.8112C>G;p.Tyr2704* have not previously been reported.

Conclusions

The phenotype of the five patients reported here is typical for Cohen syndrome; however, their genotype is heterogeneous. Two new allelic variants were found to be the causative mutation.
Novel human Ab against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 shows therapeutic potential for leukemia and prostate cancer
Authors: Lu Ruei‐Min , Chiu Chiung‐Yi , Liu I‐Ju , Chang Yu‐Ling , Liu Yaw‐Jen , Wu Han‐Chung
Published: October 2019

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) is highly expressed in tumor‐associated endothelial cells, where it modulates tumor‐promoting angiogenesis, and it is also found on the surface of tumor cells. Currently, there are no Ab therapeutics targeting VEGFR2 approved for the treatment of prostate cancer or leukemia. Therefore, development of novel efficacious anti‐VEGFR2 Abs will benefit cancer patients. We used the Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology human Ab library and affinity maturation to develop a fully human Ab, anti‐VEGFR2‐AF, which shows excellent VEGFR2 binding activity. Anti‐VEGFR2‐AF bound Ig‐like domain 3 of VEGFR2 extracellular region to disrupt the interaction between VEGF‐A and VEGFR2, neutralizing downstream signaling of the receptor. Moreover, anti‐VEGFR2‐AF inhibited capillary structure formation and exerted Ab‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity and complement‐dependent cytotoxicity in vitro. We found that VEGFR2 is expressed in PC‐3 human prostate cancer cell line and associated with malignancy and metastasis of human prostate cancer. In a PC‐3 xenograft mouse model, treatment with anti‐VEGFR2‐AF repressed tumor growth and angiogenesis as effectively and safely as US FDA‐approved anti‐VEGFR2 therapeutic, ramucirumab. We also report for the first time that addition of anti‐VEGFR2 Ab can enhance the efficacy of docetaxel in the treatment of a prostate cancer mouse model. In HL‐60 human leukemia‐xenografted mice, anti‐VEGFR2‐AF showed better efficacy than ramucirumab with prolonged survival and reduced metastasis of leukemia cells to ovaries and lymph nodes. Our findings suggest that anti‐VEGFR2‐AF has strong potential as a cancer therapy that could directly target VEGFR2‐expressing tumor cells in addition to its anti‐angiogenic action.
Autonomy in participation in cerebral palsy from childhood to adulthood
Authors: Schmidt Ann Katrin , van Gorp Marloes , van Wely Leontien , Ketelaar Marjolijn , Hilberink Sander R , Roebroeck Marij E ,   Perrin‐Decade Pip Study Groups
Published: October 2019

Aim

To determine the long‐term development of autonomy in participation of individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) without intellectual disability.

Method

Individuals with CP (n=189, 117 males, 72 females; mean age [SD] 21y 11mo [4y 11mo], range 12–34y); were assessed cross‐sectionally (46%) or up to four times (54%), between the ages of 12 and 34 years. Autonomy in participation was classified using phase 3 of the Rotterdam Transition Profile. A logistic generalized estimating equation regression model was used to analyse autonomy in six domains (independent variables: age, Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] level, and interaction between age and GMFCS level). Proportions of autonomy were compared to references using binomial tests (p<0.05).

Results

In most domains, over 90% of participants (n=189, 400 observations, 80% in GMFCS levels I and II) reached autonomy in participation in their late twenties, except for intimate/sexual relationships. Those in GMFCS levels III to V compared to those in GMFCS levels I and II had less favourable development of autonomy in the transportation, intimate relationships, employment, and housing domains, and more favourable development in the finances domain. Compared to references, fewer individuals with CP were autonomous in participation.

Interpretation

This knowledge of autonomy may guide the expectations of young people with CP and their caregivers. Furthermore, rehabilitation professionals should address autonomy development in intimate relationships, employment, and housing, especially in individuals with lower gross motor function.

What this paper adds

Individuals with cerebral palsy without intellectual disability achieved autonomy in most participation domains.

Regarding intimate relationships, they continued to have less experience compared to age‐matched references.

Development of autonomy was less favourable for individuals in Gross Motor Function Classification System levels III to V.
Annual temperature variation influences the vulnerability of montane bird communities to land‐use change
Authors: Srinivasan Umesh , Elsen Paul R. , Wilcove David S.
Published: October 2019

Understanding how and why species respond to land‐use change is one of the central challenges in conservation biology, yet the causes of variation in the responses of species to land‐use change remain unclear. We tested whether adaptation to different abiotic environments influenced the vulnerability of bird communities to agricultural expansion in the Himalayan mountain range, which exhibits a strong east–west gradient in annual temperature variation. We did so by surveying bird communities in forest and agriculture at opposite ends of that gradient. We contrasted metrics of species richness, diversity, community composition and forest dependency across land‐use types and regions, and tested whether species’ thermal sensitivity influenced their response to the replacement of forest with agriculture. Agricultural land in the relatively aseasonal east harboured significantly fewer bird species than did forests, a pattern that is starkly reversed in the highly seasonal west. For species common to both regions, eastern populations used forest ~35% more than did western populations. While western species were less constrained by temperature than eastern species, western species with narrow thermal tolerances were also more forest dependent. Selection across a stark environmental gradient on a common species pool appears to have altered the vulnerability of Himalayan birds to forest loss, with communities in the relatively aseasonal east much more sensitive to forest conversion than those in the west. Adaptation to local environmental conditions appears to mediate species’ responses to land use change, with thermal specialists more vulnerable to forest loss than species with greater thermal tolerances. Species’ responses to global change may differ predictably along abiotic gradients even within a single region or biodiversity hotspot, and such variation must be addressed in conservation planning.
Trade‐offs in covariate selection for species distribution models: a methodological comparison
Authors: Brodie Stephanie J. , Thorson James T. , Carroll Gemma , Hazen Elliott L. , Bograd Steven , Haltuch Melissa A. , Holsman Kirstin K. , Kotwicki Stan , Samhouri Jameal F. , Willis‐Norton Ellen , Selden Rebecca L.
Published: October 2019

Species distribution models (SDMs) are a common approach to describing species’ space‐use and spatially‐explicit abundance. With a myriad of model types, methods and parameterization options available, it is challenging to make informed decisions about how to build robust SDMs appropriate for a given purpose. One key component of SDM development is the appropriate parameterization of covariates, such as the inclusion of covariates that reflect underlying processes (e.g. abiotic and biotic covariates) and covariates that act as proxies for unobserved processes (e.g. space and time covariates). It is unclear how different SDMs apportion variance among a suite of covariates, and how parameterization decisions influence model accuracy and performance. To examine trade‐offs in covariation parameterization in SDMs, we explore the attribution of spatiotemporal and environmental variation across a suite of SDMs. We first used simulated species distributions with known environmental preferences to compare three types of SDM: a machine learning model (boosted regression tree), a semi‐parametric model (generalized additive model) and a spatiotemporal mixed‐effects model (vector autoregressive spatiotemporal model, VAST). We then applied the same comparative framework to a case study with three fish species (arrowtooth flounder, pacific cod and walleye pollock) in the eastern Bering Sea, USA. Model type and covariate parameterization both had significant effects on model accuracy and performance. We found that including either spatiotemporal or environmental covariates typically reproduced patterns of species distribution and abundance across the three models tested, but model accuracy and performance was maximized when including both spatiotemporal and environmental covariates in the same model framework. Our results reveal trade‐offs in the current generation of SDM tools between accurately estimating species abundance, accurately estimating spatial patterns, and accurately quantifying underlying species–environment relationships. These comparisons between model types and parameterization options can help SDM users better understand sources of model bias and estimate error.
Skeletal metastasis from a squamous cell carcinoma of the nictitating membrane in a Haflinger horse
Authors: de Preux M. , Gurtner C. , Klebic I. , Waschk M. A. , Drögemüller C. , Brünisholz H. P.
Published: October 2019

A 12‐year‐old Haflinger gelding with a history of a persistent cough was referred for evaluation of a severe lameness of the left forelimb. An excision of the right nictitans had been performed 2 years prior to presentation, and a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with embolic neoplastic cells in several blood vessels had been confirmed by histopathology. The origin of the lameness could not be localised with regional analgesia; therefore, a nuclear scintigraphic examination was performed. This revealed an area of marked increased radiopharmaceutical uptake at the level of the caudodorsal border of the left scapula. Further examination, including ultrasound‐guided biopsy of the suspect region, confirmed the presence ofSCCinvading the scapula. Due to poor a prognosis, the horse was subjected to euthanasia. Prior to euthanasia, the gelding was tested homozygous for the missense variant in the damage‐specificDNA‐binding protein 2 (DDB2) gene, which is reported as a risk factor for the development of nictitansSCCin Haflinger horses. Post‐mortem evaluation revealed multipleSCCmetastasis, affecting the scapula, the liver and the lungs. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of bone metastasis following a primary periocularSCCin a horse.
Examining progress towards achieving the Ten Steps of the Rome Declaration on Responsible Inland Fisheries
Authors: Lynch Abigail J. , Bartley Devin M. , Beard Thomas Douglas , Cowx Ian G. , Funge‐Smith Simon , Taylor William W. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: October 2019

Inland capture fisheries provide food for nearly a billion people and are important in the livelihoods of millions of households worldwide. Although there are limitations to evaluating many of the contributions made by inland capture fisheries, there is growing recognition by the international community that these services make critical contributions, most notably to food security and livelihoods in rural populations in those low‐income countries with extensive freshwater resources. With the increasing appreciation of the key role of inland fisheries to the health and well‐being of human populations globally, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and Michigan State University convened the 2015 global conference,Freshwater, fish, and the future – cross‐sectoral approaches to sustain livelihoods, food security, and aquatic ecosystems. What emerged from the interactions between inland fisheries’ scientists, resource managers, policymakers and community representatives from across the world was a forward‐looking call to action culminating with the 2015 Rome Declaration “Ten Steps to Responsible Inland Fisheries” (FAO & MSU,Rome declaration on responsible inland fisheries: 5735E/1/06.16). Four years after this landmark conference and declaration, we seek to advance discussion on the “Ten Steps,” namely what successful implementation looks like, assess current examples of implementation, suggest potential signals of progress and provide some specific, indicative examples of progress for each step. While there are promising signs of progress, we conclude that there remains a strong need to galvanize momentum for sustained action to ensure that inland fish and fisheries are accounted for and incorporated into broader water resource management discussions and frameworks.
Plant respiration: Controlled by photosynthesis or biomass?
Authors: Collalti Alessio , Tjoelker Mark G. , Hoch Günter , Mäkelä Annikki , Guidolotti Gabriele , Heskel Mary , Petit Giai , Ryan Michael G. , Battipaglia Giovanna , Matteucci Giorgio , Prentice Iain Colin
Published: October 2019

Two simplifying hypotheses have been proposed for whole‐plant respiration. One links respiration to photosynthesis; the other to biomass. Using a first‐principles carbon balance model with a prescribed live woody biomass turnover, applied at a forest research site where multidecadal measurements are available for comparison, we show that if turnover is fast the accumulation of respiring biomass is low and respiration depends primarily on photosynthesis; while if turnover is slow the accumulation of respiring biomass is high and respiration depends primarily on biomass. But the first scenario is inconsistent with evidence for substantial carry‐over of fixed carbon between years, while the second implies far too great an increase in respiration during stand development—leading to depleted carbohydrate reserves and an unrealistically high mortality risk. These two mutually incompatible hypotheses are thus both incorrect. Respiration is not linearly related either to photosynthesis or to biomass, but it is more strongly controlled by recent photosynthates (and reserve availability) than by total biomass.
An exploration of women's experience of taking part in a randomized controlled trial of a diagnostic test during pregnancy: A qualitative study
Authors: Hayes‐Ryan Deirdre , Meaney Sarah , Nolan Caroline , O’Donoghue Keelin
Published: October 2019

Objective

To explore pregnant women's views of participation in a clinical research trial while pregnant.

Design

Prospective nested qualitative cohort study embedded within a national, multi‐site randomized controlled trial of a diagnostic test for preeclampsia: Placental Growth Factor. One‐to‐one in‐depth semi‐structured interviews were undertaken with 19 women who had recently participated in the trial at a single recruiting site. The interviews were conducted in private, recorded digitally and transcribed verbatim.

Setting

Single tertiary maternity hospital currently recruiting eligible women onto an on‐going randomized controlled trial (NCT 02881073).

Participants

Women who had participated in the PARROT Ireland randomized controlled trial during their recent pregnancy.

Methods

Thematic analysis was utilized. Each line of the transcribed interviews was coded into a category by two researchers. The resultant categories were reviewed, and those with similarities were pooled allowing the development of themes.

Main Outcome Measures

Women's opinions and experience of participation in a randomized controlled trial of an interventional diagnostic test during their pregnancy.

Results

Four major themes were identified as follows: (a) Understanding of preeclampsia, (b) Motivators for clinical trial participation, (c) Barriers to decision making and (d) Influence of PARROT Ireland on pregnancy experience.

Conclusions

Women are generally interested and positively inclined to participate in research during pregnancy. The potential of risk is an important consideration for eligible pregnant woman. Information and support by both researchers and clinicians are paramount in aiding women's understanding of a research trial.
Effect of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 deficiency on the development of apical periodontitis
Authors: De Rossi A. , Lucisano M. P. , De Rossi M. , Nelson‐Filho P. , Silva R. A. B. , Silva L. A. B. , Saraiva M. C. P. , Fukada S. Y.
Published: October 2019

Aim

To evaluate the specific role of ICAM‐1 in host responses against endodontic infection.

Methods

Apical periodontitis was experimentally induced in the mandibular first molars of ICAM‐1 knockout and wild‐type (WT) mice by pulp exposure to the oral environment. At 7, 21 and 42 days following pulp infection, the animals were euthanized and the jaws were prepared for analysis under conventional and fluorescence microscopy (histopathologic and morphometric analysis), immunohistochemistry (polymorphonuclear leucocytes), enzyme histochemistry (osteoclasts and cementoclasts) and RT‐PCR (IL‐1 α, TNF‐α, INF‐γ, IL‐10, RANK, RANKL and OPG). A generalized linear model with GLIMMIX procedure with Satterthwaite approximation method of degrees of freedom, Tukey–Kramer, pseudo‐ranking nonparametric, Bonferroni–Holm multiple testing adjustment, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey's multiple comparisons tests were used to evaluate the statistical differences between the groups using SAS 9.4 and the GraphPad Prism 5.0 software (α = 0.05).

Results

Compared to WT mice, ICAM‐1 knockout mice had significantly greater bone resorption (P < 0.05), reduced recruitment of neutrophils to periapical inflammatory tissues (P < 0.05) and an increased number of fibroblasts (P < 0.05) at all experimental periods. The osteoclast number was significantly higher in ICAM‐1 KO than that of WT animals at all times (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between the groups regarding cementoclasts. At day 21, the level of IL‐1α, RANK, RANKL and IL‐10 had increased significantly in tissues from ICAM‐1 KO versus WT mice (P < 0.05), while no significant difference was observed in TNF‐α and OPG levels (P > 0.05). Tissue levels of INF‐γ were significantly lower in ICAM‐1 KO than those in WT mice (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

ICAM‐1 deficiency impaired the host response against endodontic infection, resulting in increased tissue destruction.
Zein‐based anti‐browning cling wraps for fresh‐cut apple slices
Authors: Vimala Bharathi S.K. , Maria Leena M. , Moses J.A. , Anandharamakrishnan C.
Published: October 2019

The usage of cling wraps is emerging as an easy and cost‐effective approach to protect fresh‐cut fruits and vegetables from dust, whilst improving visual appeal on retail counters. This study focused on developing an alternate, protein‐based packaging material as a food grade cling wrap for food packaging applications. Zein‐based cling wraps were produced, and their physical and mechanical characteristics were evaluated and compared with conventionally used chitosan biopolymer films and commercial synthetic polymer films. Antioxidant potential of the prepared films was studied, and the effectiveness of the developed films as anti‐browning cling wraps was evaluated using studies conducted on fresh‐cut apple slices at ambient conditions. Anti‐browning effects were in par with polymeric counterparts; however, zein cling wraps could better prevent weight loss in apple slices. Zein‐based films can be adopted as biodegradable food grade cling wraps as an alternative to chitosan and synthetic polymeric materials.
Evidence of fish and human pathogens associated with doctor fish (Garra rufa, Heckel, 1843) used for cosmetic treatment
Authors: Volpe Enrico , Mandrioli Luciana , Errani Francesca , Serratore Patrizia , Zavatta Emanuele , Rigillo Antonella , Ciulli Sara
Published: October 2019

Doctor fish (Garra rufa, Heckel, 1843) are increasingly used for cosmetic treatment raising particular concerns regarding the potential transmission of infections to clients. Investigations of microbial causes undertaken in two outbreaks of mortality among G. rufa used for cosmetic treatment revealed the presence of multiple bacteria, including both fish and human pathogens such as Aeromonas veronii, A. hydrophila, Vibrio cholerae, Shewanella putrefaciens, Mycobacterium marinum and M. goodii. This range of bacteria indicates an intense microbial proliferation involving multiple pathogens, most likely induced by the poor health condition of the fish. Most of the detected pathogens are well‐known agents of zoonosis. Indeed, M. goodii is an emerging nosocomial human pathogen that has never been detected in fish to date, nor in other animals. This first detection of M. goodii associated with fish infection points out a new zoonotic potential for this pathogen. These findings point out that handling, poor environmental conditions and the presence of fish pathogens, that can compromise the immune system of fish, can result in a mixed microbial proliferation and increase the spread of waterborne bacteria, including zoonosis agents. Accordingly, the microbiological surveillance of fish used for cosmetic treatment is extremely important, particularly in association with mortality outbreaks.
Maternal mortality and health in the Arab World: A 25‐year epidemiological study
Authors: Khachfe Hussein H. , Sammouri Julie , Salhab Hamza A. , Fares Mohamad Y. , El‐Najjar Roula
Published: October 2019

Aim

In this work, we aim to assess the maternal health in terms of maternal mortality ratios and lifetime risk of maternal death in of women in the Arab World.

Methods

Data on maternal mortality rates (MMR) and lifetime risk of maternal death (LTR) were extracted from the official databases of the United Nations Children's Fund. Annual Percentage Change was calculated using Joinpoint regression model. Statistical significance among countries was determined using one‐way analysis of variance (anova) on spss version 25.0 (IBM SPSS, 2017).

Results

The MMR and LTR significantly decreased in almost all Arab countries. Somalia was found to be the country with the highest burden of MMR, while Gulf countries had the lowest burden.

Conclusion

Our study shows a decrease in the MMR and LTR of maternal death in the Arab world. Although there is a decrease in these rates, but continuous research and efforts must be undergone to better develop the health care system in a great number of Arab countries to decrease the burden of maternal deaths.
Chronic sleep loss disrupts blood–testis and blood–epididymis barriers, and reduces male fertility
Authors: Domínguez‐Salazar Emilio , Hurtado‐Alvarado Gabriela , Medina‐Flores Fernanda , Dorantes Javik , González‐Flores Oscar , Contis‐Montes de Oca Arturo , Velázquez‐Moctezuma Javier , Gómez‐González Beatriz
Published: October 2019

Sleep loss increases blood–brain barrier permeability. As the blood–brain barrier and the blood–tissue barriers in the reproductive tract (blood–testis and blood–epididymis barriers) share common characteristics, we hypothesized that sleep restriction may also modify their barrier function. Previous reports showed that sleep loss decreased sperm viability and progressive fast mobility, which may be a consequence of altered blood–testis and blood–epididymis barrier. Therefore, we quantified changes in blood–testis and blood–epididymis barrier after sleep loss and related them to male fertility. Adult male Wistar rats were sleep restricted using the multiple‐platform technique in a protocol of 20 hr daily sleep deprivation plus 4 hr of sleep recovery in the home‐cage. At the 10th day, barrier permeability assays were performed with Na‐fluorescein, 10 kDa Cascade blue‐dextrans and Evans blue, and the expression of tight junction proteins, actin and androgen receptor was quantified. At the 10th day of sleep restriction and after sleep recovery days 1–7, males were placed with sexually receptive females, sexual behaviour was tested, and the percentage of pregnancies was calculated. Sleep restriction increased the barrier permeability to low‐ and high‐molecular‐weight tracers, and decreased the expression of tight junction proteins, actin and androgen receptor. Concomitantly, sleep restriction reduced the percentage of ejaculating males and the number of pregnancies. Sleep recovery for 2–3 days progressively re‐established fertility, as indicated by a higher percentage of ejaculating males and impregnated females. In conclusion, chronic sleep loss alters fertility concomitantly with the disruption of the blood–tissue barriers at the reproductive tract, the mechanism involves androgen signalling.
Diagnostic and prognostic assessment of suspected drug‐induced liver injury in clinical practice
Authors: Andrade Raúl J. , Robles‐Díaz Mercedes
Published: October 2019

Idiosyncratic drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) is a challenging liver disorder because it can present with a range of phenotypes, mimicking almost every other hepatic disease, and lacks specific biomarkers for its diagnosis. Hence, a confident DILI diagnosis is seldom possible as it relies on the precise establishment of a temporal sequence between the exposure to a given prescription drug or sometimes hidden herbal product/over the counter medication as well as the exclusion of other aetiologies of liver disease. However, an accurate diagnosis is of most importance, as prompt withdrawal of the causative agent is essential in DILI management. Indeed, DILI can be severe and even fatal or in a fraction of cases evolve to chronic damage, but specific biomarkers for predicting mortality/liver transplantation or a chronic outcome in the very early phases of DILI are not yet available. In this article, we discuss the best diagnostic and prognostic approach of a DILI suspicion by judiciously choosing and interpreting the standard tests currently used in clinical practice.
The role of recombination on genome‐wide patterns of local ancestry exemplified by supplemented brook charr populations
Authors: Leitwein Maeva , Cayuela Hugo , Ferchaud Anne‐Laure , Normandeau Éric , Gagnaire Pierre‐Alexandre , Bernatchez Louis
Published: October 2019

Assessing the immediate and long‐term evolutionary consequences of human‐mediated hybridization is of major concern for conservation biology. Several studies have documented how selection in interaction with recombination modulates introgression at a genome‐wide scale, but few have considered the dynamics of this process within and among chromosomes. Here, we used an exploited freshwater fish, the brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis), for which decades of stocking practices have resulted in admixture between wild populations and an introduced domestic strain, to assess both the temporal dynamics and local chromosomal variation in domestic ancestry. We provide a detailed picture of the domestic ancestry patterns across the genome using about 33,000 mapped single nucleotide polymorphisms genotyped in 611 individuals from 24 supplemented populations. For each lake, we distinguished early‐ and late‐generation hybrids using information regarding admixture tracts. To assess the selective outcomes following admixture we then evaluated the relationship between recombination and admixture proportions at three different scales: the whole genome, chromosomes and within 2‐Mb windows. This allowed us to detect a wide range of evolutionary mechanisms varying along the genome, as reflected by the finding of favoured or disfavoured introgression of domestic haplotypes. Among these, the main factor modulating local ancestry was probably the presence of deleterious recessive mutations in the wild populations, which can be efficiently hidden to selection in the presence of long admixture tracts. Overall, our results emphasize the relevance of taking into consideration local ancestry information to assess both the temporal and the chromosomal variation in local admixture ancestry toward better understanding post‐hybridization evolutionary outcomes.
Kin grouping is insufficient to explain the inclusive fitness gains of conspecific brood parasitism in the common eider
Authors: Hervey Samuel D. , Barnas Andrew F. , Stechmann Tanner J. , Rockwell Robert F. , Ellis‐Felege Susan N. , Darby Brian J.
Published: October 2019

Conspecific brood parasitism allows females to exploit other females' nests and enhance their reproductive output. Here, we test a recent theoretical model of how host females gain inclusive fitness from brood parasitism. High levels of relatedness between host and parasitizer can be maintained either by: (a) kin recognizing and parasitizing each other as a form of cooperative breeding or (b) natal philopatry and nest site fidelity facilitating the formation of kin groups, thereby increasing the probability of parasitism between relatives nesting in close proximity. To address these two hypotheses we genotyped feathers and hatch membranes of common eiders (Somateria mollissima) from western Hudson Bay, Canada, using a noninvasive sampling methodology. We found that most instances of brood parasitism do result in inclusive fitness gains. Furthermore, females with failed nests moved an average of 492 m from their previous year's nest site, while successful females only moved an average of 13 m. Therefore, we observed host–parasite relatedness can occur at levels higher than would be expected by chance even in the absence of kin grouping, suggesting that closely related females nesting near one another is not essential to maintain high host–parasitizer relatedness. In addition, kin grouping is only a transient phenomenon that cannot occur every year due to the propensity for females of failed nests to nest farther away from their nest site in subsequent years than females with successful nests, which provides support for kin recognition as a more likely mechanism to maintain high host–parasitizer relatedness over time.
Dissociable effects of reward magnitude on fronto‐medial theta and FRN during performance monitoring
Authors: Paul Katharina , Vassena Eliana , Severo Mario Carlo , Pourtois Gilles
Published: October 2019

Reward processing is influenced by reward magnitude, as previous EEG studies showed changes in amplitude of the feedback‐related negativity (FRN) and reward positivity (RewP), or power of fronto‐medial theta (FMθ). However, it remains unclear whether these changes are driven by increased reward sensitivity, altered reward predictions, enhanced cognitive control, or a combination of these effects. To address this question, we asked 36 participants to perform a simple gambling task where feedback valence (reward vs. no‐reward), its magnitude (small vs. large reward), and expectancy (expected vs. unexpected) were manipulated in a factorial design, while 64‐channel EEG was recorded concurrently. We performed standard ERP analyses (FRN and RewP) as well as time‐frequency decompositions (FMθ) of feedback‐locked EEG data. Subjective reports showed that large rewards were more liked and expected than small ones. At the EEG level, increasing magnitude led to a larger RewP irrespective of expectancy, whereas the FRN was not influenced by this manipulation. In comparison, FMθ power was overall increased when reward magnitude was large, except if it was unexpected. These results show dissociable effects of reward magnitude on the RewP and FMθ power. Further, they suggest, that although large reward magnitude boosts reward processing (RewP), it can nonetheless undermine the need for enhanced cognitive control (FMθ) in case reward is unexpected. We discuss these new results in terms of optimistic bias or positive mood resulting from an increased reward magnitude.
Association between physical activity and all‐cause mortality: A 15‐year follow‐up using a compositional data analysis
Authors: von Rosen Philip , Dohrn Ing‐Mari , Hagströmer Maria
Published: October 2019

The association between the composition of movement behaviors and mortality risk, acknowledging the composition nature of daily time data, is limited explored. The aim was to investigate how the composition of time spent in sedentary behaviors (SB), light intensity physical activity (LIPA), and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is associated with all‐cause mortality, in a cohort with 15 years follow‐up time, using compositional data analysis. Eight hundred fifty‐one participants (56% women, mean age 53 years) provided objectively assessed physical activity data using an ActiGraph accelerometer and were followed for 15 years. Association of daily time composition of movement behaviors with risk of mortality was explored using compositional data analysis and hazard ratios (HR) of mortality were estimated based on a cox regression model. A significant (P < .001) positive association between time spent in SB relative to time in other behaviors and a significant (P = .018) negative association between time spent in LIPA relative to time in other behaviors, with all‐cause mortality, were found. Substituting time spent in LIPA or MVPA with time in SB increased the hazard for all‐cause mortality, with greater effect found for MVPA (20 minutes replacement; HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.04‐1.52) than for LIPA (20 minutes replacement; HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.65‐1.73). In a public health perspective, it is recommended to substitute SB with either LIPA or MVPA, but for individuals with little time spent in MVPA, the most important message may be to try to maintain that behavior.
Diversity of romantic experiences in late adolescence and their contribution to identity formation
Authors: Kindelberger Cécile , Mallet Pascal , Galharret Jean‐Michel
Published: October 2019

Romance constitutes a central experience in adolescence, which can take several forms including (a) serious romance with a steady partner, (b) casual and short‐lived dating, and (c) pending experiences of romantic thoughts and attempts. Using a three‐way longitudinal design, the present study examined the gender differences and developmental changes of these romantic experiences, and their cross‐lagged associations with identity processes, throughout one year in late adolescence. 389 students (63% girls) filled out questionnaires about their romantic experiences and identity processes. Girls reported more serious romance than did boys, who reported more casual dating and pending experiences. Serious romance increased over the year for both genders whereas casual dating and pending experiences continued to rise only for boys. The cross‐lagged model highlighted that serious romantic experience positively predicted identity commitments and exploration in depth whereas identity exploration in breadth positively predicted casual dating. This pattern was stable over the three time points and across gender and age groups. Overall, this study invites consideration of more diverse romantic experiences than those associated with tangible involvement. We discuss the contribution of romantic experiences to the identity dynamic.
Desalination and the disarticulation of water resources: Stabilising the neoliberal model in Chile
Authors: Fragkou Maria Christina , Budds Jessica
Published: October 2019

In recent years, seawater desalination has become a more viable and common solution to water scarcity around the world. Desalination is a supply‐led solution in that it produces additional water, rather than manages demand for existing resources. Although a growing body of work has analysed the environmental and social implications of desalination, desalinated water has to date been considered as an additional source that fulfils demand, with little attention to how it integrates with existing sources, and to what effect(s). In this paper, we employ the framework of the hydrosocial cycle to analyse how desalination reconfigures the social relations of control over water and reworks waterscapes in Chile. Using two case studies of Antofagasta and Petorca in the drought‐affected north, which are dominated by export industries – mining and agriculture, respectively – we argue that desalination serves to disarticulate drinking water from freshwater, with implications for economic growth, social development, and water policy. We show that desalination entails more than providing additional water to alleviate shortages, and rather constitutes a strategy that permits the reorganisation of water sources so as to permit new forms of capital accumulation, through both the water industry as well as the major industries that are threatened by scarcity. We argue that this has three important implications. First, replacing freshwater with desalinated water for human consumption changes the social relations of control over water, by rendering consumers dependent on desalination plants and their risks. Second, this disarticulation serves to liberate freshwater to sustain the same industries that encroached on drinking water sources. Third, as a supply‐led solution, desalination alleviates some of the water shortages that had been attributed to Chile's water markets model, thereby reducing pressure for reform.
Human mesenchymal stem cells–derived conditioned medium inhibits hypoxia‐induced death of neonatal porcine islets by inducing autophagy
Authors: Xu Yuzhi , Tan Mengqun , Ma Xiaoqian , Li Hongde , He Xuesong , Chen Zeyi , Tan Yixiong , Nie Wei , Rong Pengfei , Wang Wei
Published: October 2019

Background

The dysfunction of islet grafts is generally attributed to hypoxia‐induced damage. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are currently thought to effectively protect cells from various risk factors via regulating autophagy. In our study, we investigated if human umbilical cord‐derived MSCs could ameliorate hypoxia‐induced apoptosis in porcine islets by modulating autophagy, and we explored the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Neonatal porcine islet cell clusters (NICCs) were cultured with human umbilical cord‐derived MSC conditioned medium (huc‐MSC‐CM) and RPMI‐1640 medium (control) under hypoxic conditions (1% O2) in vitro. NICCs were treated with 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) and chloroquine (CQ) to examine the role of huc‐MSC‐CM in regulating autophagy. Finally, the levels of several cytokines secreted by huc‐MSCs were detected by ELISAs, and the corresponding inhibitors were applied to investigate which cytokine mediates the protective effects of huc‐MSC‐CM. The effects of huc‐MSC‐CM on NICCs viability and autophagy were examined using AO/PI staining, flow cytometry analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and confocal fluorescence microscopy analysis. The insulin secretion of NICCs was tested with an insulin immunoradiometric assay kit.

Results

Compared to the control, the huc‐MSC‐CM treatment improved the viability of NICCs, inhibited apoptosis, increased autophagic activity and the levels of PI3K class III and phosphorylated Akt, while the ratio of phosphorylated mTOR/mTOR was reduced. These changes were reversed by CQ and 3‐MA treatments. High concentrations of IL‐6 were detected in hu‐MSC‐CM. Furthermore, recombinant IL‐6 pre‐treatment exerted similar effects as huc‐MSC‐CM, and these effects were reversed by a specific inhibitor of IL‐6 (Sarilumab).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that huc‐MSC‐CM improved islet viability and function by increasing autophagy through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway under hypoxic conditions. Additionally, IL‐6 plays an important role in the function of huc‐MSC‐CM.
Sócrates y la crisis de la filosofía: perspectivas fenomenológicas
Authors: Cladakis Maximiliano Basilio , Ralón Graciela Esther
Published: October 2019

El presente estudio tiene por objetivo articular, desde sus puntos de convergencia y de divergencia, la manera en que Maurice Merleau-Ponty y Jan Patočka reasumen la figura de Sócrates como posibilidad de superación de la “crisis de la filosofía”. Con esta finalidad, el trabajo se articulará en tres apartados. En el primero, se abordará la manera en que la crisis de la filosofía tiene como correlato una crisis histórica. En el segundo, se tomará como eje la manera en que Merleau-Ponty propone un regreso a la figura de Sócrates a modo de superación de dicha crisis, con base en una comprensión de la filosofía que, lejos de concebirse como un sistema integral de pensamiento, se realza en una relación viviente con los hombres. El tercer apartado girará en torno a la caracterización patočkiana de Sócrates como modelo de “hombre espiritual” y se elaborará dicha caracterización a través de la dialéctica existencial que constituye el “movimiento de la vida”.