bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Firms' Emissions Management Strategy Disclosures on Investors' Valuation Judgments
Authors: Johnson Joseph A. , Theis Jochen , Vitalis Adam , Young Donald
Published: June 2019

Recent accounting research indicates that capital markets price firms' greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and that disclosed emissions levels are negatively associated with firms' market values. The departure point for this study is to investigate whether investors value firms differently based on the strategies firms use to mitigate GHG emissions. These strategies include making operational changes, which reduces emissions attributable to the firm, and purchasing offsets, which reduces emissions unattributable to the firm. Using an experiment, we hold constant a firm's financial performance, investment in emissions mitigation, and net emissions, and find evidence that nonprofessional investors perceive the firm to be more valuable when it primarily uses an operational change strategy versus an offsets strategy. However, consistent with theory, this result only occurs when the firm's prior sustainability performance is below the industry average and not when it is above the industry average. This difference in firm value is consistent with the notion that nonprofessional investors believe information about a firm's emissions management strategy is material. Supplemental exploratory analyses reveal that our results are mediated by investors' perception that an operational change strategy is more socially and environmentally responsible than an offsets strategy for below industry average firms. Implications for our findings on theory and practice are discussed.
Patterns and predictors of e‐cigarette, cigarette and dual use uptake in UK adolescents: evidence from a 24‐month prospective study
Authors: Conner Mark , Grogan Sarah , Simms‐Ellis Ruth , Scholtens Keira , Sykes‐Muskett Bianca , Cowap Lisa , Lawton Rebecca , Armitage Christopher J. , Meads David , Schmitt Laetitia , Torgerson Carole , West Robert , Siddiqi Kamran
Published: June 2019

Background and Aims

To assess prevalence and predictors of e‐cigarettes/cigarettes patterns of use in adolescents in England.

Design

Prospective study with 24‐month follow‐up of e‐cigarette/cigarette ever/regular use with data from an intervention evaluation.

Setting

Forty‐five schools in England (Staffordshire and Yorkshire).

Participants

A total of 3210 adolescents who, at baseline, were aged 13–14 years and had never used e‐cigarettes/cigarettes.

Measurements

Based on e‐cigarette/cigarette ever use at follow‐up, six groups were created: (a) never user, (b) e‐cigarette only, (c) cigarette only, (d) dual use—order of use unclear, (e) dual use—e‐cigarettes used first and (f) dual use—cigarettes used first. Baseline measures were: gender, ethnicity, socio‐economic status, impulsivity, family plus friend smoking and smoking‐related beliefs (attitude and perceived behavioural control).

Findings

In groups (a) to (f), there were 71.5, 13.3, 3.3, 5.7, 2.9 and 3.4% adolescents, respectively. Among groups using cigarettes, regular smoking was more prevalent in group (f) (dual use—cigarettes used first) [17.6%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 10.4, 24.8] than in groups (c), (d) and (e) combined (7.3%, 95% CI = 4.7, 9.9). Among groups using e‐cigarettes, regular use was less prevalent in group (b) (e‐cigarette only) (1.9%, 95% CI = 0.6, 3.2) than in groups (d), (e) and (f) combined (12.2%, 95% CI = 8.9, 15.5). Higher impulsivity plus friends and family smoking were predictive of being in groups (b) to (f) compared with group (a) (never users). Males were more likely to be in group (b) compared to group (a); females were more likely to be in groups (c) to (f) compared to group (a).

Conclusions

Regular use of e‐cigarettes/cigarettes varies across groups defined by ever use of e‐cigarettes/cigarettes. Interventions targeted at tackling impulsivity or adolescents whose friends and family members smoke may represent fruitful avenues for future research.
A review of the law of consent in dentistry
Authors: Holden ACL , Stewart C
Published: July 2019

The development of the law of consent has led to much discussion within the dental literature as to how these changes might impact practice. The move from a practitioner‐focused standard of consent to a patient‐focused standard has altered the nature of the framework required to support a patient's decision‐making to avoid an allegation or finding of a negligent consent process. Contrastingly, there has been little in the way of exploration as to how the law of battery (in civil matters) and assault (in criminal cases), where consent is entirely absent, might apply to dentistry and the practice of the profession. This article considers the law of consent, using several key examples from dentistry, as well as providing an update of recent case law of relevance to dental practice.
Geriatricians’ attitudes towards voluntary assisted dying: A survey of Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine members
Authors: Munday Tanya , Poon Peter
Published: June 2019

Objective

To identify the attitudes of Australian and New Zealand geriatricians to legalisation of voluntary assisted dying.

Methods

An anonymous, voluntary, online survey of Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine (ANZSGM) members.

Results

A total of 226 members completed the survey equating to a 20% response rate. About 24% of respondents supported legalisation of voluntary assisted dying, whilst 53% opposed. If voluntary assisted dying was legalised, 12% would be willing to prescribe to an appropriate patient, and 61% would be willing to refer them onto a third party. Risk to vulnerable patients was the most important concern identified.

Conclusions

Support for voluntary assisted dying among surveyed ANZSGM members is low, but varies according to patient circumstances. Key areas of concern highlighted were risk to vulnerable patients, estimating prognosis, and capacity assessments. Further training is required for doctors on discussing voluntary assisted dying options, estimating prognosis, and capacity assessments prior to implementation.
Atypical severe progressive perioral ulceration due to herpes simplex virus on the background of undiagnosed HIV/AIDS
Authors: Howard Matthew David , Poon Flora , Milne Olivia Jean , Kelmann Anthony , Chong Alvin H
Published: July 2019

Perioral ulcerative plaques have a broad list of differential diagnoses. We describe an unusual presentation of chronic progressive perioral ulceration due to herpes simplex type (HSV)‐1 on a background of undiagnosed human immunodeficiency virus infection with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Whilst chronic mucocutaneous HSV is an AIDS‐defining condition with both HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 implicated, typical reported cases describe vesicular eruptions rather than perioral ulcerative plaques. This case highlights that common infections may present atypically in immunocompromised individuals and may be a clue to underlying systemic illness.
Cognitive outcome of early school‐aged children born very preterm is not predicted by early short‐term amplitude‐integrated electroencephalography
Authors: Feldmann Maria , Rousson Valentin , Nguyen Thi Dao , Bernet Vera , Hagmann Cornelia , Latal Beatrice , Natalucci Giancarlo
Published: June 2019

Aim

We investigated the association between early amplitude‐integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) and cognitive outcome in very preterm infants at early school‐age.

Methods

This prospective cohort study, conducted in the Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland, from 2009 to 2012, comprised of infants born at <32 weeks of gestation, who underwent continuous aEEG recording during the first 4 days of life. Cognitive outcome was assessed with the Kaufman‐Assessment Battery for Children at 5 years. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were calculated between aEEG parameters and normal cognitive outcome, defined as an intelligence quotient (IQ) of at least 85.

Results

The 118 (52.5% male) infants were born at a mean gestational age of 29.9 weeks and a mean birth weight of 1235 ± 363 g. We followed up 89 children at the age of five, and they had a mean IQ of 97.8 ± 12.7 with 21.3% under 85—and 2.2% had cerebral palsy. Univariate analyses found associations between aEEG measures and normal cognitive outcome, but these were no longer significant after adjustment for confounders. Socioeconomic status and neonatal morbidity were independent predictors of cognitive outcome.

Conclusion

Early short‐term aEEG did not predict later cognitive outcome in our cohort of very preterm infants.
An enjoyable school‐based swimming training programme improves students’ aquaticity
Authors: Karatrantou Konstantina , Stavrou Vasileios , Hasioti Paraskevi , Varveri Danai , Krommidas Charalampos , Gerodimos Vassilis
Published: June 2019

Aim

The main objectives of this research were to a) examine the test‐retest reliability of aquaticity test (study 1), b) investigate the efficacy of ‘swimming lesson’, during the physical education course, in the aquaticity (study 2) and c) examine enjoyment from the ‘swimming lesson’ (study 3) in primary school students of the 3rd grade.

Methods

In the first study, 23 students performed 2 assessment sessions for the evaluation of aquaticity, separated by 1 week. In the second study, 30 students followed a short‐term swimming training programme (9 sessions). Before and after the programme, students’ aquaticity was assessed. In the third study, enjoyment was examined in 273 students who followed the short‐term swimming programme.

Results

The test‐retest reliability for the assessment of students’ aquaticity was high (ICC = 0.87‐0.99). Paired t tests, also, revealed significant improvement (28‐62.7%) in the aquaticity of the children following the swimming programme. A great percentage of students reported high levels of enjoyment (92.2%).

Conclusion

A short‐term swimming programme, incorporated into the physical education course, is an enjoyable exercise modality that may be used for the improvement of children's aquaticity. We, also, found that the testing protocol may be reliably used for the evaluation of aquaticity in the paediatric population.
Autologistic Network Model on Binary Data for Disease Progression Study
Authors: Shin Yei Eun , Sang Huiyan , Liu Dawei , Ferguson Toby A. , Song Peter X. K.
Published: June 2019

This paper focuses on analysis of spatiotemporal binary data with absorbing states. The research was motivated by a clinical study on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurological disease marked by gradual loss of muscle strength over time in multiple body regions. We propose an autologistic regression model to capture complex spatial and temporal dependencies in muscle strength among different muscles. As it is not clear how the disease spreads from one muscle to another, it may not be reasonable to define a neighborhood structure based on spatial proximity. Relaxing the requirement for prespecification of spatial neighborhoods as in existing models, our method identifies an underlying network structure empirically to describe the pattern of spreading disease. The model also allows the network autoregressive effects to vary depending on the muscles’ previous status. Based on the joint distribution derived from this autologistic model, the joint transition probabilities of responses among locations can be estimated and the disease status can be predicted in the next time interval. Model parameters are estimated through maximization of penalized pseudo-likelihood. Postmodel selection inference was conducted via a bias-correction method, for which the asymptotic distributions were derived. Simulation studies were conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The method was applied to the analysis of muscle strength loss from the ALS clinical study.
Mitochondrial protection by simvastatin against angiotensin II‐mediated heart failure
Authors: Hsieh Chong‐Chao , Li Chia‐Yang , Hsu Chih‐Hsin , Chen Hsiu‐Lin , Chen Yung‐Hsiang , Liu Yu‐Peng , Liu Yu‐Ru , Kuo Hsuan‐Fu , Liu Po‐Len
Published: July 2019

Background and Purpose

Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a role in the progression of cardiovascular diseases including heart failure. 3‐Hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase inhibitors (statins), which inhibit ROS synthesis, show cardioprotective effects in chronic heart failure. However, the beneficial role of statins in mitochondrial protection in heart failure remains unclear.

Experimental Approach

Rats were treated with angiotensin II (1.5 mg·kg−1·day−1) or co‐administered simvastatin (oral, 10 mg·kg−1) for 14 days; and then administration was stopped for the following 14 days. Cardiac structure/function was examined by wheat germ agglutinin staining and echocardiography. Mitochondrial morphology and the numbers of lipid droplets, lysosomes, autophagosomes, and mitophagosomes were determined by transmission electron microscopy. Human cardiomyocytes were stimulated, and intracellular ROS and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) changes were measured by flow cytometry and JC‐1 staining, respectively. Autophagy and mitophagy‐related and mitochondria‐regulated apoptotic proteins were identified by immunohistochemistry and western blotting.

Key Results

Simvastatin significantly reduced ROS production and attenuated the disruption of ΔΨm. Simvastatin induced the accumulation of lipid droplets to provide energy for maintaining mitochondrial function, promoted autophagy and mitophagy, and inhibited mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis. These findings suggest that mitochondrial protection mediated by simvastatin plays a therapeutic role in heart failure prevention by modulating antioxidant status and promoting energy supplies for autophagy and mitophagy to inhibit mitochondrial damage and cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

Conclusion and Implications

Mitochondria play a key role in mediating heart failure progression. Simvastatin attenuated heart failure, induced by angiotensin II, via mitochondrial protection and might provide a new therapy to prevent heart failure.
Examining social inclusion among pedestrian plans in Canada
Authors: Battista Geoffrey A. , Manaugh Kevin
Published: June 2019

Canadian policymakers promote walking to meet several goals related to transportation demand management, public health, and economic welfare. However, unequal pedestrian outcomes stubbornly persist across Canadian society. Recent debates at the intersection of social inclusion and transportation policy underscore the responsibility of stakeholders to address such inequalities and promote social engagement among excluded groups in planning procedures and their outcomes. Pedestrian plans are rare opportunities to strategize across the disparate stakeholders impacting walkable spaces—private developers, transit, parks and recreation—yet the social inclusion measures of pedestrian plans remain understudied in Canada and elsewhere. We examine pedestrian plans from 27 municipalities across the country using a social inclusion framework with participation and policy criteria. Results include that Canadian pedestrian plans fall short in promoting social inclusion with infrequent opportunities for collaborative contributions by the public; lacklustre outreach to socially‐excluded stakeholder representatives; and oversight of socioeconomic groups among accountable policies. We discuss recommendations to augment social inclusion in plan development such that socially‐excluded groups can more substantially benefit from accessible and safe walkable spaces conducive to personal well‐being and engagement with society.
Clinical genetic testing in endocrinology: Current concepts and contemporary challenges
Authors: Newey Paul J.
Published: June 2019

Recent advances in DNA sequencing technology have led to an unprecedented period of disease‐gene discovery offering many new opportunities for genetic testing in the clinical setting. Endocrinology has seen a rapid expansion in the taxonomy of monogenic disorders, which can be detected by an expanding portfolio of genetic tests in both diagnostic and predictive settings. Successful testing relies on many factors including the ability to identify those at increased risk of genetic disease in the busy clinic as well as a working knowledge of the various testing platforms and their limitations. The clinical utility of a given test is dependent upon many factors, which include the reliability of the genetic testing platform, the accuracy of the test result interpretation and knowledge of disease penetrance and expression. The increasing adoption of “high‐content” genetic testing based on next‐generation sequencing (NGS) to diagnose hereditary endocrine disorders brings a number of challenges including the potential for uncertain test results and/or genetic findings unrelated to the indication for testing. Therefore, it is increasingly important that the clinician is aware of the current evolution in genetic testing, and understands the different settings in which it may be employed. This review provides an overview of the genetic testing workflow, focusing on each of the major components required for successful testing in adult and paediatric endocrine settings. In addition, the challenges of variant interpretation are highlighted, as are issues related to informed consent, prenatal diagnosis and predictive testing. Finally, the future directions of genetic testing relevant to endocrinology are discussed.
Development and characterization of an in vitro system of the human retina using cultured cell lines
Authors: Churm Rachel , Dunseath Gareth J. , Prior Sarah L. , Thomas Rebecca L. , Banerjee Sanjiv , Owens David R.
Published: June 2019

Background

Previously developed in vitro cultures of the human retina have been solo or dual cell cultures. We developed a triple‐cell culture in vitro model utilizing a membrane system to produce a better representation of a functional and morphological human retina.

Methods

Retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMVEC/ACBRI181, cell systems), retinal pigment epithelium cells (RPE/ARPE‐19, ATCC) and Müller glial cells (Moorfield Institute of Ophthalmology‐Müller 1, UCL) were grown in a triple culture. Our optimized triple‐culture media contained a mix of specific endothelial medium and high glucose Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's medium, where all three layers were viable for up to 5 days. Co‐culture effect on morphological changes (cell staining) and gene expression of functional genes (pigment epithelium derived factor [PEDF] and vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]) were measured from RNA via real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Expression of tight junction protein 1 (TJP1) was measured in RNA isolated from ARPE‐19s, to assess barrier stability.

Results

The triple‐culture promotes certain cell functionality through up‐regulation of TJP1, increasing PEDF and decreasing VEGF expression highlighting its importance for the assessment of disease mechanisms distinct from a solo culture which would not allow the true effect of the native microenvironment to be elucidated.

Conclusions

This model's novelty and reliability allows for the assessment of singular cellular function within the retinal microenvironment and overall assessment of retinal health, while eliminating the requirement of animal‐based models.
French‐style genetics v. 2.0: The “e‐CohortE” project
Authors: Stoeklé Henri‐Corto , Bollet Marc , Cobat Aurélie , Charlier Philippe , Bloch Oudy Ch. , Flatot Jérôme , Draghi Clément , Tolyan Valérie , Hervé Christian , Desvaux Pierre , Uzan Laurent , Grynberg Michaël , Alcaïs Alexandre , Tolédano Alain , Vogt Guillaume
Published: June 2019

In the digital age, a genetics cohort has become much more than a simple means of determining the cause of a disease. Two‐sided markets, of which 23andMe, Ancestry DNA and MyHeritage are the best known, have showed this perfectly over the last few years: a cohort has become a means of producing massive amounts of data for medical, scientific and commercial exploitation, and for genetic use in particular. French law does not currently allow these foreign private companies to develop on French national territory and also forbids the creation of similar entities in France. However, at least in theory, this same law does not preclude the creation of new types of cohorts in France inspired by the success of two‐sided markets but retaining features specific to the French healthcare management system. We propose an optimal solution for France, for genomic studies associated with multi‐subject questionnaires, still purely theoretical for the moment: the development, with no need for any change in the law, of France's own version of “Genetics v.2.0”: “e‐CohortE.”
FER promotes cell migration via regulating JNK activity
Authors: Li Ping , Ma Zhiwei , Yu Yun , Hu Xingjie , Zhou Yanfeng , Song Haiyun
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Cell migration has a key role in cancer metastasis, which contributes to drug resistance and tumour recurrence. Better understanding of the mechanisms involved in this process will potentially reveal new drug targets for cancer therapy. Fer is a non‐receptor protein tyrosine kinase aberrantly expressed in various human cancers, whereas its role in tumour progression remains elusive.

Materials and Methods

Transgenic flies and epigenetic analysis were employed to investigate the role of Drosophila Fer (FER) in cell migration and underlying mechanisms. Co‐immunoprecipitation assay was used to monitor the interaction between FER and Drosophila JNK (Bsk). The conservation of Fer in regulating JNK signalling was explored in mammalian cancer and non‐cancer cells.

Results

Overexpression of FER triggered cell migration and activated JNK signalling in the Drosophila wing disc. Upregulation and downregulation in the basal activity of Bsk exacerbated and eliminated FER‐mediated migration, respectively. In addition, loss of FER blocked signal transduction of the JNK pathway. Specifically, FER interacted with and promoted the activity of Bsk, which required both the kinase domain and the C‐terminal of Bsk. Lastly, Fer regulated JNK activities in mammalian cells.

Conclusions

Our study reveals FER as a positive regulator of JNK‐mediated cell migration and suggests its potential role as a therapeutic target for cancer metastasis.
Lobular neutrophilic panniculitis associated with DNA methyltransferase inhibitors in the treatment of myeloid disease
Authors: Coleman Emily , Panse Gauri , Cowper Shawn , Prebet Thomas , Gore Steven , Leventhal Jonathan
Published: June 2019

Cutaneous toxicities to DNA methyltransferase inhibitors are variable and include localized injection site reactions, ecchymoses, maculopapular eruptions, and neutrophilic dermatoses including pyoderma gangrenosum, Sweet syndrome, and neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis. This series describes two patients diagnosed with lobular neutrophilic panniculitis arising during treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia with “hypomethylating drugs,” including the first report of its occurrence with a next‐generation agent. Differential diagnoses, histopathologic characteristics, treatment considerations, and proposed pathogenesis will be discussed.
Gender difference in the impact of coexisting diabetes mellitus on long‐term clinical outcome in people with heart failure: a report from the Korean Heart Failure Registry
Authors: Kim H.‐L. , Kim M.‐A. , Park K.‐T. , Choi D.‐J. , Han S. , Jeon E.‐S. , Cho M.‐C. , Kim J.‐J. , Yoo B.‐S. , Shin M.‐S. , Kang S.‐M. , Chae S. C. , Ryu K.‐H. ,   the KorHF Registry
Published: June 2019

Aim

Few data are available on the gender‐related differences in the prognostic impact of diabetes in people with heart failure. This study was performed to investigate whether there is a gender difference in the association between diabetes and long‐term clinical outcomes in people hospitalized for heart failure.

Methods

A total of 3162 people hospitalized with heart failure (aged 67.4 ± 14.1 years, 50.4% females) from the data set of the nationwide registry were analysed. The primary endpoint was a composite of all‐cause mortality and heart failure readmission.

Results

People with diabetes (30.5% for males vs. 31.1% for females, P = 0.740) were older and had more unfavourable risk factors and laboratory findings than those without diabetes in both genders. During a median follow‐up period of 549 days, there were 1418 cases of composite events (44.8%). In univariable analysis, the coexistence of diabetes was significantly associated with a higher incidence of composite events in both genders (P < 0.05 each for males and females). In multivariable analysis, the prognostic impact of diabetes on the development of composite events remained significant in females even after controlling for potential confounders (hazard ratio 1.43, 95% confidence intervals 1.12–1.84; P = 0.004). However, an independent association between diabetes and composite events was not seen in males in the same multivariable analysis (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

In people with heart failure, the impact of diabetes on long‐term mortality and heart failure readmission seems to be stronger in females than in males. More careful and intensive management is needed especially in females with heart failure and diabetes.
The economics of the Syrian refugee crisis in neighbouring countries: The case of Lebanon
Authors: David Anda , Marouani Mohamed Ali , Nahas Charbel , Nilsson Björn
Published: July 2019

In this article, we investigate the effects of a massive displacement of workers from a war‐torn economy on the economy of a neighbouring country. Applying a general equilibrium approach to the Lebanese economy, we explore effects from various components of the crisis on the labour market, the production apparatus and macroeconomic indicators. Along with previous literature, our findings suggest limited or no adverse effects on high‐skilled native workers, but a negative impact on the most vulnerable Lebanese workers. When aid takes the form of investment subsidies, significantly better growth and labour market prospects arise, recalling the necessity of complementing humanitarian aid with development aid to succeed in achieving long‐term objectives. This may however not be politically viable in a context where refugees are considered as temporary.
Host range ofErwinia psidiiand genetic resistance ofEucalyptusandCorymbiaspecies to this pathogen
Authors: Caires Nilmara P. , Hermenegildo Pollyane S. , Guimarães Lúcio M. S. , Mafia Reginaldo G. , Zauza Edival Â. V. , Júnior Norton Borges , Badel Jorge L. , Alfenas Acelino C.
Published: July 2019

Dieback caused byErwinia psidiiis currently one of the most important emerging diseases in eucalypt plantations in Brazil. However, little is known in terms of the host range of this pathogen or the potential sources of resistance against the disease it causes. In this study, we inoculated plants of species from nine families to gain insight into the host range ofE. psidii. Plants of all inoculated species of Myrtaceae exceptAcca sellowianaexhibited disease symptoms and therefore represent potential hosts for the pathogen under natural conditions. In addition, the response of fourCorymbiaspecies, 29Eucalyptusspecies and three interspecificEucalyptushybrids to inoculation withE. psidiiwas evaluated. AllCorymbia henryi,Corymbia maculata,Eucalyptus thozetiana,Eucalyptus cloeziana,Eucalyptus viminalis,Eucalyptus dalrympleanaandEucalyptus pilularisplants were highly resistant to the pathogen, whereas differential disease resistance was observed in the other species. This study provides important information on sources of resistance toErwinia psidiiwith potential use in the development of clones with enhanced resistance in eucalypt species of economic importance.
Bommies away! Logistics and early effects of repositioning 400 tonnes of displaced coral colonies following cyclone impacts on the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: McLeod Ian M. , Williamson David H. , Taylor Sascha , Srinivasan Maya , Read Mark , Boxer Craig , Mattocks Neil , Ceccarelli Daniela M.
Published: June 2019

For over 40 years, management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) in Australia has focused on limiting human‐use impacts to facilitate natural resilience and recovery. Compounding acute disturbances and chronic stressors have resulted in degradation of coral reef habitats in many areas of the Marine Park. Given current trends and predictions of escalating climate‐driven disturbances, it is increasingly evident that effective management of the GBRMP requires adaptive and novel approaches to protect and restore coral reef health. Here, we provide an overview of the logistical requirements and early‐stage ecological benefits of repositioning 400 tonnes of moderately sized (1–3 m diameter) Porites spp. coral colonies (bommies) that were displaced by cyclone‐generated swells that impacted reefs in the Whitsunday Islands during March 2017. An ecological survey conducted 16 months after the bommie repositioning revealed that several genera of hard coral had settled onto the bommies and that a range of reef fish species were associating with the restored habitat. Early findings suggest that the repositioning of the displaced bommies has assisted in restoring reef habitat structure and settlement habitat for juvenile corals, while improving natural aesthetics, vessel access and tourist experiences at Manta Ray Bay.
Corporate social responsibility: An umbrella or a puddle on a rainy day? Evidence surrounding corporate financial misconduct
Authors: Bae John , Choi Wonik , Lim Jongha
Published: June 2019

We examine the way a fraudulent firm's pre‐ and post‐misconduct corporate social responsibility engagement is associated with its stock performance to investigate the reputational role of corporate social responsibility (CSR). In the short term, firms with good CSR performance suffer smaller market penalties upon the revelation of financial wrongdoing, supporting the buffer effect, as opposed to the backfire effect, of a good social image. We also find that the misbehaving firms’ post‐misconduct CSR efforts are negatively associated with delisting probabilities, and positively with stock returns. These findings support the argument that increasing post‐crisis CSR engagement can be an effective remedy for a damaged reputation.
A genome‐wide investigation of the worldwide invader Sargassum muticum shows high success albeit (almost) no genetic diversity
Authors: Le Cam Sabrina , Daguin‐Thiébaut Claire , Bouchemousse Sarah , Engelen Aschwin H. , Mieszkowska Nova , Viard Frédérique
Published: June 2019

Twenty years of genetic studies of marine invaders have shown that successful invaders are often characterized by native and introduced populations displaying similar levels of genetic diversity. This pattern is presumably due to high propagule pressure and repeated introductions. The opposite pattern is reported in this study of the brown seaweed, Sargassum muticum, an emblematic species for circumglobal invasions. Albeit demonstrating polymorphism in the native range, microsatellites failed to detect any genetic variation over 1,269 individuals sampled from 46 locations over the Pacific–Atlantic introduction range. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained from ddRAD sequencing revealed some genetic variation, but confirmed severe founder events in both the Pacific and Atlantic introduction ranges. Our study thus exemplifies the need for extreme caution in interpreting neutral genetic diversity as a proxy for invasive potential. Our results confirm a previously hypothesized transoceanic secondary introduction from NE Pacific to Europe. However, the SNP panel unexpectedly revealed two additional distinct genetic origins of introductions. Also, conversely to scenarios based on historical records, southern rather than northern NE Pacific populations could have seeded most of the European populations. Finally, the most recently introduced populations showed the lowest selfing rates, suggesting higher levels of recombination might be beneficial at the early stage of the introduction process (i.e., facilitating evolutionary novelties), whereas uniparental reproduction might be favored later in sustainably established populations (i.e., sustaining local adaptation).
Treating Multidimensional Presenting Problems with a Mutually Integrative Approach Using the Genogram
Authors: Browning Scott , Hull Rachel
Published: June 2019

The present article introduces a case study and describes a mutually integrative approach to treating a complex presenting problem. This article examines the specific issues surrounding integration when a supervisor and supervisee hold different theoretical perspectives. On occasion, such a relationship demands that the supervisee adhere to the model being taught by the supervisor. Examining integration in this format presents many advantages for both treatment and training. The key to the mutual integration is that two schools of psychotherapy can be combined in a way that creates a synergy; in that, together they are more powerful than either may be in isolation. A genogram with symbols from each model is incorporated to focus the treatment and create a format for the mutual integration.
A spectroelectrochemical investigation of the heme‐based sensor DevS from Mycobacterium tuberculosis: a redox versus oxygen sensor
Authors: Barreto Giamwemberg A. , Carepo Marta S. P. , Gondim Ana C. S. , Guimarães Wellinson G. , Lopes Luiz G. F. , Bernhardt Paul V. , Paulo Tércio F. , Sousa Eduardo H. S. , Diógenes Izaura C. N.
Published: June 2019

Tuberculosis is one of the oldest known infectious diseases, responsible for millions of deaths annually around the world. The ability of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) to enter into a dormant state has been considered integral to the success of this bacterium as a human pathogen. One of the key systems involved in regulating the entrance into dormancy is the differentially expressed in virulent strain sensor protein (DevS) [(dormancy survival sensor protein (DosS)]. However, the physiological signal for DevS has remained unclear since it was first shown to be a heme‐based sensor with conflicting reports on whether it is a redox or an oxygen sensor. To address this question and provide a better understanding of the electronic properties of this protein, we present here, for the first time, a series of spectroelectrochemistry measurements of the full‐length holo DevS in anaerobic conditions as well as bound to CO, NO, imidazole (Imz), cyanide, and O2. An interesting feature of this protein is its ability to bind Imz even in the ferrous state, implying small‐molecule analogues could be designed as potential regulators. Nonetheless, a midpoint potential (Em) value of +10 mV [vs normal hydrogen electrode (NHE)] for DevS as measured under anaerobic conditions is much higher than the expected cytosolic potential for Mtb or even within stimulated macrophages (~ −270 mV vs NHE), indicating this sensor works in a reduced ferrous state. These data, along with the high oxygen affinity and very slow auto‐oxidation rate of DevS, provides evidence that it is not a redox sensor. Overall, this study validates the biological function of DevS as an oxygen sensor directly involved in the dormancy/latency of Mtb.
A simultaneous effect of selfing and Epichloë endophyte on forage, seed yield and turf characteristics of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)
Authors: Torkian Mehran , Sabzalian Mohammad R. , Ehtemam Mohammad Hossein
Published: July 2019

Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is a putative turf and forage plant characterized as mainly outcrossing in which the extent of self‐fertilization and its consequences has not been investigated. In this study, selfed and half‐sib family seeds were obtained from ten clonally propagated ryegrass plants among which two were endophyte‐free (EF) and eight were endophyte‐infected (EI). Then, 20 seed populations plus two commercial varieties of Speedy and Vigor were sown and evaluated in a biennial experiment for their turf and forage characteristics. Selfing caused significant inbreeding depression for plant fresh and dry weight and leaf length and width in the first year for both EI and EF genotypes. In the second year, only leaf length remained depressed among these characters. Also, for the most growth, turf and reproductive traits, EI populations showed less depression. The presence of endophyte in self‐pollinated populations made an increasing effect for the number of seed per spike and days to heading, although seed weight was reduced. Some of the populations derived from self‐pollination and infected with fungal endophyte including S9 and S10 were even superior to the two commercial varieties in terms of both seed production and turf characteristics. However, for seed‐related characteristics including number of spikes per plant, seed weight and seed yield, EF populations including Speedy and Vigor were more reproductive than EI populations. It is concluded that selfing may increase the discrimination between EI and EF ryegrass plants because endophyte infection may mitigate the negative consequences of inbreeding depression in prone populations.
Comparison of hepatitis B virus genotypes B and C among chronically hepatitis B virus‐infected patients who received nucleos(t)ide analogs: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Inoue Jun , Akahane Takehiro , Nakayama Haruo , Kimura Osamu , Kobayashi Tomoo , Kisara Norihiro , Sato Toshihiro , Morosawa Tatsuki , Izuma Masaaki , Kakazu Eiji , Ninomiya Masashi , Iwata Tomoaki , Takai Satoshi , Nakamura Takuya , Sano Akitoshi , Niitsuma Hirofumi , Masamune Atsushi ,   THERME Study Group
Published: June 2019

Aim

Hepatitis B virus genotype B (HBV/B) has been reported to have less risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but long‐term observation has rarely been reported. We aimed to clarify the characteristics of HBV/B in nucleos(t)ide analog‐treated patients in an area where HBV/B is more prevalent than in other areas of Japan.

Methods

A total of 498 chronically HBV‐infected patients treated with nucleos(t)ide analog (lamivudine, entecavir, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, or tenofovir alafenamide fumarate) for >6 months (mean 70.6 months) were included from nine hospitals in northeast Japan. The frequencies of hepatitis B surface antigen loss and HCC occurrence were analyzed.

Results

Among 427 patients whose genotype could be determined, 34.0% and 64.4% were infected with HBV/B and genotype C (HBV/C), respectively. The age of patients with HBV/B was significantly older than those with HBV/C (57.7 vs. 48.1). The cumulative rate of hepatitis B surface antigen loss was significantly higher in HBV/B than in HBV/C (3.6% vs. 0.7% at 10 years). Among 480 patients without HCC history, HCC occurrence was found in 40 patients (13.4% at 10 years). There was no cumulative rate difference of HCC occurrence among the genotypes, but after propensity score matching for age/sex, it was significantly lower in HBV/B than in HBV/C (5.3% vs. 18.5% at 10 years).

Conclusions

Although a lower rate of HCC occurrence in HBV/B was shown by an age/sex‐matched analysis than that in HBV/C, patients with HBV/B were significantly older and had a comparative risk of HCC occurrence in nucleos(t)ide analog‐treated patients.
A functional polymorphism in the promoter of TUG1 is associated with an increased risk of ischaemic stroke
Authors: Wei Ye‐Sheng , Yang Jun , He Yong‐Ling , Shi Xiang , Zeng Zhi‐Neng
Published: July 2019

Taurine‐upregulated gene 1 (TUG1), a kind of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs), was up‐regulated in ischaemic stroke (IS) with the function of promoting neuron apoptosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of TUG1 polymorphisms with IS risk. The TUG1 polymorphisms were genotyped using a custom‐by‐design 48‐Plex SNPscan kit. The promoter activity was measured using the dual luciferase reporter assay. Relative expression of TUG1 in IS patients was analysed using quantitative PCR and the binding of TUG1 rs2240183 polymorphism to transcription factor was analysed using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. The rs2240183 CT/CC genotypes and C allele in the promoter of TUG1 were associated with an increased risk of IS (CT/CC vs. TT: adjusted OR = 1.70, 95% CI, 1.16‐2.49, P = 0.006; C vs. T: adjusted OR = 1.47, 95% CI, 1.12‐1.93, P = 0.005). Logistic regression analysis showed that the rs2240183 was a risk factor of IS besides TC, TG, HDL‐C, LDL‐C, VLDL‐C, Apo‐A1, Apo‐B and NEFA. Further functional analysis revealed that the TUG1 rs2240183 C allele exhibited higher transcriptional activity and TUG1 expression levels (P < 0.01). The ChIP assay showed that the rs2240183 C allele binds to transcriptional factor GATA‐1. These findings indicate that the rs2240183 C allele was associated with a higher risk of IS possibly by binding to GATA‐1 and elevating TUG1 levels.
Long non‐coding RNA SNAI3‐AS1 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating the UPF1/Smad7 signalling pathway
Authors: Li Yarui , Guo Dan , Ren Mudan , Zhao Yan , Wang Xin , Chen Yifei , Liu Yaping , Lu Guifang , He Shuixiang
Published: July 2019

Emerging evidence has indicated that deregulation of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can contribute to the progression of human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the role and exact mechanism of most lncRNAs in tumours remains largely unknown. In the current study, we found a novel long non‐coding RNA termed SNAI3‐AS1 which was generally up‐regulated in HCC tissues compared with normal control. Higher expression of SNAI3‐AS1 was significantly correlated with shorter overall survival of HCC patients. Knockdown of SNAI3‐AS1 inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells in vitro, whereas overexpression of SNAI3‐AS1 promoted the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells. Further investigations showed that SNAI3‐AS1 could affect HCC tumorigenesis by binding up‐frameshift protein 1 (UPF1), regulating Smad7 expression and activating TGF‐β/Smad pathway. Functionally, SNAI3‐AS1 promoted HCC growth and metastasis by inducing tumour epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Taken together, these findings showed that SNAI3‐AS1 promotes the progression of HCC by regulating the UPF1 and activating TGF‐β/Smad pathway.
Rearing environment affects spatial learning in juvenile Chinook salmonOncorhynchus tshawytscha
Authors: Cogliati Karen M. , Unrein Julia R. , Schreck Carl B. , Noakes David L. G.
Published: June 2019

We tested the prediction that a complex physical rearing environment would enhance short‐term spatial memory as assessed by learning ability in a spatial navigation task in juvenile Chinook salmonOncorhynchus tshawytscha. We reared fish in two low‐density treatments, where fish were either in bare fiberglass tanks (bare) or in tanks with physical structure (complex). We also tested conventionally reared high‐density hatchery fish to compare with these other experimental treatments. Our reason for including this third hatchery treatment is that the two low‐density treatments, aside from the manipulation of structure, followed a rearing programme that is designed to produce fish with more wild‐like characteristics. We tested individually marked fish for seven consecutive days and recorded movement and time to exit a testing maze. Stimulus conspecific fish outside the exit of the maze provided positive reinforcement for test fish. Fish from the bare treatment were less likely to exit the start box compared with fish in the complex and hatchery treatments. However, fish in the hatchery treatment were significantly more likely to exit the maze on their own compared with both the bare and complex treatments. Hatchery fish effectively learned the task as shown by a decrease in the number of mistakes over time, but the number of mistakes was significantly greater on the first day of trials. Increasing habitat complexity with structure may not necessarily promote spatial learning ability, but differences between hatchery and experimental treatments in rearing density and motivation to be near conspecifics likely led to observed behavioural differences.
Effect of L‐carnitine on liver enzymes and biochemical factors in hepatic encephalopathy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Abbasnezhad Amir , Choghakhori Razieh , Kashkooli Sara , Alipour Meysam , Asbaghi Omid , Mohammadi Rasool
Published: June 2019

Background and Aims

We aimed to investigate the effect of L‐carnitine on biochemical factors including ammonia, bilirubin, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE).

Methods

A systematic search was carried out in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases to find articles related to the effect of L‐carnitine supplementation in patients with HE, up to 7 February 2019. There was no language and time limitation. Meta‐analyses were carried out using both the random and fixed effects models where appropriate, and I2 index was used to evaluate the heterogeneity.

Results

Search yielded 3462 publications. Nine randomized clinical trials with 779 patients were eligible. L‐carnitine supplementation significantly reduced blood levels of ammonia. Furthermore, our results indicated that L‐carnitine supplementation significantly reduced blood levels of bilirubin, AST, BUN, and Cr in patients with HE. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that L‐carnitine significantly reduced ammonia in patients with all the ages, long and short duration of the supplementation, doses less or higher than 4000 mg/day, any route of treatment (intravenous or oral), and in patients with any grade of the symptoms of HE. Moreover, we found that L‐carnitine significantly increased circulating levels of albumin in HE patients.

Conclusions

Present systematic review and meta‐analysis revealed that L‐carnitine supplementation significantly reduced blood levels of ammonia, bilirubin, AST, BUN, and Cr in HE patients. Moreover, we found that L‐carnitine significantly increased circulating levels of albumin. However, further large‐scale randomized clinical trials are needed.
Health Literacy, Health Numeracy, and Trust in Doctor: Effects on Key Patient Health Outcomes
Authors: Netemeyer Richard G. , Dobolyi David G. , Abbasi Ahmed , Clifford Gari , Taylor Herman
Published: June 2019

This research examines the roles of health literacy, health numeracy, and trust in doctor on: (1) patient anxiety when consulting a doctor; (2) frequency of physician consultations; and (3) patient subjective well‐being (SWB). Our sample consisted of 4,040 adults representative of the United States in terms of age, income, and education, but equally split among White/Caucasian (50%) and Black/African American (50%) respondents. We found that functional and communicative health literacy and trust in doctor have linear and curvilinear relationships with anxiety when consulting a doctor. Health numeracy had no effect. Anxiety when consulting a doctor was associated with a lower number of physician consultations and lower SWB. We observed direct linear effects of health literacy, health numeracy, and trust in doctor on frequency of physician consultations and SWB, as well as some curvilinear effects. We found a negative relationship between health numeracy and SWB. We discuss implications of these findings for health and public policy.