bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why do companies obtain the B corporation certification?
Authors: Harjoto Maretno , Laksmana Indrarini , Yang Ya-wen
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This study identifies the factors that influence companies to obtain the B corporation certification. Drawing from institutional isomorphism, gender socialization theory, the ethics of care and social identity theory, the authors examine the impact of geographic locality, product market competitions and owners’ demographic characteristics on a firm’s decision to be a certified B Corporation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using two sets of data, a hand-collected sample of 743 small businesses receiving a B Corporation certification between 2007 and 2014 and a sample of 902 firms participating in a B Lab survey from 2011 to 2013, the authors examine factors that influence firms’ decision to obtain the B Corporation and their environment, social and governance (ESG) performance.

Findings

Firms in states that are democratic-leaning, have a lower hourly wage rate or have a greater religious population are more likely to be early adopters and leaders of the B Corporation movement than those in other states. On average, states with a higher unemployment rate and more democratic-leaning voters have more B Corporation certified firms in each year and over the years. Additionally, product market competition is positively associated with firms’ likelihood of obtaining B Corporation certification and their ESG scores.

Practical implications

This study brings new insights to the understanding of purpose-driven enterprises and factors that influence firms’ decision to go through the B Corporation verification and certification process.

Originality/value

This study establishes a theoretical foundation that becoming a B Corporation is a corporate social responsibility (CSR) action and shows that existing theories explaining the factors motivating companies to engage in CSR can also be applied to explain firms’ motivation to become B Corporations.
The state of art of corporate social disclosure before the introduction of non-financial reporting directive: a cross country analysis
Authors: Venturelli Andrea , Caputo Fabio , Leopizzi Rossella , Pizzi Simone
Published: December 2018

Purpose

According to the Directive 2014/95/EU on non-financial information (NFI), from 2017 onwards, large companies of member states will be required to provide a series of social, environmental and governance disclosures. This paper, focusing on the evaluation of the quality of NFI in the UK and Italy before the implementation of the EU Directive, aims to investigate which factors affect the quality of NFI in the comparison between the UK and Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

To evaluate the “state of the art” of NFI in corporate social disclosure of British and Italian listed companies, a non-financial score is created, based on specific items concerning the requirements of the EU Directive. To this aim, the authors analyzed the corporate disclosures of 343 large listed companies.

Findings

Findings show that the UK is more compliant than Italy. So, regulation could be important to improve NFI in Italy more than in the UK. The results could represent relevant evidence for European policymakers of the action agenda “emphasizing the importance of national and sub-national CSR policies”.

Originality/value

This research represents a preliminary analysis on the EU Directive and on its potential effects. Moreover, this study strengthens the previous literature on the quality of non-financial disclosure.
Effects of fibrinogen and platelet transfusion on coagulation and platelet function in bleeding cardiac surgery patients
Authors: Shams Hakimi Caroline , Singh Sukhi , Hesse Camilla , Jeppsson Anders
Published: December 2018

Background

Excessive bleeding is a significant problem in cardiac surgery. Fibrinogen and platelet concentrate transfusion are used clinically to improve haemostasis and reduce bleeding but little is known about their functional effects on coagulation and platelet function in patients with ongoing bleeding.

Methods

Forty‐two patients with ongoing bleeding after cardiac surgery were included in an observational study. Patients received either fibrinogen concentrate (n = 16), platelet concentrate (n = 12), or both fibrinogen and platelets (n = 14), median doses 2 g fibrinogen and 2 units platelets given at one occasion. Blood samples were collected before and after transfusion. Coagulation (clotting time and clot stability) was analysed with rotational thromboelastometry, and platelet function with impedance aggregometry. In addition, platelet count and fibrinogen concentration was measured. Chest drain output was measured before and after the transfusion.

Results

Fibrinogen infusion resulted in an increase in fibrinogen concentration and clot stability (P = 0.001), but had no effect on platelet aggregation. Platelet transfusion did not significantly affect coagulation, but improved arachidonic acid‐ and TRAP‐induced platelet aggregation (P = 0.017 and 0.034 respectively) and increased platelet count. Combined fibrinogen and platelet transfusion shortened clotting time (P = 0.005) and increased clot stability (P = 0.001), and improved arachidonic acid‐ and TRAP‐induced platelet aggregation (P = 0.004 and 0.016 respectively), and increased fibrinogen concentration and platelet count. The median bleeding volume was 150 (25th‐75th percentile 70‐240) mL/h before, and 60 (40‐110) mL/h after transfusion of fibrinogen and/or platelet concentrate (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results demonstrate improved coagulation and platelet function following fibrinogen and platelet transfusion in patients bleeding after cardiac surgery.
Effects of seat position on perception of power in Chinese traditional culture
Authors: Zeng Ningning , Xiong Zijun , Li Weijian , Sun Zhongqiang , Li Xinyu
Published: December 2018

In China, some rituals show that power is represented by seat positions. The current study empirically investigated the relationship between seat position and perception of power, and the cultural differences in this relationship. In Experiment 1, participants were asked to arrange seats for people with different power. The results showed that seats for high‐power people were placed facing the door while others’ seats were placed with their backs to the door. In Experiment 2, a priming task was employed to test the link between seat position and perception of power. Results revealed that after pictures of the seat facing the door were primed, judgments for high‐power words were more accurate and faster than for low‐power words, as compared to priming with the condition of the seat with its back to the door. A Stroop task was employed in Experiment 3 to explore cultural differences. Results showed that Chinese participants judged high‐power words faster in the congruent trials than in the incongruent trials, but no such difference was found in African participants. These findings suggest that the concept of power can be partly represented by seat position in China.
PAX2 in endometrial carcinogenesis and in differential diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Raffone Antonio , Travaglino Antonio , Saccone Gabriele , Mascolo Massimo , Insabato Luigi , Mollo Antonio , De Placido Giuseppe , Zullo Fulvio
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Benign and precancerous endometrial hyperplasias (EH) are differentiated according to two alternative histomorphologic classifications: World Health Organization (WHO) or endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN) system. The 2017 European Society of Gynaecological Oncology guidelines recommend paired box 2 protein (PAX2) immunohistochemistry to identify precancerous EH. However, methods for interpreting immunostaining and diagnostic accuracy are not defined, and the role of PAX2 in endometrial carcinogenesis is unclear. We aimed to assess: (a) PAX2 expression throughout endometrial carcinogenesis, from normal endometrium to benign EH, precancerous EH, and endometrial cancer (EC); (b) the diagnostic accuracy of PAX2 immunohistochemistry in diagnosing precancerous EH, defining criteria for its use.

Material and methods

Electronic databases were searched for from their inception to July 2018. All studies evaluating PAX2 immunohistochemistry in normal endometrium, EH, and EC were included. Univariate comparisons of PAX2 expression were performed with Fisher's exact test (significant P < .05). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve on summary receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated. Subgroup analyses were based on expression thresholds (decrease vs complete loss) and classifications used (WHO vs EIN).

Results

Six studies with 266 normal endometrium, 586 EH, and 114 EC were included. Both decrease and complete loss of PAX2 expression were significantly more common in EC and precancerous EH than benign EH. Diagnostic accuracy was moderate for both PAX2 complete loss and decrease (areas under the curve 0.829 and 0.876, respectively). PAX2 complete loss with EIN system showed the best results (sensitivity = 0.72; specificity = 0.95; DOR = 43.13).

Conclusions

PAX2 seems to behave as a tumor suppressor in endometrial carcinogenesis. PAX2 is an accurate marker of precancerous EH; complete loss of PAX2 and EIN classification appear as the optimal diagnostic criteria.
Loss of PTEN expression as diagnostic marker of endometrial precancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Raffone Antonio , Travaglino Antonio , Saccone Gabriele , Campanino Maria R. , Mollo Antonio , De Placido Giuseppe , Insabato Luigi , Zullo Fulvio
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Endometrial hyperplasia may be either a benign proliferation or a premalignant lesion. In order to differentiate these two conditions, two possible histologic classifications can be used: the World Health Organization (WHO) classification and the endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN) classification. The 2017 European Society of Gynaecological Oncology guidelines recommend the use of immunohistochemistry for tumor suppressor protein phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) to improve the differential diagnosis. Nonetheless, its diagnostic accuracy has never been defined. We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of immunohistochemistry for PTEN in the differential diagnosis between benign and premalignant endometrial hyperplasia.

Material and methods

Electronic databases were searched from their inception to May 2018 for studies assessing immunohistochemical expression of PTEN in endometrial hyperplasia specimens. PTEN status (“loss” or “presence”) was the index test; histological diagnosis (“precancer” or “benign”) was the reference standard. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+, LR−), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC) on summary receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated (95% CI), with a subgroup analysis based on the histologic classification adopted (WHO vs EIN).

Results

Twenty‐seven observational studies with 1736 cases of endometrial hyperplasia were included. Pooled estimates showed low diagnostic accuracy: sensitivity 54% (95% CI 50%‐59%), specificity 66% (63%‐69%), LR+ 1.55 (1.29‐1.87), LR− 0.72 (0.62‐0.83), DOR 3.56 (2.02‐6.28), AUC 0.657. When the WHO subgroup was compared with the EIN subgroup, higher accuracy (AUC 0.694 vs. 0.621), and higher heterogeneity in all analyses, were observed.

Conclusions

Immunohistochemistry for PTEN showed low diagnostic usefulness in the differential diagnosis between benign and premalignant endometrial hyperplasia. In the absence of further evidence, the recommendation about its use should be reconsidered.
Adjustment of the area under the concentration curve by terminal rate constant for bioequivalence assessment in a parallel‐group study of lamotrigine
Authors: Yang Jiansong , Ma Peiming , Bullman Jonathan , Nicholls Andrew , Chen Chao
Published: December 2018

Aim

A new strength of lamotrigine extended‐release formulation unexpectedly failed to show bioequivalence with the existing strengths at the same dose in a parallel‐group study. We report the post‐hoc analyses conducted to identify the cause and propose an approach for future evaluations in similar situations.

Methods

A seemingly bimodal distribution of the half‐life among the study participants prompted the use of terminal‐phase‐rate‐constant‐adjusted area under the concentration curve as the endpoint for bioequivalence assessment. Population pharmacokinetic modelling was also performed to assess the bimodal distribution of apparent clearance and the potential treatment effects on bioavailability.

Results

The cause for failing to achieve bioequivalence appeared to be a biased representation of a bimodal clearance distribution between the groups. The pharmacokinetic modelling with a mixture routine identified two subpopulations: 88% had a mean clearance of 1.99 l h−1; 12% had a mean clearance of 0.64 l h−1. The low‐clearance population was unequally represented by 13% and 4% of subjects in the reference and test groups, respectively, and treatment appeared to have no significant effect on oral bioavailability. The bioequivalence comparison using the adjusted area concluded with a 90% confidence interval of 0.91–1.06, suggesting that treatment had no significant effect on bioavailability and the formulations would meet regulatory criteria for bioequivalence.

Conclusions

The adjustment of the area under the concentration curve adjusted by terminal‐phase rate constant should be considered for situational application in bioequivalence assessment when there are multiple clearance subpopulations in a parallel‐group study.
Children's oral health in Australia: The past decade's research agenda
Authors: Stormon Nicole , Kazantzis Nicholas , Ford Pauline J. , Lalloo Ratilal
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Research into dental diseases in children is no longer primarily focussed on biological and dietary factors, with social determinants an important influence. The aim of this study was to systematically review the focus of research on influences on children's oral health in Australia.

Methods

Relevant databases were searched for English language publications between 2008 and 2017. Included studies were original research articles with a focus on influences of oral health for Australian children. A thematic synthesis approach was adopted, and included studies were coded using the Fisher‐Owens et al (2007) framework which included child‐, family‐ and community level influences.

Results

A total of 252 studies were included in this review. The focus of the included studies was most frequently on child level influences (n = 200, 79.4%), followed by community level (n = 175, 69.4%) and family (n = 86, 38.1%)‐level influences. Overall, the highest proportion of included studies were on the child level influences of physical attributes (n = 86, 34.1%) and child maturing (n = 83, 32.9%). The influences with the least number of studies were social environment (n = 2, 0.8%), social support (n = 3, 1.2%) and physical safety on both a family and community levels (n = 3, 1.2% and n = 1, 0.4%, respectively).

Discussion

Monitoring child level influences of oral health has consistently occurred in national surveys and epidemiological studies. Family level influences are comparatively underinvestigated and should be a focus of future research in Australia. This study has helped to identify area gaps in the literature and can guide future studies.
Phylogenetic and compositional diversity are governed by different rules: a study of fleas parasitic on small mammals in four biogeographic realms
Authors: Krasnov Boris R. , Shenbrot Georgy S. , van der Mescht Luther , Warburton Elizabeth M. , Khokhlova Irina S.
Published: December 2018

We studied patterns of phylogenetic and compositional diversity of fleas parasitic on small mammals and asked whether these patterns are affected by environmental variation or evolutionary/historical processes. We considered environmental variation via both off‐host (air temperature, precipitation, the amount of green vegetation, latitude) and host‐associated (phylogenetic and species composition) environments. The indicators of evolutionary/historical processes were phylogenetic and compositional uniqueness estimated via phylogenetic or compositional, respectively, β‐diversity of either fleas or hosts. We found that phylogenetic uniqueness of flea assemblages was the main predictor of their phylogenetic diversity in all realms. In addition, host phylogenetic diversity and uniqueness played also some role in the Palearctic, whereas the effect of the off‐host environment was either extremely weak or absent. Compositional diversity of fleas was consistently affected by compositional diversity of hosts in all realms except the Neotropics. The effect of the off‐host environment on compositional flea diversity was substantial in all realms except the Palearctic. No effect of latitude on either metric of flea diversity was found. We conclude that phylogenetic diversity of fleas is driven mainly by evolutionary/historical processes, whereas drivers of their compositional diversity are associated with current ecological conditions.
Will heterotrophic soil respiration be more sensitive to warming than autotrophic respiration in subtropical forests?
Authors: Liu Xiaofei , Chen Shidong , Yang Zhijie , Lin Chengfang , Xiong Decheng , Lin Weisheng , Xu Chao , Chen Guangshui , Xie Jinsheng , Li Yiqing , Yang Yusheng
Published: December 2018

Understanding the responses of heterotrophic (Rh) and autotrophic (Ra) components of soil respiration (Rs) to warming is important in evaluating and modelling the effects of changes in climate on soil carbon (C) cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. We used a mesocosm system with buried heating cables (5°C warming) to investigate the responses of Rs, Rh and Ra to warming in a subtropical forest in southern China. Soil CO2 effluxes were measured with a portable automatic soil CO2 flux system from March 2014 to July 2015. We found that warming increased mean Rs and Rh from 788 to 1036 g C m−2 year−1 (+31%) and from 512 to 707 g C m−2 year−1 (+38%), respectively. There was no difference in Ra between the warming treatment and the control. The lack of response of Ra to warming was probably because the fine root biomass did not change with warming treatment. Soil warming also increased available dissolved organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon, actinomycetal biomass and arbuscular mycorrhizal biomass. Our results suggest that Rh might be more sensitive to climate warming than Ra, and future climate warming could increase soil C loss from increased Rh in subtropical forest ecosystems.

Highlights

A field warming experiment with partitioning of soil respiration in a humid subtropical forest.

Warming increased Rs and Rh without significantly altering soil microbial substrate availability.

Heterotrophic respiration appeared more sensitive to warming than autotrophic respiration.

Warming increased Actinomycetes bacteria and Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of noninvasive long‐term video‐electroencephalographic monitoring in epilepsy surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis from the E‐PILEPSY consortium
Authors: Kobulashvili Teia , Kuchukhidze Giorgi , Brigo Francesco , Zimmermann Georg , Höfler Julia , Leitinger Markus , Dobesberger Judith , Kalss Gudrun , Rohracher Alexandra , Neuray Caroline , Wakonig Antonia , Ernst Florian , Braun Kees P. J. , Mouthaan Brian E. , Van Eijsden Pieter , Ryvlin Philippe , Cross J. Helen , Trinka Eugen ,   on behalf of the E‐PILEPSY consortium
Published: December 2018

Objective

The European Union–funded E‐PILEPSY network (now continuing within the European Reference Network for rare and complex epilepsies [EpiCARE]) aims to harmonize and optimize presurgical diagnostic procedures by creating and implementing evidence‐based guidelines across Europe. The present study evaluates the current evidence on the diagnostic accuracy of long‐term video‐electroencephalographic monitoring (LTM) in identifying the epileptogenic zone in epilepsy surgery candidates.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for relevant articles. First, we used random‐effects meta‐analytical models to calculate pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity with respect to postsurgical seizure freedom. In a second phase, we analyzed individual patient data in an exploratory fashion, assessing diagnostic accuracy within lesional and nonlesional temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and extratemporal lobe epilepsy (ETLE) patients. We also evaluated seizure freedom rate in the presence of “localizing” or “nonlocalizing” LTM within each group. The quality of evidence was assessed using the QUADAS‐2 tool and the GRADE approach.

Results

Ninety‐four studies were eligible. Forty‐four were included in sensitivity meta‐analysis and 34 in specificity meta‐analysis. Pooled sensitivity was 0.70 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.60‐0.80) and specificity was 0.40 (95% CI = 0.27‐0.54). Subgroup analysis was based on individual data of 534 patients (41% men). In lesional TLE patients, sensitivity was 0.85 (95% CI = 0.81‐0.89) and specificity was −0.19 (95% CI = 0.13‐0.28). In lesional ETLE patients, a sensitivity of 0.47 (95% CI = 0.36‐0.58) and specificity of 0.35 (95% CI = 0.21‐0.53) were observed. In lesional TLE, if LTM was localizing and concordant with resection site, the seizure freedom rate was 247 of 333 (74%), whereas in lesional ETLE it was 34 of 56 (61%). The quality of evidence was assigned as “very low.”

Significance

Long‐term video‐electroencephalographic monitoring is associated with moderate sensitivity and low specificity in identification of the epileptogenic zone. Sensitivity is remarkably higher in lesional TLE compared to lesional ETLE. Substantial heterogeneity across the studies indicates the need for improved design and quality of reporting.
Ecological pleiotropy and indirect effects alter the potential for evolutionary rescue
Authors: DeLong John P. , Belmaker Jonathan
Published: December 2018

Invading predators can negatively affect naïve prey populations due to a lack of evolved defenses. Many species therefore may be at risk of extinction due to overexploitation by exotic predators. Yet the strong selective effect of predation might drive evolution of imperiled prey toward more resistant forms, potentially allowing the prey to persist. We evaluated the potential for evolutionary rescue in an imperiled prey using Gillespie eco‐evolutionary models (GEMs). We focused on a system parameterized for protists where changes in prey body size may influence intrinsic rate of population growth, space clearance rate (initial slope of the functional response), and the energetic benefit to predators. Our results show that the likelihood of rescue depends on (a) whether multiple parameters connected to the same evolving trait (i.e., ecological pleiotropy) combine to magnify selection, (b) whether the evolving trait causes negative indirect effects on the predator population by altering the energy gain per prey, (c) whether heritable trait variation is sufficient to foster rapid evolution, and (d) whether prey abundances are stable enough to avoid very rapid extinction. We also show that when evolution fosters rescue by increasing the prey equilibrium abundance, invasive predator populations also can be rescued, potentially leading to additional negative effects on other species. Thus, ecological pleiotropy, indirect effects, and system dynamics may be important factors influencing the potential for evolutionary rescue for both imperiled prey and invading predators. These results suggest that bolstering trait variation may be key to fostering evolutionary rescue, but also that the myriad direct and indirect effects of trait change could either make rescue outcomes unpredictable or, if they occur, cause rescue to have side effects such as bolstering the populations of invasive species.
Amylose lipid complexes formation as an alternative to reduce amylopectin retrogradation and staling of stored tortillas
Authors: Mariscal‐Moreno Rosa María , Figueroa‐Cárdenas Juan de Dios , Santiago‐Ramos David , Rayas‐Duarte Patricia
Published: December 2018

The impact of addition of palmitic acid (PA) on the amylose‐lipid complexes formation and their influence on amylopectin retrogradation were studied. Tortillas prepared with 0.0%, 1.0% and 1.5% (w/w) of PA were stored for 0, 7, and 14 days at 4 °C. Tortillas with 1.0% and 1.5% of PA were softer than tortillas without PA during storage time; this change can be associated with reduction in starch retrogradation. Texture evaluation suggests that retrogradation reduction, influences directly tortilla texture (r = 0.82; P < 0.007). Thermal analysis revealed that tortillas had three endotherms corresponding to melting of (i) retrograded amylopectin, (ii) type I amylose‐lipid complexes and (iii) type II amylose‐lipid complexes. Addition of palmitic acid to masa during tortilla‐making process may be an alternative strategy to reduce starch retrogradation and tortilla staling.
Physicochemical properties of steamed bread fortified with ground linseed (Linum usitatissimum)
Authors: Zhu Fan , Li Jiecheng
Published: December 2018

Chinese steamed bread (CSB) is a staple food among Asian populations. Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) is an emerging ‘healthy’ food ingredient rich in a range of bioactive components. Ground linseeds were incorporated in northern style CSB formulation up to 20%. Various physico‐chemical, nutritional and sensory properties of the resulting CSB were studied. Linseed addition decreased the specific volume and spread ratio of CSB, while increasing the hardness and chewiness in a dose‐dependent manner. Linseed addition up to 15% little affected the overall sensory acceptability of CSB. Nutritionally, linseed addition increased the in vitro antioxidant activities of CSB, while decreasing in vitro starch digestibility and expected glycaemic index. It may be concluded that linseed has the potential to enhance the nutritional quality of CSB without negatively affecting the eating quality.
Efficacy ofBorrelia burgdorferivaccine in dogs in North America: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vogt Nadine A. , Sargeant Jan M. , MacKinnon Melissa C. , Versluis Ali M.
Published: December 2018

Background

Lyme borreliosis, a tick‐borne disease, is endemic to some parts of North America and is an emerging disease in other parts of the world. Vaccination is an increasingly common, although controversial, method used in the prevention of Lyme disease in dogs; the reported efficacies ofBorrelia burgdorferivaccines in dogs are highly variable, ranging from 50% to 100%.

Objectives

To determine the efficacy of vaccines for prevention of Lyme disease in dogs in North America.

Methods

Experimental and observational study designs were eligible for inclusion. The outcome of interest was the reduction of incidence of clinical illness after exposure toB. burgdorferi. Electronic databases searched were MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Centre for Agricultural Biosciences Abstracts. Clinical signs were extracted as dichotomous outcomes: lameness, anorexia, pyrexia, depression, and lymphadenopathy. Study quality was assessed using tools from the Cochrane collaboration.

Results

In total, 3 observational studies and 13 challenge trials were included. None of the challenge trials assessed lymphadenopathy, but for each of the remaining 4 clinical signs, a meta‐analysis was performed. Compared to unvaccinated dogs, vaccinated dogs had a reduced odds of developing lameness, depression, pyrexia, and anorexia (odds ratio: 0.15‐0.23).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Based on the quantitative synthesis of results from challenge studies, vaccinated dogs are less likely to develop clinical signs after exposure toB. burgdorfericompared to unvaccinated dogs. These results should be interpreted with caution, however, as several shortcomings related to quality and study design were identified. Future studies should focus on larger sample sizes in field conditions.
The imprints left by historical contingency on marsupials' life‐history traits
Authors: Cássia‐Silva Cibele , Sales Lilian Patrícia
Published: December 2018

Historical contingency may lead to distinct evolutionary imprints in early‐isolated taxonomic groups. Here, we used comparative phylogenetics to unravel biogeographical imprints left by distinct historical contingencies on the evolutionary patterns of life‐history traits of an iconic group, currently separated by ocean‐wide distance: the marsupials. Australasian and New World marsupial communities share a common ancestry but were subjected to different biogeographic histories: while the Australasian community was effectively isolated from other faunas since disruption of land bridges with Antarctica, the evolution of New World marsupials was affected by the Great American Biotic Interchange. Contrary to our expectations, the exuberant diversity of life‐history traits on Australasian marsupials did not exhibit evidence of early bursts of evolution, as expected on adaptive radiations. That surprising result is probably related to the assumptions of the ecological opportunities scenario – sensu Simpson (Tempo and mode in evolution, Columbia University Press, New York, 1994), which are hard to be met in continental scales. On the other hand, New World marsupials showed patterns of evolution consistent with niche conservatism, possibly due to the constraining effect of biotic interactions on niche evolution. Therefore, biotic interactions seem to have the limited evolution of New World life‐history traits, whereas Australasian marsupials diverged into spectacular forms, though in a gradual and constant rate. The distinct biogeographic histories of the New World and Australasian marsupials thus provide a unifying explanation for the divergence patterns found in their life‐history traits.
The RIN‐regulated Small Auxin‐Up RNA SAUR69 is involved in the unripe‐to‐ripe phase transition of tomato fruit via enhancement of the sensitivity to ethylene
Authors: Shin Jun‐Hye , Mila Isabelle , Liu Mingchun , Rodrigues Maria Aurineide , Vernoux Teva , Pirrello Julien , Bouzayen Mondher
Published: December 2018

Ethylene is the main hormone controlling climacteric fruit ripening; however, the mechanisms underlying the developmental transition leading to the initiation of the ripening process remain elusive, although the presumed role of active hormone interplay has often been postulated.

To unravel the putative role of auxin in the unripe‐to‐ripe transition, we investigated the dynamics of auxin activity in tomato fruit and addressed the physiological significance of Sl‐SAUR69, previously identified as a RIN target gene, using reverse genetics approaches.

Auxin signalling undergoes dramatic decline at the onset of ripening in wild‐type fruit, but not in the nonripening rin mutant. Sl‐SAUR69 exhibits reduced expression in rin and its up‐regulation results in premature initiation of ripening, whereas its down‐regulation extends the time to ripening. Overexpression of Sl‐SAUR69 reduces proton pump activity and polar auxin transport, and ectopic expression in Arabidopsis alters auxin transporter abundance, further arguing for its active role in the regulation of auxin transport.

The data support a model in which Sl‐SAUR69 represses auxin transport, thus generating auxin minima, which results in enhanced ethylene sensitivity. This defines a regulation loop, fed by ethylene and auxin as the main hormonal signals and by RIN and Sl‐SAUR69 as modulators of the balance between the two hormones.
Gender‐specific considerations in physical activity, thermogenesis and fat oxidation: implications for obesity management
Authors: Isacco L. , Miles‐Chan J. L.
Published: December 2018

With current ‘one‐size‐fits‐all’ obesity prevention and management strategies proving largely ineffective, the focus has shifted towards a more tailored, individualized approach. However, investigation of the mechanisms underlying inter‐individual variability in metabolic profile and response to intervention often yield conflicting results. Indeed, it is perhaps surprising that despite at least a century of recognition that sex hormones influence metabolism, firm conclusions regarding the effects of the menstrual cycle, hormonal contraception and menopause on many aspects of energy expenditure and substrate utilization remain to be drawn. In this review, we examine current evidence relating to gender‐specific considerations in the promotion of physical activity, thermogenesis and fat oxidation for body‐weight regulation, including the relationship between sex hormone status and non‐exercise activity thermogenesis – an energy expenditure compartment that is often overlooked in favour of traditional exercise/sport physical activities yet presents a viable target in the search for effective weight management.
Targeting lifestyle energy expenditure in the management of obesity and health: from biology to built environment
Authors: Dulloo A. G. , Miles‐Chan J. , Schutz Y. , Montani J.‐P.
Published: December 2018

Increasing lifestyle energy expenditure has long been advocated in the prevention and treatment of obesity, as embodied in the ancient prescription of Hippocrates (the ‘father of modern medicine’) that people with obesity should eat less and exercise more. However, the long‐term outcome of exercise alone or in combination with dieting in obesity management is poor. To understand the reasons underlying these failures and to develop novel strategies that target lifestyle energy expenditure in both prevention and treatment of obesity, research over the past decades has focused on (i) the interactions between physical activity and body weight (and its composition) throughout the lifespan; (ii) the influence of biology and potential compensatory changes in energy expenditure, food intake and food assimilation in response to energy deficits; and (iii) the impact of the built environment (outdoor and indoor) and smart technology on physical activity behaviours, thermoregulatory thermogenesis and metabolic health. It is against this background that recent advances relevant to the theme of ‘Targeting Lifestyle Energy Expenditure in the Management of Obesity and Health: From Biology to Built Environment’ are addressed in this overview and the nine review articles in this supplement, reporting the proceedings of the 9th Fribourg Obesity Research Conference.
Rationale for novel intermittent dieting strategies to attenuate adaptive responses to energy restriction
Authors: Sainsbury A. , Wood R. E. , Seimon R. V. , Hills A. P. , King N. A. , Gibson A. A. , Byrne N. M.
Published: December 2018

Eating patterns involving intermittent energy restriction (IER) include ‘intermittent fasting’ where energy intake is severely restricted for several ‘fasting’ days per week, with ‘refeeding’ days (involving greater energy intake than during fasting days) at other times. Intermittent fasting does not improve weight loss compared to continuous energy restriction (CER), where energy intake is restricted every day. We hypothesize that weight loss from IER could be improved if refeeding phases involved restoration of energy balance (i.e. not ongoing energy restriction, as during intermittent fasting). There is some evidence in adults with overweight or obesity showing that maintenance of a lower weight may attenuate (completely or partially) some of the adaptive responses to energy restriction that oppose ongoing weight loss. Other studies show some adaptive responses persist unabated for years after weight loss. Only five randomized controlled trials in adults with overweight or obesity have compared CER with IER interventions that achieved energy balance (or absence of energy restriction) during refeeding phases. Two reported greater weight loss than CER, whereas three reported similar weight loss between interventions. While inconclusive, it is possible that achieving energy balance (i.e. avoiding energy restriction or energy excess) during refeeding phases may be important in realizing the potential of IER.
How do toxicants affect epidemiological dynamics?
Authors: Booton Ross D. , Iwasa Yoh , Childs Dylan Z.
Published: December 2018

Populations are formed of their constituent interacting individuals, each with their own respective within‐host biological processes. Infection not only spreads within the host organism but also spreads between individuals. Here we propose and study a multilevel model which links the within‐host statuses of immunity and parasite density to population epidemiology under sublethal and lethal toxicant exposure. We analyse this nested model in order to better understand how toxicants impact the spread of disease within populations. We demonstrate that outbreak of infection within a population is completely determined by the level of toxicant exposure, and that it is maximised by intermediate toxicant dosage. We classify the population epidemiology into five phases of increasing toxicant exposure and calculate the conditions under which disease will spread, showing that there exists a threshold toxicant level under which epidemics will not occur. In general, higher toxicant load results in either extinction of the population or outbreak of infection. The within‐host statuses of the individual host also determine the outcome of the epidemic at the population level. We discuss applications of our model in the context of environmental epidemiology, predicting that increased exposure to toxicants could result in greater risk of epidemics within ecological systems. We predict that reducing sublethal toxicant exposure below our predicted safe threshold could contribute to controlling population level disease and infection.
Video Gambling Adoption and Tax Revenues: Evidence from Illinois
Authors: Toossi Saied , Zhang Pengju
Published: December 2018

Illinois legalized video gambling in 2009 but afforded municipalities the option of allowing or prohibiting it within their jurisdictions. Using municipal‐level data, this paper seeks to shed light on the underlying factors influencing this decision process and, conditional on adoption, the primary drivers of video gambling tax revenues. The analysis suggests that political and moral considerations, rather than fiscal needs or defensive legalization, underpin the decision to adopt. Conditional on adoption, the exposure to and prevalence of video gambling is associated with greater tax revenues. Video gambling also appears to be a substitute for casino gambling, leading to some intra‐industry cannibalization.
Genes controlling legume nodule numbers affect phenotypic plasticity responses to nitrogen in the presence and absence of rhizobia
Authors: Goh Chooi‐Hua , Nicotra Adrienne B. , Mathesius Ulrike
Published: December 2018

We investigated the role of three autoregulation of nodulation (AON) genes in regulating of root and shoot phenotypes when responding to changing nitrogen availability in the model legume, Medicago truncatula. These genes, RDN1‐1 (ROOT DETERMINED NODULATION1‐1), SUNN (SUPER NUMERIC NODULES), and LSS (LIKE SUNN SUPERNODULAOR), act in a systemic signalling pathway that limits nodule numbers. This pathway is also influenced by nitrogen availability, but it is not well known if AON genes control root and shoot phenotypes other than nodule numbers in response to nitrogen. We conducted a controlled glasshouse experiment to compare root and shoot phenotypes of mutants and wild type plants treated with four nitrate concentrations. All AON mutants showed altered rhizobia‐independent phenotypes, including biomass allocation, lateral root length, lateral root density, and root length ratio. In response to nitrogen, uninoculated AON mutants were less plastic than the wild type in controlling root mass ratio, root length ratio, and lateral root length. This suggests that AON genes control nodulation‐independent root architecture phenotypes in response to nitrogen. The phenotypic differences between wild type and AON mutants were exacerbated by the presence of nodules, pointing to resource competition as an additional mechanism affecting root and shoot responses to nitrogen.
Calibrating Non-Probability Surveys to Estimated Control Totals Using LASSO, with An Application to Political Polling
Authors: Chen Jack Kuang Tsung , Valliant Richard L. , Elliott Michael R.
Published: December 2018

Declining response rates and increasing costs have led to greater use of non-probability samples in election polling. But non-probability samples may suffer from selection bias due to differential access, degrees of interest and other factors. Here we estimate voting preference for 19 elections in the US 2014 midterm elections by using large non-probability surveys obtained from SurveyMonkey users, calibrated to estimated control totals using model-assisted calibration combined with adaptive LASSO regression, or the estimated controlled LASSO, ECLASSO. Comparing the bias and root-mean-square error of ECLASSO with traditional calibration methods shows that ECLASSO can be a powerful method for adjusting non-probability surveys even when only a small sample is available from a probability survey. The methodology proposed has potentially broad application across social science and health research, as response rates for probability samples decline and access to non-probability samples increases.
The Role of School Psychologists in addressing Challenges Facing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Students
Authors: Hanımoğlu Egemen
Published: December 2018

LGBT students encounter boundless school-related problems including depression, suicidal tendencies, and drug abuse, among others. LGBT youth in school are subjected to constant bullying and discrimination from students, teachers, and the school’s administration who often fail to defend them against this. Often, LGBT students drop-out of school. Therefore, the LGBT community is socially disadvantage within our society. With this background, this study identified established laws to safeguard LGBT rights. Furthermore, the study examined the role of School Psychologists in reducing challenges faced by LGBT students in the schools based on analysis of the 10 NASP (The National Association of School Psychologists) domains, and made vital recommendations to reduce challenges faced by LGBT students with a view to lessen cases of LGBT stigmatization. The recommendations stipulated include; development of laws prohibiting discrimination and abusive language against LGBT, and the development a curriculum that suits LGBT needs. It is imperative to train teachers to aide LGBT groups attain equal universal access to core learning facilities acts.
Impact of
Eimeria tenella
Coinfection on
Campylobacter jejuni
Colonization of the Chicken
Authors: Macdonald Sarah E. , van Diemen Pauline M. , Martineau Henny , Stevens Mark P. , Tomley Fiona M. , Stabler Richard A. , Blake Damer P.
Published: December 2018

Eimeria tenella
can cause the disease coccidiosis in chickens. The direct and often detrimental impact of this parasite on chicken health, welfare, and productivity is well recognized; however, less is known about the secondary effects that infection may have on other gut pathogens.
Multiplex Droplet Digital PCR Assay for Quantification of Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 Subtype c DNA Proviral Load and T Cells from Blood and Respiratory Exudates Sampled in a Remote Setting
Authors: Yurick David , Khoury Georges , Clemens Bridie , Loh Liyen , Pham Hai , Kedzierska Katherine , Einsiedel Lloyd , Purcell Damian
Published: December 2018

During human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection, the frequency of cells harboring an integrated copy of viral cDNA, the proviral load (PVL), is the main risk factor for progression of HTLV-1-associated diseases. Accurate quantification of provirus by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) is a powerful diagnostic tool with emerging uses for monitoring viral expression.
HDAC6 Restricts Influenza A Virus by Deacetylation of the RNA Polymerase PA Subunit
Authors: Chen Huan , Qian Yingjuan , Chen Xin , Ruan Zhiyang , Ye Yuetian , Chen Hongjun , Babiuk Lorne A. , Jung Yong-Sam , Dai Jianjun
Published: December 2018

Influenza A virus (IAV) continues to threaten global public health due to drug resistance and the emergence of frequently mutated strains. Thus, it is critical to find new strategies to control IAV infection. Here, we discover one host protein, HDAC6, that can inhibit viral RNA polymerase activity by deacetylating PA and thus suppresses virus RNA replication and transcription. Previously, it was reported that IAV can utilize the HDAC6-dependent aggresome formation mechanism to promote virus uncoating, but HDAC6-mediated deacetylation of α-tubulin inhibits viral protein trafficking at late stages of the virus life cycle. These findings together will contribute to a better understanding of the role of HDAC6 in regulating IAV infection. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of HDAC6 at various periods of viral infection may illuminate novel strategies for developing antiviral drugs.
Intravitreal ranibizumab versus laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity: efficacy, anatomical outcomes and safety
Authors: Kang Hyun Goo , Choi Eun Young , Byeon Suk Ho , Kim Sung Soo , Koh Hyoung Jun , Lee Sung Chul , Kim Min
Published: December 2018

Background/Aims

To compare the efficacy, anatomical outcomes and complications of intravitreal ranibizumab with those of laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods

This is a retrospective case series of 314 eyes from 165 infants diagnosed with type I ROP and treated with either laser photocoagulation (161 eyes) or intravitreal ranibizumab (0.25 mg/0.025 mL) injection (153 eyes) between January 2006 and December 2016 in a tertiary referral-based hospital. The main outcome was the rate of recurrence requiring additional treatment. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of major complications and final refractive error.

Results

The mean follow-up was 36.3±31.9 months. Recurrences requiring further intervention were noted in 22 (13.7%) laser-treated and 15 (9.8%) ranibizumab-treated eyes (p=0.196). Retinal detachment (8 vs 1, p=0.037) and macular dragging (7 vs 1, p=0.039) were observed in the laser-treated and injection-treated groups, respectively, but no systemic or neurodevelopmental adverse events were reported. In the ranibizumab group, 95.6% showed fully vascularised retinas. Multivariate analyses revealed that birth weight (OR 0.993, p=0.023) and higher ROP stage (OR 11.222, p=0.008) influenced the incidence of major complications.

Conclusion

Intravitreal ranibizumab for ROP appears to achieve similar therapeutic effects than did laser photocoagulation, but with fewer surgical complications such as retinal detachment or macular dragging.