scholarly journals The Accumulating Costs Hypothesis—to Better Understand Delayed “Hidden” Costs of Seemingly Mild Disease and Other Moderate Stressors

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis Hasselquist ◽  
Michael Tobler
Keyword(s):  
The Body ◽  
Life History Strategies ◽  
Chronic Infections ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Telomere Shortening ◽  
Mild Disease ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Darwinian Fitness ◽  
Delayed Consequences ◽  
Over Time

Mild diseases and moderate stressors are seemingly harmless and are therefore often assumed to have negligible impact on Darwinian fitness. Here we argue that the effects of “benign” parasites and other moderate stressors may have a greater impact on lifespan and other fitness traits than generally thought. We outline the “accumulating costs” hypothesis which proposes that moderate strains on the body caused by mild diseases and other moderate stressors that occur throughout life will result in small irreversible “somatic lesions” that initially are invisible (i.e., induce “hidden” costs). However, over time these somatic lesions accumulate until their summed effect reaches a critical point when cell senescence and malfunction begin to affect organ functionality and lead to the onset of degenerative diseases and aging. We briefly discuss three potential mechanisms through which the effects of moderate strains (e.g., mild diseases) could accumulate: Accelerated telomere shortening, loss of repetitious cell compartments and other uncorrected DNA damage in the genome. We suggest that telomere shortening may be a key candidate for further research with respect to the accumulating costs hypothesis. Telomeres can acquire lesions from moderate strains without immediate negative effects, lesions can be accumulated over time and lead to a critically short telomere length, which may eventually cause severe somatic malfunctioning, including aging. If effects of mild diseases, benign parasites and moderate stressors accrued throughout life can have severe delayed consequences, this might contribute to our understanding of life history strategies and trade-offs, and have important implications for medicine, including consideration of treatment therapies for mild (chronic) infections such as malaria.

scholarly journals Effects of early-life competition and maternal nutrition on telomere lengths in wild meerkats

2017 ◽  
Vol 284 (1861) ◽  
pp. 20171383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic L. Cram ◽  
Pat Monaghan ◽  
Robert Gillespie ◽  
Tim Clutton-Brock
Keyword(s):  
Early Life ◽  
Maternal Nutrition ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Telomere Shortening ◽  
Early Life Adversity ◽  
Maternal Milk ◽  
Telomere Attrition ◽  
Fitness Consequences ◽  
Delayed Consequences ◽  
Competition For Resources

Early-life adversity can affect health, survival and fitness later in life, and recent evidence suggests that telomere attrition may link early conditions with their delayed consequences. Here, we investigate the link between early-life competition and telomere length in wild meerkats. Our results show that, when multiple females breed concurrently, increases in the number of pups in the group are associated with shorter telomeres in pups. Given that pups from different litters compete for access to milk, we tested whether this effect is due to nutritional constraints on maternal milk production, by experimentally supplementing females' diets during gestation and lactation. While control pups facing high competition had shorter telomeres, the negative effects of pup number on telomere lengths were absent when maternal nutrition was experimentally improved. Shortened pup telomeres were associated with reduced survival to adulthood, suggesting that early-life competition for nutrition has detrimental fitness consequences that are reflected in telomere lengths. Dominant females commonly kill pups born to subordinates, thereby reducing competition and increasing growth rates of their own pups. Our work suggests that an additional benefit of infanticide may be that it also reduces telomere shortening caused by competition for resources, with associated benefits for offspring ageing profiles and longevity.

scholarly journals Re-regeneration to reduce negative effects associated with tail loss in lizards

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
James I. Barr ◽  
Catherine A. Boisvert ◽  
Ruchira Somaweera ◽  
Kate Trinajstic ◽  
Philip W. Bateman
Keyword(s):  
Tail Length ◽  
Anecdotal Evidence ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Ecological Functions ◽  
Tail Loss ◽  
South West ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
The Common ◽  
Caudal Autotomy ◽  
Over Time

AbstractMany species of lizard use caudal autotomy, the ability to self-amputate a portion of their tail, regenerated over time, as an effective anti-predation mechanism. The importance of this tactic for survival depends on the degree of predation risk. There are, however, negative trade-offs to losing a tail, such as loss of further autotomy opportunities with the regenerated tail vertebrae being replaced by a continuous cartilaginous rod. The common consensus has been that once a tail has been autotomised and regenerated it can only be autotomised proximal to the last vertebral autotomy point, as the cartilage rod lacks autotomy planes. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that although the regenerated portion of the tail is unable to autotomise, it can re-regenerate following a physical shearing event. We assessed re-regeneration in three populations of the King’s skink (Egernia kingii), a large lizard endemic to south-west Western Australia and surrounding islands. We show that re-regeneration is present at an average of 17.2% across the three populations, and re-regenerated tissue can comprise up to 23.3% of an individual’s total tail length. The ability to re-regenerate may minimise the costs to an individual’s fitness associated with tail loss, efficiently restoring ecological functions of the tail.

Inspector Quadro - the complex of preparation for the treatment of ectoand endoparasitoses in cats and dogs

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-84
Author(s):  
M.V. Arisov ◽  
I.P. Belykh ◽  
V.V. Artemov
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Clinical Picture ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
The Body ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Laboratory Methods ◽  
Diagnosis Of Infection

The purpose of the research: the study of the efficacy of the preparations for veterinary use "Inspector Quadro C" and "Inspector Quadro K" against ecto- and endoparasitoses of dogs and cats. Materials and methods. Studies were conducted on spontaneously infected dogs and cats of different sexes, age, weight and breed. The diagnosis of infection with ectoparasites was made based on the clinical picture and laboratory methods of investigation (microscopy of scrapings taken from ectoparasitized skin areas, examination of the coat for fleas, lice, worms, ixodids). Infection with helminths was established by detecting eggs of helminths in faeces of animals by the method of Füleleborn and mature segments of cestodes. Preparations were applied to the animals by drip application on dry undamaged skin in places inaccessible to licking in a dose of 0.1-0.4 ml per 1 kg of body weight. The results were statistically processed. Results and discussion. "Inspector Quadro S" and "Inspector Quadro K" showed 100% efficacy at sarcoptosis in dogs, notoedrosis in cats, otodectosis in dogs and cats, ixodidoses and entomoses. "Inspector Quadro C" showed a high efficiency (92.3%) at demodecosis in dogs. However, single mites were found in one dog. 100% efficacy of "Inspector Quadro C" and "Inspector Quadro K" has been established against intestinal nematodes and cestodes in dogs and cats. Negative effects of drugs on the body of animals have not been revealed.

Decision Processes and Value Endogeneity

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
James G. March
Keyword(s):  
Decision Processes ◽  
Hard Problem ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Over Time ◽  
What Matters

Humans use reasons to shape and justify choices. In the process, trade-offs seem essential and often inevitable. But trade-offs involve comparisons, which are problematic both across values and especially over time. Reducing disparate values to a common metric (especially if that metric is money) is often problematic and unsatisfactory. Critically, it is not that values just shape choices, but that choices themselves shape values. This endogeneity of values makes an unconditional normative endorsement of modern decision-theoretic rationality unwise. This is a hard problem and there is no escaping the definition of good values, that is, those that make humans better. This removes the wall between economics and philosophy. If we are to adopt and enact this perspective, then greater discourse and debate on what matters and not just what counts will be useful and even indispensable.

scholarly journals The prevalence of underweight in 9–10-year-old schoolchildren in Liverpool: 1998–2006

2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 953-956 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynne M Boddy ◽  
Allan F Hackett ◽  
Gareth Stratton
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrum ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
The Body ◽  
Fitness Testing ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Substantial Problem ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
The City ◽  
Over Time

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of underweight between 1998 and 2006 in Liverpool schoolchildren aged 9–10 years using recently published underweight cut-off points.Design and settingStature and body mass data collected at the LiverpoolSportsLinx project’s fitness testing sessions were used to calculate BMI.SubjectsData were available on 26 782 (n13 637 boys, 13 145 girls) participants.ResultsOverall underweight declined in boys from 10·3 % in 1998–1999 to 6·9 % in 2005–2006, and all sub-classifications of underweight declined, in particular grade 3 underweight, with the most recent prevalence being 0·1 %. In girls, the prevalence of underweight declined from 10·8 % in 1998–1999 to 7·5 % in 2005–2006. The prevalence of all grades of underweight was higher in girls than in boys. Underweight showed a fluctuating pattern across all grades over time for boys and girls, and overall prevalence in 2005–2006 represents over 200 children across the city.ConclusionsUnderweight may have reduced slightly from baseline, but remains a substantial problem in Liverpool, with the prevalence of overall underweight being relatively similar to the prevalence of obesity. The present study highlights the requirement for policy makers and funders to consider both ends of the body mass spectrum when fixing priorities in child health.

scholarly journals Detection of Acetaminophen and Its Glucuronide in Fingerprint by SALDI Mass Spectrometry Using Zeolite and Study of Time-Dependent Changes in Detected Ion Amount

Analytica ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 66-75
Author(s):  
Toshiki Horikoshi ◽  
Chihiro Kitaoka ◽  
Yosuke Fujii ◽  
Takashi Asano ◽  
Jiawei Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Glucuronic Acid ◽  
Laser Desorption ◽  
The Body ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
Laser Desorption Ionization ◽  
Fingerprint Analysis ◽  
Desorption Ionization ◽  
Acid Conjugate ◽  
Over Time

The ingredients of an antipyretic (acetaminophen, AAP) and their metabolites excreted into fingerprint were detected by surface-assisted laser desorption ionization (SALDI) mass spectrometry using zeolite. In the fingerprint taken 4 h after AAP ingestion, not only AAP but also the glucuronic acid conjugate of AAP (GAAP), caffeine (Caf), ethenzamide (Eth), salicylamide (Sala; a metabolite of Eth), and urea were detected. Fingerprints were collected over time to determine how the amounts of AAP and its metabolite changed with time, and the time dependence of the peak intensities of protonated AAP and GAAP was measured. It was found that the increase of [GAAP+H]+ peak started later than that of [AAP+H]+ peak, reflecting the metabolism of AAP. Both AAP and GAAP reached maximum concentrations approximately 3 h after ingestion, and were excreted from the body with a half-life of approximately 3.3 h. In addition, fingerprint preservation was confirmed by optical microscopy, and fingerprint shape was retained even after laser irradiation of the fingerprint. Our method may be used in fingerprint analysis.

scholarly journals Glucocorticoid Receptor β (GRβ): Beyond Its Dominant-Negative Function

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 3649
Author(s):  
Patricia Ramos-Ramírez ◽  
Omar Tliba
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
The Body ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Independent Manner ◽  
Distinct Cell ◽  
Induced Apoptosis

Glucocorticoids (GCs) act via the GC receptor (GR), a receptor ubiquitously expressed in the body where it drives a broad spectrum of responses within distinct cell types and tissues, which vary in strength and specificity. The variability of GR-mediated cell responses is further extended by the existence of GR isoforms, such as GRα and GRβ, generated through alternative splicing mechanisms. While GRα is the classic receptor responsible for GC actions, GRβ has been implicated in the impairment of GRα-mediated activities. Interestingly, in contrast to the popular belief that GRβ actions are restricted to its dominant-negative effects on GRα-mediated responses, GRβ has been shown to have intrinsic activities and “directly” regulates a plethora of genes related to inflammatory process, cell communication, migration, and malignancy, each in a GRα-independent manner. Furthermore, GRβ has been associated with increased cell migration, growth, and reduced sensitivity to GC-induced apoptosis. We will summarize the current knowledge of GRβ-mediated responses, with a focus on the GRα-independent/intrinsic effects of GRβ and the associated non-canonical signaling pathways. Where appropriate, potential links to airway inflammatory diseases will be highlighted.

scholarly journals Comprehensive and safe school strategy during COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanna Esposito ◽  
Nicola Cotugno ◽  
Nicola Principi
Keyword(s):  
School Attendance ◽  
Asymptomatic Infection ◽  
School Closure ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Effective Measure ◽  
The Real ◽  
Definitive Answer ◽  
Mild Disease ◽  
Infectious Risk ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background Although several studies have tried to evaluate the real efficacy of school closure for pandemic control over time, no definitive answer to this question has been given. Moreover, it has not been clarified whether children or teenagers could be considered a problem for SARS-CoV-2 diffusion or, on the contrary, whether parents and school workers play a greater role. The aims of this review are to discuss about children’s safety at school and the better strategies currently able to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection at school. Main aim Compared to adults, very few cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in children, who generally suffered from an asymptomatic infection or a mild disease. Moreover, school closure is systematically associated with the development of problems involving students, teachers and parents, particularly among populations with poor resources. Although several researches have tried to evaluate the real efficacy of school closure for pandemic control over time, no definitive answer to this question has been given. Available findings seem to confirm that to ensure adequate learning and to avoid social and economic problems, schools must remain open, provided that the adults who follow children at home and at school absolutely comply with recommendations for prevention measures and that school facilities can be optimized in order to significantly reduce the spread of infection. In this regard, the universal use of face masks in addition to hand hygiene and safe distancing in schools, at least starting from the age of 6 years, seems extremely useful. Moreover, since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak the use of telemedicine to manage suspected SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals in the community has appeared to be an easy and effective measure to solve many paediatric problems and could represent a further support to schools . Conclusions We think that schools must remain open, despite COVID-19 pandemic. However, several problems strictly related to school frequency and reduction of infectious risk must be solved before school attendance can be considered completely safe. A single more in-depth guideline agreed between countries with the same school problems could be very useful in eliminating doubts and fostering the compliance of students, teachers and non-teaching school staff reducing errors and misinterpretations.

scholarly journals Evolving user needs and late-mover advantage

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrien Querbes ◽  
Koen Frenken
Keyword(s):  
User Needs ◽  
Nk Model ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
First Mover ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Late Movers

We propose a generalized NK-model of late-mover advantage where late-mover firms leapfrog first-mover firms as user needs evolve over time. First movers face severe trade-offs between the provision of functionalities in which their products already excel and the additional functionalities requested by users later on. Late movers, by contrast, start searching when more functionalities are already known and typically come up with superior product designs. We also show that late-mover advantage is more probable for more complex technologies. Managerial implications follow.

scholarly journals Cannabis, a complex plant: different compounds and different effects on individuals

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
pp. 241-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zerrin Atakan
Keyword(s):  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
The Body ◽  
Vulnerability Factors ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Biochemical Basis ◽  
Neurotransmitter System ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Opposing Effects ◽  
Available Information ◽  
The Brain

Cannabis is a complex plant, with major compounds such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, which have opposing effects. The discovery of its compounds has led to the further discovery of an important neurotransmitter system called the endocannabinoid system. This system is widely distributed in the brain and in the body, and is considered to be responsible for numerous significant functions. There has been a recent and consistent worldwide increase in cannabis potency, with increasing associated health concerns. A number of epidemiological research projects have shown links between dose-related cannabis use and an increased risk of development of an enduring psychotic illness. However, it is also known that not everyone who uses cannabis is affected adversely in the same way. What makes someone more susceptible to its negative effects is not yet known, however there are some emerging vulnerability factors, ranging from certain genes to personality characteristics. In this article we first provide an overview of the biochemical basis of cannabis research by examining the different effects of the two main compounds of the plant and the endocannabinoid system, and then go on to review available information on the possible factors explaining variation of its effects upon different individuals.

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