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Marie-Christine Brotherton

Bio: Marie-Christine Brotherton is an academic researcher from Laval University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Sustainability & Leishmania infantum. The author has an hindex of 13, co-authored 20 publications receiving 451 citations. Previous affiliations of Marie-Christine Brotherton include École nationale d'administration publique.

Papers
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, an analysis of the opinions of assurance providers regarding the quality and the limitations of sustainability reports and their recommendations to improve them using the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) as a framework is presented.
Abstract: This article presents, an analysis of the opinions of assurance providers regarding the quality and the limitations of sustainability reports and their recommendations to improve them using the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) as a framework. The qualitative content analysis of 301 assurance statements for sustainability reports from mining and energy companies provides a comprehensive view of the main outcomes of the assurance process, including its limitations, the application of the GRI principles and suggestions for improving sustainability reports. Taking into account the perceptions of practitioners a priori well informed on the quality of sustainability reports—namely assurance providers—this paper complements the current literature on sustainability reporting and its assurance, including critical approaches that question the reliability of sustainability reports, stakeholder engagement and the accountability of reporting practices. This study contributes to the debates surrounding the quality of sustainability reports, the added value of assurance statements and the ethical issues underlying the assurance process. It also contains important practical implications for auditors, standardization organizations and stakeholders.

113 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A large-scale comparative proteomic study in the context of AmB resistance was conducted in this article, where 97 individual proteins were found as differentially expressed between the mutant and its parental sensitive strain (WT).
Abstract: Amphotericin B (AmB) in its liposomal form is now considered as either first- or second-line treatment against Leishmania infections in different part of the world. Few cases of AmB resistance have been reported and resistance mechanisms toward AmB are still poorly understood. This paper reports a large-scale comparative proteomic study in the context of AmB resistance. Quantitative proteomics using stable isotope labeling of amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) was used to better characterize cytoplasmic and membrane-enriched (ME) proteomes of the in vitro generated Leishmania infantum AmB resistant mutant AmB1000.1. In total, 97 individual proteins were found as differentially expressed between the mutant and its parental sensitive strain (WT). More than half of these proteins were either metabolic enzymes or involved in transcription or translation processes. Key energetic pathways such as glycolysis and TCA cycle were up-regulated in the mutant. Interestingly, many proteins involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and heat-shock proteins were also up-regulated in the resistant mutant. This work provides a basis for further investigations to understand the roles of proteins differentially expressed in relation with AmB resistance.

70 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
27 Nov 2013-PLOS ONE
TL;DR: The results suggest that differentially expressed proteins, chromosome number variations (CNVs), specific gene amplification and SNPs are important features of antimony resistance in Leishmania.
Abstract: Background Antimonials remain the primary antileishmanial drugs in most developing countries. However, drug resistance to these compounds is increasing and our understanding of resistance mechanisms is partial.

65 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate how assurance providers perceive and manage ethical issues underlying the verification of sustainability reports, through a qualitative study based on 38 semi-structured interviews with agents who provide assurance.
Abstract: The objective of this paper is to investigate, through a qualitative study based on 38 semi-structured interviews with agents who provide assurance of sustainability reports, how they perceive and manage ethical issues underlying the verification of sustainability reports. Most of the ethical issues observed involve four interconnected aspects: the commercialism underlying sustainability assurance, the symbolic nature of the verification process, interdependency between auditing and consulting activities, and familiarity with the audited companies. The findings shed light on the reflexivity of assurance providers on these issues and the legitimation strategies used to explain how they reconcile the independence and impartiality required for auditing activities with commercial aspects related to client–provider relationships. The study also shows the role of contextual variables in the ethics of assurance services. The paper contributes to the literature on the legitimacy of sustainability assurance and commercialism of the audit function. Practical implications and avenues for future research are also developed.

50 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Highly basic proteins were enriched by FFE fractionation, allowing many to be identified and characterized for the first time by proteomics analysis and evidence was obtained suggesting that some of these processes may be stage-specific.
Abstract: Prior analyses of the proteome of the protozoan parasite Leishmania have underrepresented basic proteins. Here, we applied protein fractionation by isoelectric point (pI) using free-flow electrophoresis (FFE) to study stage-specific expression of basic proteins in this pathogen. Overall, we resolved 2469 protein spots in both the flagellated promastigote and the nonmotile amastigote forms in the basic range by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). Highly basic proteins were enriched by FFE fractionation, allowing many to be identified and characterized for the first time by proteomics analysis. Among proteins upregulated in the promastigote stage, we found glycolytic enzymes and flagellar proteins. Proteins upregulated in the amastigote stage included enzymes involved in gluconeogenesis and fatty acid beta-oxidation. In both life stages, many proteins were found in multiple spots or as proteolytic fragments, suggesting that extensive post-translational modification and processing occur. Interestingly, evidence was obtained suggesting that some of these processes may be stage-specific.

48 citations


Cited by
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01 Jan 2008
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that rational actors make their organizations increasingly similar as they try to change them, and describe three isomorphic processes-coercive, mimetic, and normative.
Abstract: What makes organizations so similar? We contend that the engine of rationalization and bureaucratization has moved from the competitive marketplace to the state and the professions. Once a set of organizations emerges as a field, a paradox arises: rational actors make their organizations increasingly similar as they try to change them. We describe three isomorphic processes-coercive, mimetic, and normative—leading to this outcome. We then specify hypotheses about the impact of resource centralization and dependency, goal ambiguity and technical uncertainty, and professionalization and structuration on isomorphic change. Finally, we suggest implications for theories of organizations and social change.

2,134 citations

Posted Content
01 Jan 1994
TL;DR: In this paper, a natural resource-based view of the firm is proposed, which is composed of three interconnected strategies: pollution prevention, product stewardship, and sustainable development, and each of these strategies are advanced for each of them regarding key resource requirements and their contributions to sustained competitive advantage.
Abstract: Historically, management theory has ignored the constraints imposed by the biophysical (natural) environment. Building upon resource-based theory, this article attempts to fill this void by proposing a natural-resource-based view of the firm—a theory of competitive advantage based upon the firm's relationship to the natural environment. It is composed of three interconnected strategies: pollution prevention, product stewardship, and sustainable development. Propositions are advanced for each of these strategies regarding key resource requirements and their contributions to sustained competitive advantage.

902 citations

Book ChapterDOI
01 Jan 2015
TL;DR: In this article, the authors suggest that recent global developments have created considerable impetus for change in Indian Country, and they believe that Indigenous populations may well be on the cusp of a new day in Indian policy in America, if proper consideration is given to this global imperative.
Abstract: As previously discussed, Reyhner and Eder (1989) have divided the history of American Indian educational policy, and indeed Indian policy generally, into six distinct periods or eras, culminating in our current state of Self-Determination. While this seems to be an accurate assessment of the present day, the authors would like to suggest that recent global developments have created considerable impetus for change in Indian Country. The authors believe that Indigenous populations may well be on the cusp of a new day in Indian policy in America, if proper consideration is given to this global imperative.

818 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The meaning of “resistance” related to leishmaniasis and its molecular epidemiology are discussed, particularly for Leishmania donovani that causes visceral leish maniasis, and how resistance can affect drug combination therapies are discussed.
Abstract: Reevaluation of treatment guidelines for Old and New World leishmaniasis is urgently needed on a global basis because treatment failure is an increasing problem. Drug resistance is a fundamental determinant of treatment failure, although other factors also contribute to this phenomenon, including the global HIV/AIDS epidemic with its accompanying impact on the immune system. Pentavalent antimonials have been used successfully worldwide for the treatment of leishmaniasis since the first half of the 20th century, but the last 10 to 20 years have witnessed an increase in clinical resistance, e.g., in North Bihar in India. In this review, we discuss the meaning of “resistance” related to leishmaniasis and discuss its molecular epidemiology, particularly for Leishmania donovani that causes visceral leishmaniasis. We also discuss how resistance can affect drug combination therapies. Molecular mechanisms known to contribute to resistance to antimonials, amphotericin B, and miltefosine are also outlined.

511 citations

31 Jan 2013
TL;DR: This is a half-day qualitative workshop designed for medical practitioners of Paediatrics Palliative Care Unit of USM Kubang Krian about stages of qualitative research, data collection techniques, data analysis and report writing.
Abstract: This is a half-day qualitative workshop designed for medical practitioners of Paediatrics Palliative Care Unit of USM Kubang Krian. Topics covered in the workshop include stages of qualitative research, data collection techniques, data analysis and report writing.

449 citations