bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do gene expression findings from mouse models of cocaine use recapitulate human cocaine use disorder in reward circuitry?
Authors: Huggett Spencer B. , Bubier Jason A. , Chesler Elissa J. , Palmer Rohan H. C.
Published: July 2020

Animal models of drug use have investigated possible mechanisms governing human substance use traits for over 100 years. Most cross‐species research on drug use/addiction examines behavioral overlap, but studies assessing neuromolecular (e.g. RNA) correspondence are lacking. Our study utilized transcriptome‐wide data from the hippocampus and ventral tegmental area (VTA)/midbrain from a total of 35 human males with cocaine use disorder/controls and 49 male C57BL/6J cocaine/saline administering/exposed mice. We hypothesized differential expressed genes and systems of co‐expressed genes (gene networks) would show appreciable overlap across mouse cocaine self‐administration and human cocaine use disorder. We found modest, but significant relationships between differentially expressed genes associated with cocaine self‐administration (short access) and cocaine use disorder within reward circuitry. Differentially expressed genes underlying models of acute cocaine exposure (cocaine), context re‐exposure and cocaine + context re‐exposure were not consistently associated with human CUD across brain regions. Investigating systems of co‐expressed genes, we found several validated gene networks with weak to moderate conservation between cocaine/saline self‐administering mice and disordered cocaine users/controls. The most conserved hippocampal and VTA gene networks demonstrated substantial overlap (2029 common genes) and included both novel and previously implicated targets for cocaine use/addiction. Lastly, we conducted (expression‐based) phenome‐wide association studies of the ninecommonhub genes across conserved gene networks. Common hub genes were associated with dopamine/serotonin function, cocaine self‐administration and other relevant mouse traits. Overall, our study pinpointed and characterized conserved brain‐related RNA patterns across mouse cocaine self‐administration and human cocaine use disorder. We offer recommendations for future research and add to the dialogue surrounding pre‐clinical animal research for human disease.
Arthropods as vertebrate predators: A review of global patterns
Authors: Valdez Jose W.
Published: July 2020

Aim

Arthropods as vertebrate predators is a generally overlooked aspect in ecology due to the cryptic nature of these events, the relatively small size of arthropods and the difficulty in finding published data. This study represents the largest global assessment of arthropods preying on vertebrates to provide a conceptual framework, identify global patterns and provide a searchable database.

Location

Global.

Time period

Present.

Major taxa studied

Arthropods and vertebrates.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted.

Results

Over 1,300 recorded observations were collated from 89 countries. Arthropod predators were from 6 classes and 83 families. Vertebrate prey were from 5 classes and 163 families. Spiders represented over half of all predatory events and were the main predator for all vertebrates except birds, which were mostly preyed upon by praying mantises. Forty percent of all prey were amphibians, specifically frogs. Depredated reptiles were nearly all lizards, half of mammal prey were bats, nearly a third of fish were Cypriniformes and half of bird prey were passerines. Predation by spiders was mainly documented from the U.S., Brazil and Australia, and biased mostly everywhere except the U.S.; insect predatory events were mainly documented from Europe, Australia and the Americas, and biased toward North America; amphibian events were mainly from the Americas and strongly biased everywhere, except for the U.S. and Australia; reptiles events were recorded mostly from the Americas and Australia, and biased towards the U.S. and Australia; predation on birds were mainly from the Americas, Australia and Europe, and biased towards Central America and Europe; and mammal events were mostly reported from North and Central America, Australia, and Asia, and strongly biased everywhere except Brazil.

Main conclusions

This study demonstrates that arthropods are underestimated predators of vertebrates. Recognizing and quantifying these predator–prey interactions is vital for identifying patterns and the potential impact of these relationships on shaping vertebrate populations and communities.
Clinicoprognostic characteristics of cutaneous metastatic melanoma: a retrospective comparative study between acral and nonacral melanoma
Authors: Kang Hyun Ji , Choi Myoung Eun , Won Chong Hyun , Chang Sung Eun , Lee Mi Woo , Choi Jee Ho , Lee Woo Jin
Published: July 2020

Background

Although cutaneous melanoma has been widely evaluated, data elucidating the clinical features and prognostic factors of cutaneous metastatic melanoma are limited.

Objective

To determine and compare the clinicoprognostic features of cutaneous metastasis in acral and nonacral melanoma.

Methods

The Asan Medical Center database was reviewed for cases of cutaneous metastatic melanoma that had been confirmed by skin biopsy between January 1996 and December 2017.

Results

Cutaneous metastasis occurred in 12.4% (61 of 492 cases) of our cohort. The frequency of cutaneous metastasis was higher in nonacral melanoma than that in acral melanoma. The mean duration between the initial diagnosis of a primary tumor and cutaneous dissemination was 19.8 months. Cutaneous metastasis developed earlier during the disease course in acral melanoma than that in nonacral melanoma. Cutaneous metastasis was more disseminated, involving multiple anatomy sites in nonacral melanoma than that in acral melanoma. In‐transit metastasis was significantly more common in acral melanoma than that in nonacral melanoma. The disease stage at the time of cutaneous metastasis was not significantly different between acral and nonaral melanoma. In‐transit metastasis was commonly associated with visceral involvement in acral melanoma but not in nonacral melanoma. The extent and multiplicity of cutaneous metastasis were dependent on the status of other viscera during the cutaneous metastasis. No significant difference in survival during the cutaneous metastasis was observed between acral and nonacral melanoma.

Conclusion

Clinicoprognostic features of cutaneous metastasis were different between acral and nonacral melanoma.
Dermatological and epidemiological profile of patients with albinism in Togo in 2019: results of two consultation campaigns
Authors: Saka Bayaki , Mouhari‐Toure Abas , Adam Saliou , Mahamadou Garba , Kassang Panawè , Teclessou Julienne N. , Akakpo Séfako A. , Gnossikè Piham , Elegbede Yvette , Darré Tchin , Kombaté Koussake , Pitché Palokinam
Published: July 2020

Background

People with albinism (PWA) are targets of prejudice and social exclusion and have limited access to specialized medical care and resources. Our study aimed to describe the epidemiological and dermatological profile of PWA in Togo.

Method

We carried out a cross‐sectional study of 294 medical records of PWA systematically examined during two mobile skin care clinics in 2019.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 22 ± 16.5 years, and the gender ratio (M/F) was 1. A family history of albinism was reported in 27.9% of cases, and consanguinity between the parents was found in 24.1% of PWA. Dermatological lesions on physical examination were present in 95.2% of PWA. These lesions were elastosis/wrinkles (82.9%), ephelides (79.6%), actinic keratoses (60.0%), actinic cheilitis (50.0%), and cutaneous carcinomas (11.8%). The mean age of PWA with skin carcinomas was 38.6 years. Fifty‐four cases of cutaneous carcinomas had been diagnosed (31 cases of basal cell carcinoma, 21 cases of squamous cell carcinoma, and 2 cases of Bowen's disease) and were located mainly in the cephalic region (61.1%) and upper limbs (27.8%). Cryotherapy and/or excisional biopsies were the treatments for premalignant and malignant lesions. All PWA were sensitized on sun protection.

Conclusions

This study shows the basic picture of dermatological characteristics of PWA with a high frequency of photo‐induced lesions and skin cancers. The popularization and respect of photoprotection measures and regular skin examination of these PWA for early detection and management of lesions will reduce their morbidity and mortality.
Philanthropists, Professionals and Feminists: Refugee NGOs and the Empowerment of Syrian Women in Gaziantep, Turkey
Authors: Özgür Keysan Asuman , Şentürk Burcu
Published: July 2020

The diversification of gender‐based priorities and the necessities of refugees have led refugee NGOs to launch activities specifically for women, or urged women‐only NGOs to take action particularly for refugee women in Turkey. Drawing upon a qualitative research in Gaziantep in Turkey, which host a large population of Syrian refugees, this study seeks to answer the question “How effective are NGOs in empowering Syrian refugee women in Turkey?” It is argued that NGOs working in the provision of assistance to refugees cannot be treated as a homogeneous group in terms of the degree and form of their influences on the empowerment of refugee women, and the individual NGO’s standpoints may shape their effects. Data from interviews with NGO representatives and Syrian women who have received support from NGOs indicate that the NGOs’ perceptions of women’s issues and their contribution to the empowerment of women are closely linked to their type.
Parent–child joint media engagement in infancy
Authors: Padilla‐Walker Laura M. , Coyne Sarah M. , Booth McCall A. , Domoff Sarah E. , Summers Kjersti , Schvaneveldt Emily , Stockdale Laura
Published: July 2020

Early conversations are an important source in shaping children's cognitive and emotional development, and it is vital to understand how parents use media as a platform to engage in conversations with their young children and what might predict the quality of these interactions. Thus, in the current study we explored the nature of parent–child discourse while engaging in media (i.e., joint media engagement) with infants, and how parent (empathic concern and responsiveness) and child (negative emotionality and regulatory capacity) variables might be associated with the quality of engagement. The current study consisted of 269 infants (50% female, Mage = 17.09 months, SD = 3.93; 59% White) and their primary caregiver (98% mothers) who engaged in a variety of in‐home tasks and parental questionnaires. Results established three meaningful codes for both parent and child that assessed positive and negative joint media engagement. Further, results suggested that parental empathic concern was associated with positive parent and child media engagement, while child negative emotionality was associated with lower levels of distraction. Discussion focuses on the importance of studying parent–child discourse in the context of joint media engagement and recommends limiting media exposure before 18 months of age.
Adjunct aids and signals support online learning from multiple representations
Authors: Kollmer Julia , Hosp Theresa , Glogger‐Frey Inga , Renkl Alexander , Eitel Alexander
Published: July 2020

To achieve deeper understanding when learning from multiple representations, learners should actively select, organize and integrate the relevant information from text and graphics within a coherent mental representation. However, as learners often fail to select and integrate all relevant information, especially from graphics, they need specific instructional support. The current study investigated the effects of instructional support in the form of adjunct aids (i.e. fill‐in‐the blank tasks) with references to the graphics (e.g. “see Figure X”) on retention and understanding. In our study, 106 learners (N) received multimedia instructional materials about the formation of auroras either with or without adjunct aids – the former with references to graphics (signals), or with none. In line with our hypotheses, adjunct aids with signals led to deeper understanding, as reflected by higher scores in the comprehension test. In contrast, adjunct aids with signals did not lead to higher scores in the retention test. Thus, our results are in line with previous research, showing that instructional support for integrating text and graphics specifically fosters deeper understanding. Possible boundary conditions and implications for future research are discussed.
Universal health coverage and primary health care: Their place in people's health
Authors: Walker Christine , Peterson Chris L.
Published: July 2020

Sturmberg and Martin in 2020 argue that universal health coverage (UHC) is mainly about financing, and primary health care (PHC) is about the right care at the right time to ensure health. They maintain that the World Health Organization has recently sent the wrong message about the “pillars” of PHC in their relationship to UHC. An understanding of political economy is required in order to come to terms with the bases of PHC and the fundamentals of UHC that dealing with inequities is not only an economic issue but fundamentally a political issue. Neoliberal decision‐making can enhance inequities in society. Two chronic health conditions, diabetes and multiple sclerosis, are examples of conditions that lead to costly and debilitating consequences for patients but also lead to substantial economic costs in terms of lost workforce participation and lost productivity. These cases demonstrate the socio‐political issues involved in the management of care for a number of illnesses. The upsurge of COVID‐19 has placed an enormous strain on health and broader social and economic resources and challenged the pretext of UHC as health for all: substantial differences in equity and political commitment have emerged. Sturmberg and Martin argue that the joining of UHC and PHC needs leadership, which involves local communities and resourcing. PHC is a changing system based on power relationships involving funders and the health community. In Australia as in several countries, out‐of‐pocket costs have grown rapidly and have affected access for some groups to PHC and have challenged the pretext of equity in UHC. In the context of PHC and UHC, we support the position that health for all goes beyond health care for all, to embrace healthy lives promoting wellbeing.
Cross‐sectional study of histopathology and piscine orthoreovirus during a marine production cycle of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Marty Gary D. , Bidulka Julie , Joseph Tomy
Published: July 2020

Two cohorts of farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in British Columbia, Canada, were sampled for histopathology (nine organs) and piscine orthoreovirus (PRV‐1) PCR after seawater entry at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 13, 16 and 19 months (20 fish per cohort per date). One cohort—from a PRV+ hatchery—remained PRV+ throughout the study (sample prevalence 80%–100%). In an adjacent pen, the other cohort—from a PRV− hatchery—was 0% PRV+ at 78 days, 30% PRV+ at 128 days and ≥95% PRV+ thereafter. Among sample cohorts that were ≥80% PRV+, median Ct values were nominally less among fish sourced from the PRV− hatchery (28.7–33.3) than the PRV+ hatchery (30.8–35.2). No microscopic lesions were associated with PRV Ct value (minimum = 25.6). About 3% of fish in both cohorts had moderate inflammatory heart lesions; among these fish, only one had skeletal muscle inflammation (mild), and PRV Ct values were similar to unaffected cohorts sampled the same day. Also, among 16 moribund or freshly dead fish sampled opportunistically during the study, 14 were PRV+, and none had significant inflammatory heart lesions. These data support the hypothesis that British Columbia PRV‐1 does not contribute to mortality.
Some best‐fit probability distributions for at‐site flood frequency analysis of the Ume River
Authors: Kousar Samara , Khan Abrar Raza , Ul Hassan Mahmood , Noreen Zahra , Bhatti Sajjad Haider
Published: July 2020

At‐site flood frequency analysis is a direct method of flood estimation at a given site. The choice of an appropriate probability distribution and parameter estimation method plays a vital role in at‐site frequency analysis. In the current article, flood frequency analysis is carried out at five gauging sites of the Ume River in Sweden. Generalised extreme value, three‐parameter log‐normal, generalised logistic and Gumbel distributions are fitted to the annual maximum peak flow data. The L‐moment and the maximum likelihood methods are used to estimate the parameters of the distributions. Based on different goodness‐of‐fit tests and accuracy measures, the three‐parameter log‐normal distribution has been identified as the best‐fitted distribution by using the L‐moments method of estimation for gauging sites Harrsele Krv, Gardiken and Överuman Nedre. The generalised extreme value distribution with the L‐moments estimation provided the best fit to maximum annual streamflow at gauging sites Solberg and Stornorrfors Krv. Finally, the best‐fitted distribution for each gauging site is used to predict the maximum flow of water for return periods of 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 years.
LncRNA LINC00467 acted as an oncogene in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by accelerating cell proliferation and preventing cell apoptosis via the miR‐485‐5p/DPAGT1 axis
Authors: Liu Zhenghua , Yang Shize , Chen Xitao , Dong Siyuan , Zhou Siyu , Xu Shun
Published: July 2020

Background and Aim

Esophageal carcinoma has been regarded as one of the top 10 common malignancies globally. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an important subtype of esophageal carcinoma with approximately 20% survival rate. Long noncoding RNAs were documented to regulate the occurrence or progression of several tumors. However, neither the biological role nor the molecular mechanism of LINC00467 has been explored. This research is aimed to investigating the regulatory mechanism of LINC00467 in ESCC.

Methods

In this study, a series of experiments including reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Cell Counting Kit‐8, luciferase reporter, western blot, and RNA immunoprecipitation were designed and conducted to explore the potential function and mechanism of LINC00467 in ESCC.

Results

According to experimental results, we found out upregulated LINC00467 improved cell proliferation, but hindered cell apoptosis. In mechanism, miR‐485‐5p was predicted, screened out, and validated to combine with LINC00467, which displayed lower expression in ESCC. Additionally, miR‐485‐5p negatively regulated and directly targeted DPAGT1. Rescue assays suggested that DPAGT1 amplification was able to recover the influence of LINC00467 deficiency on cell proliferation and apoptosis. Furthermore, knockdown of LINC00467 suppressed tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

We proved that LINC00467 acted as an oncogene in ESCC by accelerating cell proliferation and preventing cell apoptosis via miR‐485‐5p/DPAGT1 axis. This may provide a potential diagnostic marker for ESCC treatment.
The impact of sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors on non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Chrysavgis Lampros , Papatheodoridi Alkistis‐Maria , Chatzigeorgiou Antonios , Cholongitas Evangelos
Published: July 2020

Affecting one fourth of the global population, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the commonest chronic liver disorder. It encompasses the simple liver fat accumulation to more progressive steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis characterized as non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and in some cases cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD regularly coexists with metabolic disorders, such as obesity and mostly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A relatively new class of antidiabetic drugs, the sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors exert their action by increasing the urinary glucose and calorie excretion leading to ameliorated plasma glucose levels and lower bodyweight. Recently, several animal studies and human clinical trial have emphasized the possible beneficial impact of SGLT2 inhibitors on NAFLD and its progression to NASH. In this present review, we summarize the current literature regarding the efficacy of the aforementioned category of drugs on anthropometric, laboratory, and histological features of patients with NAFLD. Conclusively, as SGLT2 inhibitors seem to be an appealing therapeutic opportunity for NAFLD management, we identify the open issues and questions to be addressed in order to clarify the impact in choosing antidiabetic medication to treat NAFLD patients associated with T2DM.
One Size Does Not Fit All: Choosing Practical Cognitive Screening Tools for Your Practice
Authors: Molnar Frank J. , Benjamin Sophiya , Hawkins Stacey A. , Briscoe Melanie , Ehsan Sabeen
Published: July 2020

Every year, millions of patients worldwide undergo cognitive testing. Unfortunately, new barriers to the use of free open access cognitive screening tools have arisen over time, making accessibility of tools unstable. This article is in follow‐up to an editorial discussing alternative cognitive screening tools for those who cannot afford the costs of the Mini‐Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (see www.dementiascreen.ca). The current article outlines an emerging disruptive “free‐to‐fee” cycle where free open access cognitive screening tools are integrated into clinical practice and guidelines, where fees are then levied for the use of the tools, resulting in clinicians moving on to other tools. This article provides recommendations on means to break this cycle, including the development of tool kits of valid cognitive screening tools that authors have contracted not to charge for (i.e., have agreed to keep free open access). The PRACTICAL.1 Criteria (PRACTIcing Clinician Accessibility and Logistical Criteria Version 1) are introduced to help clinicians select from validated cognitive screening tools, considering barriers and facilitators, such as whether the cognitive screening tools are easy to score and free of cost. It is suggested that future systematic reviews embed the PRACTICAL.1 criteria, or refined future versions, as part of the standard of review. Methodological issues, the need for open access training to insure proper use of cognitive screening tools, and the need to anticipate growing ethnolinguistic diversity by developing tools that are less sensitive to educational, cultural, and linguistic bias are discussed in this opinion piece. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:2207–2213, 2020.
Myeloproliferative Disorder with Intraoral Lesions in an Olive Baboon (Papio anubis)
Authors: Clemmons Elizabeth A. , Gonzalez Olga , Thornton Jason , Kumar Shyamesh , Dick Edward J.
Published: July 2020

Spontaneous myeloid leukemia is rarely reported in non‐human primates. We report a case of myeloproliferative disorder suggestive of acute myeloid leukemia with intraoral lesions in an olive baboon (Papio anubis). Clinical pathology, radiology, gross examination (pre‐mortem and post‐mortem), histopathology, and immunohistochemistry findings are provided.
Potassium isotope systematics of the LL4 chondrite Hamlet: Implications for chondrule formation and alteration
Authors: Koefoed Piers , Pravdivtseva Olga , Chen Heng , Gerritzen Carina , Thiemens Maxwell M. , Wang Kun
Published: July 2020

Here, we apply recently developed high‐precision K isotope analyses to individual components of the LL4 chondrite Hamlet in order to investigate key processes which occurred during chondrite formation. The K isotopic compositions of all Hamlet chondrules range from −1.36‰ to −0.24‰ δ41K while the matrix and bulk samples show ranges of −0.89‰ to −0.80‰ and −0.86‰ to −1.08‰ δ41K, respectively. This range of δ41K values is significantly less than what was seen by in situ K isotopic analysis of Semarkona and Bishunpur chondrules, a likely effect of the different chondrite petrologic types, analytical artifacts in the SIMS analyses, and chondrule rim effects. Strong evidence for secondary parent‐body alteration effects within Hamlet suggests its K fractionation and distribution are dominantly controlled by these processes. Interestingly, the strong correlation between δ41K and chondrule mass suggests that chondrule size played a significant role in the K isotopic distribution within Hamlet. This trend is likely a result of either inherited initial differences in the chondrule K isotopic ratios which were not completely overprinted or mechanisms involved in the metamorphism processes creating variations. This K isotope correlation with chondrule mass could also be suggestive of chondrule‐forming nebular processes; nevertheless, it is currently unable to definitively favor any specific model. The K isotopic similarities between Hamlet and bulk ordinary chondrites suggest that all LL chondrites, if not all ordinary chondrites, may have formed via the same processes. Nevertheless, analysis of more pristine chondrules from chondrites of lower metamorphic grade is required to further assess any nebular processes of chondrule formation.
The politics of state celebrations in Belarus
Authors: Rohava Maryia
Published: July 2020

National celebrations have been defined as manifestations of collective identities that glorify the nation and strengthen the national community. However, the magnitude and design of celebrations in autocratic states indicate a different ideational function that these symbolic events play in an autocratic political system. Autocratic elites have the administrative capacity to distort everyday routines and impose ideological principles of how people participate in state celebrations. How citizens engage in official celebratory practices in an authoritarian political context formulates a valuable contribution to the conceptualisation of national celebrations. Drawing on focus group discussions and ethnographic observations, I investigate how people negotiate meanings of celebratory and commemorative practices in the context of autocratic Belarus. I discuss how volatile the symbolic politics is when the invention of new symbolic traditions or the reinvention of old narratives does not appeal to all social groups and lacks authenticity.
Making gigs work: digital platforms, job quality and worker motivations
Authors: Dunn Michael
Published: July 2020

Technology has driven new organisations of work and employment relationships, rendering changes that would have been unimaginable just a decade ago. The rise of digital platforms has not only enabled new forms of work activity but also transformed the way workers find new opportunities. This development, referred to as gig work, is distinct from traditional employment in that it is mediated through online platforms. While we can somewhat objectively designate traditional job characteristics as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, designating gig work itself as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ overlooks the fact that workers are inclined to evaluate the quality of their jobs according to their own individual needs, priorities, backgrounds and other circumstances—even if those jobs are objectively the same. Unlike previous scholarship on gig work, which has viewed job quality largely from a platform‐focused perspective, this article takes a worker‐centric approach and provides a typology of gig workers. The typology demarcates how gig work is used and indicates key attributes that differentiate how workers approach such jobs. Moreover, the typology reveals heterogeneity in gig workers’ motivations, characteristics and intentions. Consequently, platforms with ‘bad’ job quality characteristics can still offer work that some workers will see as ‘good’ and vice versa.
The impact of childhood obesity on human capital in high‐income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Segal Alexa Blair , Huerta M. Carmen , Aurino Elisabetta , Sassi Franco
Published: July 2020

Current evidence of the impact of childhood obesity on human capital development does not point in a consistent direction, and its interpretation is challenging. We carried out a systematic review of studies from high‐income countries that used robust causal inference approaches to assess the impact of childhood overweight and obesity on outcomes typically linked to human capital development in economics. Global Health, Medline and EconLit were used to search for peer‐reviewed papers. Three reviewers independently assessed study quality using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Nineteen papers representing 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. Included studies were categorized based on three components of human capital: cognitive performance (n = 18), measured through test scores; educational attainment (n = 3), through grade progression and college completion; and labour market outcomes (n = 1), through wages. We find that childhood overweight and obesity hinder education outcomes, with effects mostly observed at older ages of exposure measurement (12+ years). Girls with overweight and obesity experienced larger negative effects and more often than boys. Future research should elucidate the pathways through which childhood obesity impacts human capital development, to support policies that may mitigate those impacts, thus averting social costs that are currently widespread, increasing and unaccounted for.
Stocks and flows—inventories in petroleum refining
Authors: Tischer Robert
Published: July 2020

This paper addresses the question of whether an (S, s) inventory management model, combined with a stockout‐avoidance mechanism, is appropriate for explaining the inventory process for oil refining. The analysis uses a fixed‐proportion production function to model dynamic profit maximisation in crude oil refining. The model distinguishes the use of production crude oil from crude oil inventories as inputs into oil refining. The result is a relationship between oil production, oil inventory and the difference between the prices of crude oil and refined petroleum products. Estimation results indicate that the (S, s) model is consistent with data measuring crude oil inventory management and results also imply a modest stockout‐avoidance mechanism.
Gestational weight gain disparities in South Carolina: Temporal trends, 2004‐2015
Authors: Wende Marilyn E. , Liu Jihong , Mclain Alexander C. , Wilcox Sara
Published: July 2020

Background

Few studies have examined secular trends in gestational weight gain (GWG) and findings are inconsistent. Parallel to increasing trends in pre‐pregnancy obesity, we hypothesised similar increasing GWG trends.

Objectives

The study examined trends in GWG in South Carolina (SC), using methods to reduce bias. We also examined whether the 12‐year trends in GWG varied according to race/ethnicity and pre‐pregnancy weight.

Methods

Data came from SC birth certificates, 2004 to 2015. We calculated standardised GWG z‐scores (GWGZ), using smoothed reference values to account for gestational age and pre‐pregnancy body mass index. Quantile regression was used to examine trends in GWGZ, adjusting for pre‐pregnancy weight status, race/ethnicity, parity, WIC participation, smoking during pregnancy, residence, age, and birth cohort.

Results

Among 615 093 women, the mean GWGZ was −0.4 (SD = 1.3), which increased from −0.4 in 2004‐2005 to −0.2 in 2014‐2015. GWGZ increased at the 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles (ranging 0.04 to 0.73 units), with differential trends observed in sub‐groups by pre‐pregnancy weight and racial/ethnic group. Notably, non‐Hispanic White women showed larger increasing trends (0.89 units) compared to non‐Hispanic Black (0.55 units) and Hispanic (0.76 units) women in the 5th percentile. Decreasing trends were seen overall for the 90th (−0.02) and 95th percentile (−0.06 units) but positive trends were not seen among women experiencing obese class 1 (no change in 90th and 95th), and 2 (0.01 units in 90th, −0.02 units in 95th).

Conclusions

This study shows increasing GWGZ trends from the 5th to the 75th percentiles and decreasing trends in 90th and 95th percentiles in SC for the last decade. Racial/ethnic and pre‐pregnancy weight disparities did not improve over the study period. Future research is needed to confirm these findings in other states and to develop strategies to narrow racial and pre‐pregnancy weight disparities at the highest and lowest percentiles.
Pathways from parenting practices to adolescent suicidality: Evidence on the role of emotional and behavioral symptoms from a prospective cohort of Canadian children
Authors: Kingsbury Mila , Sucha Ewa , Manion Ian , Gilman Stephen E. , Colman Ian
Published: July 2020

Objective

To investigate longitudinal relationships between parenting practices in childhood and adolescent suicidality, and assess the mediating role of emotional and behavioral symptoms.

Methods

Data were drawn from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth, a Canadian population‐based longitudinal cohort study. The sample included 9,490 children aged 10–11 who were followed up biennially to ages 14–15. Parents reported their positive and punitive parenting practices when children were 10–11. Adolescents self‐reported symptoms of depression/anxiety, hyperactivity, conduct disorder, and social aggression at 12–13, and past‐year suicidal ideation and suicide attempts at 14–15.

Results

The inverse associations between positive parenting at 10–11 and suicidal behaviors at 14–15 were significantly mediated by symptoms of hyperactivity, conduct disorder, and social aggression at 12–13. Direct relationships between punitive parenting and suicidal behaviors were observed. These associations were significantly mediated by hyperactivity and, among boys only, by conduct disorder and social aggression. The association between punitive parenting and suicide attempt was additionally mediated by depression/anxiety.

Conclusions

Parenting in childhood may be associated with adolescent suicidality both directly and indirectly through emotional and behavioral symptoms. Interventions aimed at reducing the use of harsh disciplinary strategies and promoting positive parent–child interactions may reduce the burden of adolescent suicidality.
Contemporary practice of standardised bedside teaching rounds
Authors: Haddon Mullins Clarence , Roderick Adam , Deaver Jill , Willig James
Published: July 2020

Background

The purpose of this article is to review the extant literature on bedside teaching rounds within the context of ward rounds performed with the entire clinical team at the patient’s bedside, and to assess the effects of standardisation of this process on patient and learner satisfaction, as well as other duty‐hour restrictions and patient care metrics in the academic inpatient setting. Ultimately, the intent of this review is to inform faculty development sessions for educators on the benefits and challenges of standardised rounding protocols.

Methods

We performed a search of PubMed, Scopus and CINAHL databases (from 2003 to August 2019). Randomised, controlled trials, pre‐ and post‐interventional studies and cohort studies, in English, were eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers independently searched, screened and analysed the studies, and a narrative synthesis was performed. Articles were evaluated methodologically using the Medical Education Research Quality Study Instrument (MERQSI).

Results

Five articles were included, with one randomised controlled trial, three cohort studies, and one pre‐ and post‐interventional study. The collective MERSQI score for the studies was 12.3. Patient satisfaction increased uniformly across studies when standardised practices were used. Attempts to improve learner satisfaction, however, achieved mixed results. In addition, the time of bedside rounds was found to decrease with standardised interventions overall.

Conclusion

In light of generally positive albeit limited evidence for standardised rounding practices, faculty development initiatives might use these data to inform and educate faculty members regarding the use of standardised protocols for bedside rounds.
Hydrops fetalis associated with anti‐CD36 antibodies in fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia: Possible underlying mechanism
Authors: Wu Yongbin , Chen Dawei , Xu Xiuzhang , Mai Mingqin , Ye Xin , Li Chengyao , Santoso Sentot , Xia Wenjie , Fu Yongshui
Published: July 2020

Objectives

In the present study, we asked whether anti‐CD36 antibodies impair the maturation of erythropoietic stem cells to mature red blood cells (RBCs), leading to anaemia and hydrops fetalis (HF).

Background

Recent studies have shown the importance of anti‐CD36 antibodies in the development of Fetal/Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia (FNAIT). In comparison to other types of antibody‐mediated FNAIT, anti‐CD36 antibodies are frequently associated with anaemia and HF. As mature RBCs do not express CD36, the reason for this phenomenon is currently not fully understood.

Material and methods

A case of FNAIT with signs of HF was characterised in this study. Maternal anti‐CD36 antibodies were isolated by an absorption/elution approach. We cultured haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) with purified anti‐CD36 antibodies, and the formation of burst‐forming unit‐erythroid and colony‐forming unit‐erythroid (CFU‐E/BFU‐E) cells was analysed. Apoptosis of HSCs was also investigated.

Results

Analysis of the mother showed type‐1 CD36 deficiency. Anti‐CD36 antibodies were found in maternal serum, as well as on fetal platelets, by ELISA, and the specificity of these antibodies was further substantiated by flow cytometry. In comparison to control IgG, incubation of HSCs with purified anti‐CD36 antibodies led to a significant reduction in CFU‐E/BFU‐E cell formation, and this result was associated with an increased number of apoptotic CD34+ erythroid/myeloid precursor cells. Administration of intra‐uterine transfusion with washed RBCs was effective in improving fetal anaemia.

Conclusions

Anti‐CD36 antibodies may cause anaemia and trigger HF through apoptosis of CD34+ erythroid/myeloid precursor cells. However, the contribution of other cells must also be taken into account.
Progression of aural plaques to squamous cell carcinoma in a horse
Authors: Peters‐Kennedy Jeanine , Lange Christian E. , Ortved Kyla
Published: July 2020

Background

Aural plaques are associated with and thought to be caused by one or more Equus caballus papillomaviruses (EcPV). Aural plaques have not previously been reported to be associated with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Hypothesis/Objectives

To describe a horse with aural plaques and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) on the right pinna.

Animals

A 28‐year‐old thoroughbred gelding presented for multiple plaques and a mass on the right pinna.

Methods and materials

Pinnal resection, histopathological investigation, multiple conventional PCRs for papillomavirus DNA and Sanger sequencing were performed.

Results

Multiple, raised, pale tan, fronded plaques covered 60% of the concave surface of the right pinna. Focally these plaques coalesced into an exophytic ulcerated mass near the base of the pinna. Multiple aural plaques and a SCC were diagnosed histopathologically. EcPV4 was detected via PCR in a sample of the SCC.

Conclusions and clinical importance

This report demonstrates the possibility of malignant transformation from aural plaques to SCC on the pinna of a horse. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of EcPV4 associated with SCC.
Vitamin D is an endogenous partial agonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 channel
Authors: Long Wentong , Fatehi Mohammad , Soni Shubham , Panigrahi Rashmi , Philippaert Koenraad , Yu Yi , Kelly Rees , Boonen Brett , Barr Amy , Golec Dominic , Campbell Scott A. , Ondrusova Katarina , Hubert Matt , Baldwin Troy , Lemieux M. Joanne , Light Peter E.
Published: July 2020

Key points

25‐Hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) is a partial agonist of TRPV1 whereby 25OHD can weakly activate TRPV1 yet antagonize the stimulatory effects of the full TRPV1 agonists capsaicin and oleoyl dopamine.

25OHD binds to TRPV1 within the same vanilloid binding pocket as capsaicin.

25OHD inhibits the potentiating effects of PKC‐mediated TRPV1 activity.

25OHD reduces T‐cell activation and trigeminal neuron calcium signalling mediated by TRPV1 activity.

These results provide evidence that TRPV1 is a novel receptor for the biological actions of vitamin D in addition to the well‐documented effects of vitamin D upon the nuclear vitamin D receptor.

The results may have important implications for our current understanding of certain diseases where TRPV1 and vitamin D deficiency have been implicated, such as chronic pain and autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes.

The capsaicin receptor TRPV1 plays an important role in nociception, inflammation and immunity and its activity is regulated by exogenous and endogenous lipophilic ligands. As vitamin D is lipophilic and involved in similar biological processes as TRPV1, we hypothesized that it directly regulates TRPV1 activity and function. Our calcium imaging and electrophysiological data demonstrate that vitamin D (25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and 1,25‐hydroxyvitamin D (1,25OHD)) can weakly activate TRPV1 at physiologically relevant concentrations (100 nM). Furthermore, both 25OHD and 1,25OHD can inhibit capsaicin‐induced TRPV1 activity (IC50 = 34.3 ± 0.2 and 11.5 ± 0.9 nM, respectively), but not pH‐induced TRPV1 activity, suggesting that vitamin D interacts with TRPV1 in the same region as the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin. This hypothesis is supported by our in silico TRPV1 structural modelling studies, which place 25OHD in the same binding region as capsaicin. 25OHD also attenuates PKC‐dependent TRPV1 potentiation via interactions with a known PKC phospho‐acceptor residue in TRPV1. To provide evidence for a physiological role for the interaction of vitamin D with TRPV1, we employed two different cellular models known to express TRPV1: mouse CD4+ T‐cells and trigeminal neurons. Our results indicate that 25OHD reduces TRPV1‐induced cytokine release from T‐cells and capsaicin‐induced calcium activity in trigeminal neurons. In summary, we provide evidence that vitamin D is a novel endogenous regulator of TRPV1 channel activity that may play an important physiological role in addition to its known effects through the canonical nuclear vitamin D receptor pathway.
Rugby, Nationalism, and Deaf Athlete Counterhegemony: Insights From the Case of Fiji
Authors: Kanemasu Yoko
Published: July 2020

This article explores the nexus between power, sport, and disability with a focus on Deaf rugby in Fiji. Based on semistructured interviews with players, officials, and stakeholders, this article outlines their pursuit of rugby and participation in a recent international tournament under Fiji’s specific postcolonial social conditions. It examines what this experience means to the players and officials, and the sociopolitical significance it holds in the multiple relations of power that the game is embedded in. This article shows Deaf rugby as a significant counterhegemonic force that reconfigures Fiji’s rugby discourse by appropriating its key constitutive element: anti-imperialist modern nationalism. This article further explores Deaf rugby’s implication in prevailing gender/ethnoracial/corporeal politics with a view to offering nuanced insights into the question of resistance in/through disability sport in a Global South context.
“People Still Believe a Bicycle Is for a Poor Person”: Features of “Bicycles for Development” Organizations in Uganda and Perspectives of Practitioners
Authors: Ardizzi Madison , Wilson Brian , Hayhurst Lyndsay , Otte Janet
Published: July 2020

Bicycles have been hailed by the United Nations and nongovernmental organizations for use in social and economic development. However, there is a lacuna of research exploring the value of bicycles for development (BFD) outside of Europe and America. Specifically, there is a lack of research on the structure and perspectives of BFD organizations. This study draws on 19 semistructured interviews with BFD organizations in various regions of Uganda. We found that (a) BFD organizations exist along a spectrum from community-based to international, (b) the meanings ascribed to the bicycle are unstable and context dependent, and (c) that there were a range of ways that bicycles were seen to lead to positive outcomes—although barriers to attaining these outcomes were identified too. The authors conclude by suggesting that while bicycles are considered useful for a range of development purposes, perspectives on their usefulness vary—as inequalities commonly associated with sport for development are evident in the BFD movement too.
Characterization of Extracellular Vesicles from Entamoeba histolytica Identifies Roles in Intercellular Communication That Regulates Parasite Growth and Development
Authors: Sharma Manu , Morgado Pedro , Zhang Hanbang , Ehrenkaufer Gretchen , Manna Dipak , Singh Upinder
Published: July 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells to transport lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids to the external environment have important roles in cell-cell communication through cargo transfer. We identified and characterized EVs from
Entamoeba histolytica
, a protozoan parasite and a human pathogen. Conditioned medium from amebic parasites contained particles consistent with the expected size and morphology of EVs. Mass spectrometry was used to characterize the EV proteome and showed that it was enriched in common exosome marker proteins, including proteins associated with vesicle formation, cell signaling, and metabolism, as well as cytoskeletal proteins.
Importance of the Immunodominant CD8+T Cell Epitope of Plasmodium berghei Circumsporozoite Protein in Parasite- and Vaccine-Induced Protection
Authors: Gibbins Matthew P. , Müller Katja , Glover Maya , Liu Jasmine , Putrianti Elyzana D. , Bauza Karolis , Reyes-Sandoval Arturo , Matuschewski Kai , Silvie Olivier , Hafalla Julius Clemence R.
Published: July 2020

The circumsporozoite protein (CSP) builds up the surface coat of sporozoites and is the leading malaria pre-erythrocytic-stage vaccine candidate. CSP has been shown to induce robust CD8+T cell responses that are capable of eliminating developing parasites in hepatocytes, resulting in protective immunity. In this study, we characterized the importance of the immunodominant CSP-derived epitope SYIPSAEKI ofPlasmodium bergheiin both sporozoite- and vaccine-induced protection in murine infection models.
The Vibrio cholerae Quorum-Sensing Protein VqmA Integrates Cell Density, Environmental, and Host-Derived Cues into the Control of Virulence
Authors: Mashruwala Ameya A. , Bassler Bonnie L.
Published: July 2020

Quorum sensing (QS) is a process of chemical communication that bacteria use to orchestrate collective behaviors. QS communication relies on chemical signal molecules called autoinducers. QS regulates virulence in
Vibrio cholerae
, the causative agent of the disease cholera. Transit into the human small intestine, the site of cholera infection, exposes
V. cholerae
to the host environment. In this study, we show that the combination of two stimuli encountered in the small intestine, the absence of oxygen and the presence of host-produced bile salts, impinge on
V. cholerae
QS function and, in turn, pathogenicity. We suggest that possessing a QS system that is responsive to multiple environmental, host, and cell density cues enables
V. cholerae
to fine-tune its virulence capacity in the human intestine.
mSphere of Influence: Organoids and Single-Cell Sequencing, a Powerful Combination To Uncover Epithelial and Immune Cell Interactions in the Human Gut Environment
Authors: Lemme-Dumit Jose M.
Published: July 2020

Jose Lemme-Dumit works in the field of mucosal immunology and vaccines. In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on how two papers, “Long-term expansion of epithelial organoids from human colon, adenoma, adenocarcinoma, and Barrett’s epithelium” by Sato et al. (T. Sato, D. E. Stange, M. Ferrante, R. G. J. Vries, et al., Gastroenterology 141:1762–1772, 2011,
https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2011.07.050
) and “T helper cell cytokines modulate intestinal stem cell renewal and differentiation” by Biton et al.