bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Farmer participation in the lychee value chain in Bac Giang province, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Dung Dac , Le Tu Minh , Kingsbury Aaron John
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact level of six factors that condition participation in value chain of lychee growers in the Luc Ngan District of Bac Giang Province in Vietnam. This contributes to the literature on value chain development through the exploration of the case of an agriculturally based primary industry in the global south. Specifically, it analyzes the impacts of several factors on the participation of lychee fruit farmers in the attributed value chain of Bac Giang Province in the north of Vietnam to identify salient points of policy intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study were collected from a survey of 270 lychee farmers in three districts of Bac Giang Province. Six factors, including the trust level of the participants, partner capacity, geographical distance between participants, collaborative culture, participation strategy and existence of specific government policies, were analyzed through a Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) test, Cronbach’s alpha and the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) method to evaluate the reliability of the factors and suitability of the model. A regression analysis was then used to evaluate the impact level of each element on the collaboration of farmers in the chain.

Findings

The results show that each of the six factors has significant impacts on farmer participation and the resulting chain thickness. Although the findings of this study are drawn from the case of lychee farmers in the north of Vietnam, they are argued to be transferable to other countries with rapidly growing middle-income economies.

Research limitations/implications

The research conclusions are based on only the opinions of surveyed lychee growers in Luc Ngan District, Bac Giang Province. Similarly, this paper only explores six factors influencing participation in the value chain. Additional factors, including age, have not been used in this study and are suggested avenues for future research.

Originality/value

The paper suggests that policy makers on the local and regional levels in Vietnam reassess their focus and center these six factors as precursory conditions to improving local and regional economic development. Implications for other peripheral regions with agricultural production across the global south are also posited.
Minimum price policy impact in the Tunisian dairy sector
Authors: Abbassi Abdessalem , Dakhlaoui Ahlem , Tamini Lota D.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a partial equilibrium model for the Tunisian dairy sector according to “quantity formulation” and “price formulation” and to show their equivalence under the assumption of perfect competition.

Design/methodology/approach

This model incorporates domestic policies, that is, producers' price support and subsidies to milk collection centres and trade policies, that is, TRQ and ad valorem tariffs. The authors illustrate theoretically and numerically how to incorporate the minimum price policy at the farm level for the Tunisian dairy sector according to the price formulation approach.

Findings

Two scenarios for the removal of a minimum price policy are analysed and show that producers' surplus loss varies between 78.6 and 127.8 million dinars. The overall welfare implications of removing a minimum price policy are negative and range between 13.3 and 18.2 million dinars.

Research limitations/implications

This study could not include all of the detailed factors in the Tunisian dairy sector.

Originality/value

Based on the numerical results obtained in the study, the authors recommend that public authorities maintain the minimum price policy because it prevents a decrease in raw milk producers' surplus. Moreover, this policy is effective because it generates excess raw milk production, estimated at 28.23% in 2010, that can be used for various homemade dairy products. Under an effective minimum price policy, the formal processing sector absorbs all the excess raw milk only if the public authorities allocate grants to encourage investment in new milk collection centres and in milk drying equipment, especially in disadvantaged rural regions. The latter economic policy coupled with a minimum price policy not only guarantees a higher income for raw milk producers but also may represent a development factor for underprivileged rural areas.
Investigating the price volatility transmission mechanisms of selected fresh vegetable chains in Greece
Authors: Rezitis Anthony N. , Pachis Dimitrios N.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper attempts to model the transmission of volatility between producer and consumer prices in the fresh potato, tomato, and cucumber markets in Greece.

Design/methodology/approach

The transmission mechanism of the price volatility is modeled using the most popular multivariate GARCH models while taking into consideration possible asymmetries in the transmission process. The models utilized are the DVECH and the BEKK models from the VECH family, as well as the CCC model and the DCC model from the family of conditional correlation models. The possible asymmetric effects are evaluated using asymmetric GARCH models, as well as estimating volatility impulse responses for independent shocks.

Findings

The results reveal that, in the tomato and cucumber markets, which are regulated by the Common Market Organization of fruits and vegetables, producers are less vulnerable to volatility shocks transmitted from consumers. In contrast, in the non-regulated potato market, producers are affected by spillover effects from consumers.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to a few commodities (i.e. potatoes, tomatoes, and cucumbers); however, it could be extended to additional commodities.

Practical implications

The results of this study show that, if producers are organized on a cooperative basis within the regulative framework of the CAP, like the tomato and cucumber producers, their place in the food supply chain is strengthened, although the CAP targets more market-oriented agricultural markets that are more exposed to world prices.

Originality/value

The present study attempts to understand the transmission of volatility between producer and consumer prices in the fresh potato, tomato, and cucumber markets in Greece, which is not apparent from previous studies. Furthermore, the volatility clusters that are identified in the present study are associated with certain CAP reforms.
From cognition to action: the effect of thought self-leadership strategies and self-monitoring on adaptive selling behavior
Authors: Alnakhli Hayam , Singh Rakesh , Agnihotri Raj , Itani Omar S.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate salespersons’ self-monitoring and its effect on adaptive selling behavior. As salespeople are constantly facing different customers with various needs and want and engaging in a different sales situation, salespeople must deploy their inner capabilities in practicing adaptive selling behavior during and across sales interactions. This study also investigates the impact of salesperson’s intrapersonal leadership – where leadership stems from the individuals with the purpose to influence oneself.

Design/methodology/approach

Authors draw on the social cognitive theory of self-regulation to develop our model and examine the relationship between self-monitoring, thought self-leadership and adaptive selling behavior. We empirically test the model using data from 335 pharmaceutical salespeople working across several countries in Asia.

Findings

The results support the role of self-monitoring and thought self-leadership as antecedents to adaptive selling. Further, the results suggest that self-monitoring positively moderates the relationship between thought self-leadership and adaptive selling behavior. In light of these results, we explore implications and limitations and conclude by suggesting directions for further research.

Research limitations/implications

The sampling method used was convenience sampling, which may limit the theoretical generalization of our results across all emerging markets. Moreover, this study examines the direct impact of self-management mechanism on adaptive selling behavior and the way it interacts with salesperson's thought self-leadership to strengthen adaptive selling behavior. However, the research model does not include organization-level drivers.

Originality/value

This study makes an important and original contribution to sales literature by demonstrating the direct and interaction effects of self-monitoring mechanism on a critical component of a business to business sales process, adaptive selling behavior. Results from this study highlight the critical importance of cognitive processes that drives positive selling behavior.
Does corporate governance explain the quality of bank loan portfolios?
Authors: Fiador Vera , Sarpong-Kumankoma Emmanuel
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of corporate governance variables on the quality of bank loan portfolios.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a panel-corrected standard errors estimation model with the most recent 11-year data from 2006 to 2016 on selected Ghanaian banks.

Findings

The findings indicate that corporate governance is relevant within the banking sector and plays a key role in improving loan quality. Having a large board with the attendant pool of expertize, boards with mostly non-executive members and duality of the CEO-board chair can be harnessed to improve bank loan quality. Female participation on boards seems to detract from good performance, creating the impression of tokenism in the Ghanaian banking sector.

Originality/value

The study has important implications for board construction within the banking sector and the discourse on bank asset quality.
Financial liberalisation, financial development and financial crises in SADC countries
Authors: Moyo Clement , Le Roux Pierre
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The impact of financial reforms and financial development on an economy has received considerable attention over the recent past. This paper aims to investigate whether financial liberalisation and financial development increase the likelihood financial crises in Southern African development community (SADC) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Due to the binary nature of the dependent variable, the logit model is used for the analysis using data for the period 1990 to 2015.

Findings

The results showed that financial liberalisation captured by real interest rates reduces the likelihood of financial crises. Furthermore, regulatory quality strengthens this reductive effect of financial liberalisation on the probability of financial crises. On the other hand, financial development represented by bank credit increases the incidence of financial crises. The results also suggest that financial liberalisation may increase the likelihood of financial crises indirectly through financial development.

Research limitations/implications

The study recommends that a sound regulatory and supervisory framework be established as well as institutional quality raised to curb the effect of financial development on the incidence of financial crises.

Originality/value

There is scant evidence on the role that financial liberalisation and financial development play in the incidence of financial crises in the SADC. This study incorporates the effect of institutional quality in the analysis which has been neglected by most studies on financial reforms in SADC countries. A number of recent studies in SADC countries conclude that financial development resulting from financial reforms, may hinder economic growth. Therefore, this study sheds light on this negative relationship.
Consumers' acceptance and diffusion of word-of-mouth in social brand community: the moderating effect of self-monitoring
Authors: Lee Hanna , Hwang Sun-Jin
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and examine the different word-of-mouth (WOM) acceptance and diffusion in social brand communities according to the level of self-monitoring.

Design/methodology/approach

A web-based experimental design was used. The design consisted of three-mixed design of 2 (type of social networking sites) × 2 (type of online brand communities) × 2 (self-monitoring). ANOVA analysis was conducted.

Findings

Findings indicate that the differences in acceptance and diffusion of WOM according to online brand community type, and there was a significant three-way interaction effect. Specifically, people who have high propensity to self-monitor showed greater WOM acceptance in a consumer-driven community in either type of social networking sites while people who have low propensity to self-monitor showed greater WOM diffusion in a consumer-driven community only in interest-based social networking sites.

Practical implications

An important implication is that the social networking sites where brand communities can be placed should be chosen with the full consideration of different desires consumers have in terms of their level of self-monitoring to increase WOM effects.

Originality/value

This paper proposes the self-monitoring tendency as the key factor that predicts WOM effects with revealing the optimal combination of types of social networking sites and online brand communities that is most preferable for consumers with different self-monitoring level.
Place crowd safety, crowd science? Case studies and application
Authors: Still Keith , Papalexi Marina , Fan Yiyi , Bamford David
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the development and application of place crowd safety management tools for areas of public assembly and major events, from a practitioner perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The crowd safety risk assessment model is known as design, information, management-ingress, circulation, egress (DIM-ICE) (Still, 2009) is implemented to optimise crowd safety and potentially throughput. Three contrasting case studies represent examples of some of the world’s largest and most challenging crowd safety projects.

Findings

The paper provides some insight into how the DIM-ICE model can be used to aid strategic planning at major events, assess potential crowd risks and to avoid potential crowd safety issues.

Practical implications

It provides further clarity to what effective place management practice is. Evidence-based on the case studies demonstrates that the application of the DIM-ICE model is useful for recognising potential place crowd safety issues and identifying areas for require improvement.

Originality/value

Crowd science is an emerging field of research, which is primarily motivated by place crowd safety issues in congested places; the application and reporting of an evidence-based model (i.e. DIM-ICE model) add to this. The paper addresses a research gap related to the implementation of analytic tools in characterising place crowd dynamics.
Rayleigh–Bénard convection in a non-Newtonian dielectric fluid with Maxwell–Cattaneo law under the effect of internal heat generation/consumption
Authors: R Keerthi , Mahanthesh B. , Nagouda Smita Saklesh
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The study of instability due to the effects of Maxwell–Cattaneo law and internal heat source/sink on Casson dielectric fluid horizontal layer is an open question. Therefore, in this paper, the impact of internal heat generation/absorption on Rayleigh–Bénard convection in a non-Newtonian dielectric fluid with Maxwell–Cattaneo heat flux is investigated. The horizontal layer of the fluid is cooled from the upper boundary, while an isothermal boundary condition is utilized at the lower boundary.

Design/methodology/approach

The Casson fluid model is utilized to characterize the non-Newtonian fluid behavior. The horizontal layer of the fluid is cooled from the upper boundary, while an isothermal boundary condition is utilized at the lower boundary. The governing equations are non-dimensionalized using appropriate dimensionless variables and the subsequent equations are solved for the critical Rayleigh number using the normal mode technique (NMT).

Findings

Results are presented for two different cases namely dielectric Newtonian fluid (DNF) and dielectric non-Newtonian Casson fluid (DNCF). The effects of Cattaneo number, Casson fluid parameter, heat source/sink parameter on critical Rayleigh number and wavenumber are analyzed in detail. It is found that the value Rayleigh number for non-Newtonian fluid is higher than that of Newtonian fluid; also the heat source aspect decreases the magnitude of the Rayleigh number.

Originality/value

The effect of Maxwell–Cattaneo heat flux and internal heat source/sink on Rayleigh-Bénard convection in Casson dielectric fluid is investigated for the first time.
Utilization of underrated pseudo-cereals of North East India: a systematic review
Authors: Patil Swati Bhauso , Jena Sujata
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study aims to create a systematic knowledge base on importance and utilization patterns of underrated pseudo-cereals prevalent in the northeastern hilly (NEH) region of India, namely, buckwheat, Job’s tears, chenopod and amaranth, enabling their diversified use to develop innovative food products from them. The information presented in the paper would facilitate scientists, trainers and young entrepreneurs in developing many novel food products from these underrated pseudo-cereals.

Design/methodology/approach

Major scientific information has been collected from Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Several keywords such as underrated crop, pseudo-cereals, buckwheat, chenopod, Job’s tears, amaranth, value addition and utilization were used to find the data. Relevant information was collected by using about 60 recent research and review articles.

Findings

The main findings of this comprehensive study include compiled record of utilization of underrated pseudo-cereals found in the NEH region of India and their scope to innovate smart food products.

Originality/value

The paper presents a comprehensive record of nutritional benefits and utilization status of the underrated pseudo-cereals available in the NEH region of India. This knowledge base would help both the researchers and other professional working in the processing of these crops.
Transmuscular quadratus lumborum block for percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Study protocol for a dose‐finding trial
Authors: Andersen Christian H. S. , Laier Gunnar H. , Nielsen Martin V. , Dam Mette , Hansen Christian K. , Tanggaard Katrine , Børglum Jens
Published: April 2020

Background

The objective of this trial is to optimize the transmuscular quadratus lumborum (TQL) block, by investigating the minimal effective volume (MEV90) of ropivacaine 0.75% for single‐shot TQL block in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) patients.

Methods

This double‐blind, randomized and controlled dose‐finding trial is based on a biased coin up‐and‐down sequential design, where the volume of local anaesthetic administered to each patient depends on the response from the previous one. Investigating the TQL block, the first patient recruited receives 20 ml ropivacaine 0.75% preoperatively. In case of block failure, the next patient will receive the same volume with an increment of 2 ml. Given a successful block for the first patient, the next patient will be randomized to either a lower volume (previous volume with a reduction of 2 ml), or the same volume as the previous patient. The respective probabilities being b = 0.11 for a reduced volume and 1‐b = 0.89 for the same volume. Block success is defined as patient reported pain score numeric rated scale (NRS) ≤3 (0‐10/10) 30 minutes after arrival in the post anaesthesia care unit (PACU). The NRS pain score is our primary and only outcome for block success. A minimum of 25 eligible patients are needed to achieve precise estimation of MEV90 with narrow 95% confidence intervals derived by bootstrapping.

Discussion

Recruiting will begin June 2020 and is expected to finish November 2020. Data analysis will be performed at interims during and after the study. Results will be published in an international peer‐reviewed medical journal.
Intrapopulation variation of otolith associated with ontogeny and morphological dimorphism in Hormuz tooth‐carp Aphanius hormuzensis (Teleostei: Aphaniidae)
Authors: Teimori Azad , Motamedi Mina , Zeinali Faezeh
Published: April 2020

The intrapopulation variation in otolith morphology was investigated for the first time in a recently discovered tooth‐carp Aphanius hormuzensis by considering ontogenetic variation and morphological dimorphism. The otolith materials were examined by scanning electron microscopy and quantitative analyses. The results underlined clear ontogenetic variation in the otolith morphology, which could be valuable to delineate the certain developmental stages of A. hormuzensis. Besides, some otolith features were found to be consistent during fish development and, therefore, appreciated to identify the species. The otoliths of A. hormuzensis demonstrated considerable sexual dimorphism in the adult fishes. Also, morphological side dimorphism was observed more in the otoliths of the females. As a result, the present study designated a clear intrapopulation variation in the otolith of A. hormuzensis, which were mainly influenced by fish development, sexual factors and morphological side dimorphism. The outcomes of the present study provide new basic data on the natural intrapopulation variation of this tooth‐carp during its life history and offered new data to interpret those factors that regulate otolith shape during the development, which has less been considered in previous studies.
Relationships among lymphocyte subsets, cytokines, and the pulmonary inflammation index in coronavirus (COVID‐19) infected patients
Authors: Wan Suxin , Yi Qingjie , Fan Shibing , Lv Jinglong , Zhang Xianxiang , Guo Lian , Lang Chunhui , Xiao Qing , Xiao Kaihu , Yi Zhengjun , Qiang Mao , Xiang Jianglin , Zhang Bangshuo , Chen Yongping , Gao Cailiang
Published: April 2020

We explored the relationships between lymphocyte subsets, cytokines, pulmonary inflammation index (PII) and disease evolution in patients with (corona virus disease 2019) COVID‐19. A total of 123 patients with COVID‐19 were divided into mild and severe groups. Lymphocyte subsets and cytokines were detected on the first day of hospital admission and lung computed tomography results were quantified by PII. Difference analysis and correlation analysis were performed on the two groups. A total of 102 mild and 21 severe patients were included in the analysis. There were significant differences in cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4+ T), cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8+ T), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), interleukin 10 (IL‐10) and PII between the two groups. There were significant positive correlations between CD4+ T and CD8+ T, IL‐6 and IL‐10 in the mild group (r2 = 0·694, r 2 = 0·633, respectively; P < 0·01). After ‘five‐in‐one’ treatment, all patients were discharged with the exception of the four who died. Higher survival rates occurred in the mild group and in those with IL‐6 within normal values. CD4+ T, CD8+ T, IL‐6, IL‐10 and PII can be used as indicators of disease evolution, and the PII can be used as an independent indicator for disease progression of COVID‐19.
Role of inflammasome activation in tumor immunity triggered by immune checkpoint blockers
Authors: Segovia M , Russo S , Girotti M R , Rabinovich G A , Hill M
Published: April 2020

Immune checkpoint blockers improve the overall survival of a limited number of patients among different cancers. Identifying pathways that influence the immunological and clinical response to treatment is critical to improve the therapeutic efficacy and predict clinical responses. Recently, a key role has been assigned to innate immune mechanisms in checkpoint blockade-driven anti-tumor responses. However, inflammatory pathways can both improve and impair anti-tumor immunity. In this review, we discuss how different inflammatory pathways, particularly inflammasome activation, can influence the clinical outcome of immune checkpoint blockers. Inflammasome activation may reinforce anti-tumor immunity by boosting CD8+ T cell priming as well as by enhancing T helper type 17 (Th17) responses. In particular, we focus on the modulation of the cation channel transmembrane protein 176B (TMEM176B) and the ectonucleotidase CD39 as potential targets to unleash inflammasome activation leading to reinforced anti-tumor immunity and improved efficacy of immune checkpoint blockers. Future studies should be aimed at investigating the mechanisms and cell subsets involved in inflammasome-driven anti-tumor responses.
Different subclasses and isotypes of antibodies against phosphorylcholine in haemodialysis patients: association with mortality
Authors: Samal S K , Qureshi A R , Rahman M , Stenvinkel P , Frostegård J
Published: April 2020

The risk of premature death is high among patients on haemodialysis (HD patients). We previously determined that immunoglobulin (Ig)M antibodies against phosphorylcholine (anti-PC) are negatively associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), atherosclerosis, some autoimmune diseases and mortality among HD patients in this cohort. Here, we also study other subclasses and isotypes of anti-PC in HD patients in relation to mortality, inflammation and gender. The study group is a cohort of 209 prevalent HD patients [median age = 66 years, interquartile range (IQR) = 51–74], vintage time = 29 months (IQR = 15–58; 56% men) with a mean follow-up period of 41 months (IQR = 20–60). Fifty-six per cent were men. We also divided patients into inflamed C-reactive protein (CRP) > 5·6 mg/ml and non-inflamed CRP. Antibody levels were determined by in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IgG1 anti-PC below median was significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality (after adjustment for confounders: P = 0·02), while IgG, IgA and IgG2 anti-PC were not associated with this outcome. Among non-inflamed patients, IgM and IgG1 anti-PC were significantly associated with mortality (P = 0·047 and 0·02). IgG1 anti-PC was significantly associated with mortality among men (P = 0·03) and trending among women (P = 0·26). IgM (as previously reported) and IgG1 anti-PC are negatively associated with survival among HD patients and non-inflamed HD patients, but among inflamed patients there were no associations. IgG, IgA or IgG2 anti-PC were not associated with survival in these groups and subgroups. Further studies are needed to determine if raising anti-PC levels, especially IgM and IgG1 anti-PC, through immunization is beneficial.
H3K27ac‐activated LINC00519 promotes lung squamous cell carcinoma progression by targeting miR‐450b‐5p/miR‐515‐5p/YAP1 axis
Authors: Ye Peng , Lv Xiayi , Aizemaiti Rusidanmu , Cheng Jun , Xia Pinghui , Di Meng
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are extensively reported as participants in the biological process of diverse malignancies, including lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). Long intergenic non‐protein coding RNA 519 (LINC00519) is identified as a novel lncRNA which has not yet been studied in cancers.

Materials and Methods

LINC00519 expression was detected by qRT‐PCR. The effect of LINC00519 on LUSC cellular activities was determined by in vitro and in vivo assays. Subcellular fractionation and FISH assays were conducted to identify the localization of LINC00519. The interaction between miR‐450b‐5p/miR‐515‐5p and LINC00519/YAP1 was verified by RIP, RNA pull‐down and luciferase reporter assays.

Results

Elevated level of LINC00519 was identified in LUSC tissues and cell lines. High LINC00519 level predicted unsatisfactory prognosis. Then, loss‐of‐function assays suggested the inhibitive role of silenced LINC00519 in cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tumour growth and promoting effect on cell apoptosis in LUSC. Mechanically, LINC00519 was activated by H3K27 acetylation (H3K27ac). Moreover, LINC00519 sponged miR‐450b‐5p and miR‐515‐5p to up‐regulate Yes1 associated transcriptional regulator (YAP1). Additionally, miR‐450b‐5p and miR‐515‐5p elicited anti‐carcinogenic effects in LUSC. Finally, rescue assays validated the effect of LINC00519‐miR‐450b‐5p‐miR‐515‐5p‐YAP1 axis in LUSC.

Conclusions

H3K27ac‐activated LINC00519 acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to promote LUSC progression by targeting miR‐450b‐5p/miR‐515‐5p/YAP1 axis.
Oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Malik Aastha , Morya Rajesh Kumar , Saha Sarama , Singh Praveen Kumar , Bhadada Sanjay Kumar , Rana Satya Vati
Published: April 2020

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is most demanding public health problem of 21st century. Uncontrolled diabetes may cause complications affecting any part of gut from mouth to rectum presenting as vomiting, nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhoea. The aim of this study was to compare levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)‐positive and negative diabetic patients.

Subjects and methods

An observational analytical study was conducted on 300 T2DM (>5 years' duration) attending Diabetic Clinic. A total of 200 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy individuals were enrolled as controls. Noninvasive glucose hydrogen breath test was used to diagnose SIBO. A total of 5 mL blood was taken. Plasma was used for measurement of inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐10) by ELISA. Hemolysate was used for measurement of lipid peroxidation, reduced GSH, superoxide dismutase and catalase.

Results

It was observed that constipation was present in 59.6% T2DM patients. SIBO was observed significantly higher (P < .0001) in T2DM patients than controls. Inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were significantly (P < .001) higher in diabetic and SIBO‐positive patients than controls and SIBO negative. Reduced GSH was significantly (P < .05) lower whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase antioxidant enzymes were significantly (<.05) higher in diabetic and SIBO‐positive patients than controls and SIBO‐negative patients.

Conclusion

From this study, it could be concluded that SIBO in T2DM patients can cause oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, SIBO should be taken care to prevent further damage to intestine.
Increasing synergistic effects of habitat destruction and hunting on mammals over three decades in the Gran Chaco
Authors: Romero‐Muñoz Alfredo , Benítez‐López Ana , Zurell Damaris , Baumann Matthias , Camino Micaela , Decarre Julieta , Castillo Hugo , Giordano Anthony J. , Gómez‐Valencia Bibiana , Levers Christian , Noss Andrew J. , Quiroga Verónica , Thompson J. Jeffrey , Torres Ricardo , Velilla Marianela , Weiler Andrea , Kuemmerle Tobias
Published: April 2020

Habitat destruction and overexploitation are the main threats to biodiversity and where they co‐occur, their combined impact is often larger than their individual one. Yet, detailed knowledge of the spatial footprints of these threats is lacking, including where they overlap and how they change over time. These knowledge gaps are real barriers for effective conservation planning. Here, we develop a novel approach to reconstruct the individual and combined footprints of both threats over time. We combine satellite‐based land‐cover change maps, habitat suitability models and hunting pressure models to demonstrate our approach for the community of larger mammals (48 species > 1 kg) across the 1.1 million km2 Gran Chaco region, a global deforestation hotspot covering parts of Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. This provides three key insights. First, we find that the footprints of habitat destruction and hunting pressure expanded considerably between 1985 and 2015, across ~40% of the entire Chaco – twice the area affected by deforestation. Second, both threats increasingly acted together within the ranges of larger mammals in the Chaco (17% increase on average, ± 20% SD, cumulative increase of co‐occurring threats across 465 000 km2), suggesting large synergistic effects. Conversely, core areas of high‐quality habitats declined on average by 38%. Third, we identified remaining priority areas for conservation in the northern and central Chaco, many of which are outside the protected area network. We also identify hotspots of high threat impacts in central Paraguay and northern Argentina, providing a spatial template for threat‐specific conservation action. Overall, our findings suggest increasing synergistic effects between habitat destruction and hunting pressure in the Chaco, a situation likely common in many tropical deforestation frontiers. Our work highlights how threats can be traced in space and time to understand their individual and combined impact, even in situations where data are sparse.
Insect pollinators show constancy for different flower traits between the most‐ and less‐preferred plants: a case study of the long‐proboscid tangle‐veined fly
Authors: Gao Li‐Fang , Wang Yu‐Jie , Zhang Hai‐Yang , Zhang Wen , Zhang Xiao‐Dan , Zhu Zhen‐Qin , Du Bo
Published: April 2020

The coevolution of insect pollinators and their host plants is a typical example of natural selection; however, how insect pollinators avoid overdependence on one peculiar plant remains unclear. As most insect pollinators exhibit a diet breadth when showing flower constancy, determining the difference and similarity of most and less preferred flowers by insect pollinators may be helpful to understand their trade‐off between flower constancy and overdependence.

This was addressed using the long‐proboscid tangle‐veined fly (Nemetrinus spp.). Dietary investigation indicates that the flies show constancy for the morphological characteristic of the Delphinium caeruleum, which is the most preferred plant for this Nemestrinidae fly that has blue, long‐tubed flowers.

In a colour selection experiment, focal individuals showed obvious preference for white, which is the colour of less preferred flowers by the fly in the natural environment. In a scent selection experiment, focal individuals showed obvious preference for D. caeruleum and Dracocephalum heterophyllum but avoidance to Dasiphora fruticosa and Dasiphora davurica. This indicates that long‐proboscid tangle‐veined flies can forage on other flowers, despite the existing constancy for D. caeruleum, as long as they do not hate the scent. It seems that long‐proboscid tangle‐veined flies can maximise foraging efficiency by showing constancy for the morphological characteristic of the most preferred plant and for the scent and colour of less‐preferred plants.

The trade‐off of long‐proboscid tangle‐veined flies in the selection of nectar sources may be an adaptation to the risk of overdependence on one plant in evolution.
Functional characterization of the antiepileptic drug candidate, padsevonil, on GABAA receptors
Authors: Niespodziany Isabelle , Ghisdal Philippe , Mullier Brice , Wood Martyn , Provins Laurent , Kaminski Rafal M. , Wolff Christian
Published: April 2020

Objective

The antiepileptic drug candidate, padsevonil, is the first in a novel class of drugs designed to interact with both presynaptic and postsynaptic therapeutic targets: synaptic vesicle 2 proteins and γ‐aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs), respectively. Functional aspects of padsevonil at the postsynaptic target, GABAARs, were characterized in experiments reported here.

Methods

The effect of padsevonil on GABA‐mediated Cl− currents was determined by patch clamp on recombinant human GABAARs (α1β2γ2) stably expressed in a CHO‐K1 cell line and on native GABAARs in cultured rat primary cortical neurons. Padsevonil selectivity for GABAAR subtypes was evaluated using a two‐electrode voltage clamp on recombinant human GABAARs (α1‐5/β2/γ2) in Xenopus oocytes.

Results

In recombinant GABAARs, padsevonil did not evoke Cl− currents in the absence of the agonist GABA. However, when co‐administered with GABA at effective concentration (EC)20, padsevonil potentiated GABA responses by 167% (EC50 138 nmol/L) and demonstrated a relative efficacy of 41% compared with zolpidem, a reference benzodiazepine site agonist. Similarly, padsevonil demonstrated GABA‐potentiating activity at native GABAARs (EC50 208 nmol/L) in cultured rat cortical neurons. Padsevonil also potentiated GABA (EC20) responses in GABAARs expressed in oocytes, with higher potency at α1‐ and α5‐containing receptors (EC50 295 and 281 nmol/L) than at α2‐ and α3‐containing receptors (EC50 1737 and 2089 nmol/L). Compared with chlordiazepoxide—a nonselective, full GABAAR agonist—the relative efficacy of padsevonil was 60% for α1β2γ2, 26% for α2β2γ2, 56% for α3β2γ2, and 41% for α5β2γ2; no activity was observed at benzodiazepine‐insensitive α4β2γ2 receptors.

Significance

Results of functional investigations on recombinant and native neuronal GABAARs show that padsevonil acts as a positive allosteric modulator of these receptors, with a partial agonist profile at the benzodiazepine site. These properties may confer better tolerability and lower potential for tolerance development compared with classic benzodiazepines currently used in the clinic.
Deep brain stimulation reduces evoked potentials with a dual time course in freely moving rats: Potential neurophysiological basis for intermittent as an alternative to continuous stimulation
Authors: Sprengers Mathieu , Raedt Robrecht , Larsen Lars Emil , Delbeke Jean , Wadman Wytse Jan , Boon Paul , Vonck Kristl
Published: April 2020

Objective

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an increasingly applied treatment for various neuropsychiatric disorders including drug‐resistant epilepsy, and it may be optimized by rationalizing the stimulation protocol based on increased knowledge of its mechanism of action. We evaluated the effects of minutes to hours of hippocampal DBS on hippocampal evoked potentials (EPs) and local field potentials (LFPs) in freely moving male rats to further investigate some of the previously proposed mechanisms of action.

Methods

Hippocampal high‐frequency (130 Hz) DBS was administered for 0, 1, or 6 min every 10 min for 160 min. Stimulation parameter settings were similar to those that had previously been shown to reduce seizures in epileptic rats. EPs and LFPs were recorded in the stimulation‐free intervals. We investigated both the immediate temporary effects of 1 or 6 min of DBS and the effects of 160 min of intermittent DBS. Input specificity was investigated by using two different stimulation electrodes.

Results

Relatively low DBS intensities corresponding to only 1.8% of the intensity evoking a maximum EP were required to prevent unintended seizure occurrence in healthy rats. Both 1 and 6 min of DBS caused input‐specific short‐lasting (<60 s) reductions (5%‐7%) of the field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) slope (P = .005). We observed longer‐lasting, input‐specific EP reductions during the 160 min intermittent DBS, with statistically significant reductions (3%‐4%) of the fEPSP slope (P = .009‐.018). The LFP spectrogram remained unaltered.

Significance

Deep brain stimulation induced both acute temporary effects compatible with axonal block and/or synaptic depression, and longer‐lasting potentially cumulative EP reductions, suggesting the involvement of homeostatic plasticity or long‐term depression. This dual time course may parallel the different temporal patterns of improvement observed in clinical trials. The longer‐lasting reductions provide a potential neurophysiological basis for the use of intermittent DBS—as typically used in epilepsy patients—as an alternative to continuous DBS.
Integrin αvβ3‐Akt signalling plays a role in radioresistance of melanoma
Authors: Im Hyuntaik , Lee Jeeyong , Ryu Kwon‐Yul , Yi Jae Youn
Published: April 2020

Melanoma is a deadly type of skin cancer that is particularly difficult to treat owing to its resistance to radiation therapy. Here, we attempted to determine the key proteins responsible for melanoma radioresistance, with the aim of improving disease response to radiation therapy. Two melanoma cell lines, SK‐Mel5 and SK‐Mel28, with different radiosensitivities were analysed via RNA‐Seq (Quant‐Seq) and target proteins with higher abundance in the more radioresistant cell line, SK‐Mel28, identified. Among these proteins, integrin αvβ3, a well‐known molecule in cell adhesion, was selected for analysis. Treatment of SK‐Mel28 cells with cilengitide, an integrin αvβ3 inhibitor, as well as γ‐irradiation resulted in more significant cell death than γ‐irradiation alone. In addition, Akt, a downstream signal transducer of integrin αvβ3, showed high basic activation in SK‐Mel28 and was significantly decreased upon co‐treatment with cilengitide and γ‐irradiation. MK‐2206, an Akt inhibitor, exerted similar effects on the SK‐Mel28 cell line following γ‐irradiation. Our results collectively demonstrate that the integrin αvβ3‐Akt signalling pathway contributes to radioresistance in SK‐Mel28 cells, which may be manipulated to improve therapeutic options for melanoma.
A C‐terminal fragment of adhesion protein fibulin‐7 inhibits growth of murine breast tumor by regulating macrophage reprogramming
Authors: Chakraborty Papiya , Dash Shiba Prasad , Dalpati Nibedita , Kumar Puneet , Jain Deepali , Sarangi Pranita P.
Published: April 2020

Recent reports have shown that a C‐terminal fragment of adhesion protein Fibulin7 (Fbln7‐C) could demonstrate both antiangiogenic and anti‐inflammatory activities. The current study investigated the potential of Fbln7‐C as a modulator of tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) and its potential as an anticancer therapeutic. Our in vitro data show that Fbln7‐C could inhibit the tumor cell line (MDA‐MB‐231) supernatant‐induced reprogramming of human monocytes into immunosuppressive TAMs as indicated by higher expression of pERK1/2 and pSTAT1 molecules, and reduced expression of CD206 protein and arg1, ido, and vegf transcripts in monocytes cultured in the presence of Fbln7‐C compared to controls. Interestingly, Fbln7‐C‐treated macrophages retained their altered phenotype even after the removal of Fbln7‐C, and their secretome demonstrated anticancer activities. Finally, in a 4T1‐induced murine breast tumor model, intravenous administration of Fbln7‐C, following the appearance of measurable tumors, significantly reduced the growth and weight of the tumors. Detailed phenotypic analysis of the infiltrated monocyte/macrophage populations (F480+Ly6G−CD11b+) at day 23 postinduction showed a higher percentage of inflammatory monocytes (F480+Ly6ChiCD11b+) and a delayed differentiation into anti‐inflammatory TAMs as evident by their reduced levels of CD206 expression. In conclusion, the above data suggest that Fbln7‐C could regulate the tumor environment‐induced macrophage reprogramming and has the potential for cancer therapeutics.
Hybrid additive manufacturing of the modified electrolyte‐electrode surface of planar solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Salari Farid , Badihi Najafabadi Alireza , Ghatee Mojtaba , Golmohammad Mohammad
Published: April 2020

Digital Control of the surface patterning of functional layers of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), via the inkjet printing technique, offers better efficiency in performance. A combination of inkjet printing and tape casting in a single machine system defines as hybrid additive manufacturing, facilitates printing complex structures. Also, implementing this idea removes the blocking of the print head nozzle orifice issue.

In this paper, a highly dispersed and long‐term stable colloidal zirconia‐based suspension, with optimal printability characteristics, is designed to be prepared in approximately three hours to fabricate the macro patterned structure of the SOFC electrolyte. Hybrid Additive Manufacturing is successfully employed to make a symmetric cathode side cell with a modified electrolyte‐electrode surface to reduce the electron resistivity.
Valorisation of olive oil pomace extracts for a functional pear beverage formulation
Authors: Spizzirri Umile Gianfranco , Carullo Gabriele , Aiello Francesca , Paolino Donatella , Restuccia Donatella
Published: April 2020

Olive pomaces from Southern Italy autochthonous cultivars (Carolea, Nocellara and Roggianella) were eco‐friendly extracted to reach value‐added ingredients for the production of fortified pear beverages. Chemical composition of the extracts was carried out by 1H‐NMR analysis, while antioxidant features were in vitro evaluated. The extracts displayed remarkable scavenger properties against DPPH (IC50 values in the range 0.051–0.171 mg mL−1) and ABTS (IC50 values in the range 0.035–0.047 mg mL−1) radical species. Reactive species in the extracts and inulin chains were involved in an eco‐friendly radical process by grafting reaction to obtain macromolecular conjugates with outstanding antioxidant features, in terms of both antioxidant and scavenging performances, representing an attractive source in the design of functional foods. In this context, the conjugates were employed to enrich pear juice, to achieve reinforced beverages displaying remarkable antioxidant properties in comparison with its non‐functional counterparts, as well as its maintenance over time (20 days).
Evaluation of activated partial thromboplastin time coagulation waveform analysis for identification of patients with acquired factor VIII inhibitors
Authors: McGinnis Eric , Wong Steven K. W. , Smith Tyler W.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Activated partial thromboplastin time (PTT) coagulation waveforms produced by optical detection system coagulation analyzers provide additional potentially useful and routinely underutilized information for the evaluation of a patient's coagulation system. We aimed to identify features of PTT coagulation waveforms, available for all PTT assays performed in our hospital laboratories, that may prove useful in directing early investigations in patients with unexplained prolonged PTT.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 211 PTT coagulation waveforms from patient testing and categorized them based on the underlying hemostatic abnormality: normal, therapeutic anticoagulation, lupus anticoagulant, congenital factor deficiency, or acquired factor VIII inhibitor. We compared quantitative waveform parameters and the frequency of qualitatively abnormal double‐peaked first derivative waveform curves between these groups.

Results

Partial thromboplastin time and derivative curve maxima and minima differed significantly between acquired factor VIII inhibitors and other diagnostic categories, and the second derivative curve minimum demonstrated the highest area under the receiver operator characteristic curve for identification of acquired factor VIII inhibitors (0.860; maximum accuracy: 79.5% for 2Dmin> −39.3 mAbs/s2 [sensitivity 90.5%; specificity 77.2%]). The presence of an abnormal double‐peaked first derivative curve had a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 81.6% for identification of acquired factor VIII inhibitors in cases with PTT >50 seconds.

Conclusion

Partial thromboplastin time coagulation waveform analysis can aid in identification of patients with acquired factor VIII inhibitors and may be of clinical utility in directing early laboratory investigations to identify patients at risk of severe bleeding without prompt intervention.