bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beauty or Beast? Manet's Olympia in the Age of Comparative Anatomy
Authors: McCauley Anne
Published: July 2020

Among the most‐cited jibes directed at Manet’s Olympia in 1865 was a comment by the little𠄉known critic, Amédée Cantaloube, in a short‐lived periodical, Le Grand Journal, that dubbed the reclining nude ‘a kind of gorilla’. Through a close reading of the layered associations with this primate, only named in 1847, this essay locates the painting’s subject within contemporary excitement over the possible capture of a living specimen by adventurer Paul Du Chaillu, and scientific as well as popular debates over the links between humans and higher mammals. Using a piecemeal way of reading the body consistent with the methods of comparative anatomists, critics saw the disjointed body of Olympia as not only that of a prostitute but also sub’human. Cantaloube’s extreme language also reflected repressed fears of interspecies coupling and the linked possibility of miscegenation, particularly topical in light of the end of the Civil War in April 1865.
Interconnectedness in the Australian National Electricity Market: A Higher‐Moment Analysis*
Authors: Do Hung , Nepal Rabindra , Smyth Russell
Published: July 2020

We examine the risk transmission mechanisms in the interconnected Australian National Electricity Market (NEM). We illustrate that the transmission of extreme events should be considered in terms of their magnitude (via skewness) and the likelihood of their occurrence (via kurtosis) when promoting NEM interconnectedness. Our empirical findings suggest that interconnectedness costs can be limited by providing sufficient transmission capacity as it can expand generation capacity. Our results suggest that a 1 per cent increase in NEM generation capacity can decrease the transmission of these risks by between 0.9 and 1.7 per cent, depending on the moment of the electricity return distribution.
Macrofungi: A review of cultivation strategies, bioactivity, and application of mushrooms
Authors: Lu Hongyun , Lou Hanghang , Hu Jingjin , Liu Zhengjie , Chen Qihe
Published: July 2020

The production of macrofungi (mushrooms) as well as their economic value have been steadily increasing globally. The use of functional foods, dietary supplements, and traditional medicines derived from macrofungi is increasing as they have numerous health benefits as well as abundant nutrients. Macrofungi are diverse with complex and highly varied growth conditions and bioactive constituents, most macrofungal resources have not yet been fully explored and applicated, leading to an urgent need for appropriate strategies to address the problem. Increasing attention has been paid to the macrofungal cultivation and application, in particular, potential prebiotics. Herein, the present review comprehensively summarizes recent progress in the cultivation, newly identified bioactive constituents, and their effects on gut microbiota as well as the potential ways in which they affect human health. Moreover, the macrofungal food development is discussed to improve food nutritional value and change the quality characteristics of food. Finally, the review addresses consumer safety concerns and the prospective genetic manipulation of macrofungi. We hope that this review can provide a comprehensive research reference for ensuring the safety and efficacy, along with maximizing the value and profitability of macrofungi production.
Osimertinib for compound EGFR exon 19 deletion/T790M mutated lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Peng MuYun , Wen QiuYuan , Wu Xia , Yu FengLei , Liu WenLiang
Published: July 2020

The role of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status testing in lung squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) remains controversial. Evidence of the effectiveness of osimertinib in SqCC with EGFR T790M mutation is limited. Here, we describe a hitherto unreported case of a stage III SqCC patient with compound mutation of EGFR exon 19 deletion (19Del) and T790M mutation. Pathological complete tumor response was achieved after treatment with osimertinib. We suggest that EGFR mutation testing should be performed in Asian patients who have not been definitively diagnosed with SqCC due to small lung biopsy samples. Osimertinib has shown good efficacy in SqCC harboring a “primary” resistance mechanism (EGFR T790M).

Key points

An unreported case of stage III squamous cell carcinoma with synchronous occurrence of EGFR exon 19 deletion (19Del) and T790M mutation. Complete tumor response was achieved after treatment with osimertinib.

EGFR mutation testing should be performed in Asian patients who are not definitively diagnosed with SqCC due to small lung biopsy samples. Osimertinib has shown good efficacy in SqCC harboring a “primary” resistance mechanism (EGFR T790M).
Demand, challenges, and marketing strategies in the retail promotion of local brand milk
Authors: Liu Yizao , Chen Xuan , Rabinowitz Adam N. , Campbell Benjamin
Published: July 2020

This article addresses the demand and challenges for local brand milk and focuses on the marketing strategies for retail promotion. While federal and state government make efforts to promote local food purchases and consumption at the farm level, local foods face significant distribution challenges in grocers, especially in larger retail stores. Limited shelf space and high pricing by retailers impedes consumers’ purchases and results in weak competitiveness for local brands. Therefore, it is essential for local producers and “buy local” programs to understand what types of promotion and marketing strategies might be more effective in stimulating demand in retail outlets. Using 2010‐2011 Nielsen Retail Scanner data in the Northeast region, we estimate a random‐coefficient discrete choice model of demand to determine the effects of nutritional characteristics, price, packaging, and distribution strategies on the consumers’ choice to purchase locally branded milk. Results show that local brand milk faces significant demand challenges in addition to high prices and limited outlets in competing with lower‐priced products. Marketing strategies, such as price cut, one‐gallon package offering, and expanded presence in retail stores, can significantly stimulate the demand for locally branded milk, with one‐gallon package offering being the most effective strategy.
Populations of in silico myocytes and tissues reveal synergy of multiatrial‐predominant K+‐current block in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ni Haibo , Fogli Iseppe Alex , Giles Wayne R. , Narayan Sanjiv M. , Zhang Henggui , Edwards Andrew G. , Morotti Stefano , Grandi Eleonora
Published: July 2020

Background and Purpose

Pharmacotherapy of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmia, remains unsatisfactory due to low efficacy and safety concerns. New therapeutic strategies target atrial‐predominant ion‐channels and involve multichannel block (poly)therapy. As AF is characterized by rapid and irregular atrial activations, compounds displaying potent antiarrhythmic effects at fast and minimal effects at slow rates are desirable. We present a novel systems pharmacology framework to quantitatively evaluate synergistic anti‐AF effects of combined block of multiple atrial‐predominant K+ currents (ultra‐rapid delayed rectifier K+ current, IKur, small conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ current, IKCa, K2P3.1 2‐pore‐domain K+ current, IK2P) in AF.

Experimental Approach

We constructed experimentally calibrated populations of virtual atrial myocyte models in normal sinus rhythm and AF‐remodelled conditions using two distinct, well‐established atrial models. Sensitivity analyses on our atrial populations was used to investigate the rate dependence of action potential duration (APD) changes due to blocking IKur, IK2P or IKCa and interactions caused by blocking of these currents in modulating APD. Block was simulated in both single myocytes and one‐dimensional tissue strands to confirm insights from the sensitivity analyses and examine anti‐arrhythmic effects of multi‐atrial‐predominant K+ current block in single cells and coupled tissue.

Key Results

In both virtual atrial myocytes and tissues, multiple atrial‐predominant K+‐current block promoted favourable positive rate‐dependent APD prolongation and displayed positive rate‐dependent synergy, that is, increasing synergistic antiarrhythmic effects at fast pacing versus slow rates.

Conclusion and Implications

Simultaneous block of multiple atrial‐predominant K+ currents may be a valuable antiarrhythmic pharmacotherapeutic strategy for AF.
Immunoregulatory effects and therapeutic potential of vitamin D in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Yeh Wei Zhen , Gresle Melissa , Jokubaitis Vilija , Stankovich Jim , van der Walt Anneke , Butzkueven Helmut
Published: July 2020

Initially recognised as an important factor for bone health, vitamin D is now known to have a range of effects on the immune system. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic immune‐mediated demyelinating disease of the CNS. In this review, we explore the links between vitamin D deficiency, MS risk, and disease activity. We also discuss the known immune effects of vitamin D supplementation and the relevance of these observations to the immunopathology of MS. Finally, we review the existing evidence for vitamin D supplementation as an MS therapy, highlighting several recent clinical studies and trials.
Identification of potential modulators of osteosarcoma metastasis by high‐throughput cellular screening of natural products
Authors: Long Sarah A. , Huang Shan , Kambala Anusha , Ren Ling , Wilson Jennifer , Goetz Michael , Hao Xiaojiang , Yang Xiaosheng , Goncharova Ekaterina I. , Jia Libin , LeBlanc Amy , Khanna Chand , Henrich Curtis J. , Beutler John A.
Published: July 2020

A high‐throughput screening assay was developed and applied to a large library of natural product extract samples, in order to identify compounds which preferentially inhibited the in vitro 2D growth of a highly metastatic osteosarcoma cell line (MG63.3) compared to a cognate parental cell line (MG63) with low metastatic potential. Evaluation of differentially active natural product extracts with bioassay‐guided fractionation led to the identification of lovastatin (IC50 = 11 µm) and the limonoid toosendanin (IC50 = 26 nm). Other statins and limonoids were then tested, and cerivastatin was identified as a particularly potent (IC50 < 0.1 µm) and selective agent. These compounds potently and selectively induced apoptosis in MG63.3 cells, but not MG63. Assays with other cell pairs were used to examine the generality of these results. Statins and limonoids may represent unexplored opportunities for development of modulators of osteosarcoma metastasis. As cerivastatin was previously approved for clinical use, it could be considered for repurposing in osteosarcoma, pending validation in further models.
Patch testing with a textile dye mix with and without Disperse Orange 3
Authors: Stenton Joanna , Dahlin Jakob , Antelmi Annarita , Bruze Magnus , Svedman Cecilia , Zimerson Erik , Hamnerius Nils , Pontén Ann , Isaksson Marléne
Published: July 2020

Background

The textile dye mix (TDM) 6.6% pet. contains Disperse Blue (DB) 35, Disperse Yellow 3, Disperse Orange (DO) 1 and 3, Disperse Red 1 and 17, and DB 106 and 124. The most frequent allergen in TDM‐positive patients is DO 3. Around 85% of p‐phenylenediamine (PPD)‐allergic dermatitis patients have shown positive patch test reactions to DO 3. There has been a discussion to exclude DO 3 from TDM 6.6% because of frequent, strong reactions to TDM 6.6% and PPD.

Objectives

To study if DO 3 can be omitted from a TDM.

Methods

Patch tests were performed on 2250 dermatitis patients with TDM 6.6%, TDM 5.6% pet., TDM 7.0% pet., and PPD 1.0% pet.; 122 patients were also patch tested with DO 3 1.0% pet.

Results

Among the 2250 patients patch tested, contact allergy prevalence to TDM 6.6% was 2.4%, to TDM 5.6% 1.8%, and to TDM 7.0% 2.0%. Of the 54 TDM 6.6%‐positive patients, 55.6% reacted to PPD; as much as 42.2% of PPD‐allergic women and 50% of PPD‐allergic men reacted to TDM 6.6%. Of the 17 DO 3‐positive patients, 94.1% showed a positive reaction to PPD.

Conclusion

Results indicate that DO 3 can probably be omitted from TDM, but patch testing with TDM 6.6%, TDM 7.0%, DO 3 1.0%, and PPD 1.0% simultaneously is needed to finally decide whether it is possible or not.
Fishes and cowboy boots: An optimistic view
Authors: de Araujo Lima Constantino Pedro , Silvius Kirsten , Alvarenga Fernanda , Isis Buck Silva Cristina , Kurihara Leonardo , Rossoni Felipe , Torres Ana Claudia , Dias da Costa Antônio Adevaldo , Quizia Corrêa Mota Sara , Nunes Rocha João da Mata , De Vita Silva Santos Bruna , Campos‐Silva João Vitor
Published: July 2020

The community‐based management of Arapaima gigas for sustainable commercial use allows that wild fish legally harvested in the Brazilian Amazon supply the demand for exotic leather in the US, supporting the conservation of the forest and providing income for fishers communities if based in fair‐trade. We provide a more optimistic view than Heinrich et al. (2019) on the effects of international trade of arapaima leather in the conservation of the species in Brazil.
Characterising the increasing prevalence of crystal methamphetamine use in Vancouver, Canada, from 2006–2017: A gender‐based analysis
Authors: Bach Paxton , Hayashi Kanna , Milloy M‐J , Nosova Ekaterina , Kerr Thomas , Wood Evan , Fairbairn Nadia
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Introduction

Methamphetamine use is increasing in North America and is associated with numerous negative health effects and social harms. As drug‐related harms are often gendered, this study sought to examine the differential impacts of gender on the trends, risk factors and health implications of crystal methamphetamine use among a Canadian cohort of people with high rates of injection polysubstance use.

Methods

Data were collected from two prospective cohorts of people who inject drugs in Vancouver, Canada. We examined trends in reported crystal methamphetamine use from 2006–2017 using the Cochrane‐Armitage test for trend. We used multivariable generalised estimating equations, stratified by gender, to determine independent risk factors and health outcomes associated with crystal methamphetamine use.

Results

In total, 1984 participants were included in the study, including 694 (35%) women. The prevalence of reported crystal methamphetamine use within the previous 6 months rose from 19% in 2006 to 36% in 2017, with a rise seen in both genders (P < 0.001). Reported crystal methamphetamine use was associated with numerous risk behaviours and drug‐related harms in both genders, and in women it was associated with an increase in experiences of sexual violence (adjusted odds ratio 1.64, 95% confidence interval 1.18, 2.27).

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate the rising prevalence of reported crystal methamphetamine use in Vancouver in a cohort with high rates of polysubstance use. This work highlights drug and sex‐related risk behaviours associated with crystal methamphetamine use for both genders, and underscores the need to develop strategies to address the growing use of crystal methamphetamine.
Habitat availability and environmental preference drive species range shifts in concordance with climate change
Authors: Li Fengqing , Park Young‐Seuk
Published: July 2020

Aim

A progressive increase in air temperature is recognized as the most important mechanistic driver of species range shifts. However, only a few studies have simultaneously considered the influence of both extrinsic and intrinsic mechanistic drivers; there are still no studies on the roles of extrinsic and intrinsic drivers that regulate such species changes. We investigated how species will shift their geographical ranges to cope with future climate change and analysed the relative importance of the mechanistic drivers in governing species range shifts.

Location

Sixteen countries in South, West and North Europe.

Methods

We used ensemble species distribution models on the European continental scale to predict 105 odonate species in response to climate change in the future decades until 2080s under three emission scenarios. We evaluated the projected changes in four community metrics (distribution area, optimum position, leading edge and trailing edge) and investigated how these changes are driven by extrinsic and intrinsic factors.

Results

The odonate species were predicted to shift their range margins poleward, with a higher migration rate towards the trailing edge (2.38‒10.34 km/year) than the leading edge (1.13‒2.00 km/year). Contrary to the assumption that the response of the odonate species to climate change will linearly accelerate over time, the distribution areas of odonate species were predicted to increase until 2050s and then decline until 2080s under RCP 2.6 (representative concentration pathway). However, their distributions under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 were predicted to decrease over time, with a higher rate under RCP 8.5. Overall, environmental preference and habitat override dispersal ability govern the range shift of odonate species.

Main conclusions

Quantifying the relative importance of extrinsic and intrinsic factors across a large spatial scale under different emission scenarios can help understand the mechanistic processes to facilitate species range shifts.
The development of an epilepsy electronic patient portal: Facilitating both patient empowerment and remote clinician‐patient interaction in a post‐COVID‐19 world
Authors: Power Kevin , McCrea Zita , White Maire , Breen Annette , Dunleavy Brendan , O’Donoghue Sean , Jacquemard Tim , Lambert Veronica , El‐Naggar Hany , Delanty Norman , Doherty Colin , Fitzsimons Mary
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic stresses an urgency to accelerate much‐needed health service reform. Rapid and courageous changes being made to address the immediate impact of the pandemic are demonstrating that the means and technology to enable new models of health care exist. For example, innovations such as electronic patient portals (ePortal) can facilitate (a) radical reform of outpatient care; (b) cost containment in the economically constrained aftermath of the pandemic; (c) environmental sustainability by reduction of unnecessary journeys/transport. Herein, the development of Providing Individualised Services and Care in Epilepsy (PiSCES), an ePortal to the Irish National Epilepsy Electronic Patient Record, is demonstrated. This project, which pre‐dates the COVID‐19 crisis, aims to facilitate better patient‐ and family‐centered epilepsy care.

Methods

A combination of ethnographic research, document analysis, and joint application design sessions was used to elicit PiSCES requirements. From these, a specification of desired modules of functionality was established and guided the software development.

Results

PiSCES functional features include “My Epilepsy Care Summary,” “My Epilepsy Care Goals,” “My Epilepsy Clinic Letters,” “Help Us Measure Your Progress,” “Prepare For Your Clinic Visit,” “Information for Your Healthcare Provider.” The system provides people with epilepsy access to, and engages them as co‐authors of, their own medical record. It can promote improved patient‐clinician partnerships and facilitate patient self‐management.

Significance

In the aftermath of COVID‐19, it is highly unlikely that the healthcare sector will return to a “business as usual” way of delivering services. The pandemic is expected to accelerate adoption of innovations like PiSCES. It is therefore a catalyst for change that will deliver care that is more responsive to individual patient needs and preferences.
Exposure to the predator odor TMT induces early and late differential gene expression related to stress and excitatory synaptic function throughout the brain in male rats
Authors: Tyler Ryan E. , Weinberg Benjamin Z. S. , Lovelock Dennis F. , Ornelas Laura C. , Besheer Joyce
Published: July 2020

Persistent changes in brain stress and glutamatergic function are associated with post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Rodent exposure to the predator odor trimethylthiazoline (TMT) is an innate stressor that produces lasting behavioral consequences relevant to PTSD. As such, the goal of the present study was to assess early (6 hours and 2 days—Experiment 1) and late (4 weeks—Experiment 2) changes to gene expression (RT‐PCR) related to stress and excitatory function following TMT exposure in male, Long‐Evans rats. During TMT exposure, rats engaged in stress reactive behaviors, including digging and immobility. Further, the TMT group displayed enhanced exploration and mobility in the TMT‐paired context 1 week after exposure, suggesting a lasting contextual reactivity. Gene expression analyses revealed upregulated FKBP5 6 hours post‐TMT in the hypothalamus and dorsal hippocampus. Two days after TMT, GRM3 was downregulated in the prelimbic cortex and dorsal hippocampus, but upregulated in the nucleus accumbens. This may reflect an early stress response (FKBP5) that resulted in later glutamatergic adaptation (GRM3). Finally, another experiment 4 weeks after TMT exposure showed several differentially expressed genes known to mediate excitatory tripartite synaptic function in the prelimbic cortex (GRM5, DLG4 and SLC1A3 upregulated), infralimbic cortex (GRM2 downregulated, Homer1 upregulated), nucleus accumbens (GRM7 and SLC1A3 downregulated), dorsal hippocampus (FKBP5 and NR3C2 upregulated, SHANK3 downregulated) and ventral hippocampus (CNR1, GRM7, GRM5, SHANK3 and Homer1 downregulated). These data show that TMT exposure induces stress and excitatory molecular adaptations, which could help us understand the persistent glutamatergic dysfunction observed in PTSD.
Prognostic factors of radiosynovectomy in haemophilia patients with inhibitors: Survival analysis in a 19‐year period
Authors: Koc Basak , Kılıcoglu Onder , Turkmen Cuneyt , Zulfikar Bulent
Published: July 2020

Introduction

People with haemophilia (PwH) with inhibitors have an increased risk of bleeding and early development of progressive arthropathy. Radiosynovectomy (RS) has been effective in dramatically reducing the frequency of haemarthroses. In the present study, the mid‐ and long‐term results of the efficacy of RS in PwHs with inhibitors and prognostic factors that influence success and failure of RS were presented.

Material and Method

Radiosynovectomy was performed in 51 joints of 22 PwHs with inhibitors diagnosed with chronic haemophilic synovitis between January 2000 and December 2018. Two patients were lost to follow‐up and four joints were excluded. Number of bleeding episodes within the pre‐ and post‐treatment 6 months were documented. Treatment failure was defined as need for repeat RS injection.

Results

Results of 47 RS were analysed. The mean bleeding frequency of the joints was 11.2 ± 6.2 (median 9) within the last 6 months in the pre‐treatment evaluation. After the treatment, the mean bleeding frequency of the joints decreased to 1.2 ± 2.8 (median 0) for first 6 months (P < .0001). The cumulative survival rate at 12 months was 87% and 78% at 36 months. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that cut‐off points of 12 bleeding episodes within the last 6 months (sensitivity, 71.4; specificity, 81.8 P = .0022) and an inhibitor titre of 63.4 BU (sensitivity, 57.1; specificity, 75.8; P = .31) were threshold levels for a predisposition for failure.

Conclusion

Radiosynovectomy is an effective and safe intervention in PwHs with inhibitors. Bleeding frequency is a prognostic marker for the success of RS treatment. Patients who have more than 12 bleeding episodes within the last 6 months before the RS treatment have a higher rate of failure.
Haemophilia care in China: Achievements in the past decade
Authors: Dou Xueqing , Poon Man‐Chiu , Yang Renchi
Published: July 2020

There is a large population of people with haemophilia in China. However, the development of haemophilia care in China lagged far behind developed countries and was unbalanced across different regions. With the establishment of the Hemophilia Treatment Center Collaborative Network of China (HTCCNC) in 2004 and its collaboration with the Chinese government, the World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH), non‐profit foundations, industries, and experts from other countries, haemophilia care in China have made considerable strides in building capacity. The HTCCNC helped develop clinics throughout the country, promote multidisciplinary care, promote prophylaxis (albeit low‐dose), advance clinical evaluation and treatment, and research. With many collaborative efforts in the past decade, haemophilia care in China has entered a new stage of development. In this review, we summarize these major achievements and efforts within the last decade.
Helicobacter pylori release from yeast as a vesicle‐encased or free bacterium
Authors: Heydari Samira , Siavoshi Farideh , Jazayeri Mir Hadi , Sarrafnejad Abdolfattah , Saniee Parastoo
Published: July 2020

Background

Yeast has been suggested as a potent reservoir of H. pylori that facilitates bacterial spread within human populations. What mechanism ensures effective H. pylori release from yeast? Here, H. pylori release from yeast as a vesicle‐encased or free bacterium was studied.

Materials and methods

Liquid culture of Candida yeast was examined by light, fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy methods to observe the released vesicles. Vesicles were isolated and examined by TEM. Immunogold labeling was used for detection of H. pylori‐specific proteins in vesicles’ membrane. Free bacterial cells, released from yeast, were separated by immunomagnetic separation and observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). DNA of bead‐bound bacteria was used for amplification of H. pylori‐16S rDNA. Viability of bead‐bound bacteria was examined by live/dead stain and cultivation on Brucella blood agar.

Results

Microscopic observations showed that vesicles contained bacterium‐like structures. Thin sections showed release of vesicle‐encased or free bacterium from yeast. Immunogold labeling revealed occurrence of H. pylori proteins in vesicles’ membrane. FESEM showed attachment of H. pylori cells to magnetic beads. Sequencing of 521 bp PCR product confirmed the identity of bead‐bound H. pylori. Live/dead staining showed viability of bead‐bound H. pylori but the result of culture was negative.

Conclusions

Escape of intracellular H. pylori from yeast as a membrane‐bound or free bacterium indicates that H. pylori uses safe exit mechanisms that do not damage the host which is the principle of symbiotic associations. In human stomach, certain conditions may stimulate yeast cells to release H. pylori as a vesicle‐encased or free bacterium.
Quantifying rice yield gaps and their causes in Eastern and Southern Africa
Authors: Senthilkumar Kalimuthu , Rodenburg Jonne , Dieng Ibnou , Vandamme Elke , Sillo Fitta Silas , Johnson Jean‐Martial , Rajaona Arisoa , Ramarolahy Jemima Amielle , Gasore Rene , Abera Bayuh Belay , Kajiru Geophrey J. , Mghase Jerome , Lamo Jimmy , Rabeson Raymond , Saito Kazuki
Published: July 2020

The demand for rice in Eastern and Southern Africa is rapidly increasing because of changes in consumer preferences and urbanization. However, local rice production lags behind consumption, mainly due to low yield levels. In order to set priorities for research and development aimed at improving rice productivity, there is a need to characterize the rice production environments, to quantify rice yield gaps—that is, the difference between average on‐farm yield and the best farmers’ yield—and to identify causes of yield gaps. Such information will help identifying and targeting technologies to alleviate the main constraints, and consequently to reduce existing yield gaps. Yield gap surveys were conducted on 357 rice farms at eight sites (19–50 farmers per site) across five rice‐producing countries in Eastern and Southern Africa—that is Ethiopia, Madagascar, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda—for one or two years (2012–13) to collect both quantitative and qualitative data at field and farm level. Average farm yields measured at the eight sites ranged from 1.8 to 4.3 t/ha and the average yield gap ranged from 0.8 to 3.4 t/ha. Across rice‐growing environments, major causes for yield variability were straw management, weeding frequency, growth duration of the variety, weed cover, fertilizer (mineral and organic) application frequency, levelling and iron toxicity. Land levelling increased the yield by 0.74 t/ha, bird control increased the yield by 1.44 t/ha, and sub‐optimal management of weeds reduced the yield by 3.6 to 4.4 t/ha. There is great potential to reduce the current rice yield gap in ESA, by focusing on improvements of those crop management practices that address the main site‐specific causes for sub‐optimal yields.
Opportunities and Challenges in Collaborative Reform Practice: School–Community Partnerships through Art in Korean Schools
Authors: Paek Kyong‐Mi
Published: July 2020

The Korean government’s policy toward art in schools and educational autonomy has recently undergone major directional changes, with the Ministry of Education (MOE) encouraging individual schools to find their own ways to become more self‐regenerating, especially by developing community partnerships through art. This recently published policy direction has the potential to challenge traditional school practice as it demands an initiative role of schools and the active involvement of teachers in building partnerships with local communities. Concerned about the impact of the new school art policy on practice, this article attempts to clarify the opportunities and challenges involved in the expected collaborative reform practice by examining the outcomes reported by pilot schools based on their first year of implementing the new school art policy. To this end, this article first identifies the distinctive aspects of the new policy from previous studies on school–community partnerships developed in Korea over the past decade. This is followed by an identification of practical issues and needs by reviewing the outcomes of recent survey results on the perceptions of teachers who participated in conventional school–community partnership programmes. These results will be compared to the problems found in the outcomes reported by pilot schools. Findings will be discussed to assess implications and provide suggestions. This contextual analysis of practitioners’ responses to new art‐based collaborative reform practices developing in Korea may contribute to an expansion of international discussions about educational reform through art.
Gamete Donation, the Responsibility Objection, and Procreative Responsibilities
Authors: Brandt Reuven
Published: July 2020

Sophisticated arguments advanced by Harry Silverstein, David Boonin, and Jeff McMahan attempt to show that being responsible for an individual's existence need not result in an obligation to ensure that the needs of that individual are satisfied. While these arguments take place within the abortion debate, by extension they threaten causal accounts of procreative responsibility more generally. In this article, I defend causal accounts of procreative responsibility by showing that these arguments do not succeed, but without thereby undermining the permissibility of abortion. Further, while being causally involved in the existence of a person is not sufficient for acquiring procreative responsibilities, I argue that there is an especially strong case for ascribing such responsibilities to gamete donors.
Acriflavine targets oncogenic STAT5 signaling in myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Hallal Rawan , Nehme Rawan , Brachet‐Botineau Marie , Nehme Ali , Dakik Hassan , Deynoux Margaux , Dello Sbarba Persio , Levern Yves , Zibara Kazem , Gouilleux Fabrice , Mazurier Frédéric
Published: July 2020

Acriflavine (ACF) is an antiseptic with anticancer properties, blocking the growth of solid and haematopoietic tumour cells. Moreover, this compound has been also shown to overcome the resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents. ACF has been shown to target hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs) activity, which are key effectors of hypoxia‐mediated chemoresistance. In this study, we showed that ACF inhibits the growth and survival of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cell lines in normoxic conditions. We further demonstrated that ACF down‐regulates STAT5 expression in CML and AML cells but activates STAT3 in CML cells in a HIF‐independent manner. In addition, we demonstrated that ACF suppresses the resistance of CML cells to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as imatinib. Our data suggest that the dual effect of ACF might be exploited to eradicate de novo or acquired resistance of myeloid leukaemia cells to chemotherapy.
5‐Lipoxygenase promotes epithelial–mesenchymal transition through the ERK signaling pathway in gastric cancer
Authors: Lin Hao , Weng Junyong , Mei Haitao , Zhuang Mingkai , Xiao Xinzhu , Du Fan , Lin Liying , Wu Juhua , Chen Zhixin , Huang Yuehong , Chen Fenglin , Wang Xiaozhong
Published: July 2020

Background and Aim

5‐Lipoxygenase has been reported to enhance cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition is considered an important process for tumor metastasis and invasion.

Methods

The 5‐lipoxygenase expression levels and the prognoses in patients with gastric cancer were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and by the log‐rank test on Kaplan–Meier curves. We established 5‐lipoxygenase‐overexpressed and 5‐lipoxygenase‐silenced gastric cancer cells and measured migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition makers to examine the role of 5‐lipoxygenase in gastric cancer in vitro. In vivo, 5‐lipoxygenase‐overexpressed gastric cancer cells were administered into mice by subcutaneous injection, intraperitoneal injection or splenic intravenous injection to study the proliferation or metastasis of 5‐lipoxygenase in mice. Using the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase pathway inhibitor U0126 and activator tumor growth factor‐β, we investigated the mechanism of epithelial–mesenchymal transition induced by 5‐lipoxygenase in gastric cancer cells.

Results

5‐Lipoxygenase was upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and was related to poor overall survival in gastric cancer patients. 5‐Lipoxygenase promoted gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and induced the process of epithelial–mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer cells. In the nude mouse model, mice with gastric cancer tumors overexpressing 5‐LOX had a faster tumor growth rate and more severe abdominal and liver metastases than the control group. Inhibition of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signaling by U0126 or activation by tumor growth factor‐β neutralized the effect of 5‐LOX overexpression or silencing on epithelial–mesenchymal transition.

Conclusion

5‐Lipoxygenase promotes epithelial–mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer by activating the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signaling pathway.
Recent advances in the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection for special populations and remaining problems
Authors: Suda Goki , Sakamoto Naoya
Published: July 2020

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the primary causes of liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver transplantation (LT). The rate of HCV infection is high in patients on hemodialysis and in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In liver transplant patients with HCV infection, recurrent HCV infection of the transplanted liver is universal and results in rapid liver fibrosis progression. In patients with HCV/HIV coinfection as well, liver fibrosis advances rapidly. Thus, there is an urgent need for prompt HCV infection treatment in these special populations (i.e. HIV/HCV coinfection, HCV infection after LT, and dialysis patients). Interferon (IFN)‐based therapy for HCV infection could not achieve a high rate of sustained viral response and could cause severe adverse events in the aforementioned special populations. Direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) have recently been developed, and clinical trials have shown that IFN‐free DAA‐based therapies are associated with a significantly better safety and therapeutic profile than IFN‐based therapies. However, the majority of the initial DAA trials excluded special populations; thus, the efficacy and safety of IFN‐free DAA‐based therapy in special populations remained to be clearly established. Although recent clinical trials and clinical studies have shown the high efficacy and safety of this therapy even in special populations, several unresolved problems, including emergence of resistance‐associated variants after failure to respond to DAAs and HCC occurrence after DAA therapy, still exist. Hence, in this review, we discuss the recent advances in anti‐HCV therapy for special populations and the remaining problems regarding this therapy.
The intraspecific diversity of tooth morphology in the large‐spotted catshark Scyliorhinus stellaris: insights into the ontogenetic cues driving sexual dimorphism
Authors: Berio Fidji , Evin Allowen , Goudemand Nicolas , Debiais‐Thibaud Mélanie
Published: July 2020

Teeth in sharks are shed and replaced throughout their lifetime. Morphological dental changes through ontogeny have been identified in several species and have been correlated with shifts in diet and the acquisition of sexual maturity. However, these changes were rarely quantified in detail along multiple ontogenetic stages, which makes it difficult to infer the developmental processes responsible for the observed plasticity. In this work, we use micro‐computed tomography and 3D geometric morphometrics to describe and analyze the tooth size and shape diversity across three ontogenetic stages (hatchling, juvenile, and sexually mature) in the large‐spotted catshark Scyliorhinus stellaris (Linnaeus, 1758). We first describe the intra‐individual variation of tooth form for each sex at each ontogenetic stage. We provide a tooth morphospace for palatoquadrate and Meckelian teeth and identify dental features, such as relative size and number of cusps, involved in the range of variation of the observed morphologies. We then use these shape data to draw developmental trajectories between ontogenetic stages and for each tooth position within the jaw to characterize ontogenetic patterns of sexual dimorphism. We highlight the emergence of gynandric heterodonty between the juvenile and mature ontogenetic stages, with mature females having tooth morphologies more similar to juveniles’ than mature males that display regression in the number of accessory cusps. From these data, we speculate on the developmental processes that could account for such developmental plasticity in S. stellaris.
Familial Incarceration, Social Role Combinations, and Mental Health Among African American Women
Authors: Patterson Evelyn J. , Talbert Ryan D. , Brown Tony N.
Published: July 2020

Objective

The current study uses insights from the stress process model and role theory to examine the relationship between familial incarceration, three key social roles—spouse, parent, and employee—and African American women's mental health.

Background

Research documents the spillover effects of mass incarceration on the families of those incarcerated. Approximately half of black women have at least one family member currently incarcerated; yet the potential psychological costs of familial incarceration among black women remains under‐investigated, particularly among those who are not parents.

Method

Utilizing the National Survey of American Life, a nationally representative sample of never‐incarcerated African American women (N = 1,961), this study used regression to examine the association of mental health (measured by psychological distress and depressive symptomatology), familial incarceration, and combinations of social roles.

Results

Familial incarceration was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms and psychological distress. Women that were employed only typically had improved psychological adjustment compared to other role combinations; yet, employment did not mute the mental health costs of familial incarceration.

Conclusion

African American women disproportionately experience the incarceration of family members, and the findings demonstrate that this experience is detrimental to mental health. Though social roles variably provide social, psychological, and economic resources to cope with familial incarceration, results show that the mental health costs of incarceration are generally consistent across role combinations. The expansive criminal justice system holds large implications for the well‐being of populations at the intersection of race, gender, and social roles.
When to install the endodontic post? First visit with root canal filling versus a separate second visit for post‐restoration: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Eyuboglu Tan Firat , Kim Hyeon‐Cheol
Published: July 2020

Background

The vibrations created by post‐space preparation during the first visit for endodontic treatment could have a significant effect on the intensity of post‐operative pain than that association with post‐space preparation at the second appointment.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vibrations generated during post‐installation, on post‐operative pain in endodontically treated teeth.

Methods

One hundred patients with asymptomatic teeth requiring primary root canal treatment and post‐installation were enrolled in this study. Fifty patients underwent endodontic treatment with post‐installation at the first visit (group 1), while the remaining 50 patients underwent post‐installation at the second visit (group 2). The intensity of post‐operative pain in both groups was evaluated 1, 2, 3 days and 1 week after the first visit using the visual analogue scale. The time required to achieve complete pain relief for each patient was also recorded. The patients' age, sex, tooth type, size of the periapical lesion and time required for complete post‐operative pain relief for each tooth were recorded.

Results

The pain intensity score was significantly higher in group 1 than group 2 (P < .05). No significant differences were observed in parameters such as sex, tooth type, jaw and size of the periapical lesion (P > .05), whereas age had a significant effect on the post‐operative pain scores (P < .05).

Conclusion

Vibrations occurring during post‐installation on the same visit as that of root canal filling may increase the post‐operative pain.
The free listing task for describing the sensory profiling of dairy foods: A case study with microfiltered goat whey orange juice beverage
Authors: Vieira Alexandre H. , Balthazar Celso F. , Rocha Ramon S. , Silva Ramon , Guimaraes Jonas T. , Pagani Mônica M. , Pimentel Tatiana C. , Esmerino Erick A. , Silva Márcia C. , Tonon Renata V. , Cabral Lourdes M. , Freitas Mônica Q. , Cruz Adriano G.
Published: July 2020

The sensory profiling using free listing task and consumer acceptance of a goat whey orange juice (GWOJ) beverage processed by microfiltration (20, 30, 40, and 50°C) or conventional pasteurization were investigated. Free listing task allowed the discrimination of the beverages based on the type of processing (pasteurization or microfiltration) and microfiltration temperature. The pasteurized beverage had yellow color, orange aroma and flavor, and a more viscous texture, whereas the microfiltered beverages had green color, bitter taste, sweet taste, fermented flavor, and liquid texture. Lower microfiltration temperatures improved the orange color and fermented aroma, with similar consumer acceptance to the pasteurized product, whereas higher temperatures increased the acid, citric, and whey aromas and decreased the consumer acceptance. Overall, free listing task was a suitable methodology for discriminating beverages submitted to different processing, and microfiltration (20 or 30°C) is an interesting option for GWOJ beverages, resulting in products with adequate sensory properties.

Practical application

Our study indicates that the free listing task was a suitable methodology to discriminate GWOJ beverages based on the type of processing (pasteurization or microfiltration) and microfiltration temperature. Furthermore, it can be used to identify the most important attributes for consumers, which were liquid texture, orange color, fermented aroma, and orange flavor for GWOJ and should be considered in the manufacture of this type of product. Finally, it demonstrated that membrane technologies, as microfiltration, could be used in the manufacture of dairy foods, in particular GWOJ, with adequate sensory performance. These findings can be an incentive to the dairy industry to consider microfiltration as an adequate technology to be used in whey beverages processing and free listing task as an easy and fast sensory methodology for sensory description of dairy products.
Quinones as preventive agents in Alzheimer’s diseases: focus on NLRP3 inflammasomes
Authors: Chen Da-bao , Gao Hua-wu , Peng Cheng , Pei Shao-qiang , Dai An-ran , Yu Xue-ting , Zhou Peng , Wang Yan , Cai Biao
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a hidden neurological degenerative disease, which main clinical manifestations are cognitive dysfunction, memory impairment and mental disorders. Neuroinflammation is considered as a basic response of the central nervous system. NLRP3 (Nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat (NLR) and pyrin domain containing receptor 3) inflammasome is closely related to the occurrence of neuroinflammation. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome results in the release of cytokines, pore formation and ultimately pyroptosis, which has demonstrated one of the critical roles in AD pathogenesis. Inhibition of the activity of NLRP3 is one of the focuses of the research. Therefore, NLRP3 represents an attractive pharmacological target, and discovery compounds with good NLRP3 inhibitory activity are particularly important.

Key findings

Quinones have good neuroprotective effects and prevent AD, which may be related to their regulation of inflammatory response. The molecular docking was used to explore 12 quinones with AD prevention and treatment and NLRP3. Docking results showed that the combination of anthraquinones and NLRP3 were the best, and the top two chemical compounds were Purpurin and Rhein, which are the most promising NLRP3 inhibitors.

These quinones may provide the theoretical basis for finding lead compounds for novel neuroprotective agents.
Robust discrimination between long‐range dependence and a change in mean
Authors: Gerstenberger Carina
Published: July 2020

In this article we introduce a robust to outliers Wilcoxon change‐point testing procedure, for distinguishing between short‐range dependent time series with a change in mean at unknown time and stationary long‐range dependent time series. We establish the asymptotic distribution of the test statistic under the null hypothesis for L1 near epoch dependent processes and show its consistency under the alternative. The Wilcoxon‐type testing procedure similarly as the CUSUM‐type testing procedure (of Berkes I., Horváth L., Kokoszka P. and Shao Q. 2006. Ann.Statist. 34:1140–1165), requires estimation of the location of a possible change‐point, and then using pre‐ and post‐break subsamples to discriminate between short and long‐range dependence. A simulation study examines the empirical size and power of the Wilcoxon‐type testing procedure in standard cases and with disturbances by outliers. It shows that in standard cases the Wilcoxon‐type testing procedure behaves equally well as the CUSUM‐type testing procedure but outperforms it in presence of outliers. We also apply both testing procedure to hydrologic data.