bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INPP5Dexpression is associated with risk for Alzheimer’s disease and induced by plaque-associated microglia
Authors: Tsai Andy P. , Lin Peter Bor-Chian , Dong Chuanpeng , Moutinho Miguel , Casali Brad T. , Liu Yunlong , Lamb Bruce T. , Landreth Gary E. , Oblak Adrian L. , Nho Kwangsik
Published: September 2020

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, robust microgliosis, neuroinflammation, and neuronal loss. Genome-wide association studies recently highlighted a prominent role for microglia in late-onset AD (LOAD). Specifically, inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase (INPP5D), also known as SHIP1, is selectively expressed in brain microglia and has been reported to be associated with LOAD. AlthoughINPP5Dis likely a crucial player in AD pathophysiology, its role in disease onset and progression remains unclear.

Methods

We performed differential gene expression analysis to investigateINPP5Dexpression in LOAD and its association with plaque density and microglial markers using transcriptomic (RNA-Seq) data from the Accelerating Medicines Partnership for Alzheimer’s Disease (AMP-AD) cohort. We also performed quantitative real-time PCR, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence assays to assess INPP5D expression in the 5xFAD amyloid mouse model.

Results

Differential gene expression analysis found thatINPP5Dexpression was upregulated in LOAD and positively correlated with amyloid plaque density. In addition, in 5xFAD mice,Inpp5dexpression increased as the disease progressed, and selectively in plaque-associated microglia. IncreasedInpp5dexpression levels in 5xFAD mice were abolished entirely by depleting microglia with the colony-stimulating factor receptor-1 antagonist PLX5622.

Conclusions

Our findings show thatINPP5Dexpression increases as AD progresses, predominantly in plaque-associated microglia. Importantly, we provide the first evidence that increasedINPP5Dexpression might be a risk factor in AD, highlightingINPP5Das a potential therapeutic target. Moreover, we have shown that the 5xFAD mouse model is appropriate for studyingINPP5Din AD.
Identification of activity-inducedEgr3-dependent genes reveals genes associated with DNA damage response and schizophrenia
Authors: Marballi Ketan K , Alganem Khaled , Brunwasser Samuel J , Barkatullah Arhem , Meyers Kimberly T , Campbell Janet M , Mccullumsmith Robert R , Gallitano Amelia L
Published: September 2020

Bioinformatics and network studies have identified the immediate early gene transcription factor early growth response 3 (EGR3) as a master regulator of genes differentially expressed in the brains of patients with neuropsychiatric illnesses ranging from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder to Alzheimer’s disease. However, few studies have identified and validatedEgr3-dependent genes in the mammalian brain. We have previously shown thatEgr3is required for stress-responsive behavior, memory, and hippocampal long-term depression in mice. To identifyEgr3-dependent genes that may regulate these processes, we conducted an expression microarray on hippocampi from wildtype (WT) andEgr3-/-mice following electroconvulsive seizure (ECS), a stimulus that induces maximal expression of immediate early genes includingEgr3. We identified 71 genes that were differentially expressed between WT andEgr3-/-mice one hour following ECS. Bioinformatic analyses showed that many of these are altered in schizophrenia. Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed the GADD45 (growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible) family (Gadd45b, Gadd45g) as the leading category of differentially expressed genes. Together with differentially expressed genes in the AP-1 transcription factor family genes (Fos, Fosb), and the centromere organization proteinCenpa, these results revealed thatEgr3is required for activity-dependent expression of genes involved in the DNA damage response. Our findings implicate EGR3 as gene critical for the expression of genes that are disrupted in schizophrenia and reveal a novel requirement for EGR3 in the expression of genes involved in activity-induced DNA damage response.
The nuclear cap-binding complex as choreographer of gene transcription and pre-mRNA processing
Authors: Rambout Xavier , Maquat Lynne E.
Published: September 2020

The largely nuclear cap-binding complex (CBC) binds to the 5′ caps of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII)-synthesized transcripts and serves as a dynamic interaction platform for a myriad of RNA processing factors that regulate gene expression. While influence of the CBC can extend into the cytoplasm, here we review the roles of the CBC in the nucleus, with a focus on protein-coding genes. We discuss differences between CBC function in yeast and mammals, covering the steps of transcription initiation, release of RNAPII from pausing, transcription elongation, cotranscriptional pre-mRNA splicing, transcription termination, and consequences of spurious transcription. We describe parameters known to control the binding of generic or gene-specific cofactors that regulate CBC activities depending on the process(es) targeted, illustrating how the CBC is an ever-changing choreographer of gene expression.
p53 tetramerization: at the center of the dominant-negative effect of mutant p53
Authors: Gencel-Augusto Jovanka , Lozano Guillermina
Published: September 2020

The p53 tumor suppressor functions as a tetrameric transcription factor to regulate hundreds of genes—many in a tissue-specific manner. Missense mutations in cancers in the p53 DNA-binding and tetramerization domains cement the importance of these domains in tumor suppression. p53 mutants with a functional tetramerization domain form mixed tetramers, which in some cases have dominant-negative effects (DNE) that inactivate wild-type p53. DNA damage appears necessary but not sufficient for DNE, indicating that upstream signals impact DNE. Posttranslational modifications and protein–protein interactions alter p53 tetramerization affecting transcription, stability, and localization. These regulatory components limit the dominant-negative effects of mutant p53 on wild-type p53 activity. A deeper understanding of the molecular basis for DNE may drive development of drugs that release WT p53 and allow tumor suppression.
Total RNA Isolation from Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Green Michael R. , Sambrook Joseph
Published: September 2020

Of the methods available for extracting total RNA from Drosophila, monophasic lysis reagents (such as TRIzol) yield consistent and reliable results and are considerably cheaper than other kit-based techniques for RNA isolation. In this protocol, up to 50 mg of Drosophila tissue is homogenized in a microcentrifuge tube using a plastic pestle in the presence of the monophasic lysis reagent. For larger amounts of starting material, homogenization can be performed using a mortar and pestle or a Dounce homogenizer, and the rest of the protocol can be readily scaled up.
Raising Antibodies for Use in Xenopus
Authors: Piccinni Maya Z. , Guille Matthew J.
Published: September 2020

For work in Xenopus, frog-specific antibodies must usually be raised, although a few antibodies against mammalian proteins cross-react. To produce an immunogen for antibody production, human embryonic kidney (HEK) expression systems can be used as described here. For most laboratories, the actual method of raising the antibody is determined by local ethical regulations controlling the adjuvant and injection protocols used. Because these steps are often outsourced, they are not included in this protocol.
Application of fuzzy DEA and machine learning algorithms in efficiency estimation of paddy producers of rural Eastern India
Authors: Nandy Anirban , Singh Piyush Kumar
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) has wide applications in the agricultural sector to evaluate the efficiency with crisp input and output data. However, in agricultural production, impreciseness and uncertainty in data are common. As a result, the data obtained from farmers vary. This impreciseness in crisp data can be represented in fuzzy sets. This paper aims to employ a combination of fuzzy data envelopment analysis (FDEA) approach to yield crisp DEA efficiency values by converting the fuzzy DEA model into a linear programming problem and machine learning algorithms for better evaluation and prediction of the variables affecting the farm efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

DEA applications are focused on the use of a common two-step approach to find crucial factors that affect efficiency. It is important to identify impactful variables for minimizing production adversities. In this study, first, FDEA was applied for efficiency estimation and ranking of the paddy growers. Second, the support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF) were used for identifying the key leading factors in efficiency prediction.

Findings

The proposed research was conducted with 450 paddy growers. In comparison to the general DEA approach, the FDEA model evaluates fuzzy DEA efficiency giving the user the flexibility to measure the performance at different possibility levels.

Originality/value

The use of machine learning applications introduces advanced strategies and important factors influencing agricultural production, which may help future research in farms' performance.
Exploring integrated supply chain performance in healthcare: a service provider perspective
Authors: Srivastava Shefali , Singh Rohit Kr
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The paper identifies the antecedents and consequences of integrated supply chain performance (ISCP) in healthcare systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a review of the literature constructs of supply chain flexibility (SCF), employee relationships (ERs), organizational orientation (OO) and knowledge exchange (KE) were identified as antecedents of ISCP, and patient centricity (PC) emerged as its consequence. This structural relationship was tested using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

ERs, SCF, OO and KE positively impacted the performance of an integrated healthcare supply chain. Furthermore, enhanced ISCP in operational processes of the hospital positively influenced patient centeredness and care quality.

Research limitations/implications

Paper contributes by identifying antecedents and consequences of ISCP. Future researchers may explore the inter-relationships among the antecedents of ISCP.

Practical implications

Insights from this study will help practitioners in enhancing hospital operations by integrating processes along the healthcare service supply chain and developing a patient-centric approach.

Social implications

This paper highlights how PC may be achieved by focusing on a facilitative internal environment. This understanding may help in designing processes that deliver health as a social good in an effective manner.

Originality/value

The empirical evidence from this study can help hospitals integrate their functions, thus, enabling them to deliver quality care.
Bank performance variability and strands of inflationary conditions
Authors: Abaidoo Rexford , Anyigba Hod
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study seeks to examine the extent to which strands of inflationary related conditions (inflation expectations, inflation uncertainty and realized inflation); macroeconomic uncertainty and the likelihood of recessionary conditions influence performance indicators in the US banking sector over a specified time period.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts seemingly unrelated regression model (SUR) advanced by Zellner (1962) in its examination of how specific strands of inflationary conditions, and other adverse macroeconomic conditions influence performance dynamics in the US banking sector.

Findings

Empirical evidence suggest that among various adverse macroeconomic conditions examined, inflation expectations and macroeconomic uncertainty tend to have significant constraining impact on key performance indicators in the US banking sector than other conditions examined. Comparatively, this study finds that inflation expectations and macroeconomic uncertainty tend to have much more constraining impact on return on equity, than on return on assets in the US banking sector. Results further suggest that among the three bank performance indicators examined, net interest margin is the least vulnerable bank performance indicator to various adverse macroeconomic conditions examined in the study.

Practical implications

Apart from the various empirical results noted above, this study's findings are projected to help inform strategic planning decisions among institutions in the banking sector. The various findings could, for instance, inform policies and operational strategies geared toward reducing vulnerability associated with specific performance indicators such as return on equity. This reduction could be achieved by critically examining how the various performance indicators react to individual adverse macroeconomic conditions examined in this study. The process could ultimately help in developing tailored measures/procedures aimed at reducing how susceptible key performance indicators are to the various adverse macroeconomic conditions. This study's findings could also provide the platform for more adaptive policies aimed at minimizing the effects of noted macroeconomic conditions on operational efficiency in the banking sector.

Originality/value

The uniqueness of this study, compared to related ones found in the literature, stems from its treatment of three variant of related strands of macroeconomic condition (different variant of inflationary conditions) in the same framework in its empirical analysis.
Graduate Attributes Assessment Program
Authors: ElAtia Samira , Ipperciel Donald , Zaiane Osmar , Bakhshinategh Behdad , Thibaudeau Patrick
Published: September 2020

Purpose

In this paper, the challenging and thorny issue of assessing graduate attributes (GAs) is addressed. An interdisciplinary team at The University of Alberta ----developed a formative model of assessment centered on students and instructor interaction with course content.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper starts by laying the theoretical groundwork on which this novel GA assessment tool is based, that is, competency-based education, assessment theory and GA assessment. It follows with a description of the online assessment tool for GAs that was developed in the course of this project.

Findings

The online assessment tool for GAs targets three types of stakeholders: (1) students, who self-assess in terms of GAs, (2) instructors, who use the tool to define the extent to which each GA should be inculcated in their course and (3) administrators, who receive aggregate reports based on the data gathered by the system for high-level analysis and decision-making. Collected data by students and professors advance formative assessment of these transversal skills and assist administration in ensuring the GAs are addressed in academic programs. Graduate attributes assessment program (GAAP) is also a space for students to build a personal portfolio that would be beneficial to highlight their skills for potential employers.

Research limitations/implications

This research has strong implications for the universities, since it can help institutions, academics and students achieve better results in their practices. This is done by demonstrating strong links between theory and practice. Although this tool has only been used within the university setting by students, instructors and administrators (for self-, course and teaching and program improvement), it could increase its social and practical impact by involving potential employers and increase our understanding of student employability. Moreover, because the tool collects data on a continuous basis, it lends itself to many possible applications in educational data mining,

Practical implications

The GAAP can be used and adapted to various educational contexts. The plugin can be added to any Learning Management System (LMS), and students can have access to their data and results throughout their education.

Social implications

The GAAP allows institutions to provide a longitudinal formative assessment of students’ graduate attributes acquisition. It provides solid and valid evidence of students’ progress in a way that would advance society and citizenship.

Originality/value

To date, the GAAP is the first online interactive platform that has been developed to longitudinally assess the acquisition of GAs during a complete academic cycle/cohort. It provides a unique space where students and instructors interact with assessment scales and with concrete data for a complete university experience profile.
Constructing early childhood leadership models in China: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Wang Mo , Ho Dora , Lu Jiafang , Yang Dongmei
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to construct a scale that is contextually suitable for measuring early childhood leadership in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a standard scale development procedure, both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were addressed. Qualitative data was collected from 21 semistructured interviews with formal and informal teacher leaders in Xiamen City, China. Using survey data of 120 respondents and 305 respondents, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted twice to determine the underlying factorial structure of the scale. A further sample of 317 respondents were used to test the latent structure and validity of the scale using confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

Based on the results from reliability and validity tests, this study indicates that the scale demonstrates sound psychometric properties. A three-factor model was determined, including staff management and development, peer learning and support and communication with parents.

Originality/value

The scale is the first of its kind for measuring early childhood leadership in China.
Education and inclusive growth in West Africa
Authors: Adeniyi Oluwatosin , Ajayi Patricia Iyore , Adedeji Abdulfatai Adekunle
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Many West African countries face the challenge of growth inclusiveness. The region is also facing challenges of equipping its teeming population with high-quality skills despite many reforms and initiatives introduced in the past. This study, thus, identifies education as a crucial contributory factor to growth inclusiveness in the region. It, therefore, examined the role of education in growth inclusiveness in West Africa between 1990 and 2017.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilised different proxies to capture quantity and quality dimensions of education. The unit root and ARDL “Bounds” tests were employed at a preliminary stage. Based on the preliminary tests, the study explored autoregressive distributed lags modelling technique to capture the short-run and long-run dynamic effects.

Findings

The empirical results reveal a positive impact of school enrolment measures in most of the countries in both short-run and long-run. Education quality measure exerts positive impact and significant in few countries under consideration.

Practical implications

These countries should give adequate attention to quality when designing education policy to foster their inclusive growth.

Originality/value

This study highlights the critical role of education in the inclusive growth pursuit. Education quantity is important to growth inclusiveness but the quality of education is more fundamental. The quality of education possessed determine to a large extent, what individual can contribute to the productive activities within the economy and accessibility to benefits from economic prosperity.
No shame to play: Ludic prosumption on Brazilian fanvideos
Authors: de Souza-Leão André Luiz Maranhão , Moura Bruno Melo , Nunes Walber Kaíc da Silva , Henrique Vitor de Moura Rosa , Santana Italo Rogerio Correia de
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Fans are proactive consumers of pop culture products, who can be seen as prosumers. Fanvideo production is one of their most widespread practices in the participatory culture scenario. Thus, the aim of the present study is to analyze how ludic prosumption is featured on plays performed in Brazilian fanvideos based on successful pop culture franchises.

Design/methodology/approach

Research based on the interpretive content analysis of fanvideos of plays produced by Brazilian fans based on five emblematic pop culture franchises and published on YouTube.

Findings

Results have shown six play types in the analyzed fanvideos – i.e. child's play, performing powers, cosplay, play in social rites, teaching to play and “zuêra” –, which revealed a way of having fun in different situations through different practices based on ludic consumption experiences in different spheres of social life.

Originality/value

CCT-based studies focused on investigating plays as ludic consumption phenomenon, as well as fan culture, remain at early research stage. Thus, the main contribution of the present study lies on associating such concepts based on the concept of prosumption.
Novo Banco – what good out of a bad bank?
Authors: Silva Joao Carlos Marques , Pereira José
Published: September 2020

Research methodology

Analysis of public sources.

Case overview/synopsis

The bank named “Novo Banco” (New Bank in Portuguese) was created because of an emergency intervention by the Bank of Portugal to save the “good” assets of the once great but bankrupt Banco Espírito Santo (BES) on August 4, 2014. The toxic assets remained in BES (dubbed “bad bank”). BES was one of the biggest private banks in Portugal, with origins mounting back to the year 1869. In 2013, it was headed by the founder’s great-grandson, Ricardo Salgado, when an external audit revealed several problems with the bank’s accounting and concluded that BES had a severe financial problem (the risky credit represented 11.1% of the bank’s accounts). The bank underwent a public capital increase (endorsed by several public figures, including the Portuguese President at the time, Cavaco Silva) of €1.045m to reposition itself, which was 100% successful (demand of about 160%, with a significant part of foreign investors). However, continued amounts of suspicions led Ricardo Salgado to be replaced by Vitor Bento (via a settlement between BES’s shareholders and the Bank of Portugal) in July 2014. At the end of that same month, BES announced imparities totaling the amount of €4.2535m. This led the European Central Bank to suspend BES’s access to the financial operations, forcing it to reimburse its credit to the Eurosystem in the value of €10.000m. In two days, the stock prices dropped by 80% to around €0.03 per share. It was later proven that the administration led by Ricardo Salgado had disobeyed the Bank of Portugal 21 times between December 2013 and July 2014, apparently acting against the institution’s best interests. Some carousel schemes with companies within the Espirito Santo Group were also detected in BES’ financial movements to improve the bank’s financial statements.

Complexity academic level

Finance Valuation, Strategy
Amid Political Spin and Online Misinformation, Fact Checking Adapts
Authors: Graves Lucas , Mantzarlis Alexios
Published: September 2020

After more than a decade of rapid growth, the worldwide fact‐checking movement has surged since 2016, fuelled by rising concern about the political and social influence of online misinformation. This movement is also changing in ways that deserve close attention, as understanding and mitigating the spread of false information across digital networks has become an urgent priority for governments, charitable foundations, academic researchers, and technology companies. This research brief presents a snapshot of the field based on a mid‐2019 survey designed to reveal how fact‐checking organisations understood their mission, where they were directing their resources, and how their focus had shifted in the last several years. We found evidence of diverging missions in the fact‐checking world, as a focus on combatting online misinformation began to supersede one on checking rhetoric from public figures.
Well‐Being in the Nation: A Living Library of Measures to Drive Multi‐Sector Population Health Improvement and Address Social Determinants
Authors: SAHA SOMAVA , COHEN BRUCE B. , NAGY JULIA , McPHERSON MARIANNE E. , PHILLIPS ROBERT
Published: September 2020

Policy Points

Well‐being In the Nation (WIN) offers the first parsimonious set of vetted common measures to improve population health and social determinants across sectors at local, state, and national levels and is driven by what communities need to improve health, well‐being, and equity.

The WIN measures were codesigned with more than 100 communities, federal agencies, and national organizations across sectors, in alignment with the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics, the Foundations for Evidence‐Based Policymaking Act, and Healthy People 2030. WIN offers a process for a collaborative learning measurement system to drive a learning health and well‐being system across sectors at the community, state, and national levels.

The WIN development process identified critical gaps and opportunities in equitable community‐level data infrastructure, interoperability, and protections that could be used to inform the Federal Data Strategy.
Understanding whole‐wheat flour and its effect in breads: A review
Authors: Gómez Manuel , Gutkoski Luiz C. , Bravo‐Núñez Ángela
Published: September 2020

Although the consumption of whole grains, including bread made with whole‐wheat flour, is promoted for health benefits and reduced risk for disease and mortality, consumer acceptance, and consumption of some whole‐wheat products is low compared to that of white breads. This review focuses on the understanding of whole‐wheat flours, both their positive and negative aspects, and how to improve those flours for the production of whole‐wheat breads. The review addresses genetic aspects, various milling systems, and pretreatment of bran and germ. The baking process and use of additives and enzymes may also improve product quality to help consumers meet dietary recommendations for daily whole‐wheat consumption.
Abiotic stress hormesis: An approach to maintain quality, extend storability, and enhance phytochemicals on fresh produce during postharvest
Authors: Duarte‐Sierra Arturo , Tiznado‐Hernández Martin Ernesto , Jha Deepak Kumar , Janmeja Navina , Arul Joseph
Published: September 2020

Postharvest losses of whole and fresh‐cut fruits and vegetables cause significant reductions in food availability and an increase in economic losses/damages. Additionally, regulatory agencies are increasingly restricting the postharvest use of synthetic chemicals. This has strengthened the need to develop environmentally friendly approaches to postharvest management, such as utilization of natural compounds, antagonist microorganisms, and treatments with abiotic stresses, among others. The current review focuses on the potential of low doses of abiotic stresses to extend the shelf life, increase the amount of health beneficial phytochemicals, and reduce postharvest losses of fresh produce. The positive effects of the responses to low doses of abiotic stresses are based on a biological phenomenon termed hormesis. Research to develop new technologies to improve postharvest handling of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as minimally processed products is critical. The phenomenon of abiotic stress hormesis in fresh fruit and vegetables shows the potential not only to enhance defense compounds that could reduce diseases during postharvest storage and extend shelf life but also to elevate the content of health‐promoting substances. The beneficial effects of UV‐C hormesis have been extensively investigated in numerous types of fresh produce. However, our knowledge on hormesis exhibited by other abiotic stresses is still limited. Hence, the objective of this review is to discuss the relevance of hormesis for postharvest research by examining whether all abiotic stresses exhibit the phenomenon, its biological significance, the potential application in various commodities, and how it may direct the future of postharvest research.
Evaluation of the status quo of polyphenols analysis: Part I—phytochemistry, bioactivity, interactions, and industrial uses
Authors: Silva Ana Sanches , Reboredo‐Rodríguez Patricia , Süntar Ipek , Sureda Antoni , Belwal Tarun , Loizzo Monica Rosa , Tundis Rosa , Sobarzo‐Sanchez Eduardo , Rastrelli Luca , Forbes‐Hernandez Tamara Y. , Battino Maurizio , Filosa Rosanna , Daglia Maria , Nabavi Seyed Fazel , Nabavi Seyed Mohammad
Published: September 2020

Phytochemicals, especially polyphenols, are gaining more attention from both the scientific community and food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries due to their implications in human health. In this line, lately new applications have emerged, and of great importance is the selection of accurate and reliable analytical methods for better evaluation of the quality of the end‐products, which depends on diverse process variables as well as on the matrices and on the physicochemical properties of different polyphenols. The first of a two‐part review on polyphenols will address the phytochemistry and biological activities of different classes of polyphenols including flavonoids, lignans and flavanolignans, stilbenoids, tannins, curcuminoids, and coumarins. Moreover, the possible interactions of polyphenols and current and potential industrial applications of polyphenols are discussed.
Drinking to Cope During COVID‐19 Pandemic: The Role of External and Internal Factors in Coping Motive Pathways to Alcohol Use, Solitary Drinking, and Alcohol Problems
Authors: Wardell Jeffrey D. , Kempe Tyler , Rapinda Karli K. , Single Alanna , Bilevicius Elena , Frohlich Jona R. , Hendershot Christian S. , Keough Matthew T.
Published: September 2020

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in massive disruptions to society, to the economy, and to daily life. Some people may turn to alcohol to cope with stress during the pandemic, which may put them at risk for heavy drinking and alcohol‐related harms. Research is needed to identify factors that are relevant for coping‐motivated drinking during these extraordinary circumstances to inform interventions. This study provides an empirical examination of coping motive pathways to alcohol problems during the early stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Participants (N = 320; 54.7% male; mean age of 32 years) were Canadian adult drinkers who completed an online survey assessing work‐ and home‐related factors, psychological factors, and alcohol‐related outcomes over the past 30 days, covering a time period beginning within 1 month of the initiation of the COVID‐19 emergency response.

Results

The results of a theory‐informed path model showed that having at least 1 child under the age of 18, greater depression, and lower social connectedness each predicted unique variance in past 30‐day coping motives, which in turn predicted increased past 30‐day alcohol use (controlling for pre‐COVID‐19 alcohol use reported retrospectively). Income loss was associated with increased alcohol use, and living alone was associated with increased solitary drinking (controlling for pre‐COVID‐19 levels), but these associations were not mediated by coping motives. Increased alcohol use, increased solitary drinking, and greater coping motives for drinking were all independently associated with past 30‐day alcohol problems, and indirect paths to alcohol problems from having children at home, depression, social connectedness, income loss, and living alone were all supported.

Conclusions

Findings provide insight into coping‐motivated drinking early in the COVID‐19 pandemic and highlight the need for longitudinal research to establish longer term outcomes of drinking to cope during the pandemic.
Histological and morphometric evaluation of the urethra and penis in male New Zealand White rabbits
Authors: Skonieczna Joanna , Madej Jan P. , Kaczmarek‐ Pawelska Agnieszka , Będziński Romuald
Published: September 2020

This stereudy aimed at performing a histological and morphometric evaluation of the urethra and penis of male rabbits. Seven male New Zealand White rabbits weighing 2.1–3 kg were used in the study. The whole urethra, from the urinary bladder to the external urethral orifice, was dissected from the rabbits, and the tissue was sliced into sections at an interval of 2 mm. The sections were stained with haematoxylin–eosin, Masson–Goldner trichrome stain, Van Gieson's stain and Movat–Russell modified pentachrome stain. A detailed evaluation of the morphology and morphometry was performed. The parameters assessed were the type and height of epithelium, thickness and composition of connective tissue, and thickness and structure of muscularis. The histological structure of the rabbit urethra was found to be similar to humans. However, although the rabbits were found to have the same type of penis as the humans, the internal structure of the corpora cavernosa, the relative thickness of the tunica albuginea and the rudimentary glands of the penis were found to differ in these animals. The results of the present study may be useful in the designing of implants, drug testing or surgical procedures on the physiological and pathological urethra.
Influence of season on leaf litter ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) diversity in the locality of Minko'o (Southern, Cameroon)
Authors: Tchoudjin Gertrude‐Loveline , Zephirin Tadu , Fomekong‐Lontchi Judicael , Kakam Stephanie , Aymélé‐Choungmo Syntiche Roselle , Kenfack‐Fogang Patrick , Massussi Jacques Anselme , Niba Augustine S. , Djiéto‐Lordon Champlain
Published: September 2020

Seasonality is known to influence ant activity in many tropical rain forests in the world such as South America and Africa. We surveyed ant fauna in the leaf litter in the locality of Minko'o. The work aimed to evaluate the effect of seasonal variation on the diversity and composition of litter ants. Ants were sampled from November 2015 to June 2017, using four sampling methods: visual capture, bait, pitfall trap and extraction. Species richness, Shannon diversity index and analysis of similarities were used to characterise diversity of ant communities between seasons. We collected 306 ant species, shared out between 56 genera and 11 subfamilies. Subfamilies Myrmicinae, Ponerinae, Dolichoderinae, Formicinae, Dorylinae, Cerapachyinae and Pseudomyrmecinae occurred in all the seasons. Species richness was highest in major dry season with 243 species followed by minor rainy season with 188, major rainy season with 177 species and finally minor dry season that recorded the lowest with 155 species. Kruskal–Wallis test showed that ant species richness did not differ between seasons (p > 0.05). Species diversity index indicated that diversity was the highest during minor dry season (H′ = 4.24), followed by the major dry season (H′ = 4.23), minor rainy season (H′ = 4.21) and lowest during major rainy season (H′ = 4.06). Eight most frequents ants have been recorded: Axinidris sp.1, Camponotus flavomarginatus, Monomorium guineense, Myrmicaria opaciventris, Odontomachus troglodytes, Carebara perpusilla, Paltothyreus tarsatus and Pheidole megacephala. Assessment of the seasonal effect on diversity reveals that dry season is richer and more diverse than rainy season and the season significantly influence the diversity of litter ants.
SARS‐CoV‐2 and its relationship with the genitourinary tract: Implications for male reproductive health in the context of COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Hallak Jorge , Teixeira Thiago A. , Bernardes Felipe S. , Carneiro Felipe , Duarte Sergio A. S. , Pariz Juliana R. , Esteves Sandro C. , Kallas Esper , Saldiva Paulo H. N.
Published: September 2020

Background

The current outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection, named coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19), is not the first well‐known spillover of an animal originated virus to infect humans. However, one of the few to make such a fast jump in a powerful evolutionary shortcut. The incredible pattern of aggressiveness worldwide since the beginning of the outbreak is that up to 20% of those infected need hospitalization and 5% evolve to critical conditions, not limited to respiratory‐related issues, but rather to systemic involvement.

Objective

This study aims to summarize the current knowledge about the effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on the male genitourinary tract.

Materials and methods

A narrative review was carried out to identify articles on the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on the male genitourinary system.

Results

Considerations were made about the molecular characteristics of SARS‐CoV‐2 and immune response to coronavirus. We discussed the influence of the virus on the urinary system, potential mechanisms of COVID‐19‐ related acute kidney injury (AKI), and the role of cytokine release syndrome on the renal pathophysiology of the disease. In the male reproductive tract, it was discussed the testis' vulnerability to SARS‐CoV‐2 invasion and the possible adverse effects on its function and the seminal findings of COVID‐19.

Discussion and conclusion

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, an international coordinated scientific effort must arise to understand the role of the urogenital system in the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in the clinical setting.
Cluster analysis to evaluate disease risk in periparturient dairy cattle
Authors: Ishikawa Sho , Ikuta Kentaro , Obara Yoshiaki , Oka Akio , Otani Yoshihisa , Takahashi Yuji , Bai Hanako , Terada Fuminori , Kushibiki Shiro
Published: September 2020

Predicting periparturient disease risk is of immense value to the dairy industry. Periparturient diseases are interrelated with each other; however, predicting the onset risk of these diseases has predominantly been based on a single blood parameter for a single disease. This study examined a new diagnostic method to predict the risk of periparturient diseases. We conducted cluster analysis of multiple blood constituents from 20 Holstein cattle at 1 week post‐partum, and the cattle were divided into two groups, A or B. We then compared the periparturient and early‐lactation blood constituents of these groups. Group B had significantly higher 3‐hydroxybutyric acid concentrations and were suspected to have subclinical ketosis. Group B also had significantly lower calcium concentrations, with a tendency for subclinical hypocalcemia. We also performed discriminant analysis using blood parameters at 1 week post‐partum, which grouped the population into the same two groups as the cluster analysis based on three variables: inorganic phosphorus, calcium, and either phospholipids or total cholesterol. We further showed that these discriminant functions could be used to predict the risk of periparturient disease even before parturition. Our results indicate that cluster analysis with multiple blood constituents is useful for predicting periparturient disease risks.
Modeling excess hazard with time‐to‐cure as a parameter
Authors: Boussari Olayidé , Bordes Laurent , Romain Gaëlle , Colonna Marc , Bossard Nadine , Remontet Laurent , Jooste Valérie
Published: September 2020

Cure models have been widely developed to estimate the cure fraction when some subjects never experience the event of interest. However, these models were rarely focused on the estimation of the time‐to‐cure, that is, the delay elapsed between the diagnosis and “the time from which cure is reached,” an important indicator, for instance, to address the question of access to insurance or loans for subjects with personal history of cancer. We propose a new excess hazard regression model that includes the time‐to‐cure as a covariate‐dependent parameter to be estimated. The model is written similarly to a Beta probability distribution function and is shown to be a particular case of the non–mixture cure models. Parameters are estimated through a maximum likelihood approach and simulation studies demonstrate good performance of the model. Illustrative applications to three cancer data sets are provided and some limitations as well as possible extensions of the model are discussed. The proposed model offers a simple and comprehensive way to estimate more accurately the time‐to‐cure.
Therapeutic validation of an orphan G protein‐coupled receptor: The case of GPR84
Authors: Marsango Sara , Barki Natasja , Jenkins Laura , Tobin Andrew B. , Milligan Graeme
Published: September 2020

Despite the importance of members of the GPCR superfamily as targets of a broad range of effective medicines many GPCRs remain poorly characterised. GPR84 is an example. Expression of GPR84 is strongly up regulated in immune cells in a range of pro‐inflammatory settings and clinical trials to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are currently ongoing using ligands with differing levels of selectivity and affinity as GPR84 antagonists. Although blockade of GPR84 may potentially prove effective also in diseases associated with inflammation of the lower gut there is emerging interest in defining if agonists of GPR84 might find utility in conditions in which regulation of metabolism or energy sensing is compromised. Here, we consider the physiological and pathological expression profile of GPR84 and, in the absence of direct structural information, recent developments and use of GPR84 pharmacological tool compounds to study its broader role and biology.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Structure Guided Pharmacology of Membrane Proteins (BJP 75th Anniversary). To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.14/issuetoc
The accuracy and precision of body mass estimation in non‐avian dinosaurs
Authors: Campione Nicolás E. , Evans David C.
Published: September 2020

Inferring the body mass of fossil taxa, such as non‐avian dinosaurs, provides a powerful tool for interpreting physiological and ecological properties, as well as the ability to study these traits through deep time and within a macroevolutionary context. As a result, over the past 100 years a number of studies advanced methods for estimating mass in dinosaurs and other extinct taxa. These methods can be categorized into two major approaches: volumetric‐density (VD) and extant‐scaling (ES). The former receives the most attention in non‐avian dinosaurs and advanced appreciably over the last century: from initial physical scale models to three‐dimensional (3D) virtual techniques that utilize scanned data obtained from entire skeletons. The ES approach is most commonly applied to extinct members of crown clades but some equations are proposed and utilized in non‐avian dinosaurs. Because both approaches share a common goal, they are often viewed in opposition to one another. However, current palaeobiological research problems are often approach specific and, therefore, the decision to utilize a VD or ES approach is largely question dependent. In general, biomechanical and physiological studies benefit from the full‐body reconstruction provided through a VD approach, whereas large‐scale evolutionary and ecological studies require the extensive data sets afforded by an ES approach. This study summarizes both approaches to body mass estimation in stem‐group taxa, specifically non‐avian dinosaurs, and provides a comparative quantitative framework to reciprocally illuminate and corroborate VD and ES approaches. The results indicate that mass estimates are largely consistent between approaches: 73% of VD reconstructions occur within the expected 95% prediction intervals of the ES relationship. However, almost three quarters of outliers occur below the lower 95% prediction interval, indicating that VD mass estimates are, on average, lower than would be expected given their stylopodial circumferences. Inconsistencies (high residual and per cent prediction deviation values) are recovered to a varying degree among all major dinosaurian clades along with an overall tendency for larger deviations between approaches among small‐bodied taxa. Nonetheless, our results indicate a strong corroboration between recent iterations of the VD approach based on 3D specimen scans suggesting that our current understanding of size in dinosaurs, and hence its biological correlates, has improved over time. We advance that VD and ES approaches have fundamentally (metrically) different advantages and, hence, the comparative framework used and advocated here combines the accuracy afforded by ES with the precision provided by VD and permits the rapid identification of discrepancies with the potential to open new areas of discussion.
Narrative Matters: Mental health recovery – considerations when working with youth
Authors: Khoury Emmanuelle
Published: September 2020

Background

Youth mental health and well‐being is of increasing concern to practitioners and policy‐makers. Youth experiencing mental health problems face many barriers in accessing care and often have different needs to those of adults experiencing mental health problems. In order to adequately respond to the needs of young people aged 12–25, it is necessary to understand, from their perspective, their diverse needs and their different realities, using a global health approach and through participation in the development of mental health services and care. There are documented difficulties in implementing a recovery‐oriented practice approach that have led to misapplications, misunderstandings and critiques. That said, there is little research or discussion on mental health recovery by and for young people and young adults.

Purpose

To help child and adolescent mental health practitioners better assess the pertinence of the mental health recovery model in their practice, a focus on the emergence of the model can be helpful in order to adapt the current conceptions of mental health recovery for work with youth.

Conclusion

Child and adolescent mental health professionals might want to consider the following three suggestions – consider developmental processes, focus on hope and create strong community ties.
Central hypothyroidism improves with age in very young children with Prader‐Willi syndrome
Authors: Konishi Ayako , Ida Shinobu , Shoji Yasuko , Etani Yuri , Kawai Masanobu
Published: September 2020

Objective

Abnormalities in the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐thyroid (HPT) axis have been implicated in Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS); however, limited information is currently available on age‐dependent alterations in the HPT axis. We herein investigated age‐dependent differences in thyroid hormone levels in PWS children.

Design/Patients/Measurements

Free T4 (FT4), free T3 (FT3) and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations were retrospectively compared between genetically confirmed PWS children (N = 43, median age: 11.2 months) and controls (N = 85, median age: 14.5 months) matched for age, sex, body weight‐SD score (SDS), height‐SDS, body mass index‐SDS and serum albumin level, a marker of the nutritional status. Subjects were subdivided into two groups based on their age: an infant group aged between 1 and 11 months (PWS: N = 22, controls: N = 30) and a toddler group aged between 12 and 47 months (PWS: N = 21, controls: N = 55). None of the subjects had ever been treated with growth hormone or levothyroxine.

Results

After adjustments for confounding variables, in the infant group, FT4 levels (pmol/L) were significantly lower in PWS (11.24 in PWS vs 14.32 in controls,P = .0002), whereas no significant differences were observed in FT3 or TSH levels. In the toddler group, no significant differences were noted in FT4 (12.23 in PWS vs 15.31 in controls,P = .10), FT3 or TSH levels. The FT3/FT4 ratio was significantly increased in PWS in both groups. FT4 levels were positively correlated with age in PWS.

Conclusions

Infants with PWS had lower FT4 levels, but FT3 levels were normal, indicating that the levothyroxine replacement therapy may not need to be routinely performed.