Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression of Pannexin1 in the outer plexiform layer of the mouse retina and physiological impact of its knockout

Pannexin1 (Panx1) belongs to a class of vertebrate proteins that exhibits sequence homology to innexins, the invertebrate gap junction proteins, and which also shares topological similarities with vertebrate gap junction proteins, the connexins. Unlike gap junctional channels, Panx1 forms single‐membrane channels, whose functional role in neuronal circuits is still unsettled. We therefore investigated the subcellular distribution of Panx1 in the mouse retina of wildtype and Panx1‐null mice by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. Use of Panx1‐deficient mice served as a model to assess the physiological role of Panx1 by electroretinographic recordings and also to ensure the specificity of the anti‐Panx1 antibody labeling. Expression of Panx1 was found in type 3a OFF bipolar cells and in dendrites and axonal processes of horizontal cells. Panx1 was also found in horizontal cell dendrites representing the lateral elements of the triad synapse at cone and rod terminals. In vivo electroretinography of Panx1 knockout mice indicated an increased a‐ and b‐wave compared to Panx1 wildtype mice under scotopic conditions. The effect on the b‐wave was confirmed by in vitro electroretinograms from the inner retina. These results suggest that Panx1 channels serve as sinks for extracellular current flow making them possible candidates for the mediation of feedback from horizontal cells to photoreceptors. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:1119–1135, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of Marketing Actions on Relationship Quality in the Health and Fitness Sector in Jordan and Its Implications for Social Marketing: A Field/Analytical Study

This field/analytical study examined the marketing actions (antecedents) and performance (consequences) of relationship quality in a health and fitness setting. To analyze data collected from a random sample of 542 members drawn from fitness centers in Amman, Jordan, the linear structural relationship model was used to identify structural characteristics of relationship management among fitness centers' employees, including physical fitness and health experts, administrative staff, and members. The empirical results of this study were fourfold. First, greater employees' relational and member orientation resulted in higher relationship quality. Second, better health and fitness providers' (employees') attributes resulted in higher relationship quality. Third, higher relationship quality resulted in better relationship continuity. Fourth, committed member relationships resulted in member satisfaction, loyalty, positive word of mouth, and promotion. These in turn contributed to the enhancement of fitness center image. Within the past 20 years, social marketing application to health and fitness problems has grown rapidly. A number of social marketing implications and recommendations are highlighted.
Subcellular localization of intercellular adhesion molecule‐5 (telencephalin) in the visual cortex is not developmentally regulated in the absence of matrix metalloproteinase‐9

The telencephalon‐associated intercellular adhesion molecule‐5 (telencephalin; ICAM‐5) regulates dendritic morphology in the developing brain. In vitro studies have shown that ICAM‐5 is found predominantly within dendrites and immature dendritic protrusions, with reduced expression in mushroom spines, suggesting that ICAM‐5 downregulation is critical for the maturation of synaptic structures. However, developmental expression of ICAM‐5 has not been explored in depth at the ultrastructural level in intact brain tissue. To investigate the ultrastructural localization of ICAM‐5 with transmission electron microscopy, we performed immunoperoxidase histochemistry for ICAM‐5 in mouse visual cortex at postnatal day (P)14, a period of intense synaptogenesis, and at P28, when synapses mature. We observed the expected ICAM‐5 expression in dendritic protrusions and shafts at both P14 and P28. ICAM‐5 expression in these dendritic protrusions decreased in prevalence with developmental age to become localized predominantly to dendritic shafts by P28. To understand better the relationship between ICAM‐5 and the endopeptidase metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), which mediates ICAM‐5 cleavage following glutamate activation during postnatal development, we also explored ICAM‐5 expression in MMP‐9 null animals. This analysis revealed a similar expression of ICAM‐5 in dendritic elements at P14 and P28; however, an increased prevalence of ICAM‐5 was noted in dendritic protrusions at P28 in the MMP‐9 null animals, indicating that, in the absence of MMP‐9, there is no developmental shift in ICAM‐5 subcellular localization. Our ultrastructural observations shed light on possible functions mediated by ICAM‐5 and their regulation by extracellular proteases. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:676–688, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural organization and function of mouse photoreceptor ribbon synapses involve the immunoglobulin protein synaptic cell adhesion molecule 1

Adhesive interactions in the retina instruct the developmental specification of inner retinal layers. However, potential roles of adhesion in the development and function of photoreceptor synapses remain incompletely understood. This contrasts with our understanding of synapse development in the CNS, which can be guided by select adhesion molecules such as the Synaptic Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 (SynCAM 1/CADM1/nectin‐like 2 protein). This immunoglobulin superfamily protein modulates the development and plasticity of classical excitatory synapses. We show here by immunoelectron microscopy and immunoblotting that SynCAM 1 is expressed on mouse rod photoreceptors and their terminals in the outer nuclear and plexiform layers in a developmentally regulated manner. Expression of SynCAM 1 on rods is low in early postnatal stages (P3–P7) but increases after eye opening (P14). In support of functional roles in the photoreceptors, electroretinogram recordings demonstrate impaired responses to light stimulation in SynCAM 1 knockout (KO) mice. In addition, the structural integrity of synapses in the OPL requires SynCAM 1. Quantitative ultrastructural analysis of SynCAM 1 KO retina measured fewer fully assembled, triadic rod ribbon synapses. Furthermore, rod synapse ribbons are shortened in KO mice, and protein levels of Ribeye, a major structural component of ribbons, are reduced in SynCAM 1 KO retina. Together, our results implicate SynCAM 1 in the synaptic organization of the rod visual pathway and provide evidence for novel roles of synaptic adhesion in the structural and functional integrity of ribbon synapses. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:900–920, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inhibitory and multisynaptic spines, and hemispherical synaptic specialization in the posterodorsal medial amygdala of male and female rats

The density of dendritic spines is sexually dimorphic and variable throughout the female estrous cycle in the rat posterodorsal medial amygdala (MePD), a relevant area for the modulation of reproductive behavior in rats. The local synaptic activity differs between hemispheres in prepubertal animals. Here we used serial section transmission electron microscopy to produce 3D reconstructions of dendritic shafts and spines to characterize synaptic contacts on MePD neurons of both hemispheres in adult males and in females along the estrous cycle. Pleomorphic spines and nonsynaptic filopodia occur in the MePD. On average, 8.6% of dendritic spines received inputs from symmetric gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐immunoreactive terminals, whereas 3.6% received two synaptic contacts on the spine head, neck, or base. Presynaptic terminals in female right MePD had a higher density of synaptic vesicles and docked vesicles than the left MePD, suggesting a higher rate of synaptic vesicle release in the right MePD of female rats. In contrast, males did not show laterality in any of those parameters. The proportion of putative inhibitory synapses on dendritic shafts in the right MePD of females in proestrus was higher than in the left MePD, and higher than in the right MePD in males, or in females in diestrus or estrus. This work shows synaptic laterality depending on sex and estrous cycle phase in mature MePD neurons. Most likely, sexual hormone effects are lateralized in this brain region, leading to higher synaptic activity in the right than in the left hemisphere of females, mediating timely neuroendocrine and social/reproductive behavior. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:2075–2088, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Product of Free Radical Injury and Antioxidant Status of Newly Diagnosed HIV Sero-positive Pregnant Women Seen in Osogbo, Nigeria

Aim : The presence of HIV and pregnancy is a double insult on the health of mothers. Both of these have been associated with free radical injury. The aim was to determine levels of malondialdehyde and antioxidants of newly diagnosed HIV sero-positive pregnant women. Place and Duration of the Study: This study was carried out in pregnancy booking clinic of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria. The study was carried out between June and December in 2011.
Reproducibility of Central Corneal Thickness Measurements in Healthy and Glaucomatous Eyes

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to characterize intraday and interday variation in central corneal thickness (CCT) in healthy and glaucomatous subjects. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 40 healthy subjects and 42 subjects with primary open-angle glaucoma underwent CCT measurements by ultrasonic pachymetry on 5 days over 1 year: first at baseline, then at 1 week and 1, 6, and 12 months after baseline. On 1visit, CCT was measured every 2 hours from 08:00 to 20:00. Intraday CCT variance was compared with interday CCT variance. Results: Mean CCT at all visits and time points ranged from 561 to 574 µm in healthy eyes and from 548 to 563 µm in glaucomatous eyes. The mean intraday CCT range (highest minus lowest readings) was 21±10 µm in healthy participants and 21±10 µm in glaucoma patients. The mean interday CCT range was 27±13 µm in healthy participants and 24±14 µm in glaucoma patients. Within-subject variance was significantly larger among the interday CCT measurements than the intraday CCT measurements in both healthy subjects and glaucoma patients (P<0.0001 for both) demonstrating that measurements taken on separate days are more different than measurements taken on the same day. Interday CCT differences of ≥30 µm were seen in 27.7% of normal subjects and 30% of glaucoma patients. Conclusions: CCT measurements exhibit intraday and interday variation, with the latter being significantly greater than the former. A single CCT assessment inadequately characterizes CCT and may impact risk assessment in patients with suspect and/or diagnosed glaucoma.
Citrus disease detection using convolution neural network generated features and Softmax classifier on hyperspectral image data

Identification and segregation of citrus fruit with diseases and peel blemishes are required to preserve market value. Previously developed machine vision approaches could only distinguish cankerous from non-cankerous citrus, while this research focused on detecting eight different peel conditions on citrus fruit using hyperspectral (HSI) imagery and an AI-based classification algorithm. The objectives of this paper were: (i) selecting the five most discriminating bands among 92 using PCA, (ii) training and testing a custom convolution neural network (CNN) model for classification with the selected bands, and (iii) comparing the CNN’s performance using 5 PCA bands compared to five randomly selected bands. A hyperspectral imaging system from earlier work was used to acquire reflectance images in the spectral region from 450 to 930 nm (92 spectral bands). Ruby Red grapefruits with normal, cankerous, and 5 other common peel diseases including greasy spot, insect damage, melanose, scab, and wind scar were tested. A novel CNN based on the VGG-16 architecture was developed for feature extraction, and SoftMax for classification. The PCA-based bands were found to be 666.15, 697.54, 702.77, 849.24 and 917.25 nm, which resulted in an average accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 99.84%, 99.84% and 99.98% respectively. However, 10 trials of five randomly selected bands resulted in only a slightly lower performance, with accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 98.87%, 98.43% and 99.88%, respectively. These results demonstrate that an AI-based algorithm can successfully classify eight different peel conditions. The findings reported herein can be used as a precursor to develop a machine vision-based, real-time peel condition classification system for citrus processing.
Grand challenges present great opportunities in environmental catalysis

We are living in a time full of grand challenges that stifle us from achieving Sustainable Development Goals: climate change, resource depletion, water shortage, food crisis, and pandemic diseases, just to name a few. The ever-growing productivity of our society brings wealth and quality of life, but also induces pollution and other environmental issues that have often been major causes of the grand challenges we face today (Lou et al., 2022). These impact people unequally, depending on their wealth and living environments, thus further exacerbating the disparities among populations. Addressing these challenges calls for a holistic approach integrating more efficient pollution control, cleaner production, and greener processes. Environmental catalysis, by developing catalysts having environmental significance, emerges to play a key role in meeting these challenges (Rodríguez-Padrón et al., 2019). Catalytic processes are used to transform contaminants in water, soil, and air for pollution prevention and remediation, produce green energy, reduce CO2, recycle and reuse waste, and rapidly detect pathogens in the environment. All these can be achieved via catalysis, the process that increases the rate of a reaction through the action of a catalyst, with greater efficiency and selectivity at the expense of less material and energy input. Identified below are some examples that may illustrate the opportunities in environmental catalysis and the great potential it holds to help building a sustainable future for all.
A Comparison Among Humphrey Field Analyzer, Microperimetry, and Heidelberg Retina Tomograph in the Evaluation of Macula in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma

PurposeIt is known that macula can be affected adversely in glaucoma. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the functional and morphologic changes of macula in patients having glaucoma using Microperimeter-1 (MP-1), Humphrey field analyzer (HFA), and Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II (HRT-II). Materials and MethodsThis prospective study consisted of 43 patients having primary open angle glaucoma. Control group consisted of 26 normal cases. Macular threshold was evaluated with HFA macula threshold test and MP-1 Humphrey macula pattern. Morphometric evaluation of macula was performed with HRT-II. The results were evaluated by independent samples t test and receiver operator curves. ResultsMacular sensitivity was lower in patients having glaucoma with both HFA and MP-1 in all quadrants (P=0.003 for HFA and P=0.002 for MP-1). The macular thickness measurements obtained with HRT-II was not significant between glaucoma patients and control group (P=0.153). The difference between HFA and MP-1, HFA and HRT-II, MP-1 and HRT-II was not statistically significant (P=0.302, 0.110, and 0.481, respectively). ConclusionsPerimetric macular changes can occur while macular topographic remains stable in patients with glaucoma. MP-1 correlates with HFA in detecting glaucomatous visual field defect in macular area.
High Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression in Patients With Primary Open-angle Glaucoma

PurposeTo assess anxiety and depression in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). DesignMulticenter prospective case-control study. ParticipantsTwo hundred thirty patients with POAG and 230 sex-matched and age-matched reference subjects with no chronic ocular conditions except cataracts. InterventionAnxiety and depression were evaluated using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire, which consists of 2 subscales with ranges of 0 to 21, representing anxiety (HADS-A) and depression (HADS-D). Main Outcome MeasureThe prevalence of POAG patients with anxiety (a score of more than 10 on the HADS-A) or depression (a score of more than 10 on the HADS-D) was compared with that in the reference subjects. The prevalence of patients with depression was compared between the POAG patients with and without current β-blocker eye drops. ResultsThe prevalence (13.0%) of POAG patients with anxiety was significantly higher (P=0.030) than in the reference subjects (7.0%). The prevalence (10.9%) of POAG patients with depression was significantly higher (P=0.026) than in the reference subjects (5.2%). Between the POAG patients with and without β-blocker eye-drops, no significant difference (P=0.93) in the prevalence of depression was noted. ConclusionsPOAG was related to anxiety and depression. No significant relationship between the use of β-blocker eye-drops and depression was noted.
Reproducibility of the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III Glaucoma Probability Score

PurposeTo evaluate the intrasession reproducibility of the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III (HRT III) Glaucoma Probability Score (GPS) and analyze the factors that may affect it. Patients and MethodsTwenty normal subjects and 20 glaucomatous patients underwent 10 HRT III examinations of 1 randomly selected eye during the same session. The reproducibility of the GPS and its parameters was assessed by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and 95% confidence intervals of the study population as a whole, and of the 2 subgroups. The factors influencing individual reproducibility were evaluated by means of regression analysis. ResultsThe reproducibility of the GPS parameters (at a confidence level of 95%) was almost perfect in the population as a whole (ICCs 0.964-0.856) and in the normal subjects (ICCs 0.976-0.897), but decreased in the glaucoma patients in whom it ranged from almost perfect to substantial (ICCs 0.922-0.705). The parameters were mainly influenced by image quality, but also by diagnosis and age, although the probability of glaucoma did not seem to depend on these variables. ConclusionsGPS is a highly reproducible diagnostic tool, especially in the case of “good” or better quality images as evaluated by the HRT software; moreover, the reproducibility of the GPS parameters was significantly better in normal subjects than in glaucoma patients.
Mediation analysis in nursing research: a methodological review

Mediation statistical models help clarify the relationship between independent predictor variables and dependent outcomes of interest by assessing the impact of third variables. This type of statistical analysis is applicable for many clinical nursing research questions, yet its use within nursing remains low. Indeed, mediational analyses may help nurse researchers develop more effective and accurate prevention and treatment programs as well as help bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and clinical practice. In addition, this statistical approach allows nurse researchers to ask – and answer – more meaningful and nuanced questions that extend beyond merely determining whether an outcome occurs. Therefore, the goal of this paper is to provide a brief tutorial on the use of mediational analyses in clinical nursing research by briefly introducing the technique and, through selected empirical examples from the nursing literature, demonstrating its applicability in advancing nursing science.
Anatomical characterization of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor in cell‐type–specific mutant mouse rescue models

Type 1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptors are widely distributed in the brain. Their physiological roles depend on their distribution pattern, which differs remarkably among cell types. Hence, subcellular compartments with little but functionally relevant CB1 receptors can be overlooked, fostering an incomplete mapping. To overcome this, knockin mice with cell‐type–specific rescue of CB1 receptors have emerged as excellent tools for investigating CB1 receptors’ cell‐type–specific localization and sufficient functional role with no bias. However, to know whether these rescue mice maintain endogenous CB1 receptor expression level, detailed anatomical studies are necessary. The subcellular distribution of hippocampal CB1 receptors of rescue mice that express the gene exclusively in dorsal telencephalic glutamatergic neurons (Glu‐CB1‐RS) or GABAergic neurons (GABA‐CB1‐RS) was studied by immunoelectron microscopy. Results were compared with conditional CB1 receptor knockout lines. As expected, CB1 immunoparticles appeared at presynaptic plasmalemma, making asymmetric and symmetric synapses. In the hippocampal CA1 stratum radiatum, the values of the CB1 receptor‐immunopositive excitatory and inhibitory synapses were Glu‐CB1‐RS, 21.89% (glutamatergic terminals); 2.38% (GABAergic terminals); GABA‐CB1‐RS, 1.92% (glutamatergic terminals); 77.92% (GABAergic terminals). The proportion of CB1 receptor‐immunopositive excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the inner one‐third of the dentate molecular layer was Glu‐CB1‐RS, 53.19% (glutamatergic terminals); 2.30% (GABAergic terminals); GABA‐CB1‐RS, 3.19% (glutamatergic terminals); 85.07% (GABAergic terminals). Taken together, Glu‐CB1‐RS and GABA‐CB1‐RS mice show the usual CB1 receptor distribution and expression in hippocampal cell types with specific rescue of the receptor, thus being ideal for in‐depth anatomical and functional investigations of the endocannabinoid system. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:302–318, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The use of grounded theory in studies of nurses and midwives’ coping processes: a systematic literature search

Background: Researchers are increasingly using grounded theory methodologies to study the professional experience of nurses and midwives. Aim: To review common grounded theory characteristics and research design quality as described in grounded theory studies of coping strategies used by nurses and midwives. Methods: A systematic database search for 2005–2015 identified and assessed grounded theory characteristics from 16 studies. Study quality was assessed using a modified Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. Findings: Grounded theory was considered a methodology or a set of methods, able to be used within different nursing and midwifery contexts. Specific research requirements determined the common grounded theory characteristics used in different studies. Most researchers did not clarify their epistemological and theoretical perspectives. Conclusion: To improve research design and trustworthiness of grounded theory studies in nursing and midwifery, researchers need to state their theoretical stance and clearly articulate their use of grounded theory methodology and characteristics in research reporting.