bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KaKs_Calculator 3.0: calculating selective pressure on coding and non-coding sequences
Authors: Zhang Zhang
Published: November 2021

KaKs_Calculator 3.0 is an updated toolkit that is capable for calculating selective pressure on both coding and non-coding sequences. Similar to the nonsynonymous/synonymous substitution rate ratio for coding sequences, selection on non-coding sequences can be quantified as non-coding nucleotide substitution rate normalized by synonymous substitution rate of adjacent coding sequences. As testified on empirical data, it shows effectiveness to detect the strength and mode of selection operated on molecular sequences, accordingly demonstrating its great potential to achieve genome-wide scan of natural selection on diverse sequences and identification of potentially functional elements at whole genome scale. The package of KaKs_Calculator 3.0 is freely available for academic use only at https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn/biocode/tools/BT000001.
Localizing spontaneous memory reprocessing during human sleep
Authors: Himmer Lea , Bürger Zoé , Fresz Leonie , Maschke Janina , Wagner Lore , Brodt Svenja , Braun Christoph , Schönauer Monika , Gais Steffen
Published: November 2021

Reactivation of newly acquired memories during sleep across hippocampal and neocortical systems is proposed to underlie systems memory consolidation. Here, we investigate spontaneous memory reprocessing during sleep by applying machine learning to source space-transformed magnetoencephalographic data in a two-step exploratory and confirmatory study design. We decode memory-related activity from slow oscillations in hippocampus, frontal cortex and precuneus, indicating parallel memory processing during sleep. Moreover, we show complementary roles of hippocampus and neocortex: while gamma activity indicated memory reprocessing in hippocampus, delta and theta frequencies allowed decoding of memory in neocortex. Neocortex and hippocampus were linked through coherent activity and modulation of high-frequency gamma oscillations by theta, a dynamic similar to memory processing during wakefulness. Overall, we noninvasively demonstrate localized, coordinated memory reprocessing in human sleep.
Imaging microvasculature network evolution and neurodegeneration with precise photothrombosis approach
Authors: Zhu Liang , Wang Mengqi , Liu Yin , Zhang Weijie , Zhang Hequn , Roe Anna Wang , Xi Wang
Published: November 2021

In the cerebral cortex, the vasculature plays important homeostatic functions, especially at the highly connected complex capillary networks. The association of focal capillary ischemia with the neurodegenerative disease as well as the laminar vascular dynamics have prompted studies of vascular micro-occlusion via photothrombosis. However, technical challenges of this approach remain, including increased temporal precision of occlusion, increasing the depth of vascular occlusion, understanding how such micro-occlusion impacts local blood flow, and ultimately the neuronal effects of such changes. Here, we have developed a novel approach that employs ultra-fast multiphoton light to induce focal Rose Bengal-induced photothrombosis. We demonstrated induction of highly precise and fast occlusion of microvessels at various types and depths. The change of the microvascular architecture and hemodynamics after occlusion revealed the autoregulation and significant difference between upstream vs downstream in layer 2/3. Further, we found that micro-occlusion at two different layers within the same vascular arbor results in distinct effects on the acute flow redistribution mechanism. To examine neuronal effects of such micro-occlusion, we produced infarct of capillaries surrounding a labeled target neuron and found this induces dramatic and rapid lamina-specific degeneration in neuronal dendritic architecture. In sum, our technique enhanced the precision and power of the photothrombotic study of microvascular function. The current results pointed to the importance of laminar scale regulation within the microvascular network, a finding which may be relevant for models of neurovascular disease.
Label-free imaging of macrophage phenotypes and phagocytic activity in the human dermisin vivousing two-photon excited FLIM
Authors: Kröger M. , Scheffel J. , Shirshin E. A. , Schleusener J. , Meinke M. C. , Lademann J. , Maurer M. , Darvin M. E.
Published: November 2021

Macrophages (MΦs) are important immune effector cells that promote (M1 MΦs) or inhibit (M2 MΦs) inflammation and are involved in numerous physiological and pathogenic immune responses. Their precise role and relevance, however, is not fully understood because of the lack of non-invasive quantification methods. Here, we show that two-photon excited fluorescence lifetime imaging (TPE-FLIM), a label-free non-invasive method, can visualize MΦs in human dermisin vivo. We demonstratein vitrothat human dermal MΦs exhibit specific TPE-FLIM properties that distinguish them from the main components of the extracellular matrix and other dermal cells. We visualized MΦs, their phenotypes and phagocytosis in the skin of healthy individualsin vivousing TPE-FLIM. Additionally, machine learning identified M1 and M2 MΦs with a sensitivity of 0.88±0.04 and 0.82±0.03 and a specificity of 0.89±0.03 and 0.90±0.03, respectively. In clinical research, TPE-FLIM can advance the understanding of the role of MΦs in health and disease.
Phytochrome B regulates reactive oxygen signaling during abiotic and biotic stress in plants
Authors: Fichman Yosef , Xiong Haiyan , Sengupta Soham , Azad Rajeev K. , Hibberd Julian M. , Liscum Emmanuel , Mittler Ron
Published: November 2021

Plants are essential for life on Earth converting light into chemical energy in the form of sugars. To adjust for changes in light intensity and quality, and to become as efficient as possible in harnessing light, plants utilize multiple light receptors, signaling, and acclimation mechanisms. In addition to altering plant metabolism, development and growth, light cues sensed by some photoreceptors, such as phytochromes, impact on many plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Central for plant responses to different stresses are reactive oxygen species (ROS) that function as key signaling molecules. Recent studies demonstrated that respiratory burst oxidase homolog (RBOH) proteins that reside at the plasma membrane and produce ROS at the apoplast play a key role in plant responses to different biotic and abiotic stresses. Here we reveal that phytochrome B (phyB) and RBOHs function as part of a key regulatory module that controls ROS production, transcript expression, and plant acclimation to excess light stress. We further show that phyB can regulate ROS production during stress even if it is restricted to the cytosol, and that phyB, RBOHD and RBOHF co-regulate thousands of transcripts in response to light stress. Surprisingly, we found that phyB is also required for ROS accumulation in response to heat, wounding, cold, and bacterial infection. Taken together, our findings reveal that phyB plays a canonical role in plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, regulating ROS production, and that phyB and RBOHs function in the same pathway.

Significant Statement

Abiotic and biotic stresses cause extensive losses to agricultural production and threaten global food security. Augmenting plant resilience to stressful conditions requires understanding of how plants sense stress. Here we report that the sensing of different abiotic and biotic stresses that result in the production of the key stress-response signaling molecules, reactive oxygen species, requires the plant photoreceptor protein phytochrome B. We further show that in contrast to its many nuclear functions, phytochrome B regulates reactive oxygen production by plasma membrane-localized respiratory burst oxidase homologs while localized to the cytosol. Our findings reveal the existence of a rapid stress response regulatory mechanism requiring phytochrome B and reactive oxygen species, essential for plant acclimation to stress.
Highly accurate retinotopic maps of the physiological blind spot in human visual cortex
Authors: Urale Poutasi W. B. , Puckett Alexander Michael , York Ashley , Arnold Derek , Schwarzkopf D. Sam
Published: November 2021

The physiological blind spot is a naturally occurring scotoma corresponding with the optic disc in the retina of each eye. Even during monocular viewing, observers are usually oblivious to the scotoma, in part because the visual system extrapolates information from the surrounding area. Unfortunately, studying this visual field region with neuroimaging has proven difficult, as it occupies only a small part of retinotopic cortex. Here we used functional magnetic resonance imaging and a novel data-driven method for mapping the retinotopic organization in and around the blind spot representation in V1. Our approach allowed for highly accurate reconstructions of the extent of an observer's blind spot, and out-performed conventional model-based analyses. This method opens exciting opportunities to study the plasticity of receptive fields after visual field loss, and our data add to evidence suggesting that the neural circuitry responsible for impressions of perceptual completion across the physiological blind spot most likely involves regions of extrastriate cortex - beyond V1.
The coagulation factor IX (F9) loss of function prevents the cell cycle arrest induced by CDK4/6 inhibitors treatment
Authors: Carpintero-Fernández Paula , Borghesan Michela , Eleftheriadou Olga , Fafián-Labora Juan Antonio , Mitchell Tom P. , Nightingale Tom D. , Mayán María D. , O’Loghlen Ana
Published: November 2021

During this last decade the development of pro-senescence therapies has become an attractive strategy as cellular senescence acts as a barrier against tumour progression. In this context, CDK4/6 inhibitors induce senescence and have showed efficacy in reducing tumour growth in breast cancer patients. However, even though cancer cells are arrested after CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment, genes regulating senescence in this context are still unknown limiting their anti-tumour activity. Here, using a functional genome wide CRISPR/Cas9 genetic screen we found several genes that synergistically participate in the proliferation arrest induced by the CDK4/6 inhibitor, Palbociclib. We find that downregulation of the coagulation factor IX (F9) using sgRNA and shRNA prevents the cell cycle arrest and senescent-like phenotype induced in MCF7 breast tumour cells upon Palbociclib treatment. These results were confirmed using another breast cancer cell line and with an alternative CDK4/6 inhibitor, Abemaciclib, and further tested in a panel of 22 cancer cells. While F9 knockout reduces senescence, treatment with a recombinant F9 protein was sufficient to induce a cell cycle arrest and senescence-like state in MCF7 tumour cells. Besides, endogenous F9 is upregulated in different human primary cells cultures undergoing senescence. Importantly, bioinformatics analysis of cancer datasets suggest a role for F9 in human tumours. Altogether, these data collectively propose key genes involved in CDK4/6 inhibitors response that will be useful to design new therapeutic strategies in personalized medicine in order to increase their efficiency, stratify patients and avoid drug resistance.
propSym: a tool to establish relationships between property constants for material property tensors of any order
Authors: Roy Anubhav , Branch Darren W. , Jensen Daniel S. , Kube Christopher M.
Published: November 2021

The properties of crystalline materials can be described mathematically by tensors whose components are generally known as property constants. Tabulations of these constants in terms of the independent components are well known for common material properties (e.g. elasticity, piezoelectricity etc.) aptly described by tensors of lower rank (e.g. ranks 2–4). General relationships between constants of higher rank are often unknown and sometimes reported incorrectly. A computer program is developed here to calculate the property constant relationships of a property of any order, represented by a tensor of any rank and point group. Tensors up to rank 12, e.g. the tensor of sixth-order elastic constants c_{_{6}i\,j\,k\,l\,m\,n\,p\,q\,r\,s}, can be calculated on a standard computer, while ranks higher than 12 are best handled on a supercomputer. Output is provided in either full index form or a reduced index form, e.g. the Voigt index notation common to elasticity. As higher-order tensors are often associated with nonlinear material responses, the program provides an accessible means to investigate the important constants involved in nonlinear material modeling. The routine has been used to discover several incorrect relationships reported in the literature.
Structure transforming for constructing constraint force field in musculoskeletal robot
Authors: Zhong Shanlin , Chen Ziyu , Zhou Junjie
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Human-like musculoskeletal robots can fulfill flexible movement and manipulation with the help of multi joints and actuators. However, in general, sophisticated structures, accurate sensors and well-designed control are all necessary for a musculoskeletal robot to achieve high-precision movement. How to realize the reliable and accurate movement of the robot under the condition of limited sensing and control accuracy is still a bottleneck problem. This paper aims to improve the movement performance of musculoskeletal system by bio-inspired method.

Design/methodology/approach

Inspired by two kinds of natural constraints, the convergent force field found in neuroscience and attractive region in the environment found in information science, the authors proposed a structure transforming optimization algorithm for constructing constraint force field in musculoskeletal robots. Due to the characteristics of rigid-flexible coupling and variable structures, a constraint force field can be constructed in the task space of the musculoskeletal robot by optimizing the arrangement of muscles.

Findings

With the help of the constraint force field, the robot can complete precise and robust movement with constant control signals, which brings in the possibility to reduce the requirement of sensing feedback during the motion control of the robot. Experiments are conducted on a musculoskeletal model to evaluate the performance of the proposed method in movement accuracy, noise robustness and structure sensitivity.

Originality/value

A novel concept, constraint force field, is proposed to realize high-precision movements of musculoskeletal robots. It provides a new theoretical basis for improving the performance of robotic manipulation such as assembly and grasping under the condition that the accuracy of control and sensory are limited.
Applicability of a digitalization model based on augmented reality for building construction education in architecture
Authors: Seyman Guray Tayibe , Kismet Burcu
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a digitalization model (DM) for building construction courses in architectural education as a response to the recent emerging technologies in the era of digital transformations. This DM is developed and applied through augmented reality (AR) technologies to boost perception, understandings and ability to solve building construction details.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a thorough review of recent technologies like AR, virtual reality (VR), building information modelling (BIM) and their applications in architectural education, the methodology involves the generation of a model, its application and evaluation. The model is based on the integration of BIM and AR which is applied into a third year “Building Construction Project” course. Each student has designed a residential building and accordingly prepared the construction drawings by adapting the DM. An online survey –based on Technology Acceptance Model – is conducted to evaluate the DM by quantitative data analysis from SPSS and Excel.

Findings

The key findings of the study include the following items: determination of the proper digital tools, the definition of the steps and workflow based on the building project phases to develop construction drawings and define precise details effectively. By the help of this, the DM is generated and applied. According to the survey and results, the DM which involves BIM-based AR is considered as beneficial, highly motivating and providing better perception on construction details.

Originality/value

Implication of AR/VR technologies is frequently seen in design studios, whereas building construction courses state its traditional approach. However, there is a huge potential in the digitalization of building construction education by increasing the perception of students together with the increased level of communication. The study aims to close the gap of digitalization by proposing a DM, which brings a systematic approach considering each phase of building construction project as conceptual, schematic, design development and construction documents by using BIM integrated AR. Moreover, the novel model specifically brings a new approach by generation of QR codes for construction details to embed videos or simulations into the two-dimensional drawing sheets. Furthermore, the DM proposes a new approach to satisfy emerging needs and requirements of the Architecture Engineering Construction industry.
Digital dissemination skills in public libraries
Authors: Skøtt Bo
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate what con`sequences the digitisation of public libraries’ knowledge dissemination and the transition to online services has, for library staff members’ perception of their skills. This discussion is interesting because library staff members, by politicians, stakeholders, and other opinion makers, have been appointed as key facilitators of citizens’ continued attachment to civil society and the labour market.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on interviews with library staff members at Danish public libraries. Empirical data were collected through semi-structured e-mail interviews, based on an interview formula, and via follow-up telephone conversations. Library professional rapports and research literature were identified and applied as a theoretical framework in the creation of the analytical apparatus.

Findings

There were several different explanatory models available when respondents had to articulate their current challenges. The first model regarded the library staff members’ lack of skills as a political-organisational issue, occurring because of a lack of invest in their continuing education. Continuing education had therefore become a personal matter. The second model highlighted the library staff members’ lack of skills as an individual, library professional problem, where the responsibility for solving the problem lay with the individual employee.

Originality/value

Several studies have been conducted on library staff members’ skills and how they change, due to the transition to digital forms of dissemination. The present study strives to give employees a voice, which is why the respondents’ experiences are the starting point for the analytical work. Such studies are essential to understanding the extent and nature of the problem.
Innovative solutions to tap “Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises” (MSME) market
Authors: Hakeem Muhammad Mohsin
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to indicate an innovative solution to address the financing issues faced by “Micro-, Small and Medium Enterprises” (MSME) in emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs) especially Islamic banks are competing for high net worth individuals, whereas the MSME sector is largely untapped. A collaborative model for IFIs is suggested, to explore the MSME sector. Islamic Non-Banking Financial Institutions (NBFIs) are operating in these markets through their extensive gross route networks. The multistep collaborative model proposes “Special Purpose Entity (SPE)” partially owned by a single Islamic Bank or consortium and NBFI/s. SPEs can be incorporated with a defined scope, focus areas, risk profile, budget and shareholding patterns.

Findings

Risk and profit sharing instruments also known as Musharakah and Mudarabah have less than 6 percent share within total financing offered by Islamic banks globally. Risk sharing products offered by Islamic banks are not targeting this sector due to the underdevelopment of instruments, lack of knowledge and resources. Proposed SPEs can operate regionally with a concentration on specific business sectors.

Originality/value

The SPE model would enable Islamic banks to enter the huge MSME market while mitigating risk. On the contrary, it would enable the large segments of emerging economies (bottom 40 percent population of developing nations) to get involved and actively play their role to attain long-term development goals.
Reflection of Maqāṣid al-Sharī'ah in the classical Fiqh al-Awqāf
Authors: Abdullah Mohammad
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the Sharī'ah premises of classical waqf doctrines followed by critically analysing the framework of waqf jurisprudence (fiqh al-awqāf) from a Maqāṣid al-Sharī'ah (the higher objectives of Islamic law) perspective. The objective of examining the jurisprudential framework of waqf from a maqāṣid perspective is to contextualise the scope of dynamism and innovation in the modern waqf structure.

Design/methodology/approach

For examining the jurisprudential aspects of classical fiqh al-awqāf with a special reference to Maqāṣid al-Sharī'ah, the paper analyses the classical waqf books and treatises from the four Sunni schools of jurisprudence by employing a textual analysis method.

Findings

The paper finds that the key constituents of maqāṣid are interwoven in the classical discourse of waqf rulings. It finds that in deriving the principles of waqf, the jurists ensured that the essentialities of Maqāṣid al-Sharī'ah are subtly intermingled with the necessary components of fiqhī principles. Deconstructing the applied analogical reasoning of the classical jurists in deriving the waqf rulings, this paper provides recommendations for maqāṣid-oriented application of waqf in the modern context.

Research limitations/implications

This study does not cover either the historical contribution of waqf among the Muslim societies nor does it touch on the empirical aspects of modern waqf. Rather, the focus of the study is limited to analysing the classical jurisprudential rulings of waqf and their distillation process from a Maqāṣid al-Sharī'ah perspective. The study has good implication for modern awqāf, which need to be created, managed and directed in the spirit of Maqāṣid al-Sharī'ah.

Practical implications

The key objective of adopting the maqāṣid framework for the analysis of fiqh al-awqāf in its classical permutations is to learn how to utilise the maqāṣid approach as a baseline for the deduction of new waqf rulings in a contextualised term.

Originality/value

The novelty of the paper lies in its examination of the classical waqf rulings distillation process, and the cogent intersection of Maqāṣid al-Sharī'ah with the principles of fiqh. By delving into the Sharī'ah premises of classical waqf jurisprudence through the lens of maqāṣid, the paper adds an original value and fills an existing gap in the available literature.
The business financial inclusion benefits from an Islamic point of view: a qualitative inquiry
Authors: Umar Umar Habibu
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study explores the benefits of business financial inclusion from the Islamic perspective in Nigeria by selecting Kano state as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were generated through semi-structured interviews with experts who comprised professional accountants/consultants and experienced traders. Thematic analysis was applied to examine the data collected. In addition, observations were made in some selected stores and shops to complement the interview results.

Findings

The study finds that the benefits of business financial inclusion include recordkeeping improvement, reduction of the risks of bad debts, reduction of the risks associated with cash, enhancing business zakāh for poverty alleviation, sales improvement and business growth, getting supports from government and other development organizations and the provision of employment opportunities.

Research limitations/implications

This study is purely qualitative, and, as such, it has some limitations in terms of generalization.

Practical implications

The practical implication of this study is that the use of electronic payment methods, especially point of sales, enhances the business financial inclusion, which consequently maximizes their wealth and contributes to the reduction of poverty to the barest minimum in the society.

Social implications

The social implication of the findings is that businesses that are financially included are in a better position to discharge religious, philanthropic and other benevolent activities, such as zakāh, qard hasan, waqf and sadaqah, for the welfare of the ummah.

Originality/value

The study points out the benefits of financial inclusion not only to businesses but also to other members of the society at large.
Complications associated with the use of silicone oil in vitreoretinal surgery: A systemic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Valentín‐Bravo Fco. Javier , García‐Onrubia Luis , Andrés‐Iglesias Cristina , Valentín‐Bravo Eduardo , Martín‐Vallejo Javier , Pastor José Carlos , Usategui‐Martín Ricardo , Pastor‐Idoate Salvador
Published: November 2021

Silicone oil (SO) still represents the main choice for long‐term intraocular tamponade in complicated vitreoretinal surgery. This review compared the complications associated with the use of SO and other vitreous substitutes after pars plana vitrectomy in patients with different underlying diseases. Meta‐analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. We retrieved randomized clinical trials (RCTs), retrospective case–control and cohort studies evaluating the risk of using SO, published between 1994 and 2020, conducting a computer‐based search of the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase. Primary outcome was the rate of complications such as intraocular hypertension, retinal re‐detachment, unexpected vision loss or hypotony. Secondary outcome was to compare the rate of adverse events of different SO viscosities, especially emulsification. Forty‐three articles were included. There were significant differences in intraocular hypertension (p = 0.0002, OR = 1.66; 95% CI = 1.27–2.18) and the rate of retinal re‐detachment (p < 0.0009, OR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.50–0.64) between SO and other agents, including placebo. However, there were no differences in other complication rates. Silicone oil (SO)‐emulsification rate was non‐significantly higher in low than high SO viscosity, and results from other complications were comparable in both groups. The high quality of most of the studies included in this study is noteworthy, which provides some certainty to the conclusions. Among them is the high variability of the SO residence time. The fact that ocular hypertension and not hypotension is related to SO use. A clear relationship is not found for the so‐called unexplained vision loss, which affects a significant percentage of eyes. Re‐detachment cases are less if SO is used and that surprisingly there does not seem to be a relationship in the percentage of emulsification between the low‐ and high‐viscosity silicones. All these data warrant more standardized prospective studies.
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1‐alpha protects a fibrotic liver from partial hepatectomy‐induced advanced liver injury through regulating cell cycle arrest
Authors: Zhang Linzhong , Wang Wei , Liu Lipeng , Zhang Yanghao , Zhang Xiuying
Published: November 2021

Background

A fibrotic liver may have an impaired regenerative capacity. Because liver transplantation is donor limited, understanding the regenerative ability of a fibrotic liver is important.

Methods

A two‐thirds partial hepatectomy (PH) was performed in C57Bl/6 mice with or without carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) treatment. Liver regeneration in the fibrotic liver after PH was assessed by the intrahepatic expression of the cell cycle regulators p53, p21, cyclin D1, c‐Fos and CDK2 using Western blot analysis. In addition, the expression of PGC‐1α and the cell proliferation‐related proteins PCNA and phosphate histone H3 was determined by Western blot and immunohistochemical staining analyses. Histone epigenetic modification of the PGC‐1α promoter was investigated through chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) assays. The impact of PGC‐1α on liver regeneration after PH was further evaluated in PGC‐1α‐knockout mice.

Results

A decreased expression of PGC‐1α and liver regeneration‐related genes in the fibrotic liver was detected after a PH. Histone acetylation at the PGC‐1α promoter led to increases in PGC‐1α expression and the survival rate in the fibrotic group after a PH. PGC‐1α‐mediated liver regeneration was further demonstrated in PGC‐1αf/falbcre+/0 mice.

Conclusion

Targeting PGC‐1α may represent a strategy to improve the treatment of PH in patients with liver fibrosis.
Which mixed depression model? A comparison between DSM‐5‐defined mixed features and Koukopoulos' criteria
Authors: Mineo Ludovico , Rodolico Alessandro , Spedicato Giorgio A. , Aguglia Andrea , Bolognesi Simone , Concerto Carmen , Cuomo Alessandro , Goracci Arianna , Serafini Gianluca , Maina Giuseppe , Fagiolini Andrea , Amore Mario , Aguglia Eugenio
Published: November 2021

Background

The criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition “with mixed features specifier” (DSM‐5 MFS) are considered controversial since they include only typical manic symptoms. By contrast, Koukopoulos developed an alternative model of mixed depression (MxD) focusing primarily on the excitatory component.

Objective

To compare DSM‐5 MFS and Koukopoulos' MxD (KMxD) in terms of prevalence, associated clinical variables, and discriminative capacity for bipolar depression in patients with major depressive episode (MDE).

Methods

A total of 300 patients with MDE—155 with major depressive disorder and 145 with bipolar disorder (BD)—were recruited. The discriminative capacity of DSM‐5 MFS and KMxD criteria for BD was estimated using the area under the curves of receiver operating characteristic (ROC_AUC). The clinical variables associated with these two diagnostic constructs were assessed by performing a logistic regression.

Results

A total of 44 and 165 patients met the DSM‐5 MFS and KMxD criteria, respectively. The ROC_AUCs and their confidence intervals for BD according to DSM‐5 MFS and KMxD were 77.0% (72.0%‐82.1%) and 71.9% (66.2%‐77.7%), respectively. The optimal thresholds (combining sensitivity and specificity measures) for BD diagnosis were ≥1 (77%/68%) for DSM‐5 MFS and ≥3 symptoms (78%/66%) for KMxD. However, considering the DSM‐5 MFS cut‐off (≥3 symptoms), the specificity (97%) increased at the expense of sensitivity (26%).

Conclusions

KMxD and DSM‐5‐MFS showed an overlapping discriminative capacity for bipolar depression. The current diagnostic threshold of DSM‐5 MFS did not prove to be very inclusive, if compared with the greater diagnostic sensitivity of KMxD, which also yielded better association with clinical variables related to mixedness.
Lumbar spine intrathecal transplantation of neural precursor cells promotes oligodendrocyte proliferation in hot spots of chronic demyelination
Authors: Theotokis Paschalis , Kesidou Evangelia , Mitsiadou Dimitra , Petratos Steven , Damianidou Olympia , Boziki Marina , Chatzidimitriou Anastasia , Grigoriadis Nikolaos
Published: November 2021

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a basic and reliable model used to study clinical and pathological hallmarks of multiple sclerosis (MS) in rodents. Several studies suggest neural precursor cells (NPCs) as a significant research tool while reporting that transplanted NPCs are a promising therapeutic approach to treating neurological disorders, such as MS. The main objective was to approach a preclinical, in vivo scenario of oligodendrogenesis with NPCs, targeting the main chronic demyelinated lumbosacral milieu of EAE, via the least invasive delivery method which is lumbar puncture. We utilized MOG35‐55 peptide to induce EAE in C57BL/6 mice and prior to the acute relapse, we intervened with either the traceable GFP+ cellular therapy or saline solution in the intrathecal space of their lumbar spine. A BrdU injection, which enabled us to monitor endogenous proliferation, marked the endpoint 50 days post‐induction (50 dpi). Neuropathology with high‐throughput, triple immunofluorescent, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) data were extracted and analyzed. The experimental treatment attenuated the chronic phase of EAE (50 dpi; score <1) following an acute, clinical relapse. Myelination and axonal integrity were rescued in the NPC‐treated animals along with suppressed immune populations. The differentiation profile of the exogenous NPCs and endogenous BrdU+ cells was location‐dependent where GFP+‐rich areas drove undifferentiated phenotypes toward the oligodendrocyte lineage. In situ oligodendrocyte enrichment was demonstrated through increased (p < 0.001) gap junction channels of Cx32 and Cx47, reliable markers for proliferative oligodendroglia syncytium. TEM morphometric analysis ultimately manifested an increased g‐ratio in lumbosacral fibers of the recovered animals (p < 0.001). Herein, we suggest that a single, lumbar intrathecal administration of NPCs capacitated a viable cellular load and resulted in clinical and pathological amelioration, stimulating resident OPCs to overcome the remyelination failure in EAE demyelinating locale.
Alpha‐actinin‐4 (ACTN4) gene amplification is a predictive biomarker for adjuvant chemotherapy with tegafur/uracil in stage I lung adenocarcinomas
Authors: Noro Rintaro , Honda Kazufumi , Nagashima Kengo , Motoi Noriko , Kunugi Shinobu , Matsubayashi Jun , Takeuchi Susumu , Shiraishi Hideaki , Okano Tetsuya , Kashiro Ayumi , Meng Xue , Yoshida Yukihiro , Watanabe Shunichi , Usuda Jitsuo , Inoue Tatsuya , Wilber Huang , Ikeda Norihiko , Seike Masahiro , Gemma Akihiko , Kubota Kaoru
Published: November 2021

Although adjuvant tegafur/uracil (UFT) is recommended for patients with completely resected stage I non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Japan, only one‐third of cases has received adjuvant chemotherapy (ADJ) according to real‐world data. Therefore, robust predictive biomarkers for selecting ADJ or observation (OBS) without ADJ are needed. Patients who underwent complete resection of stage I lung adenocarcinoma with or without adjuvant UFT were enrolled. The status of ACTN4 gene amplification was analyzed by FISH. Statistical analyses to determine whether the status of ACTN4 gene amplification affected recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were carried out. Formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded samples from 1136 lung adenocarcinomas were submitted for analysis of ACTN4 gene amplification. Ninety‐nine (8.9%) of 1114 cases were positive for ACTN4 gene amplification. In the subgroup analysis of patients aged 65 years or older, the ADJ group had better RFS than the OBS group in the ACTN4‐positive cohort (hazard ratio [HR], 0.084, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.009‐0.806; P = .032). The difference in RFS between the ADJ group and the OBS group was not significant in ACTN4‐negative cases (all ages: HR, 1.214; 95% CI, 0.848‐1.738; P = .289). Analyses of ACTN4 gene amplification contributed to the decision regarding postoperative ADJ for stage I lung adenocarcinomas, preventing recurrence, improving the quality of medical care, preventing the unnecessary side‐effects of ADJ, and saving medical costs.
Accuracy of intraocular lens power calculation for cataract surgery after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty
Authors: Pellegrini Marco , Furiosi Luca , Salgari Niccolò , D'Angelo Sergio , Zauli Giorgio , Yu Angeli Christy , Busin Massimo
Published: November 2021

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of intraocular lens power (IOL) formulas for cataract surgery after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK).

Methods

This retrospective study included eyes which had previously undergone DALK and underwent standard phacoemulsification with monofocal IOL implantation between January 2012 and January 2021 at Ospedali Privati Forlì “Villa Igea” (Forlì, Italy). The predicted spherical equivalent (SE) was calculated using the Barrett Universal II, Emmetropia Verifying Optical (EVO), Haigis, Hoffer Q, Hoffer QST, Holladay 1, Holladay II, Kane and SRK/T formulas. Prediction error (PE) was calculated as the actual postoperative SE refraction minus the SE predicted refraction.

Results

Eighty‐two eyes of 82 patients were included. The mean PE was negative using all formulas. Friedman test revealed a statistically significant difference of the median absolute PE (MedAE) among the different IOL formulas (P = 0.005). On the basis of the MedAE, the formulas were ranked as follows: SRK/T (0.805 D), Kane (0.810 D), EVO (0.845 D), Hoffer QST (0.847 D), Barrett (0.895 D), Holladay 1 (0.915 D), Haigis (1.010 D) and Hoffer Q (1.070 D) formulas.

Conclusions

All formulas had a tendency towards a myopic refractive shift in post‐DALK eyes. Although the SRK/T, Kane, EVO and Hoffer QST formulas were more accurate, predictability of refractive outcomes was lower than in virgin eyes.
Removal of a biliary self‐expandable metal stent using the zipline technique for pancreatic cancer with duodenal stricture
Authors: Sasaki Takashi , Takeda Tsuyoshi , Sasahira Naoki
Published: November 2021

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Young children spontaneously devise an optimal external solution to a cognitive problem
Authors: Armitage Kristy L. , Taylor Alex H. , Suddendorf Thomas , Redshaw Jonathan
Published: November 2021

Metacognition plays an essential role in adults’ cognitive offloading decisions. Despite possessing basic metacognitive capacities, however, preschool‐aged children often fail to offload effectively. Here, we introduced 3‐ to 5‐year‐olds to a novel search task in which they were unlikely to perform optimally across trials without setting external reminders about the location of a target. Children watched as an experimenter first hid a target in one of three identical opaque containers. The containers were then shuffled out of view before children had to guess where the target was hidden. In the test phase, children could perform perfectly by simply placing a marker in a transparent jar attached to the target container prior to shuffling, and then later selecting the marked container. Children of all ages used this external strategy above chance levels if they had seen it demonstrated to them, but only the 4‐ and 5‐year‐olds independently devised the strategy to improve their future performance. These results suggest that, when necessary for optimal performance, even 4‐ and 5‐year‐olds can use metacognitive knowledge about their own future uncertainty to deploy effective external solutions.
Prevalence and factors associated with atrial mitral and tricuspid regurgitation in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Gual‐Capllonch Francisco , Cediel Germán , Teis Albert , Ferrer‐Sistach Elena , Borrellas Andrea , Juncà Gladys , Vallejo Nuria , López‐Ayerbe Jorge , Kasa Pla‐Esperanzi Gizem , Bayes‐Genis Antoni
Published: November 2021

Background

This study aimed to examine the prevalence of atrial tricuspid regurgitation (ATR) and atrial mitral regurgitation (AMR) in the setting of atrial fibrillation (AFib) and identify variables related to the severity of both types of regurgitation.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study evaluating data from transthoracic echocardiograms performed during 2019. We included patients with AFib during the examination, and without primary valve disease or other significant heart disease.

Results

Four‐hundred and thirty‐two patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria (mean age 77.5±9.2 years, 49.1% women). We observed significant ATR in 14.8%, and significant AMR in 1.4% of patients. ATR and AMR severities were equal in 49.3% of patients, and 41% displayed greater ATR severity. ATR prevalence was significantly greater among women (23.1% vs 6.8%, p < 0.001), but AMR prevalence was similar between genders (1.9% vs .9%, p = 0.443). Variables related to greater ATR severity were: female sex (OR: 2.61, 95%CI: 1.60–4.24), left atrial (LA) volume (OR: 3.58, 95%CI: 1.50–8.55), systolic pulmonary artery pressure (OR: 1.10, 95%CI: 1.07–1.13), and moderate AMR (OR: 2.21, 95%CI: 1.22–4.00). Variables related to greater AMR severity were female sex (OR: 1.96, 95%CI: 1.24–3.09), LA volume (OR: 11.68, 95%CI: 5.29–25.80), and body mass index (OR: .94, 95%CI: .90–.98).

Conclusions

In the context of AFib, ATR was more prevalent than AMR and prevailed in women. LA enlargement was associated with higher degrees of both AMR and ATR. Pulmonary hypertension was also independently associated with ATR, as well as greater AMR severity, suggesting possible adaptive changes in leaflets that might modify the atrial regurgitation incidence.
Attributes of climate resilience in fisheries: From theory to practice
Authors: Mason Julia G. , Eurich Jacob G. , Lau Jacqueline D. , Battista Willow , Free Christopher M. , Mills Katherine E. , Tokunaga Kanae , Zhao Lily Z. , Dickey‐Collas Mark , Valle Mireia , Pecl Gretta T. , Cinner Joshua E. , McClanahan Tim R. , Allison Edward H. , Friedman Whitney R. , Silva Claudio , Yáñez Eleuterio , Barbieri María Á. , Kleisner Kristin M.
Published: November 2021

In a changing climate, there is an imperative to build coupled social‐ecological systems—including fisheries—that can withstand or adapt to climate stressors. Although resilience theory identifies system attributes that supposedly confer resilience, these attributes have rarely been clearly defined, mechanistically explained, nor tested and applied to inform fisheries governance. Here, we develop and apply a comprehensive resilience framework to examine fishery systems across (a) ecological, (b) socio‐economic and (c) governance dimensions using five resilience domains: assets, flexibility, organization, learning and agency. We distil and define 38 attributes that confer climate resilience from a coupled literature‐ and expert‐driven approach, describe how they apply to fisheries and provide illustrative examples of resilience attributes in action. Our synthesis highlights that the directionality and mechanism of these attributes depend on the specific context, capacities, and scale of the focal fishery system and associated stressors, and we find evidence of interdependencies among attributes. Overall, however, we find few studies that test resilience attributes in fisheries across all parts of the system, with most examples focussing on the ecological dimension. As such, meaningful quantification of the attributes’ contributions to resilience remains a challenge. Our synthesis and holistic framework represent a starting point for critical application of resilience concepts to fisheries social‐ecological systems.
Integrative approach on the diversity of nesting behaviour in fishes
Authors: Bessa Eduardo , Brandão Manuela Lombardi , Gonçalves‐de‐Freitas Eliane
Published: November 2021

Nests are the key elements of the reproductive repertoire of several fish species. Understanding the physiological aspects behind their nesting behaviour is imperative to improve our knowledge about behavioural mechanisms focusing on species conservation. Nevertheless, current knowledge on fish nesting is still underexplored. Here, we show a synthesis based on an integrative approach for understanding the diversity of nesting behaviour in fish. Because a nest sometimes does not involve new buildings (as in birds), we suggest a more comprehensive definition based on the behaviour instead of the structure per se. Forty fish families were recorded as they made nests, which were sorted into six main types: bowls, burrows, foam nests, nests made of plant matter and animal parts, besides nests made on clean rock surfaces. Besides spawning and parental care, these nests also serve as a refuge against predators and male competitors, as targets for sexual selection, including bowers with no parental care function, and badges of social status. We showed that, although it is advantageous to what the Darwinian fitness of the species is concerned, nesting also requires time and energy. We propose an evolution of nest types and functions, from the ancestral bowl used as refuge to derived foam nests with sexual selection functions. Physiologically, nesting is controlled by the HPG axis and particular brain circuits, this probably being the less explored subject. Finally, we highlighted that, in the changing world of the Anthropocene, nesting behaviour emerges as a framework to indicate the quality of the aquatic environments.
Sorting nexins: role in the regulation of blood pressure
Authors: Huang Juan , Tiu Andrew C. , Jose Pedro A. , Yang Jian
Published: November 2021

Sorting nexins (SNXs) are a family of proteins that regulate cellular cargo sorting and trafficking, maintain intracellular protein homeostasis, and participate in intracellular signaling. SNXs are also important in the regulation of blood pressure via several mechanisms. Aberrant expression and dysfunction of SNXs participate in the dysregulation of blood pressure. Genetic studies show a correlation between SNX gene variants and the response to antihypertensive drugs. In this review, we summarize the progress in SNX‐mediated regulation of blood pressure, discuss the potential role of SNXs in the pathophysiology and treatment of hypertension, and propose novel strategies for the medical therapy of hypertension.
Old origin for an European‐African amphitropical disjunction pattern: New insights from a case study on wingless darkling beetles
Authors: Kamiński Marcin J. , Smith Aaron D. , Kanda Kojun , Iwan Dariusz , Kergoat Gael J.
Published: November 2021

Aim

The origin of the amphitropic Mediterranean Basin and southern African disjunction (European–African amphitropical disjunction; EAAD) pattern is generally attributed to recent dispersal events. However, our knowledge is limited because the origin of the EAAD pattern has been almost exclusively studied in plants. Here, we investigate the origin of this wide‐ranging disjunction pattern in a group of wingless insects, consisting of two major clades, both of which have EAAD distributions.

Location

Sub‐Saharan Africa and Mediterranean region.

Taxon

Tribe Dendarini (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae).

Methods

We reconstructed a dated molecular phylogeny of major lineages within Dendarini using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. The employed dataset included sequences of six genes (two mitochondrial and four nuclear fragments) generated for 72 species. To investigate the sequence and timing leading to present‐day wide‐ranging disjunction patterns, we conducted parametric historical biogeography analyses.

Results

The dated phylogenetic framework supports the monophyly of all major Dendarini lineages and highlights the origin of the tribe in sub‐Saharan Africa during the Middle Eocene. From there, representatives of the two major lineages colonized the Mediterranean region at the Oligocene‐Miocene boundary, with one lineage first reaching North Africa, whilst the other reached southern Europe.

Main conclusions

The origin of the EAAD in Dendarini beetles is ancient and better explained by the progressive fragmentation of the pan‐African rainforest that started in the Early Eocene than by other scenarios. This and the increased aridification associated with the global long‐term cooling trend that took place at that time had a strong influence on the diversification and distribution of xerophilic organisms such as dendarine beetles. This challenges the understanding of the origin of EAAD patterns, highlighting that they do not only result from recent dispersal events between the Pliocene and Pleistocene.