bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Cre-dependent massively parallel reporter assay allows for cell-type specific assessment of the functional effects of non-coding elementsin vivo
Authors: Lagunas Tomas , Plassmeyer Stephen P. , Fischer Anthony D. , Friedman Ryan Z. , Rieger Michael A. , Selmanovic Din , Sarafinovska Simona , Lucero Alessandra F. Aguilar , An Joon-Yong , Sanders Stephan J. , Cohen Barak A. , Dougherty Joseph D.
Published: May 2021

The function of regulatory elements is highly dependent on the cellular context, and thus for understanding the function of elements associated with psychiatric diseases these would ideally be studied in neurons in a living brain. Massively Parallel Reporter Assays (MPRAs) are molecular genetic tools that enable functional screening of hundreds of predefined sequences in a single experiment. These assays have not yet been adapted to query specific cell typesin vivoin a complex tissue like the mouse brain. Here, using a test-case 3′UTR MPRA library with genomic elements containing variants from ASD patients, we developed a method to achieve reproducible measurements of element effectsin vivoin a cell type-specific manner, using excitatory cortical neurons and striatal medium spiny neurons as test cases. This new technique should enable robust, functional annotation of genetic elements in the cellular contexts most relevant to psychiatric disease.
Characterization of the subunit composition and structure of native adult glycine receptors
Authors: Yu Hailong , Bai Xiao-chen , Wang Weiwei
Published: May 2021

The strychnine-sensitive pentameric Glycine Receptor (GlyR) mediates fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the mammalian nervous system. Only heteromeric GlyRs mediate synaptic transmission, since they contain the β subunit that permits clustering at the synapse through its interaction with scaffolding proteins. Here we show that α2 and β subunits assemble with an unexpected 4:1 stoichiometry to produce GlyR with native electrophysiological properties. We determined structures in multiple functional states at 3.6 – 3.8 Å resolutions and show α2β GlyR assembly mechanism. Furthermore, we show that one single β subunit in each GlyR gives rise to the characteristic electrophysiological properties of heteromeric GlyR, while more β subunits renders GlyR non-conductive. A single β subunit ensures a univalent GlyR-scaffold linkage, which means the scaffold alone regulates the cluster properties.
Unsupervised deep learning method for cell segmentation
Authors: Din Nizam Ud , Yu Ji
Published: May 2021

Advances in the artificial neural network have made machine learning techniques increasingly more important in image analysis tasks. Recently, convolutional neural networks (CNN) have been applied to the problem of cell segmentation from microscopy images. However, previous methods used a supervised training paradigm in order to create an accurate segmentation model. This strategy requires a large amount of manually labeled cellular images, in which accurate segmentations at pixel level were produced by human operators. Generating training data is expensive and a major hindrance in the wider adoption of machine learning based methods for cell segmentation. Here we present an alternative strategy that uses unsupervised learning to train CNNs without any human-labeled data. We show that our method is able to produce accurate segmentation models. More importantly, the algorithm is applicable to both fluorescence and bright-field images, requiring no prior knowledge of signal characteristics and requires no tuning of parameters.
Customizing Multifunctional Neural Interfaces through Thermal Drawing Process
Authors: Antonini Marc-Joseph , Sahasrabudhe Atharva , Tabet Anthony , Schwalm Miriam , Rosenfeld Dekel , Garwood Indie , Park Jimin , Loke Gabriel , Khudiyev Tural , Kanik Mehmet , Corbin Nathan , Canales Andres , Jasanoff Alan , Fink Yoel , Anikeeva Polina
Published: May 2021

Fiber drawing enables scalable fabrication of multifunctional flexible fibers that integrate electrical, optical and microfluidic modalities to record and modulate neural activity. Constraints on thermomechanical properties of materials, however, have prevented integrated drawing of metal electrodes with low-loss polymer waveguides for concurrent electrical recording and optical neuromodulation. Here we introduce two fabrication approaches: (1) an iterative thermal drawing with a soft, low melting temperature (Tm) metal indium, and (2) a metal convergence drawing with traditionally non-drawable high Tmmetal tungsten. Both approaches deliver multifunctional flexible neural interfaces with low-impedance metallic electrodes and low-loss waveguides, capable of recording optically-evoked and spontaneous neural activity in mice over several weeks. We couple these fibers with a light-weight mechanical microdrive (1g) that enables depth-specific interrogation of neural circuits in mice following chronic implantation. Finally, we demonstrate the compatibility of these fibers with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and apply them to visualize the delivery of chemical payloads through the integrated channels in real time. Together, these advances expand the domains of application of the fiber-based neural probes in neuroscience and neuroengineering.
A Drosophila Toolkit for Imaging of HA-tagged Proteins Unveiled a Block in Autophagy Flux in the Last Instar Larval Fat Body
Authors: Murakawa Tadayoshi , Nakamura Tsuyoshi , Kawaguchi Kohei , Murayama Futoshi , Ning Zhao , Stasevich Timothy J , Kimura Hiroshi , Fujita Naonobu
Published: May 2021

For in vivo functional analysis of a protein of interest (POI), multiple transgenic strains with POI harboring different tags are needed but generation of these strains is still labor-intensive work. To overcome this, we developed a versatile Drosophila toolkit with a genetically encoded single-chain variable fragment for the HA epitope tag: “HA Frankenbody”. This system allows various analyses of HA-tagged POI in live tissues by simply crossing an HA Frankenbody fly with an HA-tagged POI fly. Strikingly, the GFP-mCherry tandem fluorescent-tagged HA Frankenbody revealed a block in autophagic flux and an accumulation of enlarged autolysosomes in the last instar larval and prepupal fat body. Autophagy was dispensable for the swelling of lysosomes, indicating that lysosomal activity is downregulated at this stage. Furthermore, forced activation of lysosomes by fat body-targeted overexpression of Mitf, the single MiTF/TFE family gene in Drosophila, suppressed the lysosomal swelling and resulted in pupal lethality. Collectively, we propose that downregulated lysosomal function in the fat body plays a role in the metamorphosis of Drosophila.
Distinct Origins of Two-order Hierarchical Cognitive Abilities in Human Adults
Authors: Jiang Shaohan , Sun Fanru , Yuan Peijun , Jiang Yi , Wan Xiaohong
Published: May 2021

Human cognitive abilities are considerably diverse from basic perceptions to complex social behaviors. All human cognitive functions are principally categorized into a two-order hierarchy. Almost all of the first-order cognitive abilities investigated in behavioral genetics have been found to be dominantly heritable. However, the origins of the human second-order cognitive abilities in metacognition and mentalizing so far remain unclear. We here systematically compared the origins of the first-order and second-order cognitive abilities involved in the metacognition and mentalizing tasks using the classical twin paradigm on human adults. Our results demonstrated a double dissociation of the genetic and environmental contributions to the first-order and second-order cognitive abilities. All the first-order cognitive abilities involved in the metacognition and mentalizing tasks were dominantly heritable. In contrast, the shared environmental effects, rather than the genetic effects, had dominant contributions to the second-order cognitive abilities of metacognition and mentalizing in human adults. Hence, our findings suggest that human adults’ monitoring sensitivities in metacognition and mentalizing are profoundly sculpted by their social or cultural experiences, but less preconditioned by their biological nature.
Big Five personality traits impact on entrepreneurial intention: the mediating role of entrepreneurial alertness
Authors: Awwad Mohammad Suleiman , Al-Aseer Rana Mohammad Najati
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the Big Five personality traits on the entrepreneurial intentions of undergrad university students in Jordan. It further investigates the mediating role of entrepreneurial alertness.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative survey method was conducted with a convenience sample of Jordanian university students. A total of 323 valid questionnaires were received and analyzed. A structural equation modeling with partial least square (PLS) is used to analyze data.

Findings

Results revealed that conscientiousness, openness and alertness were associated with entrepreneurial intention. Extraversion and openness were associated with alertness, while agreeableness and neuroticism were unrelated to either outcome. Finally, alertness mediates the relationship between extraversion and openness with entrepreneurial intention.

Originality/value

There is a lack of previous studies investigating the relationship between the Big Five personality traits and students’ entrepreneurial intentions in Jordan, particularly the role of mediating variables in this relationship. This study is considered the first one that examined the mediating role of entrepreneurial alertness in the relationship between personality traits and entrepreneurial intentions.
Rayleigh wave propagation at the boundary surface of dry sandy ($SiO_2$) thermoelastic solids
Authors: Gupta Shishir , Dwivedi Rishi , Smita Smita , Dutta Rachaita
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of study to this article is to analyze the Rayleigh wave propagation in an isotropic dry sandy thermoelastic half-space. Various wave characteristics, i.e wave velocity, penetration depth and temperature have been derived and represented graphically. The generalized secular equation and classical dispersion equation of Rayleigh wave is obtained in a compact form.

Design/methodology/approach

The present article deals with the propagation of Rayleigh surface wave in a homogeneous, dry sandy thermoelastic half-space. The dispersion equation for the proposed model is derived in closed form and computed analytically. The velocity of Rayleigh surface wave is discussed through graphs. Phase velocity and penetration depth of generated quasi P, quasi SH wave, and thermal mode wave is computed mathematically and analyzed graphically. To illustrate the analytical developments, some particular cases are deliberated, which agrees with the classical equation of Rayleigh waves.

Findings

The dispersion equation of Rayleigh waves in the presence of thermal conductivity for a dry sandy thermoelastic medium has been derived. The dry sandiness parameter plays an effective role in thermoelastic media, especially with respect to the reference temperature for η = 0.6,0.8,1. The significant difference in η changes a lot in thermal parameters that are obvious from graphs. The penetration depth and phase velocity for generated quasi-wave is deduced due to the propagation of Rayleigh wave. The generalized secular equation and classical dispersion equation of Rayleigh wave is obtained in a compact form.

Originality/value

Rayleigh surface wave propagation in dry sandy thermoelastic medium has not been attempted so far. In the present investigation, the propagation of Rayleigh waves in dry sandy thermoelastic half-space has been considered. This study will find its applications in the design of surface acoustic wave devices, earthquake engineering structural mechanics and damages in the characterization of materials.
Childhood, disability and vocational training in Franco's Spain during the 1950s and early 1960s
Authors: Del Cura Mercedes , Martínez-Pérez José
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper analyses the strategies designed by Franco´s dictatorship to address the “problem” of children with physical disabilities, focusing on the relevance given to vocational training.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws mainly on official documents, reports from international organisations, and Spanish experts' papers.

Findings

Francoism turned labour into one of the key pillars of its national project and included vocational training in the different stages of school life. From the mid-1950s, vocational training also became a key factor for the dictatorship's strategy towards disability. Following the recommendations issued by international agencies, Francoism began to adopt different measures towards the rehabilitation of children with disabilities. One of them was the creation, in 1959, of a special unit for adolescents within the National Institute for the Rehabilitation of Invalids. In addition to medical treatment, this unit provided children with education and vocational training.

Originality/value

The value of this paper lies in the fact that the topic it analyses has been little studied. Until now no attention has been given to the special unit for adolescents, despite it being a very interesting example of the medical model of disability and its contradictions. During their stay at the unit children were promised greater autonomy and independence, but their lives also became medicalised and they were forced to collaborate with experts.
Individual investor attention to stock split and the disposition effect
Authors: Kesuma Wendy , Ekaputra Irwan Adi , Chalid Dony Abdul
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper investigates whether individual investors are attentive to stock splits and whether higher split ratios (stronger private information signals) reduce the disposition effect.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs stock split events and transaction data in the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) from January 2004 to December 2017. The authors measure individual investors' attention using buy-initiated trades. To test the effect of split signal on disposition effect, the authors regress individual investors' sell-initiated trades on past stock returns.

Findings

Unlike Birru (2015), the authors find that individual investors are attentive to stock splits, especially when stock split ratios are high. In turn, stock splits tend to weaken the disposition effect. The higher the stock split ratios, the weaker the disposition effect.

Research limitations/implications

This study has a limitation in that the authors exclude all stock splits with dividend events around the split date. These stock splits cover 37% of all splits in Indonesia.

Practical implications

Practically, individual investors should look for stock-related information to reduce disposition bias.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to test individual investors' attention on stock splits based on their buy-initiated trades. This study is also the first to test the impact of stock split ratios on the disposition effect reduction. This study's findings enrich the scant literature on individual investors' attention and how to reduce their disposition effect bias.
Tips for difficult to diagnose hypomelanotic melanomas on reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Pizzichetta Maria Antonietta , Canzonieri Vincenzo , Rubegni Pietro , Corneli Paola , Puglisi Fabio , Zalaudek Iris , Cinotti Elisa
Published: May 2021

Amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma (AHM) represents a clinical diagnostic challenge. Dermoscopy improves AHM diagnosis thanks to visualization of little pigment and vascular pattern. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) increases further the diagnostic accuracy of AHM but few and small studies have described in detail RCM features of AHM. We evaluated dermoscopic and RCM features of nine cases of difficult to diagnose hypomelanotic melanomas (HMs) to find clues for their diagnosis. The RCM score was suggestive of melanoma in all cases. The major criteria of nonedged papillae and/or cytological atypia at the dermo‐epidermal junction were seen in all cases. Among the minor criteria, roundish pagetoid cells, including hyporeflective pagetoid cells, were found in four out of nine lesions. Dermoscopically, four out of nine HMs did not show prevalent suspicious criteria while revealing suspicious RCM features that were visible only after careful RCM examination by zooming mosaic images. RCM can improve HM diagnostic accuracy but only after extensive evaluation of images. Atypical cells were less reflective and the architectural irregularity was less visible than in pigmented melanoma and zooming was needed to identify both features.
The role of entitlement, social dominance orientation, and right‐wing authoritarianism in the prediction of homonegativity for heterosexual white men
Authors: Adelman Andrew L. , Awad Germine H. , Bennett Ashley , Nguyen Hien
Published: May 2021

We examined the role of right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA), social dominance orientation (SDO), psychological entitlement, and narcissistic entitlement in the prediction of White men's negative attitudes and behaviors toward lesbian women and gay men. The present study (a) simultaneously examines four predictors (i.e., psychological and narcissistic entitlement, RWA, and SDO) of attitudes toward lesbian women and gay men (ATLG) and rejecting behaviors, (b) examines psychological and narcissistic entitlement as distinct predictors of ATLG and rejecting behaviors, and (c) tests the potential mediating role of ATLG. A path model was tested using the survey data from 153 White, heterosexual, male college students. Findings indicate that only RWA and narcissistic entitlement were significant predictors of ATLG, which is a strong predictor of rejecting behaviors. Furthermore, ATLG mediates the relationship between RWA and rejecting behaviors (d = .35). In other words, higher RWA is associated with higher ATLG, which is associated with more self‐reported rejecting behaviors. Narcissistic entitlement also influences rejecting behaviors through ATLG and both psychological and narcissistic entitlement were found to directly predict gay and lesbian rejecting behaviors.
Digital peer learning for transformative professional agency: The case of homelessness practitioners in Finland
Authors: Sannino Annalisa , Engeström Yrjö , Jokinen Esa
Published: May 2021

Digital lifelong learning and more specifically digital peer learning (DPL) can play a major role to foster transformative agency in professions and occupations which are critically positioned for responding to acute societal needs. Yet so far, no published studies seem to have focused on this. This article aims at filling this gap with the help of a study in which online workshops and web forums were created for supporting homelessness practitioners in Finland to share and discuss scattered practical innovations and to generate advanced solutions to problems in their work. By these means, the study also generated data to see if transformative agency takes place among these professionals by means of DPL, how this happens, and with what results for the critical field of homelessness work. This study opens up a new agenda for research and development in lifelong learning in a digital era.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

As digital peer learning (DPL) can be largely organized by the learners themselves, it carries significant advantages for lifelong learning and work development: a close link to the field of practice and to clients' and stakeholders' needs, potentially a wide reach of practitioners, little institutional investment, and cost‐effectiveness.

The application of DPL raises a number of challenges we summarize here as the spectator challenge, the challenge of drowning in details, and the discontinuity challenge.

What this paper adds

DPL literature lacks specific contributions on how it can support practitioners to identify and implement concrete solutions to pressing needs in society.

This article shows that DPL may facilitate professional transformative agency in such a way that the two processes can intersect with one another and generate concrete and effective lifelong learning solutions for much needed developments in critical fields such as homelessness work.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Cultivating personally and professionally meaningful conflicts of motives evokes emotional involvement and potentially also learners' curiosity and cognitive engagement, opening an avenue to transcend the spectator stance.

Experience and discursive elaboration of a conflict of motives directs learners to focus on the essential, thus providing an effective means for overcoming the risk of drowning in details. This can be facilitated by offering artifacts, metaphors, or models which may be taken up by practitioners in DPL as support or “second stimuli” to engage in transformative initiatives.

To transcend the discontinuity challenge salient in many DPL processes, it is of particular importance to find ways to embed DPL and engage the learners in long‐term change efforts. Even relatively short online workshops and web forum discussions can gain momentum when efforts are made to establish links between past experiences and the future prospects.
Fleeing from Violence: Accounts of Forced Displacement in Central Mexico
Authors: Macleod Morna
Published: May 2021

This article explores the nature and dynamics of criminal violence in central Mexico through the lived experience of internally displaced persons (IDPs) over the past ten years. First, the issue of internal displacement and the context of violence and drug‐trafficking in Mexico is addressed, then reflections are made on the methodological, security and ethical challenges of doing fieldwork in contexts of violence. Three case studies are drawn upon to illustrate the complexities of violence, organised crime and state (in)action leading to forced displacement. Findings are analysed and framed as grey zones, uncertain and at times indecipherable and terrifying.
Influence of metal artefact reduction tool on the detection of vertical root fractures involving teeth with intracanal materials in cone beam computed tomography images: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fontenele Rocharles C. , Machado Alessiana H. , de Oliveira Reis Larissa , Freitas Deborah Q.
Published: May 2021

Background

The effectiveness of the metal artefact reduction (MAR) tool for the detection of vertical root fracture (VRF) by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images is controversial.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of the MAR tool on VRF detection involving teeth with intracanal materials in CBCT images.

Methodology

In September 2019, an electronic search was performed in six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, Lilacs and Embase). The electronic search was updated in May 2020 through searches in Google Scholar and references of included studies (embracing the electronic and gray literature searches). No language or year restrictions were applied. Independently, two reviewers examined titles, abstracts and full texts according to the eligibility criteria that were as follows: diagnostic studies that evaluated the effectiveness of the MAR tool on the diagnosis of VRF in human teeth (laboratory orin vivostudies) on CBCT images. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic of Accuracy Studies‐2 (QUADAS‐2). For conducting the meta‐analysis, the values of sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and area under the ROC curve (AUC) were obtained, considering the subgroups with and without MAR active. The Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation instrument was applied to assess the level of evidence across the studies using GRADEpro software.

Results

A total of 8 laboratory studies were included in both systematic review and meta‐analysis. The values of sensitivity, specificity, DOR and AUC to VRF diagnosis with and without MAR active were, respectively, 0.586 and 0.603; 0.699 and 0.713, 3.037 and 3.767; 0.67 and 0.71. The quality of the evidence suggested low confidence in estimating the outcomes.

Discussion

The MAR tool decreased slightly the diagnostic values of VRF involving teeth with intracanal materials in laboratory studies. However, it is important to highlight that most studies had an uncertain risk of bias.

Conclusions

Although a low level of evidence and high heterogeneity were observed in the included studies, the meta‐analysis revealed better diagnosis values for VRF detection when the MAR was deactivated when analysing extracted teeth in a laboratory setting.

Registration

PROSPERO—CRD42020145222.

Funding

This study was financed in party by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior—Brasil (CAPES).
The detection of long‐lasting memory foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) virus serotype O‐specific CD4+ T cells from FMD‐vaccinated cattle by bovine major histocompatibility complex class II tetramer
Authors: Mitoma Shuya , Carr Brigid Veronica , Harvey Yongjie , Moffat Katy , Sekiguchi Satoshi , Charleston Bryan , Norimine Junzo , Seago Julian
Published: May 2021

Foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious, economically devastating disease of cloven‐hooved animals. The development of long‐lasting effective FMD vaccines would greatly benefit the global FMD control programme. Deep analysis of adaptive immunity in cattle vaccinated against FMD is technically challenging due to the lack of species‐specific tools. In this study, we aimed to identify CD4+ T‐cell epitopes in the FMD virus (FMDV) capsid and to phenotype the CD4+ T cells that recognize them using bovine major histocompatibility complex (BoLA) class II tetramer. A BoLA class II tetramer based on the DRA/DRB3*020:02 allele and FMDV antigen‐stimulated PBMCs from bovine vaccinates were used to successfully identify four epitopes in the FMDV capsid, three of which have not been previously reported; two epitopes were identified in the structural protein VP1, one in VP3 and one in VP4. Specificity of the three novel epitopes was confirmed by proliferation assay. All epitope‐expanded T‐cell populations produced IFN‐γ in vitro, indicating a long‐lasting Th1 cell phenotype after FMD vaccination. VP3‐specific CD4+ T cells exhibited the highest frequency amongst the identified epitopes, comprising >0·004% of the CD4+ T‐cell population. CD45RO+CCR7+ defined central memory CD4+ T‐cell subpopulations were present in higher frequency in FMDV‐specific CD4+ T‐cell populations from FMD‐vaccinated cattle ex vivo. This indicates an important role in maintaining cell adaptive immunity after FMD vaccination. Notably, FMDV epitope‐loaded tetramers detected the presence of FMDV‐specific CD4+ T cells in bovine PBMC more than four years after vaccination. This work contributes to our understanding of vaccine efficacy.
Nurses’ ehealth literacy and associations with the nursing practice environment
Authors: Kritsotakis George , Andreadaki Eirini , Linardakis Manolis , Manomenidis George , Bellali Thalia , Kostagiolas Petros
Published: May 2021

Aim

To report on ehealth literacy levels in nurses and to explore its associations with the nursing practice environment.

Background

Nurses increasingly use the Internet and associated technologies to seek health‐relevant information and manage their health.

Introduction

High ehealth literacy is a predictor of better health outcomes in diverse populations but its levels and work‐related determinants have not been adequately explored in direct‐care nurses.

Methods

The sample for this cross‐sectional study consisted of 200 staff nurses and nursing assistants in Greece. Participants reported during February–March 2019 their sociodemographic and work‐related characteristics on a self‐administered questionnaire which included the “electronic Health Literacy Scale”—eHEALS, and the “Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index”—PES‐NWI. Crude and adjusted logistic regressions were performed.

Findings

In adjusted models, participants that scored higher on the “Collegial nurse–physician relationships” and “Nurse participation in hospital affairs” dimensions of the clinical environment had higher odds of reporting better ehealth literacy. The lowest item score in eHEALS was related to not being able to make health decisions using Internet information.

Discussion

Nurses’ ehealth literacy was positively associated with some dimensions of the hospital practice environment. Nurses reported higher ehealth literacy scores in comparison to other studies; however, they were not confident in distinguishing reliable health information from Internet sources. This is quite alarming because it can directly impair the ability of nurses to provide relevant and up‐to‐date evidence‐based care.

Conclusion

This is the first study to report internationally on the positive associations of a good working environment with nurses’ ehealth literacy levels.

Implications for Nursing and Nursing Policy

Nursing policy should address the ehealth literary of nurses and integrate it into continuing professional education initiatives. Special focus should be put on nurses’ ambiguity in distinguishing which ehealth information is reliable and can guide nursing practice. This should be combined with efforts to improve the nursing clinical environment and increase nurses’ participation in hospital decisions.
Diabetic polyneuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome together affect hand strength, tactile sensation and dexterity in diabetes patients
Authors: Zhang Yan , Liu Xinhua , Jia Jie , Zhang Qi , Lin Yifang , Zhang Li , Lu Qi , Lv Haidong , Zheng Xianzhao
Published: May 2021

Aims/Introduction

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) can occur together, and this concomitance is thought to be higher in diabetes patients. We aimed to examine and compare hand function in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients without CTS and DPN (CTS−DPN−), patients with CTS without DPN (CTS+DPN−), patients with DPN without CTS (CTS−DPN+), and patients with CTS and DPN (CTS+DPN+).

Materials and Methods

A total of 161 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients underwent physical examination and electrodiagnostic tests. Grip and pinch strengths, tactile sensory thresholds were measured for each participant. Purdue pegboard test was used in evaluating the hand dexterity of the participants.

Results

Of the 161 type 2 diabetes mellitus participants, 36 (22.4%) had both CTS and DPN. CTS participants had lower grip (26.6 ± 10.6 vs 35.2 ± 14.3, P < 0.001) and pinch (6.3 ± 2.6 vs 7.5 ± 2.9, P = 0.026) strengths compared with non‐CTS participants, whereas DPN participants had elevated tactile sensory thresholds of both the second (2.8 [2.8–3.6] vs 2.4 [2.4–2.8], P < 0.001) and the fifth (2.8 [2.8–3.6] vs 2.4 [2.4–2.8], P < 0.001) fingers compared with non‐DPN participants. The CTS+DPN+ group had lower Purdue pegboard test scores than other groups. Grip (r = 0.482, 0.530, 0.467, 0.498, all P < 0.001) and pinch (r = 0.246, P = 0.003; r = 0.265, P = 0.001; r = 0.264, P = 0.001; r = 0.235, P = 0.005) strengths were positively correlated with Purdue pegboard test scores, whereas tactile sensory thresholds were negatively correlated with Purdue pegboard test scores (r = −0.447 to −0.359, all P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with both DPN and CTS had lower grip and pinch strengths and decreased tactile sensation, both of which were correlated with poorer hand dexterity.
Areal‐timeclassification and detection method for mutton parts based on single shot multi‐box detector
Authors: Zhao Shida , Hao Guangzhao , Zhang Yichi , Wang Shucai
Published: May 2021

This article proposes a real‐time classification and detection method for mutton parts based on a single shot detector (SSD). We acquired 9,000 images of various parts of mutton in a sheep slaughtering workshop, characterized by multiple classes and multiple samples. After image preprocessing, an image dataset of the mutton parts was established for later model training. Subsequently, we introduced transfer learning to train an SSD–VGG network and obtain the optimal model. The optimal model was then applied to determine the category and position of each mutton part in the image, thus realizing the classification and detection of mutton parts. In this method, the average accuracymAPand average processing time for a single image are selected as the accuracy and speed indicators, respectively, for judging the detection performance of the model. The feature extraction network VGG is replaced with MobileNetV1 to optimize the real‐time performance of the SSD. Furthermore, we set an additional illumination dataset with two brightness levels “bright” and “dark” to verify the generalization ability of the optimized model. Finally, four common object detection algorithms, namely YoloV3–MobileNetV1, YoloV3–DarkNet53, Fast‐RCNN, and Cascade‐RCNN, are introduced to perform comparative experiments on mutton image datasets. The test results prove that the SSD–MobileNetV1 exhibits high accuracy and good real‐time performance, with a certain generalization ability. It has a better comprehensive detection ability than other methods and can provide technical support for mutton processing.

Practical Applications

Currently, in the processing of mutton, the multiple parts of mutton are identified and sorted manually, which is time‐consuming and laborious, and there are certain hidden food safety hazards. A deep‐learning‐based object detection method can solve the above problems effectively. Therefore, this study uses SSD to perform an accurate real‐time recognition of the multiple parts of mutton from its images and provide a visual guidance for mutton sorting robots. It can also aid further research in the slaughtering and processing of other meat.
Modified single‐hair follicular unit grafting to esthetically restore eyelashes in Asians
Authors: Tang Songjia , Wu Xiaoxin , Liu Peihua , Li Jinsheng , Han Chunmao , Zhang Jufang
Published: May 2021

Background

Eyelashes play an important role in the perception of beauty and protection of eyeballs. The outcome of eyelash restoration varies and mainly depends on the surgeon's technique and no standard procedure exists.

Aims

To evaluate the effect of modified single‐hair follicular unit grafting to esthetically restore eyelashes and provide a potential alternative of standard procedure.

Patients and Methods

A total of 34 patients with sparse or partially absent eyelashes who underwent modified procedure were included. Single‐hair grafts were harvested from the donor site (post‐auricular, nape, frontal hairline area). Grafts were transplanted with 23 gauge needle and fine forceps in the modified procedure. The patients were followed for a mean of 12 months after surgery.

Results

All patients were satisfied with the result 12 months after the surgery. An average of 46.5 grafts (34‐68) were transplanted in each upper eyelid. The mean graft survival rate after 1 year was 87.2% (84%‐92%). Of the 34 patients, three patients received a second session to achieve a denser appearance. No significant complication as trichiasis, infection, scarring, or eyeball injury occurred.

Conclusion

This modified single‐hair follicular unit grafting is a good alternative for esthetic eyelash restoration with good cosmetic results, relative easy maintenance, lack of complications, and long‐term patient satisfaction.
Does the intergenerational transmission of crime depend on family complexity?
Authors: Anker Anne Sofie Tegner , Andersen Lars H.
Published: May 2021

Objective

This study examines whether the intergenerational transmission of crime depends on family complexity.

Background

Research has found a substantial intergenerational transmission of crime. But the focus on biological parents in such research tends to not fully align with current demographic trends—which emphasize increasing family complexity (in the form of family instability and prevalence of stepparent‐families)—nor with theories which predict why we should observe such transmissions.

Method

We use Danish administrative data on children born in 1985–1995 and linear probability models to estimate whether the association between paternal conviction and offspring conviction risk varies between children living in intact families with both biological parents at age 15 and children living in alternative family constellations, defined by instability and presence of a stepfather in the family. We furthermore examine whether a stepfather's conviction predicts children's conviction risk.

Results

The influence of paternal conviction—net of differences in demographics and parental socioeconomic status—was significantly diminished only in family constellations where a stepfather was present and mostly so in families with high degree of stability. But having a convicted stepfather was associated with a higher conviction risk.

Conclusion

The findings have important implications for theories of the intergenerational transmission of crime as they underline that biological family ties do not lock in children's future crime risks.
Miocene Ethiopian amber: A new source of fossil cryptogams
Authors: Bouju Valentine , Feldberg Kathrin , Kaasalainen Ulla , Schäfer‐Verwimp Alfons , Hedenäs Lars , Buck William R. , Wang Bo , Perrichot Vincent , Schmidt Alexander R.
Published: May 2021

Amber is renowned for the exceptional preservation state of its inclusions, allowing detailed morphological analysis and providing relevant environmental, palaeoecological, geographical, and geological information. Amber deposits are predominantly known from North America, Europe, and Asia, and are considered to be rare on the continents that formed Gondwana. The recent discovery of fossiliferous amber deposits in Ethiopia, therefore, provides an inimitable opportunity to close gaps in the fossil record of African terrestrial biota and to study organisms which are otherwise rare in the fossil record. Here we show that diverse cryptogams are preserved in highest fidelity in Miocene Ethiopian amber. We describe gametophyte fragments of four liverworts:Thysananthus aethiopicussp. nov. (Porellales, Lejeuneaceae),Lejeunea abyssinicoidessp. nov. (Porellales, Lejeuneaceae),Frullania shewanensissp. nov. (Porellales, Frullaniaceae), andFrullania palaeoafricanasp. nov. (Porellales, Frullaniaceae). Furthermore, we describe a pleurocarpous moss of the extant genusIsopterygium(Hypnales, Pylaisiadelphaceae) and a lichen representing the order Lecanorales. These new specimens represent the first amber fossils of liverworts, mosses, and lichens from the African continent and render Ethiopian amber as one of the few worldwide amber deposits preserving bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) or lichens. Fossil species ofThysananthuswere recorded in Eocene Baltic and Oligocene Bitterfeld as well as Miocene Dominican and probably also Miocene Mexican ambers. Fossils that can unequivocally be assigned toLejeuneahave only been found in Dominican amber so far. Neotropical ambers contain only one taxon ofFrullaniato date, while the genus is most diverse in Baltic, Bitterfeld, and Rovno ambers, formed in temperate regions. The new fossils support a tropical to subtropical origin of Ethiopian amber. The new African liverwort fossils are included in an updated list of leafy liverworts described from worldwide Cenozoic ambers to date.
Updates on epicardial adipose tissue mechanisms on atrial fibrillation
Authors: Couselo‐Seijas Marinela , Rodríguez‐Mañero Moisés , González‐Juanatey José R. , Eiras Sonia
Published: May 2021

Obesity is a well‐known risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). Local epi‐myocardial or intra‐myocardial adiposity caused by aging, obesity, or cardiovascular disease (CVD) is considered to be a better predictor of the risk of AF than general adiposity. Some of the described mechanisms suggest that epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) participates in structural remodeling owing to its endocrine activity or its infiltration between cardiomyocytes. Epicardial fat also wraps up the ganglionated plexi that reach the myocardium. Although the increment of volume/thickness and activity of EAT might modify autonomic activity, autonomic system dysfunction might also change the endocrine activity of epicardial fat in a feedback response. As a result, new preventive therapeutic strategies are focused on reducing adiposity and weight loss before AF ablation or inhibiting autonomic neurotransmitter secretion on fat pads during open‐heart surgery to reduce the recurrence or postoperative risk of AF. In this manuscript, we review some of the novel findings regarding the pathophysiology and associated risk factors of AF, with special emphasis on the role of EAT in the electrical, structural, and molecular mechanisms of AF initiation and maintenance. In addition, we have included a brief note provided on epicardial fat preclinical models that could be useful for identifying new therapeutic targets.
Impact of nutritional status on prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy in children undergoing liver transplant
Authors: Nelson James A. , Mortensen Melissa J. , Horslen Simon , Bhat Aarti H.
Published: May 2021

Objective

We sought to (1) determine the prevalence of cardiac changes in patients with ESLD awaiting OLT (2) determine relationship between nutritional indices and cardiac changes.

Methods

Retrospective review of transthoracic ECHO, clinical and nutritional information of pediatric patients evaluated for OLT. ECHO was analyzed for LVH, defined as LVMI > 95 g/m2.7 and/or RWT > 0.42. These findings were correlated with age, ESLD etiology, growth and nutritional parameters as well as pre‐ and post‐OLT.

Results

Sixty‐five patients were included, all had normal left ventricular systolic function. Nine patients (14%) had LVMI > 95 g/m2.7, five patients (8%) had RWT > 0.42, none met both criteria. None had thickened interventricular septal wall. Fourteen patients (20%) had significant left ventricular dilation. Nutritional deprivation was modestly present—weight under third percentile in 22%, length under third percentile in 24%, and both weight and length under third percentile in 17%. There were 12 patients (17%) with MUAC below two standard deviations for age; of these one had an elevated LVMI and another had an RWT > 0.42.

Conclusions

In this contemporary cross‐sectional evaluation, a smaller proportion of patients with ESLD had LVH in contrast to prior studies. Despite a comparable disease burden, our cohort had better nutritional status. Though there was a trend between nutritional and LVH indices, this correlation may be better assessed prospectively in a larger cohort.
Multisensory signals inhibit pupillary light reflex: Evidence from pupil oscillation
Authors: Yuan Xiangyong , Cheng Yuhui , Jiang Yi
Published: May 2021

Multisensory integration, which enhances stimulus saliency at the early stage of the processing hierarchy, has been recently shown to produce a larger pupil size than its unisensory constituents. Theoretically, any modulation on pupil size ought to be associated with the sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways that are sensitive to light. But it remains poorly understood how the pupillary light reflex is changed in a multisensory context. The present study evoked an oscillation of the pupillary light reflex by periodically changing the luminance of a visual stimulus at 1.25 Hz. It was found that such induced pupil size oscillation was substantially attenuated when the bright but not the dark phase of the visual flicker was periodically and synchronously presented with a burst of tones. This inhibition effect persisted when the visual flicker was task‐irrelevant and out of attentional focus, but disappeared when the visual flicker was moved from the central field to the periphery. These findings not only offer a comprehensive characterization of the multisensory impact on pupil response to light, but also provide valuable clues about the individual contributions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways to multisensory modulation of pupil size.
Is body weight better distributed among men than among women? A robust normative analysis for France, the UK, and the US*
Authors: Bennia Fatiha , Gravel Nicolas , Magdalou Brice , Moyes Patrick
Published: May 2021

We compare distributions of body mass index (BMI) categories among genders in France, the United States, and the United Kingdom on the basis of efficiency and inequality considerations. The new normative criteria that we propose are well suited to the ordinal nature of this variable. Our empirical results, which are supported by robust statistical inference, are twofold. First, BMI categories for the two genders are better distributed in France than in the UK, and in the UK than in the US. Second, BMI categories happen to be more equally distributed among men than among women in all three countries.
Understanding gateway to medicine programmes
Authors: Dueñas Angelique N. , Tiffin Paul A. , Finn Gabrielle M.
Published: May 2021

Background

Supporting underrepresented groups in pursuing, applying and matriculating into medical education is a key issue in the field. In the United Kingdom, Gateway to Medicine programmes were created as a specific form of entry to medical education, to support diversification goals. Whilst well‐established, how these programmes are broadly designed and implemented, and how their functioning links to conceptual views of diversity, is not well described in the literature.

Methods

This article explores relevant diversity‐related literature, including a specific review of all Gateway programmes.

Findings

Key facets of diversity‐related work in medicine, including the distinction between ‘widening participation’ and ‘widening access’ are discussed. These distinctions frame the presentation of Gateway years; their selection process, structure and function are described. The purpose of these years is then discussed, with the lens of different discourses around diversity in medicine, to provide theoretical and practical considerations. Recommendations for how faculty can better explore diversity‐related issues are also provided.

Conclusion

Gateway programmes may be effective, to some extent, in widening access to medical education, but require considerable resourcing to operate. Though heterogenous in nature, these programmes share common elements. However, discourses around the goals and purpose of this diversification vary based on individuals and institutions. These varied perspectives, as well as the societal and historical implications of diversity‐related work, are important for all clinical educators to understand with depth, and address directly, in order to reduce inequalities both within medical education and society at large.