bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct neural representations during a brain-machine interface and manual reaching task in motor cortex, prefrontal cortex, and striatum
Authors: Zippi Ellen L. , Shvartsman Gabrielle F. , Vendrell-Llopis Nuria , Wallis Joni D. , Carmena Jose M.
Published: June 2023

Although brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) are directly controlled by the modulation of a select local population of neurons, distributed networks consisting of cortical and subcortical areas have been implicated in learning and maintaining control. Previous work in rodent BMI has demonstrated the involvement of the striatum in BMI learning. However, the prefrontal cortex has been largely ignored when studying motor BMI control despite its role in action planning, action selection, and learning abstract tasks. Here, we compare local field potentials simultaneously recorded from the primary motor cortex (M1), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and the caudate nucleus of the striatum (Cd) while nonhuman primates perform a two-dimensional, self-initiated, center-out task under BMI control and manual control. Our results demonstrate the presence of distinct neural representations for BMI and manual control in M1, DLPFC, and Cd. We find that neural activity from DLPFC and M1 best distinguish between control types at the go cue and target acquisition, respectively. We also found effective connectivity from DLPFC→M1 throughout trials across both control types and Cd→M1 during BMI control. These results suggest distributed network activity between M1, DLPFC, and Cd during BMI control that is similar yet distinct from manual control.
Soil intake modifies the gut microbiota and alleviates ovalbumin-induced mice asthma inflammation
Authors: Li Mengjie , Li Na , Dong Yangyang , Zhang Honglin , Bai Zhimao , Zhang Rui , Fei Zhongjie , Zhu Wenyong , Xiao Pengfeng , Sun Xiao , Zhou Dongrui
Published: June 2023

Background

Low cleanliness living environment (LCLE) can increase gut microbial diversity and prevent allergic diseases, whereas gut microbial dysbiosis is closely related to the pathogenesis of asthma. Our previous studies suggested that soil in the LCLE is a key factor in shaping intestinal microbiota.

Objective

We aimed to explore if sterilized soil intake as prebiotics while being incubated with microbes in the air can attenuate mice asthma symptoms by modifying gut microbiota.

Methods

16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze the gut microbial composition, in combination with immune parameters measured in the lung and serum samples.

Results

16S rRNA gene sequencing results showed significant differences in the fecal microbiota composition between the test and control mice, with a higher abundance ofAllobaculum,Alistipes,andLachnospiraceae_UCG-001, which produce short-chain fatty acids and are beneficial for health in the test mice. Soil intake downregulated the concentrations of IL-6, IL-4, IL-17F, TNF-α, and IL-22 in serum and increased the expression of IFN-γ, which regulated the Th1/Th2 balance in lung by polarizing the immune system toward Th1, strongly alleviating ovalbumin-induced asthma inflammation. The effect of sensitization on gut microbiota was greater than that of air microbes and age together, but weaker than that of soil.

Conclusion

Soil intake had a significant therapeutic effect on mouse asthma, possibly by promoting the growth of multiple beneficial bacteria. The results indicated that the development of soil-based prebiotic products might be used for allergic asthma management and our study provides further evidence for the hygiene hypothesis.

Importance

Exposure to a low cleanliness living environment (LCLE), of which soil is an important component, can shape the gut microbiota and support immune tolerance, preventing allergic diseases such as eczema and asthma. However, with the rapid progress of urbanization, it is impossible to return to farm-like living and we are becoming disconnected from the soil. Here, our study found that ingesting sterilized soil and living in an LCLE have the same protective effects on asthma inflammation. Ingestion of sterilized soil significantly altered the gut microbial composition and exerted significant therapeutic effects on asthmatic mice. However, edible sterilized soil possesses more advantages than LCLE exposure, such as the absence of pathogenic bacteria, safer, and convenience. The results indicate that the development of soil-based prebiotic products might be used for allergic asthma management and our study further supports the hygiene hypothesis.

Notification

The article is currently undergoing peer review in the World Allergy Organization Journal.
Audiotactile stimulation can improve syllable discrimination through multisensory integration in the theta frequency band
Authors: Guilleminot Pierre , Graef Cosima , Butters Emilia , Reichenbach Tobias
Published: June 2023

Syllables are an essential building block of speech. We recently showed that tactile stimuli linked to the perceptual centers of syllables in continuous speech can improve speech comprehension. The rate of syllables lies in the theta frequency range, between 4 and 8 Hz, and the behavioural effect appears linked to multisensory integration in this frequency band. Because this neural activity may be oscillatory, we hypothesized that a behavioural effect may also occur not only while but also after this activity has been evoked or entrained through vibrotactile pulses. Here we show that audiotactile integration regarding the perception of single syllables, both on the neural and on the behavioural level, is consistent with this hypothesis. We first stimulated subjects with a series of vibrotactile pulses and then presented them with a syllable in background noise. We show that, at a delay of 200 ms after the last vibrotactile pulse, audiotactile integration still occurred in the theta band and syllable discrimination was enhanced. Moreover, the dependence of both the neural multisensory integration as well as of the behavioral discrimination on the delay of the audio signal with respect to the last tactile pulse was consistent with a damped oscillation. In addition, the multisensory gain is correlated with the syllable discrimination score. Our results therefore evidence the role of the theta band in audiotactile integration and provide evidence that these effect may involve oscillatory activity that still persists after the tactile stimulation.
A Novel Amino Acid Deletion and Substitution inamrBGene Associated with Gentamicin Susceptibility inBurkholderia pseudomalleifrom Malaysian Borneo
Authors: Hussin Ainulkhir , Nathan Sheila , Shahidan Muhammad Ashraf , Nor Rahim Mohd Yusof , Zainun Mohamad Yusof , Khairuddinb Nurul Aiman Nafisah , Ibrahim Nazlina
Published: June 2023

Burkholderia pseudomalleiis a highly pathogenic saprophyte that is intrinsically resistant to a wide variety of antibiotics. Resistance to gentamicin is considered as an earmark ofB. pseudomallei.However, rare susceptible strains have been isolated in certain regions due to gene mutations. Currently, data on the susceptible strains’ prevalence and the actual causal mutations are still scarce, particularly in Malaysian Borneo. A pool ofB. pseudomalleiisolates (n= 46) were screened for gentamicin susceptibility and phenotypically confirmed using the gradient minimum inhibitory concentration method. Three isolates were gentamicin-susceptible strains and were identified as having originated from Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. The amrBgene mutation in these mutant strains was analysed, and the effect of amino acid substitution on the stability of the amrB protein was determined by usingin silicoanalysis. The mutagenesis analysis identified a polymorphism-associated mutation, g.1056T>G, and two susceptible-associated mutations identified as novel in-frame amino acid deletion p.Val412del and amino acid substitution p.Thr368Arg that compromised gentamicin resistance.In silicoanalysis using amrB homology-modelled and AlphaFold-solved structures proposed the role of p.Thr368Arg amino acid substitution in conferring GEN susceptibility by other mechanisms than destabilising the structure of amrB protein, which is most probably due to the mutation’s location in the highly conserved region. The findings have shed light on the phenotypic characteristics and mutations involved in theamrBgene of the gentamicin-susceptibleB. pseudomallei.
Heterologous expression ofDictyostelium discoideumNE81 in mouse embryo fibroblasts reveals conserved mechanoprotective roles of lamins
Authors: Odell Jacob , Gräf Ralph , Lammerding Jan
Published: June 2023

Lamins are nuclear intermediate filament proteins that are ubiquitously found in metazoan cells, where they contribute to nuclear morphology, stability, and gene expression. Lamin-like sequences have recently been identified in distantly related eukaryotes, but it remains unclear if these proteins share conserved functions with the lamins found in metazoans. Here, we investigate conserved features between metazoan and amoebozoan lamins using a genetic complementation system to express theDictyostelium discoideumlamin-like protein NE81 in mammalian cells lacking either specific lamins or all endogenous lamins. We report that NE81 localizes to the nucleus in cells lacking Lamin A/C, and that NE81 expression improves nuclear circularity, reduces nuclear deformability, and prevents nuclear envelope rupture in these cells. However, NE81 did not completely rescue loss of Lamin A/C, and was unable to restore normal distribution of metazoan lamin interactors, such as emerin and nuclear pore complexes, which are frequently displaced in Lamin A/C deficient cells. Collectively, our results indicate that the ability of lamins to modulate the morphology and mechanical properties of nuclei may have been a feature present in the common ancestor ofDictyosteliumand animals, whereas other, more specialized interactions may have evolved more recently in metazoan lineages.
USING MACHINE LEARNING OR DEEP LEARNING MODELS IN A HOSPITAL SETTING TO DETECT INAPPROPRIATE PRESCRIPTIONS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Johns E. , Godet J. , Alkanj A. , Beck M. , Mas L. Dal , Gourieux B. , Sauleau E.-A. , Michel B.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) is catching the interest of hospitals pharmacists. Massive collection of pharmaceutical data is now available to train AI models and hold the promise of disrupting codes and practices. The objective of this systematic review was to examine the state of the art of machine learning or deep learning models that detect inappropriate hospital medication orders.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA statement. PubMed and Cochrane database were searched from inception to May 2023. Studies were included if they reported and described an AI model intended for use by clinical pharmacists in hospitals.

Results

After reviewing, thirteen articles were selected. Eleven studies were published between 2020 and 2023; eight were conducted in North America and Asia. Six analyzed orders and detected inappropriate prescriptions according to patient profiles and medication orders, seven detected specific inappropriate prescriptions. Various AI models were used, mainly supervised learning techniques.

Conclusions

This systematic review points out that, to date, few original research studies report AI tools based on machine or deep learning in the field of hospital clinical pharmacy. However, these original articles, while preliminary, highlighted the potential value of integrating AI into clinical hospital pharmacy practice.

What is already known on this topic

AI models for pharmacists are at their beginning. Pharmacists need to stay up-to-date and show interest in developing such tools.

What this study adds

This systematic review confirms the growing interest of AI in hospital setting. It highlights the challenges faced, and suggests that AI models have a great potential and will help hospital clinical pharmacists in the near future to better manage review of medication orders.

How this study might affect research, practice or policy

AI models have a gaining interested among hospital clinical pharmacists. This systematic review contributes to understand AI models and the techniques behind the tools.
Nf1Deficiency Increases Mammary Collagen Deposition and Restricts Adipocyte Differentiation Before Tumor Formation
Authors: Arumugam Menusha , Tovar Elizabeth A. , Essenburg Curt J. , Dischinger Patrick S. , Beddows Ian , Wolfrum Emily , Madaj Zach B. , Turner Lisa , Feenstra Kristin , Gallik Kristin L. , Cohen Lorna , Nichols Madison , Sheridan Rachel T.C. , Esquibel Corinne R. , Mouneimne Ghassan , Graveel Carrie R. , Steensma Matthew R.
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Neurofibromin, coded by theNF1tumor suppressor gene, is the main negative regulator of the RAS pathway and is frequently mutated in various cancers. Women with Neurofibromatosis Type I (NF1) – a tumor predisposition syndrome caused by a germlineNF1mutation – have an increased risk of developing aggressive breast cancer with poorer prognosis. The mechanism by whichNF1mutations lead to breast cancer tumorigenesis is not well understood. Therefore, the objective of this work was to identify stromal alterations before tumor formation that result in the increased risk and poorer outcome seen among NF1 patients with breast cancer.

METHODS

To accurately model the germline monoallelicNF1mutations in NF1 patients, we utilized anNf1-deficient rat model with accelerated mammary development before presenting with highly penetrant breast cancer.

RESULTS

We identified increased collagen content inNf1-deficient rat mammary glands before tumor formation that correlated with age of tumor onset. Additionally, gene expression analysis revealed thatNf1-deficient mature adipocytes in the rat mammary gland have increased collagen expression and shifted to a fibroblast and preadipocyte expression profile. This alteration in lineage commitment was also observed within vitrodifferentiation, however, flow cytometry analysis did not show a change in mammary adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell abundance.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these studies uncovered the previously undescribed role ofNf1in mammary collagen deposition and regulating adipocyte differentiation. In addition to unraveling the mechanism of tumor formation, further investigation of adipocytes and collagen modifications in preneoplastic mammary glands will create a foundation for developing early detection strategies of breast cancer among NF1 patients.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Nuclear MTHFD2 secures mitosis progression by preserving centromere integrity
Authors: Pardo-Lorente Natalia , Gkanogiannis Anestis , Cozzuto Luca , Zapater Antoni Gañez , Espinar Lorena , García-López Laura , Aydin Rabia Gül , Darai Evangelia , Severino Jacqueline , Batlle-Morera Laura , Ponomarenko Julia , Sdelci Sara
Published: June 2023

Subcellular compartmentalization of metabolic enzymes may elicit specific cellular functions by establishing a unique metabolic environment. Indeed, the nuclear translocation of certain metabolic enzymes is required for epigenetic regulation and gene expression control. Here, we reveal that, in cancer cells, the mitochondrial enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 2 (MTHFD2) localizes in the nucleus during the G2-M phase of the cell cycle to secure mitosis progression. Nuclear MTHFD2 interacts with proteins involved in mitosis regulation and centromere stability, including the methyltransferases KMT5A and DNMT3B. Loss of MTHFD2 induces centromere overexpression and severe methylation defects and impedes correct mitosis completion. As a consequence, MTHFD2 deficient cells accumulate chromosomal aberrations arising from chromosome congression and segregation defects. Blocking the catalytic nuclear function of MTHFD2 recapitulates the phenotype observed in MTHFD2 deficient cells, attributing to nuclear MTHFD2 an enzymatic active role in controlling mitosis. Our discovery uncovers a nuclear moonlighting role for the cancer target MTHFD2, and emphasizes that cancer metabolism rewiring may encompass the relocation of metabolic enzymes to alternative subcellular compartments.
Rim aperture of autophagic membranes balances cargo inclusion with vesicle maturation
Authors: Shatz Oren , Fraiberg Milana , Polyansky Alexandra , Shimoni Eyal , Dadosh Tali , Wolf Sharon , Elazar Zvulun
Published: June 2023

Autophagy eliminates cytoplasmic material by engulfment in membranous vesicles targeted for lysosome degradation. Nonselective autophagy coordinates the sequestration of bulk cargo with the growth of the isolation membrane (IM) in a yet-unknown manner. Here we show the yeast IM expands while maintaining a rim sufficiently wide for sequestration of large cargo but tight enough to mature in due time. An obligate complex of Atg24/Snx4 with Atg20 or Snx41 assembles locally at the rim in a spatially-extended manner that specifically depends on autophagic PI(3)P. This assembly stabilizes the open rim to promote autophagic sequestration of large cargo in correlation with vesicle inflation. Moreover, constriction of the rim by the PI(3)P-dependent Atg2-Atg18 complex and clearance of PI(3)P by Ymr1 antagonize the rim opening to promote autophagic maturation and consumption of small cargo. Tight regulation of membrane rim aperture by PI(3)P thus couples the mechanism and physiology of nonselective autophagy.
Husbandry of the African Turquoise KillifishNothobranchius furzeri
Authors: Nath Ravi D. , Bedbrook Claire N. , Nagvekar Rahul , Brunet Anne
Published: June 2023

The African turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri) is an extremely short-lived vertebrate that has emerged as a powerful model organism for several research areas, including aging and embryonic diapause, which is the temporary suspension of embryonic development. The killifish research community is expanding and developing new solutions to improve the tractability of the killifish as a model system. Starting a killifish colony from scratch can present numerous challenges. In this protocol, we aim to highlight critical elements in building and maintaining a killifish colony. This protocol should help laboratories start a killifish colony and standardize aspects of killifish husbandry.
Mix-and-extrude: high-viscosity sample injection towards time-resolved protein crystallography
Authors: Vakili Mohammad , Han Huijong , Schmidt Christina , Wrona Agnieszka , Kloos Marco , de Diego Iñaki , Dörner Katerina , Geng Tian , Kim Chan , Koua Faisal H. M. , Melo Diogo V. M. , Rappas Mathieu , Round Adam , Round Ekaterina , Sikorski Marcin , Valerio Joana , Zhou Tiankun , Lorenzen Kristina , Schulz Joachim
Published: June 2023

Time-resolved crystallography enables the visualization of protein molecular motion during a reaction. Although light is often used to initiate reactions in time-resolved crystallography, only a small number of proteins can be activated by light. However, many biological reactions can be triggered by the interaction between proteins and ligands. The sample delivery method presented here uses a mix-and-extrude approach based on 3D-printed microchannels in conjunction with a micronozzle. The diffusive mixing enables the study of the dynamics of samples in viscous media. The device design allows mixing of the ligands and protein crystals in 2 to 20 s. The device characterization using a model system (fluorescence quenching of iq-mEmerald proteins by copper ions) demonstrated that ligand and protein crystals, each within lipidic cubic phase, can be mixed efficiently. The potential of this approach for time-resolved membrane protein crystallography to support the development of new drugs is discussed.
Legendre wavelets based approach for the solution of type-2 fuzzy uncertain smoking model of fractional order
Authors: Mohapatra Dhabaleswar , Chakraverty Snehashish
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Investigation of the smoking model is important as it has a direct effect on human health. This paper focuses on the numerical analysis of the fractional order giving up smoking model. Nonetheless, due to observational or experimental errors, or any other circumstance, it may contain some incomplete information. Fuzzy sets can be used to deal with uncertainty. Yet, there may be some inconsistency in the membership as well. As a result, the primary goal of this proposed work is to numerically solve the model in a type-2 fuzzy environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Triangular perfect quasi type-2 fuzzy numbers (TPQT2FNs) are used to deal with the uncertainty in the model. In this work, concepts of r2-cut at r1-plane are used to model the problem's uncertain parameter. The Legendre wavelet method (LWM) is then utilised to solve the giving up smoking model in a type-2 fuzzy environment.

Findings

LWM has been effectively employed in conjunction with the r2-cut at r1-plane notion of type-2 fuzzy sets to solve the model. The LWM has the advantage of converting the non-linear fractional order model into a set of non-linear algebraic equations. LWM scheme solutions are found to be well agreed with RK4 scheme solutions. The existence and uniqueness of the model's solution have also been demonstrated.

Originality/value

To deal with the uncertainty, type-2 fuzzy numbers are used. The use of LWM in a type-2 fuzzy uncertain environment to achieve the model's required solutions is quite fascinating, and this is the key focus of this work.
Job stress and burnout among construction professionals: the moderating role of online emotions
Authors: Wu Zhijiang , Wang Yongxiang , Liu Mengyao
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The negative effects of job stress and burnout on construction professionals (CPs) at the construction site have been widely concern in the construction industry. The purpose of this study is committed to explore the impact of job stress on CPs on the construction site, especially in the context of the widespread use of social media to express their emotions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed a job-related stress-burnout-health conditions-turnover intention (S-B-HT) framework to explore the direct and lagged effects of job stress, we also examined the moderating effects of online emotions, operationalized in terms of emotional intensity and expression pattern, on the relationship between job stress with job burnout under two evolution paths (i.e. health conditions or turnover intention). This study collected 271 samples through a survey questionnaire for empirical testing, and introduced structural equation models to validate the proposed conceptual model.

Findings

The results show that job stress has a significant positive effect on job burnout, and job burnout maintains a positive relationship with health conditions (or turnover intention) under the interference mechanism. Simultaneously, the online emotions expressed in social media have a positive moderating effect in two stages of the evolution path.

Practical implications

The findings of this study remind the project manager need to timely find and solve the job burnout characteristics of CPs due to excessive job stress, especially to prevent the accidental consequences caused by job burnout.

Originality/value

On this basis, this study provides an important value of using social media to express emotions for the project team to alleviate the adverse of professionals under job stress.
How self-verification striving affects creative performance: the moderating effect of authentic leadership and the mediating effect of taking charge
Authors: Chen Guoqing , Wei Jun
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The extant literature on self-verification striving has primarily focused on employee recruitment and positive organizational outcomes, but there is insufficient research on its influence mechanism and boundary conditions. With taking charge as the mediating variable and authentic leadership as the moderating variable, this study aims to explore the relationship between self-verification striving and creative performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected 358 questionnaires from China. Linear regression was used to explore the influence mechanism and boundary conditions. Groups were classified by latent profile analysis, and differences among different groups were compared.

Findings

First, self-verification striving was significantly positively correlated with creative performance, and taking charge played a significant mediating role between them. Second, authentic leadership significantly positively moderated the relationship between self-verification striving and taking charge. Third, based on the willingness and action of self-verification striving, it was found that the taking charge and creative performance of the double high group was significantly higher than the high-medium group, while the double low group was significantly lower than the high-medium group.

Originality/value

First, this study makes up for the lack of influencing mechanism and inconsistency of research results between self-verification striving and employee outcomes. Second, the moderating effect of authentic leadership was proposed and verified, which enriched the universality of self-verification theory in Chinese context. Third, we found the differences in behaviors and outcomes among different groups, verified the uniqueness of self-verification striving in the Chinese context. It helps to explore the deep relationships that cannot be revealed by variables alone.
Administrative Reforms in South and Southeast Asia: Enhancing the Capacity for Public Service Delivery
Authors: Azizuddin Muhammad
Published: June 2023

The aim of administrative reform— a special public policy instrument of governments— is to improve the capacity of public service delivery systems. This study examines the reform-led service delivery situation of public institutions at the local level in South Asia. The study offers an in-depth qualitative study with gleaned data, focusing on primary education in the country in relation to MDGs basic education. Local administration in the country has been a ‘low modicum of self-governance to provide public services. Institutional capacity dealing with educational management has called into question. Primary education in the country is quantitatively discussed while qualitatively is in a state of disarray. As a thorough academic qualitative study with a country-specific case has by far not been explored yet, it fills the information gap. Little is known about the public service delivery capacity with primary education at the local level. This study implicates governments and development partners such as the UN SDGs for effective partnership in development in an era of post-CVID-19 crisis.
The Negotiation between the Predominated Sacredness and Secular Popular Culture in Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Liu Yong
Published: June 2023

In retrospectives on Brunei’s first feature film Gema Dari Menara (1968), commentators have tended to focus on either its historical representation of Brunei’s booming post-curfew years in the late 1960s as ‘a time capsule of Brunei’s lost pop history’, or the film’s propagandistic nature for Da’wah (religious propagation). In this paper, however, I will concentrate my observations on the aesthetic values of the film itself, including the narrative structure, plot design, camerawork, characterisation and character relationships, as well as the resulting artistic effects manifested by these production elements as a whole.

Putting all the propagandistic elements aside, I would like to argue that Gema Dari Menara, as a family melodrama, is carefully constructed and propelled by the above-mentioned filmmaking techniques. The drama not only tells the story of an intense familial conflict revolving around the theme of faith rooted in the Bruneian tradition, it also implies the necessity of an internal negotiation between the predominant Islamic ideology and the increasingly secularised Bruneian civil society at the time. While the implied negotiation may have been unintended or subconscious in the original making of the film, it is well-balanced and reflective of the political and social reality of Brunei as a British Protectorate in the late 1960s, foreshadowing the current coexistent status quo of the dominance and sacredness of MIB and the secular popular culture in Brunei.
Technologizing Islam, Islamifying Technology: The Use of Modern Technologies in Brunei’s First Film, Gema Dari Menara (1968)
Authors: Amran Rinni Haji
Published: June 2023

Historians of technology have for the past decade begun to recognize the important role that technology plays in nation-building. From the development of the steam locomotive in Britain in the early 19th century that was integral to the Industrial Revolution to America’s emphasis on its technological progressiveness in its national narratives in the 20th century, studies have shown that the history of technology is necessarily the history of nations as well. While the majority of previous research focuses primarily on Western nations (and unsurprisingly so, considering that a greater proportion of technological advancements have happened in these countries in the recent past centuries), less have studied how other countries have dealt with the rise of modern technologies in the development and maintenance of their national identity. This paper seeks to expand the critical scope by examining Brunei’s stance on technology in the 1960s – just after the 1959 Constitution was established declaring the nation an independent, sovereign Sultanate – a time when Brunei was still in the early stages of defining its own identity. I propose that Brunei used modern technologies in order to further solidify its Muslim identity as a response to modernization and globalization, which is distinct to many previously-studied countries that focus more on boosting their military and/or industrial prowess. Brunei’s approach, then, notably counters oft-perceived contradictions between religion and technology. This study will focus on Brunei’s first film, Gema Dari Menara (1968), which was tellingly commissioned by the Religious Affairs Department, and will examine the portrayal of modern technologies that seek to break the binary between religion and modernity to show an image of Islam that is compatible with a developing Brunei.
Mahathir on COVID-19’s Impacts and Crisis Responses in Malaysia
Authors: Ismail Norafidah , Adnan Farah Haziqah , Wahid Ratnaria
Published: June 2023

At the age of 92, Mahathir Mohamad served his country as the Prime Minister for the second time. But unlike his first stint as the head of the government, which lasted 22 years, this time, his tenure was less than two years. His resignation, which was linked to some internal issues within the Pakatan Harapan (PH) allied parties, came at a time when many countries in the world were in the early stages of the coronavirus outbreak. Mahathir was aware of the power struggle that was adversely affecting the government's response to combat the virus transmission and reduce the rising number of COVID-19 infection cases. With his long experience in governance and as a former medical officer, Mahathir offered some advice and recommendations to the existing government on ways to address the public health crisis. Since the coronavirus outbreak, the domestic political and economic developments also drew his direct criticism and critical commentaries.
Challenges and Potential of SAARC in Comparison with ASEAN
Authors: Chaudhary Deepak
Published: June 2023

The study compares the socioeconomic development of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to that of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). SAARC was established on December 8, 1985, as a result of former President Ziaur Rahman's efforts to promote the welfare of the people and mutual trust. ASEAN was founded in August 1967 with the goal of accelerating the region's economic growth, social progress, and cultural development while also promoting regional peace and stability. The SAARC countries share problems such as poverty and unemployment. SAARC countries have a GDP per capita four times that of ASEAN. A qualitative analysis based on secondary data pertaining to SAARC and ASEAN reveals that SAARC has not been more successful than ASEAN. National and international conflicts are common within SAARC. SAARC has 22% of the world's population and 3% of the world's economy, and there are enormous opportunities for economic growth and human development.
What we wonder: an iterative exploration of teachers' perceptions of social-emotional learning
Authors: Curcio Rachelle , Smith Hill Rebecca , Ascetta Kate
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The paper aims to examine how a professional development school-district (PDS-D) partnership, enacting an improvement science stance, collectively explored social-emotional learning (SEL) during collaboratively designed professional learning experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study, guided by an improvement science orientation, enacted an iterative research design. Data sources consisted of anecdotal field notes and artifacts from 12 professional learning sessions. Using a constant comparative method, the authors applied an inductive thematic analysis to identify salient themes across data related to teacher wonderings and identified goals.

Findings

The paper illuminates teachers' voices while highlighting information gleaned from participant wonderings, their identified goals and how this information informed the iterative development of future professional learning experiences within a district-university partnership.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the chosen research approaches and limited number of participants, the research results may lack generalizability.

Originality/value

This paper provides original insight into collaborative development of recursive professional learning experiences within partnership spaces.
Indigeneity coalesced: The 2022 national strike in Ecuador
Authors: Bretón Víctor , Gascón Jordi , del Mármol Camila
Published: June 2023

This article analyses the national strike in Ecuador in June 2022, which paralysed most of its cities and roads for 18 days. The uprising has relevance for understanding the historical path of Indigenous movements in Latin America. We address two main questions. First, we analyse the 2022 uprising in the context of the extended timeframe of Indigenous revolts stretching back to 1990, considering what this popular mobilization tells us about recent highs and lows of Indigenous organizations and their relationship with current government regimes. Second, we delve into a tactical aspect of the uprising, exploring how the Indigenous population, among the most impoverished sectors in Ecuador, could block and freeze the country’s economic and commercial activity for so long.
History maker: Discovering James Arthur Harley
Authors: Roberts Pamela
Published: June 2023

This extract from a recently published book tells the story of James Arthur Harley (1843‐1943), the first black student to achieve the first Diploma in Anthropology in 1909 at the Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford.
Benefitting from Acquisition Experience During Integration: The Moderating Effect of Strategic M&A Intent
Authors: Felker Yves‐Martin , Bauer Florian , Friesl Martin , King David R.
Published: June 2023

Research suggests that M&A performance improves through routinization and/or codified experience. Traditionally, acquisition research has drawn a direct link between the two knowledge accumulation mechanisms and acquisition performance. Yet, how lessons learned are captured and applied in subsequent events remains largely unanswered. We argue that routinization and codification may both result in standardized acquisition integration approaches that promise greater efficiency. Our results show that experience can be captured and applied through standardized acquisition integration approaches. Importantly, our findings show that a strategic M&A intent influences the relationships between routinization and codified experience, and standardized acquisition integration approaches. We find that a strong strategic M&A intent strengthens the relationship between codification and standardization, but it weakens the relationship between routinization and standardization. We test our hypotheses with a combination of primary survey and secondary data to offer managerial and research insights. By combining three pertinent M&A literature streams – acquisition experience, acquisition integration and acquisition intent – we shed light on the importance of organizational learning and strategic direction on acquisition performance.
Data error propagation in stacked bioclimatic envelope models
Authors: LI Xueyan , NAIMI Babak , GONG Peng , ARAÚJO Miguel B.
Published: June 2023

Stacking is the process of overlaying inferred species potential distributions for multiple species based on outputs of bioclimatic envelope models (BEMs). The approach can be used to investigate patterns and processes of species richness. If data limitations on individual species distributions are inevitable, but how do they affect inferences of patterns and processes of species richness? We investigate the influence of different data sources on estimated species richness gradients in China. We fitted BEMs using species distributions data for 334 bird species obtained from (1) global range maps, (2) regional checklists, (3) museum records and surveys, and (4) citizen science data using presence‐only (Mahalanobis distance), presence‐background (MAXENT), and presence–absence (GAM and BRT) BEMs. Individual species predictions were stacked to generate species richness gradients. Here, we show that different data sources and BEMs can generate spatially varying gradients of species richness. The environmental predictors that best explained species distributions also differed between data sources. Models using citizen‐based data had the highest accuracy, whereas those using range data had the lowest accuracy. Potential richness patterns estimated by GAM and BRT models were robust to data uncertainty. When multiple data sets exist for the same region and taxa, we advise that explicit treatments of uncertainty, such as sensitivity analyses of the input data, should be conducted during the process of modeling.
Difficult decision‐making in major depressive disorder: Practical guidance based on clinical research and experience
Authors: Malhi Gin S. , Bell Erica , Bassett Darryl , Boyce Philip , Hopwood Malcolm , Mulder Roger , Porter Richard
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To extend current published guidance regarding the management of major depression in clinical practice, by examining complex cases that reflect real‐world patients, and to integrate evidence and experience into recommendations.

Methods

The authors who contributed to recently published clinical practice guidelines were invited to identify important gaps in extant guidance. Drawing on clinical experience and shared knowledge, they then generated four fictional case studies to illustrate the real‐world complexities of managing mood disorders. The cases focussed specifically on issues that are not usually addressed in clinical practice guidelines.

Results

The four cases are discussed in detail and each case is summarised using a life chart and accompanying information. The four cases reflect important real‐world challenges that clinicians face when managing mood disorders in day‐to‐day clinical practice. To partly standardise the presentation of each case and for ease of reference we provide a Time Line, History Box and Management Chart, along with a synopsis where relevant. Discussion and formulation of the cases illustrate how to manage the complexities of each case and provide one possible pathway to achieving functional recovery.

Conclusion

These cases draw on the combined clinical experience of the authors and illustrate how to approach diagnostic decision‐making when treating major depressive disorder and having to contend with complex presentations. The cases are designed to stimulate discussion and provide a real‐world context for the formulation of mood disorders.
Genome‐wide CRISPR screening uncovers potential targets and mechanisms of vincristine resistance in DLBCL
Authors: He Michael Y. , Kayamori Kensuke
Published: June 2023

In this issue, Rovsing et al. employ unbiased genome‐wide CRISPR screening and functional cellular assays to investigate the cellular response to vincristine, an important component of the front‐line DLBCL treatment R‐CHOP. Their findings reveal intriguing targets and mechanisms that hold promise for enhancing DLBCL treatment and provide a foundation for the development of future drug regimens. This research prompts further exploration of the translational potential to advance more effective and individualized approaches in the clinical management of DLBCL.

Commentary on: Rovsing et al. Resistance to vincristine in DLBCL by disruption of p53‐induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis mediated by KIF18B and USP28. Br J Haematol 2023;202:825–839.
Targeting integrins in drug‐resistant acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Ogana Heather A. , Hurwitz Samantha , Wei Nathan , Lee Eliana , Morris Kayla , Parikh Karina , Kim Yong‐Mi
Published: June 2023

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) continues to have a poor prognosis, warranting new therapeutic strategies. The bone marrow (BM) microenvironment consists of niches that interact with not only normal haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) but also leukaemia cells like AML. There are many adhesion molecules in the BM microenvironment; therein, integrins have been of central interest. AML cells express integrins that bind to ligands in the microenvironment, enabling adhesion of leukaemia cells in the microenvironment, thereby initiating intracellular signalling pathways that are associated with cell migration, cell proliferation, survival, and drug resistance that has been described to mediate cell adhesion‐mediated drug resistance (CAM‐DR). Identifying and targeting integrins in AML to interrupt interactions with the microenvironment have been pursued as a strategy to overcome CAM‐DR. Here, we focus on the BM microenvironment and review the role of integrins in CAM‐DR of AML and discuss integrin‐targeting strategies.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Cancer Microenvironment and Pharmacological Interventions. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.2/issuetoc
Growth differentiation factor 15 induces cisplatin resistance through upregulation of xCT expression and glutathione synthesis in gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Sheng‐Fan , Chang Yuh‐Lih , Fang Wen‐Liang , Li Anna Fen‐Yau , Chen Chian‐Feng , Yeh Tien‐Shun , Hung Giun‐Yi , Huang Kuo‐Hung , Lee Hsin‐Chen
Published: June 2023

Gastric cancer is a common cancer worldwide, particularly in East Asia. Chemotherapy is used in adjuvant or palliative therapies for gastric cancer. However, subsequent chemoresistance often develops. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) links to several cancers, but its effect on chemoresistance in gastric cancer remains unclear. Here, we analyzed clinical samples from genetic databases and included patients with gastric cancer. We dissected the regulatory mechanism underlying GDF15‐mediated resistance of cisplatin in human gastric cancer cells. We showed that GDF15 serum levels might be a valuable biomarker for predicting prognosis in gastric cancer. The expressions of GDF15 and its receptor glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor family receptor a‐like (GFRAL) in gastric tumors are important for malignant progression. Moreover, GDF15 expression is increased in gastric cancer cells with cisplatin resistance, resulting from elevated intracellular glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant activities. Upregulated GDF15 could increase intracellular GSH content by activating the GFRAL‐GCN2‐eIF2α‐ATF4 signaling, enhancing cystine‐uptake transporter xCT expression, and contributing biosynthesis of GSH in human gastric cancer cells. In conclusion, our results indicate that GDF15 could induce chemoresistance by upregulating xCT expression and GSH biosynthesis in human gastric cancer cells. Targeting GDF15 could be a promising treatment method for gastric cancer progression.
Presence and implication of Candida spp. in patients with peri‐implantitis enrolled in a supportive peri‐implant therapy program of the Basque Country (Spain). A case–control study
Authors: Lafuente‐Ibáñez‐de‐Mendoza Irene , Marichalar‐Mendia Xabier , García‐De‐La‐Fuente Ana María , Quindós‐Andrés Guillermo , Eraso‐Barrio Elena , Martínez‐Conde‐Llamosas Rafael , Fernández‐Jiménez Aitziber , Aguirre‐Urizar José Manuel
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The peri‐implant sulcus is a good niche for infectious colonization such as Candida spp. In this study, the level of Candida spp. fungal colonization is analyzed in patients with peri‐implantitis under supportive peri‐implant therapy, as well as its correlation with the main clinicopathological data.

Methods

A case–control study was carried out on 161 patients treated with dental implants, 80 with PI and 81 without PI, which corresponded to 91 women and 70 men, whose mean age was 60.90 years. A specific protocol was completed for the clinical and implant data. Microbiological samples were taken by oral rinse and with paper tips from the peri‐implant sulcus. For the quantitative and qualitative analysis Candida Chromogenic Agar/CONDA plates were incubated for 72 h at 36 + 1°C. Fungal growth was considered active when having more than 50 CFU. Specific Candida spp. cultures were later confirmed by API ID 32C and PCR.

Results

Fungal growth was achieved in 28% of oral rinse and 6.75% of peri‐implant fluid samples. No significant differences were recognized between study groups. Most of the cultures (>65%) showed more than 50 CFU. The most frequent species were Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis. There was no association between different PI risk factors and fungal data. The presence of Candida spp. in the oral cavity of patients with dental implants was related to total edentulism and the use of implant‐fixed complete prosthesis implant‐retained removable prosthesis.

Conclusions

These results suggest that there is no link between PI and presence of Candida in patients with dental implants undergoing regular supportive periodontal therapy.
Aligning the logics of inquiry and action to address the biodiversity crisis
Authors: Gerber Leah R. , Barton Chris J. , Anderson Derrick M.
Published: June 2023

Despite an abundance of research reaffirming biodiversity's importance to the health of the planet and society, species continue to go extinct at an alarming rate. Why has continued research on the value of biodiversity not had the intended effect and what can be done about it? We considered biodiversity loss as a public value failure and the result of a misalignment between the logic of inquiry (which guides scientists) and the logic of action (which guides practitioners). We drew lessons from our own research to propose the creation of a national biodiversity strategy designed to link the logic of inquiry with the logic of action and coordinate the production of actionable conservation science and informed conservation action.
Nature and equity
Authors: Shyamsundar Priya , Marques Paula , Smith Elizabeth , Erbaugh James , Ero Madlyn , Hinchley David , James Robyn , Leisher Craig , Nakandakari Alexis , Pezoa Liliana , Preece Luke , Prezotti Guilherme
Published: June 2023

Complex challenges posed by climate change, biodiversity loss, and global inequality may require intertwined solutions forged through the frame of “Nature and equity.” This timely frame responds to growing calls for conservation to deliver fair outcomes to people and offers strategic value for meeting environmental goals. To clarify how and why approaches that support nature and equity may emerge, this commentary draws on conservation efforts in five different social and political settings. Building on practitioner experiences in Australia, Chile, Kenya, Peru, and Solomon Islands, it identifies a set of equity instruments that recognize local environmental knowledge, rights, and practices, strengthen marginalized voices, and promote fair outcomes, and the enabling conditions that facilitate their use. The article concludes by discussing critical considerations for enhancing nature and equity.