bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arabidopsis uORF-containing mRNAs behave differently from NMD targets
Authors: Wu Hsin-Yen Larry , Hsu Polly Yingshan
Published: September 2021

Upstream ORFs (uORFs) are common regulatory elements in the 5’ untranslated regions of eukaryotic mRNAs. In addition to repressing main ORF translation, uORF translation in animals also reduces mRNA stability through nonsense-mediated decay (NMD). In contrast, the roles of uORFs in plants are less understood. Here, we identified actively translated uORFs (TuORFs) in Arabidopsis through ribosome profiling and systematically examined their roles in gene expression. Like animal systems, Arabidopsis TuORFs are associated with 38%, 14%, and 43% reductions in translation efficiency, mRNA half-lives, and protein levels, respectively. However, we found TuORF-containing mRNAs have 51% higher transcript levels, and this phenomenon is persistent in diverse tissues and developmental stages across plants. We present multiple lines of evidence that indicate Arabidopsis uORF-containing mRNAs generally exhibit distinct behavior from known NMD targets. First, TuORF-containing mRNAs are not increased in NMD mutants. Second, TuORF-containing mRNAs and known NMD targets have distinct expression patterns, and they are translationally repressed via different mechanisms. Finally, TuORF- containing mRNAs and NMD targets are degraded through separate pathways. Our results suggest that Arabidopsis TuORFs reduce mRNA stability and translation through mechanisms different from NMD and highlight a fundamental difference in gene regulation mediated by TuORFs in plants and animals.
Comparative transcriptomics of sevenImpatiensspecies
Authors: Šurinová Mária , Stočes Štepán , Dostálek Tomáš , Jarošová Andrea , Münzbergová Zuzana
Published: September 2021

Impatiensis a genus containing more than 1000 species. Thanks to its size, it is a unique system for studying species diversification in natural populations. This study focused on the characterization of novel transcriptomes from sevenImpatiensspecies originating from Nepal. Leave transcriptome ofImpatines balsaminaL., I. racemosaDC., I. bicornutaWall, I. falciferHook, I. devendraePusalkar,I. scullyiHook andI. scabridaDC were sequenced and compared. Reads werede novoassembled and aligned to 92 035-226 081 contigs. We identified 14 728 orthology groups shared among all the species and 3 020 which were unique to a single species. In single species, 2536-3009 orthology groups were under selection from which 767 were common for all species. Six of the seven investigated species shared 77% of gene families withI. bicornutabeing the most distinct species. Specific gene families involved in response to different environmental stimuli were closely described.Impatiens bicornutaselection profile shared selection on zing finger protein structures and flowering regulation and stress response proteins with the other investigated species. Overall, the study showed substantial similarity in patterns of selections on transcribed genes across the species suggesting similar evolutionary pressures. This suggests that the species group may have evolved via adaptive radiation.
Development of a machine learning model to estimate biotic ligand model-based predicted no□effect concentrations for copper in freshwater
Authors: Chung Jiwoong , Yoo Geonwoo , Choi Jinhee , Lee Jong-Hyeon
Published: September 2021

The copper biotic ligand model (BLM) has been used for environmental risk assessment by taking into account the bioavailability of copper in freshwater. However, the BLM-based environmental risk of copper has been assessed only in Europe and North America, with monitoring datasets containing all of the BLM input variables. For other areas, it is necessary to apply surrogate tools with reduced data requirements to estimate the BLM-based predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) from commonly available monitoring datasets. To develop an optimized PNEC estimation model based on an available monitoring dataset, an initial model that considers all BLM variables, a second model that requires variables excluding alkalinity, and a third model using electrical conductivity as a surrogate of the major cations and alkalinity have been proposed. Furthermore, deep neural network (DNN) models have been used to predict the nonlinear relationships between the PNEC (outcome variable) and the required input variables (explanatory variables). The predictive capacity of DNN models in this study was compared with the results of other existing PNEC estimation tools using a look-up table and multiple linear and multivariate polynomial regression methods. Three DNN models, using different input variables, provided better predictions of the copper PNECs compared with the existing tools for four test datasets, i.e., Korean, United States, Swedish, and Belgian freshwaters. The adjusted r2 values in all DNN models were higher than 0.95 in the test datasets, except for the Swedish dataset (adjusted r2 > 0.87). Consequently, the most applicable model among the three DNN models could be selected according to the data availability in the collected monitoring database. Because the most simplified DNN model required only three water quality variables (pH, dissolved organic carbon, and electrical conductivity) as input variables, it is expected that the copper BLM-based risk assessment can be applied to monitoring datasets worldwide.
Sonic hedgehog is essential for proximal-distal outgrowth of the limb bud in salamanders
Authors: Purushothaman Sruthi , Lopez Aviña Brianda B. , Seifert Ashley W.
Published: September 2021

The developing forelimb has been a foundational model to understand how specified progenitor cells integrate genetic information to produce the tetrapod limb bauplan (1, 2). Although the reigning hypothesis is that all tetrapods develop limbs in a similar manner, recent work suggests that urodeles have evolved a derived mode of limb development (3-5). Here we demonstrate through pharmacological and genetic inactivation of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling in axolotls that Shh directs expansion and survival of limb progenitor cells in addition to patterning the limb across the proximodistal and antero-posterior axis. In contrast to inactivation of Shh in mouse or chick embryos where a humerus, radius and single digit develop (6-9), Shh crispant axolotls completely lack forelimbs. In rescuing limb development by implanting SHH-N protein beads into the nascent limb field of Shh-crispants, we show that the limb field is specified in the absence of Shh and that hedgehog pathway activation is required to initiate proximodistal outgrowth. When the derived nature of salamander limb development is placed in a phylogenetic context, it generates a new hypothesis where the ability to regenerate an entire tetrapod limb may have evolved uniquely among urodeles.

Teaser

Shh is essential for salamander limb development
IRE1α drives lung epithelial progenitor dysfunction to establish a niche for pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Auyeung Vincent C. , Downey Michael S. , Kathiriya Jaymin , Thamsen Maike , Wenger Talia A. , Backes Bradley J. , Brumwell Alexis , Chapman Harold A. , Sheppard Dean , Papa Feroz R.
Published: September 2021

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a disease of progressive interstitial fibrosis, which leads to severe debilitation, respiratory failure, and death. In IPF, environmental exposures interact with genetic risk factors to engender critical patho-etiological events in lung epithelial cells, including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and TGFβ signaling, but the interactions between these disparate pathways are not well understood. We previously showed that kinase inhibitors of the IRE1α bifunctional kinase/RNase—a central mediator of the unfolded protein response (UPR) to ER stress—protected mice from bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Here we show that a nanomolar-potent, mono-selective kinase inhibitor of IRE1α (KIRA8) decreases ER-stress induced TGFβ signaling and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in the lung epithelium after bleomycin exposure. A recently-described subset of “damage-associated transient progenitors” (DATPs) display IRE1α-regulated pathological gene signatures that are quelled by KIRA8, in vivo. After injury, these cells uniquely express integrin αvβ6, a key activator of TGFβ in pulmonary fibrosis. KIRA8 inhibition of IRE1α decreases both DATP number and Itgb6 expression in remaining cells, with a decrease in local collagen accumulation. Single-cell RNA sequencing from IPF lungs revealed an analogous Itgb6+ cell population that may also be regulated by IRE1α. These findings suggest that lung epithelial progenitor cells sit at the center of the fibrotic niche, and IRE1α signaling locks them into a dysfunctional state that establishes and perpetuates pathological fibrosis.
(2R,4S,5S)-5-Methoxy-4-methyl-3-oxohept-6-en-2-yl benzoate
Authors: Schmidt Ann-Christin , Iovkova Lyuba , Hiersemann Martin
Published: September 2021

The title compound, C16H20O4, was synthesized in the course of the total synthesis of fusaequisin A in order to verify and confirm the configurations of the stereogenic centers and to exclude the possibility of epimerization during the methylation process. The crystal structure of the title compound at 100 K has orthorhombic (P212121) symmetry. The absolute configuration was determined by anomalous dispersion and agrees with the configuration of the allylic alcohol used in the synthesis.
The role of performance measurement in assessing the contribution of circular economy to the sustainability of a wine value chain
Authors: Cavicchi Caterina , Vagnoni Emidia
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to ascertain the extent to which a cooperative controlling a wine supply chain implements a performance measurement system (PMS) that monitors the effects of a circular economy (CE) strategy, developed through partnerships, on the economic and environmental sustainability of the value chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzes the characteristics of the closed-loop business model and uses the PMS to assess the contribution of CE partnerships to the sustainability of the value chain. The case study is based on interviews conducted on the cooperative's top management and supplemented with an analysis of external reports, related documents and direct observations.

Findings

The PMS was underpinned by enterprise resource planning (ERP), through which CE indicators control for the benefits generated on behalf of the cooperative and its CE partners.

Originality/value

Given the paucity of the studies that address the performance measurement of CE at the supply chain level and its relation to sustainability, this study sheds light on the role that PMS can play in tracking the contribution of CE partnerships to the sustainability of a wine value chain operating in agro-waste valorization. Furthermore, the performance measurement of the CE strategy contributes to an assessment of the responsible production of sustainable development goals at the supply chain level.
Exploring internal organisational communication dynamics in the professional football industry
Authors: Manoli Argyro Elisavet , Hodgkinson Ian Richard
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Relative to the increasing focus on organisations’ outward communication consistency and coherency, the internal communication taking place between different organisational functions is under-explored. The study aims to address the following two research questions: What form does cross-functional communication take within organisations? How do features of the communication work climate influence the form of cross-functional communication?

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on qualitative data generated from semi-structured interviews with media and marketing managers from 33 professional football organisations operating in the English Premier League.

Findings

Thematic patterns between internal communication practices and different communication climates lead to the development of a new internal organisational communications typology, comprising: Type 1: collaborative symmetrical communication (cohesive climate); Type 2: unstructured informal communication (friendly climate); and Type 3: cross-functional silos (divisive climate).

Originality/value

Internal organisational communication practices are deemed fundamental to organisational success, yet there remains limited empirical evidence of the form such practices take or how they interact with features of an organisation’s communication climate. The study introduces a new internal organisational communications typology to develop and extend the theory and practice of internal marketing communications.
Entrepreneurial intentions: the relevance of nature and nurture
Authors: Farrukh Muhammad , Raza Ali , Sajid Muhammad , Rafiq Muhammad , Hameed Rizwana , Ali Tanzila
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the role of nature and nurture in students’ entrepreneurial intention (EIs). In doing so, the study examines the relationship between prenatal testosterone exposure (2D:4D), risk-taking propensity, entrepreneurial self-efficacy and EIs. Moreover, the moderating role of entrepreneurial education between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and EI is also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

In line with previous studies on EI, the authors tested hypotheses based on quantitative data obtained from university students.

Findings

Data were analyzed with the help of the structural equation modeling technique, and the results revealed that all the hypothesized relationships were supported.

Originality/value

The field of entrepreneurship has become an attractive area of research for practitioners and academics. One tinted area of research in entrepreneurship is the investigation of EI because it is a good predictor of entrepreneurial behavior. Several antecedents of EIs have been recognized in the literature ranging from personality traits to environmental factors. However, less is known about the role of biology in entrepreneurship. Incorporating biological factors in the field of entrepreneurship appears to be theoretically viable and sound. Thus, this study investigates the effect of biological factors in the presence of psychological factors on EIs, which is a unique contribution to the literature on entrepreneurship.
Servitization in the creative and cultural industries
Authors: Sundbo Jon , Rubalcaba Luis , Gallouj Faïz
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework for understanding the role of servitization in the creative and cultural industries (CCI).

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model is proposed based on five elements: servitization drivers (digitalization in particular), agents, modes (based on the standardization/customization dynamics), servitization mechanisms (the authors provide a new classification) and service experiences.

Findings

CCI is not considered a natural part of the service sector. They drive economic and social development and are part of the innovation ecosystem. They are confronting a set of emerging dynamics in which servitization plays a leading role. Servitization is a way to move toward value co-creation by transforming existing business models. Servitization – with digitalization facilitates the co-creation of CCI-based experiences for customers, users and other stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

In terms of further research implications, these theoretical and managerial considerations call for empirical research of the servitization of CCI to investigate how and how much it develops.

Practical implications

CCI companies need new business models that combine servitization, digitalization and value co-creation in the right mix. “One size fits all” does not work. Business models have to consider the right mix.

Originality/value

The proposed conceptual model provides a novel understanding of servitization and CCI and changes the focus from the “production” or push side (e.g. artistic creativity and messages) that has characterized much CCI theory toward the demand or pull side and buyers’ (users) increased power.
Does the perception of halal tourism destination matter for non-Muslim tourists’ WOM? The moderating role of religious faith
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Khalilur , Rana Md Sohel , Ismail Mohd Nazari , Muhammad Mohd Zulkifli , Hoque Muhammad Nazmul , Jalil Md. Abdul
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Tourists often travel to different tourism destinations in advancing the knowledge of diverse cultures, environments, history and social aspects. The purpose of this study is to explore tourists’ perception of halal tourism and its impact on word-of-mouth towards halal tourism destinations.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach was applied in this study. Data were collected via 375 survey questionnaires and were analysed using partial least square method. Data were collected from Malaysia’s capital city and tourist spots in Kuala Lumpur, the administrative capital city in Putrajaya, and several cities in Selangor, the richest state in the country.

Findings

The findings revealed that trip quality has a higher significant impact on satisfaction and trip value. The perception of a halal tourism destination is found to have a significant influence on satisfaction and trip value. Trip value is significantly related to satisfaction but not associated with word-of-mouth (WOM). Satisfaction of tourists has a significant impact on WOM towards travel destinations.

Research limitations/implications

This study comes up with a novel understanding of the theory of tourism practices by estimating non-Muslim tourists’ perception and its significant influence of WOM towards tourism destinations. The results of this study are significant to industry practitioners, policymakers and marketers in promoting halal tourism. The results of this study provide useful insights for Malaysia’s tourism industry, particularly for the tourism marketing in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya cities as tourist destinations.

Practical implications

This study comes up with a novel understanding of the theory of tourism practices by estimating non-Muslim tourists’ perception and the influence of WOM towards tourism destinations. The results of this study are significant to industry practitioners, policymakers and marketers in promoting halal tourism.

Originality/value

This study examined the potential impact of non-Muslim tourists’ perception of halal tourism destinations and their WOM for halal tourism destinations.
Model selection in time series analysis: using information criteria as an alternative to hypothesis testing
Authors: Hacker R. Scott , Hatemi-J Abdulnasser
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The issue of model selection in applied research is of vital importance. Since the true model in such research is not known, which model should be used from among various potential ones is an empirical question. There might exist several competitive models. A typical approach to dealing with this is classic hypothesis testing using an arbitrarily chosen significance level based on the underlying assumption that a true null hypothesis exists. In this paper, the authors investigate how successful the traditional hypothesis testing approach is in determining the correct model for different data generating processes using time series data. An alternative approach based on more formal model selection techniques using an information criterion or cross-validation is also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Monte Carlo simulation experiments on various generating processes are used to look at the response surfaces resulting from hypothesis testing and response surfaces resulting from model selection based on minimizing an information criterion or the leave-one-out cross-validation prediction error.

Findings

The authors find that the minimization of an information criterion can work well for model selection in a time series environment, often performing better than hypothesis-testing strategies. In such an environment, the use of an information criterion can help reduce the number of models for consideration, but the authors recommend the use of other methods also, including hypothesis testing, to determine the appropriateness of a model.

Originality/value

This paper provides an alternative approach for selecting the best potential model among many for time series data. It demonstrates how minimizing an information criterion can be useful for model selection in a time-series environment in comparison to some standard hypothesis testing strategies.
A novel design space concept for design of concrete foundation supporting chemical reactors
Authors: Bedair Osama
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper presents a novel concept for design of concrete support system for chemical reactors used in refineries and petrochemical plants. Graphical method is described that can be used to size the concrete base and piling system. Recommendations are also provided to optimize the parameters required for the design. The procedure is illustrated for design of two reactor models commonly used in gas recovery units.

Design/methodology/approach

Design space representation for the foundation system is described for chemical reactors with variable heights. The key points of the design graph are extracted from the numerical finite element models. The reactor load is idealized at discrete points to transfer the loads to the piles. Bilateral spring system is used to model the soil restrains.

Findings

The graphical approach is economical and provides the design engineer the flexibility to select the foundation parameters from wide range of options.

Practical implications

The concept presented in the paper can be utilized by engineers in the industry for design of chemical reactors. It must be noted that little guidelines are currently available in practice addressing the structural design aspects.

Originality/value

A novel concept is presented in this paper based on significant industrial design experience of reactor supports. Using the described method leads to significant cost savings in material quantity and engineering time.
On the validity of longitudinal comparisons of central location consumer testing results prior to COVID‐19 versus home use testing data during the pandemic
Authors: Shi Menghan , Stelick Alina , Licker Susan , Dando Robin
Published: September 2021

Consumer testing assays a panel's liking of a food or other sensory stimulus. However, liking can be influenced by mood, with people feeling more uncomfortable, or more unhappy reporting lower liking ratings than those in a higher affect. Though consumer testing typically takes place as a central location test (CLT, usually in a set of standardized sensory booths), the COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in a global pivot to home use tests (HUTs), where panelists can taste and smell samples unmasked more safely while in their own homes. Unfortunately, as this situation differs in many ways to a central location test, this puts the validity of longitudinal comparisons of liking scores under question. Further, as people across the globe report feelings of worry, unease, and stress during the pandemic, this may present a second source of variation in affect with previous years. We tested a set of snack bar samples both at home and in a central location, in repeated measures with the same panel, to test the validity of comparisons across locations. We further compared CLT results to those when testing the same samples in a previous year. Finally, we performed a meta‐analysis of existing data on this subject. While liking behavior in CLTs did not differ between years, panelists rated some samples higher when in their own homes, in line with results from the meta‐analysis of previous reports. Interestingly, panelists in the study also assigned fewer penalties in the HUT, implying a less analytical mindset when in the home. Results suggest that care should be taken when comparing results taken at home during the COVID‐19 pandemic to those taken previously in a central location.

Practical Application

Consumer testing is applied in the food industry to evaluate a panelist's liking for a food product or stimulus. However, liking is also dependent on factors extrinsic to the samples tested. Thus, with the switch to in‐home testing due to COVID‐19, we compared liking scores from in‐home and central locations testing, with higher scores common in HUTs.
CTLA‐4 polymorphisms in Thai patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis
Authors: Louthrenoo Worawit , Kasitanon Nuntana , Wongthanee Antika , Kuwata Shoji , Takeuchi Fujio
Published: September 2021

Aims

Studies on polymorphisms of the cytotoxic T lymphocytes associated antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) genes in rheumatic disease patients are limited in Southeast Asia. This pilot study aimed to determine CTLA‐4 polymorphisms in Thai patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc), and correlate them with serology.

Method

One‐hundred RA, 70 SLE and 50 SSc patients, and 99 healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. Polymorphisms of the CTLA‐4 gene at +49A/G, −318C/T, −1661A/G and −1722T/C loci were determined by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. Patient serum samples were determined as follows: RA (rheumatoid factor [RF] and anticyclic citrullinated peptide [anti‐CCP]), SLE (antinuclear antibodies [ANA], anti‐double‐stranded DNA [anti‐dsDNA], anti‐Smith [anti‐Sm], anti‐ribonucleoprotein [anti‐RNP], and anti‐Sjögren’s syndrome antigen A [SSA]), and SSc (ANA, anti‐RNP, anti‐SSA, anti‐topoisomerase‐1 [anti‐Scl70], and anti‐centromere antibodies [ACA]).

Results

Among the 4 loci studied (+49A/G, −318C/T, −1661A/G and −1722T/C) only the A allele frequency at the +49A/G was significantly higher in the RA patients than their HCs (47.25% vs 35.86%, P = .029, odds ratio [OR] 1.60; 95% CI 1.04‐2.47). It also was significantly higher in the subgroup of RA patients with positive RF and anti‐CCP than their HCs (47.50% vs 35.86%, P = .020, OR 1.62; 95% CI 1.06‐2.47 and 48.89% vs 35.86%, P = .012, OR 1.71; 95% CI 1.11‐2.64, respectively). No polymorphisms at these 4 loci were observed in SLE or SSc patients.

Conclusion

The A allele at +49A/G locus of the CTLA‐4 gene was associated with RA in Thais.
Viral infection in thymoma and thymic tumors with autoimmune diseases
Authors: Chang Rui , Duan Shuning , Li Shicong , Zhang Peng
Published: September 2021

A thymoma is a type of thymic tumor which is rarely malignant that is frequently reported in adult patients. A number of thymoma‐related immune disorders are observed including autoimmune diseases, which suggests a strong connection between thymoma development and immunological mechanisms. Characterized by association with humoral and cellular immunodeficiency, thymoma patients are susceptible to opportunistic infections by environmental factors. Recent reports have suggested that viral infection may play a role in the etiological mechanisms of thymoma development associated with dysregulated immunity. In this review, we summarize the case reports and studies related to viral infection, such as CMV, EBV and HSV, that probably play a part in the pathogenesis of thymoma and related diseases. Furthermore, we demonstrate the underlying mechanisms by which viruses may induce the occurrence of thymoma with autoimmune diseases. Lastly, we discuss the potential application of antiviral therapy in the treatment of thymic diseases.
Alcohol use disorder in the COVID‐19 era: Position paper of the Italian Society on Alcohol (SIA)
Authors: Testino Gianni , Vignoli Teo , Patussi Valentino , Allosio Pierluigi , Amendola Maria Francesca , Aricò Sarino , Baselice Aniello , Balbinot Patrizia , Campanile Vito , Fanucchi Tiziana , Macciò Livia , Meneguzzi Cristina , Mioni Davide , Parisi Michele , Renzetti Doda , Rossin Raffaella , Gandin Claudia , Bottaro Luigi Carlo , Caio Giacomo , Lungaro Lisa , Zoli Giorgio , Scafato Emanuele , Caputo Fabio
Published: September 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) first emerged in China in November 2019. Most governments have responded to the COVID‐19 pandemic by imposing a lockdown. Some evidence suggests that a period of isolation might have led to a spike in alcohol misuse, and in the case of patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD), social isolation can favour lapse and relapse. The aim of our position paper is to provide specialists in the alcohol addiction field, in psychopharmacology, gastroenterology and in internal medicine, with appropriate tools to better manage patients with AUD and COVID‐19,considering some important topics: (a) the susceptibility of AUD patients to infection; (b) the pharmacological interaction between medications used to treat AUD and to treat COVID‐19; (c) the reorganization of the Centre for Alcohol Addiction Treatment for the management of AUD patients in the COVID‐19 era (group activities, telemedicine, outpatients treatment, alcohol‐related liver disease and liver transplantation, collecting samples); (d) AUD and SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination. Telemedicine/telehealth will undoubtedly be useful/practical tools even though it remains at an elementary level; the contribution of the family and of caregivers in the management of AUD patients will play a significant role; the multidisciplinary intervention involving experts in the treatment of AUD with specialists in the treatment of COVID‐19 disease will need implementation. Thus, the COVID‐19 pandemic is rapidly leading addiction specialists towards a new governance scenario of AUD, which necessarily needs an in‐depth reconsideration, focusing attention on a safe approach in combination with the efficacy of treatment.
Cultural validation of the Self‐Compassion Scale and the Subjective Happiness Scale and the influence of gender on self‐compassion and subjective happiness in a Sri Lankan undergraduate population
Authors: de Zoysa Piyanjali , Kumar Shamala , Amarasuriya Santushi D. , Mendis Navneth S. R.
Published: September 2021

Self‐compassion has been associated with a host of psychological benefits, including subjective happiness. It appears that gender may affect the association between self‐compassion and subjective happiness, although this relationship is not well understood. This study aimed to culturally adapt versions in Sinhala of the Self‐Compassion Scale and Subjective Happiness Scale, to create validated instruments for measuring these constructs in Sri Lankan undergraduates, and to explore the moderating role of gender on the relationship between self‐compassion and subjective happiness. As part of a larger study, the scales were administered to 1,331 undergraduates at a state university in Sri Lanka. The results indicated that self‐compassion is high among the study participants, for which the potential psycho‐socio‐cultural reasons are discussed. The results also indicated the importance of self‐compassion in subjective happiness, and that gender plays a significant and nuanced role—where the association between a lack of self‐compassion and subjective happiness was greater for women.
Clinical benefits and potential risks of adalimumab in non‐JIA chronic paediatric uveitis
Authors: Kouwenberg Carlyn V. , Koopman‐Kalinina Ayuso Viera , de Boer Joke H.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To describe the treatment results with adalimumab in chronic paediatric uveitis, not associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods

Medical records of children with non‐JIA‐uveitis were reviewed retrospectively. Children without an underlying systemic disease were pre‐screened with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to exclude white matter abnormalities/demyelination.

Results

Twenty‐six patients were pre‐screened with brain MRI, of whom adalimumab was contraindicated in six patients (23%) with non‐anterior uveitis. Forty‐three patients (81 eyes) were included. Disease inactivity was achieved in 91% of the patients after a median of three months (3–33). Best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 0.16 ± 0.55 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) at baseline to 0.05 ± 0.19 logMAR at 24 months (p = 0.015). The median dosage of systemic corticosteroids was reduced to 0 mg/day at 24 months of follow‐up (versus 10 mg/day at baseline; p < 0.001). Adalimumab was discontinued in thirteen children due to ineffectiveness (n = 8), side effects (n = 1), long‐term inactivity of uveitis (n = 3) or own initiative (n = 1). Relapse of uveitis occurred in 19 (49%) patients, 5 (26%) of them without an identifiable cause.

Conclusion

Adalimumab is effective in the treatment of non‐JIA‐uveitis in paediatric patients by achieving disease inactivity in the majority of the patients, improving BCVA and decreasing the dose of corticosteroids. Adverse events and side effects are limited. Pre‐screening with MRI of the brain is recommended in paediatric patients with intermediate and panuveitis.
Pachychoroid‐phenotype effects on 5‐year visual outcomes of anti‐VEGF monotherapy in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy
Authors: Shimizu Yuichiro , Miyata Manabu , Ooto Sotaro , Miyake Masahiro , Mori Yuki , Tamura Hiroshi , Ueda‐Arakawa Naoko , Uji Akihito , Muraoka Yuki , Takahashi Ayako , Wakazono Tomotaka , Yamashiro Kenji , Hata Masayuki , Tsujikawa Akitaka
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To investigate whether the efficacy of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monotherapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) differs between pachychoroid and non‐pachychoroid phenotypes in the long term.

Methods

This retrospective longitudinal study included 115 treatment‐naïve eyes in 115 consecutive patients with symptomatic PCV who were treated with anti‐VEGF monotherapy and were followed up for 5 years. Eligible eyes were assigned to either a pachy‐PCV group, with a pachychoroid phenotype, or a non‐pachy‐PCV group, without a pachychoroid phenotype. Best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and other parameters over a 5‐year period were compared between the groups.

Results

Forty‐eight eyes and 67 eyes were classified into the pachy‐PCV and non‐pachy‐PCV groups respectively. Baseline and 5‐year BCVA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) were 0.19 ± 0.20 and 0.16 ± 0.28 in the pachy‐PCV group, respectively, and 0.25 ± 0.26 and 0.26 ± 0.36 in the non‐pachy‐PCV group respectively. BCVA did not change significantly in either group (p = 0.18 and 0.08 respectively). BCVA did not differ between the groups at any observation time‐point. Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) at baseline and at 5 years was significantly higher in the pachy‐PCV group than in the non‐pachy‐PCV group (both p < 0.001); however, the mean rate of decrease in SFCT did not differ in either group over the 5‐year period (22% vs. 23%, p = 0.81).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that anti‐VEGF monotherapy was similarly effective for pachychoroid‐ and non‐pachychoroid‐phenotype eyes with PCV, for at least 5 years, although further studies are required.
Investigating the provenance of iron bars from Les Saintes‐Maries‐de‐la‐Mer Roman shipwrecks (south‐east France) with iron isotopes
Authors: Milot Jean , Coustures Marie‐Pierre , Poitrasson Franck , Baron Sandrine
Published: September 2021

Fe isotopes were used to determine the origin of iron bars from Les Saintes‐Maries‐de‐la‐Mer Roman shipwrecks, which was a major archaeological finding at the end of the 20th century in France. Their Fe isotope composition was measured by multi collector‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (MC‐ICP‐MS) after chemical Fe purification. The results allowed us to suggest provenances that were compared with those based on trace element analyses of slag inclusions. For most of the bars, we validate the provenance hypotheses previously proposed. Two bar groups originate from the Montagne Noire metallurgical district (south‐west France), whereas a third group comes from another source, not clearly identified so far. In this context of Roman iron production, we argue for a non‐spatially segmented production, where bars were manufactured close to smelting sites. Combined trace element and Fe isotope analyses on the same objects provide crucial information about the nature of their ore source. The elemental heterogeneity, positive Eu anomaly and Fe isotopic homogeneity of several bars were inherited from gossan‐type ores, whereas the negative Eu anomaly and variable Fe isotopes signature of others most likely correspond to sedimentary iron ores. This study demonstrates that combined trace element and Fe isotopes analyses in a well‐defined archaeological context is a promising approach for provenance studies of iron metals of archaeological interest.
Exposure–response analysis of acalabrutinib and its active metabolite, ACP‐5862, in patients with B‐cell malignancies
Authors: Edlund Helena , Buil‐Bruna Núria , Vishwanathan Karthick , Wei Helen , Raman Rakesh , de Kock Miné , He Zhongqing , Liu Huan , Baek Marshall , Ware Joseph , Patel Priti , Tomkinson Helen , Sharma Shringi
Published: September 2021

Aims

Examine relationships between the systemic exposure of acalabrutinib, a highly selective, next‐generation Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and its active metabolite (ACP‐5862) vs. efficacy and safety responses in patients with B‐cell malignancies who received acalabrutinib as monotherapy or in combination with obinutuzumab.

Methods

For exposure–efficacy analyses, patients with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia were assessed for best overall response, progression‐free survival and tumour regression. For exposure–safety analyses, incidences of grade ≥2 adverse events (AEs), grade ≥3 AEs and grade ≥2 events of clinical interest were assessed in patients with B‐cell malignancies. Acalabrutinib and ACP‐5862 pharmacokinetic (PK) parameter estimates were obtained from population PK modelling. Exposure calculations were based on study dosing regimens. Total active moieties were calculated to account for contributions of ACP‐5862 to overall efficacy/safety.

Results

A total of 573 patients were included (exposure–efficacy analyses, n = 274; exposure–safety analyses, n = 573). Most patients (93%) received acalabrutinib 100 mg twice daily. Median total active area under the concentration–time curve (AUC24h,ss) and total active maximal concentration at steady‐state (Cmax,ss) were similar for patients who received acalabrutinib as monotherapy or in combination with obinutuzumab, and for responders and nonresponders. No relationship was observed between AUC24h,ss/Cmax,ss and progression‐free survival or tumour regression. Acalabrutinib AUC24h,ss and Cmax,ss were generally comparable across groups regardless of AE incidence.

Conclusion

No clinically meaningful correlations between acalabrutinib PK exposure and efficacy and safety outcomes were observed. These data support the fixed acalabrutinib dose of 100 mg twice daily in the treatment of patients with B‐cell malignancies.
Neural functional connectivity changes to psychosocial stress in young adults with bipolar disorder and preliminary associations with clinical trajectories
Authors: Kirsch Dylan E. , Preston Alex , Tretyak Valeria , Le Vanessa , Weber Wade , Strakowski Stephen M. , Lippard Elizabeth T. C.
Published: September 2021

Background

Stress‐related mechanisms are implicated in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder and may contribute to heterogeneity in illness course. Yet, there is a lack of study investigating the neural mechanisms underlying the stress response in this condition. This study investigated changes in amygdala activation and functional connectivity in response to acute psychosocial stress in young adults with bipolar disorder and explored relations with clinical phenotype and prospective mood symptoms.

Methods

42 young adults [19 with bipolar disorder, agemean ± SD =21.4 ± 2.2 years] completed a modified version of the Montreal Imaging Stress Task. Amygdala activation and functional connectivity with prefrontal cortex (PFC) regions of interest was calculated for control and stress conditions. Main effects of group, condition, and group by condition interaction on amygdala activation and connectivity were modeled. A subset of bipolar participants completed 1‐year follow‐up assessments. Relations between neural responses to stress with concurrent substance use and prospective mood symptoms were explored.

Results

There were no between‐group differences in amygdala activation or functional connectivity during the control condition. Increased right amygdala‐right rostral PFC (rPFC) functional connectivity to stress was observed in bipolar disorder, compared to typically developing controls. In bipolar disorder, greater increase in right amygdala‐right rPFC functional connectivity to stress was associated with less frequent cannabis use, and prospectively with shorter duration and lower severity of depression symptoms over follow‐up.

Conclusion

Results from this preliminary study suggest differences in frontolimbic functional connectivity responses to stress in young adults with bipolar disorder and associations with cannabis use and prospective mood symptoms.
Minimum information management and price‐abundance relationships in a fishery
Authors: Marvasti Akbar , Dakhlia Sami
Published: September 2021

We explore the information content of dockside prices and fishing costs in the estimation of stock abundance. Our approach is two‐pronged: we first examine whether the implied biomass, that is, the biomass that is consistent with a simple microeconomic model calibrated with observed prices and costs, offers an approximation of actual stock assessments—both agree over the first 20 years of observation, but diverge over the last five. In a second approach, we use annual data in Vector Autoregressive (VAR), Bayesian VAR (B‐VAR), and Vector Error Correction (VEC) frameworks and add monthly data in a mixed‐frequency data analysis including Mixed‐Frequency Bayesian VAR (MF‐BVAR) and Mixed‐Data Sampling (MIDAS) frameworks for log‐differenced time series. Parameter uncertainties are addressed through Bayesian regression and forecasting methods. We find a statistically significant correlation between biometric estimates and changes in a price‐based indicator that is robust to the inclusion of confounding factors. We conclude that the combination of price data and per‐trip landings, when interpreted with care, can serve as a complementary, but comparatively affordable and timely, source of information for stock assessments.
Functional diversity loss and change in nocturnal behavior of mammals under anthropogenic disturbance
Authors: Li Xueyou , Hu Wenqiang , Bleisch William V. , Li Quan , Wang Hongjiao , Lu Wen , Sun Jun , Zhang Fuyou , Ti Bu , Jiang Xuelong
Published: September 2021

In the Anthropocene, understanding the impacts of anthropogenic influence on biodiversity and behavior of vulnerable wildlife communities is increasingly relevant to effective conservation. However, comparative studies aimed at disentangling the concurrent effect of different types of human disturbance on multifaceted biodiversity and on activity patterns of mammals are surprisingly rare. We applied a multiregion community model to separately estimate the effects of cumulative human modification (e.g., settlement, agriculture, and transportation) and human presence (aggregated presence of dogs, people, and livestock) on species richness and functional composition of medium‐ and large‐bodied mammals based on camera trap data collected across 45 subtropical montane forests. We divided the detected mammal species into three trophic guilds–carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores–and assessed the nocturnal shifts of each guild in response to anthropogenic activities. Overall, species richness tended to increase (β coefficient = 0.954) as human modification increased but richness decreased as human presence increased (β = –1.054). Human modification was associated with significantly lower functional diversity (mean nearest taxon distance [MNTD], β = –0.134; standardized effect sizes of MNTD, β = –0.397), community average body mass (β = –0.240), and proportion of carnivores (β = –0.580). Human presence was associated with a strongly reduced proportion of herbivores (β = –0.522), whereas proportion of omnivores significantly increased as human presence (β = 0.378) and habitat modification (β = 0.419) increased. In terms of activity patterns, omnivores (β = 12.103) and carnivores (β = 9.368) became more nocturnal in response to human modification. Our results suggest that human modification and human presence have differing effects on mammals and demonstrate that anthropogenic disturbances can lead to drastic loss of functional diversity and result in a shift to nocturnal behavior of mammals. Conservation planning should consider concurrent effects of different types of human disturbance on species richness, functional diversity, and behavior of wildlife communities.
Histopathologic findings on indication renal allograft biopsies after recovery from acute COVID‐19
Authors: Basic‐Jukic Nikolina , Coric Marijana , Bulimbasic Stela , Dika Zivka , Juric Ivana , Furic‐Cunko Vesna , Katalinic Lea , Kos Jelena , Fistrek Margareta , Kastelan Zeljko , Jelakovic Bojan
Published: September 2021

Current knowledge on histopathological changes occurring after COVID‐19 in transplanted kidneys is limited. Herein, we present renal allograft pathology findings in patients recovered from COVID‐19.

Six patients underwent indication biopsy, and one required allograft nephrectomy after acute COVID‐19. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and laboratory findings were recorded. The histopathological analysis included light microscopy, immunostaining, and electron microscopy.

Five patients were hospitalized for acute COVID‐19, and all were diagnosed with imaging‐confirmed pneumonia, one requiring mechanical ventilation, and two requiring dialysis. Two patients had mild form. Histopathologic examination of renal allograft specimens revealed collapsing, perihilar, tip‐lesion and secondary FSGS in one patient each. One patient had borderline acute cellular rejection, and two had chronic antibody‐mediated rejection. Histopathologic changes of glomerular tufts were accompanied by acute tubular injury in four patients. None of our patients had signs of viral inclusions in kidney cells.

One patient died and one remained dialysis‐dependent after the good initial response to treatment. Patients with collapsing and perihilar FSGS had further progression of their chronic allograft nephropathy still without need for dialysis.

In conclusion, diverse kidney pathology may be found in SARS‐CoV‐2–infected renal transplant patients. It seems that viral infection may affect the immune system with triggering of glomerular diseases, while the acute tubular injury is of multifactorial etiology. Direct viral effect is less likely.