bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New horizons in schizophrenia in older people
Authors: Meesters Paul D 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPeople aged 65 years and older will soon constitute more than a quarter of the total population with schizophrenia, challenging the existing systems of care. For a long time, research into schizophrenia in later life was very limited. However, recent years have seen an encouraging surge in novel and high-quality studies related to this stage of life. Older people with schizophrenia consist of those who had an early onset and aged with the disorder, and of a smaller but sizeable group with a late onset or a very late onset. With ageing, physical needs gain importance relative to psychiatric needs. Medical comorbidity contributes to a markedly higher mortality compared to the general population. In many persons, symptoms and functioning fluctuate with time, leading to deterioration in some but improvement in others. Of note, a substantial number of older people may experience subjective well-being in spite of ongoing symptoms and social impairments. The majority of individuals with schizophrenia reside in the community, but when institutionalization is required many are placed in residential or nursing homes where staff is often ill-equipped to address their complex needs. There is a clear need for implementation of new models of care in which mental health and general health systems cooperate. This review provides a state-of-the-art overview of current knowledge in late life schizophrenia and related disorders, with a focus on themes with clinical relevance.
Is the automated Elecsys tacrolimus assay on the Roche cobas e 602 analyzer an acceptable replacement for a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry–based assay?
Authors: Gant Kanegusuku Anastasia , Yeo Kiang-Teck J 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Objectives
This study evaluated the suitability and accuracy of the automated Roche Elecsys tacrolimus electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) by comparing it with a current laboratory-developed test by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Methods
The tacrolimus ECLIA was evaluated for precision, linearity, interference, and postextraction stability. Accuracy was compared with LC-MS/MS.

Results
The tacrolimus ECLIA assay is precise, exhibits a measuring range of 0.75 to 30 ng/mL, and is tolerant of significant interferences (plasma indices: hemolysis &lt;2306, icterus &lt;55, lipemia &lt;1427, and biotin &lt;1200 ng/mL). Comparison with LC-MS/MS revealed a 26% proportional bias in patient samples evaluated for tacrolimus concentration (y = 1.26x + 0.08; r2 = 0.97; Sy/x = 0.94; n = 43) and an absolute mean (SD) bias of 2.2 (1.7) ng/mL. Postextraction studies confirmed that samples were stable for up to 30 minutes under routine laboratory conditions.

Conclusions
The 2 major challenges for implementation of the tacrolimus ECLIA assay are the postextraction sample stability and the significant proportional bias observed compared with the LC-MS/MS reference method. The 30-minute window for analysis of extracted samples is a practical challenge to the routine workflow of the core laboratory. In addition, disagreement between the immunoassay and LC-MS/MS methods can lead to discordant clinical interpretations and ultimately affect patient care.
Note: The Heirs of Pausimachus v City of Kalymnos arbitration
Authors: Paschalidis Paschalis 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The so-called ‘Knidian arbitration’ between the heirs of the banker Pausimachus and the city-State of Kalymnos has been the subject of much debate amongst historians and archaeologists. However, it seems to have escaped the attention of arbitration practictioners, despite the fact that it constitutes, in essence, a commercial proto-arbitration against a State. The present contribution aims at correcting this omission. The award is a treasure trove of information about the conduct of ancient arbitrations. While arbitrations have become increasingly sophisticated procedures, this ancient award also helps identify essential aspects of the arbitral process that transcend time. To do so, this contribution provides both an overview and commentary of the award as well as a translation of the surviving fragments.
Tcbf: a novel user-friendly tool for pan-3D genome analysis of topologically associating domain in eukaryotic organisms
Authors: He Xin , Huang Xianhui , Long Yuexuan , Liu Zhenping , Chang Xing , Zhang Xianlong , Wang Maojun 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Summary
TAD boundaries are essential for organizing the chromatin spatial structure and regulating gene expression in eukaryotes. However, for large-scale pan-3D genome research, identifying conserved and specific TAD boundaries across different species or individuals is computationally challenging. Here, we present Tcbf, a rapid and powerful Python/R tool that integrates gene synteny blocks and homologous sequences to automatically detect conserved and specific TAD boundaries among multiple species, which can efficiently analyze huge genome datasets, greatly reduce the computational burden and enable pan-3D genome research.

Availability and implementation
Tcbf is implemented by Python/R and is available at https://github.com/TcbfGroup/Tcbf under the MIT license.
Genital coupling and copulatory wounding in the interspecific mating of theDrosophila aurariaspecies complex (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
Authors: Onuma Moe , Kamimura Yoshitaka , Sawamura Kyoichi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractStructural matching of genitalia between sexes of the same species would guarantee a stable mating posture and tight genital coupling that minimizes the reproductive cost in females. Interspecific mating might cause mismatches in genital structures between sexes, leading to an unstable mating posture, abnormal genital coupling, enhanced risk of wounding to the genitalia, and reduced mating duration. In this study, copulation duration, mating posture, genital coupling and copulatory wounding were analysed in reciprocal combinations of interspecific mating between Drosophila auraria and Drosophila triauraria and between Drosophila biauraria and Drosophila subauraria. Interspecific mating exhibited a large variation in copulation duration, and copulatory wounds were produced in females at positions that lacked the corresponding fold structures, although the frequency of copulatory wounds was sometimes lower than in intraspecific mating. The angle of the aedeagus insertion during mating and positions of the copulatory wounds after interspecific mating were as expected from the male species, suggesting that males attempt to tighten genital coupling and stabilize copulation using the genitalia regardless of the female species. As in other groups of Drosophila studied to date, the species-specific structures in female genitalia contact the conspecific male organs during copulation, and the results suggest that they might have functions related to sexual conflict or sexual selection.
SMAD signaling pathway is disrupted by BPA via the AMH receptor in bovine granulosa cells
Authors: Patel Rushi H , Truong Vivien B , Sabry Reem , Acosta Julianna E , McCahill Kiera , Favetta Laura A 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Significant events that determine oocyte competence occur during follicular growth and oocyte maturation. The anti-Mullerian hormone, a positive predictor of fertility, has been shown to be affected by exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds, such as bisphenol A and S. However, the interaction between bisphenols and SMAD proteins, mediators of the anti-Mullerian hormone pathway, has not yet been elucidated. AMH receptor (AMHRII) and downstream SMAD expression was investigated in bovine granulosa cells treated with bisphenol A, bisphenol S, and then competitively with the anti-Mullerian hormone. Here, we show that 24-h bisphenol A exposure in granulosa cells significantly increased SMAD1, SMAD4, and SMAD5 mRNA expression. No significant changes were observed in AMHRII or SMADs protein expression after 24-h treatment. Following 12-h treatments with bisphenol A (alone or with the anti-Mullerian hormone), a significant increase in SMAD1 and SMAD4 mRNA expression was observed, while a significant decrease in SMAD1 and phosphorylated SMAD1 was detected at the protein level. To establish a functional link between bisphenols and the anti-Mullerian hormone signaling pathway, antisense oligonucleotides were utilized to suppress AMHRII expression with or without bisphenol exposure. Initially, transfection conditions were optimized and validated with a 70% knockdown achieved. Our findings show that bisphenol S exerts its effects independently of the anti-Mullerian hormone receptor, while bisphenol A may act directly through the anti-Mullerian hormone signaling pathway providing a potential mechanism by which bisphenols may exert their actions to disrupt follicular development and decrease oocyte competence.
An eigenvector-assisted estimation framework for signal-plus-noise matrix models
Authors: Xie Fangzheng , Wu Dingbo 
Published: September 2023

Summary
In this paper, we develop an eigenvector-assisted estimation framework for a collection of signal-plus-noise matrix models arising in high-dimensional statistics and many applications. The framework is built upon a novel asymptotically unbiased estimating equation using the leading eigenvectors of the data matrix. However, the estimator obtained by directly solving the estimating equation could be numerically unstable in practice and lacks robustness against model misspecification. We propose to use the quasi-posterior distribution by exponentiating a criterion function whose maximizer coincides with the estimating equation estimator. The proposed framework can incorporate heteroskedastic variance information, but does not require the complete specification of the sampling distribution and is also robust to the potential misspecification of the distribution of the noise matrix. Computationally, the quasi-posterior distribution can be obtained via a Markov chain Monte Carlo sampler, which exhibits superior numerical stability over some of the existing optimization-based estimators and is straightforward for uncertainty quantification. Under mild regularity conditions, we establish the large sample properties of the quasi-posterior distributions. In particular, the quasi-posterior credible sets have the correct frequentist nominal coverage probability provided that the criterion function is carefully selected. The validity and usefulness of the proposed framework are demonstrated through the analysis of synthetic datasets and the real-world ENZYMES network datasets.
Situating defaunation in an operational framework to advance biodiversity conservation
Authors: Poulsen John R , Maicher Vincent , Malinowski Halina , DeSisto Camille 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Anthropogenic pressures are causing the widespread loss of wildlife species and populations, with adverse consequences for ecosystem functioning. This phenomenon has been widely but inconsistently referred to as defaunation. A cohesive, quantitative framework for defining and evaluating defaunation is necessary for advancing biodiversity conservation. Likening defaunation to deforestation, we propose an operational framework for defaunation that defines it and related terms, situates defaunation relative to intact communities and faunal degradation, and encourages quantitative, ecologically reasonable, and equitable measurements. We distinguish between defaunation, the conversion of an ecosystem from having wild animals to not having wild animals, and faunal degradation, the process of losing animals or species from an animal community. The quantification of context-relevant defaunation boundaries or baselines is necessary to compare faunal communities over space and time. Situating a faunal community on the degradation curve can promote Global Biodiversity Framework targets, advancing the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity.
The influence of aggressive exercise on responses to self-perceived and others’ pain
Authors: Wei Zilong , Huang Yujuan , Li Xiong , Shao Min , Qian Huiling , He Bojun , Meng Jing 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Previous studies have reported relationships between exercise and pain. However, little is known about how aggressive exercise modulates individuals’ responses to their own and others’ pain. This present study addresses this question by conducting 2 studies employing event-related potential (ERP). Study 1 included 38 participants whose self-perceived pain was assessed after intervention with aggressive or nonaggressive exercises. Study 2 recruited 36 participants whose responses to others’ pain were assessed after intervention with aggressive or nonaggressive exercise. Study 1’s results showed that P2 amplitudes were smaller, reaction times were longer, and participants’ judgments were less accurate in response to self-perceived pain stimuli, especially to high-pain stimuli, after intervention with aggressive exercise compared to nonaggressive exercise. Results of study 2 showed that both P3 and LPP amplitudes to others’ pain were larger after intervention with aggressive exercise than with nonaggressive exercise. These results suggest that aggressive exercise decreases individuals’ self-perceived pain and increases their empathic responses to others’ pain.
Drugs with a negative impact on cognitive functions (Part 2): drug classes to consider while prescribing in CKD patients
Authors: Hafez Gaye , Malyszko Jolanta , Golenia Aleksandra , Klimkowicz-Mrowiec Aleksandra , Ferreira Ana Carina , Arıcı Mustafa , Bruchfeld Annette , Nitsch Dorothea , Massy Ziad A , Pépin Marion , Capasso Giovambattista , Mani Laila-Yasmin , Liabeuf Sophie ,   CONNECT Action (Cognitive Decline in Nephro-Neurology European Cooperative Target), Capasso Giovambattista , Andrade Alexandre , Bachmann Maie , Bumblyte Inga , Covic Adrian Constantin , Delgado Pilar , Endlich Nicole , Engvig Andreas , Fouque Denis , Franssen Casper , Frische Sebastian , Garneata Liliana , Gesualdo Loreto , Giannakou Konstantinos , Goumenos Dimitrios , Kartal Ayşe Tuğba , Liabeuf Sophie , Mani Laila-Yasmin , Marti Hans-Peter , Mayer Christopher , Nielsen Rikke , Pešić Vesna , Rroji (Molla) Merita , Sakkas Giorgos , Spasovski Goce , Stevens Kate , Vazelov Evgueniy , Viggiano Davide , Zacharia Lefteris , Ferreira Ana Carina , Malyszko Jolanta , Hoorn Ewout , Figurek Andreja , Unwin Robert , Wagner Carsten , Wanner Christoph , Bruchfeld Annette , Pepin Marion , Wiecek Andrzej , Nitsch Dorothea , Fridolin Ivo , Hafez Gaye , Romeo Maria José Soler , Barbieri Michelangela , Batinić Bojan , Carrasco Laura , Carriazo Sol , Gansevoort Ron , Martino Gianvito , Raso Francesco Mattace , Nistor Ionut , Ortiz Alberto , Paolisso Giuseppe , Rastenytė Daiva , Stefan Gabriel , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Massy Ziad , Bikbov Boris , Endlich Karl Hans , Godefroy Olivier , Kossioni Anastassia , Kurganaite Justina , Perico Norberto , Remuzzi Giuseppe , Grodzicki Tomasz , Trepiccione Francesco , Zoccali Carmine , Arici Mustafa , Blankestijn Peter , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Fliser Danilo , Jiménez Eugenio Gutiérrez , Konig Maximilian , Rychlik Ivan , Deleidi Michela , Reusz George , Farisco Michele , Perico Norberto , Silva Pedro Imenez , Bobot Mickaël , Golenia Aleksandra , Perna Alessandra , Idrizi Alma , Hansen Brian , Simeoni Mariadelina 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
There is growing evidence that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment, especially due to vascular damage, blood–brain barrier disruption and uremic toxins. Given the presence of multiple comorbidities, the medication regimen of CKD patients often becomes very complex. Several medications such as psychotropic agents, drugs with anticholinergic properties, GABAergic drugs, opioids, corticosteroids, antibiotics and others have been linked to negative effects on cognition. These drugs are frequently included in the treatment regimen of CKD patients. The first review of this series described how CKD could represent a risk factor for adverse drug reactions affecting the central nervous system. This second review will describe some of the most common medications associated with cognitive impairment (in the general population and in CKD) and describe their effects.
Systematic Minigene-Based Splicing Analysis and Tentative Clinical Classification of 52 CHEK2 Splice-Site Variants
Authors: Sanoguera-Miralles Lara , Valenzuela-Palomo Alberto , Bueno-Martínez Elena , Esteban-Sánchez Ada , Lorca Víctor , Llinares-Burguet Inés , García-Álvarez Alicia , Pérez-Segura Pedro , Infante Mar , Easton Douglas F , Devilee Peter , Vreeswijk Maaike P G , de la Hoya Miguel , Velasco-Sampedro Eladio A 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Disrupted pre-mRNA splicing is a frequent deleterious mechanism in hereditary cancer. We aimed to functionally analyze candidate spliceogenic variants of the breast cancer susceptibility gene CHEK2 by splicing reporter minigenes.

Methods
A total of 128 CHEK2 splice-site variants identified in the Breast Cancer After Diagnostic Gene Sequencing (BRIDGES) project (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/634935) were analyzed with MaxEntScan and subsetted to 52 variants predicted to impact splicing. Three CHEK2 minigenes, which span all 15 exons, were constructed and validated. The 52 selected variants were then genetically engineered into the minigenes and assayed in MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) cells.

Results
Of 52 variants, 46 (88.5%) impaired splicing. Some of them led to complex splicing patterns with up to 11 different transcripts. Thirty-four variants induced splicing anomalies without any trace or negligible amounts of the full-length transcript. A total of 89 different transcripts were annotated, which derived from different events: single- or multi-exon skipping, alternative site-usage, mutually exclusive exon inclusion, intron retention or combinations of the abovementioned events. Fifty-nine transcripts were predicted to introduce premature termination codons, 7 kept the original open-reading frame, 5 removed the translation start codon, 6 affected the 5′UTR (Untranslated Region), and 2 included missense variations. Analysis of variant c.684-2A &gt; G revealed the activation of a non-canonical TG-acceptor site and exon 6 sequences critical for its recognition.

Conclusions
Incorporation of minigene read-outs into an ACMG/AMP (American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics/Association for Molecular Pathology)-based classification scheme allowed us to classify 32 CHEK2 variants (27 pathogenic/likely pathogenic and 5 likely benign). However, 20 variants (38%) remained of uncertain significance, reflecting in part the complex splicing patterns of this gene.
Alzheimer Disease Biomarkers: Moving from CSF to Plasma for Reliable Detection of Amyloid and tau Pathology
Authors: Kang Ju Hee , Korecka Magdalena , Lee Edward B , Cousins Katheryn A Q , Tropea Thomas F , Chen-Plotkin Alice A , Irwin David J , Wolk David , Brylska Magdalena , Wan Yang , Shaw Leslie M 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Development of validated biomarkers to detect early Alzheimer disease (AD) neuropathology is needed for therapeutic AD trials. Abnormal concentrations of “core” AD biomarkers, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid beta1–42, total tau, and phosphorylated tau correlate well with neuroimaging biomarkers and autopsy findings. Nevertheless, given the limitations of established CSF and neuroimaging biomarkers, accelerated development of blood-based AD biomarkers is underway.

Content
Here we describe the clinical significance of CSF and plasma AD biomarkers to detect disease pathology throughout the Alzheimer continuum and correlate with imaging biomarkers. Use of the AT(N) classification by CSF and imaging biomarkers provides a more objective biologically based diagnosis of AD than clinical diagnosis alone. Significant progress in measuring CSF AD biomarkers using extensively validated highly automated assay systems has facilitated their transition from research use only to approved in vitro diagnostics tests for clinical use. We summarize development of plasma AD biomarkers as screening tools for enrollment and monitoring participants in therapeutic trials and ultimately in clinical care. Finally, we discuss the challenges for AD biomarkers use in clinical trials and precision medicine, emphasizing the possible ethnocultural differences in the levels of AD biomarkers.

Summary
CSF AD biomarker measurements using fully automated analytical platforms is possible. Building on this experience, validated blood-based biomarker tests are being implemented on highly automated immunoassay and mass spectrometry platforms. The progress made developing analytically and clinically validated plasma AD biomarkers within the AT(N) classification scheme can accelerate use of AD biomarkers in therapeutic trials and routine clinical practice.
Technological change, training, and within-firm wage inequality in Germany
Authors: Müller Christoph 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Technological change increases the demand for higher skills and fosters wage inequality. Studies on technological change often emphasize the importance of training to adapt workers’ skills to technology use and mitigate inequality. However, we know little about firms’ training activities and their consequences for inequality in the context of technological change. This article investigates, first, whether firms’ decisions to invest in information technology (IT) are associated with skill bias in firms’ training activities, whether this is conditional on the job tasks of workers, and, whether the relationship between IT investments and training activities affects the wage gap within firms. Using linked employer–employee data containing detailed information about investments and training, I show that firms’ IT investments have a large positive effect on the training participation of high-skilled workers. In contrast, the positive effect on low-skilled workers is smaller, short lasting and conditional on workers job tasks. Additional investigations show that the training of high-skilled workers mediates approximately 5 per cent of the effect of IT investments on wage inequality within firms. In the conclusions, I highlight the broader implications of these findings for the effects of technological change for inequality in training opportunities.
Evolution along allometric lines of least resistance: morphological differentiation in Pristurus geckos
Authors: Tejero-Cicuéndez Héctor , Menéndez Iris , Talavera Adrián , Mochales-Riaño Gabriel , Burriel-Carranza Bernat , Simó-Riudalbas Marc , Carranza Salvador , Adams Dean C 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Species living in distinct habitats often experience unique ecological selective pressures, which can drive phenotypic divergence. However, how ecophenotypic patterns are affected by allometric trends and trait integration levels is less well understood. Here we evaluate the role of allometry in shaping body size and body form diversity in Pristurus geckos utilizing differing habitats. We found that patterns of allometry and integration in body form were distinct in species with different habitat preferences, with ground-dwelling Pristurus displaying the most divergent allometric trend and high levels of integration. There was also strong concordance between intraspecific allometry across individuals and evolutionary allometry among species, revealing that differences in body form among individuals were predictive of evolutionary changes across the phylogeny at macroevolutionary scales. This suggested that phenotypic evolution occurred along allometric lines of least resistance, with allometric trajectories imposing a strong influence on the magnitude and direction of size and shape changes across the phylogeny. When viewed in phylomorphospace, the largest rock-dwelling species were most similar to the smallest ground-dwelling species, and vice versa. Thus, in Pristurus, phenotypic evolution along the differing habitat-based allometric trajectories resulted in similar body forms at differing body sizes in distinct ecological habitats.