bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Sei and Fin whale Müller glia in the survival and neurite growth of RGCs in vitro
Authors: Pereiro Xandra , Ruzafa Noelia , Beriain Sandra , Vecino Elena 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeMüller cells are crucial in retinal homeostasis. In zebrafish and lower vertebrates, spontaneous retinal regeneration was observed. In the mammalian retina, there is no such evidence. However, recent studies have been demonstrated that Müller cells promote the survival and the neurite outgrowth of RGCs in vitro. Here, the effect of Müller cells from two of the largest mammals in the world, Fin and Sei whales, was analyzed on RGCs survival and neurite outgrowth.MethodsThe retinas of beached Balaenoptera physalus and Balaenoptera borealis whales, 24 hr post‐mortem, were studied. Cultures of Müller cells were grown and, once whale Müller cells reached confluence, adult rat RGCs were seeded on Müller cells. The cells were cultured during six days. The number and length of the neurites of the RGCs were quantified. The conditioned media (CM) from whale Müller cells was analysed by mass spectrometry to identify and quantify proteins. Results were compared to the CM from pig Müller cells. NELL2, SEMA3F, CD56, NRCAM, OGN and PEDF were selected as candidate factors to promote neurite outgrowth and tested in pure rat RGCs cultures.ResultsRGCs survival increased 60% when cultured with whale Müller cells. The length of the neurites (>200 μm) increased 90% and the length of the longest neurites (>1000 μm) increased more than 500%. Proteomic analysis from whale Müller cells CM showed that the function of the 10% of the most represented proteins detected was related to neurite outgrowth, compared to only 2% of the proteins in pig CM. The selected proteins induced an increase in the percentage of RGCs with long neurites (>200 μm) and an increase of 200% in RGCs with very long neurites (>1000 μm).ConclusionsWhale Müller cells increase RGCs neurite growth, suggesting that whale Müller cells secrete a combination of neurotrophic factors promoting regeneration of RGCs. Besides, the selected proteins from the CM increase neurite outgrowth, confirming the capacity of the factors secreted by whale Müller cells to regenerate RGCs.Supported by ELKARTEK (KK‐2019/00086), MINECO‐Retos (PID2019‐111139RB‐I00) Grupos UPV/EHU (GIU2018/50).
Morphological characterization of the whale retina
Authors: Ruzafa Noelia , Pereiro Xandra , Vecino Elena 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeThe retina of the largest adult mammal in the world, the whale, was analysed morphologically by immunohistochemistry. The eye of these aquatic mammals have been poorly studied, thus, the aim of this study was to examine the different neurons and glial cells in the whale retina using a range of molecular markers.MethodsThe eyes of beached whales (n = 2, Balaenoptera physalus and Balaenoptera borealis) were obtained, and after dissection and fixation of the retinas, whole‐mount preparations and cryostat sections were immunostained. The neurons and glial cells in these tissues were analysed using different antibodies to label RGCs, photoreceptors, bipolar cells, amacrine cells, microglia, astrocytes and Müller cells. Thioflavin S was also used to label misfolded proteins.ResultsMost of the molecular markers used labelled their specific structures in the whale retinas as in terrestrial mammalian retinas. However, whale cones do not express cone markers (M/L and S opsin, and cone arrestin). It is important to highlight the large size of whale RGCs and there is a heterogeneity in NFs expression. It is also noteworthy that intrinsically photosensitive RGCs labelled with melanopsin form an extraordinary network in the whale retina, where these cells are more abundant in the centre, and different subtypes of melanopsin positive cells were identified. Thioflavin S is weakly labelled of some RGCs in a punctuate pattern and it could easily represent an early sign of neurodegeneration. In addition, degenerative neuritic beading has been observed in RGCs when the retina was analysed after 48 hr postmortem.ConclusionsIn conclusion, there are some notable differences in the retina of the whales when compared with that of terrestrial mammals. Their rod‐monochromatic vision due to an evolutionary loss of cone photoreception and the well‐developed melanopsin‐positive RGCs network could in part be responsible for their perception in the deep sea.Supported by ELKARTEK (KK‐2019/00086), MINECO‐Retos (PID2019‐111139RB‐I00) Grupos UPV/EHU (GIU2018/50).
Long‐term evolution of juvenile X‐linked retinoschisis
Authors: Boned‐Murillo Ana , Dolores Diaz Maria , El Bakkali Ismael Bakkali , Pérez Rivasés Guillermo , Cisneros Pablo , Núñez Moscarda Eva Josefina , Orejudo Derivas Marta , Ascaso Francisco , Pinilla Lozano Isabel 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeTo present long‐term evolution of congenital retinoschisis, also called juvenile or X‐linked retinoschisis (CXLRS), is a very rare disease with a prevalence of approximately 1: 120 000 and usually unknown, being one of the most common causes of macular degeneration in young men. It is a consequence of the mutation in the RS1 gene that encodes retinoschisis, manifesting with visual deficit, strabismus and nystagmus. In general, its evolution is rapid during the first five years of life, secondary to an increase in schisis, and later it slows down, in some cases the retinoschisis area may return partially spontaneously.MethodsWe report the case of a 32‐year‐old man diagnosed with X‐linked juvenile retinoschisis at 22 years of age in context of a possible convergent strabismus associated with hyperopia of +5.50 Right Eye (RE) and +6.50 Left Eye (LE).ResultsAt the time of diagnosis of his disease, his corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/40 in RE and 20/32 in LE. Radial distribution to the fovea macular cysts was observed in both eyes (OC), associated to macular area and the supero‐temporal quadrant RE retinoschisis and LE macula and the superior and temporal quadrants of the peripheral retina retinoschisis. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) reveals macular schisis that extends from the outer nuclear layer (NEC) to the outer plexiform layer (EPC) as well as a certain cystic component in OC. There was also an increased foveal autofluorescence. Ten Years follow‐up was performed and nowadays his BCVA is 20/50 in OC, with almost total regression of the macular cysts. Examination reveals the regression with foveal atrophy in OCT and an increase in the Foveal Avascular Zone (FAZ) AO in the OCT‐A.ConclusionsJuvenile X‐linked retinoschisis is a slowly progressive condition. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) allows the study of retinoschisis in real time, being useful in the follow‐up and disease evolution. Although there is no current treatment, gene therapy could be a therapeutic option in the future.
Specific changes of zinc and metallothioneins during the in vitro maturation and ageing of a retinal pigment epithelium cellular model
Authors: Alvarez‐Barrios Ana , Álvarez Lydia , García Montserrat , Emri Eszter , Lengyel Imre , Pereiro Rosario , González‐Iglesias Héctor 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeDuring ageing, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) undergoes several morphological and physiological alterations such as loss of melanin, formation of extracellular deposits and metal dyshomeostasis. We examined the age‐related changes in the transcriptome and metallome (metal content in cellular cytosol, membrane and culture media) of the ageing RPE to give an insight into the origin of risk factors linked with neurodegenerative eye diseases like AMD.MethodsWe established a primary human RPE cells culture model to study the maturation (10, 21 and 59 days in culture) and ageing (91 and 133 days in culture) of cells in vitro. We analyzed the transcriptome by RNA sequencing (RNAseq) and determined the metallome by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). Localization of specific proteins was carried out by immunocytochemistry.ResultsRPE differentiation markers increased significantly from 10 to 59 days in culture, followed by a decrease from 91 days onwards, as determined by RNAseq and immunocytochemistry assays. After 59 days in culture, there was an alteration in the expression of genes associated with essential biological processes, some of them being phosphorylation, oxidation‐reduction and ion transport. Metal content (i.e., Na, P, Mg, Ca, Cu and Zn) in the cellular cytosol and membranes showed mixed tendencies with time. Interestingly, cytosolic zinc levels decreased from 10 to 59 days (maturing RPE) but increased at 91 and 133 days (ageing RPE). This biphasic change was mirrored by the gene expression changes of specific isoforms of the zinc‐binding metallothioneins including MT1G and MT2A.ConclusionsGene expression and metal content showed time‐dependent changes in the in vitro RPE cell culture model. We observed a specific association between zinc levels and metallothionein expressions during maturation and ageing that, if confirmed by further evidences, may shed light for the metal dyshomeostasis observed during AMD.
Effects of catechine and epicatechine on visual function and retinal perfusion
Authors: Kirkova Radina , Tanev Ivan 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeThe aim of our study is to evaluate the effects of flavonoids catechine and epicatechine ot visual function, contrast sensitivity and retinal perfusion.MethodsIt’s a prospective cohort study. A total of 30 patients are subdivided into two cohorts. Group A: patients with no ophthalmic pathology and, Group B: patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration /nAMD/. We performed a full ophthalmic examination /best corrected visual acuity for distance and near, assessment of contrast sensitivity – Pelli Robson test, tonometry, biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy and optic coherence tomography – angiography OCT‐A/ before and two hours after consumption of 50 g dark chocolate with 100% cocoa content.ResultsResults of all the exams /visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, OCT‐A indexes for retinal perfusion/ are statistically processed.ConclusionsHigh content of flavonoids catechine and epicatechine in dark chocolate has beneficial impact on visual function, contrast sensitivity and retinal perfusion I Group A and Group B, with slight variation between two groups.
External limiting membrane disruption predicts long‐term outcome in strict Treat‐and‐Extend Regimen in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Hoffmann Laura , Katja Hatz 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeTo determine long‐term outcomes and outcome predicting factors in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) applying a strict treat‐and‐extend regimen (TER).MethodsUp to 8‐year retrospective follow‐up of treatment‐naïve subjects with nAMD starting treatment with either ranibizumab or aflibercept in a TER without loading dose but with predefined exit criteria. Spectral‐domain Optical Coherence Tomography scans were acquired in a follow‐up mode and evaluated following a standardized protocol.ResultsTwo hundred‐eleven (211) eyes of 187 patients with a mean follow‐up of 60.3 ± 20.9 months were included. Real‐life follow‐up adherence was high (e.g. 88% at 3 years, 64% at 5 years) with the major part of discontinuations of TER being due to success. During follow‐up, 30.3% of eyes reached the predefined exit criteria, whereof 79.7% in the first five years. Mean BCVA increased from initially 63.9 ± 15.5 ETDRS letters (20/55) to 70.0 ± 14.7 (20/40) after one year (+6.1 letters, p < 0.001) and to 68.5 ± 18.1 (20/43) (+4.6 letters, p = 0.028) at 5 years. A worse BCVA (p = 0.001) and a better external limiting membrane (ELM) disruption score at baseline predicted (p = 0.019) BCVA gain at 5 years. The probability of reaching the exit criteria was significantly associated with a low central retinal thickness (CRT) (p = 0.025), a better ELM disruption score (p = 0.044) and the absence of a central pigment epithelial detachment (PED) (p = 0.05) at baseline.ConclusionsSignificant visual gains were sustained in a long‐term TER in a real‐world setting. Integrity of ELM at baseline predicted BCVA gain at 5 years and the potential for TER exit due to success.
Intravitreal ranizumab in exudative symptomatic retinal arterial macroaneurysms
Authors: Falcon Roca Rocio , Tapia Quijada Hugo E. , Sanchez Garcia Mariel 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeTo assess the anatomical and functional results in exudative symptomatic retinal arterial macroaneurysms (RAM) treated with anti‐VEGF.MethodObservational retrospective study including 10 patients with 10 eyes with diagnosis of exudative symptomatic retinal arterial macroaneurysm. Given that the RAMs were located within the superior and inferior temporal arcades, they were treated with intravitreal ranizumab (Lucentis ®). Patients received a loading dose of 3 monthly injections of ranibizumab (0.5 mg/0.05 ml) followed by an additional injection if necessary. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) was assessed both prior to the treatment as well as posteriorly in the follow‐up visits.Results10 patients were included, of whom 5 were men and 5 were women. The average age was 72.9 years. The average follow‐up period was 7.9 ± 2 months, during which there was a remarkable visual and anatomical recovery (all patients improved their BCVA 3 or more Snellen lines). BCVA improved significantly compared to baseline BCVA from 0.21 ± 0.2 to 0.6 ± 0.28. The average decrease after treatment in CMT measured with OCT was also significant, decreasing from 590.2 ± 163.8 μm previous to treatment to 291.6 ± 61.4 μm after treatment. No complications were observed with the intravitreal injection of ranizumab.ConclusionInjections of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor may be a therapeutic option in cases of symptomatic exudative RAM. Other types of studies are needed to recommend this treatment in this entity.Bibliography

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Wenkstern AR, Petersen H. Intravitreal ranibizumab in retinal macroaneurysm. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2010; 248:1667–1670.

Zweifel SA, Tönz MS, Pfenninger L, et al. Intravitreal anti‐ VEGF therapy for retinal macroaneurysm. Klin Monbl Augen‐ heilkd 2013; 230:392–395.

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Chatziralli I, Maniatea A, Koubouni K, et al. Intravitreal ranibizumab for retinal arterial macroaneurysm: long‐term results of a prospective study. Eur J Ophthalmol 2017; 27:215–219.
Self‐poling and electromechanical response of crystallographically textured PMN‐32PT prepared by templated grain growth
Authors: Kong Scarlet , Moriana Alain , Zhang Shujun , Checchia Stefano , Daniels John E. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractCrystallographic texturing of ferroelectrics is known to improve the piezoelectrics response due to the alignment of optimal grain orientations in polycrystalline materials. Using high‐energy x‐ray diffraction, a ferroelastic self‐poling effect was observed in crystallographically textured 0.68 Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3− 0.32PbTiO3 ceramic. It is shown that the BaTiO3 platelet templates used to induce crystallographic texture imposed a biaxial strain causing ferroelastic domains to re‐orient parallel to the template plate normal. In‐situ high‐energy x‐ray diffraction was then used to characterize the response mechanisms of the material with applied electric fields. The textured ceramic produced a (111) lattice strain of 0.13% in the remanent state, and a 0.16% (111) unipolar lattice strain at 2 kV/mm while the untextured ceramic had a higher (111) lattice strain of 0.18% in the remanent state and a smaller (111) unipolar lattice strain at 2 kV/mm of 0.096%. This contrast in the strain magnitudes can be linked to the self‐poling effect. A strain mechanism incorporating the self‐poling effect is proposed, furthering our understanding of how crystallographic texture impacts the piezoelectric properties and providing a pathway for engineering the self‐poling effect to further enhance material response.
Influence of sintering temperature on the crystallization and mechanical properties of BN‐MAS composites
Authors: Wang Haoyi , Cai Delong , Yang Zhihua , Duan Xiaoming , Wang Bingzhu , Wang Bo , Li Daxin , Jia Dechang , Zhou Yu 
Published: January 2022

AbstractA type of boron nitride–magnesium aluminum silicate (BN‐MAS) composite ceramics was fabricated by hot‐press sintering at different sintering temperatures. The relationship between the sintering temperature and microstructure was investigated by analyzing the interaction between hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) and the MAS phase. The main MAS phase in the composite ceramics is the α‐cordierite phase at a sintering temperature of 1300°C. At temperatures above 1400°C, the inhibitory effect of h‐BN on the crystallization of the MAS system is significant, and MAS mainly exists in the form of an amorphous phase. The composite sintered at 1700°C exhibited the highest bending strength of 218MPa. h‐BN and MAS were co‐enhanced. MAS can be used as an effective liquid‐phase sintering aid to assist in the sintering of h‐BN, whereas h‐BN can absorb the fracture energy of the composite ceramics through the pull‐out and bridging effect of the particles.
Conceptualizing the Regulator‐Buyer State in the European Union for the Exercise of Socially Responsible Public Procurement in Global Production Networks
Authors: Raj‐Reichert Gale , Staritz Cornelia , Plank Leonhard 
Published: January 2022

AbstractLabour rights violations and poor working conditions are rife in global production networks (GPNs). Until now research on labour governance in GPNs has been dominated by private measures. We ignite discussions on the role of the state in governing labour conditions in GPNs by focusing on a less well‐known public governance instrument – socially responsible public procurement (SRPP). SRPP is the inclusion of social criteria on working conditions in public procurement contracts. Revised European Union (EU) directives on public procurement widened the space to exercise SRPP including for outsourced and offshored production. Understanding how states can exercise SRPP as a labour governance instrument requires a conceptualization of state powers. We present a conceptualization of the hybrid regulator‐buyer state and show that an effective SRPP approach requires both strong regulator powers, differentiated as legislative, institutional, judicial and discursive, and buyer power which depend on purchasing volumes and supplier and market characteristics.
Spiritual aspects of the family caregivers’ experiences when caring for a community‐dwelling adult with severe mental illness: A systematic review of qualitative evidence
Authors: Casaleiro Tiago , Caldeira Sílvia , Cardoso Daniela , Apóstolo João 
Published: January 2022

Accessible SummaryWhat is known on the subject?

Being a caregiver of a relative with severe mental illness often impacts the quality of life, physical and mental health.

The use of coping strategies related to spirituality can enhance physical and mental well‐being.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

This review found 26 primary studies that refer to spiritual aspects of the experience of caring for a relative with mental health problems.

Caregivers express spiritual needs, such as hope and finding meaning in life, and spiritual or religious practices that help to cope with stressful situations.

What are the implications for practice?

Spiritual needs and spiritual coping strategies of family caregivers of a relative with severe mental illness should be included in mental health nursing care.

A spiritually sensitive approach should be used when promoting coping strategies of the family caregivers of a relative with severe mental illness.

AbstractIntroductionDeinstitutionalization of individuals with severe mental illness transferred the responsibility of care to the relatives who need to adapt their personal life. Caregivers often develop coping strategies which involve the relationship with oneself, others, or the transcendent/God or nature and may include religious/spiritual practices.Question/AimThis review aims to identify the spiritual aspects of the family caregivers’ experiences when caring for a community‐dwelling adult with severe mental illness.MethodThe review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence. Search was conducted in March 2019, updated in August 2020, limited to English, Spanish and Portuguese.ResultsA total of 26 studies were included. Two synthesized findings emerged: spiritual coping strategies are used by family caregivers; spiritual needs are expressed by family caregivers. The findings are based on the experiences of 467 caregivers, from 14 countries.DiscussionIn stressful times, family caregivers question the meaning in life and acknowledge hopelessness. To cope, caregivers mention a turn to the sacred and the use of spiritual/religious practices.Implications for practiceSpirituality should be considered according to caregivers’ individual beliefs and needs, as may represent important resources for the sense of meaning and overall well‐being.
Understory plant community responses to widespread spruce mortality in a subalpine forest
Authors: Carter Trevor A. , Fornwalt Paula J. , Dwire Kathleen A. , Laughlin Daniel C. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAimsSpruce beetles (Dendroctonus rufipennis) are causing widespread spruce (Picea spp.) mortality in subalpine forests in western North America. Spruce beetles are changing forest structure and composition by killing a dominant overstory species, but we know little about how the understory community responds to the increase in resource availability brought about by spruce mortality, what mechanisms drive its response, or how its response affects other forest properties and processes.LocationGlacier Lakes Ecosystem Experiments Site, Medicine Bow Mountains, Wyoming, USA.MethodsWe measured understory community cover and richness in 75 permanent plots during and 10 years after an epidemic spruce beetle outbreak, and measured trait values for 46 common understory species. We used linear regression to determine how the understory community has changed over time and along a gradient of spruce mortality, and to evaluate the relative support for two mechanisms contributing to species responses.ResultsUnderstory cover nearly doubled between sampling periods and increased the most where spruce mortality was most severe. Understory richness doubled and showed a weak positive trend with spruce mortality. Understory species with the largest increases in cover were the most frequent across the landscape before the disturbance, were the tallest at maturity and had the lowest leaf turgor loss points. Fir seedling density decreased over time, with decreases lessening with increases in understory cover. Changes in spruce seedling density were not predicted by changes in understory cover.ConclusionsOur findings highlight some of the diverse ways in which understory communities can be altered by spruce beetle outbreaks, and how the direction and magnitude of change can depend on the amount of spruce mortality as well as on priority effects and traits of pre‐disturbance species. Our findings also highlight how understory community changes can have implications for other forest properties and processes, such as tree regeneration and forest recovery.