bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to explore what is hidden? A review of techniques for vascular tissue expression profile analysis
Authors: Kułak Karolina , Wojciechowska Natalia , Samelak-Czajka Anna , Jackowiak Paulina , Bagniewska-Zadworna Agnieszka
Published: November 2023

The evolution of plants to efficiently transport water and assimilates over long distances is a major evolutionary success that facilitated their growth and colonization of land. Vascular tissues, namely xylem and phloem, are characterized by high specialization, cell heterogeneity, and diverse cell components. During differentiation and maturation, these tissues undergo an irreversible sequence of events, leading to complete protoplast degradation in xylem or partial degradation in phloem, enabling their undisturbed conductive function. Due to the unique nature of vascular tissue, and the poorly understood processes involved in xylem and phloem development, studying the molecular basis of tissue differentiation is challenging. In this review, we focus on methods crucial for gene expression research in conductive tissues, emphasizing the importance of initial anatomical analysis and appropriate material selection. We trace the expansion of molecular techniques in vascular gene expression studies and discuss the application of single-cell RNA sequencing, a high-throughput technique that has revolutionized transcriptomic analysis. We explore how single-cell RNA sequencing will enhance our knowledge of gene expression in conductive tissues.
Bacteremia due to Serratia rubidaea in intensive care unit: a case series
Authors: Mehdi Asma , Trifi Ahlem , Abbes Salma , Seghir Eya , Tlili Bedis , Masseoud Linda , Noussair Azzouz , Ouhibi Asma , Battikh Hajer , Zribi Meriam , Abdellatif Sami
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Bacteremia caused by Serratia rubidaea is seldom mentioned in comparison with other Enterobacteriaceae species. It primarily affects immunocompromised patients undergoing invasive procedures. Furthermore, the incidence, clinical features, and microbiological profile of this pathogen in the intensive care unit are rarely described.

Case presentation

We present four North African case studies of bacteremia in four young female patients admitted to the intensive care unit for ketoacidosis with a history of diabetes mellitus. All four patients developed catheter-related infections complicated by deep vein thrombosis. The catheter site was femoral in all cases, and the main clinical manifestation was poorly tolerated fever. The pathogen was isolated in multiple peripheral blood cultures (> 4) for each patient, showing a similar profile in all cases: resistance to third-generation cephalosporins and sensitivity to aminoglycosides, piperacillin, fluoroquinolones, and folate-pathway inhibitors. Targeted treatment consisted of a combination of ciprofloxacin 400 mg twice per day and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole 400/80 mg thrice per day for all four cases. However, in one case, this regimen was switched to amikacin due to adverse effects. The outcomes were favorable in the majority of cases. The patients described in this study were 21, 66, 22, and 27-year-old North African women.

Conclusion

Most of the reported cases shared common risk factors and clinical aspects. Notably, a case of thrombosis complicating a catheter infection caused by Serratia rubidaea has not been previously reported in the literature. Furthermore, this bloodstream infection typically affects deeply immunocompromised patients. However, our four cases, admitted to the intensive care unit for ketoacidosis, only had a history of diabetes mellitus.
HIF-1α promotes kidney organoid vascularization and applications in disease modeling
Authors: Peng Kexin , Xie Wanqin , Wang Tingting , Li Yamei , de Dieu Habimana Jean , Amissah Obed Boadi , Huang Jufang , Chen Yong , Ni Bin , Li Zhiyuan
Published: November 2023

Background

Kidney organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells (HiPSCs) hold huge applications for drug screening, disease modeling, and cell transplanting therapy. However, these applications are limited since kidney organoid cannot maintain complete morphology and function like human kidney. Kidney organoids are not well differentiated since the core of the organoid lacked oxygen, nutrition, and vasculature, which creates essential niches. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1α) serves as a critical regulator in vascularization and cell survival under hypoxia environment. Less is known about the role of HIF-1α in kidney organoids in this regard. This study tried to investigate the effect of HIF-1α in kidney organoid vascularization and related disease modeling.

Methods

For the vascularization study, kidney organoids were generated from human induced pluripotent stem cells. We overexpressed HIF-1α via plasmid transfection or treated DMOG (Dimethyloxallyl Glycine, an agent for HIF-1α stabilization and accumulation) in kidney progenitor cells to detect the endothelium. For the disease modeling study, we treated kidney organoid with cisplatin under hypoxia environment, with additional HIF-1α transfection.

Result

HIF-1α overexpression elicited kidney organoid vascularization. The endothelial cells and angiotool analysis parameters were increased in HIF-1α plasmid-transfected and DMOG-treated organoids. These angiogenesis processes were partially blocked by VEGFR inhibitors, semaxanib or axitinib. Cisplatin-induced kidney injury (Cleaved caspase 3) was protected by HIF-1α through the upregulation of CD31 and SOD2.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that HIF-1α elicited the process of kidney organoid vascularization and protected against cisplatin-induced kidney organoid injury in hypoxia environment.
Artificial pastoral systems: a review of agent-based modelling studies of pastoral systems
Authors: Moritz Mark , Cross Benjamin , Hunter Chelsea E.
Published: November 2023

Agent-based modelling allows researchers to build artificial pastoral systems that are spatially explicit and allow for the examination of complex interactions between households, herds, and rangelands over long time periods. However, agent-based modelling also necessarily reduces the complexity of the pastoral systems. The question that we examine in this paper is how researchers model pastoral systems and what artificial pastoral systems they create. To answer that question, we systematically reviewed 35 agent-based modelling studies of pastoral systems. We examined how the studies describe the focal pastoral system, how the focal system is represented in a conceptual model, implemented in computer code, and how it emerges as an artificial pastoral system from the simulations. Our review indicates that most models are built by interdisciplinary teams, integrated into empirical studies of pastoral systems, and use a specific pastoral system as its focal system. The research problems explored in the models range from resource management, wealth dynamics, herd demography, sustainability, adaptation, mobility, and conflict. The artificial pastoral systems that emerge from these agent-based modelling studies mostly confirm current theoretical understandings that are based on empirical studies of pastoral systems. There are a few emergent patterns that have not been validated extensively in empirical studies. We conclude with a discussion of the theoretical, methodological, and practical implications of using agent-based models to create artificial pastoral systems.
Microbiological trends and mortality risk factors of central line-associated bloodstream infections in an academic medical center 2015–2020
Authors: Alwazzeh Marwan Jabr , Alnimr Amani , Al Nassri Samia A. , Alwarthan Sara M. , Alhajri Mashael , AlShehail Bashayer M. , Almubarak Mahdi , Alghamdi Nada S. , Wali Haytham A.
Published: November 2023

Background

Despite tremendous efforts to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infections, they still remain life-threatening complications among hospitalized patients with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The emerging antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other risk factors, including patient comorbidities, complicate patient management.

Methods

A single-center retrospective observational study was conducted at King Fahad Hospital of the University, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Hospitalized patients with confirmed central line-associated bloodstream infections between January 2015 and December 2020 were included. The primary objectives were to investigate the trends in antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the causative agents, coexisting comorbid conditions, and other risk factors associated with mortality.

Results

A total of 214 patients with confirmed central line-associated bloodstream infections were included (CLABSI). The overall 30-day mortality rate was 33.6%. The infection rates per 1000 central line days for medical, surgical, and pediatric intensive care units were 4.97, 2.99, and 4.56 per 1000 CL days, respectively. The overall microbiological trends showed a predominance of Gram-negative agents, a steady increase of fungal CLABSI up to 24.0% in 2020, and a high prevalence of multidrug resistance up to 47% of bacterial CLABSI. In addition, the study indicates a significant negative surviving correlation with diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, lung disease, chronic kidney disease, and the presence of ≥ 3 comorbidities (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The microbiological trends of the study population demonstrated a steady increase of CLABSI caused by Candida spp. with a predominance of Gram-negative pathogens. Stratifying the patients according to relevant mortality risk factors, including patient comorbidities, will help reduce CLABSI rates and improve patient outcomes.
Inpatient hospital course and self-reported symptomatology in underweight adults with ARFID compared to age- and sex-matched controls with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Vanzhula Irina A. , Wang Erin , Martinelli Mary K. , Schreyer Colleen , Guarda Angela S.
Published: November 2023

Objective

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) has similar prevalence to anorexia nervosa (AN) in adults, but research in this population is lacking. Although inpatient or residential treatment involving nutritional rehabilitation is increasingly recommended for malnourished individuals with ARFID, best practices remain poorly defined. Existing studies on self-reported symptomatology and treatment course and outcome are primarily in child and adolescent cohorts and demonstrate inconsistent findings. This study aimed to compare hospital course and self-reported symptomatology of underweight adult inpatients with ARFID and sex- and age-matched patients with AN.

Method

Underweight adult patients with ARFID or AN admitted to a specialized, hospital-based behavioral treatment program completed measures of body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, bulimic symptoms, anxiety, depression, and personality traits. Demographic and treatment course data were abstracted from electronic medical records. Patients with ARFID (n = 69) were matched to those with AN (n = 69) based on sex and age.

Results

Adults with ARFID were closer to target weight at admission, but gained weight at a slower rate, were discharged at lower BMI, and were less likely to reach target weight by discharge than adults with AN. Patients with ARFID reported less weight and shape-related eating disorder, state anxiety, and depression symptoms and lower neuroticism.

Discussion

Adults with ARFID progress through treatment more slowly and achieve less favorable weight outcomes by hospital discharge than patients with AN, but long-term outcomes are unclear. Describing clinical presentations and course of illness of adult ARFID may help inform treatment protocols.
COVID-19, multiple emergencies, and moral entanglements: extraordinary and transcendental moral worlds as a new analytical framework
Authors: Ali Inayat
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a multitude of complex emergencies, extending beyond the realm of health and healthcare. The situation presented a significant challenge to human security. The content analysis and literature review provide evidence of varied choices and decision-making processes at individual, local, national, and global levels in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These decisions were influenced by various factors such as time constraints, limited resources, unfamiliar situations, unpredictable outcomes, and the uncertainty surrounding the end of the pandemic. The necessity to make exceptional moral decisions posed a challenge to existing conceptual and analytical frameworks, including Arthur Kleinman’s concept of “local moral worlds.” An examination of emergency medicine, particularly in the context of a critical global event, revealed the presence of numerous ethical decisions that, I suggest, may better be termed extraordinary local moral worlds and transcendental moral worlds. Following the development of an effective vaccine and the official declaration of the end of the pandemic, a thorough assessment of these impacts has commenced at various levels. We have observed a growing sense of regret regarding numerous decisions made amidst this exceptional circumstance. Not only can individuals regret over their choices, but governments and stakeholders, including the World Health Organization (WHO), may also find themselves regretting decisions that were initially seen as pragmatic in containing the virus and flattening the curve. Individuals can also experience regret over their choices. To illustrate the exceptional impacts of the pandemic on “ordinary people”, I specifically draw upon the case of thalassemia patients from Pakistan as these patients required blood to survive, thus, they serve as a significant example of making certain choices. Lastly, I contend that it is crucial to reexamine these choices in order to gain valuable insights that can inform more moral and practical choices in the future.
An improved constraint-inference approach for causality exploration of power system transient stability
Authors: Zhou Yibo , An Jun , Mu Gang , Shi Yan
Published: November 2023

Transient stability is the key aspect of power system dynamic security assessment, and data-driven methods are becoming alternative measures of assessment. The current data-driven methods only construct correlations between variables while neglecting causal relationships. Therefore, they face problems such as poor robustness, which restrict their practical application. This paper introduces an improved constraint-inference approach for causality exploration of power system transient stability. Firstly, a causal structure discovery method of power system transient stability is proposed based on a PC-IGCI algorithm, which addresses the shortage caused by Markov equivalence and massive variables. Then, a relative average causal effect index is proposed to reveal the relationship between relative intervention strength and causal effects. The results of a case study verify that the proposed method can identify the causal structure between the transient stability variables entirely based on data. In addition, the causal effect sorting between “cause” and “outcome” of transient stability variables is revealed. This paper provides a new approach for data mining to uncover the causal mechanisms between variables in power systems and expand the capabilities of data-driven methods in power system application.
Common measures or common metrics? the value of IRT-based common metrics
Authors: Terwee Caroline B.
Published: November 2023

There is a clear need to harmonize outcome measurement. Some authors propose to express scores as T scores to facilitate interpretation of PROM results in clinical practice. While this is a step in the right direction, there are important limitations to the acceptance of the T score metric as a common metric when T scores are based on raw sum scores of ordinal items: Such T scores of different instruments are not exactly comparable because they are not interval scaled; T scores of different measures are only on the same scale if exactly the same reference group is used; and the T sore metric cannot be maintained because it is reference population-dependent and needs to be updated regularly. These limitations can be overcome by using an item response theory (IRT)-based metric. Items from different measures can be placed on the same IRT metric to make scores comparable on an interval scale. The PROMIS initiative used IRT to develop item banks for measuring various health outcomes. Other PROMs have been linked to the PROMIS metric. Although PROMIS uses a T-score metric for practical reasons, the underlying PROMIS metric is actually an IRT metric. An IRT approach also enables further development of an item bank while preserving the underlying metric. Therefore, IRT-based metrics should be considered as common metrics for the future.
Reliable knowledge graph fact prediction via reinforcement learning
Authors: Zhou Fangfang , Mi Jiapeng , Zhang Beiwen , Shi Jingcheng , Zhang Ran , Chen Xiaohui , Zhao Ying , Zhang Jian
Published: November 2023

Knowledge graph (KG) fact prediction aims to complete a KG by determining the truthfulness of predicted triples. Reinforcement learning (RL)-based approaches have been widely used for fact prediction. However, the existing approaches largely suffer from unreliable calculations on rule confidences owing to a limited number of obtained reasoning paths, thereby resulting in unreliable decisions on prediction triples. Hence, we propose a new RL-based approach named EvoPath in this study. EvoPath features a new reward mechanism based on entity heterogeneity, facilitating an agent to obtain effective reasoning paths during random walks. EvoPath also incorporates a new postwalking mechanism to leverage easily overlooked but valuable reasoning paths during RL. Both mechanisms provide sufficient reasoning paths to facilitate the reliable calculations of rule confidences, enabling EvoPath to make precise judgments about the truthfulness of prediction triples. Experiments demonstrate that EvoPath can achieve more accurate fact predictions than existing approaches.
Describing the experience of livestock producers from Ohio, USA with ticks and associated diseases
Authors: Eleftheriou Andreas , Swisher Samantha , Arruda Andréia , Berrian Amanda , Pesapane Risa
Published: November 2023

Background

As tick ranges expand across North America, the risk of tick bites and tick-borne diseases (TBDs, i.e. diseases or syndromes associated with ticks) rises for humans and animals, making prevention critical. Several U.S. studies have examined knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding ticks and TBDs for various cohorts of people. However, among occupational groups with high exposure risk from ticks and TBDs are livestock producers, of which we know little about. To help address this gap, an electronic questionnaire was distributed to livestock producers in Ohio, U.S, a state with a robust agricultural sector.

Methods

We generated descriptive statistics and conducted a multiple correspondence analysis followed by hierarchical clustering on principal components to identify producers with similar response profiles.

Results

Responses from 57 producers showed that most (52.6%) think the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is found in Ohio but are unsure about other species. Although several TBDs are present in Ohio, most (> 50%) producers were unsure or unaware of their presence. Interestingly, most (54.4%) thought ticks pose major health risks for their livestock but fewer (49.1%) thought the same for humans. Regardless, most producers did employ at least one prevention method for themselves (96.5%) and their animals (82.5%). Cluster analysis (n = 48) identified three groups: the largest (n = 21) was considered “aware and cautious” consisting primarily of farm owners. The others generally practiced less prevention and consisted primarily of farm employees.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that producers in Ohio practice prevention for themselves and their livestock, but demonstrate gaps in knowledge (e.g., TBD occurrence) and attitudes (e.g., health risks) that could be addressed via educational formats we found producers preferred (e.g., extension materials), to encourage informed prevention. This is especially important for farm employees that may practice less prevention because of lower awareness. Our study can guide others in regions faced with similar tick and TBD risks to protect occupational and livestock health.
Unveiling the microbiome during post-partum uterine infection: a deep shotgun sequencing approach to characterize the dairy cow uterine microbiome
Authors: Basbas Carl , Garzon Adriana , Schlesener Cory , van Heule Machteld , Profeta Rodrigo , Weimer Bart C. , Silva-del-Rio Noelia , Byrne Barbara A. , Karle Betsy , Aly Sharif S. , Lima Fabio S. , Pereira Richard V.
Published: November 2023

Background

The goal of this study was to assess the microbial ecology and diversity present in the uterus of post-partum dairy cows with and without metritis from 24 commercial California dairy farms using shotgun metagenomics. A set subset of 95 intrauterine swab samples, taken from a larger selection of 307 individual cow samples previously collected, were examined for α and β diversity and differential abundance associated with metritis. Cows within 21 days post-partum were categorized into one of three clinical groups during sample collection: control (CT, n = 32), defined as cows with either no vaginal discharge or a clear, non-purulent mucus vaginal discharge; metritis (MET, n = 33), defined as a cow with watery, red or brown colored, and fetid vaginal discharge; and purulent discharge cows (PUS, n = 31), defined as a non-fetid purulent or mucopurulent vaginal discharge.

Results

All three clinical groups (CT, MET, and PUS) were highly diverse, with the top 12 most abundant genera accounting for 10.3%, 8.8%, and 10.1% of mean relative abundance, respectively. The α diversity indices revealed a lower diversity from samples collected from MET and PUS when compared to CT cows. PERMANOVA statistical testing revealed a significant difference (P adjusted < 0.01) in the diversity of genera between CT and MET samples (R2 = 0.112, P = 0.003) and a non-significant difference between MET and PUS samples (R2 = 0.036, P = 0.046). ANCOM-BC analysis revealed that from the top 12 most abundant genera, seven genera were increased in the natural log fold change (LFC) of abundance in MET when compared to CT samples: Bacteroides, Clostridium, Fusobacterium, Phocaeicola, Porphyromonas, Prevotella, and Streptococcus. Two genera, Dietzia and Microbacterium, were decreased in natural LFC of abundance when comparing MET (regardless of treatment) and CT, while no changes in natural LFC of abundance were observed for Escherichia, Histophilus, and Trueperella.

Conclusions

The results presented here, are the current deepest shotgun metagenomic analyses conducted on the bovine uterine microbiome to date (mean of 256,425 genus-level reads per sample). Our findings support that uterine samples from cows without metritis (CT) had increased α-diversity but decreased β-diversity when compared to metritis or PUS cows, characteristic of dysbiosis. In summary, our findings highlight that MET cows have an increased abundance of Bacteroides, Porphyromonas, and Fusobacterium when compared to CT and PUS, and support the need for further studies to better understand their potential causal role in metritis pathogenesis.
Targeting average length of hospital stay as a control measure to decrease COVID-19 hospital-acquired infection in surgical cancer patients
Authors: Nasr Sarah S. , Sherif Ghada M. , Wahab Maha Abdel , Aboelkasem Hatem
Published: November 2023

Background

The global spread of coronaviruses had a great impact on the economic and social situation of most countries. As the backbone of any society, the health sector made a significant contribution through applying emergency risk management plans in order to control the pandemic. Monitoring the average length of hospital stay (ALOS) was an effective way to release the capacity of the health system during this time. The aim was to evaluate the effect of applying risk assessment/management strategies on ALOS and the impact of this ALOS on COVID-19 infection rates among cancer patients.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study. All admitted cancer patients in 6 surgical departments from January to June 2021 were included.

Results

A total of 1287 patients were admitted to 6 surgical departments during the selected period. About 46% of them had surgery (n = 578), while 54% did not have surgery (n = 700). Among surgical patients, admission rates were highest in February and head and neck department (24% and 22.1%, respectively), and lowest in April and chest department (12.4% and 8%, respectively). ALOS was significantly different across the 6 months (p value < 0.001) with lower ALOS in (April, May, and June) than in (January–February, and March). No significant difference was found across the 6 surgical departments (p value = 0.423). Twenty-eight patients became COVID-19 positive after admission, 25 of them (89%) were infected from March to June—during the time of the third wave—and a significant decreasing linear trend (p value = 0.009) was found.

Conclusion

ALOS had significantly reduced with commitment to infection control (IC) interventions and recommendations. The significant decreasing trend of COVID-19 infection from March to June (unlike the rising curve of the 3rd COVID-19 wave by that time) could be explained by improvement in ALOS.
A brief review on polyvinyl chloride plastic as aggregate for construction materials
Authors: M. N. Noor Azline , K. N. Byron , A. A. Farah Nora Aznieta , M. Ernaleza
Published: November 2023

Recycling plastic waste in construction applications is a common concept for innovative concrete development. Enormous studies have been conducted for the past three decades. Yet, there is a need in understanding the behavior of the plastic, its effects on cement composite, and the possible approaches for extending the usage of plastic waste to be an alternative resource component of cement composites. For the first section, the types of plastic and its characteristic as well as the overview on the plastic production and waste generated are discussed briefly. Further, the paper is focused on the relevant information on the plastic waste in cement composites and the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic as plastic aggregate in cement composites. The review also includes the factors that influence PVC aggregate on cement composites which are physical characteristics of PVC plastic aggregate, the effect on mechanical and permeation properties of cement composites. The paper also examines the possible approaches in improving the PVC plastic aggregate characteristics, which can enhance the usage of PVC plastic aggregate for sustainable construction material.
Differing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth mental health: combined population and clinical study
Authors: Qi Lu , Zhang Zuo , Robinson Lauren , Bobou Marina , Gourlan Chantal , Winterer Jeanne , Adams Rebecca , Agunbiade Kofoworola , Zhang Yuning , King Sinead , Vaidya Nilakshi , Artiges Eric , Banaschewski Tobias , Bokde Arun L. W. , Broulidakis M. John , Brühl Rüdiger , Flor Herta , Fröhner Juliane H. , Garavan Hugh , Grigis Antoine , Heinz Andreas , Hohmann Sarah , Martinot Marie-Laure Paillère , Millenet Sabina , Nees Frauke , van Noort Betteke Maria , Orfanos Dimitri Papadopoulos , Poustka Luise , Sinclair Julia , Smolka Michael N. , Whelan Robert , Stringaris Argyris , Walter Henrik , Martinot Jean-Luc , Schumann Gunter , Schmidt Ulrike , Desrivières Sylvane ,   IMAGEN Consortium, ESTRA Consortium and STRATIFY Consortium
Published: November 2023

Background

Identifying youths most at risk to COVID-19-related mental illness is essential for the development of effective targeted interventions.

Aims

To compare trajectories of mental health throughout the pandemic in youth with and without prior mental illness and identify those most at risk of COVID-19-related mental illness.

Method

Data were collected from individuals aged 18–26 years (N = 669) from two existing cohorts: IMAGEN, a population-based cohort; and ESTRA/STRATIFY, clinical cohorts of individuals with pre-existing diagnoses of mental disorders. Repeated COVID-19 surveys and standardised mental health assessments were used to compare trajectories of mental health symptoms from before the pandemic through to the second lockdown.

Results

Mental health trajectories differed significantly between cohorts. In the population cohort, depression and eating disorder symptoms increased by 33.9% (95% CI 31.78–36.57) and 15.6% (95% CI 15.39–15.68) during the pandemic, respectively. By contrast, these remained high over time in the clinical cohort. Conversely, trajectories of alcohol misuse were similar in both cohorts, decreasing continuously (a 15.2% decrease) during the pandemic. Pre-pandemic symptom severity predicted the observed mental health trajectories in the population cohort. Surprisingly, being relatively healthy predicted increases in depression and eating disorder symptoms and in body mass index. By contrast, those initially at higher risk for depression or eating disorders reported a lasting decrease.

Conclusions

Healthier young people may be at greater risk of developing depressive or eating disorder symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Targeted mental health interventions considering prior diagnostic risk may be warranted to help young people cope with the challenges of psychosocial stress and reduce the associated healthcare burden.
Deterministic nuclear reprogramming of mammalian nuclei to a totipotency-like state by Amphibian meiotic oocytes for stem cell therapy in humans
Authors: Wen Ming-Hsuan , Barbosa Triana Hector , Butler Richard , Hu Hsiang-Wei , Dai Yang-Hong , Lawrence Nicola , Hong Jun-Jie , Garrett Nigel , Jones-Green Rue , Rawlins Emma L. , Dong Ziqi , Koziol Magdalena J. , Gurdon J. B.
Published: November 2023

The ultimate aim of nuclear reprogramming is to provide stem cells or differentiated cells from unrelated cell types as a cell source for regenerative medicine. A popular route towards this is transcription factor induction, and an alternative way is an original procedure of transplanting a single somatic cell nucleus to an unfertilized egg. A third route is to transplant hundreds of cell nuclei into the germinal vesicle (GV) of a non-dividing Amphibian meiotic oocyte, which leads to the activation of silent genes in 24 h and robustly induces a totipotency-like state in almost all transplanted cells. We apply this third route for potential therapeutic use and describe a procedure by which the differentiated states of cells can be reversed so that totipotency and pluripotency gene expression are regained. Differentiated cells are exposed to GV extracts and are reprogrammed to form embryoid bodies, which shows the maintenance of stemness and could be induced to follow new directions of differentiation. We conclude that much of the reprogramming effect of eggs is already present in meiotic oocytes and does not require cell division or selection of dividing cells. Reprogrammed cells by oocytes could serve as replacements for defective adult cells in humans.
Ιδεολογικές και πολιτικές διαδρομές της άκρας δεξιάς στην Ελλάδα (1974-1991)
Authors: Μικέδης Στυλιανός
Published: November 2023

Ένας από τους στόχους της παρούσας διατριβής ήταν η περαιτέρω διερεύνηση της διαδεδομένης άποψης ότι η μεταπολιτευτική ακροδεξιά της περιόδου που εξετάζεται αποτέλεσε ένα περιθωριακό φαινόμενο στην πολιτική ζωή της χώρας, κάτι που αιτιολογείται κυρίως λόγω της ισχνής εκλογικής της παρουσίας. Ως εκ τούτου, πέρα από την αποκωδικοποίηση των πολιτικών, ιδεολογικών και οργανωτικών της χαρακτηριστικών, η έρευνα στράφηκε σε ευρύτερα σύνολα αναζητώντας επιμέρους επίπεδα επιρροής της άκρας Δεξιάς. Γι’ αυτόν το σκοπό εστίασε στις πιθανές ιδεολογικές ωσμώσεις, στους διαύλους και στα σημεία επικοινωνίας της με διακριτούς πολιτικούς χώρους, όπως η κατεστημένη Δεξιά. Παράλληλα, επιχείρησε να εντοπίσει, όσο αυτό ήταν δυνατό βάσει των διαθέσιμων πηγών, τα ερείσματα που διατηρούσε σε δομές του κρατικού μηχανισμού ως απόρροια των συνεχειών ενός αυταρχικού παρελθόντος. Επιπλέον, επιδίωξε να διερευνήσει το περιβάλλον των ετήσιων «τελετών εθνικής μνήμης», οι οποίες ανάλογα τη πολιτική συγκυρία προσφέρονταν ως ένα προνομιακό πεδίο για την άκρα Δεξιά αναφορικά με την κινητοποίηση της αντικομμουνιστικής μνήμης και την αναβίωση μιας ρητορικής που υπαγόταν στη μετεμφυλιακή ιδεολογία της «εθνικοφροσύνης». Τέλος, μια ακόμη παράμετρος στην οποία έστρεψε το ενδιαφέρον της η έρευνα αφορά το στοιχείο της «συνέχειας» που διαφαίνεται να χαρακτηρίζει ιστορικά την πορεία της άκρας Δεξιάς στην Ελλάδα.
Εκπαιδευτικοί Οργανισμοί Μάθησης για την αναζήτηση της αειφορίας
Authors: Νομικού Χριστίνα
Published: November 2023

Η αειφορία και η αειφόρος ανάπτυξη προτάθηκαν ως η καταλληλότερη λύση για την αντιμετώπιση των περιβαλλοντικών, κοινωνικών και οικονομικών προβλημάτων τα οποία οφείλονται στις επιλογές, τις αξίες και τους θεσμούς της βιομηχανικής εποχής. Στη μετάβαση προς την αειφορία μπορούν να συνεισφέρουν οι διάφοροι οργανισμοί, όταν λειτουργούν ως Οργανισμοί Μάθησης, δηλαδή όταν υιοθετούν μια δυναμική μαθησιακή διαδικασία αυτοαμφισβήτησης και αναζήτησης νέων γνώσεων και πρακτικών. Ένας από τους στόχους της Εκπαίδευσης για το Περιβάλλον και την Αειφορία είναι να διαμορφώσει ανθρώπους πολιτικά γραμματισμένους και ικανούς να σκέφτονται με όρους αλλαγής. Προκύπτει συνεπώς η ανάγκη εφαρμογής μιας στρατηγικής μάθησης που στοχεύει στην αλλαγή της ατομικής και της συλλογικής κοσμοθεωρίας. Οι Εκπαιδευτικοί Οργανισμοί Μάθησης μπορούν να οικοδομήσουν τη μάθηση που θα διευκολύνει τη στροφή προς την αειφορία, καθώς δεν επιδιώκουν εξ αρχής ένα προκαθορισμένο αποτέλεσμα, δεν εγκλωβίζονται στη στείρα αναμετάδοση γνώσεων και την αναπαραγωγή κοινωνικών μοντέλων. Αντίθετα, νομιμοποιούν την αμφισβήτηση και την ανατροπή απαξιωμένων συντηρητικών δομών και αξιακών πλαισίων, υποστηρίζοντας τους εκπαιδευόμενους να αναζητήσουν την αειφορία, αλληλεπιδρώντας με τις τοπικές κοινωνικο-πολιτιστικές συνθήκες.
Protocol Development for a Qualitative Methodological Study Within a Trial (Qual-SWAT): The KARMA-Dep-2 Trial
Authors: McCaffrey John , Terao Masashi , McCaffrey Cathal , Igoe Anna , Loughran Orlaith , McDonagh Kelly , McDonogh Sarah , Shackleton Ellie , Whooley Emma , Jelovac Ana , McLoughlin Declan M. , Hunter Andrew
Published: November 2023

Background Despite methodological improvements in clinical trial design and conduct more generally, methodological limitations persist in trials concerning mental health care. A qualitative Study Within A Trial (Qual-SWAT), embedded in the KARMA-Dep-2 host trial, will be undertaken to explore and gain an understanding of two methodological questions in randomised trials specific to mental health care: (1) what are the key barriers and enablers of participation in randomised trials in mental health; and (2) how can randomised trials become part of routine mental health care. These issues will be examined from patient-participant and clinician- / researcher-participant perspectives, in alignment with PRioRiTy research themes. Methods A descriptive qualitative study design will be used. Data will be collected via one-to-one semi-structured interviews, conducted via Microsoft Teams. The interview data will be analysed using Braun and Clarke’s Thematic Analysis approach. One-to-one interviews will be conducted with three participant groups (N = 30): 1) host trial patient-participants (n = 10); 2) potentially eligible host trial patient-participants who refused enrolment in the host trial (n = 10); and 3) clinician- / researcher-participants who are associated with work on the host trial (n = 10). Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval has been granted by St. Patrick’s Mental Health Services Research Ethics Committee, Ireland (Ref: Protocol 09/20). When the study is completed, a report will be prepared and submitted to the Health Research Board (HRB). Findings will be shared with the host trial team and study participants, and submitted for publication. Host trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04939649); EudraCT (2019-003109-92). Official title: Ketamine as an Adjunctive Therapy for Major Depression - A Randomised Controlled Trial: [KARMA-Dep (2)].
The genome sequence of the Variegated Golden Tortrix, Archips xylosteana (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Boyes Douglas , Gibbs Melanie ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: November 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Archips xylosteana (the Variegated Golden Tortrix; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Tortricidae). The genome sequence is 650.6 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the W and Z sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.39 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 19,861 protein coding genes.
The genome sequence of the common buff snailkiller, Tetanocera ferruginea (Fallén, 1820)
Authors: Crowley Liam M. , Falk Steven , Williams Christopher D. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: November 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Tetanocera ferruginea (the common buff snailkiller; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Sciomyzidae). The genome sequence is 790.4 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 7 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X and Y sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.07 kilobases in length.
The genome sequence of the flutter-wing fly, Palloptera scutellata (Macquart, 1835)
Authors: Ashworth Michael , Sivell Duncan ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: November 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Palloptera scutellata (the flutter-wing fly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Pallopteridae). The genome sequence is 415.6 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 5 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.93 kilobases in length.
Russian language and speech culture. Textbook and workshop
Authors: Avdzhan Flora
Published: November 2023

The textbook and the workshop were prepared taking into account the content of the curriculum of the discipline "Russian language and culture of speech". The selection of theoretical material, its volume, style of presentation (popular science), comments - all takes into account not only the non—philological profile of the recipients' training, but also the nature of errors, as well as the degree of their frequency in the speech of ordinary native speakers of the Russian language. The structure of the textbook (the theoretical part divided into sections; thematically grouped control questions; training exercises for each section) allows you to freely navigate in it.
Illustrative material includes examples from mass media, prose and poetic texts; statements of public and political figures, figures of science and culture, art, as well as proverbs and sayings. According to the same principle, the material for training exercises was selected.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For non-philology students, as well as individuals working independently to improve the culture of their own speech.
Environmental protection
Authors: Egorenkov Leonid
Published: November 2023

The practice of environmental protection in the sphere of material production and consumption, in urbanized territories, in recreational conditions is considered. Attention is paid to methods of protection of biological resources.
The system of state management of nature management and environmental protection is described. The necessity of transition to a new model of social development is shown.
For students of secondary vocational education institutions, as well as students of higher educational institutions studying in the areas of "Ecology and nature management", "Environmental Management and water use". The publication can be useful to specialists working in various fields of economics.
Practical teaching methods in the context of digital transformation: the history of law in higher education
Authors: Lonskaya Svetlana
Published: November 2023

The manual discusses the issues of practical methods of teaching law students historical and legal disciplines. The author shares his opinions and experience regarding general didactic issues, subjects of teaching the history of law, gives concrete examples and applied advice on technologies for developing and using educational tasks, planning and diagnosing the learning process. A special place is given to digital tools for teaching the history of law.
The content of the manual fully complies with the requirements of the federal state educational standards of the latest generation.
It is intended for university teachers and graduate students in enlarged groups of training areas 40.00.00 "Jurisprudence".
Microbiology
Authors: Minina Natal'ya
Published: November 2023

The textbook outlines the basics of general and private microbiology: the history of occurrence; the subject and objectives; the principles of systematics, morphology and structure of microorganisms, the physiology of bacteria, the influence of environmental conditions on microorganisms and methods of laboratory diagnostics, as well as means of specific prevention and treatment. The basics of the doctrine of infection and immunity are presented; concepts of the use of vaccines, serums and diagnostic drugs are given. The basics of asepsis and antiseptics are described. A list of basic abbreviations and a dictionary of basic terms and definitions are given.
Meets the requirements of the Federal State Educational Standard of the latest generation.
The textbook is intended for students of the direction of preparation 06.03.01 "Biology", and will also be of interest to undergraduates, graduate students, teachers and researchers who are engaged in research in the field of microbiology, immunology and sanitary microbiology.
Old Slavonic language
Authors: Sokolova Elena , Ushakova Aleksandra
Published: November 2023

The textbook is devoted to theoretical and practical issues of studying the Old Slavic language, which appeared in the middle of the IX century and had a significant impact on the development of Slavic cultures in general and the emergence of book-written Slavic languages on a national basis in particular. The manual includes educational and methodological materials on the analysis of phonetics, morphology, vocabulary, syntax; texts of the Old Slavic language from glagolitic and Cyrillic monuments, tasks for the analysis of texts, a dictionary.
The educational and methodological materials presented in the manual meet the main goals and objectives of the discipline: mastering the grammar system of the classical (Old Slavic) language in comparison with the grammar of the studied foreign languages and vocabulary, productive in the formation of the vocabulary of new languages and international terminology; developing skills of comparative analysis of facts of diverse languages (classical and new) in order to ensure the success of mastering modern foreign languages and other philological disciplines; implementation of practical tasks of reading, translation and historical and linguistic analysis of Old Slavic texts.
Knowledge of the socio-cultural functions of the Old Slavic language, linguistic phenomena in the field of phonetics, morphology, vocabulary, syntax, winged words and phraseological units of biblical origin included in the national linguistic and cultural fund will allow students to comprehend the role of the oldest written language in the development and formation of the lexical and grammatical system and semantic and stylistic richness of the modern Russian literary language.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For philology students of higher educational institutions of the Russian Federation studying in the field of training 45.03.01 "Philology".
Theory and methodology of mathematical development of preschool children
Authors: Stozharova Marina
Published: November 2023

The textbook reveals the theoretical foundations of teaching elementary mathematics to preschoolers, starting with the didactic system for the development of elementary mathematical concepts. All the main sections of mathematical work with children are covered — the formation of quantitative, spatial, temporal representations, representations of shape and geometric shapes, magnitude. Much attention is paid to such current problems as the development of visual spatial modeling by preschoolers on an accessible basis, the use of a digital educational environment in teaching elementary mathematics to children, the lines and main forms of continuity between kindergarten and school in teaching mathematics are considered.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of secondary vocational education institutions of the latest generation.
For students of secondary vocational education institutions studying in the specialty 44.02.01 "Preschool education", as well as for all teachers working in the field of preschool education.
Agricultural microbiology. Introduction to the specialty
Authors: Sidorenko Oleg
Published: November 2023

The main functions and participation of microorganisms in agricultural production — the agro-industrial complex are briefly highlighted. The features of soil microorganisms, plants, animals, dairy products, as well as their possible role in the biological balance of the ecological system are considered.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of agricultural and biological education of agrobiotechnological direction. It can be useful for graduate students, researchers and agricultural practitioners.
Strategy for the development of mass sports infrastructure in Russia at the federal level
Authors: Averin Aleksandr , Pozdnyakov Konstantin , Grigor'eva Valentina , Ivanova Yuliya , Aleeva Gul'nara , Bart Tat'yana , Shvagzhdiene Biruta , Zagulova Diana , Lokteva Tat'yana
Published: November 2023

The monograph reflects the theoretical and methodological foundations of the development of mass sports infrastructure. The concept and main directions of the development of mass sports infrastructure in Russia as one of the ways to preserve and develop human potential are presented. Special attention is paid to promising tools for the support and development of mass sports in Russia. The experience of the authors of popular educational publications and the results of Russian and foreign scientific research in the field of sports economics and the development of mass sports infrastructure are summarized.
It is intended for undergraduate and graduate students studying in the areas of training "Management", "Economics", "Physical culture and Sports".