bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospects of Development of Coal Mining Projects in the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation
Authors:   Scientific Research Financial Institute of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation, Gubanov R. S.
Published: April 2024

The article emphasizes that the development of projects in the coal mining industry is difficult, and first of all,due to rising prices for coal insurance in transit, increasing commercial costs, and logistics imperfections. Russian coal producers strive to increase the quality of finished products and their most efficient marketing. This behavioral attitude to the extraction, processing and enrichment of coal predetermined the position of the organizers of productionas an increase in competitive advantages with a comprehensive upgrade of the material and technical base.Taking into account the specifics of the oligopolistic market that ensures the sale and sale of coal, the proposed coefficients of the economic potential of coal mining organizations consider revising as standards in further research and in practice. The use of the studied coefficients is economically justified, since not all coal enterprises strivefor a comprehensive assessment due to differences in the assessment of energy efficiency, innovation activity, solvency and asset turnover.
THE LANGUAGE INTERFERENCE IN ENGLISH CONVERSATION AT PONDOK PESANTREN FADHLUL FADHLAN SEMARANG DUE TO THE ADDITION OF JAVANESE PARTICLES
Authors: Rizqiyah Silvy Milchatir , Firmonasari Aprillia
Published: April 2024

This research aimed to describe (1) the form and function of Javanese particles in English conversations; and explained the factors behind the occurrence of language interference through the addition of Javanese particles to English conversations by students at the Fadhlul Fadhlan Islamic boarding school in Semarang. This research included field research with a qualitative approach and was presented descriptively. The data for this research was in the form of oral speech from the data source of students at the Fadhlul Fadhlan Islamic Boarding School when they were in the Islamic boarding school environment. The data collection technique method used non-participant observation by observing students' conversations and then taking notes and structured interviews with 27 students. The data analysis technique method used three stages, namely data reduction, data presentation, and concluding. The interference theory by weinrich is to identify the interference phenomena. The results of this research showed that there were two types of Javanese particles added by students in English conversations, namely the single Javanese particles and the combination of Javanese particles. The second result was there were two forms of interference were found, namely grammatical interference and lexical interference. Third, the factors that caused interference through the addition of particles were internal factors in the form of bilingualism, lack of mastery of English grammar and vocabulary, and being carried away by mother tongue habits. Furthermore, external factors were the environment, facilitating communication between students, situations, and conditions
Assessment of routine pre-operative group and save testing in patients undergoing cholecystectomy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: O'Leary Lawrence , Sherwood William B , Fadel Michael G , Barkeji Musa
Published: April 2024

Background Routine group and save (G&S) testing is frequently performed prior to cholecystectomy, despite growing evidence that a targeted approach is safe and avoids unnecessary investigations. This retrospective cohort study explored frequency of testing in our unit, and rates of and independent pre-operative risk factors for peri-operative blood transfusion. Methods Health records of 453 consecutive adults who underwent cholecystectomy in a UK NHS trust were reviewed for blood transfusion up to 30 days post-operatively. We compared the need for transfusion against patient demographics, indication and urgency of surgery, and the number of prior emergency hospital attendances with gallstone complications. Logistic regression determined whether prior attendances with complications of gallstones independently predicted the need for transfusion. Results Peri-operative blood transfusions within 30 days of operation occurred in 1.1% of cases, with no requirement for uncrossmatched blood. Patients who received a blood transfusion tended to have higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grades (p<0.001), were more likely to have an underlying primary haematological malignancy (20.0% vs. 0.2%; p<0.001) and prior emergency hospital attendances with gallstone complications (median 4 vs. 1; p<0.001). Logistic regression showed each prior emergency attendance was associated with 4.6-fold odds of transfusion (p=0.019). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.92. Three or more attendances predicted need for transfusion with 60.0% sensitivity and 98.0% specificity. Seventy-four percent had at least one G&S sample taken pre-operatively, costing the trust approximately £3,800 per year in materials. Conclusions Pre-operative G&S testing prior to cholecystectomy may not be routinely required. Increased frequency of prior emergency hospital attendances with gallstone complications and co-morbidities associated with coagulopathies were pre-operative risk factors for post-operative blood transfusion. More selective testing could provide large financial savings for health institutions without compromising patient safety.
Free Gingival Graft: A Viable Surgical Option for Treating Mandibular Anterior Thin Gingival Phenotype and Gingival Recession
Authors: Rusmizan Yahaya  , Muhammad Adib Ali  , Muhammad Annurdin Sabarudin
Published: April 2024

Thin gingival phenotype and thin labial plate bone morphotype predispose lower anterior teeth to gingival recession. Free gingival graft has become one of the periodontal plastic surgeries of choice in dealing with aesthetic demand, impaired hygiene care, and dentin hypersensitivity secondary to the gingival recession. The prognosis of free gingival graft as a single augmentation procedure for root coverage is usually good and predictable with proper post-surgery care and maintenance. In this case report, a 28-year-old female patient having gingival recession that was associated with interproximal attachment loss less than to the buccal site, limited keratinised tissues, and thin gingival phenotype in relation to teeth 31 and 41 that was treated using autogenous graft which harvested from hard palate mucosa with satisfactory postoperative results.
John Deweyn kasvatusfilosofinen testamentti vihdoin suomeksi
Authors: Hämäri Severi
Published: April 2024

John Dewey (1859–1952) kuulunee historian kolmen suurimman kasvatusfilosofin joukkoon Platonin ja Jean-Jacques Rousseaun rinnalle. Hänen poikkeuksellisen pitkä elämänsä mahdollisti vielä viirun vaille kahdeksankymmenvuotiaana katseen taaksepäin omaan uraan sekä sen vaikutukseen kasvatustieteelliseen keskusteluun ja koulun käytäntöihin Yhdysvalloissa. Viimeinen Deweyn elämän aikana julkaistu kasvatusfilosofinen teos, vuonna 1938 ilmestynyt Kokemus ja koulutus, on kriittinen kommentti 1930-luvun amerikkalaiseen aikalaiskeskusteluun, jossa konservatiivit yhä haikailivat vanhan perinteisen koulun perään ja toisaalta progressivismi oli osoittanut jäävänsä pahasti vaillinaiseksi yliampuvista lupauksistaan huolimatta.
Motivaatio ja voimaantuminen yrittäjyys- ja johtamisosaamisen kehittämisen kulmakivinä
Authors: Partanen Kati , Laherto Agnieszka , Kärkkäinen Leena , Rajakorpi Jyrki , Alatalo Monna , Kaihlajärvi Hanna , Hentilä Aija , Kyytsönen Suvi
Published: April 2024

Agrologeja kouluttavat ammattikorkeakoulut tarttuivat yrittäjyysosaamisen kehittämishaasteeseen uudesta näkökulmasta, kun talous- ja johtamiskoulutusta pyrittiin järjestämään ennen kaikkea heille, jotka eivät yleensä osallistu niihin. Osaava farmari -hankkeessa pilotoitiin talous- ja johtamiskoulutuksia, joiden toteutustapoina oli niin lähi-, hybridi, etä- kuin virtuaalitoteutuksia. Koulutusten suunnittelussa yhdistettiin ammattikorkeakoulujen kokemukset sekä tutkimustieto erityisesti motivaation merkityksestä. Myös voimaantumisen merkitystä tarkasteltiin: saadaanko maatalousyrittäjille luotua tunne talouden ja johtamisen hallinnasta? Merkittävää on myös osallisuus ja kumppanuus: koulutukseen osallistuvan tulee tuntea itsensä tasavertaiseksi oman tilanteensa asiantuntijaksi siinä missä kurssin opettaja on talouden ja johtamisen asiantuntija ja johtaa työskentelyä valmentavalla otteella. On tärkeää, että koulutukseen osallistuvien kiinnostuksen kohteet, kokemukset ja tavoitteet kohtaavat oppimissisällön kanssa. Osaava farmari -hankkeessa järjestettyjä koulutuksia arvioitiin paitsi osallistujapalautteen perusteella, myös mystery shopper -menetelmällä. Ammattikorkeakoulujen ja sidosryhmien välinen yhteistyö on tärkeää. Sen avulla saadaan kehitettyä uusia toimintamalleja, monistettua hyviä käytänteitä ja jaettua asiantuntijuutta tehokkaasti. Osaava farmari -hanketta rahoitti opetus- ja kulttuuriministeriö.
MODERN MUSIC PERFORMANCE CONTEST AS A CULTURE PHENOMENON
Authors: BORYSOVA SVITLANA , PIESHKOVA VEROMIKA , PLOKHOTNYUK ALEXANDER , POLSTIANKINA IRYNA , DEMESHKO NATALIA
Published: April 2024

The research aimed to determine the distinctive features of contemporary performing arts and their reflection in the specifics of the instrumental competitions. In particular, the roles of the jury and the audience are considered in the context of the influence on the development of the musical career and skill of participants in the competitions and the vectors of instrumental music development in general. Particular attention in the study is paid to musical works created using the latest digital technologies. In general, the role of instrumental competitions in shaping the development vectors of the performing arts and accompanying concerns are outlined.
The Impact of the Use of Sodo and Tiger Trawling Gear on Communities in Tambakrejo Fishers' Village, Semarang
Authors: Susilowati Indah , Suciati Ika , Kusumawardhani Hapsari Ayu , Sari Dwi Putri Wulan , Puspita Sintia Diah
Published: April 2024

Based on the Regulation of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Number 2/PERMEN-KP/2015, sodo and trawlers are fishing gear prohibited from being used, especially by small fishers, because they are not environmentally friendly. However, many fishers still use this tool, one of whom is a fisherman who looks for fish in the waters of Tambakrejo, Semarang, which significantly disrupts the activities of Tambakrejo fishers. This study aims to identify the socio-demographic profile of Tambakrejo fishers, analyze the impact of using sodo and trawlers in Tambakrejo waters, and analyze strategies for handling the effect. This study uses primary data from semi-structured and in-depth interviews. The number of respondents in the study was 60, as determined by the purposive sampling method. This study uses a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative analysis in the form of descriptive analysis is needed to answer the first and second goals. At the same time, quantitative analysis is used to answer the third objective with the help of the Atlas.Ti tool. This study's results show that most fishers use traps and bamboo clumps. The dominating use of sodo and trawlers in Tambakrejo waters has an economic aspect in the form of reduced catches and damage to traps and clusters, as well as social aspects, namely the conflict between Tambakrejo fishers and fishers who use sodo and trawl nets. To deal with this impact, government intervention is needed in the form of water police patrols and strict action against fishers who use sod and trawl fishing gear. The results of this study are expected to be considered in formulating policies, especially fisheries policiesKeywords: Impact, trawlers, sodo, fishers, Tambakrejo
A Note from the JADE Editorial Board Chair
Authors: Moglia Willis Stefania
Published: April 2024

This issue of the Journal of the Academy of Distinguished Educators (JADE) takes as its title "COVID & the Curriculum: Faculty Perspectives." These stories derive from the Zoom-enabled Clinical and Educational Showcase hosted in January 2021 by the Academy of Distinguished Educators that provided a platform for clinical faculty across departments to present the innovative ways in which they adapted teaching in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The narratives reflect our educator's resilience, concern for the well-being of patients, students, and fellow faculty, the development of alternative assessment techniques and teaching methods, and indications of lasting improvements in the educational environment.
Revisiting Partisan Politics of Environmental Policy: Are Left-wing Governments Always Eco-friendly?
Authors: Suzuki Junpei
Published: April 2024

It has been well-documented that left-wing governments commit to more stringent environmental protection than their right-wing counterparts. This conventional wisdom is challenged by a recent increase in outsiders in labour markets among left-wing voters. Such voters are less likely to prefer environmental protection due to economic distress. By analysing a panel dataset covering 23 OECD member countries from 1999 to 2015, this paper explores how the size of the outsiders conditions the relationship between government partisanship and environmental policy stringency. I assess governments' environmental policies using the index proposed by Botta & Kozluk (2014) and measure the size of outsiders as the share of temporary workers. The empirical analysis does not uncover any partisan differences in environmental policies when the size of outsiders is small. The findings suggest that a larger share of temporary workers is associated with less stringent environmental policies under left-dominant governments.
El desarrollo sostenible en la Unión Europea: análisis del desempeño relativo mediante un indicador sintético dinámico
Authors: Gozalo Delgado Mariola , Landaluce Calvo María Isabel
Published: April 2024

En la actualidad, la Agenda 2030 y el compromiso de cumplir con los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible constituyen la hoja de ruta en materia de desarrollo y cooperación tanto a nivel europeo como a nivel internacional. Este trabajo pretende analizar el desempeño relativo realizado por los países de la Unión Europea, aplicando un enfoque metodológico basado en el análisis factorial de datos en tres dimensiones y las técnicas de clasificación no supervisadas. El uso de un indicador sintético dinámico permitirá visualizar y cuantificar las semejanzas y divergencias por grupos de países y a nivel individual. Pese a los avances logrados en el conjunto de la UE, el estudio muestra que persisten diferencias significativas entre países y objetivos.
Machine learning-enabled design features of antimicrobial peptides selectively targeting peri-implant disease progression
Authors: Boone Kyle , Tjokro Natalia , Chu Kalea N. , Chen Casey , Snead Malcolm L. , Tamerler Candan
Published: April 2024

Peri-implantitis is a complex infectious disease that manifests as progressive loss of alveolar bone around the dental implants and hyper-inflammation associated with microbial dysbiosis. Using antibiotics in treating peri-implantitis is controversial because of antibiotic resistance threats, the non-selective suppression of pathogens and commensals within the microbial community, and potentially serious systemic sequelae. Therefore, conventional treatment for peri-implantitis comprises mechanical debridement by nonsurgical or surgical approaches with adjunct local microbicidal agents. Consequently, current treatment options may not prevent relapses, as the pathogens either remain unaffected or quickly re-emerge after treatment. Successful mitigation of disease progression in peri-implantitis requires a specific mode of treatment capable of targeting keystone pathogens and restoring bacterial community balance toward commensal species. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) hold promise as alternative therapeutics through their bacterial specificity and targeted inhibitory activity. However, peptide sequence space exhibits complex relationships such as sparse vector encoding of sequences, including combinatorial and discrete functions describing peptide antimicrobial activity. In this paper, we generated a transparent machine learning (ML) model that identifies sequence-function relationships based on rough set theory using simple summaries of the hydropathic features of AMPs. Comparing the hydropathic features of peptides according to their differential activity for different classes of bacteria empowered the predictability of antimicrobial targeting. Enriching the sequence diversity by a genetic algorithm, we generated numerous candidate AMPs designed for selectively targeting pathogens and predicted their activity using classifying rough sets. Empirical growth inhibition data are iteratively fed back into our ML training to generate new peptides, resulting in increasingly more rigorous rules for which peptides match targeted inhibition levels for specific bacterial strains. The subsequent top scoring candidates were empirically tested for their inhibition against keystone and accessory peri-implantitis pathogens as well as an oral commensal bacterium. A novel peptide, VL-13, was confirmed to be selectively active against a keystone pathogen. Considering the continually increasing number of oral implants placed each year and the complexity of the disease progression, the prevalence of peri-implant diseases continues to rise. Our approach offers transparent ML-enabled paths towards developing antimicrobial peptide-based therapies targeting the changes in the microbial communities that can beneficially impact disease progression.
Sampling the understory, midstory, and canopy is necessary to fully characterize native bee communities of temperate forests and their dynamic environmental relationships
Authors: Cunningham-Minnick Michael J. , Roberts H. Patrick , Milam Joan , King David I.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Native bee communities of temperate forests are conventionally sampled from the understory, yet there is growing evidence that bee assemblages in forest canopies are distinct from those in the understory. Therefore, conventional approaches to quantify forest bee–habitat relationships may not comprehensively characterize forest bee communities.

Methods

To examine this, we sampled bees 1–26 m from ground level at 5-m increments at 47 locations in forests located in western Massachusetts, USA. We evaluated bee abundance and species richness responses to a suite of environmental factors measured in the understory with linear and segmented regression comparing four bee sampling strategies: (1) understory sampling only, (2) understory and midstory, (3) understory and canopy, and (4) all strata combined.

Results

We found that not sampling higher strata underestimated bee abundance and species richness, and linear models had less ability to explain the data when bees of higher strata were included. Among strategies, responses analyzed linearly differed in magnitude due to overall differences in abundance and species richness, but segmented regressions showed relationships with understory characteristics that also differed in slope, which would alter interpretation.

Discussion

Collectively, our findings highlight the value of including vertically stratified sampling strategies throughout the flight season to fully characterize native bee and other pollinator communities of forests.
The potential for Indigenous-led conservation in urbanized landscapes in Canada
Authors: Moola Faisal , Jolly Helina , Borah Joli , Roth Robin
Published: April 2024

Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) are an important pathway and governance system for area-based conservation led by Indigenous Peoples. While IPCAs have been established across rural and northern regions of Canada, they have received little attention in urbanized landscapes, even though all of Canada’s urban areas coincide with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis territory (and thereby underlying Indigenous jurisdiction) and the majority of Indigenous Peoples in the country live in urban centers. Canada’s federal government is in the process of establishing six new urban national parks and has committed to working with local Indigenous governments and organizations in parks planning. This study examined the potential for strengthening Indigenous participation in urban parks planning, governance, and management, including the establishment of new urban Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (UIPCAs). The results of spatial analyses of urban Indigenous territory, a review of relevant domestic and international policy and interviews with local Indigenous conservation leaders illuminate the potential for new forms of urban conservation governance that are grounded in Indigenous rights and responsibilities and reflective of Indigenous knowledge systems and biocultural priorities. However, it remains to be seen how urban Indigenous-led conservation, such as UIPCAs, can fit and operate within proposed government urban conservation initiatives, such as Canada’s Urban National Parks Program, which do not currently foreground Indigenous-led conservation in the governance of urban green space.
Managing multiple sclerosis in individuals aged 55 and above: a comprehensive review
Authors: Fernández Óscar , Sörensen Per Soelberg , Comi Giancarlo , Vermersch Patrick , Hartung Hans-Peter , Leocani Letizia , Berger Thomas , Van Wijmeersch Bart , Oreja-Guevara Celia
Published: April 2024

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) management in individuals aged 55 and above presents unique challenges due to the complex interaction between aging, comorbidities, immunosenescence, and MS pathophysiology. This comprehensive review explores the evolving landscape of MS in older adults, including the increased incidence and prevalence of MS in this age group, the shift in disease phenotypes from relapsing-remitting to progressive forms, and the presence of multimorbidity and polypharmacy. We aim to provide an updated review of the available evidence of disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) in older patients, including the efficacy and safety of existing therapies, emerging treatments such as Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTKs) inhibitors and those targeting remyelination and neuroprotection, and the critical decisions surrounding the initiation, de-escalation, and discontinuation of DMTs. Non-pharmacologic approaches, including physical therapy, neuromodulation therapies, cognitive rehabilitation, and psychotherapy, are also examined for their role in holistic care. The importance of MS Care Units and advance care planning are explored as a cornerstone in providing patient-centric care, ensuring alignment with patient preferences in the disease trajectory. Finally, the review emphasizes the need for personalized management and continuous monitoring of MS patients, alongside advocating for inclusive study designs in clinical research to improve the management of this growing patient demographic.
Toll-like receptor-2 induced inflammation causes local bone formation and activates canonical Wnt signaling
Authors: Henning Petra , Kassem Ali , Westerlund Anna , Lundberg Pernilla , Engdahl Cecilia , Lionikaite Vikte , Wikström Pernilla , Wu Jianyao , Li Lei , Lindholm Catharina , de Souza Pedro P. C. , Movérare-Skrtic Sofia , Lerner Ulf H.
Published: April 2024

It is well established that inflammatory processes in the vicinity of bone often induce osteoclast formation and bone resorption. Effects of inflammatory processes on bone formation are less studied. Therefore, we investigated the effect of locally induced inflammation on bone formation. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 agonists LPS from Porphyromonas gingivalis and PAM2 were injected once subcutaneously above mouse calvarial bones. After five days, both agonists induced bone formation mainly at endocranial surfaces. The injection resulted in progressively increased calvarial thickness during 21 days. Excessive new bone formation was mainly observed separated from bone resorption cavities. Anti-RANKL did not affect the increase of bone formation. Inflammation caused increased bone formation rate due to increased mineralizing surfaces as assessed by dynamic histomorphometry. In areas close to new bone formation, an abundance of proliferating cells was observed as well as cells robustly stained for Runx2 and alkaline phosphatase. PAM2 increased the mRNA expression of Lrp5, Lrp6 and Wnt7b, and decreased the expression of Sost and Dkk1. In situ hybridization demonstrated decreased Sost mRNA expression in osteocytes present in old bone. An abundance of cells expressed Wnt7b in Runx2-positive osteoblasts and ß-catenin in areas with new bone formation. These data demonstrate that inflammation, not only induces osteoclastogenesis, but also locally activates canonical WNT signaling and stimulates new bone formation independent on bone resorption.
Pegbelfermin for reducing transaminase levels in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: a dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lu Yangguang , Yu Bohuai , Bu Yiran , Lou Jialing , Jin Yan
Published: April 2024

Background

The efficacy of Pegbelfermin (PGBF) in treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted a dose-response meta-analysis to explore the effect and pattern of PGBF at different dosages and treatment durations on transaminase reduction in NASH patients.

Methods

We conducted searches on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov, and supplemented the search with gray literature and manual searches. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of PGBF in NASH patients were included. Risk of bias was assessed by Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. We used random-effects models, generalized least squares regression, constrained maximum likelihood, and restricted cubic splines to explore the dose-response relationship. Egger's linear regression was employed to assess publication bias. The study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42023448024.

Results

Four RCT studies from the period 2018–2023, involving 546 participants, were included. No participants discontinued PGBF treatment due to adverse events. High-dose PGBF treatment significantly reduced transaminase levels in NASH patients compared to the low-dose group (ALT %: MD = 14.94, 95% CI = 2.11–27.77; AST %: MD = 9.05, 95% CI = 3.17–14.92). Longer treatment duration further decreased transaminase levels (ALT%: MD = 8.81, 95% CI = 4.07–13.56; AST%: MD = 6.72, 95% CI = 2.62–10.81). Egger's test did not reveal significant publication bias (p > 0.05). Further investigation indicated a ceiling effect of PGBF dosage on transaminase reduction at 30 mg/week, and NASH patients experienced a rebound in transaminase levels after 28 weeks of continuous treatment.

Conclusion

There is a positive correlation between PGBF dosage and transaminase reduction within a certain range, showing an overall non-linear dose-response relationship. This finding provides guidance for the clinical application of PGBF. Clinicians should be mindful of the dosage ceiling at 30 mg/week and monitor changes in transaminase levels after 28 weeks for timely adjustments in PGBF dosage.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO, CRD42023448024. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=448024
Antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: navigating clinical impacts, current resistance trends, and innovations in breaking therapies
Authors: Elfadadny Ahmed , Ragab Rokaia F. , AlHarbi Maha , Badshah Farhad , Ibáñez-Arancibia Eliana , Farag Ahmed , Hendawy Amin Omar , De los Ríos-Escalante Patricio R. , Aboubakr Mohamed , Zakai Shadi A. , Nageeb Wedad M.
Published: April 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative bacterium, is recognized for its adaptability and opportunistic nature. It poses a substantial challenge in clinical settings due to its complicated antibiotic resistance mechanisms, biofilm formation, and capacity for persistent infections in both animal and human hosts. Recent studies revealed a potential zoonotic transmission of P. aeruginosa between animals, the environment, and human populations which highlights awareness of this microbe. Implementation of the One Health approach, which underscores the connection between human, animal, and environmental health, we aim to offer a comprehensive perspective on the current landscape of P. aeruginosa management. This review presents innovative strategies designed to counteract P. aeruginosa infections. Traditional antibiotics, while effective in many cases, are increasingly compromised by the development of multidrug-resistant strains. Non-antibiotic avenues, such as quorum sensing inhibition, phage therapy, and nanoparticle-based treatments, are emerging as promising alternatives. However, their clinical application encounters obstacles like cost, side effects, and safety concerns. Effectively addressing P. aeruginosa infections necessitates persistent research efforts, advancements in clinical development, and a comprehension of host-pathogen interactions to deal with this resilient pathogen.
Exploring of gut microbiota features in dyslipidemia and chronic coronary syndrome patients undergoing coronary angiography
Authors: Luangphiphat Wongsakorn , Prombutara Pinidphon , Muangsillapasart Viroj , Sukitpunyaroj Damrong , Eeckhout Eric , Taweechotipatr Malai
Published: April 2024

Chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) has a high mortality rate, and dyslipidemia is a major risk factor. Atherosclerosis, a cause of CCS, is influenced by gut microbiota dysbiosis and its metabolites. The objective of this study was to study the diversity and composition of gut microbiota and related clinical parameters among CCS patients undergoing coronary angiography and dyslipidemia patients in comparison to healthy volunteers in Thailand. CCS patients had more risk factors and higher inflammatory markers, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) than others. The alpha diversity was lower in dyslipidemia and CCS patients than in the healthy group. A significant difference in the composition of gut microbiota was observed among the three groups. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, Prevotella, and Streptococcus was significantly increased while Roseburia, Ruminococcus, and Faecalibacterium were lower in CCS patients. In CCS patients, Lachnospiraceae, Peptostreptococcaceae, and Pediococcus were positively correlated with hs-CRP. In dyslipidemia patients, Megasphaera was strongly positively correlated with triglyceride (TG) level and negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The modification of gut microbiota was associated with changes in clinical parameters involved in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) in CCS patients.
Unambiguous identification of asymmetric and symmetric synapses using volume electron microscopy
Authors: Cano-Astorga Nicolás , Plaza-Alonso Sergio , Turegano-Lopez Marta , Rodrigo-Rodríguez José , Merchan-Perez Angel , DeFelipe Javier
Published: April 2024

The brain contains thousands of millions of synapses, exhibiting diverse structural, molecular, and functional characteristics. However, synapses can be classified into two primary morphological types: Gray’s type I and type II, corresponding to Colonnier’s asymmetric (AS) and symmetric (SS) synapses, respectively. AS and SS have a thick and thin postsynaptic density, respectively. In the cerebral cortex, since most AS are excitatory (glutamatergic), and SS are inhibitory (GABAergic), determining the distribution, size, density, and proportion of the two major cortical types of synapses is critical, not only to better understand synaptic organization in terms of connectivity, but also from a functional perspective. However, several technical challenges complicate the study of synapses. Potassium ferrocyanide has been utilized in recent volume electron microscope studies to enhance electron density in cellular membranes. However, identifying synaptic junctions, especially SS, becomes more challenging as the postsynaptic densities become thinner with increasing concentrations of potassium ferrocyanide. Here we describe a protocol employing Focused Ion Beam Milling and Scanning Electron Microscopy for studying brain tissue. The focus is on the unequivocal identification of AS and SS types. To validate SS observed using this protocol as GABAergic, experiments with immunocytochemistry for the vesicular GABA transporter were conducted on fixed mouse brain tissue sections. This material was processed with different concentrations of potassium ferrocyanide, aiming to determine its optimal concentration. We demonstrate that using a low concentration of potassium ferrocyanide (0.1%) improves membrane visualization while allowing unequivocal identification of synapses as AS or SS.
Excessive daytime sleepiness is associated with relative delta frequency power among patients with mild OSA
Authors: Howarth Timothy , Tashakori Masoumeh , Karhu Tuomas , Rusanen Matias , Pitkänen Henna , Oksenberg Arie , Nikkonen Sami
Published: April 2024

Background

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a cause of low quality of life among obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients. Current methods of assessing and predicting EDS are limited due to time constraints or differences in subjective experience and scoring. Electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectral densities (PSDs) have shown differences between OSA and non-OSA patients, and fatigued and non-fatigued patients. Therefore, polysomnographic EEG PSDs may be useful to assess the extent of EDS among patients with OSA.

Methods

Patients presenting to Israel Loewenstein hospital reporting daytime sleepiness who recorded mild OSA on polysomnography and undertook a multiple sleep latency test. Alpha, beta, and delta relative powers were assessed between patients categorized as non-sleepy (mean sleep latency (MSL) ≥10 min) and sleepy (MSL <10 min).

Results

139 patients (74% male) were included for analysis. 73 (53%) were categorized as sleepy (median MSL 6.5 min). There were no significant differences in demographics or polysomnographic parameters between sleepy and non-sleepy groups. In multivariate analysis, increasing relative delta frequency power was associated with increased odds of sleepiness (OR 1.025 (95% CI 1.024–1.026)), while relative alpha and beta powers were associated with decreased odds. The effect size of delta PSD on sleepiness was significantly greater than that of either alpha or beta frequencies.

Conclusion

Delta PSD during polysomnography is significantly associated with a greater degree of objective daytime sleepiness among patients with mild OSA. Further research is needed to corroborate our findings and identify the direction of potential causal correlation between delta PSD and EDS.
Optimal surgical population for cervical lymph node dissection in PTC
Authors: Wang Yongkun , Wu Zhen , Yan Jinqiang , Yao Yumin , Han Lin
Published: April 2024

Objective

There is still controversy about whether cervical lymph node dissection should be performed in surgical treatment of PTC. Based on the data of thyroid cancer patients from Liaocheng People’s Hospital from 2015 to 2018, this study focused on appropriate indications for cervical lymph node dissection surgery.

Methods

The clinical and pathological data of patients with initial treatment of PTC in thyroid surgery department from 2015 to 2018 were collected. In all cases, 1001 patients underwent total thyroidectomy + central lymph node dissection, and 1107 patients underwent total thyroidectomy + central + cervical lymph node dissection.

Results

The average metastasis rate of all cases was 57.23%, and even the metastasis rate of PTMC was as high as 48.97%. The total metastasis rate of central and lateral cervical lymph nodes was 74.44%, and the cervical lymph nodes were present in 49.32% of the metastatic cases. In 55.56% of the cases, the tumor diameter was more than 1 cm, and the metastasis rate of cervical lateral area was 56%. With the increase of tumor diameter, the cervical metastasis rate increased from 22.54% to 73.33%.

Conclusion

The metastasis rate of PTC is more than 50%, and nearly half of them have cervical metastasis, especially in patients with high risk factors. We observed that PTC 1 cm or greater has significant rates of metastasis.
Diversity of extracellular HSP70 in cancer: advancing from a molecular biomarker to a novel therapeutic target
Authors: Hu Binbin , Liu Guihong , Zhao Kejia , Zhang Gao
Published: April 2024

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is a highly conserved protein functioning as a “molecular chaperone”, which is integral to protein folding and maturation. In addition to its high expression within cells upon stressful challenges, HSP70 can be translocated to the cell membrane or released from cells in free form or within extracellular vesicles (EVs). Such trafficking of HSP70 is also present in cancer cells, as HSP70 is overexpressed in various types of patient samples across a range of common malignancies, signifying that extracellular HSP70 (eHSP70) can serve as a tumor biomarker. eHSP70 is involved in a broad range of cancer-related events, including cell proliferation and apoptosis, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and immune response. eHSP70 can also induce cancer cell resistance to various treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) immunotherapy. Though the role of eHSP70 in tumors is contradictory, characterized by both pro-tumor and anti-tumor effects, eHSP70 serves as a promising target in cancer treatment. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the current knowledge about the role of eHSP70 in cancer progression and treatment resistance and discussed the feasibility of eHSP70 as a cancer biomarker and therapeutic target.
Quantifying the integrated physiological effects of endothelin-1 on cardiovascular and renal function in healthy subjects: a mathematical modeling analysis
Authors: Yu Hongtao , Greasley Peter , Lambers-Heerspink Hiddo , Boulton David W. , Hamrén Bengt , Hallow K. Melissa
Published: April 2024

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor with strong anti-natriuretic and anti-diuretic effects. While many experimental studies have elucidated the mechanisms of ET-1 through its two receptors, ETA and ETB, the complexity of responses and sometimes conflicting data make it challenging to understand the effects of ET-1, as well as potential therapeutic antagonism of ET-1 receptors, on human physiology. In this study, we aimed to develop an integrated and quantitative description of ET-1 effects on cardiovascular and renal function in healthy humans by coupling existing experimental data with a mathematical model of ET-1 kinetics and an existing mathematical model of cardiorenal function. Using a novel agnostic and iterative approach to incorporating and testing potential mechanisms, we identified a minimal set of physiological actions of endothelin-1 through ETA and ETB receptors by fitting the physiological responses (changes in blood pressure, renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and sodium/water excretion) to ET-1 infusion, with and without ETA/ETB antagonism. The identified mechanisms align with previous experimental studies on ET-1 and offer novel insights into the relative magnitude and significance of endothelin’s effects. This model serves as a foundation for further investigating the mechanisms of ET-1 and its antagonists.
A resource-efficient quantum convolutional neural network
Authors: Song Yanqi , Li Jing , Wu Yusen , Qin Sujuan , Wen Qiaoyan , Gao Fei
Published: April 2024

Quantum Convolutional Neural Network (QCNN) has achieved significant success in solving various complex problems, such as quantum many-body physics and image recognition. In comparison to the classical Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model, the QCNN model requires excellent numerical performance or efficient computational resources to showcase its potential quantum advantages, particularly in classical data processing tasks. In this paper, we propose a computationally resource-efficient QCNN model referred to as RE-QCNN. Specifically, through a comprehensive analysis of the complexity associated with the forward and backward propagation processes in the quantum convolutional layer, our results demonstrate a significant reduction in computational resources required for this layer compared to the classical CNN model. Furthermore, our model is numerically benchmarked on recognizing images from the MNIST and Fashion-MNIST datasets, achieving high accuracy in these multi-class classification tasks.
Metabolic niches in the rhizosphere microbiome: dependence on soil horizons, root traits and climate variables in forest ecosystems
Authors: Maitra Pulak , Hrynkiewicz Katarzyna , Szuba Agnieszka , Jagodziński Andrzej M. , Al-Rashid Jubair , Mandal Dipa , Mucha Joanna
Published: April 2024

Understanding belowground plant-microbial interactions is important for biodiversity maintenance, community assembly and ecosystem functioning of forest ecosystems. Consequently, a large number of studies were conducted on root and microbial interactions, especially in the context of precipitation and temperature gradients under global climate change scenarios. Forests ecosystems have high biodiversity of plants and associated microbes, and contribute to major primary productivity of terrestrial ecosystems. However, the impact of root metabolites/exudates and root traits on soil microbial functional groups along these climate gradients is poorly described in these forest ecosystems. The plant root system exhibits differentiated exudation profiles and considerable trait plasticity in terms of root morphological/phenotypic traits, which can cause shifts in microbial abundance and diversity. The root metabolites composed of primary and secondary metabolites and volatile organic compounds that have diverse roles in appealing to and preventing distinct microbial strains, thus benefit plant fitness and growth, and tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought. Climatic factors significantly alter the quantity and quality of metabolites that forest trees secrete into the soil. Thus, the heterogeneities in the rhizosphere due to different climate drivers generate ecological niches for various microbial assemblages to foster beneficial rhizospheric interactions in the forest ecosystems. However, the root exudations and microbial diversity in forest trees vary across different soil layers due to alterations in root system architecture, soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient stoichiometry. Changes in root system architecture or traits, e.g. root tissue density (RTD), specific root length (SRL), and specific root area (SRA), impact the root exudation profile and amount released into the soil and thus influence the abundance and diversity of different functional guilds of microbes. Here, we review the current knowledge about root morphological and functional (root exudation) trait changes that affect microbial interactions along drought and temperature gradients. This review aims to clarify how forest trees adapt to challenging environments by leveraging their root traits to interact beneficially with microbes. Understanding these strategies is vital for comprehending plant adaptation under global climate change, with significant implications for future research in plant biodiversity conservation, particularly within forest ecosystems.
High risk, high gain? Trade-offs between growth and resistance to extreme events differ in northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.)
Authors: Kormann Jonathan M. , van der Maaten Ernst , Liesebach Mirko , Liepe Katharina J. , van der Maaten-Theunissen Marieke
Published: April 2024

Information about the resistance and adaptive potential of tree species and provenances is needed to select suitable planting material in times of rapidly changing climate conditions. In this study, we evaluate growth responses to climatic fluctuations and extreme events for 12 provenances of northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) that were tested across three trial sites with distinct environmental conditions in Germany. Six provenances each were sourced from the natural distribution in North America and from introduced stands in Germany. We collected increment cores of 16 trees per provenance and site. Dendroecological methods were used to compare provenance performance and establish climate-growth relationships to identify the main growth limiting factors. To evaluate the provenance response to extreme drought and frost events, three site-specific drought years were selected according to the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and 2010 as a year with an extreme late frost event. Resistance indices for these years were calculated and assessed in relation to overall growth performance. We observed a high variation in growth and in the climate sensitivity between sites depending on the prevailing climatic conditions, as well as a high intra-specific variation. Overall, summer drought and low temperatures in the early growing season appear to constrain the growth of red oak. The resistance of provenances within sites and extreme years showed considerable rank changes and interaction effects. We did not find a trade-off between growth and resistance to late frost, namely, fast growing provenances had a high frost hardiness. Further, there was no evidence for a trade-off between growth and drought hardiness. Still, responses to drought or late frost differ between provenances, pointing to dissimilar adaptive strategies. Provenances from introduced (i.e. German) stands represent suitable seed sources, as they combine a higher growth and frost hardiness compared to their North American counterparts. Drought hardiness was slightly higher in the slow-growing provenances. The results provide a better understanding of the variable adaptive strategies between provenances and help to select suitable planting material for adaptive forest management.
The challenge of eco-generativity. Embracing a positive mindset beyond eco-anxiety: a research agenda
Authors: Di Fabio Annamaria , Svicher Andrea
Published: April 2024

Climate change has emerged as a tough challenge affecting the world’s society and economy in the twenty-first century. Furthermore, it has been determined that global warming and climate change have detrimental effects on human health both physical and psychological. In this framework, eco-anxiety has emerged as a new construct to assess the distress in relation to climate change and its effects. In the current article, after a study of the literature regarding both eco-anxiety and generativity related to environmental issues, in the search for a healthy response to eco-anxiety, we propose the construct of eco-generativity as a sustainable development-related concept for the health of planet earth and people in the present and in the future. Accordingly, we explore the definitions of generativity in relation to the ecological environment, examining the development of the concept in accordance with the most recent research. Subsequently, according to the lens of psychology of sustainability and sustainable development, we propose key elements of eco-generativity in terms of construct and measures. Finally, a research agenda for future research and intervention on eco-generativity is provided.