bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF RUSSIAN COPPER COINS OF THE IMPERIAL PERIOD
Authors:   Institute of Metal Physics, UB RAS, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, GIZHEVSKII B.A. , PROSNIKOVA O.N. ,   Museum of Architecture and Design, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, NAUMOV S.V.
Published: January 2024

The article is devoted to the study of the chemical composition and assessment of the quality of the metal of Russian copper coins of the 18th-early 20th centuries. Coins of this period are common in museum and private collections. However, the problem of metal purity and features of its composition is practically not covered. These issues are of interest for understanding the development processes and assessing the state of the Russian non-ferrous metallurgy in this period and, in particular, the Ural copper industry, since this industry has been and still remains one of the leading ones in the Ural and a significant part of Russian copper coins were minted in Yekaterinburg. To determine the chemical composition of coin metal, a non-destructive method of metal analysis, X-ray fluorescence analysis, was used in the work. At the same time, the problem of the presence of a corrosive layer on the surface of coins, the removal of which is not always possible for reasons of the preservation of the artifact, is solved. A method for using X-ray fluorescence analysis is proposed taking into account the phase composition of the surface layer. It is shown that the purity of copper remained above 99% in the studied sample of coins, which characterizes the high level of the Russian copper industry in the 18th-19th centuries. The presence of natural micro impurities of various composition and concentration in copper indicates the use of metal from various sources. The paper shows the effectiveness of using X-ray fluorescence analysis to determine the chemical composition of the metal of coins, which contributes to a more complete attribution of artifacts. The approaches developed in this work can be useful in the study of artifacts based on copper alloys.
THE NEWEST HISTORIOGRAPHY OF YEKATERINBURG-SVERDLOVSK: TO THE 300TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDATION
Authors:   Ural Federal University named after the First President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, KAMYNIN V.D.
Published: January 2024

The article summarizes the results of the study in the literature of the XXI century of the history of Yekaterinburg-Sverdlovsk, celebrating its 300th anniversary in 2023. It is concluded that the modern period of studying the history of the city is qualitatively different from the previous historiographical tradition. The main difference is that in Soviet times and in the first post-Soviet decade, history was studied within the framework of a single dominant ideology.As a result of the emergence of new theoretical paradigms in the 21st century, the history of Yekaterinburg-Sverdlovsk is studied from the positions of various theoretical approaches. Following various scientific paradigms affects the problems of scientific research on the history of the city. The modern period of the study of history is distinguished by a variety of genres of research. There are scientific and popular studies designed for various categories of readers. Among the scientific research there are generalizing works on the history of the city; works devoted to various stages of its history; problem studies. The study of the history of the city is conducted in an interdisciplinary manner, historians, political scientists, cultural scientists, philologists, specialists in the field of urban studies make a great contribution to scientific study.
CITATION AND REPUTATION RATING OF HISTORIANS
Authors:   Institute of History and Archeology of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, NEFEDOV S.A.
Published: January 2024

The article is devoted to the analysis of the relationship between the citation of historians and the expertly determined reputation rating. Comparative shortcomings of scientometrics and expert assessments are noted. Using the scale of reputation ratings based on the results of a sociological survey conducted by M. M. Sokolov and the data of the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI), the author calculates the Spearman rank correlation coefficients between these indicators. At the same time, it turns out that there is no correlation between reputation with a five-year total citation according to the RSCI and citation (both general and five years) according to the core of the RSCI. A weak correlation of reputation with long-term total citation according to the RSCI is found, however, this correlation also becomes insignificant after the exclusion of the unique data of B. N. Mironov.
WORLDVIEW, THINKING AND HISTORY
Authors:   Tula Museum of weapons, Tula, Russian Federation, GERASIMOV G.I.
Published: January 2024

The goal of this article is to find out the influence of worldview on thinking and historical writing. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study is the author's idealistic approach. The article shows the influence of worldview on the process of thinking and creating an image of the past. The role of ideas in the process of perception of the external world, the formation of experience and imagination is determined. The dependence of the way of thinking on the dominant worldview in the mind of the historian is substantiated. The possibility and conditions for understanding the thinking and logic of people of a certain historical era are revealed. The characteristics of the ways of thinking in different worldview eras are given. The influence of the worldview on the historical actions of people is clarified, and the concept of subjective-objective reality is substantiated. In conclusion, the author concludes that the way of thinking and its logic are determined by the dominant worldview. The worldview and the corresponding way of thinking determine the historical activity of a person, therefore the main task of the historian in creating an image of the past is to understand what ideas underlay historical action.
VALENTINA DOMETJANOVNA VIKTOROVA HAS BEEN EXPLORING THE MILLENNIUM FOR ALMOST A CENTURY: ON HER 90TH BIRTHDAY
Authors:   Sverdlovsk Regional Museum of Local Lore named after O.E. Kler», Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, PANINA S.N.
Published: January 2024

This article is dedicated to Valentina Dometjanovna's research activities on the occasion of her 90th birthday. Valentina Dometjanovna is a rare type of researcher: an archaeologist-philosopher. Her archaeological theory, «Scientific Research in Archaeology. Archaeology» and «The Thing and the Sign in Archaeology». She is the author of more than 180 scientific articles. During her life she conducted field research in the middle reaches of the Tura River, upstream and downstream of the Tavda River, on Andreevskoye Lake near Tyumen, on the island «Kamennye palatki» near the village of Palkino in the Zheleznodorozhny district of Yekaterinburg.
REVIEW ON THE BOOK BY R. V. ABYANOV, M. A. SAFAROV "TEMNIKOV: FORTRESS OF EMPIRES". M.: PUBLISHING HOUSE "CHITAY", 2022. 300 P
Authors:   National Research Mordovian State University named after N. P. Ogarev, Saransk, Russian Federation, MOKSHINA E.N.
Published: January 2024

The review contains the analysis of the book of tatar ethnographers and historians R. V. Abianov and M.A. Safarov devoted to the study of one of the groups of the tatar ethnos localized around the ancient city of Mordovia Temnikov. Temnikov fortress from the deep antiquity was an outpost on the territory of the northern limits of the tatar world. The material for the book was collected during the expeditions to this region where the authors made an attempt to analyze the ritual practices, sacred landscape, perception of neighbors, book culture and collective memory of the Temnikov Tatars on the basis of numerous testimonies of local residents.
REVIEW ON THE BOOK OF THE DOCTORS OF HISTORICAL SCIENCES I.N. YURKINA. DEMIDOV FIRST. EXPERIENCE OF LIFE DESCRIPTION. M. INTERNATIONAL DEMIDOV FUND. 2021. 320 P. FROM ILL
Authors:   Ural Federal University named after the First President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, ZAPARIY V.V.
Published: January 2024

The book was written by the famous Russian historian, Doctor of Historical Sciences I.N. Yurkin and is dedicated to the personality of the founder of the famous Demidov dynasty of industrialists, Nikita Demidov. The book provides new, refined data on this person, summarizes all previously published information about this person, and thus contributes to the development of our history and understanding of the role of personality in historical processes.
CONFESSIONAL STRATEGY OF THE RUSSIAN STATE IN SOCIAL INTERACTION WITH MUSLIMS OF THE NORTH CAUCASUS (LATE XVIII - EARLY XIX CENTURIES)
Authors:   North Ossetian State University named after K.L. Khetagurov (SOGU named after K.L. Khetagurov), Vladikavkaz, Russian Federation, BLEICH N.O.
Published: January 2024

The publication analyzes the confessional-legal policy of the Russian state regarding Muslims in the situation of including the North Caucasus in the orbit of influence. On the basis of both known and little-studied archival and documentary materials, it is proved that the time lag of the late 18th - early 19th centuries. is the initial stage of the state-legal coordination of the theocratic strategy, which is taking shape in the region in the conditions of modernization and wartime. The following methods were involved in the study of the topic: historical-chronological, problem-systemic, retrospective. At the same time, all facts and events are presented in accordance with the specific historical situation, in their correlation and the specifics of the socio-political situation. The practical significance of the work lies in the fact that without taking into account the historical experience of implementing the reform potential in Muslim areas, it will be difficult for modern Russia to achieve positive economic, legal and socio-cultural development in the Caucasus. The materials presented in the work can be useful for fundamentalizing the experience of the Islamic policy of Russia, developing its most appropriate modifications.
ON THE QUESTION OF THE CREATION AND THE BEGINNING OF THE FUNCTIONING OF THE MILITARY SCHOOL OF RUSSIA AT THE END OF THE XVII - FIRST QUARTER OF THE XVIII CENTURY
Authors: BENDA V.N.
Published: January 2024

The history of military educational institutions dates back to the time of Peter the Great and is an important page in the social history of the origin and development of education in Russia. Artillery and engineering military educational institutions and the School of Mathematical and Navigation Sciences were among the first special educational institutions that performed an important state task of training command personnel and specialists in the field of naval, artillery and engineering. The article traces the history of the creation and subsequent development during the first quarter of the XVIII century of individual elements of the national system of military personnel training. The already known individual information and data concerning military educational institutions that functioned in the XVIII century are supplemented and expanded by poorly studied materials and archival sources that have not been introduced into scientific circulation. Attention is focused on certain aspects of the organization of the educational process and daily life in them. The author concludes that despite all the difficulties that the state and military administration had to face when establishing and launching the first military special schools, their further functioning in the first quarter of the XVIII century marked a new stage in the development of domestic military special education and enlightenment. Previously unpublished sources are introduced into scientific circulation.
STATE POLICY IN THE FIELD OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT IN THE 1950S: ACHIEVEMENTS AND BLOCKING FACTORS
Authors:   «MIREA - Russian Technological University», Moscow, Russian Federation, BODROVA E.V. , KALINOV V.V. ,   National University of Oil and Gas «Gubkin University», Moscow, Russian Federation, EFREMENKO V.V.
Published: January 2024

The purpose of the publication, based on currently declassified documents, is to investigate the actual problem of the evolution of state policy in the field of computer technology development in the USSR in the 1950s. The conclusion is formulated that the «cold war», the unfolding scientific and technological revolution stimulated the implementation of their own projects in the field of information technology and hardware platforms in the USSR. A significant factor that determined the creation of various domestic computers in the early 1950s was the support at the state level of developments independent of Western analogues. The continuous growth in demand for calculating machines and the release in 1956 of a number of government decisions on the creation of new types of such machines forced the leadership of various departments to take urgent measures to accelerate the development of the mathematical engineering industry. In the period from 1955 to 1957, samples of high-performance computing and mathematical machines were created. A number of them were sent to mass production. Computer centers were created on the basis of new computer technology. However, in general, the development of computer technology in the country lagged behind the United States. The documents allow us to identify a number of factors that determined the braking of this process: the industrial management reform being carried out at that time, the departmental approach, the lack of understanding by the country's leadership of the special significance of this area of industrial and scientific and technical policy, the absence of a single center coordinating this work. The Scientific Council on Computer Technology and Control Systems of the State Committee of the USSR Academy of Sciences for Science and Technology and the Presidium of the USSR Academy of Sciences was established only in 1966.
THE COPPER INDUSTRY OF THE URALS IN THE PERIOD OF TRANSITIONAL ECONOMY: (LATE 1990S - EARLY 2000S)
Authors:   Ural Federal University the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, ZAPARIY V.V.
Published: January 2024

The article is written on a topic not very popular among historians, dedicated to the most important branch of non-ferrous metallurgy, copper, in one of the leading metallurgical regions in Russia - the Urals. The issues of the industry's exit from the most powerful crisis associated with the transition from a planned to a market economy are considered. The changes that have taken place in the non-ferrous metallurgy sub-sector in the context of the formation of new market structures are shown. When writing the article, data from the Union of Entrepreneurs of the Sverdlovsk Region were used.
EVERYDAY LIFE OF BARNAUL DURING THE GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR ACCORDING TO THE MEMORIES OF CONTEMPORARIES
Authors:   Institute of History and International Relations (Altai State University), Barnaul, Russian Federation, SKUBNEVSKY V.A.
Published: January 2024

The daily life of Barnaul during the Great Patriotic War is considered based on private origin sources, primarily the memories. In total, the materials of 15 published memoirs were used, among the authors are ordinary citizens, both local residents and evacuees, industry workers and cultural figures, including theater actress Alice Koonen. The author of the article reveals aspects about the Barnaul appearance and landscaping during the Great Patriotic War, the construction of defense plants, the housing problem, the food supply to the population, the cultural space of the city in that period. In particular, evacuation to Barnaul of the famous Moscow Chamber Theater under the direction of A. Tairov, creation of the regional Philharmonic society, tours in the city of outstanding Soviet artists and creative collectives were considered. Contemporaries fixed in their memoirs the transformation processes of a provincial (in the pre-war period) city into a major industrial and cultural center. At the same time, the difficulties caused by wartime conditions are shown.
GERMAN CAPITAL IN THE KOREAN ECONOMY IN THE LATE XIX - EARLY XX CENTURIES ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE ACTIVITY OF THE TRADING COMPANY "EDUARD MEYER & CO"
Authors:   Ural Federal University named after the First President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, MUSINOVA I.A.
Published: January 2024

The purpose of the research. The article examines the history of the trade expansion of German capital in East Asia, and, in particular, in Korea in the late XIX - early XX centuries on the example of the activities of one of the largest European trading houses «Eduard Meyer & Co». Conclusions. Until the middle of the XIX century, the German bourgeoisie wasn’t able to actively participate in colonial and semi-colonial trade expansion in non-European countries, it has begun only with the development of capitalism in the country. The liberal bourgeoisie of the German Empire sought to open non-European markets and conduct business in the spirit of free trade and competition. This process is clearly visible on the example of the activities of the largest German trading company in East Asia called «Eduard Meyer &Co». Its trade expansion in Korea began in the 1880s, when P.G. von Möllendorf held influential posts in Korean government. The company has received numerous commercial projects from the Korean government, such as the supply of equipment for a new Korean coin, the sale of weapons, the construction of telegraph lines and the maritime transportation. After the resignation of P.G. von Möllendorff, «the Eduard Meyer & Co.» had to join the struggle for concessions and economically profitable projects along with other foreign companies in Korea, and this struggle did not always end in success. In difficult conditions of the company «Eduard Meyer & Co» managed to adapt its own trading model to the Korean realities, which has worked successfully for several decades.
Etiology of lower respiratory tract in pneumonia based on metagenomic next-generation sequencing: a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Jin-zhu , Yuan Ding , Yang Xiang-hong , Sun Chang-hua , Hou Lin-lin , Zhang Yan , Gao Yan-xia
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Pneumonia are the leading cause of death worldwide, and antibiotic treatment remains fundamental. However, conventional sputum smears or cultures are still inefficient for obtaining pathogenic microorganisms.Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has shown great value in nucleic acid detection, however, the NGS results for lower respiratory tract microorganisms are still poorly studied.

Methods

This study dealt with investigating the efficacy of mNGS in detecting pathogens in the lower respiratory tract of patients with pulmonary infections. A total of 112 patients admitted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between April 30, 2018, and June 30, 2020, were enrolled in this retrospective study. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was obtained from lower respiratory tract from each patient. Routine methods (bacterial smear and culture) and mNGS were employed for the identification of pathogenic microorganisms in BALF.

Results

The average patient age was 53.0 years, with 94.6% (106/112) obtaining pathogenic microorganism results. The total mNGS detection rate of pathogenic microorganisms significantly surpassed conventional methods (93.7% vs. 32.1%, P < 0.05). Notably, 75% of patients (84/112) were found to have bacteria by mNGS, but only 28.6% (32/112) were found to have bacteria by conventional approaches. The most commonly detected bacteria included Acinetobacter baumannii (19.6%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14.3%), Staphylococcus faecium (12.5%), Enterococcus faecium (12.5%), and Haemophilus parainfluenzae (11.6%). In 29.5% (33/112) of patients, fungi were identified using mNGS, including 23 cases of Candida albicans (20.5%), 18 of Pneumocystis carinii (16.1%), and 10 of Aspergillus (8.9%). However, only 7.1 % (8/112) of individuals were found to have fungi when conventional procedures were used. The mNGS detection rate of viruses was significantly higher than the conventional method rate (43.8% vs. 0.9%, P < 0.05). The most commonly detected viruses included Epstein–Barr virus (15.2%), cytomegalovirus (13.4%), circovirus (8.9%), human coronavirus (4.5%), and rhinovirus (4.5%). Only 29.4% (33/112) of patients were positive, whereas 5.4% (6/112) of patients were negative for both detection methods as shown by Kappa analysis, indicating poor consistency between the two methods (P = 0.340; Kappa analysis).

Conclusion

Significant benefits of mNGS have been shown in the detection of pathogenic microorganisms in patients with pulmonary infection. For those with suboptimal therapeutic responses, mNGS can provide an etiological basis, aiding in precise anti-infective treatment.
Xenophagy receptors Optn and p62 and autophagy modulator Dram1 independently promote the zebrafish host defense against Mycobacterium marinum
Authors: Xie Jiajun , Meijer Annemarie H.
Published: January 2024

Anti-bacterial autophagy, also known as xenophagy, is a crucial innate immune process that helps maintain cellular homeostasis by targeting invading microbes. This defense pathway is widely studied in the context of infections with mycobacteria, the causative agents of human tuberculosis and tuberculosis-like disease in animal models. Our previous work in a zebrafish tuberculosis model showed that host defense against Mycobacterium marinum (Mm) is impaired by deficiencies in xenophagy receptors, optineurin (Optn) or sequestome 1 (p62), and Damage-regulated autophagy modulator 1 (Dram1). However, the interdependency of these receptors and their interaction with Dram1 remained unknown. In the present study, we used single and double knockout zebrafish lines in combination with overexpression experiments. We show that Optn and p62 can compensate for the loss of each other’s function, as their overexpression restores the infection susceptibility of the mutant phenotypes. Similarly, Dram1 can compensate for deficiencies in Optn and p62, and, vice versa, Optn and p62 compensate for the loss of Dram1, indicating that these xenophagy receptors and Dram1 do not rely on each other for host defense against Mm. In agreement, Dram1 overexpression in optn/p62 double mutants restored the interaction of autophagosome marker Lc3 with Mm. Finally, optn/p62 double mutants displayed more severe infection susceptibility than the single mutants. Taken together, these results suggest that Optn and p62 do not function downstream of each other in the anti-mycobacterial xenophagy pathway, and that the Dram1-mediated defense against Mm infection does not rely on specific xenophagy receptors.
Optimization of the MACE endpoint composition to increase power in studies of lipid-lowering therapies—a model-based meta-analysis
Authors: Volkova Alina , Shulgin Boris , Helmlinger Gabriel , Peskov Kirill , Sokolov Victor
Published: January 2024

Aims

To develop a model-informed methodology for the optimization of the Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE) composite endpoint, based on a model-based meta-analysis across anti-hypercholesterolemia trials of statin and anti-PCSK9 drugs.

Methods and results

Mixed-effects meta-regression modeling of stand-alone MACE outcomes was performed, with therapy type, population demographics, baseline and change over time in lipid biomarkers as predictors. Randomized clinical trials up to June 28, 2022, of either statins or anti-PCSK9 therapies were identified through a systematic review process in PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. In total, 54 studies (270,471 patients) were collected, reporting 15 different single cardiovascular events. Treatment-mediated decrease in low density lipoprotein cholesterol, baseline levels of remnant and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as non-lipid population characteristics and type of therapy were identified as significant covariates for 10 of the 15 outcomes. The required sample size per composite 3- and 4-point MACE endpoint was calculated based on the estimated treatment effects in a population and frequencies of the incorporated events in the control group, trial duration, and uncertainty in model parameters.

Conclusion

A quantitative tool was developed and used to benchmark different compositions of 3- and 4-point MACE for statins and anti-PCSK9 therapies, based on the minimum population size required to achieve statistical significance in relative risk reduction, following meta-regression modeling of the single MACE components. The approach we developed may be applied towards the optimization of the design of future trials in dyslipidemia disorders as well as in other therapeutic areas.
International collaborative research, systems leadership and education: reflections from academic biomedical researchers in Africa
Authors: Rose Elizabeth S. , Bello-Manga Halima , Boafor Theodore , Asaduzzaman Muhammad
Published: January 2024

Scope

Academic biomedical researchers and educators in African countries navigate complex local, national, and international systems to conduct grant-funded research. To secure funding, collaboration with researchers from high-income countries is often necessary. Existing literature highlights that these global health initiatives are commonly fraught with unequal power dynamics and lead by the foreign partners. Despite these inequalities, African faculty can benefit from these collaborations, fostering the development of their labs and careers. This study delves into reflections on lived experiences from academic biomedical researchers in Africa to better understand the impact of foreign collaborations.

Methods

We designed a qualitative study using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) method and used Self-determination and Complex Systems Leadership theories to frame this study. Ten academic biomedical researchers in Africa consented to join this study. The participants submitted a four-week series of reflective journals through an online data management platform. Subsequently, IPA methods were employed to analyze the collected journals.

Results

Participants’ reflections yielded six thematic key findings, encompassing their experiences in international collaborative research. The findings included: foreign dominance within the international macrosystem; resource challenges in their local microsystems; mesosystem dependency from collaborations; scholarly identity within research relationships; collaborative leadership; and the impact of the foreign perspective. From these findings, three implications were drawn suggesting that participants were (1) motivated by scholarly identity found in collaborations; (2) depended on collaborations that were colonialist but beneficial; and (3) created change through leadership at the microsystem level.

Implications

Foreign collaborators and funders in global health education and research should critically consider how implications of this study relate to their collaborative work. Based on our analysis, recommendations for foreign collaborators and funders include prioritizing local leadership and perspectives in education initiatives and research grants; reviewing and leveraging collective leadership; engaging in bidirectional training, and mentoring opportunities; participating in power assessments; and removing publication barriers for researchers in Africa (and low-and middle-income countries). Insights from this study could impact global health research and education in multiple ways including new initiatives in mentorship and training in international collaborations along with increased awareness and correction of colonialism within these collaborations.
Examining the utilization of participatory research with autistic youth in mainstream/public schools: a scoping review
Authors: Newson Alexandra , Quinn Sarah , Nese Rhonda N. T.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This scoping review explores the utilization of participatory research with autistic youth in K-12 public/mainstream school settings.

Methods

A scoping review was performed to identify how often participatory research methodologies are used in K-12 public/mainstream school settings with autistic students, what researchers report are the strengths, barriers, and recommendations in using participatory research methodologies with autistic students in K-12 public school settings and what type of demographic information is included in the studies.

Results

Five studies were included for review focusing on participatory research with autistic youth in K-12 public or mainstream school settings. The studies used a range of participatory research methodologies to explore the experiences of mainly male autistic youth in the UK and Australia. Strengths, challenges, and recommendations noted included opportunities for empowerment, increased ownership, issues with teachers, thinking critically about communication, and collaboration with partners.

Conclusion

Participatory research with autistic school-aged youth is an emerging practice. This is evidenced by the small number of studies included in this review. The findings highlight concerns about the lack of representation of autistic females and students with historically marginalized racial identities in autism research. Recommendations for including these groups in autism research, implications, and limitations are discussed.
Integration of RRBS and RNA-seq unravels the regulatory role of DNMT3A in porcine Sertoli cell proliferation
Authors: Xu Dong , Yan Saina , Jin Huimin , Chen Chujie , Tang Xiangwei , Wang Xu , Li Yonghong , Fei Fang , Yang Anqi
Published: January 2024

DNMT3A participates in de novo methylation, yet its impact on the proliferation of testicular Sertoli cells remains unclear. Development-specific methylation has been proven to be associated with cellular development. Therefore, in this study, we simulated DNMT3A expression pattern during testicular development by DNMT3A interference. Then, RRBS and RNA-seq were used to decipher DNMT3A regulatory mechanisms on Sertoli cell proliferation. Immunofluorescence staining revealed the expression of DNMT3A in the Sertoli cells of the prepubertal testis. DNMT3A was demonstrated to inhibit the cell cycle and proliferation of Sertoli cells, while promoting cell apoptosis. After transfected with DNMT3A interference, a total of 560 DEGs and 2,091 DMGs produced by DNMT3A interference were identified between two treated groups, respectively. Integrating the results from RRBS and RNA-seq, the overlapping genes between DMGs and DEGs were found to be enriched in the Gene Ontology (GO) terms related to cellular development and the Apelin signaling pathway. The present study demonstrated the impact of DNMT3A on the proliferation of porcine testicular Sertoli cells, suggesting that DNMT3A primarily acts through the Apelin signaling pathway. These findings provide valuable insights into how DNMT3A influences testicular development and health, offering new perspectives.
Patient years lost due to cytomegalovirus serostatus mismatching in the scientific registry of transplant recipients
Authors: Abidi Maheen Z. , Schold Jesse D. , Kaplan Bruce , Weinberg Adriana , Erlandson Kristine M. , Malamon John S.
Published: January 2024

Background

The cytomegalovirus (CMV) mismatch rate in deceased donor kidney transplant (DDKT) recipients in the US remains above 40%. Since CMV mismatching is common in DDKT recipients, the cumulative effects may be significant in the context of overall patient and graft survival. Our primary objective was to describe the short- and long-term risks associated with high-risk CMV donor positive/recipient negative (D+/R-) mismatching among DDKT recipients with the explicit goal of deriving a mathematical mismatching penalty.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, secondary analysis of the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) database using donor-matched DDKT recipient pairs (N=105,608) transplanted between 2011-2022. All-cause mortality and graft failure hazard ratios were calculated from one year to ten years post-DDKT. All-cause graft failure included death events. Survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier estimation at 10 years post-DDKT and extrapolated to 20 years to provide the average graft days lost (aGDL) and average patient days lost (aPDL) due to CMV D+/R- serostatus mismatching. We also performed an age-based stratification analysis to compare the relative risk of CMV D+ mismatching by age.

Results

Among 31,518 CMV D+/R- recipients, at 1 year post-DDKT, the relative risk of death increased by 29% (p<0.001), and graft failure increased by 17% (p<0.001) as compared to matched CMV D+/R+ group (N=31,518). Age stratification demonstrated a significant increase in the risk associated with CMV mismatching in patients 40 years of age and greater. The aGDL per patient due to mismatching was 125 days and the aPDL per patient was 100 days.

Conclusion

The risks of CMV D+/R- mismatching are seen both at 1 year post-DDKT period and accumulated throughout the lifespan of the patient, with the average CMV D+/R- recipient losing more than three months of post-DDKT survival time. CMV D+/R- mismatching poses a more significant risk and a greater health burden than previously reported, thus obviating the need for better preventive strategies including CMV serodirected organ allocation to prolong lifespans and graft survival in high-risk patients.
Efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitors or PD-L1 inhibitors for muscle invasive bladder cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Shibo , Huang Yanping , Li Chunyan , Liang Yiwen , Huang Miaoyan , Luo Raoshan , Liang Weiming
Published: January 2024

Introduction

This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitors or PD-L1 inhibitors [PD-(L)1 inhibitors] for muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma (MIBC).

Materials and methods

Four databases (Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and 21 CENTRAL) were searched for articles studying neoadjuvant PD-(L)1 inhibitors for MIBC. The search time period was from the establishment of each database to 21 July 2023. Meta-analyses of pCR, pPR, Grade≥ 3 irAEs rate, RFS, and OS were performed.

Results

In total, 22 studies were included for meta-analysis. The overall pooled pCR of neoadjuvant PD-(L)1 inhibitors was 0.36 (95%CI=0.30–0.42, p=0.00). In subgroup meta-analysis, the pooled PCR of PD-(L)1 inhibitors alone, PD-(L)1 inhibitors plus other ICI, and PD-(L)1 inhibitors plus chemotherapy was 0.27 (95%CI=0.19–0.35, p=0.1), 0.41 (95%CI=0.21–0.62, p=0.01), 0.43 (95%CI=0.35–0.50, p=0.06), respectively. The overall pooled pPR of neoadjuvant PD-(L)1 inhibitors was 0.53 (95%CI=0.46–0.60, p=0.00). In subgroup meta-analysis, the pooled pPR of PD-(L)1 inhibitors alone, PD-(L)1 inhibitors plus other ICI, and PD-(L)1 inhibitors plus chemotherapy was 0.36 (95%CI=0.22–0.51, p=0.01), 0.51 (95%CI=0.39–0.62, p=0.43), and 0.61 (95%CI=0.53–0.69, p=0.01), respectively. Kaplan–Meier curves for OS and RFS were reconstructed, but there was no significant difference among three groups in terms of OS or RFS. The pooled result of Grade≥ 3 irAEs rate for neoadjuvant PD-(L)1 inhibitors was 0.15 (95%CI=0.09–0.22, p=0.00%). In subgroup analysis, the pooled result of Grade≥ 3 irAEs rate for PD-(L)1 inhibitors alone, PD-(L)1 inhibitors plus other ICI, and PD-(L)1 inhibitors plus chemotherapy was 0.07 (95%CI=0.04–0.11, p=0.84), 0.31 (95%CI=0.16–0.47, p=0.06), and 0.17 (95%CI=0.06–0.31, I2 = 71.27%, p=0.01), respectively.

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant PD-(L)1 inhibitors were feasible and safe for muscle invasive bladder cancer. Compared with PD-(L)1 inhibitors alone, PD-(L)1 inhibitors plus other ICI and PD-(L)1 inhibitors plus chemotherapy were associated with higher pCR and pPR, but higher Grade≥3 irAEs. Kaplan–Meier curves for OS and RFS indicated that neoadjuvant PD-(L)1 inhibitors had an acceptable long-term prognostic, but it was not possible to discern statistical differences between the three neoadjuvant subgroups.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023452437, identifier PROSPERO (CRD42023452437).
The benzoyl-CoA pathway serves as a genomic marker to identify the oxygen requirements in the degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Godínez-Pérez Camila Monserrat , Loza Antonio , Hurtado Juan Manuel , Gutiérrez-Ríos Rosa-María
Published: January 2024

The first step of anaerobic benzoate degradation is the formation of benzoyl-coenzyme A by benzoate-coenzyme A ligase (BCL). The anaerobic route is steered by benzoyl-CoA reductase, which promotes benzoyl-CoA breakdown, which is subsequently oxidized. In certain bacteria at low oxygen conditions, the aerobic metabolism of monoaromatic hydrocarbons occurs through the degradation Box pathway. These pathways have undergone experimental scrutiny in Alphaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria and have also been explored bioinformatically in representative Betaproteobacteria. However, there is a gap in our knowledge regarding the distribution of the benzoyl-CoA pathway and the evolutionary forces propelling its adaptation beyond that of representative bacteria. To address these questions, we used bioinformatic procedures to identify the BCLs and the lower pathways that transform benzoyl-CoA. These procedures included the identification of conserved motifs. As a result, we identified two motifs exclusive to BCLs, describing some of the catalytic properties of this enzyme. These motifs helped to discern BCLs from other aryl-CoA ligases effectively. The predicted BCLs and the enzymes of lower pathways were used as genomic markers for identifying aerobic, anaerobic, or hybrid catabolism, which we found widely distributed in Betaproteobacteria. Despite these enhancements, our approach failed to distinguish orthologs from a small cluster of paralogs exhibiting all the specified features to predict an ortholog. Nonetheless, the conducted phylogenetic analysis and the properties identified in the genomic context aided in formulating hypotheses about how this redundancy contributes to refining the catabolic strategy employed by these bacteria to degrade the substrates.
Rescue subthalamic stimulation after unsatisfactory outcome of pallidal stimulation in Parkinson's disease: a case series and review
Authors: Zeng Zhitong , Huang Peng , Lin Zhengyu , Pan Yixin , Wan Xiaonan , Zhang Chencheng , Sun Bomin , Li Dianyou
Published: January 2024

Background

Subthalamic nucleus (STN) and globus pallidus interna (GPi) are two main structures primarily targeted by deep brain stimulation (DBS) to treat advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). A subset of cases with unsatisfactory outcomes may benefit from rescue DBS surgery targeting another structure, while these patients' characteristics have not been well described and this phenomenon has not been well reviewed.

Methods

This monocentric retrospective study included patients with PD, who underwent rescue STN DBS following an unsatisfactory outcome of the initial bilateral GPi DBS in a retrospective manner. A short review of the current literature was conducted to report the clinical outcome of rescue DBS surgeries.

Results

Eight patients were identified, and six of them were included in this study. The rescue STN DBS was performed 19.8 months after the initial GPi DBS. After 8.8 months from the rescue STN DBS, patients showed a significant off-medication improvement by 29.2% in motor symptoms compared to initial GPi DBS. Non-motor symptoms and the health-related quality of life were also significantly improved.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the rescue STN DBS may improve off-medication motor and non-motor symptoms and quality of life in patients with failure of initial GPi DBS. The short review of the current literature showed that the target switching from GPi to STN was mainly due to poor initial outcomes and was performed by target substitution, whereas the switching from STN to GPi was mainly due to a gradual waning of benefits, long-term axial symptoms, dyskinesia, and dystonia and was performed by target addition.
The efficacy and safety of third-generation antiseizure medications and non-invasive brain stimulation to treat refractory epilepsy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis study
Authors: Yang Yang , Shangguan Yafei , Wang Xiaoming , Liu Ruihong , Shen Ziyi , Tang Ming , Jiang Guohui
Published: January 2024

Background

The new antiseizure medications (ASMs) and non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) are controversial in controlling seizures. So, this network meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of five third-generation ASMs and two NIBS therapies for the treatment of refractory epilepsy.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases. Brivaracetam (BRV), cenobamate (CNB), eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL), lacosamide (LCM), perampanel (PER), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) were selected as additional treatments for refractory epilepsy in randomized controlled studies and other cohort studies. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, add-on studies that evaluated the efficacy or safety of medication and non-invasive brain stimulation and included patients with seizures were uncontrolled by one or more concomitant ASMs were identified. A random effects model was used to incorporate possible heterogeneity. The primary outcome was the change in seizure frequency from baseline, and secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients with ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency, and the rate of treatment-emergent adverse events.

Results

Forty-five studies were analyzed. The five ASMs and two NIBS decreased seizure frequency from baseline compared with placebo. The 50% responder rates of the five antiseizure drugs were significantly higher than that of placebo, and the ASMs were associated with fewer adverse events than placebo (p < 0.05). The surface under the cumulative ranking analysis revealed that ESL was most effective in decreasing the seizure frequency from baseline, whereas CNB provided the best 50% responder rate. BRV was the best tolerated. No significant publication bias was identified for each outcome index.

Conclusion

The five third-generation ASMs were more effective in controlling seizures than placebo, among which CNB, ESL, and LCM were most effective, and BRV exhibited better safety. Although rTMS and tDCS did not reduce seizure frequency as effectively as the five drugs, their safety was confirmed.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ (CRD42023441097).
Molecular epidemiology study of programmed death ligand 1 and ligand 2 protein expression assessed by immunohistochemistry in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Steiniche Torben , Georgsen Jeanette Baehr , Meldgaard Peter , Deitz Anne C. , Ayers Mark , Pietanza M. Catherine , Zu Ke
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Prevalence of tumor PD-L1 expression in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) is variable, and data on PD-L2 expression are limited. The prognostic values of these biomarkers are not well understood. The current study was conducted to address these data gaps.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of Danish patients with histologically confirmed ES-SCLC and evaluable tumor samples who were receiving usual care before the introduction of immunotherapy was conducted. Protein expression of PD-L1 and PD-L2 was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using the PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx assay and a PD-L2 IHC assay using a propriety mouse monoclonal antibody. A combined positive score (CPS) of ≥1 was used to define biomarker positivity. Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox proportional hazard models were employed to assess the relationship between PD-L1 and PD-L2 protein expression and OS.

Results

Among 80 patients, 31% (n=25) and 36% (n=29) had disease positive for PD-L1 and PD-L2, respectively. Overall, 85% (n=68) of patients had concordant PD-L1/PD-L2 status; 26% (n=21) had double positive disease (both PD-L1 and PD-L2 CPS ≥1) and 59% (n=47) had double negative disease (both PD-L1 and PD-L2 CPS <1). PD-L1 and PD-L2 positivity were each associated with longer OS (unadjusted hazard ratios [HRs], 0.35 [95% CI, 0.21−0.61] and 0.50 [95% CI, 0.31−0.82]); the associations persisted after adjustment for several known prognostic factors (HRs, 0.41 [95% CI, 0.22–0.75] and 0.44 [95% CI, 0.25–0.79] for PD-L1 and PD-L2 positivity, respectively). When evaluating OS in patients with double positive disease, unadjusted and adjusted HRs for double positive compared with double negative were similar to those with only PD-L1 or PD-L2 positivity (unadjusted HR, 0.36 [95% CI, 0.20–0.64]; adjusted HR, 0.36 [0.18−0.73]).

Conclusion

PD-L1 and PD-L2 positivity were observed in approximately one-third of assessed ES-SCLC tumor samples and were highly congruent. Patients with PD-L1 and PD-L2 positivity, alone or combined, were associated with longer OS, independent of other prognostic factors.
Application value of PET/CT in monophasic primary sacral synovial sarcoma: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Shao Mingyan , Xu Rong , Qi Wanling , Luo Zhehuang , Liao Fengxiang , Fan Sisi
Published: January 2024

Background

Synovial sarcoma is a malignant tumor of mesenchymal origin with a high degree of malignancy and easy metastasis. It mostly occurs in distal extremities or adjacent joints, and it is most common in deep knee joint. Primary sacral synovial sarcoma (PSSS) is extremely rare. The PET/CT imaging findings of a case of monophasic PSSS were reported. The clinical, imaging, and pathological data were summarized, and the literature was reviewed.

Case description

A 67-year-old female patient presented with sacrococcygeal pain without obvious causes on 16 September 2022, with occasional pain at night, as well as aggravated pain during hip flexion and long-distance walking, which could be slightly relieved with rest, without special treatment. For further treatment before 1 month to Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, after admission, laboratory tests were negative. Non-contrast CT scan showed expansive bone destruction in the S1-3 vertebrae with soft tissue density of about 58 mm × 46 mm × 52 mm. The boundary was clear, necrosis was visible within the vertebrae, and the boundary between the mass and the anterior sacral blood vessels and rectum was unclear. Non-contrast MRI scan showed mixed signals in lumbosacral masses, with equal signals in T1 and uneven and slightly higher signals in T2. Cystic degeneration and necrosis were visible, with multiple compartments in the lumbosacral masses. MRI enhancement showed uneven enhancement of lumbosacral mass with multiple compartments and no enhanced cystic lesion. The left sacral alar bone is destroyed, as shown by large flaky uneven strengthening. PET/CT showed that S1-3 vertebral body and left sacral alar bone were destroyed and soft tissue shadow formed, invading the sacral canal and the left foramina of S1-3. FDG metabolism was significantly increased, and malignant tumor was diagnosed by PET/CT. Pathological examination: The pathological diagnosis was monophasic PSSS. After systemic chemotherapy and local radiotherapy, no significant signs of recurrence and metastasis were found on CT so far. Follow-up treatment was continued.

Conclusion

The incidence of PSSS is very low, its clinical and imaging manifestations lack characteristics, and the final diagnosis still needs pathology. PET/CT imaging has a certain value in the diagnosis of PSSS and has great application value in the preoperative staging, postoperative efficacy evaluation, and follow-up.