bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Participatory approaches and methods in gender equality and gender-based violence research with refugees and internally displaced populations: a scoping review
Authors: Lokot Michelle , Hartman Erin , Hashmi Iram
Published: December 2023

Using participatory approaches or methods are often positioned as a strategy to tackle power hierarchies in research. Despite momentum on decolonising aid, humanitarian actors have struggled to describe what ‘participation’ of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) means in practice. Efforts to promote refugee and IDP participation can be tokenistic. However, it is not clear if and how these critiques apply to gender-based violence (GBV) and gender equality—topics that often innately include power analysis and seek to tackle inequalities. This scoping review sought to explore how refugee and IDP participation is conceptualised within research on GBV and gender equality. We found that participatory methods and approaches are not always clearly described. We suggest that future research should articulate more clearly what constitutes participation, consider incorporating feminist research methods which have been used outside humanitarian settings, take more intentional steps to engage refugees and IDPs, ensure compensation for their participation, and include more explicit reflection and strategies to address power imbalances.
Pediatric glioma histone H3.3 K27M/G34R mutations drive abnormalities in PML nuclear bodies
Authors: Voon Hsiao P. J. , Hii Linda , Garvie Andrew , Udugama Maheshi , Krug Brian , Russo Caterina , Chüeh Anderly C. , Daly Roger J. , Morey Alison , Bell Toby D. M. , Turner Stephen J. , Rosenbluh Joseph , Daniel Paul , Firestein Ron , Mann Jeffrey R. , Collas Philippe , Jabado Nada , Wong Lee H.
Published: December 2023

Background

Point mutations in histone variant H3.3 (H3.3K27M, H3.3G34R) and the H3.3-specific ATRX/DAXX chaperone complex are frequent events in pediatric gliomas. These H3.3 point mutations affect many chromatin modifications but the exact oncogenic mechanisms are currently unclear. Histone H3.3 is known to localize to nuclear compartments known as promyelocytic leukemia (PML) nuclear bodies, which are frequently mutated and confirmed as oncogenic drivers in acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Results

We find that the pediatric glioma-associated H3.3 point mutations disrupt the formation of PML nuclear bodies and this prevents differentiation down glial lineages. Similar to leukemias driven by PML mutations, H3.3-mutated glioma cells are sensitive to drugs that target PML bodies. We also find that point mutations in IDH1/2—which are common events in adult gliomas and myeloid leukemias—also disrupt the formation of PML bodies.

Conclusions

We identify PML as a contributor to oncogenesis in a subset of gliomas and show that targeting PML bodies is effective in treating these H3.3-mutated pediatric gliomas.
DNA methylation modulated genetic variant effect on gene transcriptional regulation
Authors: Zeng Yong , Jain Rahi , Lam Magnus , Ahmed Musaddeque , Guo Haiyang , Xu Wenjie , Zhong Yuan , Wei Gong-Hong , Xu Wei , He Housheng Hansen
Published: December 2023

Background

Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis has emerged as an important tool in elucidating the link between genetic variants and gene expression, thereby bridging the gap between risk SNPs and associated diseases. We recently identified and validated a specific case where the methylation of a CpG site influences the relationship between the genetic variant and gene expression.

Results

Here, to systematically evaluate this regulatory mechanism, we develop an extended eQTL mapping method, termed DNA methylation modulated eQTL (memo-eQTL). Applying this memo-eQTL mapping method to 128 normal prostate samples enables identification of 1063 memo-eQTLs, the majority of which are not recognized as conventional eQTLs in the same cohort. We observe that the methylation of the memo-eQTL CpG sites can either enhance or insulate the interaction between SNP and gene expression by altering CTCF-based chromatin 3D structure.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the prevalence of memo-eQTLs paving the way to identify novel causal genes for traits or diseases associated with genetic variations.
Ukumela impilo randomised trial: preliminary findings of height-adjustable sit-to-stand workstations on health outcomes of South African office workers
Authors: Phaswana Merling , Gradidge Philippe Jean-Luc
Published: December 2023

Background

The prevalence of sedentary behaviour has concurrently risen with multiple cardiometabolic risk markers independent of physical activity levels. Office-based workers accumulate the highest levels of sitting time during occupational times. This study aims to investigate the short-term effects of using height-adjustable sit-to-stand workstations on cardiometabolic risk markers of office-based workers in South Africa.

Results

Sixty-two office-based workers were randomized into intervention (n = 44), and the control group (n = 18). Small improvements were observed in BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels in this cohort.

Conclusion

This preliminary investigation confirms that short-term height-adjustable sit-stand interventions are effective in reducing workplace sitting time and selected health outcomes. South Africa has been attributed with the highest burden of obesity in Sub-Saharan Africa, as a result, there is a need to implement long-term workplace intervention to reverse these implications.

Trial registration

Pan African Clinical Trial Registry, PACTR201911656014962 on the 12th of November 2019.
Elevation of cancer antigen 15-3 owing to oncocytic renal neoplasm in a patient without evidence of breast cancer recurrence on follow-up: a case report
Authors: Cockey Samuel G. , Xu Hongzhi , Al-Jumayli Mohammed
Published: December 2023

Background

Cancer antigen 15-3 is a protein that clinicians commonly measure to monitor outcomes and response to treatment in patients with breast cancer. However, cancer antigen 15-3 can also be elevated in other, benign and malignant conditions.

Case presentation

A 73-year-old White woman with history of breast cancer presented to her primary care physician with right hip pain, and laboratory testing revealed elevated cancer antigen 15-3. Further workup with radiographic imaging revealed a large mass in her right kidney. The renal mass was subsequently removed, and the cancer antigen 15-3 level returned to normal.

Conclusions

Elevation of cancer antigen 15-3 owing to causes other than breast cancer recurrence can be a potential diagnostic pitfall during a patient’s follow-up. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the limitations of cancer markers and to utilize a combination of diagnostic tests for patient evaluation.
Homozygous missense variant F12 (Gly506Asp) associated with severe factor XII deficiency: a case report
Authors: Aljabry Mansour , Algazlan Aljoud , Alsubaie Nouf , Dher Shatha Bin , Aljabri Hassan Semar , Alotaibi Ghazi S.
Published: December 2023

Background

Factor XII deficiency can be related to either homozygous or compound heterozygous pathogenic variants in the F12 gene. The disease is commonly known as Hageman trait and is inherited in both autosomal recessive or dominant patterns. Clinically, factor XII deficiency is not associated with bleeding but conversely has been linked to thrombotic events, recurrent pregnancy loss, and hereditary angioedema. Molecular data of F12 deficiency are scarce and have revealed varying results between cases. However, most of the reported variants are missense mutations, gross deletions, or small insertion. Factor XII deficiency has been reported in the Saudi population in several studies, either as isolated case reports or included within the studies of rare bleeding factors deficiency. However, molecular data are lacking as no case report of genetic studies related to factor XII deficiency has been published in our local population, to the best of our knowledge.

Case report

Herein we describe a homozygous missense variant involving exon 12 within F12 gene (5:176,830,269 G>A; p.Gly506Asp) in a 36-year-old Saudi multiparous female referred from the surgical clinic with significantly high activated partial thromboplastin time during preoperative assessment for sleeve gastrectomy. The patient had no history of bleeding episodes during the previous deliveries nor any tooth extractions. She had single event of spontaneous abortion during the 15th week of gestation without any bleeding complication. There was no history of thrombosis or skin manifestations, and she was not taking any medicines. There was no family history of bleeding or thrombosis. Family history revealed consanguinity as the parents are first-degree cousins. Physical examination was unremarkable. Upon investigation, the prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time was fully corrected by a 1:1 mixing study with normal pool plasma while lupus anticoagulant tests were negative. Factor assays and von Willebrand factor tests are all within normal ranges except for factor XII, which was severely deficient. A homozygous missense variant involving exon 12 within F12 gene (5:176,830,269 G>A; p.Gly506Asp) was identified.

Conclusion

F12 (5:176,830,269 G>A; p.Gly506Asp) variant is likely to be a pathogenic variant among homozygous factor XII-deficient patients. Genetic counseling and management of the patients and families should be based on clinical evaluation.
Confronting urethrorrhagia after Otis urethrotomy: a case report
Authors: Mete Uttam Kumar , Deshpande Rohit Sanjay
Published: December 2023

Background

Otis urethrotomy can sometimes lead to troublesome bleeding after seemingly uneventful procedures. This case report highlights one such case which went unnoticed initially; the bleeding was erroneously ascribed to the prostate, thereby falsely indicting the “decoy” prostate.

Case presentation

A 78-year-old Asian gentleman was referred to our hospital with complaint of intractable bleeding after undergoing laser enucleation of prostate at another institute, wherein he further underwent unsuccessful bilateral angioembolization of pudendal arteries. On endoscopy (for hemostasis), we found a spurting vessel in the navicular fossa, which was effectively controlled.

Conclusions

This case report highlights the importance of performing prompt endoscopy in case of uncontrolled bleeding after prostate endoscopic surgery.
BioBLP: a modular framework for learning on multimodal biomedical knowledge graphs
Authors: Daza Daniel , Alivanistos Dimitrios , Mitra Payal , Pijnenburg Thom , Cochez Michael , Groth Paul
Published: December 2023

Background

Knowledge graphs (KGs) are an important tool for representing complex relationships between entities in the biomedical domain. Several methods have been proposed for learning embeddings that can be used to predict new links in such graphs. Some methods ignore valuable attribute data associated with entities in biomedical KGs, such as protein sequences, or molecular graphs. Other works incorporate such data, but assume that entities can be represented with the same data modality. This is not always the case for biomedical KGs, where entities exhibit heterogeneous modalities that are central to their representation in the subject domain.

Objective

We aim to understand how to incorporate multimodal data into biomedical KG embeddings, and analyze the resulting performance in comparison with traditional methods. We propose a modular framework for learning embeddings in KGs with entity attributes, that allows encoding attribute data of different modalities while also supporting entities with missing attributes. We additionally propose an efficient pretraining strategy for reducing the required training runtime. We train models using a biomedical KG containing approximately 2 million triples, and evaluate the performance of the resulting entity embeddings on the tasks of link prediction, and drug-protein interaction prediction, comparing against methods that do not take attribute data into account.

Results

In the standard link prediction evaluation, the proposed method results in competitive, yet lower performance than baselines that do not use attribute data. When evaluated in the task of drug-protein interaction prediction, the method compares favorably with the baselines. Further analyses show that incorporating attribute data does outperform baselines over entities below a certain node degree, comprising approximately 75% of the diseases in the graph. We also observe that optimizing attribute encoders is a challenging task that increases optimization costs. Our proposed pretraining strategy yields significantly higher performance while reducing the required training runtime.

Conclusion

BioBLP allows to investigate different ways of incorporating multimodal biomedical data for learning representations in KGs. With a particular implementation, we find that incorporating attribute data does not consistently outperform baselines, but improvements are obtained on a comparatively large subset of entities below a specific node-degree. Our results indicate a potential for improved performance in scientific discovery tasks where understudied areas of the KG would benefit from link prediction methods.
Exploring the surface epitope and nuclear localization analysis of porcine circovirus type 3 capsid protein
Authors: Chang Chia-Chun , Wu Ching-Ying , Ciou Jhao-Guan , Wu Ching-Wei , Wang Yi-Chen , Chang Hui-Wen , Chien Maw-Sheng , Huang Chienjin
Published: December 2023

Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3) is a newly emerging virus associated with porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS) and reproductive disorders, impacting global pig populations. Porcine circoviruses contain two major open reading frames (ORFs), and the ORF2 encodes the viral capsid protein (Cap). Cap is the most antigenic structural protein and an ideal candidate for the development of vaccines and diagnostic reagents. This study generated a monoclonal antibody (MAb) specific to PCV3 Cap, MAb CCC160, for diagnosis and pathogenesis studies of this novel virus. The MAb specifically recognized PCV3-infected swine lymph node tissue in an immunohistochemical analysis confirming its clinical diagnostic potential. In addition, a novel linear B-cell epitope recognized by MAb CCC160 was identified at the amino acid region 120–134 of Cap. Nuclear localization analysis of PCV3 Cap revealed a potential nuclear localization signal (NLS) in the middle region (aa 131–143) in addition to the dominant N-terminal NLS that is already known. A cell viability assay further demonstrated that the cytotoxicity of PCV3 Cap is correlated with its nuclear localization, indicating a crucial role of Cap in the pathogenic mechanism of PCV3. A full-length construct of PCV3 Cap was successfully expressed using a baculovirus expression system and purified recombinant proteins self-assembled into virus-like particles (VLPs). The protein constitution of the VLPs was confirmed by MAb CCC160 recognition, indicating the correct conformation and specificity of VLP and exhibiting the linear epitope aa 120–134 on the VLP surface. These results provide insights for developing diagnostic tools and potential VLP vaccines for PCV3, revealing its pathogenesis and antigenic properties.
Structural analysis of the mylohyoid muscle as a septum dividing the floor of the oral cavity for the purposes of dental implant surgery: variety of muscle attachment positions and ranges of distribution
Authors: Noguchi Taku , Morita Sumiharu , Suzuki Ryu , Matsunaga Satoru , Hirouchi Hidetomo , Kasahara Norio , Sugahara Keisuke , Abe Shinichi
Published: December 2023

Objectives

The objective was to investigate the details of the attachments of the mylohyoid muscle to the mandible anterior to the hyoid and mylohyoid lines to understand the positional relationship between the sublingual space and the mylohyoid, knowledge that is essential for dental implant surgery in the incisal region, as well as the routes of communication between the sublingual space and other spaces.

Methods

While evaluating the presence or absence of an anterior mylohyoid muscle fiber attachment to the mandible, sublingual gland herniation, spaces between muscle fascicles were also recorded as sites of penetration. The mean muscle thickness in each of these areas was also calculated.

Results

In all specimens, the mylohyoid originated not only from the mylohyoid line but also from the lingual surface of the center of the mandibular body (the mandibular symphysis) below the mental spines. The mylohyoid muscle fascicles were thickest in the posterior region, and further anterior to this, they tended to become thinner. Sublingual gland herniations passing through the mylohyoid were noted in the anterior and central regions, but not in the posterior region. Penetration between the muscle fascicles was most common in the central region, and no such penetration was evident in the posterior region.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the mylohyoid functions only incompletely as a septum, and that routes of communication from the sublingual space to the submandibular space may be present in both the anterior and central muscle fascicles of the mylohyoid. Therefore, bleeding complications during dental implant placement in the anterior mandible can be serious issues. There is a potential for sublingual hematoma that could compromise the airway by pressing the tongue against the soft palate into the pharynx.
Development of novel specific molecular markers for the Sw-5b gene to assist with tomato spotted wilt virus-resistant tomato breeding
Authors: Tong Cong , Huang Shen , Shi Yajie , Wu Qian , Shangguan Lingna , Yu Haohua , Chen Rongzhen , Ding Zixuan , Xiao Yunxia , Ji Yinghua , Zhang Zhongkai , Zhang Hui , Zhu Min , Tao Xiaorong
Published: December 2023

Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is a plant pathogen that causes devastating tomato yield losses worldwide. The Sw-5b gene is one of the most effective resistance genes for TSWV control in tomato plants, and has been widely used in resistance breeding. Molecular markers are specific DNA sequences with known locations on the chromosome; they are indispensable tools in marker-assisted selection, which detects the presence of target genes to expedite breeding. We developed gene-specific molecular markers for Sw-5b to facilitate the accurate distinction of resistance (Sw-5bR) and susceptibility (Sw-5bS) alleles of Sw-5b. Using these markers, we successfully detected Sw-5b and determined its genotype (homozygous Sw-5bR, heterozygous Sw-5bR/S, or homozygous Sw-5bS) in six tomato varieties. Then we successfully applied these markers to 46 commercial tomato cultivars to detect and determine the genotype of Sw-5b. The results revealed a striking absence of the Sw-5bR gene and high TSWV susceptibility among most of the analyzed commercial cultivars. With the assistance of the novel Sw-5b-specific molecular markers, we generated a TSWV-resistant and homozygous Sw-5bR Micro-Tom tomato line, demonstrating the practical application of these markers in plant breeding. In summary, we developed novel gene-specific molecular markers for Sw-5b, and applied them to distinguish Sw-5b alleles for TSWV resistance or susceptibility. This marker set provides a valuable tool for breeding TSWV-resistant tomato varieties.
People With Cancer Experience Worse Psychosocial and Financial Consequences of COVID-19 Compared With Other Chronic Disease Populations: Findings From the International COVID-19 Awareness and Response Evaluation Survey Study
Authors: Baydoun Mohamad , McLennan Andrew I.G. , Carlson Linda E. ,   for the iCARE Study Team
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE

The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to have profound psychosocial impacts across the globe. In this analysis of the International COVID-19 Awareness and Response Evaluation (iCARE) survey study, we comparatively investigated the psychosocial effects of COVID-19 on individuals with cancer and people with other chronic illness.

METHODS

iCARE study respondents were divided into two groups on the basis of self-reported health status: (1) active/current cancer (with or without any other chronic condition: heart disease, lung disease, hypertension, diabetes, severe obesity, immunity disease, and depressive or anxiety disorder); and (2) other chronic condition, but not cancer. Linear regressions were conducted to evaluate the associations between health status and outcomes.

RESULTS

Worldwide, 18,154 iCARE study respondents (mean age, 50.8 years) from 175 countries were included in the analysis. Among them, 3.8% (n = 677) identified as having active/current cancer and 96.2% (n = 17,477) identified as having other chronic condition. Multivariate analyses showed significant associations between having cancer and declined mental (β = .364; P < .0001) and physical (β = .317; P < .0001) health since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, relative to those with other chronic illness. Moreover, individuals with cancer demonstrated a higher likelihood of reporting maladaptive coping mechanisms such as increased alcohol use (β = .457; P < .0001) and financial hardships such as not paying rent/mortgage (β = .476; P < .0001), compared with people with other chronic illness.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with cancer worldwide tended to have worse psychosocial and financial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared with other chronic disease populations. Clinicians need to be aware of the importance of attending to the specific mental health needs of individuals with cancer during and after COVID-19–related restrictions.
Trastuzumab Deruxtecan‒Related Interstitial Lung Disease/Pneumonitis: Computed Tomography Imaging Patterns to Guide Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Nishino Mizuki , Kusumoto Masahiko , Bankier Alexander A. , Kurihara Yasuyuki , Zhang Lin , Rasheed Zeshaan , Meinhardt Gerold , Arunachalam Meena , Taitt Corina , Wang Qiang , Powell Charles A.
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE

Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) is an antibody-drug conjugate approved for the treatment of several advanced cancers; however, severe or fatal interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis can occur. We characterized the computed tomography (CT) patterns of T-DXd‒related pneumonitis as a marker for its clinical severity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety patients with advanced cancers who developed T-DXd‒related pneumonitis in two completed single-arm clinical trials were included. Three radiologists independently characterized the CT patterns of pneumonitis at diagnosis, for analyses of those patterns' relationships with clinical severity and pneumonitis outcome.

RESULTS

T-DXd‒related pneumonitis most commonly presented with cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) pattern, observed in 65 patients (72%), followed by a newly identified COP/hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) pattern (13%), acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) pattern (11%), and HP pattern (3%). A subset of cases with COP pattern demonstrated an atypical distribution with upper and peripheral lung involvement (6/65; 9%). CT patterns were associated with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events severity grades of pneumonitis, with the AIP/ARDS pattern having higher grades compared with others ( P < .0001). Fatal pneumonitis was more common in the AIP/ARDS pattern than in others ( P = .005). The onset of pneumonitis was earlier in the AIP/ARDS pattern compared with others (median time to onset: at 17.9 v 32.7 weeks of therapy; P = .019). Pneumonitis was treated by withholding T-DXd with or without corticosteroids in most patients (78/90; 87%).

CONCLUSION

T-DXd‒related pneumonitis most commonly demonstrated a COP pattern, with a subset having an atypical distribution. The AIP/ARDS pattern was indicative of severe, potentially fatal pneumonitis, and requires immediate clinical attention to mitigate serious adverse events.
Vasoinhibin’s Apoptotic, Inflammatory, and Fibrinolytic Actions Are in a Motif Different From Its Antiangiogenic HGR Motif
Authors: Robles Juan Pablo , Zamora Magdalena , Garcia-Rodrigo Jose F , Perez Alma Lorena , Bertsch Thomas , Martinez de la Escalera Gonzalo , Triebel Jakob , Clapp Carmen
Published: December 2023

Vasoinhibin, a proteolytic fragment of the hormone prolactin, inhibits blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) and permeability, stimulates the apoptosis and inflammation of endothelial cells, and promotes fibrinolysis. The antiangiogenic and antivasopermeability properties of vasoinhibin were recently traced to the HGR motif located in residues 46 to 48 (H46-G47-R48), allowing the development of potent, orally active, HGR-containing vasoinhibin analogues for therapeutic use against angiogenesis-dependent diseases. However, whether the HGR motif is also responsible for the apoptotic, inflammatory, and fibrinolytic properties of vasoinhibin has not been addressed. Here, we report that HGR-containing analogues are devoid of these properties. Instead, the incubation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with oligopeptides containing the sequence HNLSSEM, corresponding to residues 30 to 36 of vasoinhibin, induced apoptosis, nuclear translocation of NF-κB, expression of genes encoding leukocyte adhesion molecules (VCAM1 and ICAM1) and proinflammatory cytokines (IL1B, IL6, and TNF), and adhesion of peripheral blood leukocytes. Also, intravenous or intra-articular injection of HNLSSEM-containing oligopeptides induced the expression of Vcam1, Icam1, Il1b, Il6, and Tnf in the lung, liver, kidney, eye, and joints of mice and, like vasoinhibin, these oligopeptides promoted the lysis of plasma fibrin clots by binding to plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). Moreover, the inhibition of PAI-1, urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, or NF-κB prevented the apoptotic and inflammatory actions. In conclusion, the functional properties of vasoinhibin are segregated into 2 different structural determinants. Because apoptotic, inflammatory, and fibrinolytic actions may be undesirable for antiangiogenic therapy, HGR-containing vasoinhibin analogues stand as selective and safe agents for targeting pathological angiogenesis.
ATOH8 Expression Is Regulated by BMP2 and Plays a Key Role in Human Endometrial Stromal Cell Decidualization
Authors: Thapa Rupak , Druessel Logan , Ma Liang , Torry Donald S , Bany Brent M
Published: December 2023

During the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, elongated fibroblast-like mesenchymal cells in the uterine endometrium begin to transdifferentiate into polygonal epithelioid-like (decidual) cells. This decidualization process continues more broadly during early pregnancy, and the resulting decidual tissue supports successful embryo implantation and placental development. This study was carried out to determine if atonal basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor 8 (ATOH8) plays a role in human endometrial stromal fibroblast (ESF) decidualization. ATOH8 messenger RNA and protein expression levels significantly increased in human ESF cells undergoing in vitro decidualization, with the protein primarily localized to the nucleus. When ATOH8 expression was silenced, the ability of the cells to undergo decidualization was significantly diminished. Overexpression of ATOH8 enhanced the expression of many decidualization markers. Silencing the expression of ATOH8 reduced the expression of FZD4, FOXO1, and several known FOXO1-downstream targets during human ESF cell decidualization. Therefore, ATOH8 may be a major upstream regulator of the WNT/FZD-FOXO1 pathway, previously shown to be critical for human endometrial decidualization. Finally, we explored possible regulators of ATOH8 expression during human ESF decidualization. BMP2 significantly enhanced ATOH8 expression when cells were stimulated to undergo decidualization, while an ALK2/3 inhibitor reduced ATOH8 expression. Finally, although the steroids progesterone plus estradiol did not affect ATOH8 expression, the addition of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) analogue alone represented the major effect of ATOH8 expression when cells were stimulated to undergo decidualization. Our results suggest that ATOH8 plays a crucial role in human ESF decidualization and that BMP2 plus cAMP are major regulators of ATOH8 expression.
Loss of NR5A1 in mouse Sertoli cells after sex determination changes cellular identity and induces cell death by anoikis
Authors: Souali-Crespo Sirine , Condrea Diana , Vernet Nadège , Féret Betty , Klopfenstein Muriel , Grandgirard Erwan , Alunni Violaine , Cerciat Marie , Jung Matthieu , Mayere Chloé , Nef Serge , Mark Manuel , Chalmel Frédéric , Ghyselinck Norbert B.
Published: December 2023

To investigate the role of the nuclear receptor NR5A1 in the testis after sex determination, we analyzed mice lacking NR5A1 in Sertoli cells (SCs) from embryonic day (E) 13.5 onwards. Ablation of Nr5a1 impaired the expression of genes characteristic of SC identity (e.g. Sox9 and Amh), caused SC death from E14.5 onwards through a Trp53-independent mechanism related to anoikis, and induced disorganization of the testis cords. Together, these effects caused germ cells to enter meiosis and die. Single-cell RNA-sequencing experiments revealed that NR5A1-deficient SCs changed their molecular identity: some acquired a ‘pre-granulosa-like’ cell identity, whereas other reverted to a ‘supporting progenitor-like’ cell identity, most of them being ‘intersex’ because they expressed both testicular and ovarian genes. Fetal Leydig cells (LCs) did not display significant changes, indicating that SCs are not required beyond E14.5 for their emergence or maintenance. In contrast, adult LCs were absent from postnatal testes. In addition, adult mutant males displayed persistence of Müllerian duct derivatives, decreased anogenital distance and reduced penis length, which could be explained by the loss of AMH and testosterone synthesis due to SC failure.
Stimulation of the muscarinic receptor M4 regulates neural precursor cell proliferation and promotes adult hippocampal neurogenesis
Authors: Madrid Lidia I. , Hafey Katelyn , Bandhavkar Saurabh , Bodea Gabriela O. , Jimenez-Martin Javier , Milne Michael , Walker Tara L. , Faulkner Geoffrey J. , Coulson Elizabeth J. , Jhaveri Dhanisha J.
Published: December 2023

Cholinergic signaling plays a crucial role in the regulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis; however, the mechanisms by which acetylcholine mediates neurogenic effects are not completely understood. Here, we report the expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtype M4 (M4 mAChR) on a subpopulation of neural precursor cells (NPCs) in the adult mouse hippocampus, and demonstrate that its pharmacological stimulation promotes their proliferation, thereby enhancing the production of new neurons in vivo. Using a targeted ablation approach, we also show that medial septum (MS) and the diagonal band of Broca (DBB) cholinergic neurons support both the survival and morphological maturation of adult-born neurons in the mouse hippocampus. Although the systemic administration of an M4-selective allosteric potentiator fails to fully rescue the MS/DBB cholinergic lesion-induced decrease in hippocampal neurogenesis, it further exacerbates the impairment in the morphological maturation of adult-born neurons. Collectively, these findings reveal stage-specific roles of M4 mAChRs in regulating adult hippocampal neurogenesis, uncoupling their positive role in enhancing the production of new neurons from the M4-induced inhibition of their morphological maturation, at least in the context of cholinergic signaling dysfunction.
THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF THE COMPANY'S CORPORATE CULTURE
Authors: Danilova E.
Published: December 2023

This article summarizes and systematizes approaches to the study of the concept of corporate culture. In the works of foreign and domestic authors, the conceptual aspects of the content of corporate culture are highlighted. The main elements and principles of corporate culture are determined, the formation and implementation of which determines the uniqueness and competitiveness of the company in the internal and external environments. As a result of the analysis, the author updated the perception of corporate culture as a multifaceted and multi-level phenomenon in modern realities, which acts as a strategic tool in the process of developing a highly competitive human resource that helps to increase the level of efficiency of the company. A promising direction of research into the impact of the development of the company's corporate culture on increasing labor and innovation activity, satisfaction, and cohesion of staff is substantiated.
THE CONCEPT OF THE CULTURE OF “WELL-BEING” OF EMPLOYEES AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN RUSSIAN ORGANIZATIONS
Authors: Babich A. , Minazhetdinova D. , Fedun A. , Lobacheva A.
Published: December 2023

This article examines the essence and features of the implementation of the culture of “well-being” in companies, a modern corporate personnel management program. The main task of implementing such programs is to increase the level of loyalty and employee engagement, which contributes to improving the quality and productivity of labor. The main components of the culture of “well-being” are considered, namely: physical and mental health, financial stability, career self-realization and social significance of employees. The article provides examples of the introduction of a culture of employee well-being in different companies operating in Russia, and also analyzes the degree of implementation of various components of the program in companies.
W poszukiwaniu sztucznego człowieczeństwa
Authors: Korporowicz Leszek
Published: December 2023

A rapidly developing civilisation of advanced technologies, informational and conceptual societies increasingly refers to diverse forms of equally advanced forms of artificial intelligence. It becomes an integral part of the hybrid reality, exposing pragmatic and technocratic values of individual, community, and organisational activities. This process marginalises non- -instrumental values which determine important aspects of human personality, defining not so much the man but his humanity. The article attempts to present the consequences of axiological reductions which occur in the planning and modelling of the modern and future culture as well as the forms of education, particularly educational processes, dependent on this culture. The elimination of values, called autotelic in social sciences, is also not indifferent in the sphere of communicational activities, important for education and upbringing. Reduced to forms of communication and an element of the mass society, these values become the denial of their interactive creation, adopting actually a form of pseudo-communication in the processes of pseudo-education and an increasingly intentional escape in the direction of the epoch of post-humanism and the post-human. However, the experience and analysis of the resulting destruction, which will be the violation of the axiological balance between development processes through the humiliation of dignity and freedom of the man, give hope for the rediscovering and revitalisation of the humanistic potentials of man and humanity.
Znaczenie kultury cyfrowej w wychowaniu w rzeczywistości hybrydalnej
Authors: Kowalewski Tadeusz
Published: December 2023

In a time of inevitable impacts of technological forces that will shape our future, the process of upbringing may change. Social, economic and cultural changes require us to carefully analyse the process of cultural diffusion sothat we can avoid the destruction of important elements of cultural heritage, the disturbance of its balance and the creation of a vacuum in social consciousness. A digital culture in a hybrid reality will play an important role in this process, so as not to succumb to the degradation of humanity and the paradox of ‘progress’. The goals of education will need to be revised, which must take into account the impact of the development of artificial intelligence on preparing the individual for life in society, developing their intellectual and emotional abilities, forming their attitudes and values, and teaching them to co-operate and communicate with other people. Acquiring digital cultural competencies is essential in dealing with the overabundance of information and the necessity of a critical approach to its sources so that the process of upbringing could serve to acquire critical thinking skills, not only to memorise facts and information, but also to help to shape a man’s character and personality.
Hybrydowość, hybrydalność, hybrydyczność sztuk pięknych w poszerzaniu horyzontów kulturowych
Authors: Szymański Jacek
Published: December 2023

The hybridity of cultural phenomena constitutes a relatively old and permanent phenomenon. It has remained indelibly in social sciences and cultural studies. The introduction of the category of hybridity in the arts guarantees works of art the absolute consistency and purity of the artistic form. Each form of art offers an aesthetic education within the scope of shaping and developing personality. The virtual approximation of art has guaranteed that everybody can use this field. Digital platforms make it possible to enter almost all spaces which have been unavailable until now. Hybrid teaching means the combination of in-person education and remote teaching conducted via the internet. In this way, a teacher and learner can use increasingly better prepared didactic materials of modern technology.
El comercio internacional en la guerra ruso-ucraniana: como arma y como víctima
Authors: Zelicovich Julieta
Published: December 2023

Este artículo analiza los efectos de la guerra en Ucrania sobre el sistema de comercio internacional, a un año del inicio de la invasión. Tras una revisión teórica del vínculo entre guerra y comercio, se sintetizan los estudios relativos a los impactos cuantitativos de la guerra en el comercio y combina este estudio con el de sus efectos cualitativos, menos estudiados hasta ahora. También se analiza cómo se ha utilizado el comercio como instrumento de poder en el contexto de la guerra en Ucrania y si ello ha causado cambios en los mecanismos de gobernanza del comercio internacional. El estudio utiliza un diseño cualitativo, aplicando técnicas de análisis de contenido a un amplio corpus de documentos. Los hallazgos de la investigación demuestran cómo el comercio ha desempeñado un papel instrumental en la controversia (arma) y cómo refleja las tensiones del sistema político internacional (víctima).
OM Forum—The Operations of Well-Being: An Operational Take on Happiness, Equity, and Sustainability
Authors: Corbett Charles J.
Published: December 2023

Problem definition: The meaning of life must surely be more about well-being than wealth, but what does that have to do with operations? Well-being encompasses a lot: Are we happy as individuals? Are groups treated fairly? Is society sustainable? Operations management has many impacts on well-being at each of these levels, some more obvious than others. Methodology/results: This MSOM Fellow forum article offers a wide-ranging exploration of linkages between operations and well-being. It organizes “operations” into five broad areas: pace and productivity, predictability and probability, process and prevention, performance and payment, and pollution and protection. For each of those, it explores what makes individuals (un)happy, what is fair, and what is sustainable. Managerial implications: It concludes with 7 recurrent themes for research in Operations Management.
The Application of Information Technology in Teaching Foreign Languages in Higher Education Institutions in the Context of Distance Learning
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Yunina Olha
Published: December 2023

The article describes the role of information technology in ensuring effective teaching of foreign languages in higher education institutions, especially in the context of distance learning. The author focuses on the impact of information technology on the efficiency of the learning process and the performance of learners. The importance of video conferencing systems for conducting virtual classes and communicating with native speakers is highlighted, as it contributes to the improvement of foreign language proficiency. The advantages and disadvantages of interactive whiteboards in foreign language classes are presented. The role of online courses and web platforms in creating a virtual learning environment that facilitates convenient access to educational materials, interaction with teachers, and communication among students is highlighted. Special attention is given to the application of interactive programs and multimedia resources to stimulate interactivity and engage learners in active learning activities. The advantages and disadvantages of these resources are analyzed. The author emphasizes the importance of ensuring quality access to information technology for the effective application by teachers and learners. It is determined that the application of information technology in teaching foreign languages in higher education institutions in the context of distance learning can significantly improve the efficiency of learning and provide access to education for a wide audience of learners.
Waterless bathing for inpatients with neurological issues and complex needs
Authors: Evans Helen
Published: December 2023

Waterless bathing techniques can enhance the care of patients with neurological difficulties. Traditional methods can be uncomfortable and time consuming. Hospital-acquired infections in the NHS are a significant concern because of both financial burdens and antibiotic resistance, and preventing them is paramount. ContiTM waterless bathing products help reduce infection risks, save time and improve the patient experience. Four case studies illustrate the application of these techniques in a specialist hospital for people with complex and serious neurological conditions, demonstrating their practicality and efficacy as well as improvements in patient care and infection control within healthcare facilities.
Practice hours: examining the evidence
Authors: Foster Sam
Published: December 2023

Sam Foster, Executive Director of Professional Practice, Nursing and Midwifery Council, considers the challenges the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan brings to the question of the number of student practice learning hours
An A to Z of enhancements: P is for Performing
Authors: Jackson Amy
Published: December 2023

A stage with props and a real microphone allowed children to pursue their interest in putting on a show. Amy Jackson
Team values: Joint effort
Authors: Harvey Amanda , Benjamin Mica
Published: December 2023

Amanda Harvey, head of early years, and Mica Benjamin, an Early Years Teacher, both from Whitefield School, a specialist SEN setting in Walthamstow, East London, have been working together for three years
The Role of Neighbourly Relations and Cooperation in Residents’ Willingness to Renovate Multi-Family Buildings in Croatia
Authors: Klasić Anamaria , Đokić Ratko
Published: December 2023

The inadequate legislation on multi-family housing management in Central and Eastern European post-socialist countries calls for the exploration of additional determinants of building renovation on the level of the community of residents in a building. To this end, we present here an analytical framework called the mediated-Renovation Decision (m-RD) model for simultaneously testing the direct and indirect effects that neighbourly relations, cooperation of the co-owners’ representative with the co-owners, and acceptance of the building co-ownership concept have on co-owners’ willingness to invest in building renovation. The model is based on assessments made by 325 co-owners’ representatives from multi-family buildings in Croatia. The results show that the quality of neighbourly relations affects the co-owner’s willingness to renovate not directly, but indirectly through the level of their acceptance of the building co-ownership concept. The other indirect effect of neighbourly relations – through the level of the representative’s cooperation with co-owners – was not significant. The demonstrated analytical value of the m-RD model advocates for more complex studies of the role of neighbourly relations in collective decision-making and actions in the housing domain.
Development of a glass-based imaging phantom to model the optical properties of human tissue
Authors: Yang Mingze , Wei Yunle , Reineck Philipp , Ebendorff-Heidepriem Heike , Li Jiawen , McLaughlin Robert A.
Published: December 2023

The fabrication of a stable, reproducible optical imaging phantom is critical to the assessment and optimization of optical imaging systems. We demonstrate the use of an alternative material, glass, for the development of tissue-mimicking phantoms. The glass matrix was doped with nickel ions to approximate the absorption of hemoglobin. Scattering levels representative of human tissue were induced in the glass matrix through controlled crystallization at elevated temperatures. We show that this type of glass is a viable material for creating tissue-mimicking optical phantoms by providing controlled levels of scattering and absorption with excellent optical homogeneity, long-term stability and reproducibility.
Optimization of laser pumping for the generation of multi-pulse structures in fiber lasers
Authors: Malfondet A. , Millot G. , Grelu P. , Tchofo-Dinda P.
Published: December 2023

We address the challenge of configuring a fiber laser cavity to enable efficient access to multi-pulse structures such as dissipative soliton molecules. We theoretically compare multi-pulsing routes in the parameter space of the laser. By using a two-dimensional parameter space, we experimentally demonstrate an important reduction in the laser pumping power required to form soliton molecules.
Performance of quantum-dash mode-locked lasers (QD-MLLDs) for high-capacity coherent optical communications
Authors: Khalil Mostafa , Xie Yuxuan , Berikaa Essam , Liu Jiaren , Lu Zhenguo , Poole Philip J. , Liu Guocheng , Weber John , Plant David V. , Chen Lawrence R.
Published: December 2023

We investigate the capabilities and limitations of quantum-dash mode-locked lasers (QD-MLLDs) as optical frequency comb sources in coherent optical communication systems. We demonstrate that QD-MLLDs are on par with conventional single-wavelength narrow linewidth laser sources and can support high symbol rates and modulation formats. We manage to transmit 64 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) signals up to 80 GBd over 80 km of standard single-mode fiber (SSMF), which highlights the distinctive phase noise performance of the QD-MLLD. Using a 38.5 GHz (6 dB bandwidth) silicon photonic (SiP) modulator, we achieve a maximum symbol rate of 104 GBd with 16QAM signaling and a maximum net rate of 416 Gb/s per carrier in a single polarization setup and after 80 km-SSMF transmission. We also compare QD-MLLD performance with commercial narrow-linewidth integrable tunable laser assemblies (ITLAs) and explore their potential for use as local oscillators (LOs) and signal carriers. The QD-MLLD has 45 comb lines usable for transmission at a frequency spacing of 25 GHz, and an RF linewidth of 35 kHz.
Magnetic-free polarization rotation in an atomic vapor cell
Authors: Zheng Jiang-Bin , Chai De-Kang , Wang Zhu-Bo , Chen Guang-Jie , Hu Ya-Dong , Chen Liang , Fan Hong-Jie , Zhang Yan-Lei , Dong Chun-Hua , Zou Chang-Ling , Guo Guang-Can , Ye Ming-Yong , Lin Gong-Wei , Lin Xiu-Min
Published: December 2023

Magnetic-free nonreciprocal optical devices have attracted great attention in recent years. Here, we investigated the magnetic-free polarization rotation of light in an atom vapor cell. Two mechanisms of magnetic-free nonreciprocity have been realized in ensembles of hot atoms, including electromagnetically induced transparency and optically-induced magnetization. For a linearly polarized input probe light, a rotation angle up to 86.4° has been realized with external control and pump laser powers of 10 mW and is mainly attributed to the optically-induced magnetization effect. Our demonstration offers a new approach to realize nonreciprocal devices, which can be applied to solid-state atom ensembles and may be useful in photonic integrated circuits.