bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ITS IMPACT ON BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY
Authors: VDOVICHENA OLHA , OBEREMCHUK VALENTYNA , ZAMULA OLENA , KUVIK VITALII , TOKUNOVA ANASTASIIA
Published: February 2024

This article substantiates the relevance of developing a model of professional competence for future skilled workers with a focus on ensuring sustainable development. The analysis of factors influencing the formation of professional competence serves as the basis for this research. The primary objective of the article is to systematically structure and analyze the factors contributing to the development of professional competence in future specialists with an emphasis on sustainable development. The article specifically outlines the stages involved in the model's development, utilizing professions within the food production sector in the European Union as a case study. The intent is to adapt the insights gained from this examination to the national system of vocational education. The theoretical framework of the article is grounded in established methods, including analysis, synthesis, interpretation, abstraction, generalization, analogy, and comparison, employed to effectively structure and analyze the factors influencing competence formation in future professionals. The authors employ modeling methods to elucidate the stages involved in the development of the model and utilize comparative methods to contextualize and adapt the European experience to the national system of vocational education. Systematic structuring and analysis of factors influencing the formation of professional competence in future specialists with a focus on sustainable development are carried out by the authors. This analytical approach enables the identification of distinct levels of competence distribution across various dimensions of sustainable development, including international, national, regional, sectoral, and institutional (enterprise-vocational education institution) levels. Additionally, the article presents the stages involved in the development of a competence formation model, using professions related to food production in the European Union as a case study.
EFFECTIVENESS OF MECHANISMS OF ANTI-CORRUPTION MANAGEMENT IN MODERN CONDITIONS
Authors: LEONOV YAROSLAV , FEDIRKO NATALIIA , BRADUL OLEKSANDR , YUNATSKYI MARIAN , KOLDOVSKYI ARTEM
Published: February 2024

The relevance of the issue of anti-corruption management in the modern world cannot be overestimated. Corruption has a direct impact on economic development, political stability and social justice in different countries, creating obstacles to effective governance and undermining public trust in state institutions. The development and implementation of effective anti-corruption strategies is a key factor in strengthening democracy and supporting sustainable development, and it plays an important role in preventing economic and social losses related to corrupt practices. The research results emphasize that the effectiveness of anti-corruption management to a large extent depends on the implementation and adherence to key principles such as transparency, responsibility and active participation of civil society. These principles contribute to the creation of trust and openness in government, which is essential for combating corruption. The cultural features of each country are crucial in the development of effective anti-corruption strategies since they determine the perception and reaction of society to corrupt practices. The academic paper also draws attention to the need to strike a balance between strict anti-corruption measures and ensuring respect for human rights, emphasizing that the effectiveness of the fight against corruption should not be at the expense of fundamental human and civil rights and freedoms.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN COMPLEX TECHNICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS: CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES
Authors: HORDIEIEVA INNA , OMELYANENKO VITALIY , KRYSOVATYY IHOR , OPRYSOK MYROSLAVA , KOSTIN ILYA
Published: February 2024

The paper delineates essential facets of hybrid management in the realm of infrastructure projects and programs, elucidating pivotal concepts, methodologies, and models integral to this approach. A comprehensive examination of the extant status of infrastructure project implementation at the regional level is undertaken, encompassing an inquiry into terminology, regulatory frameworks, and financial management standards specific to this domain. Noteworthy attention is devoted to global practices in program implementation at the regional level, as well as contemporary strategies for overseeing infrastructure projects and programs. The culmination of this investigation is the formulation of a refined scientific and applied framework for hybrid management at the regional level. This conceptual framework is rooted in the integration of project management knowledge systems and is delineated by its adaptation to the methodology of project program management. Within the parameters of this articulated concept, a convergent system for the utilization of project management methods and approaches in the context of efficient project program management has been devised.
PUBLIC GOVERNANCE AT THE LOCAL LEVEL IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Authors: HERASYMIUK KOSTIANTYN , ZABOLOTENKO DENYS , BAIMURATOV MIKHAILO , KOFMAN BORIS , BOBROVNIK DENIS
Published: February 2024

The relevance of the research is determined by the need to comprehend the interaction between public governance and local self-governance at the local level, especially in the context of modern challenges and technological innovations. Consideration and analysis of theoretical concepts of management can help improve the efficiency and transparency of governance processes, which is crucial for the sustainable development of society. The purpose of the research is to theoretically analyze the interaction of public governance and local governance at the local level in the conditions of digital transformation. The study of key aspects of this interaction is aimed at identifying challenges and opportunities arising in the context of digital technologies in public governance. The research also aims to analyze practical cases of digital innovations at the local level in order to determine their impact on the quality of services and management processes. The research results will help identify strategies for the successful implementation of digital tools in local governance and their contribution to the sustainable development of society.The obtained research results: based on the research findings, it can be determined that public governance at the local level is a complex process that can be considered from different approaches and perspectives. The importance of this interaction becomes especially relevant in the context of digitalization. Practical significance: the academic paper can be used for the development and improvement of the local government management system in the current conditions. Comprehension of the various aspects of this process makes it possible to develop effective strategies for implementing and using digital technologies to improve the quality of public services, interact with the community, and optimize management processes. Conclusion: the research emphasizes the importance of adapting management systems to the challenges of the digital age and the need to search for optimal solutions. Such an approach is fundamental in establishing an effective, transparent, and open system of local governance aimed at meeting citizens’ needs in a digital society.
Knowing the World and Educating the Self: Reportage in Chinese Left-Wing Culture in 1936
Authors: XIONG Ying
Published: February 2024

Although “reportage” as a term was first introduced in China in 1931, it gained new momentum in early 1936 with the translation of Egon Erwin Kisch’s theory on reportage. This translation was soon followed by a surge in Chinese reportage written by figures such as Zhou Libo, Xia Yan, and Qian Junrui. In 1936, Chinese reportage writing and theory moved away from the earlier emphasis on class consciousness to a new focus on the value of observation and social analysis. This change aligned with the Soviet Union’s rediscovery of world literature by bourgeois writers amidst the global anti-fascist battle. More importantly, as a part of the Popularization of Literature and Art Movement, reportage was beneficial to a large number of educated youths who had lived in the cities such as Shanghai and then retreated to the hinterland after the Sino-Japanese War broke out in 1937. Through its incorporation of sociological achievements, this new form of reportage became a tool that educated young people could use to inform themselves and seek to enlighten the masses.
Patior Ergo Sum: Data Surveillance and Necropolitics in Han Song’s Hospital Trilogy
Authors: Guangzhao LYU
Published: February 2024

The science fiction writer Han Song's trilogy Hospital, published between 2016 and 2018 in China, presents an eerie world of eternal pain within futuristic hospitals. With Michael Berry's translation coming out from January 2023, this work by one of the most well-known writers of contemporary Chinese science fiction is made available to an English readership. This article interrogates the nature of this pain which articulates not an impending risk of death but the patients’ inability to die. Through a process of datafication and digitalization, the patients are converted into streams of algorithmic codes and dehumanized as digital “profiles” to be collected, deposited, and re-accessed. These “profiles” become sophisticated enough to develop their own agency that replaces the patients as the targets of biopolitics, indicating an ontological transition that disempowers human beings and subjectivizes the meta-being of the patients’ digital “changelings.” I argue that this ontological transition signals a historical change in governmentality, epistemology, and political economy, gesturing towards new methods for the governance and commodification of populations in a discourse of patior ergo sum — I suffer, therefore I am.
Politics of the Heart: In Conversation with Porty Pride
Authors: O’Shea Helen
Published: February 2024

This contribution, by four LGBT+ women of the Porty Pride committee, explores the background of Porty Pride as well as the priorities and values that underpin their approach to the events that take place every June. It also touches on the challenges facing particular LGBT+ communities at present, the burgeoning local Pride movement in Scotland and the continued importance of localism moving forward.
The Effect of Bridging Exercise on Muscle Strength and Body Balance in Stroke Patients at National Brain Center Hospital Prof. DR. Mahar Mardjono East Jakarta
Authors: Desvita Eva , Sofiani Yani , Yunitri Ninik
Published: February 2024

Aims:  The study aimed to determine the effect of bridging exercise on muscle strength and body balance in stroke patients at national brain center hospital Prof. DR. Mahar Mardjono East Jakarta.
Methods: This study used experimental design aimed to test the application of bridging exercise to body balance and muscle strength in stroke patients. This study was conducted in one group with pre and post-test design. This study was conducted at National Brain Center hospital Prof. DR. Mahar Mardjono East Jakarta. The bridging exercise was conducted at 2-weeks, with light tp moderate intensity, three times a week, with 30 to 45 minutes every session.
Results: The result of the statistical test with the Paired Samples t-Test P value resulted in 0.001. These result mean that bridging exercise has a significant effect on muscle strength in stroke patients with a mean difference of -0.63 (CI: -0.91-0.34) and a significantly improved the balance of patients with a mean difference of 17 (CI 12.1-21.9) and a high magnitude of effect (1.69).
Conclusion: These result mean that bridging exercise has a significant effect on muscle strength in stroke patients.
Circulating serum profile of small non-coding RNAs in patients with anaphylaxis beyond microRNAs
Authors: Fernández-Bravo Sergio , Betancor Diana , Cuesta-Herranz Javier , Rodríguez del Río Pablo , Ibañez-Sandín María Dolores , Nuñez-Borque Emilio , Esteban Vanesa
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Anaphylaxis is the most severe manifestation of allergic disorders. Currently, an increasing number of cells, pathways and molecules involved in the etiopathogenesis of anaphylaxis are being discovered. However, there are no conclusive biomarkers to confirm its diagnosis. Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) are 18-200 nucleotide molecules that can be divided into: microRNAs (miRNAs), Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs), transference RNA derived fragments (tRFs) and YRNA derived fragments (YRFs). These molecules participate in cell-cell communication modulating various physiological processes and have been postulated as non-invasive biomarkers of several pathologies. Therefore, in this study we characterized the serum circulating profile of other sncRNA beyond miRNAs in two populations of 5 adults and 5 children with drug- and food-mediated anaphylaxis, respectively.

Methods

Samples were obtained from each patient under two different conditions: during anaphylaxis and 14 days after the reaction (control). The sncRNA analysis was carried out by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).

Results

A total of 671 sncRNAs (3 piRNAs, 74 snoRNAs, 54 snRNAs, 348 tRFs and 192 YRFs) were identified in adults with drug-induced anaphylaxis, while 612 sncRNAs (2 piRNAs, 73 snoRNAs, 52 snRNAs, 321 tRFs and 164 YRFs) were characterized in children with food-mediated anaphylaxis. However, only 33 (1 piRNA, 4 snoRNAs, 1 snRNAs, 7 tRFs and 20 YRFs) and 80 (4 snoRNAs, 6 snRNAs, 54 tRFs and 16 YRFs) of them were statistically different between both conditions, respectively. Among them, only three (Y_RNA.394, Y_RNA.781 and SCARNA2) were common to both adults and children analysis.

Discussion

This study provides a differential profile of circulating serum sncRNAs beyond miRNAs in patients with anaphylaxis, postulating them as candidate biomarkers for this pathological event and as novel mediators of the reaction.
Transmission dynamics of drug-resistant tuberculosis in Ningbo, China: an epidemiological and genomic analysis
Authors: Che Yang , Li Xiangchen , Chen Tong , Lu Yewei , Sang Guoxin , Gao Junli , Gao Junshun , Liu Zhengwei , He Tianfeng , Chen Yi
Published: February 2024

Background

Tuberculosis (TB), particularly drug-resistant TB (DR-TB), remains a significant public health concern in Ningbo, China. Understanding its molecular epidemiology and spatial distribution is paramount for effective control.

Methods

From December 24, 2020, to March 12, 2023, we collected clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) strains in Ningbo, with whole-genome sequencing performed on 130 MTB strains. We analyzed DR-related gene mutations, conducted phylogenetic and phylodynamic analyses, identified recent transmission clusters, and assessed spatial distribution.

Results

Among 130 DR-TB cases, 41% were MDR-TB, 36% pre-XDR-TB, 19% RR-TB, and 3% HR-TB. The phylogenetic tree showed that 90% of strains were Lineage 2 (Beijing genotype), while remaining 10% were Lineage 4 (Euro-American genotype). The spatial analysis identified hotspots of DR-TB in Ningbo’s northern region, particularly in traditional urban centers. 31 (24%) of the DR-TB cases were grouped into 7 recent transmission clusters with a large outbreak cluster containing 15 pre-XDR-TB patients. Epidemiological analyses suggested a higher risk of recent DR-TB transmission among young adult patients who frequently visited Internet cafes, game rooms, and factories.

Conclusion

Our study provides comprehensive insights into the epidemiology and genetics of DR-TB in Ningbo. The presence of genomic clusters highlights recent transmission events, indicating the need for targeted interventions. These findings are vital for informing TB control strategies in Ningbo and similar settings.
Shallow and deep groundwater moderate methane dynamics in a high Arctic glacial catchment
Authors: Kleber Gabrielle E. , Magerl Leonard , Turchyn Alexandra V. , Redeker Kelly , Thiele Stefan , Liira Martin , Herodes Koit , Øvreås Lise , Hodson Andrew
Published: February 2024

Glacial groundwater can mobilize deep-seated methane from beneath glaciers and permafrost in the Arctic, leading to atmospheric emissions of this greenhouse gas. We present a temporal, hydro-chemical dataset of methane-rich groundwater collected during two melt seasons from a high Arctic glacial forefield to explore the seasonal dynamics of methane emissions. We use methane and ion concentrations and the isotopic composition of water and methane to investigate the sources of groundwater and the origin of the methane that the groundwater transports to the surface. Our results suggest two sources of groundwater, one shallow and one deep, which mix, and moderate methane dynamics. During summer, deep methane-rich groundwater is diluted by shallow oxygenated groundwater, leading to some microbial methane oxidation prior to its emergence at the surface. Characterization of the microbial compositions in the groundwater shows that microbial activity is an important seasonal methane sink along this flow-path. In the groundwater pool studied, we found that potential methane emissions were reduced by an average of 29% (±14%) throughout the summer due to microbial oxidation. During winter, deep groundwater remains active while many shallow systems shut down due to freezing, reducing subsurface methane oxidation, and potentially permitting larger methane emissions. Our results suggest that ratios of the different groundwater sources will change in the future as aquifer capacities and recharge volumes increase in a warming climate.
Researching educational barriers in participatory real-world labs: vocational training of refugees in rural counties in Germany
Authors: Thomas Stefan , Albrecht Pauline , Korntheuer Annette , Bucher Judith
Published: February 2024

Introduction

As a result of the large-scale arrivals of refugees and migrants, Germany is facing the challenge of providing inclusive education pathways not at least for a successful integration into the labor market. In our research project laeneAs (Ländliche Bildugnsumwelten junger Geflüchteter in der beruflichen Ausbildung/The Rural Educational Environments of Young Refugees in Vocational Training), we focus on educational barriers and good practices within the vocational education and training system (VET) for refugees in rural counties. In particular, racism and discrimination are significant barriers to refugee participation in society and education. Our contribution addresses the following research question: How is educational inclusion discussed and defined in and through real-world labs among stakeholders in four rural districts: social workers, educators, policymakers, administration, and young refugees?.

Methods

We initiated real-world labs as a space for collaborative research, reflection, and development to promote inclusive pathways for young refugees in vocational education and training in four research sites. We used futures labs as a method to identify key challenges and develop action plans as an activating method with stakeholders and refugee trainees. Our data consisted of audio recordings of group discussions in the real-world future labs, which were analyzed using deductive content analysis.

Results

The analysis identified the following areas as important barriers to education and for practice transformation: (1) infrastructural and cultural barriers; (2) day-to-day problems in vocational schools and companies (3) restrictive immigration policies and regulations.

Discussion

Educational barriers are imbedded in a contradictory immigration regime with reciprocal effects so that refugee trainees have difficulties in completing their education and further their social inclusion. On the other side of this contradictory immigration regime, social work and social networks provide fundamental support in obtaining a vocational qualification.
Learning and institutional support for youth in higher education institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa
Authors: Dukhi Natisha , Sewpaul Ronel , Zungu Nompumelelo P. , Mokhele Tholang , Sifunda Sibusiso
Published: February 2024

Introduction

As higher education institutions (HEIs) moved from in-person to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, various challenges were presented. Using a large online survey conducted during the pandemic, this paper investigates the impact of COVID-19 on learning and institutional support offered to students in HEIs in South Africa.

Methods

The study utilized a closed-ended questionnaire on a data-free online platform. The study sample included South African youth aged 18–35 years who were enrolled for some type of educational training or in higher education institutions (including private colleges). Data was benchmarked to the 2019 estimates of the youth population in educational institutions. Descriptive statistics are presented.

Results

Among the 7011 student participants, the main challenges experienced during lockdown were loss of study time (57.9%), insufficient money for essential personal items for studying (55.8%), loss of social contact (42.2%) and insufficient money for food (40.1%). Overall, 47.0% of students reported having free access to the internet, 49.5% used personal internet or paid for internet access and 3.5% indicated having no access to internet. The majority rated their institution’s eLearning portal as good or excellent, and 23.4% thought their eLearning portal was of poor quality. Significantly fewer (38.1%) technical and vocational education and training (TVET) college students indicated that their institution provided the capacity to conduct virtual learning compared to those enrolled at other types of institutions. Almost two thirds of students (66.2%) from TVET colleges experienced difficulty in communicating with their institutions. Half of the students (49.9%) reported that they had a suitable place to study during lockdown, while 78.6% had regular access to electricity during lockdown. Significantly more TVET and University of Technology students received transport to return home and fee refunds.

Conclusion

While it was encouraging that most HEIs had capacity for online learning and made provision of internet access for students, it was concerning that students who are enrolled at TVET colleges faced more learning challenges during the lockdown. This highlights the inequality in learning support at different types of institutions, and that effective support from HEIs to students during the COVID-19 pandemic was not fully implemented.
People and Data: solving planetary challenges together
Authors: Vanalli Chiara , Howerton Emily , Yang Fuhan , Tran Thu Nguyen-Anh , Hu Weiming
Published: February 2024

The advancement of computing and information collection technologies has created vast amounts of data describing the world surrounding us. Yet, our planet continues to face unprecedented challenges, including climate change and biodiversity loss. How do we effectively use this information in an open and collaborative way to tackle these planetary-scale issues? We propose a stronger synergistic integration between people and data as we work toward a healthy planet: crowd empowerment in the collection and analysis of data as well as in the identification and implementation of actionable solutions. We use our unique experience as a diverse winning team of the EY Better Working World 2022 global data challenge to illustrate the great potential and current limitations of such an approach. With the objective of fighting biodiversity loss, we were asked to develop a predictive frog multi-species distribution model using occurrence data, gathered from the FrogID app, and environmental conditions. Despite the great potential of global data challenges focused on planetary health, they comprise about 6% of all challenges in the last 5 years. Moreover, though open in principle, in practice, pre-existing disparities limit the inclusion of a diverse crowd. To address existing gaps, we propose practical guidelines to realize the “People and Data” vision: fostering collaboration, seeking funding, enhancing diversity, and ensuring long-term sustainability. In this way, we can tackle the great challenges our world is facing.
Diverging sub-fields in functional ecology
Authors: Viliani Leonardo , Bonelli Simona , Gentile Giorgio , Parile Enrico , Riva Federico
Published: February 2024

The number of studies in functional ecology grew exponentially in the last decades. Whether and how ecologists changed how they conduct these studies, however, remains poorly understood. Using butterflies as a model taxon, we assessed forty years of research asking whether and how functional analyses have changed. We found that how authors contextualize their work corresponds to divergent sub-fields in functional ecology. Articles explicitly referring to “functional traits” have become increasingly common in the last decade, focus on many species, and typically address the relationship between biodiversity and environmental gradients. Meanwhile, articles that do not refer to “functional traits” usually account for variation within species and among sexes, and are based on direct measures of the trait of interest. These differences have increased over time, highlighting a schism. As functional ecology continues to grow, authors and syntheses will benefit from awareness of these different schools of thought.
Immune cell infiltrates in peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer
Authors: Sundström Patrik , Hogg Stephen , Quiding Järbrink Marianne , Bexe Lindskog Elinor
Published: February 2024

Background

The presence of peritoneal metastases (PMs) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) confers a poor prognosis and only a minority of patients will benefit from the available treatment options. In primary CRC tumors, it is well established that a high infiltration of CD8+ effector T cells correlates to a favorable patient outcome. In contrast, the immune response induced in PMs from CRC and how it relates to patient survival is still unknown. In this study, we characterized the immune infiltrates and the distribution of immune checkpoint receptors on T cells from PMs from CRC, in order to evaluate the potential benefit of checkpoint blockade immunotherapy for this patient group.

Methods

Surgically resected PM tissue from CRC patients (n=22) and synchronous primary tumors (n=8) were processed fresh to single cell suspensions using enzymatic digestion. Surface markers and cytokine production were analyzed using flow cytometry.

Results

T cells dominated the leukocyte infiltrate in the PM specimens analyzed, followed by monocytes and B cells. Comparing two different PMs from the same patient usually showed a similar distribution of immune cells in both samples. The T cell infiltrate was characterized by an activated phenotype and markers of exhaustion were enriched compared with matched circulating T cells, in particular the checkpoint receptors PD-1 and TIGIT. In functional assays most cytotoxic and helper T cells produced INF-γ and TNF following polyclonal stimulation, while few produced IL-17, indicating a dominance of Th1-type responses in the microenvironment of PMs.

Conclusion

Immune cells were present in all PMs from CRC examined. Although infiltrating T cells express markers of exhaustion, they produce Th1-type cytokines when stimulated. These results indicate the possibility to augment tumor-specific immune responses within PMs using checkpoint blockade inhibitors.
Configuring the field of global marine biodiversity conservation
Authors: Campbell Lisa M. , Gruby Rebecca , Gray Noella J.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The article describes and analyzes the emergence of the field of global marine biodiversity conservation over the past fifteen years. We draw on collaborative research at international meetings, which we position as ‘field’ sites, places where diverse actors come together to negotiate the meaning and terms of global environmental governance and where that work is accessible and visible to researchers.

Methods

Based on Collaborative Event Ethnography (CEE), a method developed to facilitate study of large meetings, we mobilize research from seven meetings since 2008 to describe the field of global marine biodiversity conservation, but more importantly to specifying how that field has been configured.

Results

We identify practices of orchestration, narrative, performance, alliance, social objects, devices, and technologies, formal outcomes, and formal procedures, and their use at three phases of field configuration: building, framing, and bounding.

Discussion

The results: 1) enhance our understanding of the role of international conferences in global environmental governance generally, and for marine biodiversity conservation specifically; 2) demonstrate the relevance of field and field configuration theory; 3) contribute to theory on institutional fields by specifying practices of field configuration.
Metabarcoding and microscopy characterization of phytoplankton from frontal areas of the Argentine Sea
Authors: Almandoz Gastón Osvaldo , Fabro Elena , Sprong Pim , Mascioni Martina , Antoni Julieta , Ferrario Martha , Metfies Katja , Barrera Facundo Matias
Published: February 2024

The Argentine Sea is worldwide recognized as a highly productive area, characterized by extensive phytoplankton blooms during spring and summer. Despite the well-known importance of frontal areas for biomass accumulation, phytoplankton diversity remains poorly studied. In an unprecedented approach for the Argentine Sea, we combined microscopy and 18Sv4 metabarcoding analyses for a refined assessment of summer phytoplankton composition in three understudied frontal areas of the Argentine Sea (≈43°−55°S), with contrasting oceanographic conditions. Metabarcoding and microscopy analyses agreed on the detection of the dominant phytoplanktonic groups in the different frontal areas studied; chlorophytes in Valdés Peninsula, dinoflagellates in waters off Blanco Cape, and diatoms in de los Estados Island. The analysis of the phytoplankton community was significantly enriched by combining both techniques, microscopy provided cell abundances and biomass data and metabarcoding provided greater detail on species composition, revealing an important specific richness of dinoflagellates, diatoms and other delicate groups, such as chlorophytes. However, we also considered differences between the methods for certain taxa at a lower taxonomic level (species/genus) of the dominant taxa, such as the underestimation of the diatoms Asterionellopsis glacialis and Pseudo-nitzschia spp. and the overestimation of Chaetoceros contortus by metabarcoding in comparison to microscopic counts. The detection of several taxa belonging to small and delicate groups, previously overlooked due to the lack of distinct morphological features, establishes a baseline for future studies on phytoplankton diversity in the Argentine Sea.
Renal hypouricemia complicated with kidney stone: a case report
Authors: Yang Yuhao , Mu Xingyu , Wu Zengxiang , An Zhenmei , Li Shuangqing
Published: February 2024

Renal hypouricemia (RHUC) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by impaired renal tubular uric acid reabsorption and abnormally high uric acid clearance, which may be manifested by reduced serum uric acid (SUA) levels and elevated fractional excretion of uric acid (FE-UA >10%). Most RHUC patients are often asymptomatic or have accidentally decreased SUA levels during health examinations, while others develop kidney stones and exercise-induced acute kidney injury (EIAKI). We now report a case of RHUC complicated with an asymptomatic kidney stone, and we identified a heterozygous mutation of c.269G > A (p.R90H) and a novel heterozygous mutation of c.674C > G (p.T225R) in the SLC22A12 gene in the patient through whole exon gene detection (NGS method). This case offers valuable insights into the mechanisms, clinical management, and prognosis of RHUC and its associated complications.
Detection of centroblast cells in H&E stained whole slide image based on object detection
Authors: Yuenyong Sumeth , Boonsakan Paisarn , Sripodok Supasan , Thuwajit Peti , Charngkaew Komgrid , Pongpaibul Ananya , Angkathunyakul Napat , Hnoohom Narit , Thuwajit Chanitra
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Detection and counting of Centroblast cells (CB) in hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) stained whole slide image (WSI) is an important workflow in grading Lymphoma. Each high power field (HPF) patch of a WSI is inspected for the number of CB cells and compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline that organizes lymphoma into 3 grades. Spotting and counting CBs is time-consuming and labor intensive. Moreover, there is often disagreement between different readers, and even a single reader may not be able to perform consistently due to many factors.

Method

We propose an artificial intelligence system that can scan patches from a WSI and detect CBs automatically. The AI system works on the principle of object detection, where the CB is the single class of object of interest. We trained the AI model on 1,669 example instances of CBs that originate from WSI of 5 different patients. The data was split 80%/20% for training and validation respectively.

Result

The best performance was from YOLOv5x6 model that used the preprocessed CB dataset achieved precision of 0.808, recall of 0.776, mAP at 0.5 IoU of 0.800 and overall mAP of 0.647.

Discussion

The results show that centroblast cells can be detected in WSI with relatively high precision and recall.
Cultural techniques capture diverse phosphate-solubilizing bacteria in rock phosphate-enriched habitats
Authors: Ducousso-Détrez Amandine , Lahrach Zakaria , Fontaine Joël , Lounès-Hadj Sahraoui Anissa , Hijri Mohamed
Published: February 2024

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a common problem in croplands where phosphate-based fertilizers are regularly used to maintain bioavailable P for plants. However, due to their limited mobility in the soil, there has been an increased interest in microorganisms that can convert insoluble P into a bioavailable form, and their use to develop phosphate-solubilizing bioinoculants as an alternative to the conventional use of P fertilizers. In this study, we proposed two independent experiments and explored two entirely different habitats to trap phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSBs). In the first experiment, PSBs were isolated from the rhizoplane of native plant species grown in a rock-phosphate (RP) mining area. A subset of 24 bacterial isolates from 210 rhizoplane morphotypes was selected for the inorganic phosphate solubilizing activities using tricalcium phosphate (TCP) as the sole P source. In the second experiment, we proposed an innovative experimental setup to select mycohyphospheric bacteria associated to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal hyphae, indigenous of soils where agronomic plant have been grown and trapped in membrane bag filled with RP. A subset of 25 bacterial isolates from 44 mycohyphospheric morphotypes was tested for P solubilizing activities. These two bacterial subsets were then screened for additional plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, and 16S rDNA sequencing was performed for their identification. Overall, the two isolation experiments resulted in diverse phylogenetic affiliations of the PSB collection, showing only 4 genera (24%) and 5 species (17%) shared between the two communities, thus underlining the value of the two protocols, including the innovative mycohyphospheric isolate selection method, for selecting a greater biodiversity of cultivable PSB. All the rhizoplane and mycohyphospheric PSB were positive for ammonia production. Indol-3-acetic acid (IAA) production was observed for 13 and 20 isolates, respectively among rhizoplane and mycohyphospheric PSB, ranging, respectively, from 32.52 to 330.27 μg mL−1 and from 41.4 to 963.9 μg mL−1. Only five rhizoplane and 12 mycohyphospheric isolates were positively screened for N2 fixation. Four rhizoplane PSB were identified as siderophore producers, while none of the mycohyphospheric isolates were. The phenotype of one PSB rhizoplane isolate, assigned to Pseudomonas, showed four additive PGP activities. Some bacterial strains belonging to the dominant genera Bacillus and Pseudomonas could be considered potential candidates for further formulation of biofertilizer in order to develop bioinoculant consortia that promote plant P nutrition and growth in RP-enriched soils.
Influence of weeding methods on rhizosphere soil and root endophytic microbial communities in tea plants
Authors: Yan Yuxiao , Wang Conglian , Wan Renyuan , Li Shuang , Yang Yanfen , Lv Caiyou , Li Yongmei , Yang Guangrong
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Polyethylene mulch is a kind of inorganic mulch widely used in agriculture. The effects of plastic mulch debris on the structure of plant soil and root growth have been fully studied, but their effects on endophytic microbial communities have not been explored to a large extent.

Methods

In this study, High-throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes and fungal ITS region sequences were used to analyze microbial community structure and composition in rhizosphere soil and root endophytic of tea plant under three different weeding methods: polyethylene mulching, hand weeding and no weeding (CK).

Results

The results showed that the weeding methods had no significant effect on the rhizosphere and root endophytic microbial abundance, but the rhizosphere bacterial structure covered by polyethylene mulch was significantly different than hand weeding and CK. The rhizosphere fungal diversity was also significantly higher than the other two analyzed treatments. The community abundance of rhizosphere microorganisms Acidobacteria, Candidatus Rokubacteria and Aspergillus covered by polyethylene mulch decreased significantly, whereas Bradyrhizobium, Solirubrobacterales and Alphaproteobacteria increased significantly. The abundance of bacteria Ktedonobacter, Reticulibacter, Ktedonosporobacter and Dictyobacter communities covered by polyethylene mulch was significantly changed, and the abundance of Fusarium and Nitrobacteraceae was significantly increased. Rhizosphere dominant bacteria were negatively correlated with soil available nitrogen content, while dominant fungi were significantly correlated with soil pH, total nitrogen and total potassium.

Discussion

Polyethylene mulch forms an independent micro-ecological environment. At the same time, the soil nutrient environment was enriched by affecting the nitrogen cycle, and the composition of microbial community was affected. This study elucidated the effects of polyethylene mulch on soil microbial community in tea garden and provided a new theoretical understanding for weed management.
Serum proteomic biomarker investigation of vascular depression using data-independent acquisition: a pilot study
Authors: Lan Liuyi , Peng Sisi , Zhang Ran , He Haoying , Yang Yong , Xi Bing , Zhang Junjian
Published: February 2024

Background

Vascular depression (VaD) is a depressive disorder closely associated with cerebrovascular disease and vascular risk factors. It remains underestimated owing to challenging diagnostics and limited information regarding the pathophysiological mechanisms of VaD. The purpose of this study was to analyze the proteomic signatures and identify the potential biomarkers with diagnostic significance in VaD.

Methods

Deep profiling of the serum proteome of 35 patients with VaD and 36 controls was performed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Functional enrichment analysis of the quantified proteins was based on Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, and Reactome databases. Machine learning algorithms were used to screen candidate proteins and develop a protein-based model to effectively distinguish patients with VaD.

Results

There were 29 up-regulated and 31 down-regulated proteins in the VaD group compared to the controls (|log2FC| ≥ 0.26, p ≤ 0.05). Enrichment pathways analyses showed that neurobiological processes related to synaptic vesicle cycle and axon guidance may be dysregulated in VaD. Extrinsic component of synaptic vesicle membrane was the most enriched term in the cellular components (CC) terms. 19 candidate proteins were filtered for further modeling. A nomogram was developed with the combination of HECT domain E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 3 (HECTD3), Nidogen-2 (NID2), FTO alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase (FTO), Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1), and N-acetylneuraminate lyase (NPL), which could be used to predict VaD risk with favorable efficacy.

Conclusion

This study offers a comprehensive and integrated view of serum proteomics and contributes to a valuable proteomics-based diagnostic model for VaD.
Neurological involvement among non-hospitalized adolescents and young adults 6 months after acute COVID-19
Authors: Havdal Lise Beier , Selvakumar Joel , Lund Berven Lise , Stiansen-Sonerud Tonje , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Holmøy Trygve , Wyller Vegard Bruun Bratholm
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) is characterized by debilitating persistent symptoms, including symptoms suggesting neurological aberrations such as concentration difficulties, impaired memory, pain, and sleep disturbances. The underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate brain injury biomarkers, neurocognitive test performance, and self-reported neurological and neuropsychological symptoms in young people with PCC.

Methods

A total of 404 non-hospitalized adolescents and young adults aged 12–25 years who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, along with 105 matched SARS-CoV-2 negative individuals, were prospectively enrolled and followed-up for 6 months (Clinical Trials ID: NCT04686734). All participants underwent comprehensive assessment encompassing clinical examinations, questionnaires, neurocognitive testing and blood sampling. Serum samples were immunoassayed for the brain injury biomarkers neurofilament light chain (Nfl) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAp). At 6 months, cross-sectional analyses of serum Nfl/GFAp, neurocognitive test results and symptom scores were performed across groups based on adherence to PCC criteria as well as initial SARS-CoV-2 test results. Also, associations between Nfl/GFAp, neurocognitive test results, and symptom scores were explored.

Results

A total of 381 SARS-CoV-2 positive and 85 SARS-CoV-2 negative were included in the final analysis at 6 months, of whom 48% and 47%, respectively, adhered to the PCC criteria. Serum levels of Nfl and GFAp were almost equal across groups and did not differ from reference values in healthy populations. Also, neurocognitive test results were not different across groups, whereas symptom scores were significantly higher in patients fulfilling PCC criteria (independent of initial SARS-CoV-2 status). No significant associations between Nfl/GFAp, neurocognitive test results, and symptom scores were found.

Conclusion

Normal brain injury biomarkers and neurocognitive performance 6 months after mild COVID-19 implies that the persistent symptoms associated with PCC are not concurrent with ongoing central nervous system damage or permanent disruption of cognitive functions. This finding contradicts the notion of neuroinflammation as a likely explanation for the persistent symptoms.
Dynamic Network Connectivity: from monkeys to humans
Authors: Arnsten Amy F. T. , Wang Min , D’Esposito Mark
Published: February 2024

Human brain imaging research using functional MRI (fMRI) has uncovered flexible variations in the functional connectivity between brain regions. While some of this variability likely arises from the pattern of information flow through circuits, it may also be influenced by rapid changes in effective synaptic strength at the molecular level, a phenomenon called Dynamic Network Connectivity (DNC) discovered in non-human primate circuits. These neuromodulatory molecular mechanisms are found in layer III of the macaque dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), the site of the microcircuits shown by Goldman-Rakic to be critical for working memory. This research has shown that the neuromodulators acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and dopamine can rapidly change the strength of synaptic connections in layer III dlPFC by (1) modifying the depolarization state of the post-synaptic density needed for NMDA receptor neurotransmission and (2) altering the open state of nearby potassium channels to rapidly weaken or strengthen synaptic efficacy and the strength of persistent neuronal firing. Many of these actions involve increased cAMP-calcium signaling in dendritic spines, where varying levels can coordinate the arousal state with the cognitive state. The current review examines the hypothesis that some of the dynamic changes in correlative strength between cortical regions observed in human fMRI studies may arise from these molecular underpinnings, as has been seen when pharmacological agents or genetic alterations alter the functional connectivity of the dlPFC consistent with the macaque physiology. These DNC mechanisms provide essential flexibility but may also confer vulnerability to malfunction when dysregulated in cognitive disorders.
Monitoring health and nutrition claims on food labels in Brazil
Authors: Kikuta Carolina , Borges Camila Aparecida , Duran Ana Clara
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The monitoring of nutrition and health claims on food and beverage labels has been proposed by international and national organizations because it can collaborate with the development of public policies to regulate food labeling and marketing strategies. One way of carrying out this monitoring is by using data collected by private companies.

Objective

To compare information on nutrition and health claims available in a commercial database of a private company that monitors the launch of new foods and beverages in Brazilian food retailers with information on those same claims manually coded by trained research assistants.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional observational study using a data sample of newly launched food and beverages available at a commercial database from 2018 to 2021. We compared the information on health and nutrition claims available on the commercial dataset with reliable information on the same nutrition and health claims manually coded by trained research assistants using a tested taxonomy to classify such claims. We used Gwet’s Kappa AC1 with 95% CI and percentage agreement to compare both data sources and calculated sensitivity and specificity of the compared data.

Results

A total of 6,722 foods and beverages were analyzed. Mintel-GNPD presented 36.28% (n = 2,439) of nutrition claims, while in the trained researchers’ coding, it was 33.73% (n = 2,267). We found a prevalence of 5.4% (n = 362) for health claims in Mintel-GNPD and 10.8% (n = 723) in the researchers’ coding. All subcategories of nutrition and health claims showed high agreement (Kappa >0.81). Health claims presented kappa = 0.89 with 33.7% sensitivity and 98.0% specificity while nutrition claims showed kappa = 0.86 with 92.9% sensitivity and 92.5% specificity.

Conclusion

Nutrition and health claims showed high agreement, with great results in nutrition claims, indicating that Mintel-GPND is suitable for monitoring such claims on food and beverage packaging in Brazil. Additionally, our findings show a high prevalence of nutrition and health claims on food packages launched in the Brazilian food retail, highlighting the need to monitor these to develop public policies to regulate food marketing on packaging in Brazil.