bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changing the Category of Crime by the Court: Law, Theory, Practice
Authors: Sharapov R. D.
Published: April 2023

The article is devoted to the criminal law characterization of the change by the court of the category of crime to a less serious one. The criminal law norm provided for by Part 6 of Art. 15 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, is subjected to dogmatic analysis based on the provisions of the theory of criminal law and judicial practice. The content of the conditions and grounds for changing the category of crime as a tool for the individualization of criminal liability is revealed. The essence of changing the category of a crime by the court is determined, which consists in the fact that the norm is designed to eliminate the contradiction between the need to apply the criminal legal consequences of a less serious crime to the convicted person due to the fact that the punishment imposed on him, reflecting a significantly lower degree of public danger of the deed, corresponds to the category of a less serious crime, and the impossibility to do this for formal reasons, due to the fact that the maximum penalty for a crime committed by the criminal law categorizes it as more serious. In the context of the impossibility of changing the category of crime in a criminal case of a crime of minor gravity in order to assess the actual circumstances of the deed, indicating a significantly lower degree of its public danger, it is recommended to discuss the application of the criminal law norm on the insignificance of the act (part 2 of article 14 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). When passing a sentence, the court is obliged to consider the possibility of changing the category of crime to a less serious one in the presence of those provided for in Part 6 of Art. 15 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation of formal conditions, however, the court has the right to change the category of a crime on the basis of an assessment that the degree of social danger of a crime, taking into account the actual circumstances of its commission, has been significantly reduced. A change in the category of a crime cannot affect the application of criminal law norms that determine the criminality of an act (qualification), as well as regulate the rules for sentencing separately for each crime committed. The practice of a court decision to change the category of a crime when issuing a decision to terminate a criminal case or criminal prosecution on non-rehabilitating grounds does not correspond to the procedural order of application of Part 6 of Art. 15 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
Review of the Monograph: Serkov P. P. Legal Relationship (Theory and Practice of Modern Legal Policy). Moscow: Norma, 2023. 1544 p.
Authors: Tsukanov N. N.
Published: April 2023

The presented review gives a general assessment of the monograph by the famous Russian scholar, a specialist with significant practical experience, Doctor of Legal Sciences, Professor Petr Pavlovich Serkov. The philosophical and legal orientation of the study is stated, the key provisions and conclusions of the author are evaluated, the prospects for further scientific and practical use of the results are noted. In the first part of the review, the specifics of the subject of research determined by P. P. Serkov are considered. It is noted that the latter is many times wider than the subject of legal relations in the usual sense for a modern lawyer. The title of the monograph is due to the fact that the author of the work gives this category a special place, recognizing it as the fundamental basis of the system of legal regulation. Attention is drawn to the breadth and diversity of the illustrative material, the originality of the methods used by the Author of setting research problems and formulating scientific questions, determining methods for solving them, choosing the form and style of presenting the results. Numerous references to the text of the monograph are given to substantiate the conclusions, and brief generalizations are formulated. The second section of the work is devoted to the style of presentation of scientific material, focuses on its influence on the perception of the text and its content. It is noted that this feature makes the text more vivid, figurative, but at the same time significantly complicates the work with it, makes it difficult to accurately understand the Author’s idea. The third section reflects the features of the structure of the work. The review draws attention to the non-standard approach of Petr P. Serkov to the naming and mutual arrangement of structural elements, to the intractability of certain scientific questions formulated by Petr P. Serkov. The method of argumentation used by the Author by means of references to the unprovenness of one or another thesis is especially noted. The controversial provisions of the monograph are noted. The reviewer does not share the Author’s skeptical attitude to the methodology of modern legal science, his opinion on the need to revise the role of the abstraction method in scientific legal research, on the place of legal relations in the structure of legal matter, and on a number of other scientific issues.
Possibilidades e desafios no acolhimento de demandas coletivas, especialmente socioambientais, pelo escritório modelo de assessoria jurídica da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande
Authors: De Avellar Mascarello Marcela , Eibs Cafrune Marcelo
Published: April 2023

A presente pesquisa buscou compreender as possibilidades e desafios no acolhimento de demandas coletivas, especialmente as socioambientais, pelo Escritório Modelo de Assessoria Jurídica (EMAJ), da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG). Com base na literatura referente à experiência brasileira de práticas jurídicas universitárias e, ancorada na perspectiva teórica da justiça ambiental, propôs-se analisar a percepção do corpo docente acerca do tema. Trata-se, assim, de uma pesquisa de natureza qualitativa em que foi utilizada a técnica de entrevistas semiestruturadas, realizadas juntamente aos professores efetivos vinculados ao EMAJ. O corpo docente apontou que o EMAJ possui um papel pedagógico e de assessoria jurídica para os grupos vulneráveis. Para fomentar esse papel, em ambas as direções, é importante que o EMAJ atenda demandas coletivas, inclusive socioambientais. Destacaram também alguns desafios que devem ser superados para que esse atendimento se torne realidade, tais como: pedagógico; formativo; metodológico; inserção nas comunidades; e equipe multidisciplinar. Nesse sentido, entendemos que essa pesquisa contribuiu como um primeiro passo para problematizar e dialogar acerca do acolhimento desse tipo de demanda e a que o EMAJ extrapole seu espaço físico e se coloque cada vez mais ao lado dos movimentos sociais.
Developments in crop insect pest detection techniques
Authors:   USDA-ARS, USA, Mankin Richard W.
Published: April 2023

Early detection of crop insect pests is indispensable to farmers and managers. Researchers are increasing exploration of technology that improves capability to sense insect presence and maximize the timeliness, accuracy, and interpretability of the sensed data for targeted management. Traditional senses of vision, audition, olfaction, touch, and taste are now being augmented with technology sensitive to broad spectral ranges of electromagnetic, substrate, and molecular vibration energy over detection ranges that greatly exceed human capabilities. An example of augmentation is the combined use of sensors and semiochemicals in traps that detect wingbeats of incoming pests and then transmit data to remote computer systems that employ machine learning algorithms to provide near-real-time counts of each species trapped at specific locations and time periods. As their costs have decreased while labor and agricultural input costs have increased, such technologies are becoming important contributors to the success of integrated pest management efforts.
Advances in pest risk assessment techniques focusing on invertebrate pests of European outdoor crops
Authors:   RSK ADAS Ltd, UK, Ramsden Mark W. , Telling Samuel ,   RSK ADAS Ltd, UK, Leybourne Daniel J. ,   RSK ADAS Ltd, UK, Alonso Natasha ,   RSK ADAS Ltd, UK, White Sacha ,   RSK ADAS Ltd, UK, Georgantzis Nikos ,   Burgundy School of Business, France
Published: April 2023

Pest Risk Assessments (PRAs) provide a simple evidence-based evaluation of risk posed by one or more pests to crops and can support farmers and farm advisors in developing integrated pest management strategies. By providing a structured approach to estimating the likelihood of pests infesting crops, and the hazard they present to crop production, these assessments enable targeted preventative and mitigating actions with a clear link to impact. In this chapter we break down the processes and tools available to undertake a pest risk assessment, the potential influence of the perception of risk on decision making and provide a worked example for a priority pest in wheat.
Assessing the potential economic impact of invasive plant pests
Authors:   Wageningen University, The Netherlands, Mourits Monique , Oude Lansink Alfons ,   Wageningen University, The Netherlands
Published: April 2023

Economic impact assessments are performed as part of a pest risk analysis to determine whether the introduction of a plant pest will result in unacceptable economic consequences. This often triggers phytosanitary measures to reduce the economic risk to an acceptable level. Appropriate techniques to assess the various economic impacts consist of partial budgeting, partial equilibrium models, input-output models, and computable general equilibrium models. These methods differ in width of economic scope and, consequently, in their ability to assess the economic effects of a pest introduction. In this chapter, each method is evaluated in terms of its economic concepts, scope, and required data and skill, followed by a general reflection on the question of how to choose the most appropriate technique, considering the trade-off between completeness in economic scope and required resources. The chapter concludes with two case studies to illustrate the potential of the methods that are most often applied.
Assessing bait acceptance of local dogs, oral rabies vaccination success and human contact risk in Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Husein Wahid Fakhri , Saputra Irene Linda Megawati , Suseno Pebi Purwo , Arthawan I Made , Prayoga I Made Angga , Daryono Joko , Vos Ad , Wicaksono Arief , Schoonman Luuk , Weaver John , Zainuddin Nuryani
Published: April 2023

Aim: The objective of this study was to identify the preferred bait of local dogs in Bali and estimate oral rabies vaccination (ORV) success in locations with varying geographic and demographic conditions. In addition, an evaluation of potential direct and indirect contact with the placebo sachet contents was conducted. Methods: The study was a randomized controlled trial conducted in two pilot areas of Bali using imported and hand-made baits. All dogs were offered a single bait containing a sachet of blue-dyed water using the “hand-out and retrieve” technique. Several methods were used to determine the likelihood of contact with the placebo vaccine. Comparing ORV with capture-vaccinate-release (CVR) methods, field officers were given Google Forms questions to answer. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate contingency table testing, followed by the development of a multiple logistic regression (MLR) model. Results: With 96.9% acceptance, intestine was the most popular bait for local dogs in Bali, and egg bait came in second (81.1%). However, the egg bait was 95.2% effective in releasing the vaccine in the oral cavity, followed by the intestine at 82.6%. 6.1% of surveyed households had direct contact with a dog that had recently consumed a vaccine bait. A survey among field officers also indicated that they preferred ORV over CVR, as the former is more suitable for vaccinating inaccessible dogs and less stressful for the teams and the animals. Conclusion: In Bali, both a locally-made intestine bait and an industrially-produced egg-flavored bait were readily taken up by local dogs. There is a small risk that people can come into contact with dogs previously offered a bait; hence, only vaccines with a high safety profile should be used. ORV can replace the currently used CVR method for vaccinating free-roaming dogs as a complementary tool to increase vaccination coverage.
Micromagnetic Approach to the Metastability of a Magnetite Nanoparticle and Specific Loss Power As Function of the Easy-Axis Orientation
Authors: Roa Nathaly , Restrepo Johans
Published: April 2023

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have attracted a great interest in nanomedical research. MNPs exhibit many important properties, particularly, magnetic hyperthermia for selective killing of cancer cells is one of them. In hyperthermia treatment, MNPs act as nano-heaters when they are under the influence of an alternating magnetic field (AMF). In this work, micromagnetic simulations have been used to investigate the magnetization dynamics of a single-domain nanoparticle of magnetite in an external AMF. Special attention is paid to the circumstances dealing with a dynamic phase transition (DPT). Besides, we focus on the influence of the orientation of the magnetic easy-axis of the MNP on the dynamic magnetic properties. For amplitudes of the external AMF above certain critical value, the system is not able to follow the magnetic field and it is found in a dynamically ordered phase; whereas for larger amplitudes, the state corresponds to a dynamically disordered phase and the magnetization follows the external AMF. Our results suggest that the way how the order-disorder DPT takes place, and both the metastable lifetime as well as the specific loss power (SLP), are strongly dependent on the interplay between the orientation of the magnetic easy-axis and the amplitude of the external AMF.
Analysis of Inverter Circulating Current and Magnetic Potential For flux-weakening Drive of BLDCM
Authors: Li XiaoKun , Wang Song , Xia Lidong
Published: April 2023

Permanent magnet brushless DC motor (BLDCM) is usually controlled by six step commutation method, and flux-weakening method is used to make the motor run higher above the base speed. For now, it is considered that the weak magneto-electric angle range is 0-pi/3, and that of deep weakening is pi/3-pi/2. In the field- weakening control, the forward shift of commutation point will form inverter circulating current in the three-phase bridge of inverter and the stator winding of the motor. In this paper, the principle of inverter circulating current formed by inverter is analyzed. Through magnetic potential analysis and Simulink simulation, it is concluded that flux-weakening control will generate inverter circulating current in the inverter and motor stator winding. The inverter circulating current affects the magnetic potential of motor, and magnetic potential will move to the rotating direction of motor rotor. When the forward shift angle of inverter commutation point is 0-pi/6 electrical angle, the movement amplitude of current circulating current of inverter is less than pi/6, which plays the role of weakening magnetic field and driving effect; when the forward moving angle is pi/6-pi/3, the movement amplitude of inverter circulating current exceeds pi/6, which plays the role of magnetic weakening and braking. When the braking effect occurs, the reverse torque will appear, resulting in the decrease of motor torque and efficiency. Therefore, the range of weak magneto-electric angle should be between 0-pi/6.
Prognostic Performance of Three Lymph Node Staging Systems on Gastric Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Limin , You Qi , Liu Bao
Published: April 2023

Background: The lymph nodes staging system can predict the prognosis of gastric signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC), but the optimal system for early and advanced SRCC remains unknown.

Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 693 SRCC patients who underwent radical resection in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital. The predicted performance of three lymph node staging systems, including pN staging, lymph node metastasis rate (LNR), and log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS), was compared using the receiver characteristic operating curve (ROC). The kaplan⁃meier method and the log⁃rank test analyze the overall survival of patients. The Cox risk regression model identifies independent risk factors associated with patient outcomes. The nomogram was made by R studio.

Results: The 693 SRCC included 165 early SRCC and 528 advanced SRCC. ROC showed that LODDS had better predictive performance than pN and LNR in predicting prognosis regardless of early or advanced SRCC. LODDS can be used to predict the prognosis of early and advanced SRCC and was an independent risk factor associated with patient outcomes (P=0.002, P<0.001). Furthermore, the nomogram constructed by LODDS and clinicopathological features had good predictive performance.

Conclusion: LODDS showed a clear prognostic superiority over both pN and LNR in early and advanced SRCC.
Effect of Flexible Operation on Residual Life of High-Temperature Components of Power Plants
Authors: Heo Jun , Park Mingyu , Kim Jeong-myun , Jang Dong-Won , Han Ji-Hoon
Published: April 2023

Electricity generation from renewable energy sources is emerging as a result of global carbon emission reduction policies. However, most renewable energy sources are non-dispatchable and cannot be adjusted to meet the fluctuating electricity demands of society. A flexible operation process has been proposed as an effective solution to compensate for the unstable nature of renewable energy sources. Thermal load fluctuations during flexible operation may cause creep-fatigue damage to the high-temperature components of thermal power plants, as they are designed with a focus on creep damage under a constant power level. This study investigated the residual life of high-temperature components, such as a superheater tube and a reheater header, to failure under flexible operation conditions using finite element analysis and empirical models. First, we determine an analytical solution for the straightened superheater tube under thermal conditions and compare it with the numerical solution to verify the numerical models. Through the verified finite element model, the creep-fatigue life of the reheater header is estimated by considering flexible operation factors and employing the Coffin-Manson and Larson-Miller models. Although fatigue damage increases with decreasing minimum load and ramp rate, we confirmed that creep damage significantly affects the residual life during flexible operation. In addition, a surrogate model was proposed to evaluate the residual life of the reheater as a function of the flexible operation factors using the machine learning methodology, based on the results of finite element methods. It can be used to predict its residual life without performing complex thermal-structure analysis and relying on empirical models for fatigue and creep life. We expect our findings to contribute to the efficient operation of thermal power plants by optimizing the flexible operation factors.
A Cross Sectional Study in Greece to Investigate Burnout, Anxiety and Depression in Medical and Nursing Staff during the Pandemic Crisis: The Impact of Occupational and Demographic Factors
Authors: Theofilou Paraskevi , Chasapi Angeliki , Vlastos Dimitris D. , Tsironi Maria
Published: April 2023

The presence of burnout, anxiety and depression among health professionals is a crucial issue that must be carefully addressed. The aim of the present study is to investigate levels of burnout, anxiety and depression among health professionals (medical and nursing staff) during the pandemic crisis, the association of burnout with anxiety and depression as well as the impact of occupational and demographic factors. One hundred twenty-five health professionals (medical and nursing staff) participated who were working in a public hospital in the broader area of Athens (sample of convenience). Specifically, 41 males and 84 females with the majority of them being in the category of 36-45 years of age. For the data collection, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the HADS questionnaire were used. The results showed that there was a statistically significant and negative correlation of emotional exhaustion to HADS total (r= -0,377, p=0,000) as well as HADS anxiety (r= -0,417, p=0,000). Also, there was a statistically significant and negative correlation of depersonalization to HADS total (r= -0,370, p=0,000) as well as HADS anxiety (r= -0,431, p=0,000). Moreover, there was a statistically significant effect (p<0,05) of occupational and demographic characteristics.
Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Induced by Subclavius Muscle Hypertrophy: A Case Report
Authors: Ha Jihoon , Lee Sangpyung , Beak Jinwook , Ryou Kyoung-Soo , Park Tae-Joon , Kim Seong-Hwan
Published: April 2023

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) is a complex disorder characterized by compression of the brachial plexus, resulting in pain, weakness, and sensory changes in the upper extremity. Traditional surgical treatments, such as first rib resection or anterior scalene muscle resection, can be invasive and associated with significant morbidity. We present a unique case of a patient diagnosed with NTOS who underwent a preoperative magnetic resonance imaging with the shoulder in an abduction position to identify the cause of NTOS. A minimally invasive subclavius muscle resection was subsequently performed, resulting in a dramatic reduction in pain and significant improvement in motor symptoms. This less invasive approach led to a quicker recovery time and reduced morbidity compared to traditional surgical methods. This case report suggests that before surgery, thoroughly investigating the causes of NTOS and selectively performing decompression only on the structures requiring intervention could also be considered a viable treatment option.
Revisiting the Biostratigraphic Range and Possible Cause of the First and Last Occurrence of Globigerinoides Ruber (Pink) in the Northern Indian Ocean
Authors: Bhadra Sudhira R. , Saraswat Rajeev , Kumar Gavendra , Suokhrie Thejasino
Published: April 2023

The first and last occurrence datums of species are often used as biostratigraphic markers to establish chronology beyond the range of radiocarbon dating. One such datum, the last occurrence of Globigerinoides ruber (pink) from the Indo-Pacific region, has been extensively used as a biostratigraphic marker. However, the first occurrence of G. ruber (pink) in the Indian Ocean and the possible causes thereof are debated. We report the first and last occurrence datums of G. ruber (pink) from the northern Indian Ocean and explore the possible reasons for its first and last occurrence. The first occurrence of G. ruber (pink) in the Bay of Bengal is 399 ka. The last occurrence datums are 128 ka and 123 ka in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, respectively. The occurrence of G. ruber (pink) in the Indian Ocean is attributed to its invasion through the warmer southeast Atlantic Ocean via the Agulhas Return Current. Based on the synchronous occurrence during Marine Isotopic Stage 11, we propose that the first occurrence of G. ruber (pink) can be used as an additional marker throughout the northern Indian Ocean.
Lithological and Geochemical Indicators of Ice Gouging: Evidences from Holocene Sediments in the East Siberian Sea
Authors: Alatortsev A.V. , Kolesnik A.N. , Shi X. , Hu L. , Karnaukh V.N. , Astakhov A.S.
Published: April 2023

—Cores of Holocene bottom sediment collected in the East Siberian Sea revealed layers with mixed textures and layers with breaks in sedimentation corresponding to the two sea levels defined as modern (upper) and Early Holocene (lower). The layers are characterized by distinctly chaotic variability in textural pattern (mottled appearance, multidirectional banding), colorimetric and geochemical parameters (sawtooth-like distribution curves). Such character of changes is associated with the physical action of dragging keels of ice/icebergs exerted on the seafloor and is referred to as ice gauging (scouring). Its analysis can be used for identification of ice scour-affected layers in other sediment cores collected in this region, and for the purpose of creating a representative database, predicting their occurrence and developing adequate measures to minimize the damaging impact from drifting sea ice and icebergs on the seafloor within the bounds of the Arctic shelf.
Desempeño productivo, peso de órganos digestivos, histología hepática e intestinal y perfil lipídico en pollos de engorde de 0 a 14 días de edad alimentados con y sin inclusión de lípidos
Authors:   , Prieto Cortavarría Adriana Natalia
Published: April 2023

En la producción avícola es común creer que en la primera etapa el pollo no requiere lípidos en la dieta, ya que se asume que pueden obtenerlos directamente del saco vitelino o no son capaces de digerirlos; si bien en los primeros días luego de la eclosión su capacidad para digerir y absorber lípidos no es la deseada, se sabe que si se incluyen lípidos en la dieta desde los primeros días el desarrollo de sus órganos se ve potenciado, mejorando su capacidad productiva en el futuro, debido a que se logra obtener un rendimiento más óptimo. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue evaluar el desempeño productivo, peso de órganos digestivos, crecimiento alométrico, histología hepática e intestinal y perfil lipídico en pollos de engorde de 0 a 14 días con y sin inclusión de lípidos. Se utilizaron 168 pollos Cobb 500 machos de 0 días de edad, los cuales fueron distribuidos en un diseño completamente al azar, considerando 2 tratamientos experimentales con 4 repeticiones y 21 aves por repetición. Los pollos a los cuales se les brindó lípidos en las dietas presentaron mejores resultados en todos los aspectos evaluados en este proyecto; por lo que se concluyó que la inclusión de un 2.5% de lípidos en la dieta de pre-inicio e inicio favorece el mejor desarrollo anatómico y por lo tanto mejora el desempeño productivo desde los primeros días de vida, lo cual se va a ver reflejado en mejores resultados al final de la campaña
Morpho-physiological response and hyperaccumulating ability of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don towards stable Cesium and Strontium isotope through Hydroponic culture
Authors: Singh Brundaban Sarojini Manisha , Dhal Nabin Kumar , Kumar Manish , Mohapatra Dinakrushna , Seshadri Hariharan , Nayak Monalisha
Published: April 2023

Stable isotopes of Cesium (Cs) and Strontium (Sr), along with their radioactive isotopes, impose a menace to the populace and environment. For a sustainable decontamination process, the present study focuses on Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don, a perennial herb exhibiting effective extraction competence to above-ground biomass, was employed under spiked Cs and Sr treatments. Under modulated plant growth chamber, the hydroponic culture experiments were carried out with Cs dosing as 0-5mM (CsCl) and Sr as 0-3mM (SrCl2. 6H2O) for 21days. Parameters such as chlorophyll content, soluble protein, level of defense enzymatic antioxidants, stable isotope uptake, translocation, and spatial distribution were interpreted. Hyperaccumulation capacity was estimated with transfer factor (TF). The quantification of Cs and Sr in different plant parts was accomplished with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). With increasing concentration of metals the accumulation increased for Cs ( 255.2- 1828.76 mg/kg.dw) and Sr ( 831.16 - 5383.76 mg/kg.dw) while the transfer factor decreased for Cs (1.84 - 1.07) and Sr ( 9.3-3.2). For Cs and Sr, with increasing concentration, plants exhibited enzymatic expression for defense against metal toxicity by free radicals. With increasing treatments, plant physiology was also relatively affected. Spatial distribution of Cs and Sr in plant leaf was assessed with field emission electron microscopy with Energy dispersive spectroscopy (FE-SEM with EDS), which unveiled the accumulation of Cs, Sr, and their homologous elements in plant leaf.
Single-cell transcriptomic analysis revealed the tumor-associated microenvironment of papillary thyroid carcinoma with metastasis
Authors: Liu Qingbin , Zhang Suya , Wang Qian , Tian Xinchen , Zhang Ni , Li Long , Wang Shuanglong , Lv Bin , Jiang Shulong
Published: April 2023

Background Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is frequently associated with inflammation and lymph node (LN) metastasis. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) can uncover rare sub-populations of cells and explore functional heterogeneity of tissue microenvironments. Here, through scRNA-seq analysis of a metastatic PTC (PTC-M) and its adjacent normal tissues as well as a PTC tumor without metastasis, we identified the heterogeneity of macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), and T cells in the PTC-M sample, implying the role of the immunosuppressive components in the development and metastasis of PTC.Results Our results demonstrated that alternatively activated (M2) macrophages, conventional-type 2 dendritic cells (cDC2s), and regulatory T cells (Tregs) were associated with greater lymph node metastases and more advanced stages, whereas monocytes and B cells could play an anti-tumor role. Notably, a cluster of tumor-associated LAMP3+CCL22+ DC2 cells expressed diverse immune-related ligands and exhibited the potential to recruit CD4+ T cells by cell-cell communications in the microenvironment.Conclusion In the present study, we provided insights into the immune landscape at a single-cell level and expanded potential therapeutic strategies for PTC with metastasis. The results supported the theory that certain clusters of myeloid cells and Tregs participated in modulating the tumor-associated environment and facilitating tumor progression or metastasis.
Lifestyle Factors and Laboratory Sperm Processing Techniques Are Correlated With Sperm Dna Fragmentation Index, Oxidative Stress Adducts, and High Dna Stainability
Authors: Broussard Alicia Lennea , Leader Benjamin , Russell Helena , Beydoun Hind , Colver Robert , Reuter Laura , Bopp Bradford , Will Matthew , Will Erica Anspach , Adaniya Glen
Published: April 2023

Purpose To determine correlation between lifestyle risk factors and sperm quality.Methods Patients (n = 133) who consented for the study completed a lifestyle questionnaire. An aliquot of sperm was frozen at three different timepoints. Preparation methods for 30 semen analysis were compared: ZyMōt Sperm Separation Device (DxNow), Isolate gradient (Irvine), SpermGrad gradient (Vitrolife), and each gradient was followed by swim-up (SU), Isolate + SU and Spermgrad + SU. All samples were analyzed using the Sperm DNA Fragmentation Assay (acridine orange/flow cytometry SDFA™). Analysis included DNA fragmentation index (DFI), oxidative stress adducts (OSA) and high DNA stainability (HDS). Statistical analysis was performed using JMP (SAS 2018) and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results The neat DFI was not correlated with age, morphology, or oligospermia (< 20 million/mL). Men that consumed alcohol daily trended towards a higher DFI than those that drank multiple times per week and significantly higher than those who never drink (p = 0.0608 and p = 0.0290, respectively), but interestingly not those who drank rarely. DFI was also positively correlated with OSA and HDS in the neat and processed sample (INSEM). The DFI of the INSEM sperm sample was positively correlated with age, poor morphology, and oligospermia (p = 0.0208, p < 0.0001, p = 0.0006, respectively). There was no correlation with BMI or smoking status for neat or processed sperm health. The separation device effectively improved the DFI, OSA, and HDS compared to other methodsConclusion Lifestyle factors and preparation method is correlated with sperm quality.
METTL16 Mediated LncRNA TIALD m6A Modification contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis via inducing AURKA lysosomal degradation
Authors: Zhao Bixing , Wang Yingchao , Zhong Yue , Zheng Xiaoyuan , Cheng Niangmei , Yang Yong , Yang Ye , Wang Fei , Zhuang Qiuyu , Huang Yao , Guo Wuhua , Liao Naishun , Yang Xiao-Yu , Liu Xiao-Long
Published: April 2023

The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methyltransferase METTL16 is an emerging player in RNA modification landscape and responsible for the deposition of m6A in a few transcripts. AURKA (aurora kinase A) has been confirmed as an oncogene in cancer development including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether METTL16 mediated m6A modification of lncRNAs can regulate AURKA activation in cancer progression. Here we aimed to investigate the functional links between lncRNAs and the m6A modification in AURKA signaling and HCC progression. Here we show that LncRNA TIALD (transcript that induced AURKA Lysosomal degradation) was down-regulated in HCC tissues by METTL16 mediated m6A methylation to facilitate its RNA degradation, and correlates with poor prognosis. Functional assays reveal that TIALD inhibits HCC metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, TIALD directly interacts with AURKA and facilitate its degradation through the lysosomal pathway to inhibited EMT and metastasis of HCC. AURKA’s specific inhibitor alisertib exerts effective therapeutic effect on liver cancer with low TIALD expression, which mightprovide a new insight into HCC therapy. Our study uncovers a negative functional loop of METTL16-TIALD-AURKA axis, and identifies a new mechanism for METTL16 mediated m6A-induced decay of TIALD on AURKA signaling in HCC progression, which may provide potential prognostic and therapeutic targets for HCC.
Genotoxic effect of heavy metals on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) species in an urban river in northeastern Brazil
Authors: Silva Jordany G. , Chagas Cristiano A. , Souza Talita G. S. , Araújo Marlyete C. , Araujo Livia C. A. , Santos André M. M. , Sá Rafael A. Q. C. , Alves Rayanna B. O. , Rodrigues Rosner H. A. , Silva Hernande P. , Bezerra Ranilson S. , Oliveira Maria Betania M.
Published: April 2023

Chemical pollutants represent a leading problem for aquatic ecosystems, as they can induce genetic, biochemical, and physiological changes in the species of these ecosystems, thus compromising their adaptability and survival. The Capibaribe River runs through the state of Pernambuco, located in northeastern Brazil, and passes through areas of agricultural cultivation, densely populated cities, and industrial centers, primarily textiles. Despite its importance, few ecotoxicological studies have been conducted on its environment and knowledge about pollution patterns and their effects on its biota is scarce. The objective of this study was to evaluate the water quality and the damage caused by pollutants on the DNA specimens of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) obtained from seven strategic points of Capibaribe. Tilapia specimens and water were collected during the rainy and dry seasons from 2015 to 2017. The following characteristics were analyzed: physicochemical (six), metal concentration (seven), local pluviosity, micronuclei and comet assay. The physicochemical and heavy metal analyses were exploratory, whereas the ecotoxicological analyses were hypothetical. To verify this hypothesis, we compared the groups of fish collected to the results of the micronuclei test and comet assay and created a Structural Equation Model (SEM) to determine how the micronuclei variables, damage index, pluviosity, and concentration of each metal were related. Our results demonstrated that the highest values for markers of genetic damage were detected at points with the highest heavy metal concentrations, especially iron, zinc, manganese, chromium, and cadmium. The SEM demonstrated that metals can explain the findings of the genotoxicity markers. Moreover, other pollutants, such as pesticides, should be considered, particularly in places where the river passes through rural areas. The results presented here demonstrate that the Capibaribe River has different degrees of contamination and confirm our hypothesis.
Assessing Dynamical Resilience Indicators in Older Adults: A Prospective Feasibility Cohort Study
Authors: Kolk Daisy , MacNeil-Vroomen Janet L. , Melis René J.F. , Ridderikhof Milan L. , Buurman Bianca M.
Published: April 2023

Purpose: Measuring dynamical resilience indicators based on time series data may improve the prediction of health deterioration in older adults after hospital discharge. We examined the feasibility of an intensive prospective cohort study examining dynamical resilience indicators based on time series data of symptoms and physical activity in acutely ill older adults who visited the Emergency Department (ED).
Methods: Prospective cohort study with time series data from symptom questionnaires and activity trackers. Thirty older adults (aged 75.9 ± 5.5 years, 37% female) who were discharged from the ED of a tertiary hospital in the Netherlands. We monitored self-reported symptoms using a daily online questionnaire, and physical activity using an activity tracker for 30 days. Descriptive data on participant eligibility and adherence to and acceptability of the assessments were collected.
Results: Of 134 older patients visiting the ED, 109/134 (81%) were eligible for inclusion and 30/109 (28%) were included. Twenty-eight (93%) of the included participants completed follow-up. Regarding the adherence rate, 78% of participants filled in the questionnaire and 80% wore the activity tracker. Three (10%) participants completed fewer than three questionnaires. Most participants rated the measurements as acceptable and seven (23%) participants experienced an adverse outcome in the 30 days after discharge.
Conclusion: An intensive prospective cohort study examining dynamical resilience indicators in older adults is feasible. The quality of the collected data was sufficient, some adjustments to the measurement protocol are recommended. This study is an important first step to study resilience in older adults.
Development and validation of a novel nomogram to predict the impact of the polymorphism of the ICAM-1 gene on the prognosis of ischemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Naman Tuersunjiang , Abuduhalike Refukaiti , Abudouwayiti Aihaidan , Sun Juan , Mahemuti Ailiman
Published: April 2023

Object:
The current study investigated the association between polymorphisms of the ICAM-1 gene and prognosis of Ischemic cardiomyopathy(ICM), and developed a prognostic nomogram for ICM on the basis of ICAM-1 gene variants.
Method:
The current study included totally 252 patients with ICM. In addition, PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism) was used to genotype SNPs in the ICAM-1 gene in the patients. Later, the nomogram model was built by combining clinical data with ICAM-1 gene variants. This study used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model to optimize feature selection into an ICM prognostic model. Furthermore, multivariate Cox-regression was applied to build the prognostic model, which included clinical and gene features chosen by the LASSO regression model. Following that, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, C-index, calibration plot analyses and decision curve analysis (DCA) were carried out to evaluate the discrimination abilitiy, consistency, and clinical utility of the prognostic model, and the bootstrap method was adopted for internal validation.
Result:
predicting factors rs112872667, treating by PCI or CABG, ventricular arrhythmia, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVDD), use of β-blockers, systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), and serum sodium were incorporated into the prognostic nomogram. The constructed nomogram performed well in discrimination ability, as observed by the time-dependent C-index. Furthermore, as shown by calibration curves, our nomogram’s predicted probabilities were highly consistent with measured values. With threshold probabilities, DCA suggested that our nomogram could be useful in the clinic.
Conclusion:
rs112872667 mutation (from CC genotype toCT or TTgenotype) is a protective factor for ICM patients to have a higher survival probability; ICM patients with the mutant genotype (CT or TT) have a lower probability of cardiogenic death than those with the wild genotype (CC).
Germline PTEN genotype-dependent phenotypic divergence during the early neural developmental process of forebrain organoids
Authors: Eng Charis , Kang Shin-Chung , Sarn Nicholas , Venegas Juan , Hitomi Masahiro
Published: April 2023

PTENgermline mutations account for ~ 1% of all autism spectrum disorder (ASD) cases, as well as ~ 17% of ASD patients with macrocephaly, making it one of the top ASD associated risk genes. Individuals with germlinePTENmutations receive the molecular diagnosis of PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome (PHTS), an inherited cancer predisposition syndrome, about 20–23% of whom are diagnosed with ASD. We generated forebrain organoid cultures from gene-edited isogenic human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) harboring aPTENG132D(ASD) orPTENM134R(cancer) mutant allele to model how these mutants interrupt neurodevelopmental processrf. Here, we show that thePTENG132Dallele disrupts early neuroectoderm formation during the first several days of organoid generation. While organoids generated fromPTENM134RhiPSCs remained morphologically similar to wild-type organoids during this early stage in development, we observed disrupted neuronal differentiation, radial glia positioning, and cortical layering in bothPTENmutant organoids at the later stage of 72 + days of development. Perifosine, an AKT inhibitor, reduced over activated AKT and partially corrected the abnormalities in cellular organization observed inPTENG132Dorganoids. Single cell RNAseq analyses on early-stage organoids revealed that genes related to neural cell fate was least enriched inPTENG132Dmutant organoids, and AKT inhibition was capable of upregulating gene signatures related to neuronal cell fate and CNS maturation pathways. These findings demonstrate that differentPTENmissense mutations can have profound impact on neurodevelopment at diverse stages which in turn may predispose PHTS individuals to ASD. Further study will shed light on the way to mitigate pathological impact ofPTENmutants on neurodevelopment by stage-specific manipulation of downstream PTEN signaling components.
A case of retroperitoneal Doege-Potter syndrome with continuous intraoperative blood glucose monitoring
Authors: Nagasaka Hirotaka , Suzuki Takahisa , Kondo Takuya , Koizumi Mitsuyuki , Terao Hideyuki , Murohashi Yuko , Okubo Yoichiro , Yokose Tomoyuki , Kishida Takeshi
Published: April 2023

Background:
Doege-Potter syndrome presents as solitary fibrous tumors and non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH). Here, we report a case of Doege-Potter syndrome in which retroperitoneal tumor resection was performed with continuous intraoperative blood glucose monitoring.
Case Presentation:
The patient was a 37-year-old healthy man with no relevant medical history. They were brought to the emergency room because of defecation difficulties and incontinence caused by hypoglycemia, and a tumor measuring 10 × 12 × 9 cm was found in the right kidney. High-molecular-weight insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) was detected in the blood, indicating an IGF-II-producing tumor with NICTH. The patient underwent tumor resection, and the pathological results indicated a solitary fibrous tumor of retroperitoneal origin. Thus, retroperitoneal primary Doege-Potter syndrome was diagnosed. Continuous blood glucose monitoring was performed intraoperatively, and no hypoglycemic attacks occurred; insulin secretory abnormalities improved immediately after surgery. Previous studies suggest that IGF-II is metabolized in a few hours. Therefore, serum IGF-II levels were analyzed one week and one month postoperatively; the levels were within the normal range at both time points. Two years have passed since the surgery without recurrence.
Conclusions:
Doege-Potter syndrome of retroperitoneal primary origin is rare. Furthermore, continuous intraoperative blood glucose monitoring was performed during surgery; thus, we report blood glucose level trends for the first time. This case highlights that this type of surgery can be performed safely without special blood glucose adjustments and that insulin secretion resumes soon after surgery.
Absorbable protein stent for vasovasostomy in a rat model
Authors: Zhang Hui , Tu Xuchong , Chen Xiaohong , Liu Zhuojie , Feng Jiarong , Zhang Yan
Published: April 2023

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a rapidly absorbable protein stent during microsurgical vasovasostomy.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four rats were randomly divided into control, conventional, and stent groups. The left vas deferens was ligated in the control group and cut with double-layer suturing in the conventional group. The stent group received full-layer suturing with protein stent implantation. Patency rate, sperm quality, and reproductive hormones were evaluated up to 8 weeks. Pathological changes were determined by assessment.RESULTS: Patency rates were similar for the stent and conventional groups (8th week) (p > 0.05). Operation time was lower for the stent group than for the conventional group (p < 0.05). The stent group did not differ significantly from the control or conventional groups in terms of effects on sperm quantity, motility, deformity rate, FSH level, LH level, and testosterone level (p > 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a foundation for future studies that may further explore the potential of protein stents in vasovasostomy and other surgical procedures.
A Text Mining Approach to Identify and Analyse Freight Logistics Service Demands
Authors: Ruoyu Wu , Chunfu Shao
Published: April 2023

The pandemic COVID-19 has caused significant impacts on the freight supply chain, based on the data from the traffic service hotline, the time and space characteristics of calls from drivers were described, and a 2-stage LDA model was built to quickly identify the demand for freight logistics services. The results showed as follows: 1) Hotline records fluctuated significantly with pandemic policy changes; 2) The top 4 demands for freight logistics services are road conditions consultation, applying the permit for vehicles carrying essential goods and materials, refueling and gas service consultation, and traffic control complaint; 3) 10 expressways, including G45, G10 and G59, as well as the three cities of Hohhot, Ordos and Wuhai, are under great pressure to ensure the stability of supply chains; 4) Information disclosure mechanism, driver service guarantee and hotline operation mechanism need to be improved. The research results verify the effectiveness of text mining technology in describing and identifying transport service demands. The proposed technical framework promotes the transformation of transport service from extensive governance to precise governance, which can provide a reference for promoting the stability of the logistics supply chain and exploring a participative approach to managing the industry.