bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Школьное образование как часть стратегии развития: опыт Швеции
School Education as a Part of the Development Strategy. The Experience of Sweden
Authors: Сорокина Е.
Published: December 2023

Образование, его качество и доступность являются важными показателями социально-политического состояния и развития экономики, общества, уровня жизни населения любого государства. Шведское образование и образовательная политика представляют собой важный компонент как общегосударственной социальной политики, так и политических программ каждой из партий страны. Очевидно, что хорошо образованные профессионалы, работающие в самых разных сферах жизни и деятельности, представляют собой драйвер экономики и успешного развития общества в целом. Признание равных прав для всех граждан и проживающих в стране на получение образования обязывает государство обеспечивать возможности его получения. В Швеции существует государственное обеспечение образования, которое представляет собой важную часть не только традиционной шведской культуры, но и социально-политической стратегии страны в целом. Действуют разработанные школьные программы по учебным предметам и специальные профессиональные программы на гимназической ступени. В школьной политике и практике также осуществляются принципы поддержки шведских этнических меньшинств, политики интеграции по отношению к мигрантам.
Education, its quality and accessibility are important indicators of the socio-political development of the economy, society, the standard of living in any country. Swedish education and educational policy are an important component of both national social policy and political programs of all parties in the country. It is obvious that well-educated professionals working in various spheres drive the economy and provide the successful development of society as a whole. Recognition of equal rights to receive education for all citizens and residents of the country obliges the state to provide relevant opportunities. In Sweden, state provision of education is an important part not only of traditional Swedish culture, but also of the entire socio-political strategy of the country. Curriculums are designed for schools and special professional programs are developed for the gymnasium level. The principles of support for Swedish ethnic minorities and integration policies towards migrants are applied both in school policy and in practice.
Молодежные проблемы в социологическом измерении (на материалах республик Башкортостан, Марий Эл, Удмуртия, Мордовия, Чувашия) (Youth Problems in the Sociological Dimension (The Case of the Republics of Bashkortostan, Mari El, Udmurtia, Mordovia, and Chuvashia)
Authors: Воронцов В. , Загребин А.
Published: December 2023

В статье представлены результаты исследования, направленного на изучение социального самочувствия и выявление наиболее актуальных молодежных проблем. Эмпирическую базу исследования составили материалы социологического и экспертного опросов, проведенных осенью 2021 г. в пяти республиках Приволжского федерального округа (Башкортостан, Марий Эл, Мордовия, Удмуртия, Чувашия). В выборочную совокупность вошли студенты среднего профессионального и высшего образования (1500 чел.) и специалисты (эксперты) в сфере молодежной политики (150 чел.). Проведенное исследование показало, что для значительной части опрошенных молодых людей наиболее волнующие проблемы прямо или косвенно связаны с их материальным положением: низким уровнем доходов, трудностями с трудоустройством, отсутствием собственного жилья и др. Однако наряду со «старыми» проблемами актуализируются и новые вызовы, связанные с распространением опасных болезней, террористическими угрозами, вооруженными нападениями на образовательные организации. В условиях неудовлетворенности своим положением сохраняется высокая степень мотивации молодежи на отток из республик в другие регионы или за пределы России. Таким образом, молодежные проблемы сохраняют свою актуальность, требуют от органов власти и общественности постоянного внимания, значительных материальных ресурсов, моральной поддержки, проведения научных исследований по молодежной проблематике, мониторингов молодежной среды и др.
The article presents the results of the research aimed at studying social well-being and identifying the most pressing youth problems. The empirical basis of the study was formed by the data of sociological and expert surveys conducted in the fall of 2021 in five republics of the Volga Federal District (Bashkortostan, Mari El, Mordovia, Udmurtia, Chuvashia). The sample included students of secondary vocational and higher education (1,500 people) and specialists (experts) in the field of youth policy (150 people). The survey has indicated that for a significant part of the interviewed young people, the most worrying problems are directly or indirectly related to their material situation: low income, difficulties with employment, lack of their own housing, etc. However, along with the "old" problems, new challenges related to the spread of dangerous diseases, terrorist threats, and armed attacks on educational organizations are also becoming relevant. In the face of dissatisfaction with their situation, there is still a high degree of motivation for young people to leave the republics for other regions or outside Russia. Thus, youth problems remain topical and require constant attention from the authorities and the public, significant material resources, moral support, scientific research on youth issues, monitoring of the youth environment, etc.
Epigenomic reprogramming of therapy-resistant circulating tumor cells in colon cancer
Authors: Bao-Caamano Aida , Costa-Fraga Nicolás , Cayrefourcq Laure , Rodriguez-Casanova Aitor , Muinelo-Romay Laura , López-López Rafael , Alix-Panabières Catherine , Díaz-Lagares Angel
Published: December 2023

Therapy resistance is a major challenge in colorectal cancer management. Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, in tumor cells are involved in the development of acquired resistance during treatment. Here, we characterized the DNA methylation landscape of colon circulating tumor cells (CTCs) during cancer progression and therapy resistance development. To this aim, we used nine permanent CTC lines that were derived from peripheral blood samples of a patient with metastatic colon cancer collected before treatment initiation (CTC-MCC-41) and during treatment and cancer progression (CTC-MCC-41.4 and CTC-MCC-41.5 [A-G]). We analyzed the DNA methylome of these nine CTC lines using EPIC arrays and also assessed the association between DNA methylation and gene expression profiles. We confirmed DNA methylation and gene expression results by pyrosequencing and RT-qPCR, respectively. The global DNA methylation profiles were different in the pre-treatment CTC line and in CTC lines derived during therapy resistance development. These resistant CTC lines were characterized by a more hypomethylated profile compared with the pre-treatment CTC line. Most of the observed DNA methylation differences were localized at CpG-poor regions and some in CpG islands, shore regions and promoters. We identified a distinctive DNA methylation signature that clearly differentiated the pre-treatment CTC line from the others. Of note, the genes involved in this signature were associated with cancer-relevant pathways, including PI3K/AKT, MAPK, Wnt signaling and metabolism. We identified several epigenetically deregulated genes associated with therapy resistance in CTCs, such as AP2M1. Our results bring new knowledge on the epigenomic landscape of therapy-resistant CTCs, providing novel mechanisms of resistance as well as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for advanced CRC management.
Antioxidant mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cells and their therapeutic potential in vitiligo
Authors: Yang Rui-lin , Chen Si-yu , Fu Sheng-ping , Zhao De-zhi , Wan Wei-hong , Yang Kang , Lei Wei , Yang Ying , Zhang Qian , Zhang Tao
Published: December 2023

Vitiligo is a skin pigmentation disorder caused by melanocyte damage or abnormal function. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause oxidative stress damage to melanocytes, which in turn induces vitiligo. Traditional treatments such as phototherapy, drugs, and other methods of treatment are long and result in frequent recurrences. Currently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely used in the research of various disease treatments due to their excellent paracrine effects, making them a promising immunoregulatory and tissue repair strategy. Furthermore, an increasing body of evidence suggests that utilizing the paracrine functions of MSCs can downregulate oxidative stress in the testes, liver, kidneys, and other affected organs in animal models of certain diseases. Additionally, MSCs can help create a microenvironment that promotes tissue repair and regeneration in areas with oxidative stress damage, improving the disordered state of the injured site. In this article, we review the pathogenesis of oxidative stress in vitiligo and promising strategies for its treatment.
Automation in vitrification and thawing of mouse oocytes and embryos
Authors: Zhu Yan , Zhang Quan-Jun , Feng Huai L. , Luo Jin , Miao Shu , Jiang Man-Xi
Published: December 2023

Vitrification is a common technique for cryopreserving oocytes or embryos. However, manual vitrification is tedious and labor-intensive, and can be subject to variations caused by human factors. To address these challenges, we developed an automated vitrification-thawing system (AVTS) based on a cryo-handle. Our study firstly assessed the efficiency of cryoprotectant exchange through comparing the osmolalities of fresh and collected solutions during automated vitrification and thawing, and evaluated the cooling and warming rates of the cryo-handle. We also compared mouse oocyte survival, fertilization and embryo development after thawing and ICSI, and the development of re-frozen cleavage embryos between manual operation and automated system. The results showed that the osmolalities of collected samples were within normal range and comparable to fresh solutions. Furthermore, the automated system could obtain the reliable cooling and warming rates. Particularly, there were no significant differences in oocyte survival rates, fertilization rates, and subsequent embryo development and its quality between two procedures. Our findings suggest that AVTS has no impact on osmolalities of vitrification and thawing solutions, ensuring the proper exchange of cryoprotectants. The cryo-handle also shows the ability to achieve reliable cooling and warming rates, which benefits for the cryopreservation and thawing process. Moreover, the results from mouse oocytes and embryos indicate that automated system has effectively maintained the survival and fertilization of frozen oocytes and supported subsequent embryo development. Therefore, the automated vitrification and thawing system will inevitably represent a superior alternative to manual operation.
PAS-based analysis of natural gas samples
Authors: Bahr Marc-Simon , Wolff Marcus
Published: December 2023

Photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) is well known for the detection of short-chain hydrocarbons, such as methane, ethane and propane, in the ppm (parts per million) or ppb (parts per billion) range. However, in the production process of natural gas and its combustion in gas-fired devices the composition, especially the concentrations of the main alkanes, plays a decisive role. Gas chromatography (GC) is considered the gold standard for natural gas analysis. We present a method to analyze natural gas samples by PAS. Furthermore, we describe a method to prepare storage gas samples, which are usually under atmospheric pressure, for PAS analysis. All measurements are validated by means of GC. The investigation allows conclusions to be drawn to what extent PAS is suitable for the investigation of natural gas samples.
Protective role of N-acetylcysteine and Sulodexide on endothelial cells exposed on patients’ serum after SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Rajewska-Tabor Justyna , Sosińska-Zawierucha Patrycja , Pyda Malgorzata , Lesiak Maciej , Bręborowicz Andrzej
Published: December 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 causes hyperinflammation and activation of coagulation cascade and, as a result, aggravates endothelial cell dysfunction. N-acetylcysteine and Sulodexide have been found to mitigate endothelial damage. The influence on coronary artery endothelial cells of serum collected after 4 ± 1 months from coronavirus infection was studied. The concentrations of serum samples of interleukin 6, von Willebrand Factor, tissue Plasminogen Activator, and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 were studied. The cultures with serum of patients after coronavirus infection were incubated with N-acetylcysteine and Sulodexide to estimate their potential protective role. The blood inflammatory parameters were increased in the group of cultures incubated with serum from patients after coronavirus infection. Supplementation of the serum from patients after coronavirus infection with N-acetylcysteine or Sulodexide reduced the synthesis of interleukin 6 and von Willebrand Factor. No changes in the synthesis of tissue Plasminogen Activator were observed. N-acetylcysteine reduced the synthesis of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1. N-acetylcysteine and Sulodexide increased the tPA/PAI-1 ratio. N-acetylcysteine may have a role in reducing the myocardial injury occurring in the post-COVID-19 syndrome. Sulodexide can also play a protective role in post-COVID-19 patients.
Decision making for net zero policy design and climate action: considerations for improving translation at the research-policy interface: a UK Carbon Dioxide Removal case study
Authors: Workman Mark , Heap Richard , Mackie Erik , Connon Irena
Published: December 2023

The impacts of climate change on society and the natural environment are being experienced now, with extreme weather events increasing in frequency and severity across the globe. To keep the Paris Agreement's ambition of limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels there is now also a need to establish and scale a new sector to remove CO2 at Giga-ton scale for over a century. Despite this mounting evidence and warnings, current climate policy in the UK and globally falls far short of achieving the required reductions in CO2 emissions or establishment of a new removal sector needed to stave off the risks posed by climate change. Some of the science on climate risk is well-evidenced, but the policy response is lacking in effectiveness. Other evidence to design policy, such as Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR), is fraught with deep uncertainty. Why are the plethora of scientific evidence, assessments and decision support tools available to decision and policymakers not always translating into effective climate-net zero policy action? How can emergent evidence be introduced to shape new sectors such as CDR? What are the capacity gaps? Through a combination of literature review, interviews and UK policy workshops over 17 months these are some of the questions that this contribution sought insight. We set out three recommendations for policymakers and other stakeholders, including academic researchers and third sector organizations, to address the identified gaps associated with translating climate risk and net zero decision support into effective climate policy:

• Enhance collaboration between decision-makers, policymakers, analysts, researchers, and other stakeholders to co-develop and co-design operational climate risk assessments and policies, relevant to context.

• Identify the research and capacity gaps around climate risk decision-making under uncertainty, and work with stakeholders across the decision value chain to ensure those gaps are addressed.

• Co-create effective translation mechanisms to embed decision-support tools into policy better, employing a participatory approach to ensure inclusion of diverse values and viewpoints.

It is fundamental that there is improvement in our understanding about how we can make good decisions and operationalize them, rather than simply focus on further research on the climate risk and net zero problem.
Emotion recognition from MIDI musical file using Enhanced Residual Gated Recurrent Unit architecture
Authors: Bhuvana Kumar V. , Kathiravan M.
Published: December 2023

The complex synthesis of emotions seen in music is meticulously composed using a wide range of aural components. Given the expanding soundscape and abundance of online music resources, creating a music recommendation system is significant. The area of music file emotion recognition is particularly fascinating. The RGRU (Enhanced Residual Gated Recurrent Unit), a complex architecture, is used in our study to look at MIDI (Musical Instrument and Digital Interface) compositions for detecting emotions. This involves extracting diverse features from the MIDI dataset, encompassing harmony, rhythm, dynamics, and statistical attributes. These extracted features subsequently serve as input to our emotion recognition model for emotion detection. We use an improved RGRU version to identify emotions and the Adaptive Red Fox Algorithm (ARFA) to optimize the RGRU hyperparameters. Our suggested model offers a sophisticated classification framework that effectively divides emotional content into four separate quadrants: positive-high, positive-low, negative-high, and negative-low. The Python programming environment is used to implement our suggested approach. We use the EMOPIA dataset to compare its performance to the traditional approach and assess its effectiveness experimentally. The trial results show better performance compared to traditional methods, with higher accuracy, recall, F-measure, and precision.
Current status of ECMO for massive pulmonary embolism
Authors: Davies Mark G. , Hart Joseph P.
Published: December 2023

Massive pulmonary embolism (MPE) carries significant 30-day mortality and is characterized by acute right ventricular failure, hypotension, and hypoxia, leading to cardiovascular collapse and cardiac arrest. Given the continued high mortality associated with MPE, there has been ongoing interest in utilizing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to provide oxygenation support to improve hypoxia and offload the right ventricular (RV) pressure in the belief that rapid reduction of hypoxia and RV pressure will improve outcomes. Two modalities can be employed: Veno-arterial-ECMO is a reliable process to decrease RV overload and improve RV function, thus allowing for hemodynamic stability and restoration of tissue oxygenation. Veno-venous ECMO can support oxygenation but is not designed to help circulation. Several societal guidelines now suggest using ECMO in MPE with interventional therapy. There are three strategies for ECMO utilization in MPE: bridge to definitive interventional therapy, sole therapy, and recovery after interventional treatment. The use of ECMO in MPE has been associated with lower mortality in registry reviews, but there has been no significant difference in outcomes between patients treated with and without ECMO in meta-analyses. Considerable heterogeneity in studies is a significant weakness of the available literature. Applying ECMO is also associated with substantial multisystem morbidity due to a systemic inflammatory response, hemorrhagic stroke, renal dysfunction, and bleeding, which must be factored into the outcomes. The application of ECMO in MPE should be combined with an aggressive pulmonary interventional program and should strictly adhere to the current selection criteria.
Cognitive and embodied mapping of data: an examination of children’s spatial thinking in data physicalization
Authors: Zhu Caiwei , Klapwijk Remke , Silva-Ordaz Miroslava , Spandaw Jeroen , de Vries Marc J.
Published: December 2023

Understanding and effectively using visual representations is important to learning science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Various techniques to visualize information, such as two- and three-dimensional graphs, diagrams, and models, not only expand our capacity to work with different types of information but also actively recruit our visual–spatial thinking. Data physicalization is emerging as a beginner-friendly approach to construct information visualization. Mapping intangible data onto tangible artifacts that possess visual, spatial, and physical properties demands an interplay of spatial thinking and hands-on manipulation. Much existing literature has explored using formatted infographics to aid learning and spatial thinking development. However, there is limited insight into how children may leverage their spatial thinking to create information visualizations, particularly tangible ones. This case study documented the data physicalization activities organized in two design classrooms of an international school in Netherlands, with 37 children aged 11–12. Seven themes relevant to spatial thinking were identified from multimodal evidence gathered from the data physicalization artifacts, classroom videos and recordings of children’s making process, and semi-structured interviews with children. Our findings suggested that these children generated various ideas to create visual–spatial forms for data with the materials at hand, such as mapping quantities to tangible materials of different sizes, using spatial ordinal arrangement, and unitizing materials to set visual parameters. Meanwhile, they evaluated and adjusted the visual–spatial properties of these materials according to the numerical data they had, crafting feasibility, and others’ spatial perspectives. What was particularly interesting in our findings was children’s iteration on their visual–spatial understandings of the intangible numerical values and the tangible materials throughout the embodied making processes. Overall, this study illustrated the different types of spatial thinking children applied to create their data physicalizations and offered insights into how embodied experiences accompanying the open-ended visualization challenge allowed children to explore and construct spatial understandings.
Below average ChatGPT performance in medical microbiology exam compared to university students
Authors: Sallam Malik , Al-Salahat Khaled
Published: December 2023

Background

The transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education is evident, with conversational models like ChatGPT poised to reshape teaching and assessment methods. The rapid evolution of AI models requires a continuous evaluation. AI-based models can offer personalized learning experiences but raises accuracy concerns. MCQs are widely used for competency assessment. The aim of this study was to evaluate ChatGPT performance in medical microbiology MCQs compared to the students’ performance.

Methods

The study employed an 80-MCQ dataset from a 2021 medical microbiology exam at the University of Jordan Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Medical Microbiology 2 course. The exam contained 40 midterm and 40 final MCQs, authored by a single instructor without copyright issues. The MCQs were categorized based on the revised Bloom’s Taxonomy into four categories: Remember, Understand, Analyze, or Evaluate. Metrics, including facility index and discriminative efficiency, were derived from 153 midterm and 154 final exam DDS student performances. ChatGPT 3.5 was used to answer questions, and responses were assessed for correctness and clarity by two independent raters.

Results

ChatGPT 3.5 correctly answered 64 out of 80 medical microbiology MCQs (80%) but scored below the student average (80.5/100 vs. 86.21/100). Incorrect ChatGPT responses were more common in MCQs with longer choices (p = 0.025). ChatGPT 3.5 performance varied across cognitive domains: Remember (88.5% correct), Understand (82.4% correct), Analyze (75% correct), Evaluate (72% correct), with no statistically significant differences (p = 0.492). Correct ChatGPT responses received statistically significant higher average clarity and correctness scores compared to incorrect responses.

Conclusion

The study findings emphasized the need for ongoing refinement and evaluation of ChatGPT performance. ChatGPT 3.5 showed the potential to correctly and clearly answer medical microbiology MCQs; nevertheless, its performance was below-bar compared to the students. Variability in ChatGPT performance in different cognitive domains should be considered in future studies. The study insights could contribute to the ongoing evaluation of the AI-based models’ role in educational assessment and to augment the traditional methods in higher education.
Interaction between triglyceride-glucose index and thyroid hormones on coronary artery disease risk in patient with euthyroid
Authors: Li Li , Cai Gaojun , Lu Wei , Li Feng , Yu Lei , Xiao Jianqiang
Published: December 2023

Background

Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is an effective indicator in indentifying in pre-diabetes, diabetes, and coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the value of TyG index combined with thyroid hormones (THs) to affect CAD has not been fully evaluated. Here, we investigated the association between TyG index and THs and further studied the impacts of TyG index and THs on CAD in euthyroid.

Methods

Subjects (1,297) with euthyroid who underwent selective coronary angiography (CAG) were enrolled in the present study, including 893 patients with CAD and 404 controls. The association between TyG index and THs were analyzed by linear regression models. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the interaction of TyG and THs with the risk of CAD. According to the cutoff value of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and TyG index, the patients were respectively separated into four groups: low TyG/FT3 (low or high), high TyG/FT3 (low or high), low TyG/FT4 (low or high), high TyG/FT4 (low or high), low TyG/TSH (low or high), high TyG/TSH (low or high).

Results

The baseline analysis showed that FT4 level differs among the three groups according to the tertile of the TyG index. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed decreased serum FT3 level and serum FT4 level as an independent risk factor for elevated TyG index. After adjusting for confounding variables, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that patients with lower TyG index and higher FT3 level had an important protective effect on CAD when considering patients with lower TyG index and FT3 level as reference(OR = 0.536, 95% CI: 0.369–0.778, P = 0.001). Patients with higher TyG index and FT4 level (lower or higher) had a significantly increased risk of CAD (OR 1.656, 95% CI: 1.117–2.455; OR = 1.920, 95% CI: 1.279–2.848, respectively). The area under the curve for the combined diagnosis of CAD by TyG index and FT3 level is 0.615.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that TyG is independently negatively correlated with FT3 or FT4 in euthyroid. In addition, there was a significant interaction between TyG index and THs on the risk of CAD.
Integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics to reveal biomarkers and mitochondrial metabolic dysregulation of premature ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Yu Zhaoyang , Peng Weilong , Li Feiwen , Fu Xiaoqian , Wang Jiajia , Ding Hongfan , Li Mujun , Wu Huimei
Published: December 2023

Background

The metabolic characteristics of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), a reproductive endocrine disease characterized by abnormal sex hormone metabolism and follicle depletion, remain unclear. Metabolomics is a powerful tool for exploring disease phenotypes and biomarkers. This study aims to identify metabolic markers and construct diagnostic models, and elucidate the underlying pathological mechanisms for POI.

Methods

Non-targeted metabolomics was utilized to characterize the plasma metabolic profile of 40 patients. The metabolic markers were identified through bioinformatics and machine learning, and constructed an optimal diagnostic model by classified multi-model analysis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to verify antioxidant indexes, mitochondrial enzyme complexes, and ATP levels. Finally, integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics were used to reveal the dysregulated pathways and molecular regulatory mechanisms of POI.

Results

The study identified eight metabolic markers significantly correlated with ovarian reserve function. The XGBoost diagnostic model was developed based on six machine learning models, demonstrating its robust diagnostic performance and clinical applicability through the evaluation of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, decision curve analysis (DCA), calibration curve, and precise recall (PR) curve. Multi-omics analysis showed that mitochondrial respiratory chain electron carrier (CoQ10) and enzyme complex subunits were down-regulated in POI. ELISA validation revealed an elevation in oxidative stress markers and a reduction in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, CoQ10, and mitochondrial enzyme complexes in POI.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight that mitochondrial dysfunction and energy metabolism disorders are closely related to the pathogenesis of POI. The identification of metabolic markers and predictive models holds significant implications for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of POI.
Polynomial surface-fitting evaluation of new energy maximum power generation capacity based on random forest association analysis and support vector regression
Authors: Hu Yuzhuo , Li Hui , Zeng Yuan , Chen Qichao , Cao Haosen , Chen Wei
Published: December 2023

Focusing on frequency problems caused by wind power integration in ultra-high-voltage DC systems, an accurate assessment of the maximum generation capacity of large-scale new energy sources can help determine the available frequency regulation capacity of new energy sources and improve the frequency stability control of power systems. First, a random forest model is constructed to analyze the key features and select the indexes significantly related to the generation capacity to form the input feature set. Second, by establishing an iterative construction model of the polynomial fitting surface, data are maximized by the upper envelope surface, and an effective sample set is constructed. Furthermore, a new energy maximum generation capacity assessment model adopts the support vector machine regression algorithm under the whale optimization algorithm to derive the correspondence between the input features and maximum generation capacity of new energy sources. Finally, we validate the applicability and effectiveness of the new maximum energy generation capacity evaluation model based on the results of an actual wind farm.
Comparative diversity in glochidia of Australasian freshwater mussels
Authors: Klunzinger Michael W. , Jones Hugh A. , Humphrey Christopher L. , Melchior Michele , Raadik Tarmo A. , Treby Sarah , Chandler Lisa , Sheldon Fran
Published: December 2023

Most freshwater mussels have larvae (glochidia in Unionidae, Margaritiferidae and Hyriidae) that are parasitic on fishes. This study describes and compares the diversity of glochidia among 17 species of Australasian Hyriidae. Here, scanning electron microscopy was used to illustrate shell morphology, while patterns of diversity in size, shape and morphological characteristics were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively with Principal Component, Linear Discriminant, and Multiple Correspondence Analyses to separate species with varying degrees of discrimination. Results showed shell lengths ranged from 50 to 390 μm. Shape varied, from sub-oval to sub-triangular, bilaterally symmetrical to scalene, and hook morphology varied from unicuspid, bicuspid, tricuspid or complex with varying length and structure. Unique observations of this study include the consistent variation in glochidial release mechanisms among Australian subfamilies and New Zealand genera. Hyridellini species andEchyridella aucklandica(Gray and Dieffenbach, 1843) are released either freely or as “mesoconglutinates” (presumed brood lures), whereas Velesunioninae andEchyridella menziesii(Gray and Dieffenbach, 1843) release glochidia in “amorphous mucous conglutinates”. Hyridellini predominantly occur within perennially flowing rivers of coastal south-eastern Australia with generally low turbidity, whereas the Velesunioninae occur more typically in slower flowing, intermittent waters, many prone to extended periods of high turbidity. Thus, where Hyridellini occur, mesoconglutinates as visual brood lures may be a more efficient mechanism for infesting host fishes than the passive infestation strategy typical of velesunionine species frequenting more turbid waters. Finally, this study presents systematic descriptions of glochidia and a provisional key for identification of Australasian hyriid glochidia, making an important contribution to the current understanding of taxonomy and life history traits, both critical for hyriid conservation.
Peripheral T lymphocyte and immunocyte subset dynamics: markers of neoadjuvant therapy outcomes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Nie Xin , He Shuya , Nie Xinming , Li Changding , Du Kunyi , He Wenwu , Li Zhiyu , Ni Kunhan , Lu Simiao , Wang Chenghao , Wang Kangning , Miao Yan , Jiang Longlin , Lv Jiahua , Liu Guangyuan , Fang Qiang , Peng Lin , Xiao Wenguang , Wang Qifeng , Wang Dongsheng , Han Yongtao , Leng Xuefeng
Published: December 2023

Purpose

In patients with resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), neoadjuvant therapy increased the curative resection rate, disease-free survival, and overall survival for patients with resectable ESCC. However, the efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy varies among different patients. We aim to compare the differences in the characteristics of peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets before and after neoadjuvant therapy in patients with different curative efficacy.

Method

This study enrolled 266 ESCC patients who received neoadjuvant therapy and esophagectomy from August 2018 to August 2022. The postoperative pathological results divided patients into the major pathological response (MPR) and non-MPR groups. Compare the differences in peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets and analyze the trend of changes in T lymphocyte subsets at different phases of treatment. Propensity score matching was used to reduce the influence of potential confounding factors.

Results

Prior to the neoadjuvant therapy, particularly before the second cycle, the MPR group exhibited significantly higher ratios of CD4/CD8 (P=0.009) and helper T cells (TH ratio, P=0.030) compared to the non-MPR group. In contrast, the suppressor T cell ratio (TS ratio) was lower (P=0.016) in the MPR group. The difference in peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets between the two groups of patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is significant.

Conclusion

In peripheral blood, T lymphocyte subsets varied significantly based on the effectiveness of neoadjuvant treatment. Prior to the second cycle of neoadjuvant therapy, a higher CD4/CD8 and TH ratio, coupled with a decreased TS ratio, might suggest enhanced treatment outcomes.
Association between physical activity levels and healing in people with venous leg ulcers: secondary analysis of prospective cohort data
Authors: Qiu Yunjing , Osadnik Christian R. , Brusco Natasha K. , Sussman Geoffrey , Reeves Judy , Gleghorn Leanne , Weller Carolina D. , Team Victoria
Published: December 2023

Aim

To explore the relationship between physical activity levels and wound healing and recurrence in people with venous leg ulcers.

Methods

Questionnaires and medical records were used to collect data, with responses used to group participants into different physical activity groups. The differences in healing and recurrence outcomes of ulcers among different physical activity groups were compared using Chi-square, Kaplan Meier survival analysis, Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, and Kruskal-Wallis test. To measure the strength of the association between physical activity levels and patient outcomes, Spearman’s Rho tests were used. We used descriptive analysis to examine how physical activity levels change over 24 weeks.

Results

Participants were classified into four distinct groups based on physical activity levels reported at baseline and week 12. The survival analysis showed higher physical activity level was associated with a shorter time to healing (log-rank test = 14.78, df = 3; p = 0.002). The persistently moderate-to-vigorous group had a 7.3-fold increased likelihood of healing compared to the persistently sedentary group. High levels of physical activity were also associated with a better quality of life score at baseline (ρ = 0.41, p < 0.000), week 12 (ρ = 0.36, p < 0.001), and week 24 (ρ = 0.49, p < 0.000). Most participants (48.5%) reported low levels of physical activity, which remained low for the entire study period.

Conclusion

An increased level of physical activity was linked to a shorter healing time and enhanced quality of life. Low levels of physical activity appeared common among people with venous leg ulcers.
Establishing sustainable collaborations in global pathology education
Authors: Volaric Ashley K.
Published: December 2023

Graduate-level pathology education is under-resourced in low/middle-income countries (LMIC) and provides a unique opportunity for building sustainable collaborations. By focusing on a bi-directional educational exchange through graduate medical training in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PALM), global collaborations can extend to research and scholarship efforts. There are few PALM-based graduate medical programs in high-income countries (HIC) that offer this type of global educational exchange, and the few that exist have been mitigated by pandemic-related travel restrictions. Nonetheless, re-investing in these types of exchanges will allow for new opportunity in global pathology education and research for the next generation of trainees. Drawing on the author’s own experience in South Africa and Guatemala, five essential elements to establish a sustainable educational collaboration will be discussed: sustained effort and communication between partners of HIC and LMIC, involvement of key stakeholders, educational curriculum involving community engagement and cultural competency, bi-directional exchange between partners, and dedicated time and funding.
Environmental detection and spreading of mpox in healthcare settings: a narrative review
Authors: Taha Amira Mohamed , Katamesh Basant E. , Hassan Abdul Rhman , Abdelwahab Omar Ahmed , Rustagi Sarvesh , Nguyen Dang , Silva-Cajaleon Kenneth , Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso J. , Mohanty Aroop , Bonilla-Aldana D. Katterine , Sah Ranjit
Published: December 2023

Monkeypox virus (MPXV), which causes Monkeypox (Mpox), has recently been found outside its usual geographic distribution and has spread to 117 different nations. The World Health Organization (WHO) designated the epidemic a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Humans are at risk from MPXV’s spread, which has raised concerns, particularly in the wake of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic. The risk of virus transmission may rise due to the persistence of MPXV on surfaces or in wastewater. The risk of infection may also increase due to insufficient wastewater treatment allowing the virus to survive in the environment. To manage the infection cycle, it is essential to investigate the viral shedding from various lesions, the persistence of MPXV on multiple surfaces, and the length of surface contamination. Environmental contamination may contribute to virus persistence and future infection transmission. The best possible infection control and disinfection techniques depend on this knowledge. It is thought to spread mainly through intimate contact. However, the idea of virus transmission by environmental contamination creates great concern and discussion. There are more cases of environmental surfaces and wastewater contamination. We will talk about wastewater contamination, methods of disinfection, and the present wastewater treatment in this review as well as the persistence of MPXV on various environmental surfaces.
Homofermentative Lactobacilli isolated from organic sources exhibit potential ability of lactic acid production
Authors: Stephen Jain Maria , Saleh Arabi Mohammed
Published: December 2023

There has been an increasing interest in recent years in lactic acid bacteria that are derived from organic sources for lactic acid production. This research article presents the isolation and identification of homofermentative lactic acid bacteria from various novel organic sources, followed by qualitative and quantitative analyses of lactic acid produced. A total of 32 isolates were identified initially from various sources, such as curd (C1, C2), probiotics (P1, P2, and P3), silage (Si1 and Si2), soil samples (S1, S2, and S3), vermicompost (V1 and V2), and Farmyard manure. Biochemical tests such as Gram’s staining, catalase test, and oxidase test were conducted for preliminary identification of lactic acid bacteria using De Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe agar (MRS) media. Through selection and identification, based on colony morphology and biochemical characteristics, 18 isolates were identified as lactic acid bacteria. The subsequent analysis included a tube test, screening for organic acid production, and homofermentative screening using homofermentative–heterofermentative differential (HHD) medium for qualitative analysis of lactic acid. The results revealed that 9 out of 18 selected strains were homofermentative and had promising potential for the production of lactic acid. Furthermore, six isolates (P1-1, S1-3, C2-1, V2-3, P2-1, and C1-1) from all of the nine positive strains were subjected to pH testing (0, 24, 48, and 72 h) and titrimetric assay for estimation of % crude lactic acid present. The presence of lactic acid was confirmed using thin-layer chromatography (TLC). L (+)-Lactic acid was quantified using a K-LATE enzymatic assay kit, for the best three isolates (P1-1, S1-3, C2-1). Finally, the strains were subjected to 16SrRNA sequencing and were identified as Lactobacilli. Based on the findings of the study, it could be concluded that homofermentative lactic acid bacteria with significant LA-producing ability can be obtained from different organic sources and may prove to be useful in the successful production of lactic acid for biotechnological applications.
The ileal microbiome and mucosal immune profiles in response to dietary supplementation of ultra-grinded Astragalus membranaceus in weaned goats
Authors: Luo Guowang , Gebeyew Kefyalew , Zhou Chuanshe , Tan Zhiliang , Yang Wenzhu , Niu Dongyan , Ran Tao , Liu Yong
Published: December 2023

Weaning goats are susceptible to diarrhea and have weakened immune functions due to physiological, dietary and environmental stresses. Astragalus membranaceus (A. membranaceus), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has been shown to improve growth performance and immunity in weaned ruminants. However, the influence mechanism of A. membranaceus on intestinal microbiota and mucosal immunity in weaned goats is still unknown. This study investigated the effects of ultra-grinded A. membranaceus (UGAM) on the immune function and microbial community in the ileum of weaned goats. Eighteen healthy weaned Xiangdong black goats (BW, 5.30 ± 1.388 kg) were used in a study of completely randomized block design with 28 days long. The animals were randomly assigned to either a basal diet supplemented with 10 g/d of milk replacer (CON, n = 9) or the CON diet supplemented with 10 g/head UGAM (UGAM, n = 9). Supplementation of UGAM increased (p < 0.05) the plasma concentrations of total protein and albumin. Meanwhile, the addition of UGAM reduced (p < 0.05) the relative mRNA expression of the IL-6 gene (a marker of inflammation), indicating the potential immunomodulatory effect of UGAM. Moreover, the relative abundances of Verrucomicrobiota and Mycoplasma were lower (p < 0.05) in the ileum of goats supplemented with UGAM than CON. These findings suggest that dietary supplementation of UGAM may have enhanced the ileum health of weaned goats by reducing inflammation factor expression and reducing the relative abundance of pathogenic microbes. The observed beneficial effects of ultra-grinded A. membranaceus on ileal mucosal immune and the community of ileal microbiota indicate its potential to be used as a viable option for promoting the well-being of weaned goats under weaning stress.
X-linked Charcot Marie Tooth mutations alter CO2 sensitivity of connexin32 hemichannels
Authors: Butler Jack , Dale Nicholas
Published: December 2023

Connexin32 (Cx32) is expressed in myelinating Schwann cells. It forms both reflexive gap junctions, to facilitate transfer of molecules from the outer to the inner myelin layers and hemichannels at the paranode to permit action potential-evoked release of ATP into the extracellular space. Loss of function mutations in Cx32 cause X-linked Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMTX), a slowly developing peripheral neuropathy. The mechanistic links between Cx32 mutations and CMTX are not well understood. As Cx32 hemichannels can be opened by increases in PCO2, we have examined whether CMTX mutations alter this CO2 sensitivity. By using Ca2+ imaging, dye loading and genetically encoded ATP sensors to measure ATP release, we have found 5 CMTX mutations that abolish the CO2 sensitivity of Cx32 hemichannels (A88D, 111–116 Del, C179Y, E102G, V139M). Others cause a partial loss (L56F, R220Stop, and R15W). Some CMTX mutations have no apparent effect on CO2 sensitivity (R15Q, L9F, G12S, V13L, V84I, W133R). The mutation R15W alters multiple additional aspects of hemichannel function including Ca2+ and ATP permeability. The mutations that abolish CO2 sensitivity are transdominant and abolish CO2 sensitivity of co-expressed Cx32WT. We have shown that Schwannoma RT4 D6P2T cells can release ATP in response to elevated PCO2 via the opening of Cx32. This is consistent with the hypothesis that the CO2 sensitivity of Cx32 may be important for maintenance of healthy myelin. Our data, showing a transdominant effect of certain CMTX mutations on CO2 sensitivity, may need to be taken into account in any future gene therapies for this condition.
A localized pallidal physiomarker in Meige syndrome
Authors: Zhang Bo , Tian Hong , Yu Yanbing , Zhen Xueke , Zhang Li , Yuan Yue , Wang Liang
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Oscillatory patterns in local field potentials (LFPs) have been recognized as disease-specific physiomarkers, particularly in the context of Parkinson’s disease and cervical dystonia. This characteristic oscillatory feature is currently employed in adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS). However, for other types of dystonia, especially Meige syndrome, a distinct physiomarker of this nature is yet to be identified.

Methods

Local field potentials were recorded during microelectrode-guided deep brain stimulation surgery from 28 patients with primary Meige syndrome. Before surgery, the severity of patients’ motor syndrome were assessed using the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale-Motor (BFMDRS-M). An instantaneous oscillation detection method was employed to identify true narrowband oscillations. Subsequently, a linear mixed effects model was utilized to examine the relationship between oscillatory activities (including power amplitude and burst duration) and symptom severity.

Results

The focal peaks of “oscillatory activities” detected were predominantly concentrated in the narrow theta band (4–8 Hz), constituting 81.5% of the total detected oscillations in all recording sites near active DBS contacts in the globus pallidus internus (GPi). The linear mixed effects model revealed a positive correlation between the theta burst duration and the severity of preoperative motor impairment, but no correlation with postoperative motor scores. Additionally, there was no significant lateralization effect observed between the left and right GPi.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the exaggerated narrowband theta activity (mainly the burst duration) in the GPi is predictive of dystonia symptom severity and may be used as a physiomarker for optimized DBS target during surgery and adaptive DBS for the treatment of Meige syndrome.