bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioural Factors Affecting Corporate Environmental Sustainability. Evidence From a Field Study Among Polish SMEs and Implications for the EU Environmental Policies
Authors:   Poznan University of Technology, Kubera Paulina
Published: April 2024

Considering climate change problems that European countries are currently struggling with, the aim of this paper is to examine the behavioural factors that affect corporate environmental sustainability (CES). Based on the relevant academic literature and reports behavioural barriers and enablers for corporate environmental sustainability are identiﬁed using the ABCD (attention-belief formation-choice-determination) framework. Selected issues are further investigated in a survey among a representative sample of 350 small and medium-sized Polish enterprises and discussed in a broader European context. Our research reveals what goals and motivations Polish SMEs employ to make green investments, how they asses their environmental efforts compared with peer companies, what sources of environmental information they consider as trustworthy, as well as what factors they believe most strengthen the ﬁrm’s determination for sustainable development. The contribution of this paper lies in shedding light on the starting dispositions of entrepreneurs as targets of public policies promoting environmental goals in the EU. Such insights are instrumental in designing and implementing effective policy interventions.
Women in the ICT Sector in European Union States: Facing Gender Inequalities
Authors:   Poznan University of Economics and Business, Gaweł Aleksandra , Kapsdorferová Zuzana ,   Slovak Agricultural University in Nitra
Published: April 2024

This paper aims to investigate the patterns of gender inequalities in the Information and Communication (ICT) sector in European Union (EU) countries. Based on secondary data from Eurostat, a cluster analysis has been conducted to identify clusters of EU countries with various patterns of dependencies among the gender pay gap, female entrepreneurship, and employment in the ICT sector. Three clusters of EU countries have been identiﬁed with different patterns of the situation as regards women in this sector. In countries belonging to the ﬁrst cluster, a higher level of gender pay gap coexists with the lowest share of female participation in the ICT sector and features the choice of entrepreneurship rather than employment. In countries of the second cluster, the lowest gender pay gap is observed together with an increase in female employment in the ICT sector as compared to the countries in the ﬁrst cluster, and a higher share of employed women than entrepreneurs. In the countries of the third cluster, the moderate gender pay gap found therein is associated with the highest share of female ICT entrepreneurs, and is higher than the share of employed professionals. The discovery of the various patterns of the co-existence of the gender pay gap and women’s participation in the ICT sector reveal that the pay gap is rather the factor preventing women from entering this sector, as there is limited potential to push them towards entrepreneurship instead of paid employment. The authors’ results contribute to the theory of entrepreneurship and gender studies by investigating gender gaps in entrepreneurship and wages in the ICT sector as a primary sector.
International Benchmarking as a Method for Building a Learning Organisation in Public Administration. A Case Study of Phytosanitary Services in Europe
Authors:   Ofﬁce of the General Director at the Main Inspectorate of Plant Health and Seed Inspection Service, Kłobukowska Kalina , Kłobukowski Paweł ,   University of Warsaw, Rosiak Tomasz ,   University of Warsaw
Published: April 2024

The project analysed the functioning of the State Plant Protection and Seed Inspection Service (SPHSIS), and this article presents a study of the international benchmarking of public administration (6 seed Inspections from European Union countries were analysed). The research question posed by the authors of this article is: how did this tool help in the development and strategy planning of a public administration unit? The project used a number of research steps, both directly dedicated to benchmarking and interviews with Service recipients or Inspection staff. The following recommendations for Inspections emerge from a comparative analysis: 1) the introduction of the digitalisation of services, which may enable an increase in customer orientations, 2) legal changes in Poland’s Inspection Service – increasing powers and building a single, national Food Agency. 3) Seed Inspection Service clients suggest increasing pro-export attitudes among ofﬁcials.
EU Health Policy and the Healthcare Labour Market in Latvia: The Out-Migration of Healthcare Practitioners
Authors:   Riga Stradins University, Jirgensons Girts
Published: April 2024

Healthcare systems in Europe are facing increasingly complex challenges that demand innovative solutions. Furthermore, public health is increasingly recognised as a productive factor which impacts the healthcare sector’s contribution to national economies. The out-migration of healthcare practitioners from Latvia is one of the most pressing problems in the health sector, which, in turn, negatively impacts the country’s economy. The outﬂow of healthcare practitioners to other EU countries has increased since 2004, the year which saw Latvia’s accession to the EU. This trend is a consequence of labour accumulation efﬁciency in the single market, and this article aims at conducting analyses of the main push factors governing healthcare practitioners’ emigration from Latvia and the impact of these factors on the healthcare sector. The complexity of this migration determines the use of an interdisciplinary as a methodological approach in the analysis of the main trends in the healthcare labour market. This approach can assist one in carrying out an assessment of the healthcare system’s losses as a result of the out-migration which has occurred thus far. Particular attention is paid to the training of resident doctors as a perspective trend in keeping healthcare professionals in the country. The legal mechanism for recovering public funding dedicated to residency programs has also been assessed. In conclusion, the article states that the mass emigration of healthcare practitioners from Latvia may jeopardise the efﬁcient functioning of the country’s healthcare system.
STATISTICAL MODEL OF EPIDEMIOLOGICAL MONITORING OF HUMAN ECHINOCOCCOSIS IN THE SUBJECTS OF THE NORTH CAUCASUS FEDERAL DISTRICT
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education ", Arkelova M.R. ,   North Caucasus State Academy",   of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, Cherkessk, Bolatchiev K.H. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "North Caucasus State Academy" of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, Cherkessk, Bolatchieva E.K. ,   FSAE "Kuban State Medical University" of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Krasnodar, Tverdokhlebova T.I. ,   FBUN "Rostov Research Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology" of Rospotrebnadzor, Rostov-on-Don, Gogushev Z.T. ,   Russian State Budgetary Healthcare Institution "Circassian City Clinic", Cherkessk, Shemyakova S.A. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "Moscow State Academy of Veterinary  Medicine and Biotechnology - MBA named after K.I. Scriabin", Moscow
Published: April 2024

The studies described in the article were conducted from 2018 to 2022 on the territory of 7 subjects of the North Caucasus Federal District of the Russian Federation. When collecting epidemiological data on human cystic echinococcosis, statistical data from the reference center for monitoring larval helminthiasis, operating on the basis of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Rostov Research Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology" of Rospotrebnadzor, the departments of Rospotrebnadzor by subjects, the Federal State Budgetary Institution in the subjects of the Russian Federation and the results of their own research, were used. Thus, 234 cases of human echinococcosis of various localization were registered in the region. In all cases, the diagnosis was confirmed by laboratory method. No deaths have been reported. Key words: echinococcosis, subjects of the North Caucasus Federal District, monitoring, epidemiology.
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PREVALENCE ASSESSMENT ECHINOCOCCOSIS IN CENTRAL ASIA
Authors:   I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, Raimkulov K.M. , Kuljabaeva K.S. ,   I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, Toigombaeva V.S. ,   I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, Kuttubaev O.T. ,   I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
Published: April 2024

The article presents data on the prevalence of echinococcosis in Central Asia over the past few years. The work used the results of epidemiological statistics, documents and reports of comparative data on the incidence of echinococcosis, registered in Central Asia. In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of echinococcosis in developed countries, and cases of infection in European cities have begun to be recorded. Key words: epidemiological situation, invasion, echinococcosis, alveococcosis, retrospective analysis, incidence, diagnosis, Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan.
HELMINTHOZOONOSES OF FISH FROM SOUTHERN SAKHALIN. RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTAL SELF-INFECTION WITH PLEROCECOIDS PYRAMICOCEPHALUS PHOCARUM (FABRICIUS, 1780) MONTICELLI, 1890 AND DIBOTHRIOCEPHALUS SP. LÜHE, 1899.
Authors:   Sakhalin branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “VNIRO” (“SakhNIRO”), Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Frolov E.V.
Published: April 2024

The paper presents data on helminthozoonoses of fish of southern Sakhalin, according to the results of studies in 2000-2023. Based on theoretical and empirical research, it is proposed to exclude plerocercodes from the list of parasites dangerous to humans. Trematodes of the genus Liliatrema are considered conditionally pathogenic, the statement requires experimental confirmation. Key words: helminthozoonosis, Sakhalin, experimental self-infection, Pyramicocephalus phocarum
FROM LINGUODIDACTICS OF MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY TO MEDICAL THINKING
Authors:   Peoples' Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba  Russia, Moscow, Babichev N.V. , Akbaev R.M. ,   Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology - MBA named after K. I. Skryabin, Rakova V.M. ,   Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology - MBA named after K. I. Skryabin,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Further Professional Education "Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education" of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
Published: April 2024

Based on a critical analysis of literary data and our own experience in teaching medical terminology toRussian (Russian-speaking) students, the work presents the features of terminology that determine the basicprinciples of linguodidactics of this discipline and the success of its mastery. Using the identified features as an example, methodological approaches to describing cognitive processes in the formation of clinical thinkingof a future doctor are assessed. The hypothesis about the hierarchical structure of linguistic knowledge and clinical thinking is discussed. It is concluded that it is necessary to integrate scientific data from neurobiologicalsciences at the present stage of development of didactics in the formation of clinical thinking. Key words: veterinary terminology, clinical thinking, didactics, veterinary education.
Investigation of Flow and Combustion Technology Changes in a Device Nozzle for Natural Gas as a Result of Mixing in Hydrogen
Authors: Lévai Emese , Laza Tamás
Published: April 2024

The efforts of the European Union (2021, EU Regulation on Gas and Hydrogen Networks) have been waiting for a solution to the problem of -even if only partial- independence from natural gas. The article shows the effects on the combustion technical parameters and equipment, if the 100% natural gas plant is replaced with a certain proportion of hydrogen. The article examines how it affects the combustion technical parameters of natural gas user equipment if the gas that feeds them is replaced by hydrogen-natural gas mixtures of different proportions. The results show that with the introduction of hydrogen, the Wobbe number decreases, and with this equipment, hydrogen can be added to the natural gas in an amount of 23 V/V% so that it meets the standards. When examining the flame propagation speed, we conclude that it is expected that the flame will not burn back at this ratio. The work promotes the progress of natural gas-hydrogen co-combustion technologies, as it examines a special part of the combustion equipment, the nozzle, and the flow engineering processes taking place in it. With the help of this model, we successfully investigated the excess air resulting from various natural gas-hydrogen mixtures in the case of a given geometry, but the model, with its mathematical additions, also proves that mixing in hydrogen generally reduces the amount of incoming air.
Limit State of Bake Hardened Stamped Interstitial-free Steel Automotive Parts Caused by Local Thickness Reduction
Authors: Klejch Filip , Schmidová Eva
Published: April 2024

Current trends in the complex shapes of modern automobiles lead to the need for extremely formable materials for deep drawing applications. In general Interstitial–Free (IF) steels present the solution for this purpose. In addition, the cold stamping process is influenced by a variety of input factors that must be correctly adjusted. An imperfection in one of the inputs may cause stamping defects even with deep drawing materials. Limit states may then appear in the form of cracks or unacceptable thinning in the critically stressed areas of the stamped parts. For this reason, a general focus is placed on the use of non-destructive methods and inspection of stamped parts after stamping for potential subsequent modification of the stamping process. The presented work deals with the material analyses of stamped parts made of Bake-Hardened Interstitial-Free steel, including the local thickness reduction of the material, leading to the occurrence of crack propagation. The focus of the work was placed on the critical influencing factors resulting from the limit states presented. The evaluation of the material flow and the local plastic response was carried out using a cylindrical indentation method. In addition, the SEM analyses showed the importance of the deformation capacity of the surface coating which proved to be one of the decisive parameters for the occurrence of limit states.
Psychological Safety and Innovative Work Behavior: Does Socially Responsible Leadership Matter?
Authors: Kyambade Mahadih , Namuddu Regis , Mugambwa Joshua , Namatovu Afulah
Published: April 2024

Purpose – The present study investigates the relationship between innovative work behavior (IWB) and socially responsible leadership (SRL). The role of psychological safety in this relationship is also further explored in this study.Design/methodology/approach – Data were gathered from Ugandan public universities for this study. For this study, 214 employees were invited to take part. The research hypotheses were evaluated using Processes Macro and Amos.Findings – SRL has been found to effectively improve followers' Innovative work behaviour using data from Ugandan public universities. Furthermore, the primary impact of SRL on IWB of staff in public universities is mediated by psychological safety.Originality/value – This is one of the first studies to look into the relationship between followers' IWB and SRL and the mediating role of psychological safety among employees. Secondly, by investigating the mediation of psychological safety, this study expands our knowledge that binds SRL to IWB. In conclusion, our study draws from data gathered in Uganda and may offer novel perspectives to the predominantly western literature currently in circulation.
Impacto de la tecnológica educativa en estudiantes de bachillerato, institución Emilio Isaías Abihanna, en Ecuador
Authors: Valdiviezo Corella Blanca Mercedes , Jácome Segovia Diego Fernando , Alfonso Caveda Duniesky
Published: April 2024

Introducción: el estudio investigativo se centra en el impacto de la tecnología en la educación, específicamente en el curso de emprendimiento y gestión para estudiantes de tercer año de bachillerato en la Unidad Educativa Emilio Isaías Abihanna, Ecuador. Objetivo: evaluar el impacto de la tecnología educativa en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de emprendimiento y gestión en estudiantes de tercero de bachillerato en la Unidad Educativa Emilio Isaías Abihanna.  Metodología: la metodología empleada fue cualitativa y descriptiva, utilizando observación y un cuestionario de 10 preguntas dirigido a 42 estudiantes. Los datos recopilados revelaron la importancia de la tecnología para mejorar la participación, la memoria y la creatividad en el aprendizaje. Antes de la implementación de la tecnología educativa, las clases carecían de interacción y colaboración entre estudiantes, resultando desmotivadoras. Resultados: la encuesta inicial indicó que el 29% utilizaba dispositivos para estudiar, mientras que el 71% no lo hacía. Sin embargo, el 83% consideraba esencial la tecnología para el aprendizaje, aunque el 17% no lo veía así. Respecto al uso de software educativo, el 71% se sentía cómodo, mientras que el 29% mostraba incomodidad, representando un desafío para mejorar el interés en su uso. Después de la integración de la tecnología, se observó un aumento significativo del 83% en el uso de dispositivos por parte de los estudiantes. El 90% percibió la importancia de la tecnología en el aprendizaje, notando un cambio positivo en la comprensión de las asignaturas y una mayor eficiencia en el estudio. El 95% experimentó una mejora en la colaboración entre compañeros gracias a la tecnología educativa. Conclusiones: la investigación sostiene que el uso adecuado de la tecnología en la educación, guiado por los docentes, promueve el desarrollo personal de los estudiantes y mejora su calidad de vida.
Noise-Induced and Age-Related Hearing Loss in Korea
Authors: Song Jae-Jun , Kim Dongha , Chae Sung-Won
Published: April 2024

Recently, reports of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) have sharply risen among workers in South Korea, almost 20-fold in 2022, compared to 2012. This is presumably because NIHL is combined with age-related hearing loss. For the correct diagnosis of NIHL, therefore, the effect of aging that contributes to threshold shifts is should be excluded, and that would require scrutinizing of various established methods. Additionally, international and domestic data from large cross-sectional studies may provide new insights in excluding the effect of age-related hearing loss in individuals in which threshold shifts occurred. This paper comprises the recommendations for the diagnosis and quantification of NIHL in a medico-legal context.
Unmet needs in the post-direct-acting antivirals era: The risk and molecular mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatitis C virus eradication
Authors: Huang Chung-Feng , Awad Manar Hijaze , Gal-Tanamy Meital , Yu Ming-Lung
Published: April 2024

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the major etiologies of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with approximately 30% of HCC being due to HCV infection worldwide. HCV eradication by antivirals greatly reduces the risk of HCC; nevertheless, HCC remains to occur in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients who have achieved a sustained virological response (SVR). The proportion of post-SVR HCC among newly diagnosed HCC patients is increasing in the direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era and might be due to preexisting inflammatory and fibrotic liver backgrounds, immune dysregulation between host and virus interactions, as well as host epigenetic scars, genetic predispositions and alternations. By means of applying surrogate markers and adopting risk stratification, HCC surveillance should be consistently performed in high-risk populations. In this review, we discuss the possible molecular mechanism, risk factors, and HCC surveillance strategy for HCC development after HCV eradication in CHC patients.
Tailorable Energy Absorbing Cellular Materials via Sintering of Dry Powder Printed Hollow Glass Microspheres
Authors: Wereley Norman , Park Jungjin , Howard John , DeMay Matthew , Edery Avi
Published: April 2024

This article examines amorphous glass-based foams as lightweight core materials for crash-resistant structures that offer tailorable energy absorption capabilities. Hollow glass microspheres (HGMs) of different densities are layered using dry powder print- ing (DPP), an additive manufacturing process, and subsequently sintered to consolidate these microspheres into a cellular foam structure. The tuning of energy absorption is achieved in these foams by layering hollow microspheres with different densities and different thickness ratios of the layers. The mechanical response to quasi-static uniax- ial compression of the bilayer foams is also investigated. Bilayer samples a distinctive two-step stress-strain profile that includes first and second plateau stress, as opposed to a single constant density which does not. The strain at which the second plateau occurs can be tuned by adjusting the thickness ratio of the two layers. The resulting tailorable stress-strain profile demonstrates tailorable energy absorption. Tailorability is found to be more significant if the density values of each layer differ greatly. For comparison, bilayer samples are fabricated using epoxy at the interface instead of the co-sintering process. Epoxy-bonded samples show a different mechanical response from the co-sintered sample with a different stress-strain profile. Designing the bilayer foams enables tailoring of the stress-strain profile, so that energy-absorption requirements can be met for a specific impact condition. The implementation of these materials for energy absorption, crashworthiness, and buoyancy applications will be discussed.
Appraisal of Social Skills Training Therapy on Aggressive Behaviour among Secondary School Students in Lagos State
Authors: Mayowa Akinwale Joel
Published: April 2024

This study was carried out to appraise social skills training therapy (SSTT) on aggressive behaviour among secondary school students in Lagos State, South West Nigeria. To this end, a randomized two group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental research design was adopted as the blue print for the study, which requires the experimental group to be treated with SSTT. The sample consists of 84 students in senior secondary school three (male=42; female=42) drawn using the simple random sampling technique from two schools in Education Districts 1 in Lagos State. An adopted Measures of Aggression Checklist (MAC) was the instrument used for data collection. Section A of the instrument elicits demographic information, while section B consists of 94 items on different forms of aggression. MAC was face validated by a panel of three experts in Educational Psychology in Lagos State University for content and criterion related validities. Their suggestions were used in appropriating the structural composition of the instrument. The test retest method was employed in establishing the reliability of MAC after validation, with two weeks interval between the first and second administrations. Data obtained were correlated using the Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, which yielded an R-value of 0.93. Data collection was carried out by administering MAC on participants in both experimental and control groups, after which the treatment was administered on the experimental group for eight weeks and this was followed by a post administration of MAC on participants in both groups again. Data collected were collated and analyzed using the Univariate Analysis of Variance at 0.05 level of significance. The results showed that Social Skills Training Therapy is an effective aggression reduction strategy among secondary school students in Lagos state. It was therefore recommended that SSTT be integrated into both junior and senior secondary school curricula in the country.
Peer Teacher Utilization in Secondary Schools: Varying Trends in Selected Counties 0f the Western Region, Kenya.
Authors: Kasembeli David W. , Wawire Violet , Gathara Peter M.
Published: April 2024

There has been an upsurge in the utilization of peer teachers in secondary schools in Kenya in the recent past. This is despite the Ministry of Education and the Teachers Service Commission having insisted on only registered teachers being allowed to teach in Secondary schools. This study aimed at investigating, analyzing and documenting the varied trends in peer teaching in Kenyan secondary schools and their implications for adherence to teacher competence standards in selected Counties of the Western region of Kenya. The study was descriptive in nature and the data collection method was an intra-national case study. This study was guided by Pierre Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice (1990) and was heavily influenced by the Scientific Method Approach as propounded by Noah and Eckstein (1969). Three research instruments were utilized, namely; questionnaires, interviews and document analysis. The questionnaires were used to collect data from students, regular teachers, peer teachers and Head of Department. The interviews were conducted with the Principals, County Director of Teacher Service Commission, Board of Management members, parents, students, peer teachers, regular teachers and Head of Departments in the selected schools. Document Analysis was done on past Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education results records and the teachers who taught the classes. The data collected was analyzed using a mixed method with a bias on qualitative data analysis approaches. Qualitative data was analyzed through thematic analysis: that is, coding and categorization of emerging themes from the data according to the objectives. While quantitative data was analyzed using both Descriptive statistics such as percentages and means and inferential statistics that utilized t-test. The data indicated that there was a drastic increase in thenumber of peer teachers in secondary schools in the years 2010 to 2016. Majority of these were found in sub county schools. The schools assigned them all the duties of a teacher although in varied proportions depending on the school’s needs. In light of these findings, the study recommended that the government should design and adopt a law to legalize the utilization of peer teachers.
Synthesis and toxicity assessment of Coffea arabica extract-derived gold nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin in lung cancer cell cultures
Authors: Trejo-Teniente Isaí , Jaramillo-Loranca Blanca Estela , Vargas-Hernández Genaro , Villanueva-Ibáñez Maricela , Tovar-Jiménez Xochitl , Olvera-Venegas Patricia Nayeli , Tapia-Ramírez José
Published: April 2024

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, despite the many treatments available, cancer patients face side effects that reduce their quality of life. Therefore, there is a need to develop novel strategies to increase the efficacy of treatments. In this study, gold nanoparticles obtained by green synthesis with Coffea arabica green bean extract were loaded with Doxorubicin, (a highly effective but non-specific drug) by direct interaction and using commercial organic ligands that allow colloidal dispersion at physiological and tumor pH. Conjugation of these components resulted in stable nanohybrids at physiological pH and a tumor pH release dependent, with a particle size less than 40 nm despite having the ligands and Doxorubicin loaded on their surface, which gave them greater specificity and cytotoxicity in H69 tumor cells.
The treatment efficacy of bone tissue engineering strategy for repairing segmental bone defects under diabetic condition
Authors: Wang Xiangsheng , Xiang Can , Huang Chunhua , Cheng Hanxiao , Zhou Zhentao , Zhang Jufang , Xie Hui
Published: April 2024

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a systematic disease which exert detrimental effect on bone tissue. The repair and reconstruction of bone defects in diabetic patients still remain a major clinical challenge. This study aims to investigate the potential of bone tissue engineering approach to improve bone regeneration under diabetic condition.

Methods

In the present study, decalcified bone matrix (DBM) scaffolds were seeded with allogenic fetal bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and cultured in osteogenic induction medium to fabricate BMSC/DBM constructs. Then the BMSC/DBM constructs were implanted in both subcutaneous pouches and large femoral bone defects in diabetic (BMSC/DBM in DM group) and non-diabetic rats (BMSC/DBM in non-DM group), cell-free DBM scaffolds were implanted in diabetic rats to serve as the control group (DBM in DM group). X-ray, micro-CT and histological analyses were carried out to evaluate the bone regenerative potential of BMSC/DBM constructs under diabetic condition.

Results

In the rat subcutaneous implantation model, quantitative micro-CT analysis demonstrated that BMSC/DBM in DM group showed impaired bone regeneration activity compared with the BMSC/DBM in non-DM group (bone volume: 46 ± 4.4 mm3 vs 58.9 ± 7.15 mm3, *p < 0.05). In the rat femoral defect model, X-ray examination demonstrated that bone union was delayed in BMSC/DBM in DM group compared with BMSC/DBM in non-DM group. However, quantitative micro-CT analysis showed that after 6 months of implantation, there was no significant difference in bone volume and bone density between the BMSC/DBM in DM group (199 ± 63 mm3 and 593 ± 65 mg HA/ccm) and the BMSC/DBM in non-DM group (211 ± 39 mm3 and 608 ± 53 mg HA/ccm). Our data suggested that BMSC/DBM constructs could repair large bone defects in diabetic rats, but with delayed healing process compared with non-diabetic rats.

Conclusion

Our study suggest that biomaterial sacffolds seeded with allogenic fetal BMSCs represent a promising strategy to induce and improve bone regeneration under diabetic condition.
Airway basal cells from human-induced pluripotent stem cells: a new frontier in cystic fibrosis research
Authors: Demchenko Anna , Belova Lyubava , Balyasin Maxim , Kochergin-Nikitsky Konstantin , Kondrateva Ekaterina , Voronina Ekaterina , Pozhitnova Victoria , Tabakov Vyacheslav , Salikhova Diana , Bukharova Tatiana , Goldshtein Dmitry , Kondratyeva Elena , Kyian Tatiana , Amelina Elena , Zubkova Olga , Popova Olga , Ozharovskaia Tatiana , Lavrov Alexander , Smirnikhina Svetlana
Published: April 2024

Human-induced airway basal cells (hiBCs) derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) offer a promising cell model for studying lung diseases, regenerative medicine, and developing new gene therapy methods. We analyzed existing differentiation protocols and proposed our own protocol for obtaining hiBCs, which involves step-by-step differentiation of hiPSCs into definitive endoderm, anterior foregut endoderm, NKX2.1+ lung progenitors, and cultivation on basal cell medium with subsequent cell sorting using the surface marker CD271 (NGFR). We derived hiBCs from two healthy cell lines and three cell lines with cystic fibrosis (CF). The obtained hiBCs, expressing basal cell markers (NGFR, KRT5, and TP63), could differentiate into lung organoids (LOs). We demonstrated that LOs derived from hiBCs can assess cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel function using the forskolin-induced swelling (FIS) assay. We also carried out non-viral (electroporation) and viral (recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)) serotypes 6 and 9 and recombinant adenovirus (rAdV) serotype 5 transgene delivery to hiBCs and showed that rAAV serotype 6 is most effective against hiBCs, potentially applicable for gene therapy research.
Roles of airway and intestinal epithelia in responding to pathogens and maintaining tissue homeostasis
Authors: Ambrogi Marcela , Vezina Chad M.
Published: April 2024

Epithelial cells form a resilient barrier and orchestrate defensive and reparative mechanisms to maintain tissue stability. This review focuses on gut and airway epithelia, which are positioned where the body interfaces with the outside world. We review the many signaling pathways and mechanisms by which epithelial cells at the interface respond to invading pathogens to mount an innate immune response and initiate adaptive immunity and communicate with other cells, including resident microbiota, to heal damaged tissue and maintain homeostasis. We compare and contrast how airway and gut epithelial cells detect pathogens, release antimicrobial effectors, collaborate with macrophages, Tregs and epithelial stem cells to mount an immune response and orchestrate tissue repair. We also describe advanced research models for studying epithelial communication and behaviors during inflammation, tissue injury and disease.
Release of fibrous microplastics from functional polyester garments through household washing
Authors: Klinkhammer Kristina , Kolbe Sabrina , Brandt Stefan , Meyer Jens , Ratovo Karin , Bendt Ellen , Rabe Maike
Published: April 2024

The global increase of the amount of microplastics in aquatic systems is an ever-growing problem. Household laundering of synthetic textiles has been identified as one significant reason for the release of fibrous microplastics (FMP), although a high proportion of the waste water generated by the washing process is filtered by wastewater treatment plants, e.g., in Germany, before it enters the environment. The washing of garments made of synthetic materials is considered particularly and was investigated during this study. Therefore, 11 fleece garments, one mixed batch and three non-raised garments were washed several times and under different conditions in houshold washing machines. However, this study utilizing different functional polyester garments showed that mechanical raised textiles (e.g., fleece) do not generally have higher emission values than non-raised textiles, such as sports shirts and sports pants. During the washing process, the release of FMP can be influenced by different washing parameters, always aiming for a good washing result. The experiments showed, that the release of FMP into the aquatic environment can be reduced by the washing habits—especially a high washing machine load and a shortened washing time were found to be effective.
Association between SARS-CoV-2 gene specific Ct values and COVID-19 associated in-hospital mortality
Authors: Sikhosana Mpho L. , Welch Richard , Musekiwa Alfred , Makatini Zinhle , Ebonwu Joy , Blumberg Lucille , Jassat Waasila
Published: April 2024

Background

Since there are currently no specific SARS-CoV-2 prognostic viral biomarkers for predicting disease severity, there has been interest in using SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cycle-threshold (Ct) values to predict disease progression.

Objective

This study assessed the association between in-hospital mortality of hospitalized COVID-19 cases and Ct-values of gene targets specific to SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

Clinical data of hospitalized COVID-19 cases from Gauteng Province from April 2020-July 2022 were obtained from a national surveillance system and linked to laboratory data. The study period was divided into pandemic waves: Asp614Gly/wave1 (7 June–22 Aug 2020); beta/wave2 (15 Nov 2020–6 Feb 2021); delta/wave3 (9 May–18 Sept 2021) and omicron/wave4 (21 Nov 2021–22 Jan 2022). Ct-value data of genes specific to SARS-CoV-2 according to testing platforms (Roche-ORF gene; GeneXpert-N2 gene; Abbott-RdRp gene) were categorized as low (Ct < 20), mid (Ct20–30) or high (Ct > 30).

Results

There were 1205 recorded cases: 836(69.4%; wave1), 122(10.1%;wave2) 21(1.7%; wave3) and 11(0.9%;in wave4). The cases' mean age(±SD) was 49 years(±18), and 662(54.9%) were female. There were 296(24.6%) deaths recorded: 241(81.4%;wave1), 27 (9.1%;wave2), 6 (2%;wave3), and 2 (0.7%;wave4) (p < 0.001). Sample distribution by testing platforms was: Roche 1,033 (85.7%), GeneXpert 169 (14%) and Abbott 3 (0.3%). The median (IQR) Ct-values according to testing platform were: Roche 26 (22–30), GeneXpert 38 (36–40) and Abbott 21 (16–24). After adjusting for sex, age and presence of a comorbidity, the odds of COVID-19 associated death were high amongst patients with Ct values 20–30[adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 2.25; 95% CI: 1.60–3.18] and highest amongst cases with Ct-values <20 (aOR 3.18; 95% CI: 1.92–5.27), compared to cases with Ct-values >30.

Conclusion

Although odds of COVID19-related death were high amongst cases with Ct-values <30, Ct values were not comparable across different testing platforms, thus precluding the comparison of SARS-CoV-2 Ct-value results.
DNA methylation regulator-based molecular subtyping and tumor microenvironment characterization in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Junsheng , Liu Zhengtao , Yang Keda , Shen Sijia , Peng Jing
Published: April 2024

Backgroud

Although recent studies have reported the regulation of the immune response in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through DNA methylation, the comprehensive impact methylation modifications on tumor microenvironment characteristics and immunotherapy efficacy has not been fully elucidated.

Methods

In this research, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of the patterns of DNA methylation regulators and the profiles of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in HCC, focusing on 21 specific DNA methylation regulators. We subsequently developed a unique scoring system, a DNA methylation score (DMscore), to assess the individual DNA methylation modifications among the three distinct methylation patterns for differentially expressed genes (DEGs).

Results

Three distinct methylation modification patterns were identified with distinct TME infiltration characteristics. We demonstrated that the DMscore could predict patient subtype, TME infiltration, and patient prognosis. A low DMscore, characterized by an elevated tumor mutation burden (TMB), hepatitis B virus (HBV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and immune activation, indicates an inflamed tumor microenvironment phenotype with a 5-year survival rate of 7.8%. Moreover, a low DMscore appeared to increase the efficacy of immunotherapy in the anti-CTLA-4/PD-1/PD-L1 cohort.

Conclusions

In brief, this research has enhanced our understanding of the correlation between modifications in DNA methylation patterns and the profile of the tumor microenvironment in individuals diagnosed with HCC. The DMscore may serve as an alternative biomarker for survival and efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with HCC.
Chemokines and lymphocyte homing in Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Liao Jiahe , Yu Xinbo , Huang Ziwei , He Qian , Yang Jianying , Zhang Yan , Chen Jiaqi , Song Weijiang , Luo Jing , Tao Qingwen
Published: April 2024

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease that typically presents with lymphocyte, dendritic cell, and macrophage infiltration of exocrine gland ducts and the formation of ectopic germinal centers. The interactions of lymphocyte homing receptors and addressins and chemokines and their receptors, such as α4β7/MAdCAM-1, LFA-1/ICAM-1, CXCL13/CXCR5, CCL25/CCR9, CX3CL1/CX3CR1, play important roles in the migration of inflammatory cells to the focal glands and the promotion of ectopic germinal center formation in SS. A variety of molecules have been shown to be involved in lymphocyte homing, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon (IFN)-α, IFN-β, and B cell activating factor. This process mainly involves the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathway, lymphotoxin-β receptor pathway, and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway. These findings have led to the development of antibodies to cell adhesion molecules, antagonists of chemokines and their receptors, compounds interfering with chemokine receptor signaling, and gene therapies targeting chemokines and their receptors, providing new targets for the treatment of SS in humans. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between lymphocyte homing and the pathogenesis of SS, and to provide a review of recent studies addressing lymphocyte homing in targeted therapy for SS.
CD44: a cancer stem cell marker and therapeutic target in leukemia treatment
Authors: Wu Shuang , Tan Yicheng , Li Fanfan , Han Yixiang , Zhang Shenghui , Lin Xiaofei
Published: April 2024

CD44 is a ubiquitous leukocyte adhesion molecule involved in cell-cell interaction, cell adhesion, migration, homing and differentiation. CD44 can mediate the interaction between leukemic stem cells and the surrounding extracellular matrix, thereby inducing a cascade of signaling pathways to regulate their various behaviors. In this review, we focus on the impact of CD44s/CD44v as biomarkers in leukemia development and discuss the current research and prospects for CD44-related interventions in clinical application.
Triglyceride-inflammation score established on account of random survival forest for predicting survival in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Li Jun , Ye Yinxin , Cai Yonglin , Ji Huojin , Qin Weiling , Luo Yonglin , Zhou Xiaoying , Zhang Zhe , Xiao Xue , Zhang Bin
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study aimed to establish an effective prognostic model based on triglyceride and inflammatory markers, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), to predict overall survival (OS) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Additionally, we aimed to explore the interaction and mediation between these biomarkers in their association with OS.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on 259 NPC patients who had blood lipid markers, including triglyceride and total cholesterol, as well as parameters of peripheral blood cells measured before treatment. These patients were followed up for over 5 years, and randomly divided into a training set (n=155) and a validation set (n=104). The triglyceride-inflammation (TI) score was developed using the random survival forest (RSF) algorithm. Subsequently, a nomogram was created. The performance of the prognostic model was measured by the concordance index (C-index), time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). The interaction and mediation between the biomarkers were further analyzed. Bioinformatics analysis based on the GEO dataset was used to investigate the association between triglyceride metabolism and immune cell infiltration.

Results

The C-index of the TI score was 0.806 in the training set, 0.759 in the validation set, and 0.808 in the entire set. The area under the curve of time-dependent ROC of TI score in predicting survival at 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.741, 0.847, and 0.871 respectively in the training set, and 0.811, 0.837, and 0.758 in the validation set, then 0.771, 0.848, and 0.862 in the entire set, suggesting that TI score had excellent performance in predicting OS in NPC patients. Patients with stage T1-T2 or M0 had significantly lower TI scores, NLR, and PLR, and higher LMR compared to those with stage T3-T3 or M1, respectively. The nomogram, which integrated age, sex, clinical stage, and TI score, demonstrated good clinical usefulness and predictive ability, as evaluated by the DCA. Significant interactions were found between triglyceride and NLR and platelet, but triglyceride did not exhibit any medicating effects in the inflammatory markers. Additionally, NPC tissues with active triglyceride synthesis exhibited high immune cell infiltration.

Conclusion

The TI score based on RSF represents a potential prognostic factor for NPC patients, offering convenience and economic advantages. The interaction between triglyceride and NLR may be attributed to the effect of triglyceride metabolism on immune response.
Transition to a mesenchymal state in neuroblastoma may be characterized by a high expression of GD2 and by the acquisition of immune escape from NK cells
Authors: Di Matteo Sabina , Bilotta Maria Teresa , Pelosi Andrea , Haas Dorothee , Theinert Tobias , Weber Gerrit , Schlegel Paul-Gerhardt , Berg Matthias , Moretta Lorenzo , Maggi Enrico , Azzarone Bruno , Vacca Paola , Tumino Nicola , Caruana Ignazio
Published: April 2024

Background

Neuroblastoma (NB) is characterized by both adrenergic (ADRN) and undifferentiated mesenchymal (MES) subsets. The ganglioside sialic acid-containing glycosphingolipid (GD2) is widely overexpressed on tumors of neuroectodermal origin promoting malignant phenotypes. MES cells are greatly enriched in post-therapy and relapsing tumors and are characterized by decreased expression of GD2. This event may cause failure of GD2-based immunotherapy. NK cells represent a key innate cell subset able to efficiently kill tumors. However, the tumor microenvironment (TME) that includes tumor cells and tumor-associated (TA) cells could inhibit their effector function.

Methods

We studied eight NB primary cultures that, in comparison with commercial cell lines, more faithfully reflect the tumor cell characteristics. We studied four primary NB-MES cell cultures and two pairs of MES/ADRN (691 and 717) primary cultures, derived from the same patient. In particular, in the six human NB primary cultures, we assessed their phenotype, the expression of GD2, and the enzymes that control its expression, as well as their interactions with NK cells, using flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, and cytotoxicity assays.

Results

We identified mature (CD105+/CD133−) and undifferentiated (CD133+/CD105−) NB subsets that express high levels of the MES transcripts WWTR1 and SIX4. In addition, undifferentiated MES cells display a strong resistance to NK-mediated killing. On the contrary, mature NB-MES cells display an intermediate resistance to NK-mediated killing and exhibit some immunomodulatory capacities on NK cells but do not inhibit their cytolytic activity. Notably, independent from their undifferentiated or mature phenotype, NB-MES cells express GD2 that can be further upregulated in undifferentiated NB-MES cells upon co-culture with NK cells, leading to the generation of mature mesenchymal GD2bright neuroblasts. Concerning 691 and 717, they show high levels of GD2 and resistance to NK cell-mediated killing that can be overcome by the administration of dinutuximab beta, the anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody applied in the clinic.

Conclusions

NB is a heterogeneous tumor representing a further hurdle in NB immunotherapy. However, different from what was reported with NB commercial cells and independent of their MES/ADRN phenotype, the expression of GD2 and its displayed sensitivity to anti-GD2 mAb ADCC indicated the possible effectiveness of anti-GD2 immunotherapy.