bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lessons of liberation struggles and legal ideas of Ukrainians in the 19th century for today
Authors: Dovhanych V.
Published: December 2023

Purpose. The purpose of the study is to characterize the main ideological currents and legal doctrines of the 19th century, as well as to identify positive practices for improving the legal awareness and legal culture of Ukrainians in today's conditions. In view of the fact that in the 19th century the ideas of sobornost - the unity of ethnic Ukrainian lands were formed, the ideas of republicanism and people's rule were developed, some of these ideas should be included in the basis of the legal ideology of today. Methods. The methodological basis of the research was the principles of historicism, objectivity, complexity, a problem-chronological approach, as well as a complex of general scientific, special scientific and philosophical methods. Results. It has been established that for Ukrainians, a combination of various worldviews and state legal ideas is traditional, in particular liberalism, conservatism, social democracy, and nationalism itself (it took shape as a separate movement only in the 1920s and 1930s). The historically formed pluralism of views regarding the solution of social, economic and political issues has always been characterized by the dominance of a single idea - the unity of ethnic Ukrainian lands and the establishment of a sovereign state on their territory. Therefore, the idea of ethnic unity, a single state Ukrainian language, preservation of historical memory should not be a condition, but an obligation in the conditions of existence of the modern state of Ukraine. Freedom of speech, people's rule, as well as Christian ethics and morality are the main and traditional values characteristic of the Ukrainian state-legal opinion. The protection of these values takes place in today's conditions. Originality. Historically determined conceptual approaches to the understanding of the state, which were formed in the 19th century, have been identified. and can be included in the modern legal ideology of Ukraine. Practical significance. The results of the research can be used in further historical and legal studies, preparation of special courses.
Criminal liability for ecocide under international law
Authors: Brynzanska O.
Published: December 2023

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to determine the legal nature of ecocide in the context of international law as «international crime» or «crime of international nature».
Methodology includes the general scientific dialectical method, as well as other methods of scientific knowledge: functional, system-structural, and comparative methods. Results: It was concluded that there is no regulation of ecocide in international law as an international crime outside the context of an armed conflict, which excludes international legal responsibility for its commission, or a crime of international nature (transnational crime), which is due to the limited establishment of criminal responsibility for ecocide in the national legislation of many states. It has been established that ecocide can potentially be recognized as an international crime stricto sensu if the adoption of relevant amendments to the Statute of the International Criminal Court will be, and as a crime of an international nature if the adoption of a multilateral international treaty as universal legal standard will be. It was determined that a separate political and legal instrument of influence on national legislation is the establishment of standards of responsibility for environmental criminal offenses, including ecocide, within the framework of membership in international organizations (Council of Europe) and economic and political unions (EU). It was established that until now the development of the concept of ecocide in international law as an act characterized by signs of "seriousness", "long-term" and "wide-spread" damage to the natural environment is at the stage of development. Originality. The legal nature of ecocide in the context of its belonging to an international crime / a crime of an international character as concepts of international criminal law is studied. Practical significance. The results of the study can be used in educational, law-making and law-enforcement activities in the course of developing the state criminal law policy.
Towards a personalized preventive strategy of Herpes zoster infection in patients with hematologic diseases or hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: a position paper from an ad hoc Italian expert panel
Authors: Girmenia Corrado , Ciceri Fabio , Corradini Paolo , Cuneo Antonio , D’Ancona Fortunato , Musto Pellegrino , Risitano Antonio Maria , Voso Maria Teresa , Venditti Adriano , Barosi Giovanni
Published: December 2023

The identification of patients at high risk of herpes zoster (HZ) requiring a prevention strategy with antiviral prophylaxis and anti-HZ vaccine is a clinically relevant issue in patients with immunological impairment. Absence of trials comparing vaccination to pharmacological prophylaxis or defining their sequential use makes the optimal prevention strategy uncertain. This article presents the results of group discussion among an ad hoc constituted panel of experts aimed to review the literature regarding antiviral prophylaxis and vaccine efficacy and safety in populations with malignant and non-malignant hematological diseases, and submitted to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The panel used the consensus methodology and proposed solutions for prevention strategy producing advice for the management of the most relevant unmet clinical needs. Such a comprehensive overview aims to support at the practice of HZ pharmacological and vaccine prevention and informing the design and the need of implementation of new studies in the field.
Коморбідна ендокринна патологія як наслідок функціонально-метаболічних порушень печінки та її корекція новим засобом
Authors: Морозюк А. Ю. , Мельниківська Н. В. , Кудря М. Я. , Устенко Н. В. , Кустова С. П. , Бойко М. О. , Ганненко С. Г. , Матвєєва Т. В.
Published: December 2023

У медичній практиці все більше поширюється таке явище, як коморбідність, тобто, існування в пацієнта двох або більше захворювань і синдромів, що пов’язані між собою, співпадаючих за часом, або тих, що є наслідком основного захворювання та його лікування. Оскільки печінка є одним з найважливіших метаболічних органів, розповсюдження захворювань печінки значно збільшує кількість пов’язаних з ними коморбідних патологій. Однією з поширених патологій гепатобіліарної системи в світі вважають неалкогольну жирову хворобу печінки, розвиток якої може призвести також до пору­шень з боку щитовидної залози, сперматогенезу тощо. Слід зазначити, що діагностика та лікування коморбідних патологій значно ускладнені через неспецифічні симптоми хвороби. Для ефективної корекції коморбідної патології, що поєднує порушення сперматогенезу з розвитком гіпотиреозу на фоні гепатиту, є перспективною розробка комбінованих лікарських засобів, які б поєднували спер­ матостимулюючу активність з гепатопротекторною та відновлюючим впливом на тиреоїдний статус організму. У ДУ «Інститут проблем ендокринної патології ім. В. Я. Данилевського НАМН України» розроблено такий інноваційний засіб на основі камфорної кислоти та селеновмісної сполуки.

Мета дослідження – оцінити вплив нового засобу на основі дикарбонової кислоти та селеновміс­ної сполуки на процеси сперматогенезу, тиреоїдний статус за умов токсичного та медикаментозно­го гепатиту.

Дослідження проведено на 80 безпородних білих щурах­самцях масою 200–250 г. Відтворено дві моделі експериментального гепатиту, токсичний (ураження тетрахлорметаном) і медикаментозний (парацетамол­індукований). Верифікацію ушкодження печінки проводили біохімічними методами: визначали активність АлАТ, АсАТ, ГГТ та ЛФ, також досліджували процеси сперматогенезу та рівень гормонів щитовидної залози.

В умовах як токсичного, так і медикаментозного ураження печінки в тварин виявлені значні зміни активності печінкових ферментів. Також відмічено суттеве зниження рівня тиреоїдних гормонів і значні порушення процесів сперматогенезу. В умовах корекції обох форм індукованого гепатиту новим засобом відмічена нормалізація активності печінкових ферментів, підвищення рівня тиреоїд­них гормонів у піддослідних тварин і нормалізація показників спермограми.

Отже, новий засіб на основі похідного дикарбонової кислоти та селеновмісної сполуки є ефектив­ним і перспективним як потенційний лікарський засіб для корекції коморбідної патології, що виникає внаслідок функціонально-­метаболічних порушень печінки.
Vai trò của phong cách lãnh đạo trong thực hiện trách nhiệm xã hội ở các doanh nghiệp tư nhân nhỏ và vừa Việt Nam
Authors: Bùi Quang Tuyến , Đỗ Vũ Phương Anh , Tạ Huy Hùng
Published: December 2023

Sử dụng bộ dữ liệu duy nhất về doanh nghiệp tư nhân và lý thuyết quản lý cấp trên, nghiên cứu này có đóng góp bằng việc cung cấp những bằng chứng mới về vai trò của phong cách lãnh đạo đến hoạt động trách nhiệm xã hội của các doanh nghiệp tư nhân nhỏ và vừa tại Việt Nam. Kết quả nghiên cứu chỉ ra rằng phong cách kiểm soát bên ngoài không thực sự ảnh hưởng rõ ràng đến hoạt động trách nhiệm xã hội. Tuy thế, các doanh nghiệp dẫn dắt bởi các lãnh đạo thích đổi mới sáng tạo có xu hướng thúc đẩy hoạt động trách nhiệm xã hội. Kết quả nghiên cứu hàm ý rằng thúc đẩy phong cách đổi mới sáng tạo, dám nghĩ dám làm của lãnh đạo doanh nghiệp thông qua các chương trình đào tạo, huấn luyện và chuyển giao tri thức và công nghệ là hết sức cần thiết và có tính quyết định đến mục tiêu phát triển bền vững của các doanh nghiệp tư nhân tại Việt Nam.
Importance of multi-sensor observations to advance species co-occurrence knowledge: a demonstration of two acoustic technologies
Authors: Calonge A , Goossens J , Muñiz C , Reubens J , Debusschere E
Published: December 2023

Multi-sensor observations, integrated across time and space, may bridge knowledge gaps in ecosystem dynamics, one aspect of which is species co-occurrence. In the present work, we combined data streams from 2 acoustic technologies; passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) and acoustic telemetry (AT) jointly installed under the LifeWatch project. We made use of existing long-term data series from studies on single-species dynamics, to investigate the co-occurrence of multiple species: European seabass, Atlantic cod and cetaceans (harbour porpoise and dolphins), in the Belgian part of the North Sea. Common co-occurrence analyses were applied to a combined PAM and AT hourly presence-absence matrix at different spatial and temporal resolutions. The fish species were in the presence of harbour porpoise at least one-third (seabass) to nearly half (cod) of the time they were detected. At a seasonal resolution, we did not observe probabilities of occupancy to be higher or lower than what is expected by chance, while we could discern patterns of co-occurrence when using an hourly resolution. Analyses done at an hourly resolution showed that porpoises have a significantly higher probability of co-occurrence with cod or seabass during autumn and winter nights. Developing these large-scale networks of integrated acoustic instruments while considering species co-occurrences would further expand data applicability. Considering co-occurrence in ecological research is a step towards ecosystem-based management of our oceans.
Can COVID-19 Help Us Deliver Whole-System Holistic Healthcare?
Authors: Enesco Ada
Published: December 2023

The 7ᵗʰ Joint Symposium between the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) and the Asian Association for the Study of Diabetes (AASD) took place on the 2ⁿᵈ–6ᵗʰ October in Hamburg, Germany. In an engaging session examining the impact of COVID-19 on new healthcare models, experts provided insights into whole-system approaches for diabetes, and opportunities for improvement in patient outcomes via telemedicine.
The Semiosis of Stock Market Indices: Taking Charles Sanders Peirce to a Trading Room
Authors: Duterme Tom
Published: December 2023

Stock market indices are among the signs populating financial markets and allowing traders to support their valuation work. The movements of the Dow Jones and the S&P 500 are constantly monitored, but how are they interpreted? Is this interpretation unique to each trader? Does it depend on how the indices are communicated? Considering these questions, this article aims to illustrate the heuristic interests of Charles Sanders Peirce’s semiotics. Peirce’s concepts can elucidate that stock indices assume different semiotic statuses. Depending on the financial context in which they operate, their signification and thus their function for traders will vary. This article demonstrates the usefulness of these concepts through empirical illustrations drawn from the literature, the financial press and a fieldwork in a trading room. Beyond this case study, this article reveals how the Peircian toolbox contributes to the studies of valuation signs.
PROPOSTA DE ANÁLISE MUSICOTERAPÊUTICA DE CANÇÕES A PARTIR DOS CONCEITOS DE SIGNIFICADOS E SENTIDOS DE VYGOTSKY
Authors: Soares Dos Santos Hermes , Martins Furtado Oliveira Lehtonen Souza Liliane Martins Furtado Oliveira Lehtonen Souza , Roberto Silva Lydio , Cristina Vagetti Gislaine
Published: December 2023

O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar uma proposta de análise musicoterapêutica de uma canção composta por um grupo de mulheres que sofreram violência, residentes de uma casa-abrigo. A fundamentação teórica principal foram os conceitos de significados e sentidos de Vygotsky e contribuições teóricas e metodológicas de Tatit e Sampaio. Metodologia: foram descritos os dados contextuais das participantes, a relação entre os significados e sentidos da melodia, letra e harmonia, a performance e arranjo da composição, e a interpretação a partir dos dados coletados. Por fim, concluiu-se que a proposta de análise proporciona ao musicoterapeuta material melhor para manejo dos elementos da canção dentro do processo musicoterapêutico.
DESENVOLVIMENTO POSITIVO DE JOVENS
Authors: Tsuruda Amaral Hellen , Moreira da Cunha Josafá , Dobrianskyj Weber Lidia Natalia
Published: December 2023

Introdução: Concepções sobre a infância e, especialmente, a adolescência como um momento de déficit ainda não foram superadas na literatura sobre jovens. Embora seja importante continuar o atendimento a demandas relacionadas a problemas e riscos que os envolvem, surgem concepções teóricas com implicações epistemológicas e metodológicas para essa mudança de paradigma. Método: Esse artigo possui o objetivo de apresentar algumas concepções teóricas na produção científica contemporânea sobre o conceito de “Desenvolvimento Positivo de Jovens”, por meio de uma revisão narrativa do construto. Resultados: O termo é abordado a partir da Teoria Relacional de Sistemas de Desenvolvimento, e como parte de um movimento iniciado na psicologia positiva e que apresenta um paradigma com ênfase em forças para o desenvolvimento. Destacam-se os programas com esse foco, assim como abordagens que preveem recursos tanto individuais, quanto dos contextos específicos para o desenvolvimento positivo, como por exemplo, a abordagem dos “6Cs”. Conclusão: Propõe-se que a delimitação do conceito possa subsidiar pesquisas e práticas que promovam o desenvolvimento positivo de jovens brasileiros em diferentes áreas que trabalham com o desenvolvimento da juventude.
Potential and limitations of epitope mapping and molecular targeting in Hymenoptera venom allergy
Authors: Fernandes Luís Gustavo Romani , Spillner Edzard , Jakob Thilo
Published: December 2023

Hymenoptera venom (HV) allergy can lead to life threatening conditions by specific IgE (sIgE)-mediated anaphylactic reactions. The knowledge about major allergens from venom of different clinically relevant species increased in the last decades, allowing the development of component-resolved diagnostics in which sIgE to single allergens is analysed. Despite these advances, the precise regions of the allergens that bind to IgE are only known for few HV allergens. The detailed characterization of IgE epitopes may provide valuable information to improve immunodiagnostic tests and to develop new therapeutic strategies using allergen-derived peptides or other targeted approaches. Epitope-resolved analysis is challenging, since the identification of conformational epitopes present in many allergens demands complex technologies for molecular analyses. Furthermore, functional analysis of the epitopeś interaction with their respective ligands is needed to distinguish epitopes that can activate the allergic immune response, from those that are recognized by irrelevant antibodies or T cell receptors from non-effector cells. In this review, we focus on the use of mapping and molecular targeting approaches for characterization of the epitopes of the major venom allergens of clinically relevant Hymenoptera species. The screening of the most relevant allergen peptides by epitope mapping could be helpful for the development of molecules that target major and immunodominant epitopes blocking the allergen induced cellular reactions as novel approach for the treatment of HV allergy.
An investigation of tendon strains in jersey finger injury load cases using a finite element neuromuscular human body model
Authors: Nölle Lennart V. , Alfaro Eduardo Herrera , Martynenko Oleksandr V. , Schmitt Syn
Published: December 2023

Introduction: A common hand injury in American football, rugby and basketball is the so-called jersey finger injury (JFI), in which an eccentric overextension of the distal interphalangeal joint leads to an avulsion of the connected musculus flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon. In the field of automotive safety assessment, finite element (FE) neuromuscular human body models (NHBMs) have been validated and are employed to evaluate different injury types related to car crash scenarios. The goal of this study is to show, how such a model can be modified to assess JFIs by adapting the hand of an FE-NHBM for the computational analysis of tendon strains during a generalized JFI load case.

Methods: A jersey finger injury criterion (JFIC) covering the injury mechanisms of tendon straining and avulsion was defined based on biomechanical experiments found in the literature. The hand of the Total Human Model for Safety (THUMS) version 3.0 was combined with the musculature of THUMS version 5.03 to create a model with appropriate finger mobility. Muscle routing paths of FDP and musculus flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) as well as tendon material parameters were optimized using literature data. A simplified JFI load case was simulated as the gripping of a cylindrical rod with finger flexor activation levels between 0% and 100%, which was then retracted with the velocity of a sprinting college football player to forcefully open the closed hand.

Results: The optimization of the muscle routing node positions and tendon material parameters yielded good results with minimum normalized mean absolute error values of 0.79% and 7.16% respectively. Tendon avulsion injuries were detected in the middle and little finger for muscle activation levels of 80% and above, while no tendon or muscle strain injuries of any kind occurred.

Discussion: The presented work outlines the steps necessary to adapt the hand model of a FE-NHBM for the assessment of JFIs using a newly defined injury criterion called the JFIC. The injury assessment results are in good agreement with documented JFI symptoms. At the same time, the need to rethink commonly asserted paradigms concerning the choice of muscle material parameters is highlighted.
TIMP-1 in the prognosis of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery: a 12-year follow-up study
Authors: Huang Jui-Tzu , Sung Shih-Hsien , Hsu Chiao-Po , Chiang Chern-En , Yu Wen-Chung , Cheng Hao-Min , Huang Cheng-Hsiung
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) have been linked to clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the prognostic value of TIMP-1 in patients with CAD who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has not been elucidated. We aimed to investigate the correlations of TIMP-1 with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in the long-term prognosis of consecutive patients who underwent CABG.

Methods

A total of 234 patients (age: 70.4 ± 10.5 years, 84.6% men) with CAD who underwent CABG were prospectively enrolled. Preoperative levels of MMPs, TIMP-1, hs-CRP, and NT-proBNP were recorded. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were defined as non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, and cardiovascular death.

Results

During a median follow-up of 12.1 years, 120 deaths were recorded. The deceased were older, had more manifest acute coronary syndrome (ACS), a lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), but significantly higher MMP13, TIMP-1, hs-CRP, and NT-proBNP compared with the survivors. After adjusting for age, sex, manifest ACS, eGFR, LVEF, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, TIMP-1 (hazard ratio and 95% confidence intervals per SD: 1.506, 1.183–1.917), hs-CRP (1.349, 1.183–1.561), and NT-ProBNP (1.707, 1.326–2.199) were all independently associated with all-cause mortality. The mediation analysis revealed that the mortality risks of TIMP-1 were partially mediated by NT-proBNP (62.2%) and hs-CRP (25.3%). The associations of TIMP-1 with MACE were partially mediated by NT-proBNP (54.4%) but not hs-CRP.

Conclusions

TIMP-1 was an independent predictor of long-term outcomes after CABG, with possible roles in subclinical inflammation and postoperative cardiac remodeling.
The feasibility of relaxation-enhanced angiography without contrast and triggering for preprocedural planning of transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Wang Rui , Liu Xinmin , Yao Jing , Schoepf U. Joseph , Griffith Joseph , Wang Jiayang , Lian Jianxiu , Jiang Ke , Song Guangyuan , Xu Lei
Published: December 2023

Background

Cardiovascular MRI is advantageous in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) planning. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of comprehensive non-contrast MRI [relaxation-enhanced angiography without contrast and triggering (REACT)] combined with a three-dimensional whole-heart MRI protocol for preprocedural planning of TAVI vs. computed tomography angiography (CTA).

Methods

Thirty patients with severe aortic stenosis were prospectively enrolled. The anatomical properties of the aortic root anatomy, including the perimeter and area of the virtual aortic valve annulus and coronary heights, were determined from 3D whole-heart MRI and cardiac CTA (CCTA) images, respectively. The diameters of the aorta (thoracic and abdominal aorta) and iliofemoral arteries were measured from REACT and aortic CTA (ACTA) images, respectively. A paired t-test was used to compare these two modalities. Bland–Altman plots were used to assess cardiovascular MRI and CTA measurements. Transcatheter heart valve (THV) sizing was performed based on CCTA measurements and compared with 3D whole-heart MRI measurements. The extent of annular calcification on 3D whole-heart MRI images was evaluated by a four-point grading scale and compared with CCTA data.

Results

All 30 patients completed CTA and cardiovascular MRI examinations, with the TAVI procedure being administered in 25 patients. The mean acquisition time of the comprehensive MRI protocol was 18 ± 3.2 min. There were no significant differences between ACTA and REACT data in regard to the diameters of aortic and iliofemoral arteries, including the ascending thoracic aorta (37 ± 4.6 mm vs. 37.7 ± 5.2 mm, p = 0.085), descending thoracic aorta (24.3 ± 2.8 mm vs. 24.3 ± 2.8 mm, p = 0.832), abdominal aorta (20.9 ± 2.5 mm vs. 20.8 ± 2.5 mm, p = 0.602), bilateral common iliac arteries (right: 8.36 ± 1.44 mm vs. 8.42 ± 1.27 mm, p = 0.590; left: 8.61 ± 1.71 mm vs. 8.86 ± 1.46 mm, p = 0.050), and bilateral femoral arteries (right: 6.77 ± 1.06 mm vs. 6.87 ± 1.00 mm, p = 0.157; left: 6.75 ± 1.02 mm vs. 6.90 ± 0.80 mm, p = 0.142). Both modalities showed similar aortic valve morphology and semi-quantitative valve calcification (all, p's > 0.05). Overall agreement for implanted THV was found in all 25 (100%) patients assessed with both modalities.

Conclusion

REACT combined with 3D whole-heart MRI enables reliable measurements of aortic root anatomy, annular calcification, and aorta and iliofemoral access in patients under evaluation for TAVI.
Characteristics and prognosis of isolated aortic valve infective endocarditis in patients with bicuspid aortic valves: a propensity matched study
Authors: Bohbot Yohann , Denev Seyhan , Benvenga Rossella M. , Philip Mary , Michelena Hector I. , Citro Rodolfo , Habib Gilbert , Tribouilloy Christophe
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart disease with an increased risk of infective endocarditis (IE). Few data are available on isolated native BAV-IE. The aim of this study was to compare patients with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) IE and BAV-IE in terms of characteristics, management and prognosis.

Material and methods

We included 728 consecutive patients with IE on isolated native aortic valve in 3 centres: Amiens and Marseille Hospitals in France and Salerno Hospital in Italy. We studied in hospital and long-term mortality before and after matching for age, sex and comorbidity index. Median follow-up was 67.2 [IQR: 19–120] months.

Results

Of the 728 patients, 123 (16.9%) had BAV. Compared with patients with TAV-IE, patients with BAV-IE were younger, had fewer co-morbidities and were more likely to be male. They presented more major neurological events and perivalvular complications (both p < 0.05). Early surgery (<30 days) was performed in 52% of BAV-IE cases vs. 42.8% for TAV-IE (p = 0.061). The 10-year survival rate was 74 ± 5% in BAV-IE patients compared with 66 ± 2% in TAV-IE patients (p = 0.047). After propensity score matching (for age, gender and comorbidities), there was no difference in mortality between the two groups, with an estimated 10-year survival of 73 ± 5% vs. 76 ± 4% respectively (p = 0.91).

Conclusion

BAV is a frequent finding in patients with isolated aortic valve IE and is associated with more perivalvular complications and neurological events. The differences in survival with TAV-IE are probably related to the age and comorbidity differences between these two populations.
Preparing the future workforce for 2030: the role of higher education institutions
Authors: Pandya Bharti , Ruhi Umar , Patterson Louise
Published: December 2023

The invasion of futuristic technologies has made it inevitable for the future workforce to confront this reality and be ready to work in the new world of work in 2030. Higher education institutions (HEIs) are obligated to assume a pivotal role in equipping students with the requisite competencies. COVID-19 has expedited the development process compelling HEIs to make a mega shift to prepare the future workforce. Primary data was collected from HEI students across 11 countries to analyse their confidence to work in the new world of work in 2030 and to understand the role of HEIs in influencing students’ confidence. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Partial Least squares (PLS) based structural equation modeling (SEM) procedures were employed to estimate a structural model of awareness and readiness (cognitive) and confidence (affective) factors, and the combined effect of HEI, awareness, and readiness on overall student confidence in their knowledge, skills and abilities. The statistical results indicate that there are strong significant relations between the HEI-Awareness; HEI-Awareness-Confidence; HEI-Readiness; and HEI-Readiness-Confidence and these dependencies are not just by chance. The results of this research are significant for higher education policy developers and curriculum developers to incorporate future competencies in the program. Further, educators and researchers will benefit from the results to develop teaching strategies and content to equip the future workforce for 2030.et.
Pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide family in insects: a review
Authors: Dou Xiaoyi , Jurenka Russell
Published: December 2023

Neuropeptides are involved in almost all physiological activities of insects. Their classification is based on physiological function and the primary amino acid sequence. The pyrokinin (PK)/pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptides (PBAN) are one of the largest neuropeptide families in insects, with a conserved C-terminal domain of FXPRLamide. The peptide family is divided into two groups, PK1/diapause hormone (DH) with a WFGPRLa C-terminal ending and PK2/PBAN with FXPRLamide C-terminal ending. Since the development of cutting-edge technology, an increasing number of peptides have been sequenced primarily through genomic, transcriptomics, and proteomics, and their functions discovered using gene editing tools. In this review, we discussed newly discovered functions, and analyzed the distribution of genes encoding these peptides throughout different insect orders. In addition, the location of the peptides that were confirmed by PCR or immunocytochemistry is also described. A phylogenetic tree was constructed according to the sequences of the receptors of most insect orders. This review offers an understanding of the significance of this conserved peptide family in insects.
Do short-term, reduced-volume methods accurately reflect chronic toxic effects in the cladoceran Ceriodaphnia dubia? A study with the reference toxicant hexavalent chromium
Authors: Martínez-Jerónimo Fernando , Martínez-Jerónimo Laura
Published: December 2023

Cladocerans are frequently used as test organisms in aquatic toxicology studies. For practical reasons (bioethical and economic), efforts are currently made in search of alternative animal models and in defining short-lasting test methods that will allow reliable evaluation of the chronic effect of chemical contaminants. The use of small-sized invertebrates, like the Ceriodaphnia dubia cladoceran, represents a good option and has been included in diverse testing protocols; however, the use of reduced volumes and shortened exposure times, as well as higher temperatures to accelerate their development could influence the results and lead to imprecise conclusions. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of different test volumes, temperature, and exposure time on the toxicity of hexavalent chrome in C. dubia. In acute and chronic assays, three test volumes (5, 15, and 25 mL) were used. Once the LC50 was determined, four sublethal concentrations (0.01, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.08 mg L−1) of Cr(VI) were applied daily to each of the three test volumes for 21 days, evaluating the progeny and survival of adults. The LC50 values did not differ at 20°C, but at 25°C they were significantly lower in 5 mL. The chronic toxic effects varied depending on the test volume and exposure time. Significant effects were observed on day 7 of exposure (corresponding to the third reproduction) in the accumulated progeny only in the volume of 5 mL. Based on the aforementioned, it is necessary to revise whether the short-term and small-scale methods are not underestimating the detection of chronic effects.
Does the agglomeration of high-tech industries improve the efficiency of China’s green economy? Analysis based on the marketization
Authors: Zhang Na , Deng Jinqian , Gu Yue , Ahmad Fayyaz
Published: December 2023

High-tech industries represent a country’s advanced productivity, technological level and innovation ability, they carry the characteristics of green industries in terms of resource-saving and being environmentally friendly, and their agglomeration has a significant impact on the development of green economy. The marketization process, as an important macroenvironment for the development of high-tech industries, not only relates to the motivation of high-tech industry agglomeration but also affects the effectiveness of the agglomeration effect. It is unclear whether marketization plays a role in the relationship between high-tech industry agglomeration and green economy efficiency and whether this role has heterogeneity. Taking China’s provincial panel data from 2001 to 2020, this paper constructs a panel threshold econometric model, and examines the threshold effect of the high-tech industry agglomeration impact on green economic efficiency under different marketization levels. 1) The high-tech industry agglomeration impact on green economic efficiency has a double-threshold effect due to the marketization level, with threshold values of 5.862 and 8.938, and the promotion effect is the highest in the second threshold range. 2) Under the influence of the government-market relationship, non-state economic development, market intermediary organization development and legal environment, the impact of high-tech industry agglomeration on green economic efficiency has a single-threshold effect, with threshold values of 7.4950, 12.1960 and 11.6100. After crossing the threshold values, the impact changes from negative to positive. Factor market development has a double-threshold effect, with threshold values 10.3100 and 14.9210, and the impact changes from negative to positive and gradually increases. 3) Among the major industries, the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry (3.978 and 9.639) and the computer and office equipment manufacturing industry (3.359 and 9.639) have a double-threshold effect due to the marketization level, and the medical equipment and instrumentation manufacturing industry (9.494) has a single-threshold effect. This study is of great significance for China as it would help optimize the market environment and stimulate the green economy effect of high-tech industry agglomeration; moreover, it would provide a reference for other developing countries and transition economies.
Preclinical evaluation of the efficacy of an antibody to human SIRPα for cancer immunotherapy in humanized mouse models
Authors: Saito Yasuyuki , Iida-Norita Rie , Afroj Tania , Refaat Alaa , Hazama Daisuke , Komori Satomi , Ohata Shinya , Takai Tomoko , Oduori Okechi S. , Kotani Takenori , Funakoshi Yohei , Koma Yu-Ichiro , Murata Yoji , Yakushijin Kimikazu , Matsuoka Hiroshi , Minami Hironobu , Yokozaki Hiroshi , Manz Markus G. , Matozaki Takashi
Published: December 2023

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are abundant in the tumor microenvironment and are considered potential targets for cancer immunotherapy. To examine the antitumor effects of agents targeting human TAMs in vivo, we here established preclinical tumor xenograft models based on immunodeficient mice that express multiple human cytokines and have been reconstituted with a human immune system by transplantation of human CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HIS-MITRG mice). HIS-MITRG mice supported the growth of both human cell line (Raji)– and patient-derived B cell lymphoma as well as the infiltration of human macrophages into their tumors. We examined the potential antitumor action of an antibody to human SIRPα (SE12C3) that inhibits the interaction of CD47 on tumor cells with SIRPα on human macrophages and thereby promotes Fcγ receptor–mediated phagocytosis of the former cells by the latter. Treatment with the combination of rituximab (antibody to human CD20) and SE12C3 inhibited Raji tumor growth in HIS-MITRG mice to a markedly greater extent than did rituximab monotherapy. This enhanced antitumor effect was dependent on human macrophages and attributable to enhanced rituximab-dependent phagocytosis of lymphoma cells by human macrophages. Treatment with rituximab and SE12C3 also induced reprogramming of human TAMs toward a proinflammatory phenotype. Furthermore, the combination treatment essentially prevented the growth of patient-derived diffuse large B cell lymphoma in HIS-MITRG mice. Our findings thus support the study of HIS-MITRG mice as a model for the preclinical evaluation in vivo of potential therapeutics, such as antibodies to human SIRPα, that target human TAMs.
Comparative evaluation of the fecal microbiota of adult hybrid pigs and Tibetan pigs, and dynamic changes in the fecal microbiota of hybrid pigs
Authors: He Hengdong , Gou Yuwei , Zeng Bo , Wang Rui , Yang Jing , Wang Kai , Jing Yunhan , Yang Yuan , Liang Yan , Yang Yuekui , Lv Xuebin , He Zhiping , Tang Qianzi , Gu Yiren
Published: December 2023

The breed of pig can affect the diversity and composition of fecal microbiota, but there is a lack of research on the fecal microbiota of hybrid pigs. In this study, feces samples from Chuanxiang black pigs (a hybrid of Tibetan and Duroc pigs) aged 3 days (n = 24), 70 days (n = 31), 10 months (n = 13) and 2 years (n = 30) and Tibetan pigs aged 10 months (n = 14) and 2 years (n = 15) were collected and sequenced by 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology. We also measured the weight of all the tested pigs and found that the 10-month-old and two-year-old Chuanxiang black pigs weighed about three times the weight of Tibetan pigs of the same age. After comparing the genus-level microbiota composition of Tibetan pigs and Chuanxiang black pigs at 10 months and two years of age, we found that Treponema and Streptococcus were the two most abundant bacteria in Chuanxiang black pigs, while Treponema and Chirstensenellaceae_R.7_group were the two most abundant bacteria in Tibetan pigs. Prediction of microbial community function in adult Chuanxiang black pigs and Tibetan pigs showed changes in nutrient absorption, disease resistance, and coarse feeding tolerance. In addition, we also studied the changes in fecal microbiota in Chuanxiang black pigs at 3 days, 70 days, 10 months, and 2 years of age. We found that the ecologically dominant bacteria in fecal microbiota of Chuanxiang black pigs changed across developmental stages. For example, the highest relative abundance of 70-day-old Chuanxiang black pigs at the genus level was Prevotella. We identified specific microbiota with high abundance at different ages for Chuanxiang black pigs, and revealed that the potential functions of these specific microbiota were related to the dominant phenotype such as fast growth rate and strong disease resistance. Our findings help to expand the understanding of the fecal microbiota of hybrid pigs and provide a reference for future breeding and management of hybrid pigs.
Sex-related difference in the retinal structure of young adults: a machine learning approach
Authors: Farias Flávia Monteiro , Salomão Railson Cruz , Rocha Santos Enzo Gabriel , Sousa Caires Andrew , Sampaio Gabriela Santos Alvarez , Rosa Alexandre Antônio Marques , Costa Marcelo Fernandes , Silva Souza Givago
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To compare the accuracy of machine learning (ML) algorithms to classify the sex of the participant from retinal thickness datasets in different retinal layers.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 26 male and 38 female subjects. Data were acquired using HRA + OCT Spectralis, and the thickness and volume of 10 retinal layers were quantified. A total of 10 features were extracted from each retinal layer. The accuracy of various algorithms, including k-nearest-neighbor, support vector classifier, logistic regression, linear discriminant analysis, random forest, decision tree, and Gaussian Naïve Bayes, was quantified. A two-way ANOVA was conducted to assess the ML accuracy, considering both the classifier type and the retinal layer as factors.

Results

A comparison of the accuracies achieved by various algorithms in classifying participant sex revealed superior results in datasets related to total retinal thickness and the retinal nerve fiber layer. In these instances, no significant differences in algorithm performance were observed (p > 0.05). Conversely, in other layers, a decrease in classification accuracy was noted as the layer moved outward in the retina. Here, the random forest (RF) algorithm demonstrated superior performance compared to the others (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The current research highlights the distinctive potential of various retinal layers in sex classification. Different layers and ML algorithms yield distinct accuracies. The RF algorithm’s consistent superiority suggests its effectiveness in identifying sex-related features from a range of retinal layers.
Three novel marine species of the genus Reichenbachiella exhibiting degradation of complex polysaccharides
Authors: Muhammad Neak , Avila Forbes , Nedashkovskaya Olga I. , Kim Song-Gun
Published: December 2023

Three novel strains designated ABR2-5T, BKB1-1T, and WSW4-B4T belonging to the genus Reichenbachiella of the phylum Bacteroidota were isolated from algae and mud samples collected in the West Sea, Korea. All three strains were enriched for genes encoding up to 216 carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), which participate in the degradation of agar, alginate, carrageenan, laminarin, and starch. The 16S rRNA sequence similarities among the three novel isolates were 94.0%–94.7%, and against all three existing species in the genus Reichenbachiella they were 93.6%–97.2%. The genome sizes of the strains ABR2-5T, BKB1-1T, and WSW4-B4T were 5.5, 4.4, and 5.0 Mb, respectively, and the GC content ranged from 41.1%–42.0%. The average nucleotide identity and the digital DNA–DNA hybridization values of each novel strain within the isolates and all existing species in the genus Reichenbachiella were in a range of 69.2%–75.5% and 17.7–18.9%, respectively, supporting the creation of three new species. The three novel strains exhibited a distinctive fatty acid profile characterized by elevated levels of iso-C15:0 (37.7%–47.4%) and C16:1 ω5c (14.4%–22.9%). Specifically, strain ABR2-5T displayed an additional higher proportion of C16:0 (13.0%). The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, unidentified lipids, aminolipids, and glycolipids. Menaquinone-7 was identified as the respiratory quinone of the isolates. A comparative genome analysis was performed using the KEGG, RAST, antiSMASH, CRISPRCasFinder, dbCAN, and dbCAN-PUL servers and CRISPRcasIdentifier software. The results revealed that the isolates harbored many key genes involved in central metabolism for the synthesis of essential amino acids and vitamins, hydrolytic enzymes, carotenoid pigments, and antimicrobial compounds. The KEGG analysis showed that the three isolates possessed a complete pathway of dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), which is involved in the conservation of bioavailable nitrogen within the ecosystem. Moreover, all the strains possessed genes that participated in the metabolism of heavy metals, including arsenic, copper, cobalt, ferrous, and manganese. All three isolated strains contain the class 2 type II subtype C1 CRISPR-Cas system in their genomes. The distinguished phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and genomic characteristics led us to propose that the three strains represent three novel species in the genus Reichenbachiella: R. ulvae sp. nov. (ABR2-5T = KCTC 82990T = JCM 35839T), R. agarivorans sp. nov. (BKB1-1T = KCTC 82964T = JCM 35840T), and R. carrageenanivorans sp. nov. (WSW4-B4T = KCTC 82706T = JCM 35841T).
Genomic attributes and characterization of novel exopolysaccharide-producing bacterium Halomonas piscis sp. nov. isolated from jeotgal
Authors: Kim Bora , Yang Ah-In , Joe Hae-In , Kim Ki Hyun , Choe Hanna , Joe Sung-Hong , Jun Min Ok , Shin Na-Ri
Published: December 2023

Halophilic bacterial strains, designated SG2L-4T, SB1M4, and SB2L-5, were isolated from jeotgal, a traditional Korean fermented food. Cells are Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped, catalase-positive, and oxidase-negative. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain SG2L-4T is closely related to Halomonas garicola KACC 18117T with a similarity of 96.2%. The complete genome sequence of strain SG2L-4T was 3,227,066 bp in size, with a genomic G + C content of 63.3 mol%. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain SG2L-4T and H. garicola KACC 18117T were 90.5 and 40.7%, respectively. The optimal growth conditions for strain SG2L-4T were temperatures between 30 and 37°C, a pH value of 7, and the presence of 10% (w/v) NaCl. The polar lipids identified included diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, an unknown phospholipid, an unknown glycolipid, and an unknown polar lipid. The major cellular fatty acids were C16:0, summed features 8 (C18:1ω6c and/or C18:1ω7c), C19:0 cyclo ω8c, and summed features 3 (C16:1ω6c and/or C16:1ω7c). The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone with nine isoprene units (Q-9). Based on the phenotypic, genotypic, and chemotaxonomic results, strain SG2L-4T represents a novel species within the genus Halomonas, for which the name Halomonas piscis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SG2L-4T (=KCTC 92842T = JCM 35929T). Functional annotation of the genome of strain SG2L-4T confirmed the presence of exopolysaccharide synthesis protein (ExoD) and capsular polysaccharide-related genes. Strain SG2L-4T also exhibited positive results in Molisch’s test, indicating the presence of extracellular carbohydrates and exopolysaccharides (EPS) production. These findings provide valuable insights into the EPS-producing capabilities of H. piscis sp. nov. isolated from jeotgal, contributing to understanding its potential roles in food and biotechnological applications.
A long-term ketogenic diet in young and aged rats has dissociable effects on prelimbic cortex and CA3 ensemble activity
Authors: Hernandez Abbi R. , Barrett Maya E. , Lubke Katelyn N. , Maurer Andrew P. , Burke Sara N.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Age-related cognitive decline has been linked to distinct patterns of cellular dysfunction in the prelimbic cortex (PL) and the CA3 subregion of the hippocampus. Because higher cognitive functions require both structures, selectively targeting a neurobiological change in one region, at the expense of the other, is not likely to restore normal behavior in older animals. One change with age that both the PL and CA3 share, however, is a reduced ability to utilize glucose, which can produce aberrant neural activity patterns.

Methods

The current study used a ketogenic diet (KD) intervention, which reduces the brain’s reliance on glucose, and has been shown to improve cognition, as a metabolic treatment for restoring neural ensemble dynamics in aged rats. Expression of the immediate-early genes Arc and Homer1a were used to quantify the neural ensembles that were active in the home cage prior to behavior, during a working memory/biconditional association task, and a continuous spatial alternation task.

Results

Aged rats on the control diet had increased activity in CA3 and less ensemble overlap in PL between different task conditions than did the young animals. In the PL, the KD was associated with increased activation of neurons in the superficial cortical layers, establishing a clear link between dietary macronutrient content and frontal cortical activity. The KD did not lead to any significant changes in CA3 activity.

Discussion

These observations suggest that the availability of ketone bodies may permit the engagement of compensatory mechanisms in the frontal cortices that produce better cognitive outcomes.