bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DETERMINING THE PRICE STABILITY OF INNOVATIVE GOODS ON THE MARKET
Authors: Pohorielov Serhiy , Kochetova Tetyana
Published: December 2023

The price policy includes a comprehensive analysis of various factors affecting the state and development of commodity markets. The study of the conditions of production and consumption of goods, changes in demand and supply, the state of the general economic situation (macroeconomic factors) is a mandatory element of the price work of enterprises that focus their activities on ensuring the price stability of their goods on the market, ensuring stable and guaranteed conditions for break-even production .

Price stability of a product on the market is a new term that shows the assessment of the stability of the position of a given product on a specific market over a certain period of time in a competitive environment. This characteristic of the market position of the product is probabilistic, has no dimensions and is used to assess the level of commercial risk of the enterprise, which determines the possibility of losses when introducing an innovative product to the market at one of the possible prices.

Price stability of goods on the market is almost completely determined by the stability and stability of price-forming factors, which are more or less decisive for the prices of specific goods and for their stability over a certain period of time. In addition, at the very initial stage of determining the price level, the degree of its validity depends on the extent to which the determining factors are taken into account. Thus, taking into account the factors that determine the price of products allows you to identify and use the effect of objective laws of pricing.
PERSONNEL SECURITY AS AN ECONOMIC CATEGORY IN THE ASPECT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY OF THE ENTERPRISE (CONCEPTUAL APPARATUS AND FUNCTIONS)
Authors: Garmash Sergii
Published: December 2023

The purpose of the work is the analysis of the work of personnel security specialists of enterprises and practitioners, the analysis of open sources of information with the aim of systematizing information regarding the definition of such an economic category as "personnel security of the enterprise", which is the basis of economic security and one of the decisive factors for the survival of the enterprise in the conditions of world globalization economy and dynamic uncertainty of environmental factors. During the rapid changes from a unipolar world to a multipolar one, "... life poses new challenges for people and for countries. This is especially evident in the case of global changes taking place in the world. The distribution of spheres of influence between the world leaders at the expense of the interests of third countries has become a negative trend in the twenty-first century". "Today's new challenges require the use of new approaches in the formation of the personnel security mechanism...". 1. Based on the definition of the concept of "economic security of the enterprise", it is advisable to divide personnel security by levels and functions into at least three parts: 1) subsystem of economic security; 2) independent system; 3) ensuring the personnel management process. It is also interesting to group the concept of "personnel security of the enterprise" with the definition of basic characteristics. From a practical point of view, the possibility of using the accumulated experience of the largest non-state security services of the country by the personnel security services of enterprises in their work is of interest. 2. Since "personnel security was and remains a complex and multifaceted concept, domestic and foreign authors single out different approaches to defining the concept. This indicates the subjective approach of the authors in defining the very concept of "personnel security of the enterprise" and requires further monitoring in conditions of dynamic uncertainty of changing factors of internal and external environments.
Algama Gold Ore Cluster (Aldan–Stanovoi Shield): Mineralogy, Formation Conditions, Sources of Ore Matter, and Age of Mineralization
Authors: Kardashevskaia V.N. , Anisimova G.S. , Badanina E.V. , Savatenkov V.M. , Travin A.V.
Published: December 2023

—The paper presents results of research into the conditions of formation of ores in the poorly studied Algama ore cluster (Bodorono deposit and Dyvok ore occurrence) located at the junction of the Aldan Shield and the Stanovoi area. We have established that Bi and Se minerals (bismuthinite, lillianite, native bismuth, tellurobismuthite, tetradymite, hedleyite, pilsenite, and laitakarite) are present in the ores of the Bodorono deposit. Two successive productive stages of mineral formation have been distinguished: Au–polymetallic and Au–Bi–Te. The corresponding minerals are products of the evolution of a hydrothermal system, during which a gradual decrease in fluid temperature (from 300 to 145 °C) and salinity (from 5 to 1.9 wt.% NaCl equiv.) took place. The fineness of native gold gradually increases from early (~840‰) to late (~940‰) stages and changes in passing from simple sulfides to sulfosalts. The evolution of the ore system is accompanied by a change in the composition of the vapor phase of fluid inclusions from CH4–CO2 to CO2 with an impurity of N2 and CH4. The results of 40Ar/39Ar dating of pre-ore metasomatites point to ore-forming processes at the Bodorono deposit ca. 150 ± 1.8 Ma. Analysis of the isotopic composition of lead in galena shows the leading role of the ancient crustal source of ore matter. The calculated isotopic composition of oxygen (δ18OH2O) in ore-bearing quartz varies from 1.0 to 7.3‰, which corresponds to an aqueous fluid of a mixed source. The Dyvok ore occurrence differs from the Bodorono deposit in the mineral composition of ores and the physicochemical parameters of ore formation. Four mineral stages have been established within the ore occurrence: gold–arsenopyrite–pyrite–quartz, pyrite–chalcopyrite–sphalerite, quartz–boulangerite, and telluride. The telluride stage is represented by hessite, altaite, volynskite, merenskyite, melonite, and rucklidgeite. Gold-bearing mineralization formed from a fluid of medium salinity (0.9–9.2 wt.% NaCl equiv.) with a predominance of CO2 and an impurity of CH4 in the vapor phase at moderate temperatures (310–360 °C). The calculated values of δ34S and δ18O varied from 2.2 to 3.0‰ and from 0.6 to 12.0‰, respectively. The 40Ar/39Ar age of gold mineralization is 124.0 ± 1.5 Ma, which corresponds to the stage of tectonomagmatic activity in the Aldan Shield.
Breast Cancer (BC) and Severe COVID-19 (C-19) Outcomes: A Matched Analysis
Authors: Sullivan Marija , Lei Xiudong , Giordano Sharon H , Chavez-MacGregor Mariana
Published: December 2023

Purpose
Patients with cancer receiving anticancer treatment have a higher risk of severe COVID-19 (C-19) outcomes. We examine the association between breast cancer (BC), recent treatment (systemic therapy, surgery, radiation), and C-19 outcomes.
Methods
Retrospective matched cohort study using the Optum® de-identified COVID-19 Electronic Health Record dataset (2007–2022). Patients with C-19 were categorized into: No cancer, BC with recent treatment, and BC without recent treatment and matched based on age, C-19 diagnosis date, and comorbidity score. We evaluated 30-day mortality, mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and hospitalization. A composite outcome including all outcomes was analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression models were used.
Results
2200 matched triplets (1:1:10) of patients with BC recently treated, BC not recently treated, and no cancer were included. Rates of adverse outcomes improved in 2021 compared to 2020. Compared to patients without cancer, those with BC recently treated had a similar risk of adverse outcomes, while patients with BC not recently treated had a lower risk of ICU stay and hospitalization. Using the composite variable, BC recently treated had similar outcomes (OR = 1.02; 95%CI 0.93–1.11) to patients without cancer, while BC patients not recently treated had better outcomes (OR = 0.66; 95%CI 0.59–0.74). Among patients with BC, chemotherapy within 3-months was associated with a higher risk of hospitalization (OR = 2.30; 95%CI 1.76–2.99) and composite outcome (OR = 2.11; 95%CI 1.64–2.72).
Conclusion
Patients with BC have a similar risk of adverse C-19 outcomes compared to patients without cancer. Among patients with BC, recent chemotherapy was associated with a higher risk of hospitalization.
Preparation of high temperature and low temperature resistant solid microbial agent for cattle manure fermentation and effect on composting
Authors: Peng Tao , Yue Shilin , Mao Wenshuai , Yang Qing , Jiang Guojun
Published: December 2023

Objective: We used microbiology and molecular biology techniques to screen out high temperature and low temperature resistant saprobiotics for compost and prepared a compound fermentation bacteria agent to rapidly ferment cattle manure into high-quality organic fertilizer in low temperature season.
Methods: Conventional composting and high-throughput techniques were used to analyze the changes of physical and chemical indexes and biodiversity in the process of composting, from which high and low temperature resistant strains were obtained, and high temperature and low temperature resistant solid composite bactericides were prepared and added to composting to verify the effects of composite bactericides on composting.
Results: The conventional composting cycle took 22 days, and the diversity of microflora increased first and then decreased. Composting temperature and microbial population were the key factors for the success or failure of composting. Two strains of high temperature tolerant bacteria and 6 strains of low temperature resistant bacteria were screened out and they were efficient in degrading starch, cellulose and protein. The high temperature and low temperature resistant solid bacterial agent were successfully prepared with adjuvant. The preparation could make the compost temperature rise quickly at low temperature, the high temperature lasted for a long time, the water content, C/N and organic matter fell quickly, and the contents of total phosphorus and total potassium were increased, and the seed germination index was significantly improved. Improve the composting effect.
Conclusion: The solid composite bacterial agent can shorten the composting time at low temperature, and improve the composting efficiency and quality.
Dynamic Nexus among Fossil Fuels Utilization, Economic Growth and Urbanization A Tri-regional Selected Countries Analysis
Authors: Wang XuGuang , Aamir Muhammad , Rehman Jamshaid ur
Published: December 2023

This study evaluates the dynamic analysis among the fossil fuels utilization, economic growth, globalization, urbanization, and CO2 emissions of selected tri-regional countries i.e., American, European, and Pacific-Asian. The time period of the panel is 1990 to 2021. The cross-sectional dependence and data heterogeneity have been confirmed by two tests of Pesaran (2004, 2015). The cross-section dependence unit root test (Pesaran, 2007) established mix order of integration of variables. CS-ARDL panel cointegration methodology (Chudik and Pesaran, 2015) indicates that all variables had triggered CO2 emissions except FDI. Hence, FDI caused reduction in the emissions of CO2 and improved the environmental quality of these regions.
Non-Hermitian linear-response theory for spin diffusion in quantum systems
Authors: Lima Leonardo
Published: December 2023

Spin transport theory of non-Hermitian quantum systems, where the non-Hermiticity led to a series of exotic phenomena when the system experiences dissipation to an environment is proposed. Thegoal is a better understanding of the spin diffusion in the one-dimensional non-Hermitian XXZ model which allows the transport coefficients be computed analytically. Moreover, we analyze the electric transport of the one-dimensional non-Hermitian Hubbard model which is a very important model of electrons strongly correlated, where we have investigated the effect of non-Hermitian parameters like the imaginary hopping on AC and DC conductivities of the system. We analyze the large U limit of this model, where such non-Hermiticity contributes with a minus sign in the virtual exchange of quasiparticles and the behavior of the ground state energy and low-lying excitations is reversed.
PACS numbers: 75.10.Pq, 75.40.Mg
Dissipation of pesticides and responses of bacterial, fungal and protistan communities in a multi-contaminated vineyard soil
Authors: Imfeld Gwenael , Meite Fatima , Ehrhart Lucas , Fournier Bertrand , Heger Thierry J.
Published: December 2023

The impact of pesticide residues on non-target microorganisms in multi-contaminated soils remains a subject of limited understanding. Here we investigated the dissipation of commonly used pesticides in a multi-contaminated vineyard soil and its influence on bacterial, fungal, and protistan communities. We conducted laboratory soil microcosm experiments under varying temperature (20°C and 30°C) and water content (20% and 40%) conditions. Pesticide dissipation half-lives ranged from 27 to over 300 days, contingent upon the physicochemical properties of the pesticides and the soil conditions. In both the autoclaved and non-autoclaved soil experiments, more than 50% of hydrophobic pesticides (dimethomorph > isoxaben > simazine = atrazine = carbendazim) dissipated within 200 days at 20°C and 30°C. However, the contribution of biodegradation to the overall dissipation of soluble pesticides (metalaxyl > isoproturon = pyrimethanil > S-metolachlor) increased to over 75% at 30°C and 40% water content. This suggests that soluble pesticides became more bioavailable and degradation activity increased with higher temperature and soil water content. In contrast, the primary process contributing to the dissipation of hydrophobic pesticides was aging. An analysis of high-throughput amplicon sequencing indicated that water content, temperature, and pesticides had domain-specific impacts on the diversity and taxonomic composition of bacterial, fungal, and protistan communities. Soil physicochemical properties exhibited a more significant effect than pesticides on the various microbial domains in the vineyard soil. However, pesticide exposure emerged as a secondary factor explaining the variations in microbial communities. Pesticides had a more substantial impact on protists compared to bacterial and fungal communities. Altogether, our results highlight the variability in the dissipation kinetics and processes of pesticides in a multi-contaminated vineyard soil, along with their effects on bacterial, fungal, and protistan communities.
Chemogenetic inhibition of the lateral hypothalamus in rats: A simple but robust tool with high translational relevance to facilitate the development of central nervous system-targeted gene therapies
Authors: Kovács Péter , Kitka Tamás , Bali Zsolt Kristóf , Nagy Lili Veronika , Bodó Angelika , Péterfi Zalán , Hernádi István
Published: December 2023

Aims
Despite the therapeutic potential of chemogenetics, the method lacks comprehensive preclinical validation, hindering its progression to human clinical trials. We aimed to validate a robust but simple in vivo assay in rats, which could support chemogenetic drug discovery. We also aimed to establish the proof-of-concept for the chemogenetic approach in obesity indication.
Methods
Key methodological parameters such as adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype, actuator drug, dose, and application routes were investigated by measuring the food-intake-reducing effect of chemogenetic inhibition of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) by hM4D(Gi) designer receptor stimulation.
Results
Subcutaneous deschloroclozapine in rats transfected with AAV9 resulted in a substantial reduction of food-intake, comparable to the efficacy of exenatide. We estimated that the effect of deschloroclozapine lasts for 1–3 hours post-administration. AAV5, oral administration of deschloroclozapine, and clozapine-n-oxide were also effective but with slightly less potency. The strongest effect on food-intake occurred within the first 30 min after re-feeding, suggesting this as the optimal experimental endpoint.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that the chemogenetic silencing of the LH is a potential strategy in obesity treatment. The study also supports the development of chemogenetics by providing a “first in vivo” tool for the validation of new chemogenetic constructs.
A Deterministic Method to Construct a Common Supercell Between Two Similar Crystalline Surfaces
Authors: Lee Jung-Hoon , Lee Weon-Gyu
Published: December 2023

Here, we propose a deterministic algorithm, that is capable of constructing a common supercell between two similar crystalline surfaces such as square–square or hexagonal–hexagonal lattices without scanning all possible cases. Using the complex plane, we define the two-dimensional (2D) lattice as the 2D complex vector. Then, the relationship between two surfaces becomes the eigenvector–eigenvalue relation where an operator corresponds to a transformation matrix. We show that this transformation matrix can be directly determined from the lattice parameters and rotation angle of the two given crystalline surfaces with O(log N_max) time complexity, where Nmax is the maximum index of repetition matrix elements. This process is much faster than the conventional brute force approach (O(N_max^4)). By implementing our method in Python code, we successfully generate experimental 2D heterostructures and their moiré patterns and additionally find new moiré patterns that have not yet been reported. According to our density functional theory (DFT) calculations, some of the new moiré patterns are expected to be as stable as experimentally-observed moire patterns. Taken together, we believe that our method can be widely applied as a useful tool for designing new heterostructures with interesting properties.
The Human Brainome: changes in expression of VGF, SPECC1L, HLA-DRA and RANBP3L act with APOE E4 to alter risk for late onset Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Branciamore Sergio , Gogoshin Grigoriy , Rodin Andrei S. , Myers Amanda J.
Published: December 2023

While there are currently over 40 replicated genes with mapped risk alleles for Late Onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD), the Apolipoprotein E locus E4 haplotype is still the biggest driver of risk, with odds ratios for neuropathologically confirmed E44 carriers exceeding 30 (95% confidence interval 16.59–58.75). We sought to address whether the APOE E4 haplotype modifies expression globally through networks of expression to increase LOAD risk. We have used the Human Brainome data to build expression networks comparing APOE E4 carriers to non-carriers using scalable mixed-datatypes Bayesian network (BN) modeling. We have found that VGF had the greatest explanatory weight. High expression of VGF is a protective signal, even on the background of APOE E4 alleles. LOAD risk signals, considering an APOE background, include high levels of SPECC1L, HLA-DRA and RANBP3L. Our findings nominate several new transcripts, taking a combined approach to network building including known LOAD risk loci.
Study of adsorption and desorption kinetics of a silica gel/air couple
Authors: Hraiech Ibtissem , Zallema Boutheina , Zili-Ghedira Leila
Published: December 2023

In the energy and environmental context and given the growing energy demand during industrial processes and thermal comfort, the interest of improving the performance of the involved systems and the optimization of their operations are essential. The present paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the adsorption and desorption isotherms of silica gels, a widely used desiccant material. Accurate characterization of adsorption and desorption behaviors is pivotal in assessing performance across various applications. In this study, we examine multiple isotherm equations pertaining to silica gel's interaction with water vapor. Our findings underscore the heightened significance of adsorption capacity, particularly at lower temperatures, as evidenced by our experimental results led with a climatic wind tunnel. Furthermore, we elucidate that adsorption and desorption isotherms follow distinct paths, emphasizing the gap with the hypothetical approaches. An empirical correlation that links water content to temperature and relative humidity is introduced and compared with different theoretical approaches. This research not only enhances our understanding of silica gel's adsorption properties but also lays the groundwork for its effective utilization in applications such as, atmospheric water generation, air conditioning systems and beyond.
Can temperate forests deliver both future wood demand and climate-change mitigation?
Authors: Forster Eilidh , Healey John , Styles David
Published: December 2023

Global wood demand is projected to rise but supply capacity is questioned due to limited global forest resources. Furthermore, the lifecycle global warming potential (GWP) impact of additional wood supply and use is poorly understood. For the case of a temperate country, combining forest carbon modelling and life-cycle assessment we show that sustained afforestation to double forest area alongside enhanced productivity can meet lower-bound wood demand projections from 2058. Thus, temperate forestry value-chains can achieve a cumulative GWP benefit of up to 265 Tg CO2-equivalent (CO2e) by 2100 for each 100,000 ha (expanding to 200,000 ha through afforestation) of forest. Net GWP balance depends on which overseas forests supply domestic shortfalls, how wood is used, and rate of industrial decarbonisation. There is considerable but constrained potential for increased wood-use to deliver future climate-change mitigation, providing it is connected with a long-term planting strategy, enhanced tree productivity and efficient wood use.
Evaluation of Adaptability and Yield Performance of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Varieties at Efa Galano, Sayo District of Kellam Wallaga Zone, Western Ethiopia.
Authors: Tesfa Garedo , Olana Gemechisa , Kitila Chala
Published: December 2023

For the study, the research field was laid out and reproduced three times using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Thus, analysis of variance revealed that the tested onion types had a substantial influence on practically all quantitative parameters except average stand count at harvest, which was non-significant. In the current study, however, the greatest days to maturity (late maturing) were recorded for both Red Bombey and Red Croel (140.333days to mature), whereas the minimum days to maturity (early maturing) was recorded for Adama Red (115.333days to mature). Furthermore, the greatest (6.513t/ha) and least (4.381t/ha) marketable bulb weights were recorded from Red Croel and Adama Red, respectively, while the minimum bulb yield (4.827t/ha) and maximum bulb yield (6.699t/ha) were reported from Red Croel and Adama Red, respectively. Based on the current investigation, it was unable to recommend one variety over another because a single yield trial cannot offer trustworthy information on yield performance of varieties, necessitating a multi-year multi-location yield experiment. However, for the immediate needs of onion crop growers, this experiment suggests that the Red Croel variety was a better bulb yielder than the other analyzed onion varieties in the study area and areas with similar agro-ecological characteristics.
An assessment model for efficacy of patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma following autologous CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy.
Authors: Xue Bin , Luo Xiu , Liu Yifan , Ye Shiguang , Zhou Lili , Lu Yan , Fu Jianfei , Qian Wenbin , Wang Li , Li Ping , Liang Aibin
Published: December 2023

Background
Currently, there is no predictive model for the efficacy of autologous CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T) in relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (r/r DLBCL). This study aims to construct a comprehensive model that takes into account numerous influencing factors to predict the efficacy of CD19 CAR-T therapy.
Methods
A total of 80 r/r DLBCL patients receiving CD19 CAR-T therapy from two centers were included in the study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis model was constructed using data from CAR-T clinical trials as the derivation cohort and real-world data as the validation cohort.
Results
The model was optimized based on the results of clinical practice and further developed into an index model, which demonstrated excellent predictive utility in both the derivation cohort (C-index = 0.891) and the external validation cohort (C-index = 0.797). Calibration curve, decision curve analysis, and clinical impact curve confirmed the clinical utility of the predictive model. The risk stratification based on the index model can indicate differences in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).
Conclusions
the established predictive model for assessing the efficacy of CD19 CAR-T treatment in r/r DLBCL is accurate and clinically useful.
Unveiling Harmful Phase Transition of Kidney Stones and its Clinical Impact
Authors: Maruyama Mihoko , Michibata Uta , Tanaka Yutaro , Yoshimura Masashi , Yoshikawa Hiroshi , Takano Kazufumi , Furukawa Yoshihiro , Momma Koichi , Tajiri Rie , Taguchi Kazumi , Hamamoto Shuzo , Okada Atsushi , Kohri Kenjiro , Yasui Takahiro , Usami Shigeyoshi , Imanishi Masayuki , Mori Yusuke
Published: December 2023

Calcium oxalate kidney stones, the most prevalent type of kidney stones, undergo a multi-step process of crystal nucleation, growth, aggregation, and secondary transition. The secondary transition has been rather overlooked, and thus, the effects on the disease and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. Here, we show, by periodic micro-CT images of human kidney stones in an ex vivo incubation experiment, that the growth of porous aggregates of calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) crystals triggers the hardening of the kidney stones that causes difficulty in lithotripsy of kidney stone disease in the secondary transition. This hardening was caused by the internal nucleation and growth of precise calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals from isolated urine in which the calcium oxalate concentrations decreased by the growth of COD in closed grain boundaries of COD aggregate kidney stones. Reducing the calcium oxalate concentrations in urine is regarded as a typical approach for avoiding the recurrence. However, our results revealed that the decrease of the concentrations in closed microenvironments conversely promotes the transition of the COD aggregates into hard COM aggregates. We anticipate that the suppression of the secondary transition has the potential to manage the deterioration of kidney stone disease.
Cold atmospheric plasma activated media selectively affects human head and neck cancer cell lines
Authors: Giacomo Viviana di , Balaha Marwa , Pinti Morena , Marcantonio Maria Carmela Di , Cela Ilaria , Acharya Tirtha Raj , Kaushik Nagendra Kumar , Choi Eun Ha , Rapino Monica , Mazzone Mariangela , Mincione Gabriella , Sala Gianluca , Perrucci Miryam , Locatelli Marcello , Perrotti Vittoria
Published: December 2023

Objective: Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a novel therapeutic approach for cancer treatment. It can be used to treat liquids - plasma-activated media (PAM) - which are then transferred to the target as an exogenous source of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). The present study aimed at chemically characterizing different PAM and assessing their in vitro selectivity against head and neck cancer cell lines (HNC).
Materials and methods: PAM were obtained by exposing 2 and 5 mL of medium to CAP for 5, 10 and 20 minutes at a 6 mm working distance. Anions kinetics was evaluated by ion chromatography. In addition, inhibition of cell proliferation by MTS assay, apoptosis occurrence and cell cycle modifications by flow cytometry were assessed on primary human gingival fibroblasts (hGF) and the HNC cell lines HSC2, HSC4 and A253.
Results: All the 2 mL conditions showed a significant reduction in cell proliferation whereas for the 5 mL the effect was milder, but the time-dependence was more evident. In addition, hGF were unaffected by the 5 mL PAM, indicating a selectivity for cancer cells.
Conclusions: The media chemical composition modified by CAP exposure influenced cell proliferation by modulating cell cycle and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, without affecting normal cells.
Clinical Relevance: The present investigation represents a starting point to favour the clinical translation of CAP as a precision medicine tool by proposing an innovative method, namely ion chromatography, to standardize the quantification of plasma-derived RONS and proving its selectivity in inactivating tumor cells over non-malignant cells. These strategies could be applied to identify the optimal parameter configuration to achieve the desired treatment/therapeutic outcome and to aid the definition of clinical protocols.
NeuroD1 and Ascl1 Convert Human Glial Cells into Neurons in Ex Vivo Culture of Human Brain Tissue
Authors: Xu Liang , Wang Qingsong , Liao Jiancheng , Zheng Jiajun , Qin Bing , Li Wen , Zhang Jiaxuan , Li Wei , Wang Xiangyu , Zhang Maoying , Chen Gong
Published: December 2023

Transcription factor-mediated cell conversion has been reported in the central nervous system (CNS) of both rodents and non-human primates (NHPs). In particular, glia-to-neuron (GtN) conversion has been achieved in the brains and spinal cords of animal models of neurological disorders for neural regeneration and repair. However, whether GtN conversion can ultimately be used for human brain repair in patients is still unknown. To investigate the applicability of GtN conversion technology in the human brain, we established a long-term ex vivo culture system using human brain tissue that was surgically removed from epileptic patients to directly test GtN conversion. We demonstrate that both neural transcription factors NeuroD1 and Ascl1 can convert human glial cells into neurons. Importantly, both immunostaining and electrophysiological recordings revealed that the glia-converted neurons showed immature properties during the initial 1–2 weeks of conversion, and then acquired more mature neuronal properties after 3–4 weeks of conversion. These ex vivo conversion studies in human brain tissue pave the way toward future clinical trials using a transcription factor-based glia-to-neuron conversion approach to treat neurological disorders.
Association of Statin Use with 28-Day Mortality in the MIMIC-IV Database: A Cohort Study
Authors: kang chen , Jin Yiran , Yang Xiuling
Published: December 2023

Background
Statins, acknowledged for their cardiovascular risk reduction, exhibit pleiotropic effects, including anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and endothelial stabilizing actions. While intensive care unit (ICU) patients face heightened risks of cardiovascular disease, infections, and thrombotic complications, the impact of statin therapy on ICU mortality remains debated.
Aim
This retrospective cohort study, utilizing the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MMIC-IV) database, aims to scrutinize the association between statin therapy and all-cause mortality in critically ill patients. Additionally, it endeavors to compare the impact of different statin types on mortality.
Method
Eligible ICU-admitted patients aged 18–90 were categorized based on statin usage during their ICU stay. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality, analyzed through multivariable Cox regression, providing adjusted hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results
Among 50,624 enrolled patients, 30.9% used statins. Statin treatment in ICU patients was correlated with reduced 28-day all-cause mortality in multivariate Cox analysis (Statins [HR] = 0.66, [95% CI, 0.61–0.70]; atorvastatin [HR] = 0.71, [95% CI, 0.66–0.78]; rosuvastatin [HR] = 0.57, [95% CI, 0.45–0.72]; simvastatin [HR] = 0.54, [95% CI, 0.48–0.62]; other statins [HR] = 0.68, [95% CI, 0.56–0.83]). Propensity score matching confirmed these findings (statins [HR] = 0.69, [95% CI, 0.63–0.75]).
Conclusion
Statin use may correlate with a decreased risk of 28-day mortality in ICU patients, with simvastatin showing a more pronounced effect. The robustness of these findings remain unaffected by subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and propensity score matching, indicating potential clinical significance.
Food Insecurity in Urban American Indian and Alaska Native Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Nelson Katie , Jackson Alexandra M. , Nguyen Cassandra J. , Noonan Carolyn , Muller Clemma , MacLehose Richard F , Manson Spero M. , Dillard Denise , Buchwald Dedra
Published: December 2023

Background
Food insecurity is an important social determinant of health that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Both food insecurity and COVID-19 infection disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minority groups, particularly American Indian and Alaska Native communities; however, there is little evidence as to whether food insecurity is associated with COVID-19 infection or COVID-19 preventive behaviors such as vaccination uptake. The purpose of this study was to evaluate associations between food insecurity, COVID-19 infection, and vaccination status among urban American Indian and Alaska Native adults seen at 5 clinics serving urban Native people.
Methods
In partnership with health organizations in Alaska, Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, and New Mexico, the study team conducted a cross-sectional survey in 2021 to assess food security status and attitudes, barriers, and facilitators for COVID-19 testing and vaccination. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of food security status with sociodemographic factors and COVID-19 infection and vaccination status. Marginal standardization was applied to present results as prevalence differences.
Results
Among 730 American Indian and Alaska Native adults, the prevalence of food insecurity measured during the pandemic was 38%. For participants who reported persistent food security status before and during the pandemic (n=588), the prevalence of food insecurity was 25%. Prevalence of COVID-19 infection and vaccination did not vary by food security status after adjustment for confounders.
Conclusions
High rates of food insecurity among American Indian and Alaska Native communities likely increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite the high prevalence of food insecurity, community-led efforts to reduce COVID-19 infection and increase vaccination uptake across Indian Health Service and Tribal healthcare facilities may have mitigated the negative impacts of the pandemic for families experiencing food insecurity. These successful approaches serve as an important reference for future public health efforts that require innovative strategies to improve overall health in AIAN communities.
Faecalibaculum rodentium protects HSCs from IR-induced apoptosis via suppression of nuclear PKM2-enhanced p53 transcriptional activity
Authors: Zhu Hanyong , Sun Na , Chen Xin , Xiao Rui , Hui Guo , Ji Binbin , Yao Chen , Zhao Jie , Liu Zimeng , Gong Shengzhe , Qin Yongqin , Li Rongqing , Li Xueqin , Ikezoe Takayuki , Pan Yuchen , Yang Jing
Published: December 2023

It has been shown that under various conditions, such as aging, the gut flora contributes to modulating the status and functions of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). However, which species/strains of probiotics and the underlying mechanisms involved in controlling HSC function remain obscure, especially under irradiation conditions. In this study, we found that an antibiotic cocktail caused STAT3 localization in the mitochondria of epithelial cells along with a decrease in the abundance of F. rodentium. Feeding mice with F. rodentium and its metabolite butyrate prolonged the survival of irradiated mice. In a further study, we found that the administration of butyrate sustained nuclear PKM2 expression, attenuating p53-induced apoptosis. These results suggested that in response to irradiation, a reduced abundance of F. rodentium led to decreased butyrate content, thereby promoting PKM2 nuclear translocation, which subsequently enhanced p53 transcriptional activity.
Characteristics of regional heavy rainfall in the pre flood season in South China and prediction skill of NCEP S2S
Authors: Zheng Ting , Zheng Zhihai , Feng Guolin , Zhao Yuheng , Fan Peiyi
Published: December 2023

South China is one of the regions with the longest flood season and the highest frequency of floods in China. Understand the characteristics of heavy precipitation during the flood season and its potential mechanisms is crucial for predicting and preventing flood disasters in South China. In this study, we identified that the regional heavy precipitation during the first flood season in South China can be categorized into frontal heavy rainfall (FR) and warm-sector heavy rainfall (WR). The FR is mainly controlled by the southwest monsoon and the westerly jet in the northwest of the West Pacific Subtropical High (WPSH). The westerly wind brings enough water vapor to the front, creating an unstable environment that leads to heavy rainfall events. When precipitation occurs in warm regions, warm and humid air from the west side of the WPSH goes northward and westerly jet brings warm and humid air to the mainland to rise and condense, thus forming heavy rainfall. The extended period predictability of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) sub-seasonal to seasonal (S2S) forecast system for the two types of heavy rainfall decreases with the increase of the forecast lead time, and the prediction skill of NCEP S2S for FR is obviously better than that for WR. The poor prediction skill of NCEP S2S for WR is mainly due to the model inadequacies in predicting atmospheric circulation and water vapor transport anomalies corresponding to WR. When predicting WR, the model exhibits the easterly wind has controlled in the upper troposphere as early as ten days in advance. Meanwhile, the model struggles to predict the characteristics of the WPSH and the water vapor transport anomalies from the Bay of Bengal. This may be attributed to the absence of a distinct weather-scale boundary (front) for WR in the model, making it more difficult to forecast WR than FR.
A pilot study of the proarrhythmic effects of pimobendan injection in cats
Authors: Ishizaka Mio , Katagiri Keisuke , Ogawa Mizuki , Hsu Huai-hsun , Miyagawa Yuichi , Takemura Naoyuki
Published: December 2023

Pimobendan is not currently approved for cats, but its usefulness in feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has been suggested. An increase in arrhythmic events has also been reported after oral administration to healthy cats. Because intravenous administration has a more potent effect than oral administration, the incidence of arrhythmias after pimobendan injection may be increased, similar to oral pimobendan. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the proarrhythmic effects of pimobendan injection in cats. Five cats underwent physical examination, echocardiography, blood pressure measurements and 24-h Holter electrocardiography before/after pimobendan administration as an intravenous bolus dose of 0.15 mg/kg twice daily for 3 days. After pimobendan administration, the 24-h total heart rate significantly increased. Echocardiography revealed a significant increase in mitral valve annulus systolic velocity (S') on the ventricular septal wall side, suggesting an increase in contractility. Only one cat had a lower tricuspid valve annulus S' on the free wall side of the right ventricle. This cat had paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia and an increase in the number of arrhythmic events. In other cats, the number of arrhythmias showed a decreasing trend. Therefore, when administering pimobendan to cats suspected of having myocardial dysfunction/heart disease, it may be necessary to closely monitor their electrocardiogram.
Python Toolbox for Android GNSS Raw Data to RINEX Conversion
Authors: Olcina Jorge Hernández , Julián Ana B. Anquela , Furones Ángel E. Martín
Published: December 2023

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data collected from Android devices has gained increasing importance in various applications, ranging from geospatial positioning to environmental monitoring. However, the lack of standardized tools for converting Android GNSS raw data into Receiver Independent Exchange (RINEX) format poses a significant challenge for researchers and practitioners. In response to this need, we present a comprehensive Python toolbox designed to streamline the conversion process and enhance the usability of Android GNSS data. The proposed toolbox leverages Python's versatility to provide a user-friendly interface for converting Android GNSS raw data into the widely adopted RINEX format. Key features include robust data parsing algorithms, support for multiple GNSS constellations, and compatibility with diverse Android device configurations. Furthermore, the toolbox's open-source nature encourages community collaboration and allows for continual improvement and adaptation to emerging GNSS technologies. We anticipate that this Python toolbox will serve as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners working with Android GNSS data, facilitating standardized data interchange and promoting reproducibility in GNSS-based studies.
Using situational awareness and case-based seminars in a comprehensive nursing skills practice course to improve self-directed learning, academic self-efficacy, and professional identity in undergraduate nursing students
Authors: Sun Yuanhao , Li Xiangdong , Liu Haiyang , Li Yuqing , Gui Jiaofeng , Zhang Xiaoyun , Li Xiaoping , Sun Lu , Zhang Lin , Wang Congzhi , Li Jing , Liu Mingming , Zhang Dongmei , Gao Jingyi , Kang Xuefeng , Lei Yunxiao , Yuan Ting
Published: December 2023

Background: Nurses play an important role in healthcare development. The increasing demands for nurses mean that nursing schools at the undergraduate level have the responsibility to ensure patient safety and quality care through a well-designed curriculum. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of the teaching method combined with situational awareness and case-based seminars in a comprehensive nursing skills practice course on the level of self-directed learning, professional identity, academic self-efficacy, theoretical scores, practical scores, teaching satisfaction, and student competence among nursing students.
Methods: The research population comprised was of the grades of 2019 and 2020 at Wannan Medical College in Anhui Province, China (n =169, response rate 77.88%). The observation group from grade 2020 used the teaching method combined with situational awareness and case-based seminars, whereas the control group from grade 2019 used the traditional teaching mode. General information, self-directed learning, a professional identity, and academic self-efficacy were compared between the two groups. This research used means and standard deviations, chi-square, the Shapiro-Wilk test, and an independent sample t-test for statistical analyses.
Results: Compared with the control group, the total scores for self-directed learning, professional identity, and academic self-efficacy were higher in the observation group (78.80±7.89 vs 60.21±7.44, 63.39±7.87 vs 52.35±7.68, and 22.31±3.30 vs 21.28±2.31, respectively, with P ＜ 0.05 for all scores). More significant improvements were made in the observation group on the level of theoretical scores (81.39±3.32 vs 76.28±5.90) and practical scores (93.32±4.70 vs 90.67±5.09) (P ＜0.05). Meanwhile, teaching satisfaction, which includes teaching method (66/18 vs 32/53) and teacher-student interaction (72/12 vs 34/51), and student competence, which includes team cooperation (67/17 vs 39/46), critical thinking (60/24 vs 31/54), and communication skills (67/17 vs 38/47) after the intervention (P ＜0.05). There was no significant difference in social persuasion (P ＞0.05).
Conclusion: The teaching method combined with situational awareness and case-based seminars in a comprehensive nursing skills practice course has the potential to improve the level of self-directed learning, professional identity, and academic self-efficacy, and it increases theoretical scores, practical scores, teaching satisfaction, and student competence.
Rhodococcus erythropolis ATCC 4277 behavior against different metals and its potential use in waste biomining
Authors: Brandão Igor Yannick Neves Vasconcellos , Silva Pedro Henrique Barboza Souza , Castori Tayna Vale , Souza Yasmin Tavares , Souza Ricardo Gabbay , Batista Aline Fontana , Petroni Sergio Luis Graciano , Zanutto Talita Corrêa Nazareth , Campos Claudia Barbosa Ladeira , Maass Danielle
Published: December 2023

Rhodococcus erythropolis bacterium is known for its remarkable resistance characteristics that can be useful in several biotechnological processes, such as bioremediation. However, there is scarce knowledge concerning the behavior of this strain against different metals. This study sought to investigate the behavior of R. erythropolis ATCC 4277 against residue of chalcopyrite and e-waste to verify both resistive capacities to the metals present in these residues and potential use for biomining processes. These tests were carried out in a stirred tank bioreactor for 48 h, at 24 ºC, pH 7.0, using a total volume of 2.0 L containing 2.5% (v/v) of a bacterial pre-culture. The pulp density of chalcopyrite was 5% (w/w), and agitation and oxygen flow rates were set to 250 rpm and 1.5 LO2.min− 1, respectively. In the tests with e-waste (waste of computer printed circuit board - WPCB), it was used a pulp density of 10% (w/w), agitation at 400 rpm, and 3.0 LO2.min− 1 of oxygen flow rate. Metal concentration analyses post-fermentation showed that R. erythropolis ATCC 4277 was able to leach about 38% of the Cu present in the chalcopyrite residue (in ~ 24 h), and 49.5% of Fe, 42.3% of Ni, 27.4% of Al, and 15% Cu present in WPCB (in ~ 24 h). In addition the strain survived well in the environment containing such metals, demonstrating the potential of using this bacterium for waste biomining processes as well as in other processes with these metals.
Interactions between fungal communities and localized conservative N cycling in mixed mycorrhizal tropical forests
Authors: Seyfried Georgia S , Edwards Joseph D , Dalling James W , Kent Angela D , Yang Wendy H
Published: December 2023

Background and aims Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) trees and associated fungal communities can interact with underlying nutrient dynamics to suppress carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling locally. Specifically, N availability may dictate interactions between ECM and saprotrophic fungi and belowground C allocation by ECM trees, potentially determining the potential of fungal communities to suppress N cycling beneath ECM trees. However, these mechanisms have largely been tested in temperate and boreal systems where underlying N limitation is common.Methods Here, we quantified fungal community metrics and soil chemical properties in a long-term N addition experiment located in a lower montane tropical forest to assess the role of fungal communities in driving conservative N cycling beneath ECM trees within mixed ECM-AM stands where N is not necessarily limiting.Results We found that natural abundance N isotopes correlated with a shift in fungal community composition between control and N addition plots, suggesting that N availability may affect belowground C allocation to increase colonization by ECM fungi that are a larger C investment and have a greater potential to interact with soil N cycling. However, we found no effect of N addition on the distribution of ECM and saprotrophic fungal guilds through the soil profile, suggesting that abiotic and biotic conditions which promote rapid N cycling may decrease interguild competition in a tropical montane forest.Conclusions Overall, local scale nutrient limitation dynamics driven by interactions between ECM host trees and underlying fungal communities may be partially mediated by ecosystem scale nutrient cycling dynamics.