bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Paradox of Wealth and Happiness in Adam Smith’sThe Theory of Moral Sentiments
Authors: Özler Şule
Published: November 2022

Smith’s statements on wealth and happiness are paradoxical. On the one hand, Smith states that individuals’ pursuit of wealth is beneficial for society because it leads to economic growth and establishes rank and order in society. On the other hand, he appears to say that pursuit of wealth leaves individuals unhappy. Griswold refers to this as ‘comic irony’. In this paper, by examining what Smith says about wealth and happiness, we attempt to resolve this paradox. Towards this end, we analyze the unconscious that is implicit in the Theory of Moral Sentiments. As we will describe, analyzing Smith’s statements by considering the role of the unconscious implies that the pursuit of great wealth can make individuals happy.
Legal and organizational principles of creation high court of intellectual property
Authors: Drozdov Oleksandr , Pototskyi Mykola
Published: November 2022

Keywords: litigation, intellectual property law, High Court of Intellectual Property,European Union law
Analysis of the legal and organizational supportfor the establishment of the High court of intellectual property revealed a scientificproblem regarding the lack of implementation of the constitutional provision accordingto which higher specialized courts may act in accordance with the law, the absenceof the Law of Ukraine «On the High Court of Intellectual Property» proceduralnorms that should ensure the activities of this court to hear cases on intellectualproperty rights.The purpose of the article is to analyze the key legal and organizational issues ofthe creation of IP-court, the main provisions of the draft special law on this court,identify gaps in procedural law, and develop proposals for their content.To achieve this goal, the history and main problems of the establishment and operationof IP-court, international experience of this judicial body, the draft Law ofUkraine «On the High Court of Intellectual Property», some provisions of legal acts ofthe European Union.The main theoretical and practical problems that actualize the urgency of the beginningof IP-court activity are formulated. It is noted that in view of the Europeanintegration vector of Ukraine's legal system, the administration of justice will belargely conditioned by legal acts of the European Union, so it is advisable to providethis court with procedural tools inherent in EU law.It is concluded that the creation and operation of IP-Court is due to the deepening ofeconomic globalization, dynamic development of technological innovation, which in thecase of integration of the Court into the international justice system will lead to internationalizationand openness of intellectual property protection in the European space.
Digital transformation of society as a necessary condition for its innovative development
Authors: Cherep Alla , Voronkova Valentyna , Cherep Oleksandr
Published: November 2022

Keywords: information, information technology, digitalization, innovations, transformation,integration, standardization, strategic directions

It is substantiated that thedigitalization of the economy in today's conditions significantly affects the livelihoods of both enterprises and the population. It is the use of information technology that isthe basis of the digital economy.The significant impact of the use of information technology on the daily life of thepopulation of the countries of the world, regions, and the effectiveness of business entitiesbased on automation, mechanization, and robotics has been proved. It is establishedthat the digital transformation concerns all spheres of activity of the world'seconomies. It is reflected that digital transformation in the context of globalizationare the main factors in improving the efficiency of the world's economies, creating servicesand products of higher quality and value, etc.Statistics show that the highest level of use of information technology in domesticcompanies that provide financial, educational services; communication services, logistics.At the same time, in some sectors of the economy, the intensity of automation, robotics,and the use of digital technologies is very low.Analysis of different stages and models of the transformation of economic processestakes place in different countries according to forced or gradual models, focus onvarious technologies and programs. The assessment of the main indicators of digitalizationof the countries of the world showed that they can be found: internet coverage;the share of e-commerce in retail trade; the share of society that uses innovative informationtechnologies in all spheres of activity.It is substantiated that by 2025, digital transformation will affect all spheres of lifeof most countries of the world. It is established that the development of the digitaleconomy is inextricably linked with the formation of an innovative and informationsociety. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the basis of digital transformation isbased on the development of innovative information technologies, which are aimed atincreasing the quality of services and showing the productivity of work. The goals andstrategic directions of digital transformation are highlighted. The advantages anddisadvantages of digitalization of the Ukrainian economy are summarized.
Innovations and innovation management — the key to achieving sustainable development goals
Authors: Doroshenko Oleksandr , Dorozhko Hryhorii , Romashko Alla , Yurchyshyn Oksana , Kravets Oleksandr
Published: November 2022

Keywords: innovations, innovation management, intellectual property, managementsystems, management system standards

The UN General Assembly Resolution dated September 25,2015 set goals for sustainable development, which are actively accepted around theworld. The World Intellectual Property Organization, the International Organizationfor Standardization, and the Public authorities of various countries are looking forand implementing approaches to achieve these goals. They are supported by the Decree of the President of Ukraine «On the Sustainable Development Goals of Ukraineuntil 2030», which became the strategy of economic development of our country.Innovations are inherent in any sphere of human activity and can be applied forachieving goals of sustainable development, but it is not always possible to organize acreative process resulting in their occurence and implementation. In addition, the creatoror employer of the creator often does not support innovation properly at differentstages of its life cycle and loses the opportunity to benefit, in particular: do not adhereto secure communication, are unable to assess the importance and commercial viabilityof innovation, fail to protect and commercialize it.Research on the problems with regress in achieving the goals of sustainable developmentrelated to innovations, innovation management, taking into account the requirementsof legislation and management system standards.International and national legislation in the field of intellectual property, managementsystem standards. When researching methods of analysis and synthesis wereused including system analysis.The results are based on the analysis of publications, current legislation and existingstandards on various management systems.Statements concerning innovation activities that are within the competence ofboth specialists in the economic and legal spheres, as well as specialists in the technicalsphere were developed. Statements for the development of a clear and accessibleprocedure for all employees, for innovation management taking into account theprocess of novation development and implementation were developed.
The features of sports commentary as copyright protected work
Authors: Doroshenko Dmytro
Published: November 2022

Keywords: sports commentary, sport broadcast, broadcast, speech, creative activity

The article analyses a sports commentary legal nature as a result of creative activityof sportscaster, and, correspondingly, the possibility of legal protection provisionfor such a commentary.Based on the analysis of multiple researches, devoted to sports commentary, and establishedpractice, the author determines that sports commentary can be seen as creativework that demands a significant level of knowledge from a sportscaster whose aimis to attract an audience to sports broadcast. Thereby, a high number of sports commentariesfeatured by unique author’s style and originality contains the signs of artistic workthat could be protected by copyright according to Berne Convention provisions. In general, such result of creative activity corresponds to speech as copyright protected work,since sports commentary combines an applying of material prepared and analysed in advanceand impromptu generating due to unpredictability of sports competition actions.At the same time, the author emphasizes the difference of legal approaches to settlementof disputes concerning sports commentary within legal frameworks in the USA, theEU, and Ukraine. In particular, the Supreme Court of Sweden denies to acknowledge thelevel of sports commentary originality enough for copyright protection. However, such aposition can hardly be considered as common regarding sports commentary, since it doesnot characterize the work of a sports commentator as in general due to the variety of approachescan be applied in this genre of sports journalism. Simultaneously, judiciary ofUkraine and US indirectly recognize a sportscaster work as a creative activity. Thus,even though sports commentary is not protected by copyright within existing legalframeworks, several judgements provides the way to solution of that discuss. Bearing inmind that for today a broadcast of sports events still has pretty inappropriate level oflegal protection to secure it from pirate activities, the protection of sports commentarycould prove another legal instrument aimed to strengthen sports broadcasting legal positionsand personal rights of sportscaster.
Protection of technical means of protection and information on rights management in the European Union
Authors: Drobiazko Volodymyr
Published: November 2022

Keywords: copyright, work, performance, phonogram, technical means of protection,information on rights management, digital networks

The article is devoted to the studyof such aspects as protection of technical means of protection and information on themanagement of rights in the European Union. These protections are provided for thefirst time in Articles 11 and 12 of the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) and Articles 18 and19 of the WIPO Performance and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT). Each of the WIPOtreaties contains almost identical provisions obliging Member States to prevent circumventionof technical measures used to protect works, performances, and phonograms andinformation on rights management.The implementation of the above provisions of the WCT and the WPPT is devoted toChapter III «Protection of technological measures and information on rights management» (Articles 6, 7) of Directive 2001/29/EC of 22 May 2001 on the harmonization of certainaspects of copyright and related rights in the information society. Article 6 of the Directiveobliges EU Member States to provide adequate legal protection against the circumventionof any effective technical measure by a person who knows or should be aware for obvious reasons that he is pursuing such a goal. According to Article 7 of theDirective, the EU Member States are obliged to provide adequate legal protectionagainst all persons who knowingly commit unlawful acts regarding rights managementinformation.The provisions of Articles 7 and 8 of the Directive are incorporated into the domesticlaw of the EU Member States. The article analyses the relevant legal provisions of Germany,Austria, Greece, and Denmark. Thus, the German Law of September 10, 2003 onthe Regulation of Copyright and Related Rights in the Information Society introducedinto the Law on Copyright and Related Rights the regime of legal protection of technicalmeans of protection and information on rights management (paragraphs 95a–95d) andremedies rights (p.108b–111a), which prohibits the circumvention of mechanisms designedto protect works and other protected objects from unauthorized control.In Ukraine, the protection of technical means of protection and information on rightsmanagement is provided by the Law on Copyright and Related Rights, Article 1 of whichdefines the terms «information on rights management» and «technical means of protection», and Article 50 lists illegal acts protection and information on rights managementare classified as infringements of copyright and related rights. The subject of copyright orrelated rights may sue the person who infringes the right to technical remedies and informationon rights management.
Problems of patenting inventions created using artificial intelligence: doctrine and practice
Authors: Androshchuk Hennadii
Published: November 2022

Keywords: intellectual property, artificial intelligence, inventor, software, examination,patent, digital transformation

The dynamics of development of the worldmarket of artificial intelligence (AI), patent activity in this field, problematic issuesarising in connection with the patenting of inventions created using AI are studied.Aspects of doctrine formation and policy development in the field of intellectual property(IP) and AI are considered. Features of examination of patentability of inventionscreated with the use of AI in different jurisdictions (EPO, USA, Germany, China), foreignlegislation, doctrinal positions and case law in this field are analysed. Accordingto the analysis of the Artificial Inventor project, DABUS applications indicating theAI system as the inventor, submitted in 17 jurisdictions, were mostly rejected at thelevel of intellectual property offices and as a result of court appeals. In general, theapplicant failed to persuade the IP courts and agencies with his arguments, despitedifferences in national law and patent systems.

The main provisions of the draft law «On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine» OnProtection of Rights to Inventions and Utility Models «on the regulation of relationsarising in relation to inventions and utility models created using artificial intelligence» are considered. It is concluded that the Law on the Protection of Rights to Inventionsand Utility Models excludes computer programs from patented objects. Theirminority is stated in the total number of filed applications and issued patents. Between1980 and 2018, only 740 such applications were published (1.26% of the total).The rules for compiling, submitting and reviewing an application for an invention(utility model) in Ukraine are outdated and do not reflect aspects of AI. Only a comprehensiveapproach (changes in legislation and improvement of expertise) will solvethis problem.
A rare record of bush dogs (Speothos venaticus) in a peri-urban area of Cerrado in Minas Gerais State, Brazil
Authors: Silva Paulo Machado e , Serafim Gedeom Teófilo , Rocha Ednaldo Cândido , Fonseca Ana Paula Elias , Ferreira Osmar Alves
Published: November 2022

Bush dog (Speothos venaticus) is an endangered wild canid, about which there are still several gaps of knowledge. The species has large home range and can live in environments altered by human activities but requires native habitats. Bush dogs are classified as “endangered” in the Cerrado biome, and the main threats are habitat loss, contraction of diseases from domestic animals and killing by dogs and humans. To contribute with data on the species, we report an unexpected and unprecedented encounter with five bush dogs in a peri-urban reserve, an environment that lies between activities of the Kinross mining company and a residential neighborhood of Paracatu-MG, Brazil, in July 2021. At the time, the animals were seen while marking territory with urine and fecal mucus on a trail widely used by humans and domestic dogs. This is an important and relevant record because, in addition to being unprecedented, as it occurred in a peri-urban environment, it demonstrates the importance of conservation and protection of local areas of native vegetation in the Cerrado biome. Speothos venaticus still needs to be further studied, and effective measures to protect the species, such as population control and health care actions targeting domestic dogs are urgent.
ВЕРА В НАРОДНОЙ ЖИЗНИ XIX–XXI ВЕКОВ: НА ПРИМЕРЕ ОТРАДНЕНСКОГО РАЙОНА КРАСНОДАРСКОГО КРАЯ
Authors: Гетманская София Николаевна
Published: November 2022

В статье на основе полевых материалов Кубанских фольклорно-этнографических экспеди-ций 1996, 2018 гг. рассматриваются различные аспекты проявления веры в среде православ-ных Отрадненского района Краснодарского края. Основную роль в освоении Приурупья во второй половине XIX – первой трети XX в. сыграла казачья и крестьянская колонизация, в которой приняли участие прежде всего различные группы южнорусского и восточноукра-инского населения. Православная вера утверждалась в станицах, основанных по реке Уруп и ее притокам, строительством первых церквей. Это было в 50 60-х годах XIX в. Помимо православных христиан на территории района сейчас проживают также представители народов, исповедующих ислам и католицизм. Придерживаясь своих религиозных традиций, они уважительно относятся к церковной жизни православных.

In the article based on the field materials of the Kuban folklore and ethnographic expeditions of 1996 and 2018 various aspects of the manifestation of faith among the Orthodox in the Otradnensky district of the Krasnodar Territory are considered. The main role in the development of the Urup region in the second half of the XIX – first third of the XX century was played Cossack and peasant colonization, in which, first of all, various groups of the South Russian and East Ukrainian population took part. The Orthodox faith was affirmed in the villages founded along the river Urup and its tributaries, since the construction of the first churches. It was in the 50s and 60s. 19th century In addition to the Orthodox, small ethnic groups professing Islam and Catholicism now live in the region. Adhering to their religious traditions, they respectfully relate to the church life of the Orthodox.
The single-cell expression profile of transposable elements and transcription factors in human early biparental and uniparental embryonic development
Authors: Li Conghui , Zhang Yue , Leng Lizhi , Pan Xiaoguang , Zhao Depeng , Li Xuemei , Huang Jinrong , Bolund Lars , Lin Ge , Luo Yonglun , Xu Fengping
Published: November 2022

Transposable elements (TEs) and transcription factors (TFs) are involved in the precise regulation of gene expression during the preimplantation stage. Activation of TEs is a key event for mammalian embryonic genome activation and preimplantation early embryonic development. TFs are involved in the regulation of drastic changes in gene expression patterns, but an inventory of the interplay between TEs and TFs during normal/abnormal human embryonic development is still lacking. Here we used single-cell RNA sequencing data generated from biparental and uniparental embryos to perform an integrative analysis of TE and TF expression. Our results showed that endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are mainly expressed during the minor embryonic genome activation (EGA) process of early embryos, while Alu is gradually expressed in the middle and later stages. Some important ERVs (e.g., LTR5_Hs, MLT2A1) and Alu TEs are expressed at significantly lower levels in androgenic embryos. Integrative analysis revealed that the expression of the transcription factors CTCF and POU5F1 is correlated with the differential expression of ERV TEs. Comparative coexpression network analysis further showed distinct expression levels of important TFs (e.g., LEUTX and ZSCAN5A) in dizygotic embryos vs. parthenogenetic and androgenic embryos. This systematic investigation of TE and TF expression in human early embryonic development by single-cell RNA sequencing provides valuable insights into mammalian embryonic development.
Phytochemical profiling, in vitro biological activity, docking studies, and cytotoxicity assessments of Rondeletia odorata Jacquin: An unexplored plant of the coffee family
Authors: Khursheed Anjum , Ahmad Saeed , Saleem Muhammad , Khan Kashif-ur-Rehman , Khan Jallat , Orhan Ilkay Erdogan , Abaci Nurten , Imran Muhammad , Tauseef Saba , Uddin Reaz , Yawer Mirza Arfan , Tousif Muhammad Imran , Ojha Suvash Chandra , Khurshid Umair
Published: November 2022

Rondeletia odorataJacquin is a flowering plant that belongs to the coffee family. As a rich source of polyphenols with significant antioxidant potential,R. odoratamay have health benefits. Therefore, in the current work, ethanolic extract of aerial parts and its n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol soluble fractions were analyzed for their antioxidant potential and various enzyme inhibition properties. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the crude ethanol extract (ROE) and its n-hexane (ROH), ethyl acetate (ROEA), and n-butanol (ROB) fractions were determined spectrophotometrically, while metabolic profiling was established through UHPLC-MS analysis, which revealed the presence of 58 phytochemicals. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of ROE extract were measured as 51.92 mg GA.Eq./g of dry extract and 52.35 mg Qu.Eq./g of the dry extract, respectively. In the DPPH radical scavenging activity assay, ROE and ROEA showed the highest potential with values of 62.13 ± 0.62 and 76.31% ± 1.86%, respectively, comparable to quercetin (80.89% ± 0.54%). Similarly, in the FRAP assay, the same pattern of the activity was observed with ROE and ROEA, which displayed absorbance values of 1.32 ± 0.01 and 0.80 ± 0.02 at 700 nm, respectively, which are comparable (1.76 ± 0.02) with the reference compound quercetin, whereas the ROH showed maximum metal-chelating capacity (62.61% ± 1.01%) among all extracts and fractions. Antibacterial activity assay indicated that the ROEA fraction was the most active againstSerratia marcescens,Stenotrophomonas maltophilia,Bacillus subtilis,Klebsiella pneumonia, andStaphylococcus aureus, while the rest of the fractions showed good to moderate activity. Enzyme inhibition assays showed that ROEA fraction exhibited the highest activity with IC50values of 2.78 ± 0.42 and 3.95 ± 0.13 mg/mL against urease and carbonic anhydrase (CA), respectively. Furthermore, the docking studies of some of the major compounds identified in the extract revealed a strong correlation with their inhibitory activity. All extracts and fractions were also tested for their thrombolytic activity, and the ROB fraction showed a notable potential. Antiviral assay led to remarkable outcomes. Thus, it can be inferred that aerial parts ofR. odorataare potential sources of bioactive components with several significant pharmacological activities.
Adverse association of epicardial adipose tissue accumulation with cardiac function and atrioventricular coupling in postmenopausal women assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Huang Shan , Shi Ke , Jiang Li , Ren Yan , Wang Jin , Yan Wei-Feng , Qian Wen-Lei , Li Yuan , Yang Zhi-Gang
Published: November 2022

Background

This study aims to investigate the association of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) accumulation with cardiac function and atrioventricular coupling in a cohort of postmenopausal women assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR).

Materials and methods

Overall, 283 postmenopausal women (mean age 61.5 ± 9.1 years) who underwent CMR examination were enrolled. Participants were classified into four groups by the quartile of EAT volume. EAT volume was quantified on short-axis cine stacks covering the entire epicardium. CMR-derived cardiac structure and function, including left atrial (LA)- volume, emptying fraction, deformation, and left ventricular (LV)- mass, volume, ejection fraction, and deformation, were compared among the four groups of graded EAT volume.

Results

Left ventricular mass (LVM) and LV remodeling index were both increased in the group with the highest EAT volume, compared to those in the lowest quartile (p = 0.016 and p = 0.003). The LV global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS), circumferential strain (LV-GCS), and LA- reservoir strain (LA-RS), conduit strain (LA-CS), and booster strain (LA-BS), were all progressively decreased from the lowest quartile of EAT volume to the highest (all p < 0.05). Multivariable linear regression analyses showed that EAT was independently associated with LV-GLS, LA-RS, LA-CS, and LA-BS after adjusting for body mass index and other clinical factors.

Conclusion

Epicardial adipose tissue accumulation is independently associated with subclinical LV and LA function in postmenopausal women. These associations support the role of EAT in mediating deleterious effects on cardiac structure and function.
Pollution characteristics of black carbon based on MERRA-2 reanalysis data in core city of Central Plains Economic Zone, China: Historical trend and potential sources
Authors: Yan Guangxuan , Yu Hao , Li Menghui , Zheng Xueqing , Li Shaohong , Yao Dan , Liu Menglin , Hu Pengtuan
Published: November 2022

Black carbon (BC) is one of the main factors in global climate change and human health. Based on reanalysis data from the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications Version 2 (MERRA-2), the historical trends in the variation of BC and the factors affecting this were investigated in core city of Central Plains Economic Zone in China-Zhengzhou. Based on correlation analysis with ground measurements of BC concentration, it was determined that the MERRA-2 reanalysis data could be used to reveal the variations in ground-level BC concentrations. According to the variation trends of BC concentration in 1980–2020 and typical fossil fuel consumption in 2008–2017, two periods of rapidly increasing BC concentration were identified in 1980–1989 and 1999–2006. The increase in BC concentration then slowed from 2007. Since 2012, due to the adjustment of the Zhengzhou strategy and the implementation of an emission control strategy throughout Henan Province, the consumption of coal and coke decreased by 4% every year, resulting in a downward trend in the total BC emissions. However, coal and coke were still the main factors affecting the BC concentration in Zhengzhou. The contribution of transportation to BC in Zhengzhou has been particularly important since 2016. Analysis of BC seasonal variation revealed that the highest BC concentration was in winter, mainly due to the increase in industry and residential emissions. Additionally, based on the local and regional emission inventories and combined with potential source contribution function (PSCF), concentration weighted trajectory (CWT), this study revealed the potential sources regions and source types of BC in Zhengzhou, and found that the intensification of energy consumption and BC emissions in Zhengzhou and the surrounding regions of Henan Province might be the reasons for the high BC loading in Zhengzhou through regional transport.
Modeling the distribution of invasive species (Ambrosia spp.) using regression kriging and Maxent
Authors: Cho Ki Hwan , Park Jeong-Soo , Kim Ji Hyung , Kwon Yong Sung , Lee Do-Hun
Published: November 2022

Invasion by non-native species due to human activities is a major threat to biodiversity. The niche hypothesis for invasive species that rapidly disperse and disturb ecosystems is easily discarded owing to eradication activities or unsaturated dispersal. Here, we used spatial and non-spatial models to model the distribution of two invasive plant species (Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Ambrosia trifida), which are widely distributed, but are also being actively eradicated. Regression kriging (RK) and Maxent were used to predict the spatial distribution of the two plant species having eradication targets for decades in South Korea. In total, 1,478 presence/absence data points in the Seoul metropolitan area (∼11,000 km2 in northeastern South Korea) were used. For regression kriging, the presence/absence data were first fitted with environmental covariates using a generalized linear model (GLM), and then the residuals of the GLM were modeled using ordinary kriging. The residuals of GLM showed significant spatial autocorrelation. The spatial autocorrelation was modeled using kriging. Regression kriging, which considers the spatial structure of data, yielded area under the receiver operating curve values of 0.785 and 0.775 for A. artemisiifolia and A. trifida, respectively; however, the values of Maxent, a non-spatial model, were 0.619 and 0.622, respectively. Thus, regression kriging was advantageous as it considers the spatial autocorrelation of the data. However, species distribution modeling encounters difficulties when the current species distribution does not reflect optimal habitat conditions (the niche habitat preferences) or when colonization is disturbed by artificial interference (e.g., removal activity). This greatly reduces the predictive power of the model if the model is based solely on the niche hypotheses that do not reflect reality. Managers can take advantage of regression modeling when modeling species distributions under conditions unfavorable to the niche hypothesis.
Narrowband ultraviolet B response in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is characterized by increased bacterial diversity and reduced Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus lugdunensis
Authors: Hooper Madeline J. , Enriquez Gail L. , Veon Francesca L. , LeWitt Tessa M. , Sweeney Dagmar , Green Stefan J. , Seed Patrick C. , Choi Jaehyuk , Guitart Joan , Burns Michael B. , Zhou Xiaolong A.
Published: November 2022

Skin microbiota have been linked to disease activity in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). As the skin microbiome has been shown to change after exposure to narrowband ultraviolet B (nbUVB) phototherapy, a common treatment modality used for CTCL, we performed a longitudinal analysis of the skin microbiome in CTCL patients treated with nbUVB. 16S V4 rRNA gene amplicon sequencing for genus-level taxonomic resolution, tuf2 amplicon next generation sequencing for staphylococcal speciation, and bioinformatics were performed on DNA extracted from skin swabs taken from lesional and non-lesional skin of 25 CTCL patients receiving nbUVB and 15 CTCL patients not receiving nbUVB from the same geographical region. Disease responsiveness to nbUVB was determined using the modified Severity Weighted Assessment Tool: 14 (56%) patients responded to nbUVB while 11 (44%) patients had progressive disease. Microbial α-diversity increased in nbUVB-responders after phototherapy. The relative abundance of Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Acinetobacter, Streptococcus, and Anaerococcus differentiated nbUVB responders and non-responders after treatment (q<0.05). Microbial signatures of nbUVB-treated patients demonstrated significant post-exposure depletion of S. aureus (q=0.024) and S. lugdunensis (q=0.004) relative abundances. Before nbUVB, responder lesional skin harboured higher levels of S. capitis (q=0.028) and S. warneri (q=0.026) than non-responder lesional skin. S. capitis relative abundance increased in the lesional skin of responders (q=0.05) after phototherapy; a similar upward trend was observed in non-responders (q=0.09). Post-treatment skin of responders exhibited significantly reduced S. aureus (q=0.008) and significantly increased S. hominis (q=0.006), S. pettenkoferi (q=0.021), and S. warneri (q=0.029) relative abundances compared to that of no-nbUVB patients. Staphylococcus species abundance was more similar between non-responders and no-nbUVB patients than between responders and no-nbUVB patients. In sum, the skin microbiome of CTCL patients who respond to nbUVB is different from that of non-responders and untreated patients, and is characterized by shifts in S. aureus and S. lugdunensis. Non-responsiveness to phototherapy may reflect more aggressive disease at baseline.
Listeria-based immunotherapy directed against CD105 exerts anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor efficacy in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Oladejo Mariam , Nguyen Hong-My , Silwal Ashok , Reese Britney , Paulishak Wyatt , Markiewski Maciej M. , Wood Laurence M.
Published: November 2022

Targeting tumor-associated angiogenesis is currently at the forefront of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) therapy, with sunitinib and bevacizumab leading to increased survival in patients with metastatic RCC (mRCC). However, resistance often occurs shortly after initiation of therapy, suggesting that targeting the tumor-associated vascular endothelium may not be sufficient to eradicate RCC. This study reports the therapeutic efficacy of a Listeria (Lm)-based vaccine encoding an antigenic fragment of CD105 (Lm-LLO-CD105A) that targets both RCC tumor cells and the tumor-associated vasculature. Lm-LLO-CD105A treatment reduced primary tumor growth in both subcutaneous and orthotopic models of murine RCC. The vaccine conferred anti-tumor immunity and remodeled the tumor microenvironment (TME), resulting in increased infiltration of polyfunctional CD8+ and CD4+ T cells and reduced infiltration of immunosuppressive cell types within the TME. We further provide evidence that the therapeutic efficacy of Lm-LLO-CD105A is mediated by CD8+ T cells and is dependent on the robust antigenic expression of CD105 by RCC tumor cells. The result from this study demonstrates the safety and promising therapeutic efficacy of targeting RCC-associated CD105 expression with Lm-based immunotherapy.
Identification and validation of a signature based on macrophage cell marker genes to predict recurrent miscarriage by integrated analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing
Authors: Wei Peiru , Dong Mingyou , Bi Yin , Chen Saiqiong , Huang Weiyu , Li Ting , Liu Bo , Fu Xiaoqian , Yang Yihua
Published: November 2022

Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is a chronic, heterogeneous autoimmune disease that has serious social and personal consequences. No valid and reliable diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets for RM have been identified. Macrophages impact the innate immune system and can be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers for many diseases. We first collected 16 decidua and villi tissue samples from 5 normal patients and 3 RM patients for single-cell RNA sequencing data analysis and identified 1293 macrophage marker genes. We then screened a recurrent miscarriage cohort (GSE165004) for 186 macrophage-associated marker genes that were significantly differentially expressed between RM patients and the normal pregnancy endometrial tissues, and performed a functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes. We then identified seven core genes (ACTR2, CD2AP, MBNL2, NCSTN, PUM1, RPN2, and TBC1D12) from the above differentially expressed gene group that are closely related to RM using the LASSO, Random Forest and SVM-RFE algorithms. We also used GSE26787 and our own collection of clinical specimens to further evaluate the diagnostic value of the target genes. A nomogram was constructed of the expression levels of these seven target genes to predict RM, and the ROC and calibration curves showed that our nomogram had a high diagnostic value for RM. These results suggest that ACTR2 and NCSTN may be potential targets for preventative RM treatments.
Characterization of chemokine and cytokine expression pattern in tuberculous lymphadenitis patient
Authors: Novita Bernadette Dian , Tjahjono Yudy , Wijaya Sumi , Theodora Imelda , Erwin Ferdinand , Halim Stefan Wilson , Hendrawan Bobby , Jaya David Karunia , Tahalele Paul L.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

C-C chemokine receptor-2 (CCR-2) and C-C chemokine ligand-5 (CCL-5) play an important role in the migration of monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and activated T cells againstMycobacterium tuberculosis(M.tb). Meanwhile, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT-3) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS-3), activated by interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 in tuberculosis (TB) infection, play an important role in phagocytosis, inflammation, and granulomatous-forming processes that may lead to TB treatment success or failure. However, there are no data about the expression of those markers in tuberculous lymphadenitis. The characterization of those markers is very critical to put a fundamental basis to understand the homing mechanism of tuberculous lymphadenitis.

Aim of study

The specific objective of this study is to characterize the expression pattern of CCR-2-CCL-5, IL-6, IL-10, STAT-3, and SOCS-3 in tuberculous lymphadenitis.

Methods

The study was performed on 27 cases of tuberculous lymphadenitis node biopsies. The diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis was based on the clinical criteria and the presence of the histological feature characteristic of TB granulomas. Afterward, immunohistochemistry was stained with CCR-2, CCL-5, IL-6, IL-10, STAT-3, and SOCS-3. A semiquantitative analysis of IHC images was performed to examine protein expression in stained preparations. The expression was also manually counted.

Results

Compared with the normal area, both lymphocytes and macrophages expressed strongly CCR-2-, CCL-5, and IL-6, while IL-10, STAT-3-, and SOCS-3- were expressed lowly. There was a strong positive correlation between CCR-2 with IL-6 (p = 0,83) and IL-10 (p = 0,83).

Conclusion

The chronic infection process of tuberculous lymphadenitis was characterized by the expression of IL-10low, STAT-3low, SOCS-3low, CCR-2high, CCL-5high, and IL-6high.

Clinical Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT05202548.
Study on the mechanism of carbide precipitation by surface quenching treatment on GCr15 bearing rings based on the phase-field method
Authors: Liu Qian , Jiang Jiaxuan , Chen Ming , Deng Xiaohu , Wang Jiangang , Ju Dongying
Published: November 2022

In this paper, the thermodynamics database describing Gibbs free energy of FCC phase and M23C6 phase based on Fe-Cr-C ternary alloy was coupled into phase field simulation, and the phase field model was developed on the mesoscopic scale which simulates precipitation, growth and coarsening of M23C6 carbides in FCC austenitic matrix by considering the elastic energy. As the boundary condition of imported phase field calculation, the heat treatment COSMAP software was applied to obtain the macro numerical simulation results of quenching. The phase composition, element distribution, and the evolution including the nucleation, growth and coarsening was simulated by phase field method for the M23C6 carbides in quenching process of GCr15 bearing ring. By means of comparison between the calculation results of phase field simulation and the morphology, quantity and distribution of carbides observed by SEM experiment, this paper present the mechanism on precipitation of micro M23C6 carbides influenced by quenching process parameters, and the experiment verifies the feasibility and accuracy of phase field simulation.
Hospital admission and vaccination as predictive factors of long COVID-19 symptoms
Authors: Romero-Rodríguez Esperanza , Pérula-de Torres Luis Ángel , Castro-Jiménez Rafael , González-Lama Jesús , Jiménez-García Celia , González-Bernal Jerónimo J. , González-Santos Josefa , Vélez-Santamaría Rodrigo , Sánchez-González Esteban , Santamaría-Peláez Mirian
Published: November 2022

Background

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a great variability of symptoms that affect all organs and systems of the body has been identified in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection; this symptomatology can sometimes persist over time, giving rise to the so-called long COVID or post-COVID. The aim of this study is to delve into the clinical characterization of these patients, as well as to take into account the influence of factors such as hospitalization, admission to ICU, history of pneumonia, or vaccination status on the persistence of symptoms.

Material and methods

An observational, descriptive, multicenter, and retrospective study was designed with a series of cases of people who presented long COVID, which includes univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses. Data were obtained from an online ad hoc questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Software Version 25 (IBM-Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results

Hospitalization, ICU admission, history of pneumonia, and vaccination were predictive factors (positive or negative) for the following long-COVID symptoms: headache, menstrual disorders, joint pain, cough, chills, nasal congestion, back pain, abdominal pain, weight loss, eye discomfort, facial erythema, itching, tremors, dizziness, seizures, sleeping difficulty, dry eyes, palpitations, fatigue, paresthesia, dyspnea, aphonia, chest pain, high blood pressure, vomiting, memory loss, brain fog, hypothermia, low blood pressure, sputum or phlegm, lack of concentration, hair loss, and erectile dysfunction.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence on the clinical characterization of patients suffering from long COVID in order to offer them the most appropriate treatments.
IL-32 and IL-34 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Si Yang , Zhang Jiwei , Bao Shisan , Wise Steven G. , Wang Yuli , Zhang Yanfang , Tang Yuhong
Published: November 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major challenge to clinicians due to its unacceptably high mortality and morbidity. The etiology of HCC is multi-faceted, including viral infection, alcoholism and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Dysregulated host immunity contributes to tumorigenesis among these susceptible individuals with pre-existing condition(s). IL-32 and IL-34 are key cytokines driving the development of chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, as well as chronic liver diseases. IL-32 and IL-34 play an important role augmenting the development of HCC, due to their direct influence over host inflammation, however, new roles for these cytokines in HCC are emerging. Here we comprehensively review the latest research for IL-32 and IL-34 in HCC, identifying a subset of potential therapeutic targets for use in precision medicine.
Technological advances in inflammatory bowel disease endoscopy and histology
Authors: Alfarone Ludovico , Parigi Tommaso Lorenzo , Gabbiadini Roberto , Dal Buono Arianna , Spinelli Antonino , Hassan Cesare , Iacucci Marietta , Repici Alessandro , Armuzzi Alessandro
Published: November 2022

Accurate disease characterization is the pillar of modern treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and endoscopy is the mainstay of disease assessment and colorectal cancer surveillance. Recent technological progress has enhanced and expanded the use of endoscopy in IBD. In particular, numerous artificial intelligence (AI)-powered systems have shown to support human endoscopists' evaluations, improving accuracy and consistency while saving time. Moreover, advanced optical technologies such as endocytoscopy (EC), allowing high magnification in vivo, can bridge endoscopy with histology. Furthermore, molecular imaging, through probe based confocal laser endomicroscopy allows the real-time detection of specific biomarkers on gastrointestinal surface, and could be used to predict therapeutic response, paving the way to precision medicine. In parallel, as the applications of AI spread, computers are positioned to resolve some of the limitations of human histopathology evaluation, such as interobserver variability and inconsistencies in assessment. The aim of this review is to summarize the most promising advances in endoscopic and histologic assessment of IBD.
Effect of blood lipids and lipid-lowering therapies on osteoarthritis risk: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Zhaolun , Liu Mengyuan , Zhou Yixin , Shao Hongyi , Yang Dejin , Huang Yong , Deng Wang
Published: November 2022

Background

We aimed to investigate the effects of blood lipids and lipid-lowering agents on osteoarthritis (OA) risk.

Materials and methods

We performed Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to estimate the causal effect of blood low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) levels on knee and hip OA. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected from large genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of individuals of European ancestry as genetic instruments for blood lipid levels. The associations of selected genetic instruments with knee and hip OA were estimated in a recent GWAS of the UK Biobank and arcOGEN datasets. Univariate and multivariate MR analyses were performed to detect and adjust for potential pleiotropy. Furthermore, genetic instruments in HMGCR, NPC1L1, and PCSK9 regions were used to mimic LDL-C-lowering effects of statin, ezetimibe, and evolocumab, respectively.

Results

Genetically determined LDL-C increments led to reduced risks of both knee OA (OR = 0.91 per 1-SD increment, 95% CI: 0.86–0.95, P = 6.3 × 10−5) and hip OA (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.85–0.99, P = 0.027). Multivariate MR analysis proved that the effect was independent of HDL-C, TG, and body mass index. TG increment was associated with reduced risks of hip OA in the univariate MR analysis; however, this was not supported by the multivariate MR analysis. Genetically proxied LDL-C-lowering effects of statins are related to increased risks of knee OA but not hip OA.

Conclusions

The findings suggested that LDL-C increments have independent protective effects on both knee and hip OA. LDL-C-lowering effects of statins may increase the risk of knee OA.
Rigid bioplastics shape the microbial communities involved in the treatment of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste
Authors: Bandini Francesca , Vaccari Filippo , Soldano Mariangela , Piccinini Sergio , Misci Chiara , Bellotti Gabriele , Taskin Eren , Cocconcelli Pier Sandro , Puglisi Edoardo
Published: November 2022

While bioplastics are gaining wide interest in replacing conventional plastics, it is necessary to understand whether the treatment of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) as an end-of-life option is compatible with their biodegradation and their possible role in shaping the microbial communities involved in the processes. In the present work, we assessed the microbiological impact of rigid polylactic acid (PLA) and starch-based bioplastics (SBB) spoons on the thermophilic anaerobic digestion and the aerobic composting of OFMSW under real plant conditions. In order to thoroughly evaluate the effect of PLA and SBB on the bacterial, archaeal, and fungal communities during the process, high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technology was carried out. The results suggest that bioplastics shape the communities’ structure, especially in the aerobic phase. Distinctive bacterial and fungal sequences were found for SBB compared to the positive control, which showed a more limited diversity. Mucor racemosus was especially abundant in composts from bioplastics’ treatment, whereas Penicillium roqueforti was found only in compost from PLA and Thermomyces lanuginosus in that from SBB. This work shed a light on the microbial communities involved in the OFMSW treatment with and without the presence of bioplastics, using a new approach to evaluate this end-of-life option.