bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GLOBAL MIGRATION PROCESSES IN THE CONTEXT OF SECURITY OF INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS
Authors:   Uzhhorod National University, Prykhodko Volodymyr , Yakubyk Volodymyr ,   Uzhhorod National University
Published: December 2023

The paper analyses the dynamics of migration processes in countries around the world and their role in the functioning of the global economy, and seeks to contribute to the understanding of the diverse global migration landscape. Based on the theoretical and methodological foundations and preliminary analysis of historical, political and economic factors influencing migration policy by a number of Ukrainian and foreign authors, the study determines the impact of factors and potential of international migration on economic growth, its sustainable development and security of the global economy. The relationship between labour migration and the economic performance of countries participating in migration processes is highlighted. Based on the generally accepted international classification of countries, various cases of global and regional migration flows are presented and a useful framework for understanding the main dynamics of migration is proposed. The key issues of labour migration of the Ukrainian population to the EU countries and its forced migration caused by Russian aggression are emphasised. The authors outlines the correspondence that determines the extent to which migrants, countries of origin and countries of destination neutralise the negative consequences of destructive manifestations of migration processes and benefit from their manageability. The main trends of migration flows in the world are highlighted, their general tendencies and regional peculiarities are identified. The authors offers a vision of the impact of demographic changes, types of population reproduction and migration on the development of countries with different income levels. The factors of stimulation of migration movement are generalised. It is established that international cooperation is important for turning migration into a constructive force for development and preserving the paradigm of a secure world. The authors analyses the role and place of international organisations in the study and analysis of migration management at the global level. The study can provide useful information for policy makers and researchers interested in harmonising migration policy for the sustainable and secure development of the system of international economic relations.
FROM ICE TO INNOVATION: CHINA AND DENMARK’S ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP IN THE ARCTIC
Authors:   Uzhhorod National University, Zayats Olena , Kykyna Anhelina ,   Uzhhorod National University, Andrushchenko Oksana ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
Published: December 2023

The Arctic region, which has long been characterized by harsh climate and remoteness, is increasingly at the center of global economic discussions, primarily due to logistical and resource transformations caused by climate change. Given the rapid melting of ice and the opening of new sea trade routes, uncovering the historical context and motivations for Sino-Danish economic cooperation in the Arctic is a relevant component of a comprehensive study. Polar tourism, driven by the growing global interest in this unique environment, is one of the central aspects of this discourse. The article explores the dynamics of Chinese tourists’ growing interest in the Arctic and the role of the Kingdom of Denmark in the context of the Asian boom in polar extreme tourism, as well as the sustainable tourism practices and environmental responsibility that underpin this burgeoning industry. In addition, the research delves into the field of alternative energy, in particular, the innovative use of Arctic resources for clean energy production, demonstrating the joint efforts of official Beijing and Copenhagen in developing advanced water and wind-based alternative energy technologies and offering a glimpse into the future of green energy solutions in the Arctic and beyond. This study makes an important contribution to understanding the evolving narrative of Sino-Danish economic engagement in the High North by highlighting the key role played by trade, tourism, and water-based alternative energy initiatives, and by identifying the broader implications of Sino-Danish Arctic competition in terms of their impact on regional stability, environmental sustainability, and the interests of other polar stakeholders. As the Kingdom of Denmark and the People’s Republic of China navigate the complexities of their high-stakes partnership in the polar region, their strategies and actions provide insight into the broader context of constructive international coopetition in the Arctic. Finally, the article emphasizes the need for diplomatic engagement and responsible resource management to ensure that the economic relationship between the Chinese, Greenlandic and Danish governments in the Arctic contributes to respect for international law, sustainable development and a harmonious regional and global energy future.
ВПЛИВ ВНУТРІШНІХ КОМУНІКАЦІЙ НА ЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ
Authors: Назаренко Сергій , Матюшенко Наталія
Published: December 2023

У статті досліджено сутність категорії комунікацій на підприємствах, зокрема, саме внутрішньої, оскільки успіх діяльності організацій в значній мірі залежить від процесу комунікацій та взаємозв’язків всередині, що дозволяє формувати цю систему як єдине ціле. Для ефективного управління персоналом і відповідно для самого підприємства важливо, щоб процеси комунікації здійснювалися чітко, швидко, коректно, використовуючи мінімум часу. Взаємодія між співробітниками, керівництвом і всіма рівнями організації визначає не лише атмосферу в колективі, але й впливає на стратегічне спрямування та результативність компанії в цілому. У статті ми дослідимо загальне розуміння комунікації і комунікаційного процесу, різні аспекти внутрішніх комунікацій та елементів комунікації. Варто також зауважити про значний вплив внутрішніх комунікаційних процесів на ефективність діяльності підприємств, взаємозв'язку з корпоративною культурою, а також загальною атмосферою, що існує на підприємстві.
Content Generation in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction
Authors: Bull Sarah
Published: December 2023

This article reconsiders the role of compiling in the modern history of authorship. Nineteenth-century readers viewed compiling as the purest form of "book-making," a mechanistic, market-oriented model of authorship that stood in opposition to authorial genius. The article examines these authorial models' intertwined origins in emergent industrial capitalism, and argues that book-making retained currency as a model into the early twentieth century partly because unattributed text reuse remained common. It also argues that in the aggregate, unattributed text reuse had epistemic and informational effects that anticipated challenges we are grappling with following the development of large language models.
Digital Archives and the History of Pornography
Authors: Bull Sarah
Published: December 2023

[para. 1]: "One of the most significant challenges that historians of pornography face is locating and accessing sufficient primary material. Due to the joint forces of censorship and the passage of time, only a small proportion of literary and visual materials produced for the purposes of erotic entertainment before 1900 survive, scattered among collections across the globe. Acquiring knowledge of and access to the contents of private collections can be difficult, and there are few collections dedicated to such works in public institutions. Examining how pornography was produced, regulated, and consumed in the past is equally fraught because of the state of the historical record. In the British context, for instance, few readers documented their consumption of ‘obscene’materials, making it difficult to assess how readers experienced them in the past (Sigel 2002, 7–8). Meanwhile, court records of obscenity trials and government reports on the pornography trade are often incomplete, and producers actively worked against leaving traces of their activities (Siegel 2002, 6). These factors made pornography difficult to study, as the Victorian bibliographer Henry Spencer Ashbee famously lamented, even for well-connected comporary scholars (Fraxi [1877] 1962, xxvii-xxix). It is therefore necessary for historians of pornography to become archival magpies, seizing on any document that might shed light on the details of its authorship, material production, and consumption in the past."
O PAPEL DO NIGER NO INSTITUTO FEDERAL DE EDUCAÇÃO, CIÊNCIA E TECNOLOGIA DO CEARÁ - CAMPUS JUAZEIRO DO NORTE NA FORMAÇÃO DO PROFESSOR DE EDUCAÇÃO FÍSICA NA EDUCAÇÃO DAS RELAÇÕES ÉTNICO-RACIAIS
Authors: OLIVEIRA ALVES PAULO TIAGO , Nunes Cicera , Venâncio Luciana
Published: December 2023

O objetivo deste trabalho foi compreender o atual processo de formação inicial dos estudantes concluentes do curso de Licenciatura em Educação Física, no que concerne à formação para as relações étnico-raciais no Instituto Federal do Ceará - Campus Juazeiro do Norte e o papel das pessoas envolvidas com os núcleos de estudos relacionados a temática. O procedimento metodológico adotado foi por meio estudo de campo, de cunho qualitativo, por intermédio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com professores de Educação Física, ocupantes de cargos relevantes para o tema. Foram entrevistados discentes, fundadores do primeiro núcleo de estudos relacionado à temática. Os resultados revelam que as ações pedagógicas que buscam espaço para as relações étnico-raciais no currículo ocorrem precipuamente devido ao esforço de um docente negro, ligado ao movimento negro, que com apoio de estudantes, criaram um núcleo de investigação étnico-racial, de maneira autônoma e tensionaram espaço institucional. Concluímos que a lenta implementação na justiça epistemológica, em especial em um curso de licenciatura é urgente, se quisermos avançar na solidificação de uma educação crítica e antirracista.
Újragondolt könyvtárosi szerepkörök (a bibliográfiai számbavétel trendjeinek tükrében)
Authors: Dancs Szabolcs
Published: December 2023

Jelen írásomban a bibliográfiai számbavétel korszerű irányaiból kiindulva teszek kísérletet egyes könyvtári és könyvtárosi szerepkörök újragondolására, teszem ezt részben egy korábbi, közel tíz évvel ezelőtt megjelent cikkem alapgondolata köré építkezve. Említett írás angol2 és szlovák3 nyelven látott napvilágot, a benne vizionált optimalizált adatfolyam már akkoriban sem egy távoli jövőképet vetített elő, hanem egy részleteiben megvalósult, a könyvipari értéklánc érdekeltjei szempontjából működőképesnek és hatékonynak mutatkozó kurrens állapotot.
Особенные компоненты цифровой трансформации общества, активно влияющие на технологические и поведенческие модели деятельности современных библиотек : ежегодный доклад Седьмого Международного профессионального форума «СОЧИ-2023»
Authors:   Russian National Public Library for Science and Technology, Shrayberg Yakov L.
Published: December 2023

Настоящий доклад посвящен анализу ситуации в деятельности библиотек в современных условиях. Отдельного внимания заслуживают такие важные компоненты цифровой трансформации как искусственный интеллект, нейронные сети, меняющееся законодательство об авторском праве в цифровую эпоху, трансформация информационного рынка и проблемы импортозамещения зарубежного программного обеспечения. Проводится оценка применения вышеуказанных компонент в библиотечно-информационной практике.
Цифровая трансформация библиотек и образовательных учреждений: основные компоненты и вызовы : пленарный доклад председателя Оргкомитета Двадцать седьмой Международной конференции и выставки "LIBCOM-2023"
Authors:   Russian National Public Library for Science and Technology, Shrayberg Yakov L.
Published: December 2023

В докладе представлены главные элементы современной цифровой трансформации в библиотечно-информационной и образовательной сферах. Рассмотрены основные инновации и вызовы, характерные для данной предметной области за последние полгода (с мая по ноябрь 2023 г.). Особо отмечены модели искусственного интеллекта ChatGPT, новые реалии авторского права и тенденции формирования библиотек будущего.
The Influence of Imagery and Agility Training on Athletes Futsal Goalkeeper Reaction Time Metro City Senior High School
Authors: Burhaeın Erick , Sumantri Riyan Jaya
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study is to determine: (1) Differences in the effects of image training methods using audiovisual and visual means on reaction time. (2) the difference between the effects of high agility and low response time; (3) Interaction between image and agility training model on reaction time of futsal goalkeepers. This study used experimental methods with a quantitative approach in a 2x2 factorial design and took a target sample, ie 24 students out of a total of 90 students. The data analysis method used was a two-way ANOVA test using the SPSS 23 program with a significance level of 5%. The results showed that: (1) There was a difference in the effect of image training methods using audiovisual media and visual media on reaction time, with a significance value of 0.001<0.05; (2) There is a difference between the effects of high mobility and short reaction time, with significant values of 0.018 < 0.05; (3) For reaction time of futsal goalkeepers, there is an interaction between imagination and agility training models with significant values of 0.373 > 0.05. The conclusions in this study are: (1) There is a difference in the effects of audiovisual imagery training and visual imagery training on the reaction time of goalkeepers in futsal players ; (2) Effects of high and low agility on goalkeeper reaction time in futsal athletes ; (3) Synergistic effects of imagination and agility training on goalkeeper reaction time in futsal players.
Do Oscillations of Cardiovascular Parameters Persist during Voluntary Apnea in Humans?
Authors: Javorka M , Žila I , Javorka K , Čalkovská A
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to ascertain the persistence of heart rate and blood pressure oscillations at the onset of voluntary apnea in humans and to assess the dependence of the fluctuations` parameters on the chemoreceptor activity. In 24 young subjects (10 males, 14 females, mean age 20.4 years) heart rate (represented by its reciprocal value - RR-intervals), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) during controlled breathing (CB) of atmospheric air and oxygen followed by apnea were recorded continuously. The cosine functions were then fitted by nonlinear regression analysis to the heart rate, SBP and DBP oscillations during CB and at the onset of apnea. The parameters of oscillations were different during atmospheric air breathing compared to oxygen breathing. During oxygen breathing there was an increase of the RR-interval oscillations - relative bradycardia and enhanced magnitude of respiratory sinus arythmia. During apnea, the base level of the blood pressure oscillations was higher after breathing of atmospheric air compared o oxygen breathing. At least one cosine-like wave oscillation was present at the onset of apnea in the heart rate, SBP and DBP and the second wave was present in all assessed parameters in at least 70 % of recordings. The oscillations in RR-intervals are, to some extent, independent of blood pressure oscillations. No significant gender differences were found either in the duration of breath holding or in the RR and SBP oscillations parameters.
Sensitivity and Specificity of the Bioassay of Estrogenicity in Mammary Gland and Seminal Vesicles of Male Mice.
Authors: Škarda J
Published: December 2023

Young intact (18 days old) and adult castrated males of CBA and C3H/Di mice were used for measuring the estrogenicity on the basis of growth response of mammary epithelial structures and the weight of seminal vesicles. It was demonstrated that heavier young males had disproportionally heavier seminal vesicles (sex steroid-responsive organs) than small animals at day 33 of age (that is on the day when experimental animals were killed and organs dissected). However, the weight of the spleen (sex steroid-nonresponsive organ) was proportionally related to body weight. To minimize variability in hormone responsiveness, all animals were weighed at the age of 18 days and only males weighing 8±1 g were used for hormone treatment. The percentage area of mammary fat pad occupied by mammary epithelial structures was progressively increased by 17ß estradiol from dose 0.01 µg.d-1. The maximum effective dose of estradiol was 0.1 µg.d-1 and dose 10 µg.d-1 of estradiol decreased mammary size to control level (inverted-U-shaped dose-response curve). Progesterone alone stimulated mammary growth only in high doses (500 µg.d-1 and higher) in young intact males, but had no effect on mammary growth in adult castrated animals. In young intact males, estradiol alone, or progesterone alone decreased the weight of seminal vesicles. No such inhibitory effect of these hormones was noted in adult castrated males. Progesterone acted synergistically with estradiol to produce higher mammary growth compared to that in males treated with estradiol alone. In the presence of progesterone seminal vesicles weight was decreased by estradiol given in such low doses as 0.001 µg.d-1 of estradiol, which is 10 times lower than that effective in animals treated with estradiol alone. On the other hand, in the adult castrated males a combination of estradiol plus progesterone stimulated seminal vesicles weight. The effects of a combination of estradiol plus progesterone in the mammary gland were mimicked by norethindrone acetate (a synthetic steroid exhibiting progestantial and estrogenic activities) and inhibited by both testosterone and cortisol. Estradiol, progesterone, norethindrone acetate, or testosterone did not affect spleen weight and size of mammary lymph nodes. However, cortisol significantly decreased not only spleen weights but also size of mammary lymph nodes. These results show that simultaneous evaluation of mammary gland growth, seminal vesicles, and the spleen weight in the same animal is suitable for bioassay of estrogenicity as well as for detection of androgenic and antiandrogenic activities.
Citalopram Inhibits L-type Calcium Channel Current in Rat Cardiomyocytes in Culture.
Authors: Hamplová-Peichlová J , Krůšek J , Paclt I , Slavíček J , Lisá V , Vyskočil F
Published: December 2023

Selective serotonine reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are believed to be less dangerous in the treatment of depressive disorder in comparison with tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) due to their relative lack of cardiotoxicity. Thus, we investigated the effect of citalopram (SSRI) on membrane electrophysiology in rat cardiomyocytes in tissue culture. The results were compared with those from amitriptyline (TCA). The whole-cell configuration patch-clamp technique was used. Both citalopram and amitriptyline exhibited the concentration-dependent inhibition of the L-type calcium channel current (ICa). Citalopram in concentrations of 3 mM and 10 mM inhibited peak calcium current by 2.7 % and 8 %, respectively. We demonstrated the same potency of citalopram and amitriptyline to inhibit ICa. These observations led us to conclude that citalopram and amitriptyline are drugs, which exhibit a similar potency for causing concentration-dependent inhibition of ICa.
Insights into the function of ESCRT complex and LBPA in ASFV infection
Authors: Barrado-Gil Lucía , García-Dorival Isabel , Galindo Inmaculada , Alonso Covadonga , Cuesta-Geijo Miguel Ángel
Published: December 2023

The African swine fever virus (ASFV) is strongly dependent on an intact endocytic pathway and a certain cellular membrane remodeling for infection, possibly regulated by the endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT). The ESCRT machinery is mainly involved in the coordination of membrane dynamics; hence, several viruses exploit this complex and its accessory proteins VPS4 and ALIX for their own benefit. In this work, we found that shRNA-mediated knockdown of VPS4A decreased ASFV replication and viral titers, and this silencing resulted in an enhanced expression of ESCRT-0 component HRS. ASFV infection slightly increased HRS expression but not under VPS4A depletion conditions. Interestingly, VPS4A silencing did not have an impact on ALIX expression, which was significantly overexpressed upon ASFV infection. Further analysis revealed that ALIX silencing impaired ASFV infection at late stages of the viral cycle, including replication and viral production. In addition to ESCRT, the accessory protein ALIX is involved in endosomal membrane dynamics in a lysobisphosphatydic acid (LBPA) and Ca2+-dependent manner, which is relevant for intraluminal vesicle (ILV) biogenesis and endosomal homeostasis. Moreover, LBPA interacts with NPC2 and/or ALIX to regulate cellular cholesterol traffic, and would affect ASFV infection. Thus, we show that LBPA blocking impacted ASFV infection at both early and late infection, suggesting a function for this unconventional phospholipid in the ASFV viral cycle. Here, we found for the first time that silencing of VPS4A and ALIX affects the infection later on, and blocking LBPA function reduces ASFV infectivity at early and later stages of the viral cycle, while ALIX was overexpressed upon infection. These data suggested the relevance of ESCRT-related proteins in ASFV infection.
Mangrove ghost forests provide opportunities for seagrass
Authors: Twomey Alice J. , Staples Timothy L. , Remmerswaal Amelia , Wuppukondur Ananth , Lovelock Catherine E.
Published: December 2023

Mangrove forests are degraded by extreme climatic events worldwide, often leaving behind dead standing stems called “ghost forests”. Ghost forests may provide opportunities for seagrass colonization but there is limited research into the conditions found within these ecosystems, or whether they provide a suitable habitat for seagrasses. This study aimed to characterize the environmental conditions within mangrove ghost forests, determine whether conditions are suitable for seagrass survival, and identify whether seagrass was present within the ghost forests of Moreton Bay, Queensland. Six study locations within mangrove ghost forests adjacent to live mangrove forests and seagrass meadows were selected and biophysical conditions within these habitats over the six sites were assessed. Two of the six study sites were found to have live seagrass present within the ghost forests (Godwin Beach and South Stradbroke). Suitable water temperature was linked to the presence and abundance of seagrass within mangrove ghost forests. Mangrove characteristics, including canopy cover, diameter at breast height, and stem densities, contributed to variation in the environment among the three habitats, suggesting that light is a key factor limiting seagrass colonization into live or ghost mangrove forests. Overall, these results suggest that ghost forests can provide suitable habitats for seagrasses, and degraded mangroves may transition to seagrass under future sea level rise scenarios.
Anomalous papillary muscle insertion into the mitral valve leaflet in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: a lip nevus sign in echocardiography
Authors: Liu Jian , Tan Tong , Wei Peijian , Ma Jianrui , Zhong Lishan , Qiu Hailong , Wang Shengwen , Zhuang Jian , Zhu Wei , Guo Huiming , Chen Jimei
Published: December 2023

Background

Anomalous papillary muscle (APM) insertion into the mitral valve leaflet is rare but clinically important in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). In this study, we report the detection rate of APM insertion into the mitral valve using preoperative imaging modalities and the surgical outcomes of the patients.

Methods

By retrospectively reviewing the clinical records of patients with HOCM who underwent surgical treatment by a single operation group at our center from January 2020 to June 2023, patients with APM insertion into the mitral valve leaﬂet were identified. Baseline data, image characteristics, and surgical outcomes were analyzed.

Results

The incidence of APM insertion into the mitral valve leaﬂet was 5.1% (8/157). The insertion site was located at A3 in six cases, which was more common than at A2 (n = 2). Preoperative echocardiography was used to identify two patients (25%) with APM insertion. We observed a particular echocardiographic feature for APM in HOCM patients, which was noted as a “lip nevus sign”, with a higher detection rate (62.5%). All patients successfully underwent septal myectomy with concomitant APM excision or mitral valve replacement via the transaortic (n = 5) or transmitral (n = 3) approach. The mean age was 49.0 ± 17.4 years and seven patients (87.5%) were female. Interventricular septum thickness (17.0 mm vs. 13.3 mm, P = 0.012) and left ventricular outflow gradient (117.5 mmHg vs. 7.5 mmHg, P = 0.012) were significantly decreased after surgery. Residual outflow obstruction, systolic anterior motion, and ≥3+ mitral regurgitation were negative. During the follow-up of 26.2 ± 12.2 months, there were no reported operations, adverse events, mitral regurgitation aggravations, recurrences of outflow obstruction, or instances of SAM.

Conclusions

Papillary muscles inserted into the mitral valve leaﬂet are a subtype of subvalvular malformation in HOCM that requires surgical correction. The lip nevus sign on echocardiography is a characteristic of APM insertion in HOCM and may improve the preoperative detection rate. Adequate myectomy with anomalous papillary muscle excision has achieved good results in reducing the outflow gradient and eliminating mitral regurgitation, with good outcomes at short-to-intermediate follow-up.
Customization of a deep neural network using local data for seismic phase picking
Authors: Hong Yoontaek , Byun Ah-Hyun , Kim Seongryong , Sheen Dong-Hoon
Published: December 2023

Deep-learning (DL) pickers have demonstrated superior performance in seismic phase picking compared to traditional pickers. DL pickers are extremely effective in processing large amounts of seismic data. Nevertheless, they encounter challenges when handling seismograms from different tectonic environments or source types, and even a slight change in the input waveform can considerably affect their consistency. Here, we fine-tuned a self-trained deep neural network picker using a small amount of local seismic data (26,875 three-component seismograms) recorded by regional seismic networks in South Korea. The self-trained model was developed using publicly available waveform datasets, comprising over two million three-component seismograms. The results revealed that the Korean-fine-tuned phase picker (KFpicker) effectively enhanced picking quality, even when applied to data that were not used during the fine-tuning process. When compared to the performance of the pre-trained model, this improvement was consistently observed regardless of variations in the positions of seismic phases in the input waveform, Furthermore, when the KFpicker predicted the phases for overlapping input windows and used the median value of probabilities as a threshold for phase detection, a considerable decrease was observed in the number of false picks. These findings indicate that fine-tuning a deep neural network using a small amount of local data can improve earthquake detection in the region of interest, while careful data augmentation can enhance the robustness of DL pickers against variations in the input window. The application of KFpicker to the 2016 Gyeongju earthquake sequence yielded approximately twice as many earthquakes compared to previous studies. Consequently, detailed and instantaneous statistical parameters of seismicity can be evaluated, making it possible to assess seismic hazard during an earthquake sequence.
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol level as an independent protective factor against aggravation of acute pancreatitis: a case–control study
Authors: Ni Qingqiang , Yu Zetao , Zhang Peng , Jia Hongtao , Liu Fangfeng , Chang Hong
Published: December 2023

Background and aims

At present, evidence on the association between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and aggravation of acute pancreatitis (AP) is limited. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the lowest HDL-C level during intensive care units (ICU) stay and AP aggravation and to determine the optimum cutoff lowest HDL-C level.

Methods

Patients admitted to the ICU of the Shandong Provincial Hospital for AP from 2015 to 2021 were included. The lowest HDL-C level during ICU stay was set as the independent variable, and the progression or non-progression to severe AP (SAP) was set as the dependent variable. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the relationship between the two variables, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to analyze the predictive ability of the lowest HDL-C level for progression to SAP.

Results

This study included 115 patients. The difference in the lowest HDL-C level between the SAP and moderately SAP groups was significant (P < 0.05). After adjusting for covariates, the lowest HDL-C level showed a negative correlation with the occurrence of SAP, with a relative risk of 0.897 (95% confidence interval: 0.827–0.973). The area under the ROC curve for prediction of AP aggravation by the lowest HDL-C level was 0.707, and the optimum cutoff lowest HDL-C level was 0.545 mmol/L.

Conclusion

No less than 0.545 mmol/L of the HDL-C level during ICU stay may be an independent protective factor for the aggravation of AP.
Analysis and prediction of 5-year survival in patients with cutaneous melanoma: a model-based period analysis
Authors: Zheng Suzheng , Yu Hai , Zheng Xinkai , Wu U Tim , Ming Wai-kit , Huang Hui , Song Jiaxin , Zhang Xiaoxi , Lyu Jun , Deng Liehua
Published: December 2023

Background

The survival and prognosis of patients are significantly threatened by cutaneous melanoma (CM), which is a highly aggressive disease. It is therefore crucial to determine the most recent survival rate of CM. This study used population-based cancer registry data to examine the 5-year relative survival rate of CM in the US.

Methods

Period analysis was used to assess the relative survival rate and trends of patients with CM in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database during 2004–2018. And based on the data stratified by age, gender, race and subtype in the SEER database, a generalized linear model was 12established to predict the 5-year relative survival rate of CM patients from 2019 to 2023.

Results

The 5-year relative survival increased to various degrees for both total CM and CM subtypes during the observation period. The improvement was greatest for amelanotic melanoma, increasing from 69.0% to 81.5%. The 5-year overall relative survival rates of CM were 92.9%, 93.5%, and 95.6% for 2004–2008, 2009–2013, and 2014–2018, respectively. Females had a marginally higher survival rate than males for almost all subtypes, older people had lower survival rates than younger people, white patients had higher survival rates than nonwhite ones, and urban locations had higher rates of survival from CM than rural locations did. The survival rate of CM was significantly lower for distant metastasis.

Conclusion

The survival rate of patients with CM gradually improved overall during 2004–2018. With the predicted survival rate of 96.7% for 2019–2023, this trend will still be present. Assessing the changes experienced by patients with CM over the previous 15 years can help in predicting the future course of CM. It also provides a scientific foundation that associated departments can use to develop efficient tumor prevention and control strategies.
Multivariate analysis of FcR-mediated NK cell functions identifies unique clustering among humans and rhesus macaques
Authors: Tuyishime Marina , Spreng Rachel L. , Hueber Brady , Nohara Junsuke , Goodman Derrick , Chan Cliburn , Barfield Richard , Beck Whitney E. , Jha Shalini , Asdell Stephanie , Wiehe Kevin , He Max M. , Easterhoff David , Conley Haleigh E. , Hoxie Taylor , Gurley Thaddeus , Jones Caroline , Adhikary Nihar Deb , Villinger Francois , Thomas Rasmi , Denny Thomas N. , Moody Michael Anthony , Tomaras Georgia D. , Pollara Justin , Reeves R. Keith , Ferrari Guido
Published: December 2023

Rhesus macaques (RMs) are a common pre-clinical model used to test HIV vaccine efficacy and passive immunization strategies. Yet, it remains unclear to what extent the Fc-Fc receptor (FcR) interactions impacting antiviral activities of antibodies in RMs recapitulate those in humans. Here, we evaluated the FcR-related functionality of natural killer cells (NKs) from peripheral blood of uninfected humans and RMs to identify intra- and inter-species variation. NKs were screened for FcγRIIIa (human) and FcγRIII (RM) genotypes (FcγRIII(a)), receptor signaling, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), the latter mediated by a cocktail of monoclonal IgG1 antibodies with human or RM Fc. FcγRIII(a) genetic polymorphisms alone did not explain differences in NK effector functionality in either species cohort. Using the same parameters, hierarchical clustering separated each species into two clusters. Importantly, in principal components analyses, ADCC magnitude, NK contribution to ADCC, FcγRIII(a) cell-surface expression, and frequency of phosphorylated CD3ζ NK cells all contributed similarly to the first principal component within each species, demonstrating the importance of measuring multiple facets of NK cell function. Although ADCC potency was similar between species, we detected significant differences in frequencies of NK cells and pCD3ζ+ cells, level of cell-surface FcγRIII(a) expression, and NK-mediated ADCC (P<0.001), indicating that a combination of Fc-FcR parameters contribute to overall inter-species functional differences. These data strongly support the importance of multi-parameter analyses of Fc-FcR NK-mediated functions when evaluating efficacy of passive and active immunizations in pre- and clinical trials and identifying correlates of protection. The results also suggest that pre-screening animals for multiple FcR-mediated NK function would ensure even distribution of animals among treatment groups in future preclinical trials.
Feasibility and acceptability of undertaking postmortem studies for tuberculosis medical research in a low income country
Authors: Ahimbisibwe Gift , Nakibuule Marjorie , Martin Ssejoba Marvin , Oyamo David , Mulwana Rose , Nabulime Josephine , Babirye Febronius , Kizito Musana Abdusalaamu , Lekuya Hervé Monka , Adakun Akello Suzan , Nalumansi Daisy , Muryasingura Stella , Lukande Robert , Kyazze Andrew , Baluku Joseph Baruch , Biraro Irene Andia , Cose Stephen
Published: December 2023

Introduction

If we are to break new ground in difficult-to-treat or difficult-to-vaccinate diseases (such as HIV, malaria, or tuberculosis), we must have a better understanding of the immune system at the site of infection in humans. For tuberculosis (TB), the initial site of infection is the lungs, but obtaining lung tissues from subjects suffering from TB has been limited to bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or sputum sampling, or surgical resection of diseased lung tissue.

Methods

We examined the feasibility of undertaking a postmortem study for human tuberculosis research at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda.

Results

Postmortem studies give us an opportunity to compare TB-involved and -uninvolved sites, for both diseased and non-diseased individuals. We report good acceptability of the next-of-kin to consent for their relative’s tissue to be used for medical research; that postmortem and tissue processing can be undertaken within 8 hours following death; and that immune cells remain viable and functional up to 14 hours after death.

Discussion

Postmortem procedures remain a valuable and essential tool both to establish cause of death, and to advance our medical and scientific understanding of infectious diseases.
An exosome-based specific transcriptomic signature for profiling regulation patterns and modifying tumor immune microenvironment infiltration in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Wang Han , Wang Ruo , Luo Lei , Hong Jin , Chen Xiaosong , Shen Kunwei , Wang Yang , Huang Renhong , Wang Zheng
Published: December 2023

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly heterogeneous tumor that lacks effective treatment and has a poor prognosis. Exosomes carry abundant genomic information and have a significant role in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. However, further exploration is needed to investigate the relationship between exosome-related genes and the heterogeneity and tumor immune microenvironment of TNBC. Based on the exosome-related gene sets, multiple machine learning algorithms, such as Cox boost, were used to screen the risk score model with the highest C-index. A 9-gene risk score model was constructed, and the TNBC population was divided into high- and low-risk groups. The effectiveness of this model was verified in multiple datasets. Compared with the low-risk group, the high-risk group exhibited a poorer prognosis, which may be related to lower levels of immune infiltration and immune response rates. The gene mutation profiles and drug sensitivity of the two groups were also compared. By screening for genes with the most prognostic value, the hub gene, CLDN7, was identified, and thus, its potential role in predicting prognosis, as well as providing ideas for the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and risk assessment of TNBC, was also discussed. This study demonstrates that exosome-related genes can be used for risk stratification in TNBC, identifying patients with a worse prognosis. The high-risk group exhibited a poorer prognosis and required more aggressive treatment strategies. Analysis of the genomic information in patient exosomes may help to develop personalized treatment decisions and improve their prognosis. CLDN7 has potential value in prognostic prediction in the TNBC population.
Towards sustainable, solution-processed organic field-effect transistors using cashew gum as the gate dielectric
Authors: Faraji Sheida , Tall Abdoulaye , Mohammadian Navid , Seck Mané , Saadi Meriem , Tavasli Aybüke , Erouel Mohsen , Khirouni Kamel , Diallo Abdou Karim , Majewski Leszek A.
Published: December 2023

To realize low-cost, environmentally friendly electronic devices and circuits, there is currently a strong trend to explore plant-based dielectric materials because they can be responsibly sourced from agricultural or forest vegetation, are generally water-soluble, and possess good electrical insulator properties. In this contribution, organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) using a biopolymer dielectric obtained from exudates of Anacardium occidentale Linn. trees, namely, cashew gum (CG), are reported. To characterise the physical and dielectric properties of the gum, thin films and metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors were prepared and characterized. To evaluate the material’s performance in OFETs, bottom-gate top-contact (BGTC) p-channel poly [3,6-di(2-thien-5-yl)-2,5-di(2-octyldodecyl)-pyrrolo (3,4-c)pyrrole-1,4-dione) thieno (3,2-b) thiophene]:polymethyl methacrylate (DPPTTT:PMMA) transistors were engineered and studied. The fabricated MIM capacitors display a comparatively high areal capacitance of 260 nF/cm2 at 1 kHz for 130 nm thick films. As a result, the solution-processed DPPTTT:PMMA OFETs favourably operate at 3 V with the average saturation field-effect mobility equal to 0.20 cm2/Vs., threshold voltage around −1.4 V, subthreshold swing in the region of 250 mV/dec, and ON/OFF current ratio well above 103. As such, cashew gum emerges as a promising dielectric for sustainable manufacturing of solution-processed organic FETs.
Engineered pine endophytic Bacillus toyonensis with nematocidal and colonization abilities for pine wilt disease control
Authors: Li Dongzhen , Li Yongxia , Wang Xuan , Zhang Wei , Wen Xiaojian , Liu Zhenkai , Feng Yuqian , Zhang Xingyao
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The pinewood nematode (PWN) is responsible for causing pine wilt disease (PWD), which has led to the significant decline of conifer species in Eurasian forests and has become a globally invasive quarantine pest. Manipulating plant-associated microbes to control nematodes is an important strategy for sustainable pest management. However, it has proven difficult to find pine-associated bacteria that possess both nematocidal activity and the ability to colonize pine tissues.

Methods

The stress experiments with turpentine and pine tissue extract were carried out to screen for the desired target strain that could adapt to the internal environment of pine trees. This strain was used to construct an engineered nematocidal strain. Additionally, a fluorescent strain was constructed to determine its dispersal ability in Pinus massoniana seedlings through plate separation, PCR detection, and fluorescence microscopy observations. The engineered nematocidal strain was tested in the greenhouse experiment to assess its ability to effectively protect P. massoniana seedlings from nematode infection.

Results

This study isolated a Bacillus toyonensis strain Bxy19 from the healthy pine stem, which showed exceptional tolerance in stress experiments. An engineered nematocidal strain Bxy19P3C6 was constructed, which expressed the Cry6Aa crystal protein and exhibited nematocidal activity. The fluorescent strain Bxy19GFP was also constructed and used to test its dispersal ability. It was observed to enter the needles of the seedlings through the stomata and colonize the vascular bundle after being sprayed on the seedlings. The strain was observed to colonize and spread in the tracheid after being injected into the stems. The strain could colonize the seedlings and persist for at least 50 days. Furthermore, the greenhouse experiments indicated that both spraying and injecting the engineered strain Bxy19P3C6 had considerable efficacy against nematode infection.

Discussion

The evidence of the colonization ability and persistence of the strain in pine advances our understanding of the control and prediction of the colonization of exogenously delivered bacteria in pines. This study provides a promising approach for manipulating plant-associated bacteria and using Bt protein to control nematodes.
Antiviral functionalization of cellulose using tannic acid and tannin-rich extracts
Authors: Haapakoski Marjo , Emelianov Aleksei , Reshamwala Dhanik , Laajala Mira , Tienaho Jenni , Kilpeläinen Petri , Liimatainen Jaana , Jyske Tuula , Pettersson Mika , Marjomäki Varpu
Published: December 2023

Due to seasonally appearing viruses and several outbreaks and present pandemic, we are surrounded by viruses in our everyday life. In order to reduce viral transmission, functionalized surfaces that inactivate viruses are in large demand. Here the endeavor was to functionalize cellulose-based materials with tannic acid (TA) and tannin-rich extracts by using different binding polymers to prevent viral infectivity of both non-enveloped coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) and enveloped human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43). Direct antiviral efficacy of TA and spruce bark extract in solution was measured: EC50 for CVB3 was 0.12 and 8.41 μg/ml and for HCoV-OC43, 78.16 and 95.49 μg/ml, respectively. TA also led to an excellent 5.8- to 7-log reduction of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus infectivity. TA functionalized materials reduced infectivity already after 5-min treatment at room temperature. All the tested methods to bind TA showed efficacy on paperboard with 0.1 to 1% (w/v) TA concentrations against CVB3 whereas material hydrophobicity decreased activities. Specific signatures for TA and HCoV-OC43 were discovered by Raman spectroscopy and showed clear co-localization on the material. qPCR study suggested efficient binding of CVB3 to the TA functionalized cellulose whereas HCoV-OC43 was flushed out from the surfaces more readily. In conclusion, the produced TA-materials showed efficient and broadly acting antiviral efficacy. Additionally, the co-localization of TA and HCoV-OC43 and strong binding of CVB3 to the functionalized cellulose demonstrates an interaction with the surfaces. The produced antiviral surfaces thus show promise for future use to increase biosafety and biosecurity by reducing pathogen persistence.
Paranannizziopsis spp. infections in wild snakes and a qPCR assay for detection of the fungus
Authors: Lorch Jeffrey M. , Winzeler Megan E. , Lankton Julia S. , Raverty Stephen , Snyman Heindrich N. , Schwantje Helen , Thacker Caeley , Knowles Susan , Cai Hugh Y. , Grear Daniel A.
Published: December 2023

The emergence of ophidiomycosis (or snake fungal disease) in snakes has prompted increased awareness of the potential effects of fungal infections on wild reptile populations. Yet, aside fromOphidiomyces ophidiicola, little is known about other mycoses affecting wild reptiles. The closely related genusParanannizziopsishas been associated with dermatomycosis in snakes and tuataras in captive collections, andP. australasiensiswas recently identified as the cause of skin infections in non-native wild panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) in Florida, USA. Here we describe five cases ofParanannizziopsisspp. associated with skin lesions in wild snakes in North America and one additional case from a captive snake from Connecticut, USA. In addition to demonstrating that wild Nearctic snakes can serve as a host for these fungi, we also provide evidence that the genusParanannizziopsisis widespread in wild snakes, with cases being identified in Louisiana (USA), Minnesota (USA), Virginia (USA), and British Columbia (Canada). Phylogenetic analyses conducted on multiple loci of the fungal strains we isolated identifiedP. australasiensisin Louisiana and Virginia; the remaining strains from Minnesota and British Columbia did not cluster with any of the described species ofParanannizziopsis, although the strains from British Columbia appear to represent a single lineage. Finally, we designed a pan-Paranannizziopsisreal-time PCR assay targeting the internal transcribed spacer region 2. This assay successfully detected DNA of all described species ofParanannizziopsisand the two potentially novel taxa isolated in this study and did not cross-react with closely related fungi or other fungi commonly found on the skin of snakes. The assay was 100% sensitive and specific when screening clinical (skin tissue or skin swab) samples, although full determination of the assay’s performance will require additional follow up due to the small number of clinical samples (n= 14 from 11 snakes) available for testing in our study. Nonetheless, the PCR assay can provide an important tool in further investigating the prevalence, distribution, and host range ofParanannizziopsisspp. and facilitate more rapid diagnosis ofParanannizziopsisspp. infections that are otherwise difficult to differentiate from other dermatomycoses.