bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organization of pay of labor
in agricultural enterprises
Authors: Lanchenko Ye.
Published: January 2024

The subject of scientific research is the theoretical and methodological principles of the organization of pay of labor in the agrarian sector of the economy. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the directions of improvement of pay of labor in agricultural enterprises. The data of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, the results of other scientists' research and own developments were used. The following methods of scientific research were applied: abstract-logical, monographic, historical, statistical-economic, systematic approach, calculation-constructive.

The real state and trends of pay of labor in agricultural enterprises, the mechanism of determining its level in the agrarian sector of the economy have been established. On the basis of the analysis of organization of pay of labor in agricultural enterprises, problematic issues were identified regarding the level, structure, differentiation of wages by personnel categories, and the state of concluding collective agreements.

In order to solve the problematic issues of the organization of pay of labor in the industry, it is necessary to set up a constructive social dialogue in each agricultural enterprise regarding the development of social and labor relations and periodically conclude a collective agreement. At the same time, for trade unions and representatives of the labor team of enterprises, strong arguments were found for consideration in the process of social dialogue with employers of the issue of redistribution of gross added value in favor of filling the funds of pay of labor in agricultural enterprises and material stimulation of their personnel.

On the basis of the analysis of the modern average level of wages and salary in the state, the principles of applying the grad system of pay of labor, as well as the traditional tariffification of work in agricultural enterprises, methodical approaches to the formation of the optimal size and structure of wages for temporary workers by type of work and workers on the hourly form of salary have been developed labor according to typical categories of positions in agricultural enterprises. The proposed directions of improving pay of labor will ensure an increase in the level and performance of wage functions, and an improvement in the quality of working life in the industry.

Key words: pay of labor, wage, salary, agricultural enterprise, collective agreement.
Внесок Полтавського товариства сільського господарства (1865-1920) у науково-інформаційне забезпечення аграрної галузі
Authors: Kapralyuk Oksana
Published: January 2024

Мета статті – доповнити та узагальнити відомості щодо внеску Полтавського товариства сільського господарства у науково-інформаційне забезпечення аграрної галузі наприкінці ХІХ ст. – початку ХХ ст., виокремити основні форми усного та друкованого пропагування знань, розкрити перебіг дискусій між членами Товариства та сільськогосподарськими фахівцями з даного питання.

Наукова новизна – доповнено відомості про діяльність Товариства через призму їхнього науково-інформаційного забезпечення аграрної галузі, зокрема охарактеризовано основні чинники, які спонукали фахівців до відкриття своїх друкованих органів, роботу щодо популяризації вітчизняного та зарубіжного досвіду ведення сільського господарства як на сторінках своїх видань, так і на лекціях, проаналізовано рушійні сили започаткування галузевих читань і курсів для населення, тривалість і змістове їх наповнення.

Висновки. Полтавське товариство сільського господарства одна з найстаріших наукових установ країни, що була створена з метою проведення науково-дослідної, організаційної, видавничої та популяризаторської діяльності. Встановлено, що Установа формувала та видавала низку журналів, зокрема «Хуторянин», «Праці Полтавської сільськогосподарської дослідної станції», «Календар», брошури тощо. Журнал «Хуторянин» користувався попитом серед читачів, про що свідчило постійне зростання кількості передплатників видання. Як одне з найкращих фахових видань його було відзначено золотою медаллю на ІV виставці садівництва. Велику роль щодо продукування та поширення знань відігравала бібліотека Полтавського товариства сільського господарства, фонд якої постійно поповнювався новими виданнями. Важливою для науково-інформаційного забезпечення сільського господарства була діяльність дослідних полів, результати якої подавалися у звітах, заслуховувалися на засіданнях Товариства та висвітлювалися на сторінках журналів. З’ясовано, що до організації народних читань і курсів члени Товариства підійшли системно, було сформовано спеціальну комісію зусиллями якої придбано літературу, ілюстрований матеріал, підібрано теми читань, визначено тривалість занять, запрошено лекторів, забезпечено відповідне приміщення.
Студентська аудиторія Михайла Грушевського Львівського університету неукраїнського походження: спроба реконструкції
Authors: Telvak Vitalii , Telvak Viktoria
Published: January 2024

Мета статті – реконструювати студентську аудиторію М. Грушевського Львівського університету неукраїнського походження, а саме з’ясувати її кількісні параметри, етнічний склад і дидактичні преференції.

Наукова новизна дослідження полягає у першій спеціальній спробі комплексної реконструкції студентської аудиторії М. Грушевського Львівського університету неукраїнського походження.

Висновки. Опрацьовані деканатські каталоги показують М. Грушевського як популярного викладача не тільки в середовищі українських студентів, але й молоді іноземного походження. При цьому серед етнічних акторів дидактичної сцени історика у Львівському університеті майже паритетно домінували поляки та євреї. Обираючи факультативні для себе курси українського професора, вони мотивувалися як на поглибленні фахових знань, так і, здебільшого, на з’ясуванні особливостей історії та культури рідних для них теренів, що у ментальній географії того часу маркувалися східноєвропейськими. Поряд із ними, курс М. Грушевського «Вибрані питання історії Східної Європи» відвідували й поодинокі росіяни, німці, чехи, а також білоруска і словенець. В їхній мотивації, з огляду на подальшу професійну кар’єру, домінували культурно-просвітницькі мотиви. Наразі складно сказати, наскільки переконливими для молоді іншоетнічного походження виявилися історичні реконструкції М. Грушевського, здійснені з погляду українського історичного інтересу. Та вже сам набутий на його викладах досвід деконструкції імперських наративів змушував їх як пізніших публічних інтелектуалів якщо не погодитися з політичними аспіраціями українців, то принаймні визнати їхнє право на власну історію і культуру. Таким чином, освідомлююча педагогічна праця М. Грушевського сприяла налагодженню міжкультурного діалогу українців з представниками інших народів. З’ясування впливу цього діалогу на міжнаціональні взаємини у Центрально-Східній Європі в першій половині ХХ ст. є перспективним сюжетом сучасної інтелектуальної історії.
Голод 1921-1923 років на теренах Запорізької губернії: особливості та демографічні наслідки
Authors: Hudz Viktor , Krasko Natalia , Romanenko Yana
Published: January 2024

Мета дослідження: виявлення особливостей і демографічних наслідків голоду 1921/23 рр. у Запорізькій губернії.

Новизна статті полягає у виявленні факторів та обставин, що призвели до масового голоду 1921-23 рр. у Запорізькій губернії та визначенні його регіональних особливостей. Зроблена перша спроба з’ясувати демографічні наслідки голоду в губернії та Мелітопольському повіті.

Висновки. Наведено докази того, що загального врожаю в радянській Україні було достатньо для запобігання масового голоду. Але запроваджений Х з’їздом РКП(б) продовольчий податок був таким же непосильним для українського селянина, як і розкладка. Наступна посуха та неврожай спричинили масовий голод, насамперед на Півдні України. Але примусовий збір хліба тривав, і голод у республіці замовчувався. Натомість Кремль звернувся за допомогою до світу і подбав про харчування голодуючого Поволжя. Лише в січні 1922 р. більшовицька влада України визнала голод і звернулася по допомогу. Проте збирання продподатку в голодуючих губерніях України тривало до липня 1922 р. Водночас, щоб запобігти втечам голодуючих, встановлена збройна блокада. Уряд конфіскував продовольство в республіці та вивіз у 1921-22 рр. до Росії 70,5 млн. пудів зерна.

Особливістю голоду на Запоріжжі було те, що губернія стала ареною запеклих боїв Червоної Армії із військами П. Врангеля і махновцями. «Червоні» війська грабували та тероризували махновські села, використавши голод як зброю проти повстанців. Цей фактор, разом із продрозкладкою, недосівом, вимерзанням посівів, посухою, перетворив Запоріжчину на епіцентр голоду вже взимку 1920/21 рр. План хлібозаготівель на 1921 р., визначений Наркомпродом РСФРР, перевищував врожай у цьому регіоні. Через повторення посухи, недосів і заготівлі зерна на експорт, голод в Україні, досягнувши апогею навесні 1922 р., тривав до врожаю 1923 р.

Підраховано, що смертність у Запорізькій губернії від голоду та супутніх захворювань була найвищою в республіці і становила понад 200 тис. осіб. Більшовицький терор голодом в Україні досягав одразу кількох цілей: прогодувати населення Росії та її армію, підтримати промисловість, приборкати селянські повстання й отримати валюту із Заходу. Виявлено недостатню вивченість теми та необхідність її подальшого дослідження для усвідомлення суспільством системних злочинів Росії в Україні, одним із яких став голод 1921-23 рр.
«Нескорені»: діяльність у Полтаві підпільної молодіжної групи на чолі з Оленою (Лялею) Убийвовк (1941-1942)
Authors: Petrenko Iryna , Mazur Oksana
Published: January 2024

Метою статті є деконструкція радянського міфу про підпільну молодіжну групу на чолі з Оленою (Лялею) Убийвовк (1918-1942), яка діяла у Полтаві впродовж 1941-42 рр., а також визначення її внеску в боротьбу з нацизмом у період Другої світової війни.

Наукова новизна дослідження полягає у висвітленні на основі документів Галузевого архіву Служби безпеки України в Полтавській області деяких аспектів формування та розвитку Руху Опору в Полтаві, у спростуванні низки радянських пропагандистсько-ідеологічних міфів про діяльність підпільної молодіжної групи на чолі з Оленою Убийвовк у 1941-42 роках.

Висновки. Підпільна молодіжна група «Нескорена полтавчанка» – цілком післявоєнний радянський ідеологічно-пропагандистський конструкт. Відповідно до матеріалів розсекреченої кримінальної справи, вона перебувала на стадії організаційного формування, ніякого штабу (у повоєнний час до нього включили шістьох страчених учасників) ще не мала. Джерела свідчать, що з листопада 1941 р. по січень 1941 р. лідерами групи були Олена Убийвовк і Сергій Ільєвський, а з січня по квітень 1942 р. функції керівника перебрав на себе Сергій Сапіго.

«Подвиги полтавського молодіжного підпілля» не збігаються з документальними фактами. Та й сама назва «Нескорена полтавчанка» виникла у радянській пропагандистській публіцистиці та художній літературі.

Досі контроверсійним залишається питання про особу зрадника підпільної групи. За офіційною версією, її учасників видала Валентина Терентьєва. Однак введені до наукового обігу донедавна засекречені матеріали дозволяють констатувати, що ненадійними виявилися родичі та найближче оточення підпільників. Найстарший учасник підпільної групи Сергій Сапіго нехтував конспірацією та своєю необачною і безвідповідальною поведінкою сприяв викриттю групи, а потім негідно поводився під час слідства.
The Soviet approach to the Lithuanian partisan movement (1944-1990)
Authors: Juodis Darius
Published: January 2024

The main goal behind this work is to examine how the armed anti-Soviet Lithuanian resistance was depicted in Soviet literature, and which meanings it created and conveyed to readers. The work will show which written methods were used in the formation of this approach, and how they changed in different periods. Specific topics will also be analysed where they were especially emphasised in Soviet publications.

The scientific novelty. This is one of the few works which specifically presents the image of Lithuanian partisans which was created through Soviet propaganda. The Soviet attitude towards Lithuanian partisans was analysed mainly in works which were written in Lithuanian, so this also remains relevant to modern analyses in foreign publications. The Soviet image distorted the historical circumstances of the past. This image is not an irrelevant event of the past but a tool of modern propaganda, one which is constantly being modified to adapt it to the times.

Conclusions. Soviet propaganda referred negatively and contemptuously to anti-Soviet Lithuanian partisans, and the terms ‘bandits’ and ‘bourgeois nationalists’ came into force to describe them. The authors of propaganda-related materials relied on the concept of class theory. The attitude which they expressed in their written work was characterised by tendency and uniformity, both of which reflected the official position of the Soviet government. During the most active periods of partisan fighting, the Soviet press published relatively little information about the partisans. The selected and published information – all of which was somewhat tendentious – was intended to intimidate resisters, would-be resisters, and their supporters. Between 1950 and 1990, the production and publication of materials was part of a propaganda enterprise which was firmly controlled and coordinated by the Soviet authorities. Their purpose in carrying out this industry was to portray the anti-Soviet resistance in the darkest colours and shades.. It was not possible to form a general picture of the resistance from such prints, written as they were with multiple errors and omissions. The image of the partisan movement as a non-autonomous phenomenon, an image which was formed through the use of propaganda, presents a negative social and personal image. The Catholic Church is considered to be a promoter and supporter of the partisan resistance.
Effects of Helicobacter pylori infection on intestinal microbiota, immunity and colorectal cancer risk
Authors: Engelsberger Veronika , Gerhard Markus , Mejías-Luque Raquel
Published: January 2024

Infecting about half of the world´s population, Helicobacter pylori is one of the most prevalent bacterial infections worldwide and the strongest known risk factor for gastric cancer. Although H. pylori colonizes exclusively the gastric epithelium, the infection has also been associated with various extragastric diseases, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Epidemiological studies reported an almost two-fold increased risk for infected individuals to develop CRC, but only recently, direct causal and functional links between the chronic infection and CRC have been revealed. Besides modulating the host intestinal immune response, H. pylori is thought to increase CRC risk by inducing gut microbiota alterations. It is known that H. pylori infection not only impacts the gastric microbiota at the site of infection but also leads to changes in bacterial colonization in the distal large intestine. Considering that the gut microbiome plays a driving role in CRC, H. pylori infection emerges as a key factor responsible for promoting changes in microbiome signatures that could contribute to tumor development. Within this review, we want to focus on the interplay between H. pylori infection, changes in the intestinal microbiota, and intestinal immunity. In addition, the effects of H. pylori antibiotic eradication therapy will be discussed.
Multidimensional perception of the concept “school excellence”
Authors: Fisher Yael , Ben Simon Batel
Published: January 2024

This research aims to conceptualize and define teachers’ perception of school excellence (TPSE) and investigate the relationship between personal background, school role, organizational factors, and TPSE. The scale for TPSE was developed especially for this study. Elementary school teachers (N = 197) participated during the 2018–2019 academic year. Data were analyzed using two quantitative approaches: The facet theory approach was selected for its ability to conceptualize phenomena, and the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) approach. The variables in the SSA map in the radial configuration form three concentric circles of conditional perceptions: personal understanding of excellence, the perception of excellence reflected by their surrounding society, and the perception of the concept in the Western world. The school excellence components were deployed in an angular form showing three elements: leadership and management, students’ achievement-related excellence, and pedagogical excellence. The measure of fit coefficients indicated good results: RMSEA = 0.00, TLI = 1.00, CFI = 1.00, NFI = 0.88, df = 28, χ2 = 27.95, p = 0.47. The implications of the study findings can be helpful for schools that wish to examine their excellence rankings to improve performance and maintain a constant level of school excellence.
Difference of central foveal thickness measurement in patients with macular edema using optical coherence tomography in different display modes
Authors: Lawali Dan Jouma Amadou Maman , Wu Guanrong , Adam Nouhou Diori , Lin Zhangjie , Kong Huiqian , Yi Liaohui , Fang Ying , Niu Yongyi , Tang Changting , Amza Abdou , Zhang Hongyang , Yu Honghua , Yuan Ling , Hu Yijun
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To assess the differences in the measurement of central foveal thickness (CFT) in patients with macular edema (ME) between two display modes (1:1 pixel and 1:1 micron) on optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Design

This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study.

Methods

Group A consisted of participants with well-horizontal OCT B-scan images and group B consisted of participants with tilted OCT B-scan. We manually measured the CFT under the two display modes, and the values were compared statistically using the paired t-test. Spearman’s test was used to assess the correlations between the OCT image tilting angle (OCT ITA) and the differences in CFT measurement. The area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to define the OCT ITA cutoff for a defined CFT difference.

Results

In group A, the mean CFT in the 1:1 pixel display mode was 420.21 ± 130.61 µm, similar to the mean CFT of 415.27 ± 129.85 µm in the 1:1 micron display mode. In group B, the median CFT in the 1:1 pixel display mode is 409.00 μm (IQR: 171.75 μm) and 368.00 μm (IQR: 149.00 μm) in the 1:1 micron display mode. There were significant differences between the two display modes with the median (IQR) absolute difference and median (IQR) relative difference of 38.00 μm (75.00 μm) and 10.19% (21.91%) (all p = 0.01). The differences in CFT measurement between the two display modes were correlated with the OCT ITA (absolute differences, r = 0.88, p < 0.01; relative differences, r = 0.87, p < 0.01). The AUC for a predefined CFT difference was 0.878 (10 μm), 0.933 (20 μm), 0.938 (30 μm), 0.961 (40 μm), 0.962 (50 μm), and 0.970 (60 μm).

Conclusion

In patients with DM, when the OCT B-scan images were well-horizontal, manual CFT measurements under the two display modes were similar, but when the B-scan images were tilted, the CFT measurements were different under the two display modes, and the differences were correlated to the OCT ITA.
Research progress on the treatment of diabetic nephropathy with leech and its active ingredients
Authors: Tian Feng , Yi Xiang , Yang Feifei , Chen Yao , Zhu Wenhui , Liu Peng , Li Shuju
Published: January 2024

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major microvascular complication of diabetes and a common cause of chronic kidney disease. There is currently a lack of effective treatments for DN, and the prognosis for patients remains poor. Hirudin, one of the primary active components derived from leeches, demonstrates anti-coagulant, anti-fibrotic, anti-thrombotic, and anti-inflammatory properties, exhibiting significant protective effects on the kidneys. In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in studying the potential benefits of hirudin, especially in its role in the management of DN. This article delves into the mechanisms by which hirudin contributes to the treatment of DN and its clinical efficacy.
Load balancing and topology dynamic adjustment strategy for power information system network: a deep reinforcement learning-based approach
Authors: Liao Xiao , Bao Beifang , Cui Wei , Liu Di
Published: January 2024

As power information systems play an increasingly critical role in modern society, higher requirements are placed on the performance and reliability of their network infrastructure. In order to cope with the growing data traffic and network attack threats in the power information system, we select the power information system data center network as the research object and design an overall system solution based on software defined network, including the application layer, control layer and infrastructure layer. A typical fat tree network topology is simulated and analyzed. We define the load balancing and network topology dynamic adjustment problem as a Markov decision process, and design a data flow path acquisition method based on breadth-first search to construct the action space of each host. Then, a deep reinforcement learning algorithm based on deep Q-network, priority experience replay and target network is introduced to provide solutions for optimizing the performance of power information systems and responding to network attacks. Simulation results show that the proposed method is better than the traditional equal-cost multi-path algorithm in terms of average bandwidth utilization, average jitter and average packet loss, and can reduce the probability of network nodes being attacked by more than 11%.
Associations between MTHFR gene polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C) and genetic susceptibility to prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: You Jianan , Huang Yuhua , Shen Xinyu , Chen Yunyi , Ding Xiang
Published: January 2024

Background: The association between MTHFR gene polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C) and prostate cancer risk remains controversial.

Methods: Two independent researchers searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science databases for all papers published up to 12/19/2023 and used various genetic models to evaluate the relationship between MTHFR polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk.

Results: The meta-analysis included 26 case‒control studies with a total of 12,455 cases and 13,900 controls with the C677T polymorphism and 6,396 cases and 8,913 controls with the A1298C polymorphism. Overall, no significant association was found between the MTHFR gene polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk. However, the C677T polymorphism was associated with reduced prostate cancer risk in the Asian population (T allele vs. C allele: OR = 0.759, 95% CI 0.669–0.861, p < 0.001; TT + CT vs. CC: OR = 0.720, 95% CI 0.638–0.812, p < 0.001; TT vs. CC + CT: OR = 0.719, 95% CI 0.617–0.838, p < 0.001; TT vs. CC: OR = 0.620, 95% CI 0.522–0.737, p < 0.001); however, the A1298C polymorphism was associated with an increased risk in the mixed race group from the United States (CC + AC vs. AA: OR = 1.464, 95% CI 1.052–2.037, p = 0.024; AC vs. AA: OR = 1.615, 95% CI 1.037–2.514, p = 0.034).

Conclusion: The meta-analysis suggested that MTHFR gene polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C) may have different effects on prostate cancer risk in specific populations.
Access, autonomy, and affordability: ethical and human rights issues surrounding multigene panel testing for cancer in Japan and Switzerland
Authors: Nakasato Kate , Manz Carlotta , Kato Kazuto
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Advancements in precision medicine and genomics have led to prospects in a wide range of clinical fields, including oncology. In particular, developments in next-generation sequencing multigene panel tests have led to the possibility of tailoring treatment to the specific genomic markers of a patient’s cancer. However, findings from current literature suggest that the path to implementation and uptake of genomic medicine is not without uncertainties and challenges.

Methods: To better understand the current challenges to the implementation of genomic medicine services, we investigated the current state of patient access to genomic medicine in Japan and Switzerland. In this investigation, we focused on equal access, patient autonomy, and healthcare affordability.

Results: Results have shown that although multigene panel testing is in principle covered by health insurance in both countries, barriers exist in terms of where the tests are available, comprehensive information for patients, and the affordability of not only the test itself but the overall process from diagnosis to treatment.

Discussion: These results suggest a need to continue examining a more diverse range of clinical landscapes for genomic medicine to reveal more nuanced understandings of barriers to implementation and thus better identify best practices for overcoming them.
Constructing models for Crohn's disease diagnosis and prediction of infliximab non-response based on angiogenesis-related genes
Authors: Zheng Chenwei , Chen Xiangbo , Ke Yujing , Xu Xiaolin , Wu Chao , Jiang Lingling
Published: January 2024

Background

Angiogenesis response plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of Crohn’s disease (CD) and may involve the mechanism of infliximab non-response. However, the role of angiogenesis-related genes in Crohn’s disease has not been comprehensively studied. This study aimed to explore the expression profiles of angiogenesis-related genes in CD patients and construct models for disease diagnosis and prediction of infliximab non-response.

Methods

CD-related microarray datasets were collected from the GEO database. Unsupervised consensus clustering analysis was performed based on differentially expressed angiogenesis-related genes to divide CD samples into two distinct clusters. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted on the clusters to identify angiogenesis-related module. Based on the differentially expressed genes in the module, machine learning algorithms were employed to further identify hub genes and construct a disease diagnostic model. Subsequently, treatment outcome-related genes were extracted from these hub genes, and a predictive model for infliximab non-response in CD patients was ultimately built.

Results

Based on angiogenesis-related genes, we identified two distinct CD clusters (C1 and C2). Compared to C1, the metabolic pathways in C2 were significantly upregulated, and there was a higher abundance of cell clusters such as M1 macrophages and plasma cells. Additionally, C2 showed a poorer response to infliximab. Furthermore, a predictive model for infliximab non-response in CD patients was constructed based on the hub genes, and it was successfully validated using an external dataset.

Conclusion

Comprehensive analysis of angiogenesis-related genes revealed different clusters of CD, which exhibited differential response rates to infliximab. The construction of models provides a reference for disease diagnosis and drug selection, aiding in clinical decision-making.
ADGRE5-centered Tsurv model in T cells recognizes responders to neoadjuvant cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Li Jian , Meng Zhouwenli , Cao Zhengqi , Lu Wenqing , Yang Yi , Li Ziming , Lu Shun
Published: January 2024

Background

Neoadjuvant immunotherapy with anti-programmed death-1 (neo-antiPD1) has revolutionized perioperative methods for improvement of overall survival (OS), while approaches for major pathologic response patients’ (MPR) recognition along with methods for overcoming non-MPR resistance are still in urgent need.

Methods

We utilized and integrated publicly-available immune checkpoint inhibitors regimens (ICIs) single-cell (sc) data as the discovery datasets, and innovatively developed a cell-communication analysis pipeline, along with a VIPER-based-SCENIC process, to thoroughly dissect MPR-responding subsets. Besides, we further employed our own non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) ICIs cohort’s sc data for validation in-silico. Afterward, we resorted to ICIs-resistant murine models developed by us with multimodal investigation, including bulk-RNA-sequencing, Chip-sequencing and high-dimensional cytometry by time of flight (CYTOF) to consolidate our findings in-vivo. To comprehensively explore mechanisms, we adopted 3D ex-vivo hydrogel models for analysis. Furthermore, we constructed an ADGRE5-centered Tsurv model from our discovery dataset by machine learning (ML) algorithms for a wide range of tumor types (NSCLC, melanoma, urothelial cancer, etc.) and verified it in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) sc datasets.

Results

Through a meta-analysis of multimodal sequential sc sequencing data from pre-ICIs and post-ICIs, we identified an MPR-expanding T cells meta-cluster (MPR-E) in the tumor microenvironment (TME), characterized by a stem-like CD8+ T cluster (survT) with STAT5-ADGRE5 axis enhancement compared to non-MPR or pre-ICIs TME. Through multi-omics analysis of murine TME, we further confirmed the existence of survT with silenced function and immune checkpoints (ICs) in MPR-E. After verification of the STAT5-ADGRE5 axis of survT in independent ICIs cohorts, an ADGRE5-centered Tsurv model was then developed through ML for identification of MPR patients pre-ICIs and post-ICIs, both in TME and PBMCs, which was further verified in pan-cancer immunotherapy cohorts. Mechanistically, we unveiled ICIs stimulated ADGRE5 upregulation in a STAT5-IL32 dependent manner in a 3D ex-vivo system (3D-HYGTIC) developed by us previously, which marked Tsurv with better survival flexibility, enhanced stemness and potential cytotoxicity within TME.

Conclusion

Our research provides insights into mechanisms underlying MPR in neo-antiPD1 and a well-performed model for the identification of non-MPR.
Pilot study examining anti-factor Xa levels for heparin monitoring and outcomes in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis
Authors: Pirahanchi Yasaman , Salottolo Kristin , Burrell Christian , Tang Xu , Bar-Or David , Bartt Russell
Published: January 2024

Objective

There are no studies to date that examine the association between anti-factor-Xa (AFXa)-based heparin monitoring and clinical outcomes in the setting of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT).

Methods

This pilot study included adults aged ≥18 admitted with CVT between 1 January 2018 and 1 January 2021, who were treated with unfractionated heparin (UFH) and were monitored via AFXa-based nomogram within 24 h of arrival. Comparisons were made between patients with AFXa levels within the target therapeutic range (0.25–0.5 IU/mL) and patients whose levels were not within the therapeutic range within 24 h of arrival; the time (hours) from arrival to reach the therapeutic range was also examined. Outcomes were length of stay (LOS) in the hospital, major (actionable) bleeding events, and discharge home (vs. higher acuity location). Continuous data are reported in the form of the median (interquartile range).

Results

Among 45 patients, treatment with UFH was initiated 2 (1–11) h after arrival, and the majority (84%) of UFH infusions did not need dose adjustment. AFXa assays were conducted every 6 (5.5–7) h. Thirty patients (67%) fell within the therapeutic range. Outcomes were similar for patients with levels within the therapeutic range vs. not: major bleeding events, 10% vs. 0% (p = 0.54); discharge home, 77% vs. 80% (p = 1.0); LOS, 5 days in each group (p = 0.95). There was also no association between outcomes and time to reach the therapeutic range.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate the practicability of monitoring UFH based on AFXa values in this population of patients with CVT, but reaching target AFXa levels within 24 h of arrival may not necessarily be prognostic.
Optimization of modularity during development to simplify walking control across multiple steps
Authors: Hinnekens Elodie , Berret Bastien , Morard Estelle , Do Manh-Cuong , Barbu-Roth Marianne , Teulier Caroline
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Walking in adults relies on a small number of modules, reducing the number of degrees of freedom that needs to be regulated by the central nervous system (CNS). While walking in toddlers seems to also involve a small number of modules when considering averaged or single-step data, toddlers produce a high amount of variability across strides, and the extent to which this variability interacts with modularity remains unclear.

Methods

Electromyographic activity from 10 bilateral lower limb muscles was recorded in both adults (n = 12) and toddlers (n = 12) over 8 gait cycles. Toddlers were recorded while walking independently and while being supported by an adult. This condition was implemented to assess if motor variability persisted with reduced balance constraints, suggesting a potential central origin rather than reliance on peripheral regulations. We used non-negative matrix factorization to model the underlying modular command with the Space-by-Time Decomposition method, with or without averaging data, and compared the modular organization of toddlers and adults during multiple walking strides.

Results

Toddlers were more variable in both conditions (i.e. independent walking and supported by an adult) and required significantly more modules to account for their greater stride-by-stride variability. Activations of these modules varied more across strides and were less parsimonious compared to adults, even with diminished balance constraints.

Discussion

The findings suggest that modular control of locomotion evolves between toddlerhood and adulthood as the organism develops and practices. Adults seem to be able to generate several strides of walking with less modules than toddlers. The persistence of variability in toddlers when balance constraints were lowered suggests a link with the ability to explore rather than with corrective mechanisms. In conclusion, the capacity of new walkers to flexibly activate their motor command suggests a broader range of possible actions, though distinguishing between modular and non-modular inputs remains challenging.
Case report: Diagnostic challenge: a new multiple sclerosis “relapse” leading to the diagnosis of anaplastic astrocytoma
Authors: Petrášová Martina , Šrotová Iva , Kolčava Jan , Štourač Pavel , Hynková Ludmila , Keřkovský Miloš , Pikulová Hana , Neuman Eduard , Kren Leoš , Vlčková Eva
Published: January 2024

Cerebral tumors and multiple sclerosis (MS) can show overlapping clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and even occur concurrently. Due to the emergence of new symptoms, not usually MS related, an MRI was conducted in a 29-year-old woman with relapsing-remitting MS and showed a significant size progression of a parieto-occipital lesion, with mild clinical correlates, such as blurred vision, difficulty in speaking, and headache. Contrast-enhanced MRI and fluorothymidine positron-emission tomography (PET) did not point toward neoplasm, a lesion biopsy, however, showed astrocytoma, which was confirmed as grade III astrocytoma after the radical resection of the tumor. In the case of an atypical lesion, a tumor should be considered in patients with MS. A small fraction of high-grade gliomas show no enhancement on MRI and no hypermetabolism on PET. Biopsy proved to be the essential step in a successful diagnostic workup. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of anaplastic astrocytoma with these radiological features reported in a patient with MS.
Novel in vitro evidence on the beneficial effect of quercetin treatment in vascular calcification
Authors: Ceccherini E. , Gisone I. , Persiani E. , Ippolito C. , Falleni A. , Cecchettini A. , Vozzi F.
Published: January 2024

Vascular calcification is a pathological chronic condition characterized by calcium crystal deposition in the vessel wall and is a recurring event in atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes. The lack of effective therapeutic treatments opened the research to natural products, which have shown promising potential in inhibiting the pathological process in different experimental models. This study investigated the anti-calcifying effects of Quercetin and Berberine extracts on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) treated with an inorganic phosphate solution for 7 days. Quercetin has shown the highest anti-calcifying activity, as revealed by the intracellular quantitative assay and morphological analysis. Confocal microscopy revealed downregulation of RUNX2, a key marker for calcified phenotype, which was otherwise upregulated in calcified VSMCs. To investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of Quercetin, culture media were subjected to immunometric assays to quantify the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, and the caspase-1 activity. As expected, calcified VSMCs released a large quantity of inflammatory mediators, significantly decreasing in the presence of Quercetin. In summary, our findings suggest that Quercetin counteracted calcification by attenuating the VSMC pathological phenotypic switch and reducing the inflammatory response. In our opinion, these preliminary in vitro findings could be the starting point for further investigations into the beneficial effects of Quercetin dietary supplementation against vascular calcification.
Case report: One case of refractory membranous nephropathy with hypokalemia after rituximab infusion was switched to obinutuzumab without recurrence of hypokalemia
Authors: Zhang Yao , Sun Jing , Gao Jie , Sun Weiyan , Xu Liang , Zhai Chunjuan , Su WenYan , Wang Haiping
Published: January 2024

Rituximab (RTX) is a monoclonal antibody commonly used to treat PLA2R-associated membranous nephropathy (MN). This report presents a case of refractory MN in a patient who experienced severe hypokalemia, a rare but clinically significant condition, after the 5th RTX infusion. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for hypokalemia and its management during or after RTX infusion. After the onset of hypokalemia, the patient received treatment with obinutuzumab and achieved partial remission of renal disease without experiencing further hypokalemia. Obinutuzumab may be a viable alternative therapy for refractory membranous nephropathy that develops side effects after rituximab therapy or is refractory to it, but further studies are necessary to determine its efficacy and safety.
Functional dissection of phytochrome A in plants
Authors: Lei Yuqi , Ma Qi , Zhang Yihao , Li Jilian , Ning Xinzhu , Wang Yichen , Ge Xiaoyang , Zhao Hang , Lin Hai
Published: January 2024

Plants lack behavioral responses to avoid dramatic environmental changes associated with the annual seasons. For survival, they have evolved complex sensory systems to sense fluctuations in light and optimize their architecture in response to changes in these cues. Phytochrome A (phyA) was initially identified as a photoreceptor that senses far-red light signals. It was then identified as playing a central role in promoting hypocotyl growth, fiber development, and flowering time in a variety of plants including Arabidopsis, rice, soybean and cotton. Under dark conditions, phyA is present in the cytoplasm in the physiologically inactive (Pr) form. Far-red light signals induce the transformation of Pr into the physiologically active (Pfr) form, after which Pfr-phyA is recognized by FAR-RED ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 1 (FHY1) and FHY1-LIKE (FHL) and translocated to the nucleus, initiating a series of signaling cascades. The current review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in understanding the function of phyA in plants, including phyA-mediated shade avoidance and flowering time. Remaining issues and possible directions for future research on phyA are also discussed.
Handwriting but not typewriting leads to widespread brain connectivity: a high-density EEG study with implications for the classroom
Authors: Van der Weel F. R. (Ruud) , Van der Meer Audrey L. H.
Published: January 2024

As traditional handwriting is progressively being replaced by digital devices, it is essential to investigate the implications for the human brain. Brain electrical activity was recorded in 36 university students as they were handwriting visually presented words using a digital pen and typewriting the words on a keyboard. Connectivity analyses were performed on EEG data recorded with a 256-channel sensor array. When writing by hand, brain connectivity patterns were far more elaborate than when typewriting on a keyboard, as shown by widespread theta/alpha connectivity coherence patterns between network hubs and nodes in parietal and central brain regions. Existing literature indicates that connectivity patterns in these brain areas and at such frequencies are crucial for memory formation and for encoding new information and, therefore, are beneficial for learning. Our findings suggest that the spatiotemporal pattern from visual and proprioceptive information obtained through the precisely controlled hand movements when using a pen, contribute extensively to the brain’s connectivity patterns that promote learning. We urge that children, from an early age, must be exposed to handwriting activities in school to establish the neuronal connectivity patterns that provide the brain with optimal conditions for learning. Although it is vital to maintain handwriting practice at school, it is also important to keep up with continuously developing technological advances. Therefore, both teachers and students should be aware of which practice has the best learning effect in what context, for example when taking lecture notes or when writing an essay.
Why do health-risk awareness and materialism drive consumers' acceptance intentions for smart green buildings?
Authors: Chu Lydia
Published: January 2024

As the threat of global warming to human beings has gradually received attention, this article introduces the terror management theory to explain whether health risk awareness will affect their willingness to accept smart green buildings and that relationship is positively regulated by death anxiety. In addition, this article introduces the concept of materialism to propose that consumers will also accept smart green buildings due to the influence of materialism. This article interviewed two consumers and two professors in Taiwan, and verified the three hypotheses of this article through qualitative coding analysis. This article also used quantitative research methods to verify the theoretical model. This article not only introduces the cross-cutting contributions between terror management theory, materialism and smart green buildings, but also helps the construction industry develop strategies to attract consumers.
Assessing psychological variables on mobile devices: an introduction to the experience sampling app ESM-Quest
Authors: Goetz Thomas , Steiner Wolfgang , Graf Elisabeth , Stempfer Lisa , Ristl Christina , Rupprecht Fiona S. , Donath Johanna L. , Botes Elouise , Nikitin Jana
Published: January 2024

The use of the Experience Sampling Method (ESM), which involves repeated assessments in people’s daily lives, has increased in popularity in psychology and associated disciplines in recent years. A rather challenging aspect of ESM is its technical implementation. In this paper, after briefly introducing the history of ESM and the main reasons for its current popularity, we outline the ESM-Quest experience sampling app which is currently being developed at the University of Vienna. ESM-Quest runs on different operating systems, specifically on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets running either iOS or Android. An internet connection is not necessary during the assessment. Compared to most other ESM apps, ESM-Quest allows event-based random sampling, which is very helpful when assessments need to be collected within specific situations. Currently, ESM-Quest is being utilized at the University of Vienna and will be made available for research groups worldwide upon request. We introduce the technical aspects of ESM-Quest and provide examples of analyses on ESM data collected through this app, such as examining fluctuations in constructs within individuals. Finally, we outline potential next steps in ESM research.
Preference of Chinese pre-service music teachers and schoolteachers for three culturally diverse musical pieces
Authors: Cui Cancan , Liu Jin , Zhu Yun
Published: January 2024

Using three musical pieces as musical stimuli from Romania, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia, this study extended Fung’s study by examining Chinese pre-service music teachers’ (n = 115) and schoolteachers’ (n = 131) personal preferences and external preferences for orchestral, folk, and popular music pieces. Two groups of participants were asked to select their preferred music from three pieces and to provide verbal descriptions of the reasons for their selections. The results showed (a) no significant differences in personal preference between the two groups but statistical significances in external preferences between the two groups; (b) the highest preference rating by both groups of teachers was folk music and the highest forced-choice preference was popular music; (c) statistically significant correlations between personal preference and external preference were evident in both groups across all three pieces; and (d) frequent descriptions by both groups of participants of the pieces in terms of musical characteristics were shared. The implications of this study are as follows. (1) Psychologists and music researchers gain insights about Chinese young adults’ listening preferences, which might offer implications for future research in the field of psychology; and (2) By enhancing multicultural awareness, music education teachers and researchers should combine different music styles to broaden students’ music horizons.
Prospective associations of multidimensional well-being with work distraction and job satisfaction: a two-wave study of US employees
Authors: Fung Eric N. , Cowden Richard G. , Chen Ying , Weziak-Bialowolska Dorota , Bialowolski Piotr , Lee Matthew T. , McNeely Eileen , VanderWeele Tyler J.
Published: January 2024

Previous studies on the associations between well-being and work outcomes, such as work distraction and job satisfaction, have largely been cross-sectional and typically focused on only one or two aspects of well-being. Using two waves of data from a sample of employees at a United States health insurance company (n = 1,234), the present brief research report examines prospective associations between six domains of well-being (emotional health, physical health, meaning & purpose, character strengths, social connectedness, and financial security) and two work outcomes (work distraction and job satisfaction). Lagged regression analyses provided some evidence indicating that higher-level well-being in several domains was associated with subsequent reduced work distraction and increased job satisfaction assessed approximately 1 year later, but the magnitude of associations with each outcome did vary by specific domain. Emotional health and social connectedness were most strongly associated with work distraction and job satisfaction. We discuss some implications of the findings, including the importance of applying a multidimensional approach to studying employee well-being and potential opportunities for organizations to support the well-being of their employees.