bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the issue of consumers’ rights protection in Ukraine during the period of military situation
Authors: Husariev S. D. , Starytska O. O.
Published: December 2023

In this article, the authors analyzes the current practical condition of consumer rights protection in Ukraine during the period of military situation, вecause one of the peculiarities of consumer relations is that they are inherent in any period of society’s existence, despite the influence of external factors of its development. The purpose of the article proposed for scientific comprehension is to analyze the current practical status of consumer rights protection during military situation in Ukraine. In order to obtain reliable results reflecting the real status of affairs regarding the peculiarities of consumer protection in Ukraine during military situation, it is advisable to use a number of methods, namely: specific sociological method to reflect the practical situation of consumer rights protection, statistical method to analyze the available practical data, formal legal method to clarify the legislative provisions on the issue in question, and synthesis method, which provided a comprehensive view of the specifics of the current legal status of consumer rights protection in Ukraine. It is emphasized that despite the special period, consumers have the same rights and obligations as in peacetime. Due to the introduction of restrictive legislation after February 24, 2022, the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection is partially deprived of its direct functional responsibilities, but provides advice on alternative ways to protect consumer rights, where the main actors are the courts, the National Bank of Ukraine, the State Tax Service, and the Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language. It is also emphasized that, given the actual circumstances, the use of alternative ways to resolve the issue of protection and compensation is not always possible due to various obstacles (lack of communication with the business entity, inability to establish its actual address, improper examination, etc.). It also provides statistical data (850 requests have been processed) on the number of requests for public information in the area of consumer protection. The largest number of requests for public information were relate to ecology and environmental pollution, food safety and veterinary medicine, and providing copies of documents on food safety and veterinary medicine. At the end of the scientific article, the authors presented the relevant conclusions about practical condition of consumer rights protection in Ukraine during the period of military situation.

Key words: consumer, protection of consumer rights, military situation, state supervision, control, alternative ways of issues solving, State Production and Consumer Service, statistical data, factors of complexity of protection.
The Impact of Judicial Practice on Legislative Transformation: the Law-Making Role of Constitutional Control of the US Supreme Court
Authors: Onyshchuk I. I.
Published: December 2023

The purpose of the article consists in the characteristics of the constitutional control of the US Supreme Court as a form of judicial law-making from the point of view of general scientific, philosophical, theoretical-legal and practical positions. The novelty of the article consists in characterizing the law-making role of judicial practice of the Anglo-Saxon legal system and its comparison with the development of judicial practice in the Romano-Germanic legal system. It was found out that the mechanism of judicial law-making was formed in the USA under the influence of the rule of precedent inherited from English practice – stare decisis. And this led to court decisions becoming the most important source of law. It is argued that the American model of judicial constitutional control, the elements of which are borrowed and used in some European countries, is effective in conditions where proper interaction between specialized bodies (for example, the constitutional court) and courts of general jurisdiction is not established. It is shown that, according to the American model, the review of constitutional issues is carried out decentralized (by all courts), and according to the European model, it is centralized (by the body of constitutional control).

Constitutional control in the USA is not limited to negative law-making. The task of the Court is to ensure the supremacy and direct effect of the Constitution on the entire territory of the state and in relation to all subjects of law. That is why constitutional control also includes positive law-making, which results from the interpretation of legislative norms or the encouragement of legislatures to create new norms. However, this does not mean at all that the judicial power encroaches on the functions of the legislator or somehow puts him in a dependent position. In the USA, the Constitution’s precept, according to which the branches of government must be separated from each other, remains inviolable. But at the same time, their interconnection and interaction is not denied.

The author came to the conclusion that one of the directions of judicial control, which shows the formal side of law-making, is its implementation in “negative” and “positive” form. At the same time, the Supreme Court of the United States, canceling any law in full or in a certain part, i.e. actually carrying out “negative law-making”, creates the prerequisites for the creation of a new rule of law, which should fill the gap. Constitutional control in the USA is a form of law-making activity of the Supreme Court of the USA with the aim of protecting the foundations of the constitutional system, the basic rights and freedoms of a person and a citizen, ensuring the supremacy and direct effect of the Constitution, as well as preventing the emergence of unconstitutional acts in the legal system.

Key words: legal system, law-making process, judicial practice, constitutionalism, supremacy of the Constitution, stare decisis.
The main vectors of reforms in Ukraine and their administrative and legal support
Authors: Andriiko O. F.
Published: December 2023

The main directions of reforms in various spheres of state policy of Ukraine with the declaration of its independence are analyzed. The main directions of the Concept of Administrative Reform in Ukraine (1998) and their legal support and their further implementation in the State Administration Reform Strategies of Ukraine for 2016–2020 were and 2022–2025 were considered, attention was drawn to the need to improve legislation and its compliance with modern processes and challenges, which appear before the country. Attention is drawn to the need for a detailed analysis and new views on the continuation of public administration reform, rethinking previous developments and taking into account the fundamental changes that have occurred in recent years regarding the tasks of public administration, which should result in a reorientation of its subjects from direct power and administrative influence to regulatory activities and active public participation. The participation of civil society representatives, international experts, key stakeholders, and legislative changes bring certain positive elements to the further course of reform in Ukraine, which will definitely continue after our victory in the war of aggression waged by Russia against Ukraine and the entire democratic world.

Key words: reforms, main vectors of reforms, administrative reform, administrative and legal support, State Administration Reform Strategy.
Development of Islamic Insurance (Takaful) in Bangladesh: Legal Barriers and Challenges
Authors: Ershad Uddın Ahm
Published: December 2023

This study delves into the concept of Takaful, an Islamic insurance model, and its legal framework, focusing on its role and potential within the insurance market of Bangladesh. It examines the challenges and opportunities posed by Takaful, considering its alignment with Islamic principles and its growth compared to conventional insurance systems involving ribā (interest) and ghrār (uncertainty), which raises concerns about Islamic law. The traditional system of insurance's concerns over compatibility with Islamic law has paved the way for Takaful, an alternative insurance model rooted in Islamic finance principles. Given Bangladesh's Muslim-majority population and substantial market for Islamic banking, understanding and enhancing the Takaful industry's potential is crucial. This study addresses the need for an ethical and Sharia-compliant insurance solution while contributing to the broader discourse on Islamic finance. The primary objective of this study is to assess the significance of Takaful in the context of the Bangladeshi insurance market. It aims to evaluate Takaful's alignment with Islamic principles, its market growth, and its legal framework. By identifying challenges and opportunities, the study seeks to provide recommendations for policymakers and insurance practitioners to promote Takaful effectively in Bangladesh. This study employs a mixed-methods approach. The research assesses Takaful's market share, growth trajectory, and comparison with conventional insurance products. In addition, qualitative analysis is used to identify legal and commercial challenges hindering Takaful's growth. Recommendations are formulated based on the research findings, aiming to enhance Takaful's role through policy adjustments within the Insurance Act 2010 and addressing challenges related to Islamic commercial law. By scrutinizing the significance of Takaful in the specific context of Bangladesh's insurance market, this study provides valuable insights to stakeholders, guiding the growth and development of the Takaful industry while respecting Islamic principles and ethical considerations.
Development of a predictive geoinformational model for market value assessment of land plots in expert system
Authors:   Research Laboratory ", Кurlov А. V. ,   Laboratory of Urban Technologies and Spatial Development"
Published: December 2023

When solving the task of market value evaluation, there is a problem associated with a set of data on the market value of land plots. In order to define real market value, a hypothesis was put forward that a model for predicting the land plot cadastral value would be effective for predicting an increase in the land plot market value as well. The research is aimed at determining the land plot market value, taking into account the spatial factor. The article analyzes the data of the land plot market value based on registered purchase and sale transactions. The results of the study showed that the location of land plots in relation to social infrastructure, federal highways, large settlements and reservoirs has a strong influence on the market value. Based on this, a mathematical model has been developed that uses a self-optimizing ruble method to determine the cost per square meter of land plot. The principle of the future software product operation is that in a special plugin, the user can select a land plot on the map or set its coordinates and get an investment attractiveness class, a hypothetical value of a land plot and profit for a given number of years.
Geoinformation aspect of the systematization of geological and geophysical data archive: problems and solutions
Authors:   Limited Liability Company ", Loginov D. S. ,   Tselevoi Gorizont"
Published: December 2023

The article highlights methodological issues of geoinformation aspect of systematization of geological and geophysical data archive on the example of disparate lists of archive documents of a typical service organization (small and medium-sized business entity). The article proposes the methodology of preparation of a single array of geodata to ensure spatial search of storage materials and formation of derivative cartographic products for various purposes. The result of approbation was the system of the archive of the generalised level of study (the level of projects implemented by the organization), including the interconnected geodata array with the boundaries of the objects of completed works, the register of contracts and the catalogue of storage units. The proposed solutions for the formation of a relational database with the developed key identification code of the spatial object of study are oriented to the systematization of not only the data on the spatial boundaries of the works performed, but also the current lists of archival documents. The results obtained ensure not only the continuity of the life cycle and full functioning of data within the organization, but also operational access to information when designing modern geological and exploration works in previously explored regions of the country.
The concept of a regional land monitoring system for the purpose of spatial development of urbanized territories
Authors:   Industrial University of Tyumen, Chernykh E. G.
Published: December 2023

The article is devoted to the study of approaches to the tools of the regional land monitoring system of urbanized territories (hereinafter referred to as LMSUT). In the article, the author briefly discusses the origin of the term "spatial development of urbanized territories". In the process of research the author proposed an organizational and management system of the regional system of land monitoring of the regional system of LMSUT for the purpose of spatial development of urbanized territories of the sub-ject, aimed at the practical application of solving the problems of rational land use, as well as provid-ing proper management of the development of territories, which will allow to receive prompt, timely, accurate information for the purposes of planning the spatial development of territories and making management decisions. The key properties of the system of regional LMSUT, input and output flow, as well as attributes of the means of system realization are given. In conclusion, to determine the effectiveness of the regional monitoring system of urbanized territories, the author proposes to apply the principles of formation of criteria and indicators of the effectiveness of technical systems, considered in the works of leading Russian scientists. The outcome of the study are recommendations for the application of the developed organization and management system of LMSUT.
Design a database of technologically disturbed and polluted territories of the Novosibirsk region
Authors:   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies, Kolesnikov A. A. ,   Institute of Mining, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kosarev N. S. ,   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies; Institute of Mining, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Nemova N. A. ,   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies; Institute of Mining, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Reznik A. V. ,   Institute of Mining, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Platonov T. A. ,   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies
Published: December 2023

Today, the problem of assessing the impact of technologically disturbed territories on the environment and analyzing decisions on their further use, taking into account environmental measures, is becoming more and more acute. The article discusses the sources of obtaining initial data for the assessment of technologically disturbed territories and their features when integrated into a single dynamically updated database. The structural elements of such a database and the stored characteristics are described both from the point of view of spatial data and from the ecological state of objects. The article proposes the concept of a multilevel system of various methods of computer modeling of complex, spatially distributed nonlinear systems "natural environment – technological space – man-made disturbed territory". It also describes the general scheme of the repository that solves the task and a set of software solutions that allow automating the processes of collecting and integrating data from open sources to the territory of interest.
Silent Epidemic of Rape in India
Authors: Mukherjee Chirashree , Bhattacharya Agniva
Published: December 2023

This article delves into transgressions against women, with a particular emphasis on rape. It intricately scrutinizes extant anti-rape statutes, procedural medical interventions for rape victims, and the discernible transformations within our judicial apparatus. The discourse extends to various manifestations of rape, encompassing marital rape, paedophilia, necrophilia, unnatural offenses, among others. The narrative navigates the complex legal and medical terrain, providing an erudite examination of the multifaceted challenges embedded in addressing these egregious violations against women. In elucidating the nuanced dimensions, the exposition aims to distill a comprehensive understanding of the intricate legal frameworks and medical protocols governing instances of rape. Due to change in moral values, cultural beliefs and norms with time the definition of rape has gone through significant scrutiny and has evolved to be treated as a crime. In India though the rape laws trace their origin from the English common law there was significant importance given to anti-rape laws in ancient India also. The majority of our ancient texts dealing with crimes against women, emphasises about crimes against her body. Any attempt to violate women’s chastity was considered to be a sin and the punishments for such crimes were to be thrown out of the society according to Manu2. Manu also quotes ‘Yatra naryastu pujyante ramante tatra Devata, yatraitaastu na pujyante sarvaastatrafalaah kriyaah’ meaning where Women are honoured, divinity blossoms there, and where women are dishonored, all action no matter how noble remain unfruitful. Section 375 of The Indian Penal Code deals with the provision of rape.
Drönare för snabbare lägesbild
Authors: Kristiansson Magnus
Published: December 2023

Projektet Hjärtstartare med drönare som inleddes 2020 startade med finansiering från Vinnova samt Innovationsfonden VGR. Detta projekt har rönt stor uppmärksamhet i bland annat media, såväl nationellt som internationelltProjektet är unikt: det finns ingen kännedom om att ett liknande operationellt system finns uppsatt, vare sig i Sverige eller övriga världen. I nuläget finns i systemet fem hangarer i drift i regionenProjektet har lett till insikter kring hur drönare kan, utöver leverans av hjärtstartare, också vara först på plats vid en akut händelse. Bildöverföring från skadeplats, där larmoperatören kan få ett visuellt stöd i bedömning och dimensionering. Tester kring denna tillämpning pågår 2022-23. Denna funktion bedöms beröra flera samverkande myndigheter och kanske snarare är att betrakta som en samhällsresurs än en sjukvårdsresurs.
Progress in methods for evaluating Schwann cell myelination and axonal growth in peripheral nerve regeneration via scaffolds
Authors: Ling Jue , He Chang , Zhang Shuxuan , Zhao Yahong , Zhu Meifeng , Tang Xiaoxuan , Li Qiaoyuan , Xu Liming , Yang Yumin
Published: December 2023

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a neurological disorder caused by trauma that is frequently induced by accidents, war, and surgical complications, which is of global significance. The severity of the injury determines the potential for lifelong disability in patients. Artificial nerve scaffolds have been investigated as a powerful tool for promoting optimal regeneration of nerve defects. Over the past few decades, bionic scaffolds have been successfully developed to provide guidance and biological cues to facilitate Schwann cell myelination and orientated axonal growth. Numerous assessment techniques have been employed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of nerve scaffolds in promoting the growth of Schwann cells and axons upon the bioactivities of distinct scaffolds, which have encouraged a greater understanding of the biological mechanisms involved in peripheral nerve development and regeneration. However, it is still difficult to compare the results from different labs due to the diversity of protocols and the availability of innovative technologies when evaluating the effectiveness of novel artificial scaffolds. Meanwhile, due to the complicated process of peripheral nerve regeneration, several evaluation methods are usually combined in studies on peripheral nerve repair. Herein, we have provided an overview of the evaluation methods used to study the outcomes of scaffold-based therapies for PNI in experimental animal models and especially focus on Schwann cell functions and axonal growth within the regenerated nerve.
Oscillometric measurement of the ankle-brachial index and the estimated carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity improves the sensitivity of an automated device in screening peripheral artery disease
Authors: Fendrik Krisztina , Biró Katalin , Endrei Dóra , Koltai Katalin , Sándor Barbara , Tóth Kálmán , Késmárky Gábor
Published: December 2023

Background and aims

To overcome the time and personnel constraints of the Doppler method, automated, four-limb blood pressure monitors were recently developed. Their additional functions, such as measuring the estimated carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (ecfPWV), have been, thus far, less studied. We aimed to compare the sensitivity and specificity of different ankle-brachial index (ABI), toe-brachial index (TBI), and ecfPWV measurement methodologies to evaluate their contribution to peripheral artery disease (PAD) screening.

Methods

Among 230 patients (mean age 64 ± 14 years), ABI measurements were performed using a Doppler device and a manual sphygmomanometer. The Doppler ABI was calculated by taking the higher, while the modified Doppler ABI by taking the lower systolic blood pressure of the two ankle arteries as the numerator, and the higher systolic blood pressure of both brachial arteries as the denominator. The automated ABI measurement was carried out using an automatic BOSO ABI-system 100 PWV device, which also measured ecfPWV. TBI was obtained using a laser Doppler fluxmeter (Periflux 5000) and a photoplethysmographic device (SysToe). To assess atherosclerotic and definitive PAD lesions, vascular imaging techniques were used, including ultrasound in 160, digital subtraction angiography in 66, and CT angiography in four cases.

Results

ROC analysis exhibited a sensitivity/specificity of 70.6%/98.1% for the Doppler ABI (area under the curve, AUC = 0.873), 84.0%/94.4% for the modified Doppler ABI (AUC = 0.923), and 61.5%/97.8% for the BOSO ABI (AUC = 0.882) at a cutoff of 0.9. Raising the cutoff to 1.0 increased the sensitivity of BOSO to 80.7%, with the specificity decreasing to 79.1%. The ecfPWV measurement (AUC = 0.896) demonstrated a 63.2%/100% sensitivity/specificity in predicting atherosclerotic lesions at a cutoff of 10 m/s. Combining BOSO ABI and ecfPWV measurements recognized 89.5% of all PAD limbs.

Conclusion

The combined BOSO ABI and ecfPWV measurements may help select patients requiring further non-invasive diagnostic evaluation for PAD. The user-friendly feasibility may make it suitable for screening large populations.
Identification of novel genes including NAV2 associated with isolated tall stature
Authors: Weiss Birgit , Ott Tim , Vick Philipp , Lui Julian C. , Roeth Ralph , Vogel Sebastian , Waldmüller Stephan , Hoffmann Sandra , Baron Jeffrey , Wit Jan M. , Rappold Gudrun A.
Published: December 2023

Very tall people attract much attention and represent a clinically and genetically heterogenous group of individuals. Identifying the genetic etiology can provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating linear growth. We studied a three-generation pedigree with five isolated (non-syndromic) tall members and one individual with normal stature by whole exome sequencing; the tallest man had a height of 211 cm. Six heterozygous gene variants predicted as damaging were shared among the four genetically related tall individuals and not present in a family member with normal height. To gain insight into the putative role of these candidate genes in bone growth, we assessed the transcriptome of murine growth plate by microarray and RNA Seq. Two (Ift140, Nav2) of the six genes were well-expressed in the growth plate. Nav2 (p-value 1.91E-62) as well as Ift140 (p-value of 2.98E-06) showed significant downregulation of gene expression between the proliferative and hypertrophic zone, suggesting that these genes may be involved in the regulation of chondrocyte proliferation and/or hypertrophic differentiation. IFT140, NAV2 and SCAF11 have also significantly associated with height in GWAS studies. Pathway and network analysis indicated functional connections between IFT140, NAV2 and SCAF11 and previously associated (tall) stature genes. Knockout of the all-trans retinoic acid responsive gene, neuron navigator 2 NAV2, in Xenopus supports its functional role as a growth promotor. Collectively, our data expand the spectrum of genes with a putative role in tall stature phenotypes and, among other genes, highlight NAV2 as an interesting gene to this phenotype.
Hypertension and hyperglycaemia are positively correlated with local invasion of early cervical cancer
Authors: Shen Tiantian , Zhao Jing , Li Wenhan , Wang Xiaoman , Gao Yumei , Wang Zehua , Hu Sha , Cai Jing
Published: December 2023

Background

Metabolic disorders are involved in the development of numerous cancers, but their association with the progression of cervical cancer is unclear. This study aims to investigate the association between metabolic disorders and the pathological risk factors and survival in patients with early cervical cancer.

Methods

Patients with FIGO IB1 (2009) primary cervical cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy and systematic pelvic lymph node dissection at our institution from October 2014 to December 2017 were included retrospectively. Clinical data regarding the metabolic syndrome and surgical pathology of the patient were collected. The correlations between metabolic disorders (hypertension, hyperglycemia, and obesity) and clinicopathological characteristics as well as survival after surgery were analyzed.

Results

The study included 246 patients with clinical IB1 cervical cancer, 111 (45.1%) of whom had at least one of the comorbidities of hypertension, obesity, or hyperglycemia. Hypertension was positively correlated with parametrial invasion and poorly differentiated histology; hyperglycemia was positively correlated with stromal invasion; obesity was negatively associated with lymph node metastasis; but arbitrary disorder did not show any correlation with pathologic features. Hypertension was an independent risk factor for parametrial invasion (OR=6.54, 95% CI: 1.60-26.69); hyperglycemia was an independent risk factor for stromal invasion (OR=2.05, 95% CI: 1.07-3.95); and obesity was an independent protective factor for lymph node metastasis (OR=0.07, 95% CI: 0.01-0.60). Moreover, the patients with hypertension had a significantly lower 5-year OS rate (70.0% vs. 95.3%, P<0.0001) and a significantly lower 5-year PFS rate than those without hypertension (70.0% vs. 91.2%, P=0.010).

Conclusion

Hypertension and hyperglycemia are positively associated with local invasion of early cervical cancer, which need to be verified in multi-center, large scale studies.
Transcriptome analysis reveals pituitary lncRNA, circRNA and mRNA affecting fertility in high- and low-yielding goats
Authors: Mao Shuaixiang , Dong Shucan , Hou Biwei , Li Yaokun , Sun Baoli , Guo Yongqing , Deng Ming , Liu Dewu , Liu Guangbin
Published: December 2023

The pituitary gland serves as the central endocrine regulator of growth, reproduction, and metabolism and plays a crucial role in the reproductive process of female animals. Transcriptome analysis was conducted using pituitary gland samples from Leizhou goats with varying levels of fecundity to investigate the effects of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), circular RNA (circRNA), and mRNA regulation on pituitary hormone secretion and its association with goat fecundity. The analysis aimed to identify lncRNAs, circRNAs, and mRNAs that influence the fertility of Leizhou goats. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed on differentially expressed lncRNAs, circRNAs, and mRNAs and revealed considerable enrichment in pathways, such as regulation of hormone secretion, germ cell development, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion. The pituitary lncRNAs (ENSCHIT00000010293, ENSCHIT00000010304, ENSCHIT00000010306, ENSCHIT00000010290, ENSCHIT00000010298, ENSCHIT00000006769, ENSCHIT00000006767, ENSCHIT00000006921, and ENSCHIT00000001330) and circRNAs (chicirc_029285, chicirc_026618, chicirc_129655, chicirc_018248, chicirc_122554, chicirc_087101, and chicirc_078945) identified as differentially expressed regulated hormone secretion in the pituitary through their respective host genes. Additionally, differential mRNAs (GABBR2, SYCP1, HNF4A, CBLN1, and CDKN1A) influenced goat fecundity by affecting hormone secretion in the pituitary gland. These findings contribute to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying pituitary regulation of fecundity in Leizhou goats.
Gender analysis of the World Health Organization online learning program on Immunization Agenda 2030
Authors: Nyasulu Boetumelo Julianne , Heidari Shirin , Manna Michela , Bahl Jhilmil , Goodman Tracey
Published: December 2023

Vaccine-preventable diseases pose a significant threat to children under five globally, creating disparities in immunization coverage. Despite its cost-effectiveness and life-saving potential, immunization faces challenges in achieving equitable coverage. Gender inequalities deeply influence access to healthcare, affecting immunization rates. This study examines the action plans submitted by participants of the World Health Organization's (WHO) IA2030 Scholar Level 1 certification course in 2021. A qualitative analysis was conducted on a subset of 111 action plans that scored above 75%, employing narrative thematic analysis to categorize and explore gender incorporation and identified barriers based on the IA2030 Gender Guide. Among the 111 analyzed action plans, gender considerations were present in almost all plans, underscoring the effectiveness of integrating gender perspectives in the course curriculum. The most frequently cited barriers included low education and health literacy, issues related to accessing quality immunization services, gendered dynamics in decision-making within households, and limited access to resources and mobility, predominantly impacting women. The findings confirm that gender inequalities significantly contribute to suboptimal immunization coverage. An intersectional approach, recognizing diverse social markers impacting immunization, is vital to address disparities effectively. Moreover, the need for gender-sensitive data and deeper understanding of intersectional dynamics was emphasized. The study highlights the importance of gender-transformative interventions, including community engagement and efforts targeting both men and women to enhance immunization coverage. While acknowledging limitations, such as potential biases in peer evaluations and the need for wider inclusivity in gender perspectives, this analysis underscores the significance of mainstreaming gender in immunization capacity-building programs. The integration of gender considerations not only raises awareness but also equips professionals to create more gender-responsive immunization programs. Continuous efforts to incorporate gender perspectives can lead to more effective, equitable, and gender-transformative immunization initiatives at various levels.
HLA frequency distribution of the Portuguese bone marrow donor registry
Authors: Espada Eduardo , Ligeiro Dário , Trindade Hélder , Lacerda João F.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The Portuguese donor Registry of CEDACE was the fifth largest per capita bone marrow donor Registry of the WMDA as of 2019 and has yet to be thoroughly analyzed. We aimed to characterize its various aspects, including demographics and HLA allele and haplotype frequencies, to evaluate the genetic matching propensity score and ultimately further develop it.

Methods

We described and compared characteristics of the donor population with census data and used an Expectation-Maximization algorithm and analyses of molecular variance to assess haplotype frequencies and establish phylogenetic distances between regions and districts within the country.

Results

We identified 396545 donors, corresponding to 3.85% of the Portuguese population; the median donor age was 39 years, with 60.4% of female donors. Most donors were Portuguese nationals, although 40 other nationalities were present, with a significant proportion of donors from Brazil and Portuguese-speaking African Countries; almost all donors self-reported as Western, with the second largest group reporting African ancestry. There was an asymmetric contribution of donors from different districts and regions, with most coming from coastal districts and few from the southern districts and autonomous regions; foreign and self-declared non-Western donors were mainly located in the Metropolitan Area of Lisbon and the South. Although most donors were typed in three loci (HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-DRB1), only 44% were also typed in HLA-C, 1.28% in HLA-DQB1 and only 0.77% in all five loci and in high-resolution. There were varying allele and haplotype frequencies across districts and regions, with the most common three loci, low-resolution haplotypes, being HLA-A*01~B*08~DRB1*03, A*29~B*44~DRB1*07 and HLA-A*02~B*44~DRB1*04; some haplotypes were more prevalent in the South, others in the North and a few in the autonomous regions; African and foreign donors presented relevant differences in haplotype frequency distributions, including rare haplotypes of potential interest. We also report on four loci, low-resolution frequency distributions. Using AMOVA, we compared genetic distances between districts and regions, which recapitulated the country's geography.

Discussion

Our analysis showed potential paths to optimization of the Registry, including increasing the male donor pool and focusing on underrepresented districts and particular populations of interest, such as donors from Portuguese-speaking African countries.
Feeding ecology of Antarctic toothfish, Dissostichus mawsoni in the subarea 88.3 (Bellingshausen Sea and eastern Amundsen Sea) of the Southern Ocean
Authors: Seong Gi Chang , Chung Sangdeok , Kim Do-Gyun , Kang Da Yeon , Jin Suyeon , Baeck Gun Wook
Published: December 2023

Understanding feeding ecology is essential for ecosystem-based management. As dietary data can show differences depending on the spatiotemporal and ontogenetic aspects of the sample, the results should be derived based on various size classes and samples over a wide spatiotemporal range. Morphological analysis of the stomach contents of Dissostichus mawsoni, a piscivore, collected at depths of 603–2,113 m in subarea 88.3 during the Antarctic summer fishing seasons from 2016 to 2020 was used to assess the dietary composition according to the research block, fishing season, depth, and size. Here, we used 1,639 D. mawsoni specimens with a total length range of 44.5–189.0 cm. The dietary composition of D. mawsoni did not show significant differences by fishing season but differed with research block, depth, and size. Macrouridae dominated research blocks 88.3_1 and 88.3_3; Nototheniidae dominated research blocks 88.3_2 and 88.3_6; and Channichthyidae dominated research blocks 88.3_4 and 88.3_5. The proportion of Nototheniidae decreased as depth increased, whereas the consumption of Channichthyidae increased gradually with depth in research blocks 88.3_3 and 88.3_4. The proportion of Channichthyidae decreased as body size increased, whereas the consumption of Macrouridae increased gradually with body size in both blocks 88.3_3 and 88.3_4. During the study period, the dietary composition of D. mawsoni in both blocks 88.3_3 and 88.3_4 did not show significant temporal differences, suggesting that these data could be used as a baseline for identifying future environmental changes in the region. This study provides information on the relationships between various species and benthic fish fauna, which are essential for ecosystem-based management.
Characterization of marine heat waves in the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Djakouré Sandrine , Koné Mamadou , Koffi Kouakou Urbain , Kouadio Kouassi Yves , Adon Marcellin , Nyadjro Ebenezer , Ta Samuel
Published: December 2023

Marine heat waves (MHWs) can potentially alter ocean ecosystems with far-reaching ecological and socio-economic consequences. In this study, we characterize the MHWs in the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean with a focus on the Gulf of Guinea (GG). The Optimum Interpolation Sea Surface Temperature (OISST) data from January 1991 to December 2020 and PIRATA network temperature data, from October 2019 to March 2020, have been used for this purpose. The results show that the eastern tropical Atlantic has experienced an annual average of 2 MHWs events in recent decades. Based on the spatial distribution of the different characteristics of these MHWs, we subdivided the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean into three zones: the northern coast of the GG, the equatorial zone and the Congo-Gabon coastal region. The trend associated with MHWs events showed an increase in the number of MHWs since 2015 in the different zones. This increase was greater at the northern coast of the GG than at the equator and the Congo-Gabon coast. Long-duration MHWs are more frequent in the equatorial zone. High intensity MHWs were observed in different areas with sea surface temperature anomalies greater than 2°C. These anomalies are more intense at the Congo-Gabon coast. The results also revealed that the MHWs event at the equator from mid-October 2019 to March 2020 initially occurred in the subsurface before it appeared at the surface. These results also suggested that ocean temperatures are a potential predictor of MHW events.
Natural copper-binding ligands in the Arctic Ocean. The influence of the Transpolar Drift (GEOTRACES GN04)
Authors: Arnone Veronica , Santana-Casiano J. Magdalena , González-Dávila Melchor , Planquette Hélène , Sarthou Géraldine , Gerringa Loes J. A. , González Aridane G.
Published: December 2023

The Arctic Ocean is a unique biogeochemical environment characterized by low salinity surface waters, extensive sea-ice coverage, high riverine inputs, large shelf extension and the long residence time of deep waters. These characteristics determine the distribution of dissolved bio-essential trace metals, such as copper (Cu), and the dissolved organic-binding ligands capable of complexing it. This work reports the concentrations and conditional stability constants of dissolved Cu-binding ligands (LCu and log KcondCu2+L) measured in samples from the Polarstern (PS94) expedition, as part of the international GEOTRACES program (cruise GN04). Full-depth profile stations from the Barents Sea, Nansen Basin, Amundsen Basin and Makarov Basin were analysed by competitive ligand exchange-adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry (CLE-AdCSV). The basins and water masses presented a wide range of LCu concentrations (range: 1.40 – 7.91 nM) and log KcondCu2+L values (range: 13.83 – 16.01). The highest variability of Cu-binding ligand concentrations was observed in surface waters (≤200 m), and mean concentrations increased from the Barents Sea and Nansen Basin (2.15 ± 0.31 nM and 1.93 ± 0.35 nM, respectively) to the Amundsen (3.84 ± 1.69 nM) and Makarov Basins (4.40± 2.03 nM). The influence of the Transpolar Drift (TDP) flow path was observed in the Amundsen and Makarov Basins, especially on Cu-binding ligand concentrations (LCu range: 3.96 – 7.91 nM). In contrast, deep waters (>200 m) showed no significant differences between basins and water masses in terms of LCu concentrations (range: 1.45 – 2.78 nM) and log KcondCu2+L (range: 14.02 – 15.46). The presence of strong Cu-binding ligands (log KcondCu2+L>13) in surface waters stabilises the excess of dissolved copper (dCu) transported in the TPD and favours its export to the Fram Strait and Nordic Seas.
Maternal, newborn and breast milk concentrations of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor in a F508del heterozygous woman with cystic fibrosis following successful pregnancy
Authors: Ripani Pietro , Mucci Matteo , Pantano Stefano , Di Sabatino Maria , Collini Francesca , Ferri Giulia , Romano Mario , Recchiuti Antonio
Published: December 2023

With the introduction of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI), more women with cystic fibrosis (CF) are likely to grow families. Hence, an understanding long-term safety and effects of CFTR modulators on fertile women and children while monitoring their concentrations is crucial. Here, we report on the development of an improved LC–MS/MS methodology to measure ETI concentrations in maternal and child blood and breastmilk, applied in one case of successful pregnancy of a 30-year-old woman with CF (F508del/R334W). We observed that ETI remains stable in breastmilk, is absorbed by the infant and can be detected in child plasma. Our results confirm accumulating evidence of a successful pregnancy in women treated with CFTR modulators without significant side effects on the child and provide valuable analytical procedures suitable for the post-marketing evaluation of CFTR modulators in pregnant and lactating women, as well as in their infants.
Stilbenes: a promising small molecule modulator for epigenetic regulation in human diseases
Authors: Tian Jing , Jin Li , Liu Hongquan , Hua Zichun
Published: December 2023

Stilbenes are characterized by a vinyl group connecting two benzene rings to form the basic parent nucleus. Hydrogen atoms on different positions of the benzene rings can be substituted with hydroQxyl groups. These unique structural features confer anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, cardiovascular protective, and neuroprotective pharmacological effects upon these compounds. Numerous small molecule compounds have demonstrated these pharmacological activities in recent years, including Resveratrol, and Pterostilbene, etc. Tamoxifen and Raloxifene are FDA-approved commonly prescribed synthetic stilbene derivatives. The emphasis is on the potential of these small molecules and their structural derivatives as epigenetic regulators in various diseases. Stilbenes have been shown to modulate epigenetic marks, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, which can alter gene expression patterns and contribute to disease development. This review will discuss the mechanisms by which stilbenes regulate epigenetic marks in various diseases, as well as clinical trials, with a focus on the potential of small molecule and their derivatives such as Resveratrol, Pterostilbene, and Tamoxifen.
Maintenance of stem cell activity in plant development and stress responses
Authors: Zhang Huankai , Mu Yangwei , Zhang Hui , Yu Caiyu
Published: December 2023

Stem cells residing in plant apical meristems play an important role during postembryonic development. These stem cells are the wellspring from which tissues and organs of the plant emerge. The shoot apical meristem (SAM) governs the aboveground portions of a plant, while the root apical meristem (RAM) orchestrates the subterranean root system. In their sessile existence, plants are inextricably bound to their environment and must adapt to various abiotic stresses, including osmotic stress, drought, temperature fluctuations, salinity, ultraviolet radiation, and exposure to heavy metal ions. These environmental challenges exert profound effects on stem cells, potentially causing severe DNA damage and disrupting the equilibrium of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca2+ signaling in these vital cells, jeopardizing their integrity and survival. In response to these challenges, plants have evolved mechanisms to ensure the preservation, restoration, and adaptation of the meristematic stem cell niche. This enduring response allows plants to thrive in their habitats over extended periods. Here, we presented a comprehensive overview of the cellular and molecular intricacies surrounding the initiation and maintenance of the meristematic stem cell niche. We also delved into the mechanisms employed by stem cells to withstand and respond to abiotic stressors.
A cost-effectiveness analysis of pre-pregnancy genetic screening for deafness: an empirical study in China
Authors: Lv Yipeng , Wang Zhili , Yuan Ling , Cheng Fan , Wu Hao , Wang Zhaoxin , Yang Tao , Chen Ying
Published: December 2023

Objectives

This research aims to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of pre-pregnancy deafness screening policies.

Methods

Married couples from Shanghai, Beijing, and Suzhou in China were enrolled. We conducted high-throughput, pre-pregnancy genetic screenings for deafness in women and their partners. We compared the cost-effectiveness of deafness genetic screening with the status quo. The two-step screening (wife then partner) and following treatments and interventions were included in the decision tree model. We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis based on the decrease in deaf newborns, healthy newborn births, and cost-utility analysis of pre-pregnancy deafness genetic screening separately. Cost, utility, and probability data used in the three models were collected from a survey combined with literature and expert consultants. A 5% discount rate and a series of one-way sensitivity analyses along with a Monte Carlo simulation were used to test the reliability of this research.

Results

Between Jan 1, 2019, and Dec 31, 2021, we recruited 6,200 females and 540 male spouses from community health service centers in Shanghai, Beijing, and Suzhou. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for reducing deaf newborn births was USD 32,656 per case and USD 1,203,926 per case for increasing one healthy newborn birth. This gap exists because of the overall decrease of newborn births. From the perspective of the whole society, deafness genetic screening is not cost-effective for reducing the overall quality-adjusted life years (QALY) in the population.

Discussion

Pre-pregnancy genetic testing is effective in decreasing the occurrence of congenital deafness. It is a cost-saving measure when compared with the costs of future medical expenditure and income loss for the affected families. However, such screening and preventive avoidance of pregnancy will decrease the population size and QALY. Only post-screening ART with PGT was shown to increase the birth of healthy newborns. Focusing on key groups such as premature births or consanguineous couples may improve the societal effects of screening.