bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SIRT1 and antioxidants in infertile females: Exploration of the role of vitamin D
Authors: Alam Faiza , Shahid Maheen , Riffat Sumaira , Zulkipli Ihsan Nazurah , Syed Fatima , Ashraf Mussarat , Rehman Rehana
Published: July 2023

Background

Deficiency of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) can trigger inflammation, mitochondrial malfunctioning, and apoptosis through the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, producing poor quality oocytes, leading to infertility. Normal vitamin D (VD) levels promote SIRT1 activity required for optimal fertility, and low levels of either may result in fertility problems owing to cell-membrane de-stabilization, increased autophagy, DNA damage leading to increased reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, in this study, we want to estimate the levels of VD, SIRT1 and antioxidants (MnSOD; manganese superoxide dismutase, GR; glutathione reductase, visfatin) and oxidants (adrenaline & cortisol) in individuals living with infertility and explore the association of VD with SIRT1 expression (levels), antioxidants, and oxidants contributing to infertility in women. The significance of this study is that it highlights the importance of maintaining optimal levels of VD for reproductive health in females.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 342 (135 infertile and 207 fertile) female subjects. Serum levels of MnSOD, SIRT1, visfatin, GR, VD, adrenaline, and cortisol were analyzed by ELISA and were compared in fertile and infertile samples using the Mann Whitney U test.

Results

There were significantly high levels of VD, SIRT1, GR, MnSOD and visfatin in fertile female participants. However, mean adrenaline and cortisol levels were higher in infertile samples with a significant negative correlation with VD. A significant negative correlation of VD with MnSOD, SIRT1, visfatin and GR was observed (p <0.01). In VD subset groups, MnSOD levels were significantly high in VD sufficient groups however, adrenaline and cortisol levels were significantly high in groups suffering from VD deficiency.

Conclusions

Deficiency of VD is associated with a decrease in SIRT1 and other antioxidants, which may deter natural reproductive functions leading to infertility. Further studies are required to determine the cause-effect relationship of VD deficiency on conception and interpretation of the involved mechanism.
Retinoic acid alters metalloproteinase action in red deer antler stem cells
Authors: Korzekwa Anna J. , Kononiuk Anna , Kordan Władysław , Orzołek Aleksandra
Published: July 2023

Metalloproteinases (MMP)s regulate developmental processes, control angiogenesis and wound healing, participate in the formation of immune receptors, and are expressed in stem cells. Retinoic acid (RA) is a potential modulator of these proteinases. The aim was to determine (1) MMPs’ action in antler stem cells (ASCs) before and after differentiation into adipo-, osteo-, and chondrocytes and (2) the effect of RA on modifying MMP action in ASCs. Antler tissue from pedicle was collected approximately 40 days after antler casting, post mortem from healthy breeding five year old males (N = 7). The cells were isolated from the pedicle layer of periosteum after skin separation and cultured. The pluripotency of the ASCs was evaluated by mRNA expression for NANOG, SOX2, and OCT4. ASCs were stimulated with RA (100nM) and differentiated for 14 days. The MMP (1–3) and TIMP(1–3) (tissue inhibitor of MMPs) mRNA expression was determined in the ASCs, their concentrations in the ASCs and the medium after RA stimulation as well as profiles of mRNA expression for MMPs: 1–3 and TIMPs: 1–3 during differentiation of ASC to osteocytes, adipocytes and chondrocytes. RA increased MMP-3 and TIMP-3 mRNA expression and output (P < 0.05) and not influenced on MMP-1 and TIMP-1 mRNA expression and output in ASC (P > 0.05). Depending on differentiation of ASC to osteocytes, adipocytes or chondrocytes, MMPs`and TIMPs`expression profile fluctuates for all studied proteases and its inhibitors. The studies demand continuation considering the role of proteases in stem cells physiology and differentiation. The results may be relevant for the study of cellular processes during the cancerogenesis of tumor stem cells.
Establishment of the lymphoid ETS-code reveals deregulated ETS genes in Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Nagel Stefan , Meyer Corinna , Pommerenke Claudia
Published: July 2023

The human family of ETS transcription factors numbers 28 genes which control multiple aspects of development, notably the differentiation of blood and immune cells. Otherwise, aberrant expression of ETS genes is reportedly involved in forming leukemia and lymphoma. Here, we comprehensively mapped ETS gene activities in early hematopoiesis, lymphopoiesis and all mature types of lymphocytes using public datasets. We have termed the generated gene expression pattern lymphoid ETS-code. This code enabled identification of deregulated ETS genes in patients with lymphoid malignancies, revealing 12 aberrantly expressed members in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). For one of these, ETS gene ETV3, expression in stem and progenitor cells in addition to that in developing and mature T-cells was mapped together with downregulation in B-cell differentiation. In contrast, subsets of HL patients aberrantly overexpressed ETV3, indicating oncogenic activity in this B-cell malignancy. Analysis of ETV3-overexpressing HL cell line SUP-HD1 demonstrated genomic duplication of the ETV3 locus at 1q23, GATA3 as mutual activator, and suppressed BMP-signalling as mutual downstream effect. Additional examination of the neighboring ETS genes ETS1 and FLI1 revealed physiological activities in B-cell development and aberrant downregulation in HL patient subsets. SUP-HD1 showed genomic loss on chromosome 11, del(11)(q22q25), targeting both ETS1 and FLI1, underlying their downregulation. Furthermore, in the same cell line we identified PBX1-mediated overexpression of RIOK2 which inhibited ETS1 and activated JAK2 expression. Collectively, we codified normal ETS gene activities in lymphopoiesis and identified oncogenic ETS members in HL.
Assigning harvested waterfowl to geographic origin using feather δ2H isoscapes: What is the best analytical approach?
Authors: Kusack Jackson W. , Tozer Douglas C. , Harvey Kayla M. , Schummer Michael L. , Hobson Keith A.
Published: July 2023

Establishing links between breeding, stopover, and wintering sites for migratory species is important for their effective conservation and management. Isotopic assignment methods used to create these connections rely on the use of predictable, established relationships between the isotopic composition of environmental hydrogen and that of the non-exchangeable hydrogen in animal tissues, often in the form of a calibration equation relating feather (δ2Hf) values derived from known-origin individuals and amount-weighted long-term precipitation (δ2Hp) data. The efficacy of assigning waterfowl to moult origin using stable isotopes depends on the accuracy of these relationships and their statistical uncertainty. Most current calibrations for terrestrial species in North America are done using amount-weighted mean growing-seasonδ2Hpvalues, but the calibration relationship is less clear for aquatic and semi-aquatic species. Our objective was to critically evaluate current methods used to calibrateδ2Hpisoscapes to predictedδ2Hfvalues for waterfowl. Specifically, we evaluated the strength of the relationships betweenδ2Hpvalues from three commonly used isoscapes and known-originδ2Hfvalues three published datasets and one collected as part of this study, also grouping these data into foraging guilds (dabbling vs diving ducks). We then evaluated the performance of assignments using these calibrations by applying a cross-validation procedure. It remains unclear if any of the testedδ2Hpisoscapes better predict surface water inputs into food webs for foraging waterfowl. We found only marginal differences in the performance of the tested known-origin datasets, where the combined foraging-guild-specific datasets showed lower assignment precision and model fit compared to data for individual species. We recommend the use of the more conservative combined foraging-guild-specific datasets to assign geographic origin for all dabbling duck species. Refining these relationships is important for improved waterfowl management and contributes to a better understanding of the limitations of assignment methods when using the isotope approach.
The Identification Environment Matters: Students’ Social Identification, Perceived Physical School Environment, and Anxiety – A Cross-Level Interaction Model
Authors: Finell Eerika , Tolvanen Asko , Shuttleworth Ian , Durrheim Kevin , Vuorenmaa Maaret
Published: July 2023

The social identity approach to health argues that well-being depends on the psychosocial circumstances of the groups to which individuals belong.
However, little is known about how the average level of identification in the group – ‘the identification environment

’ – buffers the negative health consequences of stressors. We used multilevel modelling to investigate whether identification environment in a school modified the association between the students’ perceptions of the quality of their school’s physical environment and their reported levels of anxiety. In two representative samples of Finnish school students (N=678 schools/71,392 students; N=704 schools/85,989 students), weak identification environment was related to increased anxiety. In addition, in schools where identification environment was weaker, the student-level relationship between perceived physical environment and anxiety was stronger, and students were more anxious. Our results provide evidence that identification environment needs to be considered when we analyse how group memberships affect well-being.
Spontaneous Pancreatic Pseudocyst-Superior Mesenteric Vein Fistula
Authors: Goble Spencer , Ayoub Alan , Boeke Scott , Matlock Robert , Malli Ahmad
Published: July 2023

Pancreatic pseudocyst formation is a common complication of chronic pancreatitis. Rarely, a fistula develops between the pseudocyst and the portal venous system. We present a case of a 50-year-old man who was found to have a pancreatic pseudocyst-superior mesenteric vein fistula after being evaluated for several months of abdominal pain and weight loss. The patient was treated with endoscopic stenting of the pancreatic duct along with early enteral nutrition and suppressive antibiotics, which resulted in improvement in his condition. This case report highlights clinical presentation and the complexity of treatment of this rare diagnosis.
Vitamin A Deficiency Screening in Patients With Chronic Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: Implications for Liver Transplant Candidates
Authors: Choudhry Hassaam S. , Zhu Aretha , Choudhry Hannaan S. , Pyrsopoulos Nikolaos , Dastjerdi Mohammad H.
Published: July 2023

Chronic liver pathologies may lead to vitamin A deficiency (VAD) through impairment of vitamin A absorption, storage, and distribution. VAD can contribute to ocular pathologies, and in the article, we present 2 patients with alcohol-associated cirrhosis admitted for liver transplant presenting with nonhealing central corneal epithelial defects in the eye without other known ocular pathologies. Low serum vitamin A levels were detected in both patients. Vitamin A supplementation eventually helped corneal epithelial healing within days/weeks. We suggest that VAD be screened for in all liver transplant candidates even before ocular symptoms present. This may prevent more severe VAD ocular sequelae.
Determination of prolactin reference intervals in different age groups
Authors: Kolesnikova G. S. , Malysheva N. M. , Zuraeva Z. T. , Nikankina L. V. , Melnichenko G. A.
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND: Clinical diagnostic laboratories (CDL) have at their disposal various automated systems for the measurement of biochemical parameters and markers such as prolactin. Each of the test systems manufactures offers its own alternate design of the method, which makes standardization difficult. In endocrinological practice, the problem of result discrepancies often arises. In hormonal assays, the clinical picture of patients sometimes does not correspond to the reference values provided by the manufacturers, which determines the need to develop the method-specific reference values for a specific population. The difficulty in interpreting basal prolactin levels is not only due to a transient increase in the hormone levels caused by stress or excessive physical exertion, but also due to a significant variability of indicators in the same patient, even if all recommendations for blood sampling are followed.

AIM: The aim of the study to determine the reference values in serum samples of women, men and children of different age groups for the VITROS Immunodiagnostic Systems and compare the results with the “expected prolactin levels” recommended by the method manufacturer

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The monocentric study included 879 serum samples of apparently healthy subjects who were admitted to the Endocrinology Research Center. Measurements were performed using the VITROS ECi 3600 automatic chemiluminescence analyzer (Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Great Britain).

RESULTS: For adult men and women reference values were 66–436 and 94–500 mIU/l respectively. When comparing the results of prolactin determination in women and men of the studied cohort with the “expected values” of the VITROS ECi 3600 manufacturer a systematic shift towards an increase in lower and upper limits of the reference values was found in both ­cohorts.

CONCLUSION: The obtained reference values of prolactin can be use in the determination of prolactin in the Russian population for VITROS ECi 3600 Immunodiagnostic Systems.
Zielorientierte Projektplanung (ZOPP) in regionaler Entwicklungsplanung
Authors: Nagel Gerhard
Published: July 2023

Die Planungsmethode, die in diesem Beitrag angewandt auf erstmalige regionale Entwicklungsplanung für einen (Land‑)Kreis Chinas erläutert wird, hat ihren Ursprung hei der U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) – die im Bundesauftrag Entwicklungsprojekte durch Expertenentsendung ausführt – übernahm diesen Ansatz in den frühen 80er Jahren, um ihn unter der neuen Bezeichnung „Zielorientierte Projektplanung“, kurz ZOPP, methodisch weiter auszuarbeiten und bald allen ihren Entwicklungsprojekten als verbindliches Management-Muster aufzuerlegen. Das Wesen dieses Verfahrens liegt in einer ausgeprägten Partizipation derer, die die Nutznießer basisorientierter Entwicklungsprojekte sein sollen, der Zielbevölkerung und Zielgruppen, und in der Förderung der Effektivität der Projekte. Es kehrte in den letzten Jahren in einer „Logical Framework Matrix“ in die Projektzyklen mehrerer internationaler Entwicklungsorganisationen zurück.Regionale Entwicklungsplanung stellt eine andere Gesamtaufgabe als Projektplanung und -durchführung. Die regionale Perspektive übergreift grundsätzlich alle Wirtschaftssektoren und Verwaltungsteilgebiete einer Planungsregion, während sie Projekte und Programme in Abstimmung mit Fachplanung nur insoweit aufbereiten läßt, als Implementation kurzfristig unter den lokalen Verhältnissen im Entwicklungsland erforderlich und auch wahrscheinlich ist. In der regional breiten Perspektive mag ein Grund liegen, weshalb ZOPP bisher noch nicht unter regionaler Entwicklungsplanung angewandt worden ist. In diesem Rahmen erscheint eine ausgeprägt partizipative Routine jedoch ebenfalls angeraten, desto mehr, wenn westliche Planungsberatung von einer chinesischen Administration gewünscht ist. Es gilt dann, der Ideologie der sozialistischen „Massenlinie“ ein Verfahren mit substantiellem partizipativem Gehalt gegenüberzustellen.Dieser Beitrag befaßt sich nicht mit der übergeordneten Planungsaufgabe (die im Auftrag der Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung erfüllt wurde), sondern mit der Frage, wie ZOPP darunter praktisch nutzbar gemacht werden konnte. Das Verfahren mußte gegenüber seinem Entwicklungsstand bei der GTZ beschnitten werden, dafür aber in seinem ursprünglichen Kern, den partizipativen Workshops, vertieft und über die Breite der regionalen Perspektive gezogen werden. Eine Grundbedingung für Erfolg war sicheres Vertrauen der chinesischen Partner.
Neighborhood-Based Hypergraph Core Decomposition
Authors: Arafat Naheed Anjum , Khan Arijit , Rai Arpit Kumar , Ghosh Bishwamittra
Published: July 2023

We propose
neighborhood-based core decomposition
: a novel way of decomposing hypergraphs into hierarchical neighborhood-cohesive subhypergraphs. Alternative approaches to decomposing hypergraphs, e.g., reduction to clique or bipartite graphs, are not meaningful in certain applications, the later also results in inefficient decomposition; while existing degree-based hypergraph decomposition does not distinguish nodes with different neighborhood sizes. Our case studies show that the proposed decomposition is more effective than degree and clique graph-based decompositions in disease intervention and in extracting provably approximate and application-wise meaningful densest subhypergraphs. We propose three algorithms: Peel, its efficient variant
E-Peel,
and a novel local algorithm:
Local-core
with parallel implementation. Our most efficient parallel algorithm
Local-core(P)
decomposes hypergraph with 27M nodes and 17M hyperedges in-memory within 91 seconds by adopting various optimizations. Finally, we develop a new hypergraph-core model, the
(neighborhood, degree)-core
by considering both neighborhood and degree constraints, design its decomposition algorithm
Local-core+Peel,
and demonstrate its superiority in spreading diffusion.
WiscSort: External Sorting for Byte-Addressable Storage
Authors: Banakar Vinay , Wu Kan , Patel Yuvraj , Keeton Kimberly , Arpaci-Dusseau Andrea C. , Arpaci-Dusseau Remzi H.
Published: July 2023

We present WiscSort, a new approach to high-performance concurrent sorting for existing and future byte-addressable storage (BAS) devices. WiscSort carefully reduces writes, exploits random reads by splitting keys and values during sorting, and performs interference-aware scheduling with thread pool sizing to avoid I/O bandwidth degradation. We introduce the
BRAID
model which encompasses the unique characteristics of BAS devices. Many state-of-the-art sorting systems do not comply with the BRAID model and deliver sub-optimal performance, whereas WiscSort demonstrates the effectiveness of complying with BRAID. We show that WiscSort is 2-7
x
faster than competing approaches on a standard sort benchmark. We evaluate the effectiveness of key-value separation on different key-value sizes and compare our concurrency optimizations with various other concurrency models. Finally, we emulate generic BAS devices and show how our techniques perform well with various combinations of hardware properties.
BICE: Exploring Compact Search Space by Using Bipartite Matching and Cell-Wide Verification
Authors: Choi Yunyoung , Park Kunsoo , Kim Hyunjoon
Published: July 2023

Subgraph matching is the problem of searching for all embeddings of a query graph in a data graph, and subgraph query processing (also known as subgraph search) is to find all the data graphs that contain a query graph as subgraphs. Extensive research has been done to develop practical solutions for both problems. However, the existing solutions still show limited query processing time due to a lot of unnecessary computations in search. In this paper, we focus on exploring as compact search space as possible by using three techniques: (1) pruning by bipartite matching, (2) pruning by failing sets with bipartite matching, and (3) cell-wide verification. We propose a new algorithm BICE, which combines these three techniques. We conduct extensive experiments on real-world datasets as well as synthetic datasets to evaluate the effectiveness of the techniques. Experiments show that our approach outperforms the fastest existing subgraph search algorithm by up to two orders of magnitude in terms of elapsed time to process a query. Our approach also outperforms state-of-the-art subgraph matching algorithms by up to two orders of magnitude.
Why Not Yet: Fixing a Top-k Ranking that is Not Fair to Individuals
Authors: Chen Zixuan , Manolios Panagiotis , Riedewald Mirek
Published: July 2023

This work considers why-not questions in the context of top-k queries and score-based ranking functions. Following the popular linear scalarization approach for multi-objective optimization, we study rankings based on the weighted sum of multiple scores. A given weight choice may be controversial or perceived as unfair to certain individuals or organizations, triggering the question why some entity of interest has not yet shown up in the top-k. We introduce various notions of such why-not-yet queries and formally define them as satisfiability or optimization problems, whose goal is to propose alternative ranking functions that address the placement of the entities of interest. While some why-not-yet problems have linear constraints, others require quantifiers, disjunction, and negation. We propose several optimizations, ranging from a monotonic-core construction that approximates the complex constraints with a conjunction of linear ones, to various techniques that let the user control the tradeoff between running time and approximation quality. Experiments with real and synthetic data demonstrate the practicality and scalability of our technique, showing its superiority compared to the state of the art (SOA).
Constitutive expression of HIV-1 viral proteins induces progressive synaptodendritic alterations in medium spiny neurons: implications for substance use disorders
Authors: McLaurin Kristen A. , Li Hailong , Mactutus Charles F. , Booze Rosemarie M.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Perinatally-infected adolescents living with HIV-1 (pALHIV) appear uniquely vulnerable to developing substance use disorders (SUD). Medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the nucleus accumbens core (NAcc), an integrator of cortical and thalamic input, have been implicated as a key structural locus for the pathogenesis of SUD. To date, however, how constitutive expression of HIV-1 viral proteins alters the development of MSNs in the NAcc has not been systematically evaluated.

Methods

An innovative ballistic labeling technique was utilized to examine MSNs in the NAcc, and associated dendritic spines, in HIV-1 transgenic (Tg) and control animals. First, a time-sequential longitudinal experimental design was implemented, whereby animals were sacrificed at 30-day intervals from postnatal day (PD) 30 to PD 180. Second, the therapeutic efficacy of S-Equol for HIV-1-associated synaptic dysfunction in MSNs was evaluated using a cross-sectional experimental design.

Results

Constitutive expression of HIV-1 viral proteins disrupted the development of MSNs, evidenced by alterations in neuritogenesis and synaptogenesis. Furthermore, age-related, progressive synaptodendritic alterations were observed in the patterning of dendritic branches and dendritic spines, as well as dendritic spine head diameter, in HIV-1 Tg, relative to control, animals. Treatment with S-Equol during the formative period, however, led to long-term enhancements in synaptic function (i.e., PD 180).

Conclusions

Developmental and progressive synaptodendritic alterations in MSNs induced by chronic HIV-1 viral protein exposure may underlie the increased propensity for pALHIV to develop SUD. Elucidating a potential neural mechanism underlying the unique vulnerability of pALHIV to SUD affords a fundamental opportunity for the evaluation of therapeutics.
mRNA-based vaccine technology for HIV
Authors:   Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Germany, Fortner Andra ,   Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania, Bucur Octavian ,   Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania,   Viron Molecular Medicine Institute, Boston, MA 02108, USA
Published: July 2023

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) poses a major health problem around the globe, resulting in hundred-thousands of deaths from AIDS and over a million new infections annually. Although the standard treatment of HIV infection, antiretroviral therapy, has proven effective in preventing HIV transmission, it is unsuitable for worldwide use due to its substantial costs and frequent adverse effects. Besides promoting HIV/AIDS awareness through education, there is hardly an alternative for inhibiting the spread of the disease. One promising approach is the development of an HIV vaccine. Unfortunately, the high variability of envelope proteins from HIV subtypes, their frequency of mutation and the lack of fully understanding the mechanisms of protection against the virus constitute an obstacle for vaccine development. Efforts for developing successful anti-HIV vaccines have been underway for decades now, with little success. Lately, significant progress has been made in adopting the novel mRNA vaccine approach as an anti-HIV strategy. mRNA vaccines received a great thrust during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, several mRNA-based HIV vaccines are undergoing clinical trials to evaluate their safety and efficacy. This review offers an overview of the pathogenesis and treatment of HIV / AIDS, previous efforts of HIV vaccine development and introduces mRNA vaccines as a promising and potential game changing platform for HIV vaccination.
Single‐cell dissection of cervical cancer reveals key subsets of the tumor immune microenvironment
Authors: Cao Guangxu , Yue Jiali , Ruan Yetian , Han Ya , Zhi Yong , Lu Jianqiao , Liu Min , Xu Xinxin , Wang Jin , Gu Quan , Wen Xuejun , Gao Jinli , Zhang Qingfeng , Kang Jiuhong , Wang Chenfei , Li Fang
Published: July 2023

The tumor microenvironment (TME) directly determines patients' outcomes and therapeutic efficiencies. An in‐depth understanding of the TME is required to improve the prognosis of patients with cervical cancer (CC). This study conducted single‐cell RNA and TCR sequencing of six‐paired tumors and adjacent normal tissues to map the CC immune landscape. T and NK cells were highly enriched in the tumor area and transitioned from cytotoxic to exhaustion phenotypes. Our analyses suggest that cytotoxic large‐clone T cells are critical effectors in the antitumor response. This study also revealed tumor‐specific germinal center B cells associated with tertiary lymphoid structures. A high‐germinal center B cell proportion in patients with CC is predictive of improved clinical outcomes and is associated with elevated hormonal immune responses. We depicted an immune‐excluded stromal landscape and established a joint model of tumor and stromal cells to predict CC patients' prognosis. The study revealed tumor ecosystem subsets linked to antitumor response or prognosis in the TME and provides information for future combinational immunotherapy.
Use of lenvatinib in the treatment of radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer: a multidisciplinary perspective for daily practice
Authors: Capdevila Jaume , Deandreis Desiree’ , Durante Cosimo , Leboulleux Sophie , Luster Markus , Netea-Maier Romana , Newbold Kate , Singer Susanne , Sykiotis Gerasimos P , Bartes Beate , Farnell Kate , Locati Laura Deborah
Published: July 2023

Background

Most thyroid cancers of follicular origin have a favorable outcome. Only a small percentage of patients will develop metastatic disease, some of which will become radioiodine refractory (RAI-R). Important challenges to ensure the best therapeutic outcomes include proper, timely, and appropriate diagnosis; decisions on local, systemic treatments; management of side effects of therapies; and a good relationship between the specialist, patients, and caregivers.

Methods

With the aim of providing suggestions that can be useful in everyday practice, a multidisciplinary group of experts organized the following document, based on their shared clinical experience with patients with RAI-R differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) undergoing treatment with lenvatinib. The main areas covered are patient selection, initiation of therapy, follow-up, and management of adverse events.

Conclusions

It is essential to provide guidance for the management of RAI-R DTC patients with systemic therapies, and especially lenvatinib, since compliance and adherence to treatment are fundamental to achieve the best outcomes. While the therapeutic landscape in RAI-R DTC is evolving, with new targeted therapies, immunotherapy, etc., lenvatinib is expected to remain a first-line treatment and mainstay of therapy for several years in the vast majority of patients and settings. The guidance herein covers baseline work-up and initiation of systemic therapy, relevance of symptoms, multidisciplinary assessment, and patient education. Practical information based on expert experience is also given for the starting dose of lenvatinib, follow-up and monitoring, as well as the management of adverse events and discontinuation and reinitiating of therapy. The importance of patient engagement is also stressed.
ФОРМУВАННЯ ЕКОЛОГІЧНИХ КОМПЕТЕНТНОСТЕЙ ФАХІВЦІВ З МІЖНАРОДНОГО ГОТЕЛЬНО-ТУРИСТИЧНОГО БІЗНЕСУ
Authors: Semyrga L.I. , Khomyn V.R. , Kaziuka N.P. , Humeniuk V.V.
Published: July 2023

У статті здійснено дослідження елементів екологічних компетентностей, які можливо сформувати у фахівців з міжнародного готельно-туристичного бізнесу з використанням міждисциплінарного підходу. Обґрунтовано необхідність оцінки знань, умінь, навичок, які є необхідними для успішної роботи у сфері готельно-туристичного бізнесу з точки зору екологічної відповідальності. Проаналізовано нормативні акти, інституційні норми та правила, які регулюють діяльність готельно-туристичних підприємств в екологічній сфері, що дало змогу з'ясувати понятійні конструкції, які пов’язані з екологічною відповідальністю в готельно-туристичному бізнесі.

На основі опитувань фахівців-практиків з’ясовано рівень обізнаності представників готельно-туристичного бізнесу з  проблематикою екологічної відповідальності, застосування екологічних практик у готельній справі; завдяки спостереженням за роботою готелів та функціонуванням курортів  виявлено питання відповідального поводження з відходами, енергетичними та водними ресурсами, природними територіями.

Обґрунтовано формування професійних компетентностей у фахівців за бакалаврською  освітньою програмою «Міжнародний готельно-туристичний бізнес» Івано-Франківського національного технічного університету нафти і газу з екологічної відповідальності готельного бізнесу, що полягає у здатності готелів та інших закладів гостинності дбати про навколишнє середовище, зменшувати вплив своєї діяльності на природу та ресурси, регламентувати процес забезпечення збалансованого розвитку готельно-туристичної індустрії, забезпечувати економічний, соціальний і екологічний розвиток територій.

Розроблено структурно-логічну схему  формування компетентностей майбутніх фахівців з міжнародного готельно-туристичного бізнесу; розглянуто асиметрію готельної індустрії Green Key на карті Європи; описано проблеми, що стримують подальший розвиток  екологічного туризму; виокремлено фактори досягнення сталого розвитку готельно-туристичного бізнесу; ідентифіковано заходи, які можуть допомогти готелю зменшити свій вплив на навколишнє середовище та створити більш конкурентоспроможні послуги харчування за рахунок екологічного фактору.

На основі вивчення міжнародного досвіду доведено, що наявність  сталих практик у готелях не лише приносить користь навколишньому середовищу, але й покращує економічну і соціальну поведінку туристів, підвищує моральний дух персоналу та сприяє довгостроковому успіху готелю.
Effect of drying and chemical treatment on bagasse soda pulp properties during recycling
Authors: Sheikhi Parizad , Talaeipour Mohammad , Hemasi Amir Homan , Eslam Habib Kademi , Gumuskaya Esat
Published: July 2023

Effects of chemical treatment on the potential for recycling of bagasse pulp were evaluated. The pulps were recycled three times with water (without treatment), sodium hydroxide, and ethylamine separately. Changes in crystalline structure of the pulp during recycling were investigated by x-ray diffractometry. Water retention content was measured by centrifugation. Morphological changes were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The breaking length, burst index, fold number, water retention value, and density decreased continuously after recycling. Chemical treatment didn't have a positive effect on the swelling of the recycled pulp. But the light scattering coefficient increased continuously. The crystallinity index and crystallite size increased to an extent, compared to virgin pulp. Some particles on recycled fibers with chemical treatment and treated handsheets had more curled fibers than untreated handsheets.
Suitability of three hybrid poplar clones for laminated veneer lumber manufacturing using melamine urea formaldehyde adhesive
Authors: Kurt Ramazan
Published: July 2023

Experimental laminated veneer lumbers (LVLs) from rotary peeled I-214 (Populus x Euramericana) and two Populus deltoides I-77/51andS.307-26 fast growing hybrid poplar clones were manufactured with a melamine urea formaldehyde (MUF) adhesive successfully. Two Populus deltoides clones that are grown in Turkey were used for the first time in LVLs manufacturing. The results showed that clone types affected physical and mechanical properties of LVLs. Populus deltoides clones had better physical and mechanical properties compared to Populus x Euramericana clonedue to their higher density and fiber length values. S.307-26 clone had the highest and I-214 had the lowest properties among three hybrid poplar clones. The physical and mechanical properties of LVLs were higher than those of solid woods. This increase may be due to compaction factor (densification), manufacturing techniques, and the use of adhesives. The degree of contribution of solid wood properties to the LVLs’ properties was explained by using a contribution factor. Two Populus deltoides clones were found to be more suitable for LVLs manufacturing compared to Populus x Euramericana clone.
Expression of PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway in gastric cancer
Authors: Dardor Rodwan A Dardor , Abd El Moniem Sawsan M , A Elbaiomy Mohamed , Megahed Nirmeen A , Shabana Hany R
Published: July 2023

Background: The PI3K/AKT/m TOR pathway is activated in gastric cancer (GC). This pathway may be an appropriate target for GC therapy. Such therapy may involve inhibiting cell proliferation, enhancing apoptosis, and restoring the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy. Aim: To study the expression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in Egyptian patients with GC. Methods: Enrolled Patients were divided into 2 groups, group 1 included 23 patients with lymph node metastatic (LNM) gastric cancer (GC) and group 2 included 10 patients with non-metastatic GC. Liver and renal biochemical tests, CBC, H. pylori testing, CEA, CA19-9 & metastatic radiological work up were done. Upper Gastrointestinal endoscopy was done to diagnose the site, size and morphology of GC and to take biopsy from the suspicious lesion, adjacent mucosa and all parts of the stomach. Enrolled patients had received surgical resection when appropriate. The harvested tumor tissue was processed for histopathology as well as Immunohistochemical staining (IHC) for detection of expression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR. IHC score for the expression of mTOR, AKT & PI3K (ranging from 0 to 12) was calculated as follows: Grade of stain intensity × Grade of coloration rate. A score ≥4 was considered positive. Results: The mTOR expression was positive in 54.5%, AKT expression was positive in 72.7% & PI3K expression was positive in 36.4% of cases. There was significantly higher expression of AKT in metastatic (87%) than non-metastatic GC (40%), p=0.010. AKT expression was significantly higher in LNM GC (median score was 12) than non-metastatic GC (median score was 2.5), p=0.028. AKT score at cutoff value of more than 3 was a statistically significant discriminator between LNM and non-metastatic GC, AUC=0.743, p=.014, sensitivity, 87% & specificity, 60%. Conclusion: The mTOR expression was positive in 54.5%, AKT expression was positive in 72.7% & PI3K expression was positive in 36.4% of GC cases. AKT expression score may discriminate between LN metastatic and non-metastatic gastric cancer
Leptospermum hoipolloi (Myrtaceae), a new species from Aotearoa / New Zealand, segregated from Leptospermum scoparium s. l.
Authors:   School of Environmental & Animal Sciences, Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland, Aotearoa / New Zealand, Schmid L.M.H. , de Lange P.J. ,   School of Environmental & Animal Sciences, Unitec Institute of Technology / Te Pūkenga, Auckland, New Zealand, Marshall A.J. ,   School of Environmental & Animal Sciences, Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland, Aotearoa / New Zealand
Published: July 2023

Leptospermum hoipolloi de Lange & L.M.H. Schmid sp. nov. (Myrtaceae) is segregated from L. scoparium J.R. Forst. & G. Forst. (sensu lato). The new species is endemic to Te Ika a Maui / North Island and the northern part of Te Wai Pounamu / South Island of Aotearoa / New Zealand. The new species is morphologically distinguished from L. scoparium s. str. by the distinctly sericeous, narrower, and longer (up to 30 × 6 mm) lanceolate to elliptic lanceolate leaves, larger (up to 30 mm in diameter) flowers (these white, pink-tinged, pink-streaked or red); capsules up to 15.1 × 14.1 mm (unopened) and 16.6 × 18.0 mm (opened). Three formae are recognised, f. hoipolloi, for those plants with shorter, narrower, glabrescent leaves, mostly white (occasionally pink tinged or red) flowers, and smaller capsules; f. procumbens L.M.H. Schmid & de Lange f. nov., for those plants with a decumbent / prostrate growth habit, and silver-white to silvery grey hairy leaves, larger, white, pink-tinged or pink flowers, and larger capsules; and f. incanum (Cockayne) de Lange & L.M.H. Schmid f. comb. & stat. nov., for those plants previously recognised as L. scoparium var. incanum Cockayne, and which have an erect shrub growth habit, with longer, often broader leaves, whose young and maturing lamina is invested in silvery-grey or grey hairs; larger white, pink-tinged or streaked, pink or red flowers and capsules. Conservation assessments using the New Zealand Threat Classification System are proposed and a revised key to the Leptospermum of Aotearoa / New Zealand provided.
A critical revision of the powdery mildew fungi (Erysiphaceae, Ascomycota) of Ukraine: Erysiphe sect. Microsphaera
Authors:   M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Heluta V.P.
Published: July 2023

The article continues a series of critical reviews of the species composition of powdery mildew fungi (Erysiphaceae, Helotiales, Ascomycota) of Ukraine and their distribution within the country. This article deals with species of the section Microsphaera of the genus Erysiphe. These species are distinguished by fruiting bodies that have non-mycelioid appendages with dichotomously branched apices. A list of 36 species of the section Microsphaera recorded in Ukraine with their distribution by regions is provided, as well as a key for their identification. The most common species frequently occurring in many regions of Ukraine are E. alphitoides, E. astragali, E. berberidis, E. divaricata, E. ehrenbergii, E. euonymi, E. ornata var. europaea, E. palczewskii, E. syringae-japonicae, and E. trifoliorum. Other species, such as E. baeumleri, E. elevata, E. euonymicola, E. friesii, E. grossulariae, E. hyperici, E. hypophylla, E. ornata var. ornata, E. penicillata, E. pseudoacaciae, E. robiniae, E. syringae, E. tortilis, E. vanbruntiana, and E. viburni, were recorded less often. Erysiphe azaleae, E. begoniicola, E. corylacearum, E. deutziae, E. gorlenkoi, E. guarinonii, E. magnifica, E. magnusii, E. platani, E. rayssiae, E. russellii, and E. symphoricarpi are known only from some localities. A number of species are invasive fungi mostly recorded in Ukraine relatively recently, within the last hundred years. Of them, E. alphitoides, E. palczewskii, E. syringae-japonicae, and E. vanbruntiana have become common species in Ukraine. Erysiphe azaleae, E. elevata, and E. platani can massively develop in certain regions or localities. The recently registered E. corylacearum is apparently becoming widespread in the Carpathians, E. ravenelii and E. symphoricarpi at present frequently occur in Kyiv. Some species, such as E. begoniicola, E. deutziae, E. euonymicola, E. guarinonii, E. magnifica, and E. russellii, are known from a few localities; however, in Kyiv magnolias are commonly infected by E. magnifica. At the same time, the North American species E. syringae has disappeared in Ukraine since the East Asian fungus E. syringae-japonicae started to spread on lilac. The indigenous fungus E. robiniae has also ceased to occur on Caragana arborescens, being completely replaced by the East Asian species E. palczewskii.
Biogenic volatile organic substances of forests and their influence on climate
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Educational and Scientific Centre ", Batsmanova L.M. ,   Institute of Biology and Medicine",   , Kyiv, Ukraine, Taran N.Yu. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Educational and Scientific Centre "Institute of Biology and Medicine", Kyiv, Ukraine, Kosyk O.I. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Educational and Scientific Centre "Institute of Biology and Medicine", Kyiv, Ukraine, Zaimenko N.V. ,   M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: July 2023

The article analyzes and summarizes data of scientific publications related to biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) of forests, their impact on atmospheric processes and climate. Studies of BVOCs of forests attracted the attention of many scientists ruring recent decades, including such aspects asmechanisms of synthesis and emissions, chemical composition, influence of biotic and abiotic factors. It was noted that during processes of their life activities, higher plants emit volatile organic substances into the air, which affects the chemical composition and physical state of the atmosphere, and adaptation of forests to ecological stress associated with climate change. BVOCs play a key role in the ozone formation and quenching, resulting in the formation of oxidation products — secondary organic aerosols that scatter sunlight and affect the formation of clouds and, ultimately, the climate. The need to take into account the functional dynamics of BVOCs at the ecosystem level is demonstrated: from the interaction of different types of ecosystems to the degradation of atmospheric compounds and potential functions of products of their reactions.
Intensivists’ Reported Management of Critical Bronchiolitis: More Data and New Guidelines Needed
Authors: Zurca Adrian D. , González-Dambrauskas Sebastián , Colleti Jose , Vasquez-Hoyos Pablo , Prata-Barbosa Arnaldo , Boothe David , Combs Bryan E. , Lee Jan Hau , Franklin Donna , Pon Steven , Karsies Todd , Shein Steven L.
Published: July 2023

OBJECTIVES

Existing bronchiolitis guidelines do not reflect the needs of infants admitted to the PICU. This study aimed to identify PICU providers’ reported practice variations and explore the need for critical bronchiolitis clinical guidelines.

METHODS

Cross-sectional electronic survey available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese between November 2020 and March 2021, distributed via research networks from North and Latin America, Asia, and Australia/New Zealand.

RESULTS

A total of 657 PICU providers responded, including 344 English, 204 Spanish, and 109 Portuguese. PICU providers indicated frequently using (≥25% of time) diagnostic modalities for nonintubated and intubated patients on PICU admission (complete blood count [75%–97%], basic metabolic panel [64%–92%], respiratory viral panel [90%–95%], chest x-ray [83%–98%]). Respondents also reported regularly (≥25% of time) prescribing β-2 agonists (43%–50%), systemic corticosteroids (23%–33%), antibiotics (24%–41%), and diuretics (13%–41%). Although work of breathing was the most common variable affecting providers’ decision to initiate enteral feeds for nonintubated infants, hemodynamic status was the most common variable for intubated infants (82% of providers). Most respondents agreed it would be beneficial to have specific guidelines for infants with critical bronchiolitis who are requiring both noninvasive (91% agreement) and invasive (89% agreement) respiratory support.

CONCLUSIONS

PICU providers report performing diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for infants with bronchiolitis more frequently than recommended by current clinical guidelines, with interventions occurring more frequently for infants requiring invasive support. More clinical research is needed to inform the creation of evidence-based guidelines specifically for infants with critical bronchiolitis.
Basic Reporting Verbs as Markers of the Author’s Idiostlyle
Authors:   Ural Federal University, Dyuzenli Mаria V.
Published: July 2023

This article reveals the peculiarities of idiostyles referring to works by nineteenth-century classical Russian writers (F. M. Dostoevsky, L. N. Tolstoy, A. P. Chekhov, and I. S. Turgenev). Based on intertext and inter-style statistical comparison, the author aims to reveal lexical compatibility and some individual particularities of using some frequent reporting verbs in literary texts belonging to the same period. The research is methodologically based on the ideographic approach to literary text analysis which takes into consideration internal correlations existing between lexical paradigmatics and syntagmatics. Lexical bigrams (pairs of words used in one phrase context) are taken as a unit of comparative lexicostatistical and contextological analysis. Word combinations of this type are used by the same writer in different texts, though they are not found in works by the other authors. The only obligatory element of a lexical bigram is a word which is often used by all the writers in question as it reveals the specific patterns of an author’s work with the same language material (such reporting verbs as сказать (‘say’), спросить (‘ask’), ответить (‘answer’), заметить (‘note’) are very representative for this purpose). So-called “idiostylistic markers” most frequently used to describe the moment of speech are identified for each writer in question. The author draws conclusions about the individual specificity of these stylistic patterns. Author-specific lexical compatibility shows that in the contexts of the verbs in question with lexical bigrams extracted from novels by L. N. Tolstoy, the use of the verb отвечать (‘answer’) prevails and involves an expression of emotions. The verb замечать (‘note’) which is frequently used in novels by F. M. Dostoevsky, reveals psychological perceptional particularities of speech of the other. The author argues that the use of the verb говорить (‘say’) for introducing direct speech is typical of А. P. Chekhov’s idiostyle where it is syntactically combined with adverbial participles denoting various nonspeech actions drawing the reader’s attention to a particular detail. The verb промолвить (‘utter’) is specific for I. S. Turgenev’s idiostyle and reveals implicit but semantically important correlations existing between the concepts of speech, thought, and motion.