bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ОСОБЕННОСТИ ТЕЛЕСНОГО ОПЫТА ПЕРЕЖИВАНИЯ ПАНДЕМИИ ПОЖИЛЫМИ ЖИТЕЛЯМИ В САНКТ-ПЕТЕРБУРГЕ И ПЕТРОЗАВОДСКЕ
Authors: Галкин К.А.
Published: September 2023

Пожилые люди в период пандемии COVID-19 оказались в ситуации личной небезопасности, связанной с проблемами медицинской помощи, а также различными трудностями с лечением хронических заболеваний. Принудительная изоляция пожилых людей стала причиной ухудшения их здоровья – как психологического, так и физиологического, вызвала трудности с проявлением их активности. В исследовании используется феноменологический подход, что имеет целью продемонстрировать, как телесные ощущения пандемии пожилых людей изменяют, трансформируют особенности их жизни, специфику восприятия коронавирусных ограничений. Эмпирическим материалом для статьи послужили интервью с пожилыми людьми, которые были собраны в Санкт-Петербурге и Петрозаводске. В исследовании рассматриваются два ключевых контекста: контекст дисциплинирования тел в городских пространствах, заданных пандемией, и контекст логики получения медицинской помощи и заботы пожилых людей о себе. Основным выводом исследования выступает выделение различных страхов пожилых людей, которые связаны с изолированностью и новым дисциплинированием тел, а также обусловлены тем, что прежние логики получения заботы и медицинской помощи перестают действовать.
УЧЕБНО-НАУЧНАЯ ПОДГОТОВКА СОВРЕМЕННОГО ХИРУРГА: НУЖНЫ ЛИ ВРАЧУ ПОМОЩНИКИ-ГУМАНИТАРИИ?
Authors: Ольховская Ю.А. , Зазыбо Н.А.
Published: September 2023

Текст подготовлен на основе интервью, записанного в июне 2022 года от пластического хирурга Института красоты «Галактика». Авторы обсуждают проблемы профессионального становления пластического хирурга, его опыт работы в общей хирургии, кардиохирургии, реконструктивной и пластической хирургии. Затрагивается актуальная в современном мире проблема трансгендерных персон и трансгендерного перехода. Рассматривается специфика и результаты учебно-научной подготовки современных специалистов, важность гуманитарной составляющей в образовании и необходимость специалистов «помогающих профессий» в повседневной практике медицинского персонала.
ЦИФРОВАЯ БИОМЕДИЦИНА И НАДЗОРНЫЙ КАПИТАЛИЗМ В ЛОГИКЕ БИОПОЛИТИЧЕСКОГО УПРАВЛЕНИЯ
Authors: Попов Д.В.
Published: September 2023

В национальном государстве Нового времени получил развитие новый тип государственного управления, предполагающий инвестиции в население во имя могущества, процветания и безопасности. В оформившейся системно биополитике одним из основных инструментов стала медикализация, что привело к политическому регулированию «голой жизни». В XXI в. возникают новые импликации из уже оформившейся биополитической парадигмы: «государство безопасности», «государство биобезопасности» и «надзорный капитализм». Открытый Google «поведенческий излишек» привел к формированию цифрового рынка человеческого поведения. «Гуглизация» – «фордизм» XXI в. за тем различием, что массовое производство было инклюзивным, а надзорный капитализм эксклюзивен и экстрактивен по преимуществу. Цифровая биомедицина в рамках надзорного капитализма используется как один из ресурсов оцифровки поведения человека. Безусловно, это лишь один из аспектов биомедицинских технологий, вносящих свой неоспоримый вклад в сохранение и продление жизни и здоровья человека – аспект рыночный и биополитический по существу. Однако, стратегия надзорного капитализма, направленная на коммодификацию оцифрованного поведения человека цифровыми гигантами в интересах их клиентов, делает цифровую биомедицину амбивалентной. Биомедицина, целью которой является содействие жизни человека, оказывается в положении, с одной стороны, важнейшей биополитической стратегемы инвестиций в население, а, с другой стороны, заложника новейших биокапиталистических императивов извлечения выгоды из цифрового надзора над индивидом.
ПРОБЛЕМА ЭКСКЛЮЗИИ ДЕТЕЙ С РАС И ИХ СЕМЕЙ В РОССИИ: ГРАНИ НЕРАВЕНСТВА
Authors: Мухарямова Л.М. , Савельева Ж.В.
Published: September 2023

Распространенность аутизма в России и мире растет. Обостряются вопросы, связанные с социальным неравенством и социальной эксклюзией детей с расстройствами аутистического спектра и их семей. По данным социологического исследования выявляются и раскрываются семь граней неравенства, ограничивающих детей с РАС к благам и ресурсам социальной системы. Трактовки аутизма в рамках дискуссии профессионалов, биомедицинской/социальной модели аутизма уже содержат идеологические интенции и становятся социокультурным основанием неравенства. В России на данном этапе важным фактором, снижающим возможности получения помощи, выступает недодиагностированность аутизма. Острым вопросом является проблема доступности медицинских сервисов для детей с РАС, имеющими особые потребности. Детализированы проблемы инклюзивного образования для детей с РАС. Проблемы доступности физического пространства и формирования дружелюбной среды рассматриваются в контексте создания инклюзивных пространств. Анализируются тенденции медийного конструирования аутизма, часть из которых имеет позитивное воздействие на формирование дружелюбной среды.
ПРЕДСТАВЛЕНИЯ ОБСКИХ УГРОВ О ПРИЧИНАХ БОЛЕЗНЕЙ (ПО МАТЕРИАЛАМ К.Ф. КАРЬЯЛАЙНЕНА И П. ЯАСАЛМИ-КРЮГЕР)
Authors: Волдина Т.В.
Published: September 2023

Для понимания истоков народных представлений и генезиса традиций народной медицины хантов и манси важное значение имеет исследование, проведенное К.Ф. Карьялайненом в период их активного бытования в конце XIX – начале XX вв. Согласно представлениям обских угров болезни имели сверхъестественное происхождение и вызывались определенными духами, обитавшими в нижнем мире. Чтобы предотвратить угрожающие опасности или устранить болезнь, нужно было умилостивить бога смерти и болезней. Со временем персонифицированные духи болезней потеряли свое значение и забыты.

Исследование П. Яасалми-Крюгер существенно дополнило эти данные. Возникновение болезней виделось обским уграм в нарушении людьми определенных табу. Для здоровья и долгой жизни важно соблюдать традиции в качестве профилактической меры. Особое внимание уделялось поддержанию гармоничных состояний души-дыхания и души-тени человека.
ДОМАШНИЕ РОДЫ В СОПРОВОЖДЕНИИ ПСИХОЛОГА-ЦЕЛИТЕЛЯ
Authors: Бочков Д.А. , Савельева С.Ю.
Published: September 2023

Судя по данным психологических исследований, во время последнего триместра в психике беременной женщины формируется материнский образ, с которым она себя идентифицирует и с помощью которого выстраивает отношения с будущим ребёнком. Впоследствии, как считают «перинатальные психологи», эта связь влияет не только на отношения внутри семьи, но и на дальнейший социальный опыт ребёнка. Публикация представляет собой интервью с трансперсональным психологом Светланой Савельевой, которая занимается сопровождением домашних родов и предварительной психологической поддержкой, подготовкой к родам беременных женщин, в ходе чего происходит формирование этого образа. В статье обсуждаются особенности работы трансперсонального психолога в случае подготовки к домашним родам и при их проведении, «телесное» знание матери, отличия пространства дома от пространства больницы, отношение к домашним родам в России.
Impact of various detergent-based immersion and perfusion decellularization strategies on the novel caprine pancreas derived extracellular matrix scaffold
Authors: Singh Garima , Satpathi Sanghamitra , Gopala Reddy Bora Venu , Singh Manish Kumar , Sarangi Samchita , Behera Prativa Kumari , Nayak Bismita
Published: September 2023

Limited availability of the organs donors has facilitated the establishment of xenogeneic organ sources for transplantation. Numerous studies have decellularized several organs and assessed their implantability in order to provide such organs. Among all the decellularized organs studies for xenotransplantation, the pancreas has garnered very limited amount of research. The presently offered alternatives for pancreas transplantation are unable to liberate patients from donor dependence. The rat and mice pancreas are not of an accurate size for transplantation but can only be used for in-vitro studies mimicking in-vivo immune response in humans, while the porcine pancreas can cause zoonotic diseases as it carries porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV- A/B/C). Therefore, we propose caprine pancreas as a substitute for these organs, which not only reduces donor dependence but also poses no risk of zoonosis. Upon decellularization the extracellular matrix (ECM) of different tissues responds differently to the detergents used for decellularization at physical and physiological level; this necessitates a comprehensive analysis of each tissue independently. This study investigates the impact of decellularization by ionic (SDS and SDC), non-ionic (Triton X-100 and Tween-20), and zwitterionic detergents (CHAPS). All these five detergents have been used to decellularize caprine pancreas via immersion (ID) and perfusion (PD) set-up. In this study, an extensive comparison of these two configurations (ID and PD) with regard to each detergent has been conducted. The final obtained scaffold with each set-up has been evaluated for the left-over cytosolic content, ECM components like sGAG, collagen, and fibronectin were estimated via Prussian blue and Immunohistochemical staining respectively, and finally for the tensile strength and antimicrobial activity. All the detergents performed consistently superior in PD than in ID. Conclusively, PD with SDS, SDC, and TX-100 successfully decellularizes caprine pancreatic tissue while retaining ECM architecture and mechanical properties. This research demonstrates the viability of caprine pancreatic tissue as a substitute scaffold for porcine organs and provides optimal decellularization protocol for this xenogeneic tissue. This research aims to establish a foundation for further investigations into potential regenerative strategies using this ECM in combination with other factors.
A novel “off-on” fluorescent probe for the detection of nickel ions and its clinical application
Authors: Yi Hua-Wei , Wang Xian-Mo , Wu Jia-Hao , Zhang Chang-Li , Ding Yi-Di
Published: September 2023

Nickel serves as an essential micronutrient for the human body, playing a vital role in various enzymatic processes. However, excessive nickel entering the environment can cause pollution and pose serious risks to animals, plants, and human health. High concentrations of nickel ions in the human body increase the risk of various diseases, highlighting the need for accurate measurement of nickel ions levels. In this study, we designed a sequence-specific cleavage probe for nickel (II) ion called SSC-Ni. Similar to the TaqMan probe, SSC-Ni is an off-on fluorescent probe with an exceptionally low background fluorescence signal. It exhibits high detection specificity, making it highly selective for nickel ions, and the detection limit of the probe towards Ni2+ is as low as 82 nM. The SSC-Ni probe can be utilized for convenient and cost-effective high-throughput quantitative detection of nickel ions in serum. Its user-friendly operation and affordability make it a practical solution. By addressing the lack of simple and effective nickel ion detection methods, this probe has the potential to contribute significantly to environmental monitoring and the protection of human health.
Improved secretory expression and characterization of thermostable xylanase and β-xylosidase from Pseudothermotoga thermarum and their application in synergistic degradation of lignocellulose
Authors: Chen Jinkang , Qin Hao , You Chaoqun , Long Lingfeng
Published: September 2023

Xylanase and β-xylosidase are the key enzymes for hemicellulose hydrolysis. To further improve hydrolysis efficacy, high temperature hydrolysis with thermostable hemicellulases showed promise. In this study, thermostable xylanase (Xyn) and β-xylosidase (XynB) genes from Pseudothermotoga thermarum were cloned and secretory expressed in Bacillu subtilis. Compared with Escherichia coli expression host, B. subtilis resulted in a 1.5 time increase of enzymatic activity for both recombinant enzymes. The optimal temperature and pH were 95°C and 6.5 for Xyn, and 95°C and 6.0 for XynB. Thermostability of both recombinant enzymes was observed between the temperature range of 75–85°C. Molecular docking analysis through AutoDock showed the involvement of Glu525, Asn526, Trp774 and Arg784 in Xyn-ligand interaction, and Val237, Lys238, Val761 and Asn76 in XynB-ligand interaction, respectively. The recombinant Xyn and XynB exhibited synergistic hydrolysis of beechwood xylan and pretreated lignocellulose, where Xyn and XynB pre-hydrolysis achieved a better improvement of pretreated lignocellulose hydrolysis by commercial cellulase. The observed stability of the enzymes at high temperature and the synergistic effect on lignocellulosic substrates suggested possible application of these enzymes in the field of saccharification process.
Actor-landscapes as visual canvas for identifying, representing, and aligning stakeholders
Authors: Quitzau Maj-Britt , Hoffmann Birgitte
Published: September 2023

Tools applied by water professionals in climate adaptation projects tend to have a technical focus and a superficial stakeholder approach. Development of integrative and synergetic solutions require more delicate and transformative forms of stakeholder engagement. Through an action research process, this article explores how a visual canvas for stakeholder engagement can support water professionals in identifying, representing, and aligning stakeholders in development of integrative and synergetic climate adaptation solutions. The visual canvas is developed in the form of ‘Actor-Landscapes’, and presents a practical tool for engaging stakeholders inspired by Actor-Network Theory. Actor-Landscapes proved to especially support water professionals in four key challenges in their transformative approach to stakeholder engagement: 1) to recognize stakeholders more broadly and deeply, 2) to organize and present data about key stakeholders and the landscape in which these are anchored, 3) to prioritize which stakeholders to enhance based on alignment considerations, and 4) to legitimize mapped stakeholder perspectives through direct dialogue and engagement. The article concludes that Actor-Landscapes have interesting boundary object abilities supporting water professionals in inviting for and empowering integrative and synergetic transformations of knowledge between stakeholders in climate adaptation projects.
Calpains, the proteases of two faces controlling the epithelial homeostasis in mammary gland
Authors: García-Trevijano Elena R. , Ortiz-Zapater Elena , Gimeno Amparo , Viña Juan R. , Zaragozá Rosa
Published: September 2023

Calpain-1 and calpain-2 are calcium-dependent Cys-proteases ubiquitously expressed in mammalian tissues with a processive, rather than degradative activity. They are crucial for physiological mammary gland homeostasis as well as for breast cancer progression. A growing number of evidences indicate that their pleiotropic functions depend on the cell type, tissue and biological context where they are expressed or dysregulated. This review considers these standpoints to cover the paradoxical role of calpain-1 and -2 in the mammary tissue either, under the physiological conditions of the postlactational mammary gland regression or the pathological context of breast cancer. The role of both calpains will be examined and discussed in both conditions, followed by a brief snapshot on the present and future challenges for calpains, the two-gateway proteases towards tissue homeostasis or tumor development.
Clinical characteristics and mortality risk factors of mixed bacterial infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients
Authors: Liu Yanfeng , Liu Yi , Chen Xuefeng , Jia Yan
Published: September 2023

Background and objective

Mixed bacterial infections (MBI) is one of the complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and increases the risk of patient death. However, there are few reports specifically on this topic. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and mortality risk factors of MBI in HSCT recipients.

Methods

The electronic medical records of patients undergoing HSCT were collected. The epidemiological features and antibiotic resistance of patients with and without MBI were compared. Logistic regression and Cox regression were used to identify the risk factors for MBI acquisition and death. R language was used to construct a prediction model for the overall survival of HSCT recipients with MBI.

Results

The cumulative incidence of MBI was 6.3% and the mortality was 48.8%. Time interval from diagnosis to transplantation > 180 days (HR=2.059, 95% CI 1.042-4.069, P=0.038) and ICU admission after transplantation (HR=2.271, 95% CI 1.053-4.898, P=0.036) were independent risk factors for MBI acquisition. Engraftment period > 20 days (HR=2.273, 95% CI 1.028-5.027, P=0.043), continuous renal replacement therapy (HR=5.755, 95% CI 1.691-19.589, P=0.005) and septic shock (HR=4.308, 95% CI 2.085-8.901, P=0.000) were independent risk factors associated with mortality.

Conclusions

MBI has become a serious problem that cannot be ignored after HSCT. It is urgent for clinicians to pay high attention to it and formulate reasonable monitoring and treatment plans to improve the prognosis of patients.
Shareability: novel perspective on human-media interaction
Authors: Bruno Nicola , Guerra Giorgia , Alioto Brigitta Pia , Jacomuzzi Alessandra Cecilia
Published: September 2023

Interpersonal communication in the twenty-first century is increasingly taking place within digital media. This poses the problem of understanding the factors that may facilitate or hinder communication processes in virtual contexts. Digital media require a human-machine interface, and the analysis of human-machine interfaces traditionally focuses on the dimension of usability. However, interface usability pertains to the interaction of users with digital devices, not to the interaction of users with other users. Here we argue that there is another dimension of human-media interaction that has remained largely unexplored, but plays a key role in interpersonal communication within digital media: shareability. We define shareability as the resultant of a set of interface features that: (i) make sharing of materials with fellow users easy, efficient, and timely (sharing-related usability); (ii) include features that intuitively invite users to share materials (sharing-related affordances); and (iii) provide a sensorimotor environment that includes perceptual information about both presented materials and the behavior of other users that are experiencing these materials through the medium at hand (support to shared availability). Capitalizing on concepts from semiotics, proxemics, and perceptual and cognItive neuroscience, we explore potential criteria to asses shareability in human-machine interfaces. Finally, we show how these notions may be applied in the analysis of three prototypical cases: online gaming, visual communication on social media, and online distance teaching.
Integrating TAM and IS success model: exploring the role of blockchain and AI in predicting learner engagement and performance in e-learning
Authors: Naidoo Damien Tyron
Published: September 2023

This study innovatively intertwines technology adoption and e-learning by integrating blockchain and AI, offering a novel perspective on how cutting-edge technologies revolutionize learning processes. The present study investigates the factors that influence the behavioral use of learners to use blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) in e-learning. The study proposes the integrated model of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Information System (IS) success Model that include perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, system quality, information quality, and service quality as antecedents to behavioral use of blockchain and AI in e-learning. The model also examines the moderating effect of learner self-efficacy on the relationship between behavioral use and e-learning engagement and performance. The study collected data from 322 respondents and analyzed the data using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with a bootstrapping technique. The results show that the factors of TAM model and IS model have the significant and positive effects on behavior to use blockchain and AI in e-learning. Additionally, learner self-efficacy has a significant positive effect on e-learning engagement and performance, but it does not moderate the relationship between behavior to use blockchain or AI and e-learning engagement and performance. Overall, the study provides insights into the factors that influence the adoption of blockchain and AI in e-learning and offers practical implications for educators and policymakers.
State-of-the-art strategies to prioritize Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug targets for drug discovery using a subtractive genomics approach
Authors: Akinnuwesi Adetutu , Egieyeh Samuel , Cloete Ruben
Published: September 2023

Tuberculosis remains one of the causes of death from a single infectious bacterium. The inappropriate use of antibiotics and patients’ non-compliance among other factors drive the emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis. Multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis pose significant challenges to current treatment regimens, as their reduced efficacy against these strains limits successful patient outcomes. Furthermore, the limited effectiveness and associated toxicity of second-line drugs further compound the issue. Moreover, the scarcity of novel pharmacological targets and the subsequent decline in the number of anti-TB compounds in the drug development pipeline has further hindered the emergence of new therapies. As a result, researchers need to develop innovative approaches to identify potential new anti-TB drugs. The evolution of technology and the breakthrough in omics data allow the use of computational biology approaches, for example, metabolomic analysis to uncover pharmacological targets for structured-based drug design. The role of metabolism in pathogen development, growth, survival, and infection has been established. Therefore, this review focuses on the M. tb metabolic network as a hub for novel target identification and highlights a step-by-step subtractive genomics approach for target prioritization.
Azilsartan inhibits inflammation-triggered bone resorption and osteoclastogenesis in vivo via suppression of TNF-α expression in macrophages
Authors: Fan Ziqiu , Kitaura Hideki , Ren Jiayi , Ohori Fumitoshi , Noguchi Takahiro , Marahleh Aseel , Ma Jinghan , Kanou Kayoko , Miura Mariko , Narita Kohei , Lin Angyi , Mizoguchi Itaru
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is associated with increased bone loss due to excessive activity of the local renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Angiotensinogen/Angiotensin (ANG) II/Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) axis is considered as the core axis regulating RAS activity. Azilsartan is an FDA-approved selective AT1R antagonist that is used to treat hypertension. This study aimed to determine whether azilsartan affects formation of osteoclast, resorption of bone, and the expression of cytokines linked with osteoclastogenesis during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-triggered inflammation in vivo.

Methods

In vivo, following a 5-day supracalvarial injection of LPS or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) with or without azilsartan, the proportion of bone resorption and the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated cells, which are identified as osteoclasts on mice calvariae were counted. The mRNA expression levels of TRAP, cathepsin K, receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), and TNF-α were also evaluated. In vitro, the effect of azilsartan (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 μM) on RANKL and TNF-α-triggered osteoclastogenesis were investigated. Also, whether azilsartan restrains LPS-triggered TNF-α mRNA and protein expression in macrophages and RANKL expression in osteoblasts were assessed. Furthermore, western blotting for analysis of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling was conducted.

Results

Azilsartan-treated calvariae exhibited significantly lower bone resorption and osteoclastogenesis than those treated with LPS alone. In vivo, LPS with azilsartan administration resulted in lower levels of receptor activator of RANKL and TNF-α mRNA expression than LPS administration alone. Nevertheless, azilsartan did not show inhibitory effect on RANKL- and TNF-α-triggered osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Compared to macrophages treated with LPS, TNF-α mRNA and protein levels were lower in macrophages treated by LPS with azilsartan. In contrast, RANKL mRNA and protein expression levels in osteoblasts were the same in cells co-treated with azilsartan and LPS and those exposed to LPS only. Furthermore, azilsartan suppressed LPS-triggered MAPKs signaling pathway in macrophages. After 5-day supracalvarial injection, there is no difference between TNF-α injection group and TNF-α with azilsartan injection group.

Conclusion

These findings imply that azilsartan prevents LPS-triggered TNF-α production in macrophages, which in turn prevents LPS-Triggered osteoclast formation and bone resorption in vivo.
Stability and sensitivity characteristic analysis for the hydropower unit considering the sloping roof tailrace tunnel and coupling effect of the power grid
Authors: Zhong Ziwei , Zhu Lingkai , Zhao Mingzhe , Qin Jiafeng , Zhang Shihai , Chen Xi
Published: September 2023

This paper focuses on the stability and dynamic characteristics of the coupled system of nonlinear hydraulic turbine regulating system (HTRS) and power grid (PG). By establishing a nonlinear mathematical model considering the downstream surge chamber and sloping roof tailrace tunnel, the coupling effect and influence mechanism between the hydropower station and power grid are revealed. First, with regard to the coupled system, HTRS considering downstream surge chamber and sloping roof tailrace tunnel and PG model is established. Then, dynamic performance of the coupled system is investigated based on the nonlinear mathematical model as well as Hopf bifurcation theory and validated by numerical simulation. Meanwhile, the impact mechanism of HTRS and PG is revealed by investigating dynamic characteristics. In addition, stability is studied by using eigenvalue method according to the Jacobian matrix of the coupled system. Finally, parameter sensitivity is investigated to quantify parameter effects on system performance. The experimental results indicate that bifurcation line divides the whole proportional–integral adjustment coefficient plane into two parts and the region at the bottom of bifurcation line is stability region. HTRS and PG possess a coupling effect on stable domain and dynamic properties of the coupled system. The variation of HTRS parameters is most significant for the coupled system, especially for the inertia time constant of the hydraulic turbine unit and penstock flow inertia time constant.
Zero carbon transitions: a systematic review of the research landscape and climate mitigation potential
Authors: Shaw Alexander , Mander Sarah , Parkes Ben , Wood Ruth
Published: September 2023

Academia has a crucial role to play in informing urgently needed actions on climate mitigation. It is vital to understand what is known about the potential contribution of climate mitigation options, the barriers that exist to achieving that contribution, and to quantify the research balance and geographic focus of these various approaches across the literature. This PRISMA-based systematic literature review aims to provide the reader with the following: Firstly, an overview of the post-Paris climate mitigation research landscape and secondly, an assessment of the climate mitigation potential of those options per the literature reviewed. Analysis of the research landscape demonstrated that supply-side research greatly outnumbers that on the demand-side, which totalled just half of that which focused on the supply-side. In terms of the geographic scale, the reviewed literature was dominated by national-level studies, with sub-national studies the least common, particularly those at a local government level. Given this, it can be concluded that two key areas would benefit from further research–that focusing on demand-side mitigation, and that carrying research out at more local levels. On climate mitigation potential, wind and solar energy were found to be the biggest contributors to a decarbonised energy supply, across a range of study areas. Discrepancies were identified between findings in the academic and grey literature for several options, chiefly bioenergy and nuclear power: bioenergy made significantly higher contributions in the academic literature versus grey literature, with the opposite true for nuclear. Demand-side options all demonstrated significant mitigation potential in the literature reviewed but received very limited coverage in comparison to many of their supply-side counterparts. Future research should pursue this knowledge gap to reach a better understanding of the contributions they can make and ensure that policymakers have the data necessary to chart a course to a zero-carbon future.
Research status, development trends, and the prospects of cultivated land risk
Authors: Zhao Zhenting , Lei Ming , Wen Liangyou , Xie Enyi , Kong Xiangbin
Published: September 2023

Cultivated land risk poses a critical threat to food security, and managing it is crucial for sustainable land use. To effectively manage this risk, it is essential to identify different types of cultivated land risk, understand their development trends, and research hotspots. This review constructs a comprehensive search strategy for subject terms in CiteSpace to analyze 12,581 literature sources related to cultivated land risk. Through tracking hot spots in cultivated land risk research, we have identified two main phases over the past 20 years. The first phase (2002–2015) focused on exploring various types of cultivated land risk, including soil, nitrogen, sewage sludge, organic matter, and carbon sequestration. Three keywords:soil, nitrogen, and sewage sludge were studied extensively during this period, with research on agricultural intensification, transport conservation, all aimed at enhancing the theoretical framework concerning cultivated land risk. The second phase (2015–2022) emphasized in-depth research into the mechanisms behind the generation of cultivated land risk. Key topics included methods and models for cultivated land risk research, source analysis, and source apportionment, as well as potentially toxic element and random forest analyses. This phase saw a shift towards a more comprehensive understanding of cultivated land risk, with a focus on uncovering underlying causes and developing effective mitigation strategies. Our research has identified three pivotal steps aimed at reducing cultivated land risk: 1) Rigorous Land Use Management: Implement stringent land use regulations to safeguard high-quality land resources. 2) Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Curtail the utilization of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, fostering improved soil fertility and minimizing environmental repercussions. 3) Robust Environmental Oversight: Establish a robust monitoring network to consistently track environmental concerns, concurrently encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly farming techniques. This comprehensive review holds substantial theoretical significance in advancing the agenda of sustainable cultivated land management and effectively alleviating the perils linked with land use alterations.
Assisting adaptation in a changing world
Authors: Webster Michael M. , Twohey Becky , Alagona Peter S. , Arafeh-Dalmau Nur , Colton Madhavi A. , Eger Aaron M. , Miller Stephanie N. , Pecl Gretta T. , Scheffers Brett R. , Snyder Rebecca
Published: September 2023

Today, all ecosystems are undergoing environmental change due to human activity, and in many cases the rate of change is accelerating due to climate change. Consequently, conservation programs are increasingly focused on the response of organisms, populations, and ecosystems to novel conditions. In parallel, the field of conservation biology is developing and deploying new tools to assist adaptation, which we define as aiming to increase the probability that organisms, populations, and ecosystems successfully adapt to ongoing change in biotic and abiotic conditions. Practitioners are aiming to assist a suite of adaptive processes, including acclimatization, range shifts, and evolution, at the individual and population level, while influencing the aggregate of these responses to assist ecosystem reorganization. The practice of assisting adaptation holds promise for environmental conservation, but effective policy and implementation will require thoughtful consideration of potential social and biological benefits and risks.
Integrative preimplantation genetic testing analysis for a Chinese family with hereditary spherocytosis caused by a novel splicing variant of SPTB
Authors: Tian Yafei , Wang Yao , Yang Jingmin , Gao Pengfei , Xu Hui , Wu Yiming , Li Mengru , Chen Hongyan , Lu Daru , Yan Hongli
Published: September 2023

Hereditary spherocytosis (HS), the most common inherited hemolytic anemia disorder, is characterized by osmotically fragile microspherocytic red cells with a reduced surface area on the peripheral blood smear. Pathogenic variants in five erythrocyte membrane structure-related genes ANK1 (Spherocytosis, type 1; MIM#182900), SPTB (Spherocytosis, type 2; MIM#616649), SPTA1 (Spherocytosis, type 3; MIM#270970), SLC4A1 (Spherocytosis, type 4; MIM#612653) and EPB42 (Spherocytosis, type 5; MIM#612690) have been confirmed to be related to HS. There have been many studies on the pathogenic variants and mechanisms of HS, however, studies on how to manage the transmission of HS to the next-generation have not been reported. In this study, we recruited a patient with HS. Targeted next-generation sequencing with a panel of 208 genes related to blood system diseases detected a novel heterozygous variant in the SPTB: c.300+2dup in the proband. Sanger sequencing of variant alleles and haplotype linkage analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) based on next-generation sequencing were performed simultaneously. Five embryos were identified with one heterozygous and four not carrying the SPTB variant. Single-cell amplification and whole genome sequencing showed that three embryos had varying degrees of trisomy mosaicism. One of two normal embryos was transferred to the proband. Ultimately, a healthy boy was born, confirmed by noninvasive prenatal testing for monogenic conditions (NIPT-M) to be disease-free. This confirmed our successful application of PGT in preventing transmission of the pathogenic variant allele in the HS family.
Mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmy analysis in keratoconus patients from China
Authors: Xu Liyan , Yang Kaili , Fan Qi , Gu Yuwei , Ren Shengwei
Published: September 2023

Background: Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants have been implicated in keratoconus (KC). The present study aimed to characterize the mtDNA heteroplasmy profile in KC and explore the association of mitochondrial heteroplasmic levels with KC.

Methods: Mitochondrial sequencing of peripheral blood samples and corneal tomography were conducted in 300 KC cases and 300 matched controls. The number of heteroplasmic and homoplasmic variants was calculated across the mitochondrial genome. Spearman’s correlation was used to analyze the correlation between the number of heteroplasmic variants and age. The association of mtDNA heteroplasmic level with KC was analyzed by logistic regression analysis. Moreover, the relationship between mitochondrial heteroplasmic levels and clinical parameters was determined by linear regression analysis.

Results: The distribution of mtDNA heteroplasmic variants showed the highest number of heteroplasmic variants in the non-coding region, while the COX3 gene exhibited the highest number in protein-coding genes. Comparisons of the number of heteroplasmic and homoplasmic non-synonymous variants in protein-coding genes revealed no significant differences between KC cases and controls (all p > 0.05). In addition, the number of heteroplasmic variants was positively associated with age in all subjects (r = 0.085, p = 0.037). The logistic regression analyses indicated that the heteroplasmic levels of m.16180_16181delAA was associated with KC (p < 0.005). Linear regression analyses demonstrated that the heteroplasmic levels of m.16180_16181delAA and m.302A>C were not correlated with thinnest corneal thickness (TCT), steep keratometry (Ks), and flat keratometry (Kf) (all p > 0.05) in KC cases and controls separately.

Conclusion: The current study characterized the mtDNA heteroplasmy profile in KC, and revealed that the heteroplasmic levels of m.16180_16181delAA were associated with KC.
The history and evolution of HLA typing external proficiency testing schemes in UK NEQAS for H&I
Authors: De’Ath A. , Rees M. T. , Pritchard D.
Published: September 2023

The UK National External Quality Assessment Service (NEQAS) provide an external proficiency testing (EPT) service for clinical laboratories. UK NEQAS for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (H&I) has been providing EPT schemes for over 45 years and has grown during this time to provide 19 EPT schemes. Accurate human leucocyte antigen (HLA) typing is critical to support safe clinical services, including transplantation, therefore high quality, relevant EPT schemes are required as part of a laboratory’s quality assurance. This article reviews the development of the HLA typing EPT schemes, from the first HLA phenotyping scheme in 1975, via the first HLA genotyping scheme in 1992, through to the introduction in 2017 of HLA third field assessment results from next-generation sequencing technology. In addition, the introduction of EPT schemes to cover HLA associated diseases and pharmacogenetic reactions, including HLA-B27, HLA*B*57:01 and HLA-DQ for coeliac disease are discussed. The accuracy of laboratory EPT results for HLA phenotyping are >96% (2018–2022), HLA genotyping >99% (2020–2022), HLA-B27 testing >99% (2018–2022) and B*57:01 testing >99% (2017–2022). However, for HLA genotyping for coeliac disease 22%–46% of laboratories made errors in 2020–2022. On investigation, the high rate of unsatisfactory performance was attributed to laboratories lacking specific knowledge to interpret HLA genotyping results and accurately report HLA types for coeliac disease. A misleading commercial kit insert was also identified. The assessment of scheme results has uncovered several issues which have been addressed with the intention of educating participants and improving clinical services. The UK NEQAS for H&I EPT schemes have evolved over the past four decades to reflect changes in HLA typing technology, laboratory clinical practice and to cover post-analytical interpretative elements of HLA typing.
Safety and immunogenicity of a modified Omicron-adapted inactivated vaccine in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled Phase III clinical trial
Authors: Hu Jialei , Liu Yueyue , Liu Shuo , Shu Qun , Yang Xuenan , Chu Kai , Qiao Yaping , Hu Yaling , Wang Kaiqin , Pan Hongxing
Published: September 2023

Background

Updated vaccine strategies are needed to protect against new SARS-CoV-2 variants with increased immune escape. Here, information on the safety and immunogenicity of an inactivated Omicron-adapted vaccine is presented, as compared with CoronaVac.

Methods

A randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, phase III clinical trial was conducted to compare a modified Omicron-adapted vaccine (Omicron vaccine) with the authorized prototype vaccine (CoronaVac®) as a booster dose. Healthy adults aged ≥18 years, who have previously received 2 or 3 doses of CoronaVac (2C or 3C cohort) at least 6 months before, were enrolled to get a booster dose of Omicron vaccine or CoronaVac in a ratio of 2:1 (2C/3C+1O/1C). Back-up serums after two initial doses of CoronaVac (2C+0) for adults aged 26-45 years were collected from a previous study. Immunogenicity and safety data at 28 days after vaccination were collected and analyzed. One of the primary objectives was to evaluate the superiority of immunogenicity of Omicron vaccine booster against Omicron BA.1, compared with CoronaVac booster against BA.1. Another objective was to evaluate the non-inferiority of immunogenicity of Omicron vaccine booster against BA.1, compared with two initial doses of CoronaVac against ancestral strain.

Results

Between June 1st and July 21st, 2022, a total of 1,500 healthy adults were enrolled. Results show that all pre-specified superiority criteria for BA.1 neutralizing antibody were met. Specifically, within the 3C cohort (3C+1O vs. 3C+1C), the geometric mean titers’ (GMT) ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) was 1.64 (1.42, 1.89), with the lower 95%CI ≥1; a GMT ratio of 1.84 (1.57, 2.16) was observed for 2C+1O versus 3C+1C. For seroconversion rate, the lower 95%CIs of differences between immuno-comparative groups (2/3C+1O vs. 3C+1C) were all above the superiority criterion 0%. However, the non-inferiority criterion of the lower 95%CI of GMT ratio ≥2/3 was unfulfilled for 2C/3C+1O against BA.1 versus 2C+0 against ancestral strain. Safety profiles were similar between groups, with no safety concerns identified.

Conclusion

The Omicron-adapted vaccine was well-tolerated and could elicit superior immune responses as compared with CoronaVac against Omicron, while it appeared inferior to CoronaVac against ancestral strain.

Clinical trial registration

https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05381350?term=NCT05381350&draw=2&rank=1, identifier NCT05381350.
Deciphering the immunological and prognostic features of bladder cancer through platinum-resistance-related genes analysis and identifying potential therapeutic target P4HB
Authors: Xiong Situ , Li Sheng , Zeng Jin , Nie Jianqiang , Liu Taobin , Liu Xiaoqiang , Chen Luyao , Fu Bin , Deng Jun , Xu Songhui
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To identify the molecular subtypes and develop a scoring system for the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and prognostic features of bladder cancer (BLCA) based on the platinum-resistance-related (PRR) genes analysis while identifying P4HB as a potential therapeutic target.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed gene expression data and clinical information of 594 BLCA samples. We used unsupervised clustering to identify molecular subtypes based on the expression levels of PRR genes. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses were performed to understand the biological activities of these subtypes. We also assessed the TIME and developed a prognostic signature and scoring system. Moreover, we analyzed the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Then we conducted real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) experiments to detect the expression level of prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit beta (P4HB) in BLCA cell lines. Transfection of small interference ribonucleic acid (siRNA) was performed in 5637 and EJ cells to knock down P4HB, and the impact of P4HB on cellular functions was evaluated through wound-healing and transwell assays. Finally, siRNA transfection of P4HB was performed in the cisplatin-resistant T24 cell to assess its impact on the sensitivity of BLCA to platinum-based chemotherapy drugs.

Results

In a cohort of 594 BLCA samples (TCGA-BLCA, n=406; GSE13507, n=188), 846 PRR-associated genes were identified by intersecting BLCA expression data from TCGA and GEO databases with the PRR genes from the HGSOC-Platinum database. Univariate Cox regression analysis revealed 264 PRR genes linked to BLCA prognosis. We identified three molecular subtypes (Cluster A-C) and the PRR scoring system based on PRR genes. Cluster C exhibited a better prognosis and lower immune cell infiltration compared to the other Clusters A and B. The high PRR score group was significantly associated with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, poor clinical-pathological features, and a poor prognosis. Furthermore, the high PRR group showed higher expression of immune checkpoint molecules and a poorer response to immune checkpoint inhibitors than the low PRR group. The key PRR gene P4HB was highly expressed in BLCA cell lines, and cellular functional experiments in vitro indicate that P4HB may be an important factor influencing BLCA migration and invasion.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that the PRR signatures are significantly associated with clinical-pathological features, the TIME, and prognostic features. The key PRR gene, P4HB, s a biomarker for the individualized treatment of BLCA patients.
Experience of emergency medicine residents toward an implemented modified teaching approach
Authors: Babkair Kholoud Abdullah , Al-Nasser Sami , Alzahem Abdullah
Published: September 2023

Lecturing has always been one of the traditional instructional methods in medical education. It is cost-effective, especially when it comes to conveying a large amount of information to many students at once. However, disadvantages are plenteous, one of which is its passive way of knowledge delivery and learning. Active learning, on the contrary, has better students' engagement and longer retention, and it results in better students' achievement. The emergency medicine residency training program at KAMC-Jeddah has modified the educational activity to become more aligned with the end-of-year assessment in the form of active learning. This study aimed to explore the experience of the residents regarding the implementation of the new educational approach. An exploratory-qualitative study utilizing constructive grounded theory was conducted, collecting our data through an in-depth 1:1 interview using semi-structured open-ended questions. Purposeful sampling was used, and saturation was reached after interviewing 24 residents. The general perception of residents toward the new teaching modes slightly varied, highlighting the positivity of the new educational environment, the desired impact on their learning, the challenges they encountered, and finally their high satisfaction level and support for this new experience. It was asserted that such experience could be permanently implemented to increase the efficacy of teaching and learning.