bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Library of German Chemical Society: History, provenance, and current status
Authors: Evdokimenkova Yu. B. , Soboleva N. O.
Published: June 2023

The Library for Natural Science of the Russian Academy of Sciences embraces publications from the Library of German Chemical Society (Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker). The Library was established all at the same time as the Society, in 1867. The outstanding collection of chemical literature was being developed over decades. The Library was receiving books and journals from Russia owing to close ties between Russian, Soviet and German colleagues. By the beginning of the World War II, the collection comprised 300 periodical titles, along with monographs, reference books, dissertations and chemical patents. After the war, the library was displaced to the USSR and transferred to the special libraries of the Academy’s of Sciences institutions. In 1956, the monographs were returned to the Society in the Federal Republic of Germany. Today, they are deposited in Humboldt University in Berlin. The periodicals are stored in the RAS Library for Natural Sciences. The publications have played significant role in Soviet chemistry information support and are still relevant. The favorable storage environment is maintained.
The Grot Readings as the scientific resource of Samara Universal Scientific Library
Authors: Tsyganova Y. M.
Published: June 2023

The author reviews the All-Russia Scientific Conference “The Seventh Grot Readings” held at Samara Regional Universal Scientific Library on November 17–18, 2022. Researchers of Ac. S. P. Korolev Samara National Research University acted as co-organizers and enthusiastic participants of the conference. The author discusses in brief the history of the Grot Readings and reviews the key topics. Since the first conference in 2008, it has become the significant event for Samara Region. It is to promote historical, local, philological, library and bibliographical studies and to maintain scientific communication within the country. In 2022, researchers and specialists from 22 Russian regions attended the conference. Three Sections of the Seventh Grot Readings are discussed, namely: History of Russia in 19-th–21-st centuries, History and Contemporaneity in Literature, and Book Culture, along with the key topics of the papers presented at each of the sections. The author analyzes the development of Grot Readings as a scientific research site and its potential for Samara Regional Universal Scientific Library and Samara Region, on the whole.
Systematizing the array of dissertations in individual discipline based on chronologizing of Ph.D. defenses and title content-analysis. (Part 2)
Authors: Piskunov M. A.
Published: June 2023

The author explores the array of doctoral dissertations in the area of forest engineering, forestry technologies and machines, submitted in the period of 1955-2022 (190 dissertations). The bibliometrical analysis enabled to specify 5 time periods differing in their dynamics (1955–1962; 1963–1970; 1971–1989; 1990–1999; 2000–2022). Before 1993, there were two defense hubs, namely Moscow and Leningrad (now St. Petersburg); after 1993, regional hubs emerged. In 1993-2022, 68% dissertations were defended in the regions outside Moscow and St. Petersburg; 14% dissertations were defended in two disciplines. On average, 16 years were passing between scientist’s candidate and doctoral dissertations, however, since 1994, this difference may make less than 10 years — 24% papers in 2009–2022. In 1955—1982, the keywords “study”, “problems”, “basics” dominated in the titles, and since 1986 – “feasibility”, “increase”, and “improvement”. After 2006–2008, the number of titles including “feasibility” decreased, and the word combination “refining the theory (method)” became popular. Since 1986, the vector of studies changed from process and system studies toward their modernization and enhancement. Through classification by the research subject, 42 topical areas were specified, and then divided into two groups. Within the group one, the papers can be bundled (over 3 dissertations) and make subject fields where their own systematization is possible. In the group two, the dissertations make the individual studies (103 papers) that can hardly be consolidated into the array. Within several topical fields, the cyclicism is observed — the dissertations are defended regularly. The content analysis of dissertation titles coupled with bibliometrical methods, reveals the more regular pattern within the individual specialty. The obtained findings will be demanded by researchers and professionals engaged in scientometrical and bibliometrical research.
The library and open access resources: Threats vs opportunities
Authors: Redkina N. S.
Published: June 2023

The open science initiatives, growing number of open resources (digital collections, institutional repositories, open educational resources, scientific data, etc.), changing user information needs and preferences hang like a sword of Damocles over the libraries and threaten with the absence of demand for science and education support. The purpose of the study is to identify librarians’ awareness of the world open access resources (OAR) and their role in developing library and information products and services. The author analyzes OAR structure, Russian librarians’ awareness of 50 largest OAR structured by document type (books and articles, dissertation, preprints, data sets, learning materials, patents and standards, encyclopedias and dictionaries, scientific information retrieval systems). She also emphasizes the problems of mastering global OAR by Russian academic librarians, their interest toward practical use of OAR in library and information user services. The findings of the study demonstrate the possibility for the libraries to build their value in the market of information OAR and to become essential part of the modern science information ecosystem, to assist in managing scientific content and document retrieval, and to provide subject-oriented teaching and consulting of users.
Iranian Azerbaijanis - from a "Well Integrated" Ethnic Minority to a Different Identity?
Authors: MAMMADOV Gulamhuseyn
Published: June 2023

Azerbaijan Turks constitute the second largest ethnicity of the Islamic Republic of Iran. They have faced pressure in the nation-building process that started with the coming to power of the Pahlavi dynasty, and this accelerated the formation of national consciousness in them. It was the result of these pressures that they took an active role in the Islamic Revolution. However, the formation of the national consciousness of the Azerbaijani Turks, who could not achieve what they wanted after this revolution, was triggered by the establishment of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 1991. Azerbaijan Turks, who have been exposed to the great cultural influence of the Republics of Turkey and Azerbaijan with the advantages brought by globalization, have started to shift from the “best integrated ethnicity” of Iran to a different identity that is opposed to the Iranian identity. The continuation of the process in this way has the capacity to bring great changes for Iran and the entire region.
Ölüme Bağlı Tasarruf Yoluyla Vakıf Kurma
Authors: YILDIRIR Efe Can
Published: June 2023

Hem kişiler hukuku hem de miras hukukunu ilgilendirmesi sebebiyle ölüme bağlı tasarruf yoluyla vakıf kurma hem kuramsal yönüyle hem de uygulamaya etkisi bakımından oldukça önem taşımaktadır. Bu makalede ölüme bağlı vakfa ilişkin çeşitli sorunları özellikle de TMK m. 526’nın işlevi ve uygulama alanı, mirasbırakanın ölümünden tescile kadar geçen dönemde ölüme bağlı vakfın hukuki durumu, bu ölüme bağlı tasarrufun maddi içeriği ve çeşitli görünüm biçimleri, vakfetme iradesinin miras sözleşmesinin bağlayıcı içeriğine dahil edilerek açıklanmasının mümkün olup olmadığı, vakfetme iradesinin geri alınmasına dair sorunlar ve bu ölüme bağlı tasarrufun geçersizliği ile tenkisinin sonuçlarını hem öğretideki çeşitli görüşler hem de yargı uygulaması bağlamında detaylı bir şekilde irdelemeyi amaçlamaktadır.
Sea anemone microhabitats enhance the diversity and biomass of mobile invertebrates on temperate rocky shores
Authors: Bedgood SA , Levell ST , Bracken MES
Published: June 2023

Sea anemones of the genus Anthopleura are abundant in rocky intertidal communities of the eastern Pacific, but their role as habitat and facilitators of biodiversity in this system has been overlooked. We provide evidence for a previously undescribed mechanism of facilitation associated with these cnidarians on temperate rocky shores. Sea anemones in the genus Anthopleura slowly release stored water at low tide, which helps them maintain ideal temperature conditions via evaporative cooling. This behavior results in leakage of water to surrounding intertidal habitats, producing unique microhabitats in the upper intertidal zone. We hypothesized that mobile invertebrate communities would use this habitat during low tides to ameliorate abiotic stress. In an in situ experiment spanning 3 sites along the coast of California, USA, it was found that maximum temperatures and relative desiccation rates were lower in sea anemone-associated microhabitats as compared to adjacent rock habitats. Observational surveys revealed higher richness and biomass of mobile invertebrates in sea anemone microhabitats, and these differences were supported by manipulative experiments that included both adding and removing sea anemones. Our results support a novel community-wide facilitation driven by an adaptation of intertidal sea anemones. The effects of sea anemone microhabitat on upper shore biodiversity were associated with site and sea anemone species and may suggest a facilitative role of a temperate cnidarian-algal mutualism in mitigating stress and enhancing biodiversity.
Strategies for intervertebral disc regeneration
Authors:   , Du Jie
Published: June 2023

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) affects a large population worldwide. Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a leading case of CLBP. To date, the clinical treatments are limited to pain relief strategies, and to date, no efficient therapy was developed aiming at IVD regeneration. This thesis aimed to understand the degenerative processes of IVD and propose potential therapeutic routes to halt degeneration and achieve regeneration.
Blocking inflammation is considered a viable strategy to relieve pain and delay disc degeneration. Pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α, is highly associated with inflammation and pain in IVD degeneration. Therefore, in Chapter 2, a TNF-α-induced ex vivo IVD degenerative model was established on the bovine whole caudal IVD culture system under mechanical loading. This model can be used to further elucidate the mechanisms of TNF-α-induced IVD degeneration, and importantly, can serve as a model for screening of bioactives targeting TNF-a inhibition.
A previous study reported that bone morphogenetic protein- 4 (BMP-4) has potent effects on NP matrix regeneration, as shown in a co-culture of human NP cells and mesenchymal stem cells. In Chapter 3, the effects of BMP-4 on IVD regeneration were evaluated in vitro and in vivo sheep models. The regenerative effects of BMP-4 on NP and AF cells were shown by improved cell proliferation and ECM production. However, no regeneration in the NP nor AF was observed in vivo. These results suggest that direct intradiscal injection of BMP-4 may not be a suitable strategy for IVD regeneration. More factors should be considered before attempting translation BMP-4 for IVD regeneration, for instance, the delivery method.
To restore the function of the IVD, keeping its structural integrity is essential. Although the AF is a crucial component of IVD, this structure is often overlooked in therapy development. In Chapter 4, AF analog scaffolds were explored and evaluated in vitro and ex vivo. Our findings demonstrate that the combination of cellular, biomaterial, and bioactive strategies has excellent potential for AF regeneration. In Chapter 5, we found that CD146 is essential for the contractility of AF cells. Furthermore, we partly elucidated the underlying signaling pathway of CD146 upregulation by TGF-β in AF cells and suggest that CD146 can potentially be used as a functional marker in AF repair strategies.
Intradiscal administration has been proposed as a desirable strategy for drug delivery to increase local drug concentration, prolong drug retention, and reduce systemic side effects because of the isolated nature of IVD. In Chapter 6, this study provides evidence of drug release and retention profiles in the IVD by using different methods (nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, near-infrared imaging) and models (ex vivo, and in vivo on sheep and rats). Results showed that drug retention in IVD can be affected by degeneration and that a proper drug release system could prolong drug retention in IVD, which theoretically may improve treatment outcomes.
Effects of Different Carbon Sources on Growth and Some Innate Immune Responses of Russian Sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) in Biofloc Systems
Authors: YAZICI İrfan Selçuk , BERBER Selçuk , ÖZCELEP Tuna
Published: June 2023

The Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) species is in high demand owing to its valuable caviar. Therefore, it is in danger of extinction. Since the Russian sturgeon reaches sexual maturity late in its life cycle, this species has a high economic cost for farmers. However, this high cost can be reduced with an environmentally friendly system called biofloc technology. This study compared the growth performance and health indicators of biofloc groups using different carbon sources such as starch (BS), molasses (BM) and dextrose (BD). In the 60-day study, fish with an average initial weight of 106.44±5.79 g were stocked in tanks at a density of 21 fish/tank (0.4 m3/tank). The water temperature was set at 19 ℃ degrees throughout the study. On the 30th and 60th days of the experiment, fish were weighted to measure the growth parameters and sampled for immune indices. No mortality was observed in any group throughout the study. A between group comparison of weight gain revealed that BS and BM (105.51±2.26; 100.50±2.18) performed better than the control (BC, without external carbon sources) and BD groups (95.90±2.09; 87.36±2.18) (P<0.05). Furthermore, FCR and SGR were calculated from the data obtained at the end of the experiment, and the data shows that the BS and BM groups were statistically more effective than the other groups. Moreover, a comparison of NBT, lysozyme and myeloperoxidase enzyme activities indicated that all BFT groups had a stronger immune system than the control group (P<0.05). According to the results, the immune-enhancing effect of BFT for sturgeon was determined, and it was reported that BS and BM are more suitable for use in this species in terms of FCR and SGR, as they result an economic and environmentally friendly production.
A Techno-Environmental and Energy Efficiency Investigation of Marine Dual-Fuel Engines
Authors: AKMAN Mehmet
Published: June 2023

The ship-based greenhouse gas emissions along with the volumetric growth in maritime transportation have increased significantly over the years. International Maritime Organization (IMO) has tightened the emission limits by putting new regulations into effect to overcome the environmental impacts and therefore, the maritime industry has focused on energy-efficient ship design and operation, recently. Regarding the latest developments, dual-fuel engines operated with different fuels have been installed and new technological developments in emission control have been implemented onboard ships. In this context, the selection of engine systems where there are many options available has been a substantial problem in the design process of a ship, recently. The latest marine engines are capable of operating with various types of fuels at different emission control modes, therefore, energy efficiency and emission performance of the prime movers should be analyzed in detail. In this study, VLSFO, methanol, LPG, LNG and MDO-fueled engines with the same power output are investigated and the NOX reduction device integrated engines’ technical specifications are compared. Then, the selected dual-fuel engines are thermodynamically analyzed and the environmental impacts are evaluated under different engine loads, Tier II, Tier III modes and ambient conditions. Moreover, EEDI calculations are conducted under the case study of powering a medium-range tanker and engine options are evaluated in terms of energy efficiency. Finally, a sensitivity analysis of engine performance is carried and the results are validated. According to the results, the energy efficiency of the ship can be increased by up to 20% by selecting the LNG-fueled engine as the prime mover while it requires more space and equipment compared to other engines.
Improving dental epithelial junction on dental implants with bioengineered peptides
Authors: Panayotov Ivan V. , Végh Attila G. , Martin Marta , Vladimirov Boyan , Larroque Christian , Gergely Csilla , Cuisinier Frédéric J. G. , Estephan Elias
Published: June 2023

Introduction: The functionalization of titanium (Ti) and titanium alloys (Ti6Al4V) implant surfaces via material-specific peptides influence host/biomaterial interaction. The impact of using peptides as molecular linkers between cells and implant material to improve keratinocyte adhesion is reported.

Results: The metal binding peptides (MBP-1, MBP-2) SVSVGMKPSPRP and WDPPTLKRPVSP were selected via phage display and combined with laminin-5 or E-cadherin epithelial cell specific peptides (CSP-1, CSP-2) to engineer four metal-cell specific peptides (MCSPs). Single-cell force spectroscopy and cell adhesion experiments were performed to select the most promising candidate. In vivo tests using the dental implant for rats showed that the selected bi functional peptide not only enabled stable cell adhesion on the trans-gingival part of the dental implant but also arrested the unwanted apical migration of epithelial cells.

Conclusion: The results demonstrated the outstanding performance of the bioengineered peptide in improving epithelial adhesion to Ti based implants and pointed towards promising new opportunities for applications in clinical practice.
Dissecting the mechanism of regulation of a ferroptosis-like form of cell death in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Saini Sanjay , Owusu-Ansah Edward
Published: June 2023

Ferroptosis is a specific form of non-apoptotic cell death that is driven by iron-dependent phospholipid peroxidation. Research over the past decade has contributed to our understanding of how this important cell death process is regulated in mammalian systems, especially with regard to the distinct modes of induction, the role of metabolic signals, the organelles involved, implications of ferroptosis for development and aging, and how our improved understanding of the process can be exploited for therapeutic purposes. Other studies have described variants of this ancient cell death process in cyanobacteria, plants and protozoans. Emerging evidence indicates that a ferroptosis-like form of cell death exists in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster). Due to the extensive homology of genes in Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila suzukii, unique aspects of ferroptosis in Drosophila melanogaster may be of particular relevance for developing targeted pesticides against Drosophila suzukii—a major invasive agricultural pest of the berry and wine industry in Southeast Asia, Europe and America. Further, aspects of ferroptosis in Drosophila melanogaster that are conserved in insects in general may provide the basis for identifying new insecticides for controlling the spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria. In this perspective, we highlight some of the studies in Drosophila melanogaster that have sought to improve our understanding of the ferroptosis-like form of cell death that operates in this organism and conclude with a discussion of the opportunities and challenges for studying this phenomenon in fruit flies.
Advances in the adsorption of heavy metal ions in water by UiO-66 composites
Authors: Lei Yuanhang , Xie Jiangqin , Quan Wenxuan , Chen Qi , Long Xingyu , Wang Anping
Published: June 2023

The innovative adsorbents known as the Metal-organic Framework (MOFs) had a high specific surface area, various structural types, and good chemical stability. MOFs have been produced through hydrothermal, mechanochemical, microwave-assisted, gelation, and other synthesis methods, and the solvothermal process is one of them that researchers frequently utilize. The UiO materials have a more comprehensive application potential than different subtypes of MOFs among the numerous MOFs that have been synthesized. The synthesis of MOFs and their composites, as well as the adsorption characteristics of UiO materials in the adsorption of various heavy metal ions, have all been examined and summarized in this study.
Use and acceptance of voice assistants among people with aphasia in Germany
Authors: Núñez Macías Naizeth , Hielscher-Fastabend Martina , Buschmeier Hendrik
Published: June 2023

Aphasia is an acquired disorder that affects the ability to communicate. The increasing availability of voice assistants (such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant) provides new opportunities to support people with aphasia in a variety of tasks, from everyday communication to speech and language therapy exercises. To ensure accessibility and acceptance, it is important to involve people with aphasia in the development process. Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) as a theoretical framework, this study examines their willingness to use voice assistants and explores which potential applications they consider useful for participation in social and cultural contexts. These questions were addressed through a survey. Eight people with aphasia took part in the study. Although the sample size does not allow for statistical analysis, the results provide valuable insights for further research. Most of the participants showed a general interest in using voice assistants, two of them were already users. The presence of physical limitations motivates the use of speech-based technology. Participants who already used voice assistants saw them as a practical support in everyday life, while non-users had lower expectations in this respect. Social influence was found to play an important role. Participants' perceptions of privacy and data security issues varied and do not allow for generalization. Finally, some participants showed a preference for communication support applications (e.g., word finding, sentence formation, grammar support) over applications used for therapy exercises such as word training.
ScRNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics: exploring the occurrence and treatment of coronary-related diseases starting from development
Authors: Liu Can , Yang Fan , Su Xin , Zhang Zhenpeng , Xing Yanwei
Published: June 2023

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a new technology that can be used to explore molecular changes in complex cell clusters at the single-cell level. Single-cell spatial transcriptomic technology complements the cell-space location information lost during single-cell sequencing. Coronary artery disease is an important cardiovascular disease with high mortality rates. Many studies have explored the physiological development and pathological changes in coronary arteries from the perspective of single cells using single-cell spatial transcriptomic technology. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms underlying coronary artery development and diseases as revealed by scRNA-seq combined with spatial transcriptomic technology. Based on these mechanisms, we discuss the possible new treatments for coronary diseases.
Management of coronary artery disease in patients with aortic stenosis in the era of transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Belur Agastya D. , Solankhi Naresh , Sharma Ravi
Published: June 2023

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a common valve disorder among the elderly, and these patients frequently have concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD). Risk factors for calcific AS are similar to those for CAD. Historically, the treatment of these conditions involved simultaneous surgical replacement of the aortic valve (AV) with coronary artery bypass grafting. Since the advancement of transcatheter AV therapies, there have been tremendous advancements in the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of this procedure with expanding indications. This has led to a paradigm shift in our approach to the patient with AS and concomitant CAD. Data regarding the management of CAD in patients with AS are largely limited to single-center studies or retrospective analyses. This article aims to review available literature around the management of CAD in patients with AS and assist in the current understanding in approaches toward management.
Patient preferences as human factors for health data recommender systems and shared decision making in orthopaedic practice
Authors: Singh Akanksha , Schooley Benjamin , Floyd Sarah B. , Pill Stephen G. , Brooks John M.
Published: June 2023

Background

A core set of requirements for designing AI-based Health Recommender Systems (HRS) is a thorough understanding of human factors in a decision-making process. Patient preferences regarding treatment outcomes can be one important human factor. For orthopaedic medicine, limited communication may occur between a patient and a provider during the short duration of a clinical visit, limiting the opportunity for the patient to express treatment outcome preferences (TOP). This may occur despite patient preferences having a significant impact on achieving patient satisfaction, shared decision making and treatment success. Inclusion of patient preferences during patient intake and/or during the early phases of patient contact and information gathering can lead to better treatment recommendations.

Aim

We aim to explore patient treatment outcome preferences as significant human factors in treatment decision making in orthopedics. The goal of this research is to design, build, and test an app that collects baseline TOPs across orthopaedic outcomes and reports this information to providers during a clinical visit. This data may also be used to inform the design of HRSs for orthopaedic treatment decision making.

Methods

We created a mobile app to collect TOPs using a direct weighting (DW) technique. We used a mixed methods approach to pilot test the app with 23 first-time orthopaedic visit patients presenting with joint pain and/or function deficiency by presenting the app for utilization and conducting qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys post utilization.

Results

The study validated five core TOP domains, with most users dividing their 100-point DW allocation across 1–3 domains. The tool received moderate to high usability scores. Thematic analysis of patient interviews provides insights into TOPs that are important to patients, how they can be communicated effectively, and incorporated into a clinical visit with meaningful patient-provider communication that leads to shared decision making.

Conclusion

Patient TOPs may be important human factors to consider in determining treatment options that may be helpful for automating patient treatment recommendations. We conclude that inclusion of patient TOPs to inform the design of HRSs results in creating more robust patient treatment profiles in the EHR thus enhancing opportunities for treatment recommendations and future AI applications.
Gamification as a neuroergonomic approach to improving interpersonal situational awareness in cyber defense
Authors: Ask Torvald F. , Knox Benjamin J. , Lugo Ricardo G. , Hoffmann Lukas , Sütterlin Stefan
Published: June 2023

In cyber threat situations, the establishment of a shared situational awareness as a basis for cyber defense decision-making results from adequate communication of a Recognized Cyber Picture (RCP). RCPs consist of actively selected information and have the goal of accurately presenting the severity and potential consequences of the situation. RCPs must be communicated between individuals, but also between organizations, and often from technical to non−/less technical personnel. The communication of RCPs is subject to many challenges that may affect the transfer of critical information between individuals. There are currently no common best practices for training communication for shared situational awareness among cyber defense personnel. The Orient, Locate, Bridge (OLB) model is a pedagogic tool to improve communication between individuals during a cyber threat situation. According to the model, an individual must apply meta-cognitive awareness (O), perspective taking (L), and communication skills (B) to successfully communicate the RCP. Gamification (applying game elements to non-game contexts) has shown promise as an approach to learning. We propose a novel OLB-based Gamification design to improve dyadic communication for shared situational awareness among (technical and non-technical) individuals during a cyber threat situation. The design includes the Gamification elements of narrative, scoring, feedback, and judgment of self. The proposed concept contributes to the educational development of cyber operators from both military and civilian organizations responsible for defending and securing digital infrastructure. This is achieved by combining the elements of a novel communication model with Gamification in a context in urgent need for educational input.
Oviductal extracellular vesicles from women with endometriosis impair embryo development
Authors: Li Yuehan , Cai Lei , Guo Na , Liu Chang , Wang Meng , Zhu Lixia , Li Fei , Jin Lei , Sui Cong
Published: June 2023

Objective

To investigate the influence of oviductal extracellular vesicles from patients with endometriosis on early embryo development.

Design

In vitro experimental study

Setting

University-affiliated hospital.

Patients

Women with and without endometriosis who underwent hysterectomy (n = 27 in total).

Interventions

None.

Main outcome measures

Oviductal extracellular vesicles from patients with endometriosis (oEV-EMT) or without endometriosis (oEV-ctrl) were isolated and co-cultured with two-cell murine embryos for 75 hours. Blastocyst rates were recorded. RNA sequencing was used to identify the differentially expressed genes in blastocysts cultured either with oEV-EMT or with oEV-ctrl. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed to identify potential biological processes in embryos that oEV-EMT affects. The functions of oEV on early embryo development were determined by reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potentials (MMP), total cell numbers, and apoptotic cell proportions.

Results

Extracellular vesicles were successfully isolated from human Fallopian tubal fluid, and their characterizations were described. The blastocyst rates were significantly decreased in the oEV-EMT group. RNA sequencing revealed that oxidative phosphorylation was down-regulated in blastocysts cultured with oEV-EMT. Analysis of oxidative stress and apoptosis at the blastocysts stage showed that embryos cultured with oEV-EMT had increased ROS levels, decreased MMP, and increased apoptotic index. Total cell numbers were not influenced.

Conclusion

Oviductal extracellular vesicles from patients with endometriosis negatively influence early embryo development by down-regulating oxidative phosphorylation.
Lights and shadows on the use of metformin in pregnancy: from the preconception phase to breastfeeding and beyond
Authors: Tosti Giulia , Barberio Annarita , Tartaglione Linda , Rizzi Alessandro , Di Leo Mauro , Viti Luca , Sirico Angelo , De Carolis Sara , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Lanzone Antonio , Pitocco Dario
Published: June 2023

During pregnancy, the complex hormonal changes lead to a progressive decrease of insulin sensitivity that can drive the onset of gestational diabetes (GDM) or worsen an already-known condition of insulin resistance like type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and obesity, with complications for the mother and the fetus. Metformin during pregnancy is proving to be safe in a growing number of studies, although it freely crosses the placenta, leading to a fetal level similar to maternal concentration. The aim of this literature review is to analyze the main available evidence on the use of metformin during, throughout, and beyond pregnancy, including fertilization, lactation, and medium-term effects on offspring. Analyzed studies support the safety and efficacy of metformin during pregnancy. In pregnant women with GDM and type 2 diabetes, metformin improves obstetric and perinatal outcomes. There is no evidence that it prevents GDM in women with pregestational insulin resistance or improves lipid profile and risk of GDM in pregnant women with PCOS or obesity. Metformin could have a role in reducing the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women with severe obesity, the risk of late miscarriages and preterm delivery in women with PCOS, and the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, increasing the clinical pregnancy rate in women with PCOS undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF/FIVET). Offspring of mothers with GDM exposed to metformin have no significant differences in body composition compared with insulin treatment, while it appears to be protective for metabolic and cardiovascular risk.
Development and validation of a dynamic nomogram based on conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound for stratifying the risk of central lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma preoperatively
Authors: Chen Qiyang , Liu Yujiang , Liu Jinping , Su Yuan , Qian Linxue , Hu Xiangdong
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a dynamic nomogram by combining conventional ultrasound (US) and contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) to preoperatively evaluate the probability of central lymph node metastases (CLNMs) for patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

A total of 216 patients with PTC confirmed pathologically were included in this retrospective and prospective study, and they were divided into the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Each cohort was divided into the CLNM (+) and CLNM (−) groups. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression method was applied to select the most useful predictive features for CLNM in the training cohort, and these features were incorporated into a multivariate logistic regression analysis to develop the nomogram. The nomogram’s discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness were assessed in the training and validation cohorts.

Results

In the training and validation cohorts, the dynamic nomogram (https://clnmpredictionmodel.shinyapps.io/PTCCLNM/) had an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.844 (95% CI, 0.755–0.905) and 0.827 (95% CI, 0.747–0.906), respectively. The Hosmer–Lemeshow test and calibration curve showed that the nomogram had good calibration (p = 0.385, p = 0.285). Decision curve analysis (DCA) showed that the nomogram has more predictive value of CLNM than US or CEUS features alone in a wide range of high-risk threshold. A Nomo-score of 0.428 as the cutoff value had a good performance to stratify high-risk and low-risk groups.

Conclusion

A dynamic nomogram combining US and CEUS features can be applied to risk stratification of CLNM in patients with PTC in clinical practice.
Ancestral glycoprotein hormone-receptor pathway controls growth in C. elegans
Authors: Kenis Signe , Istiban Majdulin Nabil , Van Damme Sara , Vandewyer Elke , Watteyne Jan , Schoofs Liliane , Beets Isabel
Published: June 2023

In vertebrates, thyrostimulin is a highly conserved glycoprotein hormone that, besides thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), is a potent ligand of the TSH receptor. Thyrostimulin is considered the most ancestral glycoprotein hormone and orthologs of its subunits, GPA2 and GPB5, are widely conserved across vertebrate and invertebrate animals. Unlike TSH, however, the functions of the thyrostimulin neuroendocrine system remain largely unexplored. Here, we identify a functional thyrostimulin-like signaling system in Caenorhabditis elegans. We show that orthologs of GPA2 and GPB5, together with thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) related neuropeptides, constitute a neuroendocrine pathway that promotes growth in C. elegans. GPA2/GPB5 signaling is required for normal body size and acts through activation of the glycoprotein hormone receptor ortholog FSHR-1. C. elegans GPA2 and GPB5 increase cAMP signaling by FSHR-1 in vitro. Both subunits are expressed in enteric neurons and promote growth by signaling to their receptor in glial cells and the intestine. Impaired GPA2/GPB5 signaling causes bloating of the intestinal lumen. In addition, mutants lacking thyrostimulin-like signaling show an increased defecation cycle period. Our study suggests that the thyrostimulin GPA2/GPB5 pathway is an ancient enteric neuroendocrine system that regulates intestinal function in ecdysozoans, and may ancestrally have been involved in the control of organismal growth.
Assessment of past and future land use/cover change over Tordzie watershed in Ghana
Authors: Nyatuame Mexoese , Agodzo Sampson , Amekudzi Leonard Kofitse , Mensah-Brako Bismark
Published: June 2023

Land use/ land cover (LULC) change has been identified as the main driving force of global change. The study investigated LULC change in Tordzie watershed in Ghana and predicted the future development. The supervised classification procedure was applied to Landsat images of 1987, 2003, and 2017. The cellular automata–Markov model embedded in IDRISI 17 software was employed to model LULC for the years 2030 and 2050. The trend of LULC change was exploited from 1987 to 2003, from 2003 to 2017, and projected to 2030 and 2050. Settlement and crop land, respectively, increased from 2.68% to 16.46% in 1987 to 3.65% and 53.47% in 2003 and finally to 20.61% and 58.52% in 2017. Vegetation cover declined from 23.2% in 1987 to 13.9% in 2003 and finally to 11.3% in 2017. The annual rate of change was determined. In 2030 and 2050, the dominant land use type will be crop land (56%). However, it decreased between 2017 and 2030 by −1.73%. The findings of the study are very relevant to land and water resource planners, policy formulators and implementers, and environmental and climate change advocates. Sustainable land use policy and its implementation are recommended.
The gut–liver axis in immune remodeling of hepatic cirrhosis
Authors: Guan Huayu , Zhang Xiang , Kuang Ming , Yu Jun
Published: June 2023

In healthy settings, the gut–liver axis allows host–microbiota communications and mediates immune homeostasis through bidirectional regulation. Meanwhile, in diseases, gut dysbiosis, combined with an impaired intestinal barrier, introduces pathogens and their toxic metabolites into the system, causing massive immune alternations in the liver and other extrahepatic organs. Accumulating evidence suggests that these immune changes are associated with the progression of many liver diseases, especially hepatic cirrhosis. Pathogen-associated molecular patterns that originated from gut microbes directly stimulate hepatocytes and liver immune cells through different pattern recognition receptors, a process further facilitated by damage-associated molecular patterns released from injured hepatocytes. Hepatic stellate cells, along with other immune cells, contribute to this proinflammatory and profibrogenic transformation. Moreover, cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction, an imbalanced immune status characterized by systemic inflammation and immune deficiency, is linked to gut dysbiosis. Though the systemic inflammation hypothesis starts to link gut dysbiosis to decompensated cirrhosis from a clinical perspective, a clearer demonstration is still needed for the role of the gut–liver–immune axis in cirrhosis progression. This review discusses the different immune states of the gut–liver axis in both healthy and cirrhotic settings and, more importantly, summarizes the current evidence about how microbiota-derived immune remodeling contributes to the progression of hepatic cirrhosis via the gut–liver axis.
Sphingosylphosphorylcholine inhibits plasma cell differentiation and ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Park Byunghyun , Jeong Yu Sun , Hu Wonseok , Lee Mingyu , Kim Ji Cheol , Bae Geon Ho , Bae Yong-Soo , Bae Yoe-Sik
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease that damages the brain and spinal cord, inducing paralysis of the body. While MS has been known as a T-cell mediated disease, recent attention has been drawn to the involvement of B cells in its pathogenesis. Autoantibodies from B cells are closely related with the damage lesion of central nervous system and worse prognosis. Therefore, regulating the activity of antibody secreting cell could be related with the severity of the MS symptoms.

Methods

Total mouse B cells were stimulated with LPS to induce their differentiation into plasma cells. The differentiation of plasma cells was subsequently analyzed using flow cytometry and quantitative PCR analysis. To establish an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model, mice were immunized with MOG35–55/CFA emulsion.

Results

In this study, we found that plasma cell differentiation was accompanied by upregulation of autotaxin, which converts sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) to sphingosine 1-phosphate in response to LPS. We observed that SPC strongly blocked plasma cell differentiation from B cells and antibody production in vitro. SPC downregulated LPS-stimulated IRF4 and Blimp 1, which are required for the generation of plasma cells. SPC-induced inhibitory effects on plasma cell differentiation were specifically blocked by VPC23019 (S1PR1/3 antagonist) or TY52159 (S1PR3 antagonist), but not by W146 (S1PR1 antagonist) and JTE013 (S1PR2 antagonist), suggesting a crucial role of S1PR3 but not S1PR1/2 in the process. Administration of SPC against an EAE mouse model significantly attenuated the symptoms of disease, showing decreased demyelinated areas of the spinal cord and decreased numbers of cells infiltrated into the spinal cord. SPC markedly decreased plasma cell generation in the EAE model, and SPC-induced therapeutic effects against EAE were not observed in μMT mice.

Conclusion

Collectively, we demonstrate that SPC strongly inhibits plasma cell differentiation, which is mediated by S1PR3. SPC also elicits therapeutic outcomes against EAE, an experimental model of MS, suggesting SPC as a new material to control MS.
OVX033, a nucleocapsid-based vaccine candidate, provides broad-spectrum protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants in a hamster challenge model
Authors: Primard Charlotte , Monchâtre-Leroy Elodie , Del Campo Judith , Valsesia Séverine , Nikly Elsa , Chevandier Marion , Boué Franck , Servat Alexandre , Wasniewski Marine , Picard-Meyer Evelyne , Courant Thomas , Collin Nicolas , Salguero Francisco J. , Le Vert Alexandre , Guyon-Gellin Delphine , Nicolas Florence
Published: June 2023

Spike-based COVID-19 vaccines induce potent neutralizing antibodies but their efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 variants decreases. OVX033 is a recombinant protein composed of the full-length nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2 genetically fused to oligoDOM®, a self-assembling domain which improves antigen immunogenicity. OVX033 including N as an antigenic target is proposed as new vaccine candidate providing broad-spectrum protection against sarbecoviruses. OVX033 demonstrated its ability to trigger cross-reactive T cell responses and cross-protection against three variants of SARS-CoV-2 (B.1 Europe, Delta B.1.617.2, and Omicron B.1.1.529) in a hamster challenge model, as evidenced by lower weight loss, lower lung viral loads, and reduced lung histopathological lesions.
A novel stemness classification in acute myeloid leukemia by the stemness index and the identification of cancer stem cell-related biomarkers
Authors: Huang Yue , Zhang Zhuo , Sui Meijuan , Li Yang , Hu Yi , Zhang Haiyu , Zhang Fan
Published: June 2023

Background

Stem cells play an important role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, their precise effect on AML tumorigenesis and progression remains unclear.

Methods

The present study aimed to characterize stem cell-related gene expression and identify stemness biomarker genes in AML. We calculated the stemness index (mRNAsi) based on transcription data using the one-class logistic regression (OCLR) algorithm for patients in the training set. According to the mRNAsi score, we performed consensus clustering and identified two stemness subgroups. Eight stemness-related genes were identified as stemness biomarkers through gene selection by three machine learning methods.

Results

We found that patients in stemness subgroup I had a poor prognosis and benefited from nilotinib, MK-2206 and axitinib treatment. In addition, the mutation profiles of these two stemness subgroups were different, which suggested that patients in different subgroups had different biological processes. There was a strong significant negative correlation between mRNAsi and the immune score (r= -0.43, p<0.001). Furthermore, we identified eight stemness-related genes that have potential to be biomarkers, including SLC43A2, CYBB, CFP, GRN, CST3, TIMP1, CFD and IGLL1. These genes, except IGLL1, had a negative correlation with mRNAsi. SLC43A2 is expected to be a potential stemness-related biomarker in AML.

Conclusion

Overall, we established a novel stemness classification using the mRNAsi score and eight stemness-related genes that may be biomarkers. Clinical decision-making should be guided by this new signature in prospective studies.
Operationalization of the best available techniques and best environmental practices in deep seabed mining regime: a regulatory perspective
Authors: Xu Xiangxin , Li Minghao , Xue Guifang
Published: June 2023

Best Practices, including Best Available Techniques (BAT) and Best Environmental Practices (BEP), are typically included to provide for or promote particular practices, methods, measures, or standards in respect of the efficient recovery of a resource and the level of environmental protection. Deep seabed mining (DSM) is an activity to obtain mineral resources from the deep sea, which may have certain adverse impacts on the marine environment. International Seabed Authority (ISA), the regulator of DSM activities in the Area authorized by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), has introduced those terms in its Mining Code as critical tools for the reduction in environmental risks arising from DSM. Terms that are not included by the UNCLOS, such as BAT and BEP, are commonly invoked, yet often without specification in the regulatory discourse for DSM. In the absence of precise definitions and operational details, the terms BAT and BEP may not be able to function as anticipated in the DSM domain. Against this backdrop, this paper attempts to explore possible means by which the ISA might enable the contractor to operationalize the BAT and BEP, including providing definitions, their placement in the exploitation regulations, and the criteria for its operationalization in the Standards and Guidelines. This paper cites the existing international instruments that incorporate the terms BAT and BEP and takes particular note of DSM into account to highlight specific considerations for their practical implementation for DSM.