bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EVALUATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF HUMAN ACTIVITY ON THE SPATIO-TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS OF LARGE CARNIVORES USING CAMERA TRAPS IN THE CENTRAL FOREST NATURE RESERVE
Authors: Ogurtsov S. S. , Zheltukhin A. S. 
Published: April 2024

The possibilities for assessing the impact of human activity on mammals using camera traps are demonstrated in Russia for the first time, three species of large carnivores taken as examples: the brown bear (Ursus arctos), the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), and the grey wolf (Canis lupus). To do this, a single-season species-level occupancy analysis and an analysis of daily activity were utilized. The study was carried out in 2022 in the territory of the Southern Forestry of the Central Forest Nature Reserve, western European Russia during the period of maximum human activity (July–August). The relative abundance indices of pedestrians, all-terrain vehicles, as well as the distance to villages were used as variables. The maximum predicted occupancy was found for the lynx (ψ = 0.97), vs the minimum for the wolf (ψ = 0.78). The detection probability was the highest for the brown bear (p = 0.18), in contrast to both lynx and wolf (0.08 each). For the lynx and the brown bear, large degrees of overlap of daily activities with pedestrians (\({{\hat {\Delta }}_{4}}\) = 0.57 and \({{\hat {\Delta }}_{4}}\) = 0.47) and all-terrain vehicles (\({{\hat {\Delta }}_{4}}\) = 0.51 and \({{\hat {\Delta }}_{4}}\) = 0.41) were noted, in contrast to those for the wolf (\({{\hat {\Delta }}_{1}}\) = 0.37 and \({{\hat {\Delta }}_{1}}\) = 0.35, respectively). Human activity had no noticeable effect on either the spatial or temporal distribution patterns of the brown bear and lynx. In contrast, the wolf showed a shift in both patterns away from human activity. The combined use of occupancy and daily activity analyses based on data from camera traps is the optimal method for assessing and regulating the human activity in particularly strictly protected natural areas.
Hall probe magnetic measurements of the superconducting undulator
Authors: Tsukanov V. M. , Khrushchev S. V. , Volkov A. A. , Zorin A. V. , Kanonik P. V. , Mezentsev N. A. , Shkaruba V. A. 
Published: April 2024

The superconducting undulator with 15.6 mm period and 1.2 T magnetic field described in this article has 8 mm magnetic gap. The magnetic measurements system in such conditions required using of special tube (ante-chamber) inside of undulator magnetic gap. The thermal insulation between cold magnet and this measurement tube does not allow to have stable temperature along this tube length. The temperature range into this tube is 70–300 K. Hall probe measurements in this case are a rather complicated problem. The features of the method of measurement and processing of results are described.
Rewetting of Disused Drained Peatlands and Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: Sirin А. А. , Medvedeva M. A. , Itkin V. Yu. 
Published: April 2024

Drained peatlands are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. When abandoned, they become the most likely sites of peat fires. An effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent peatland fires in disused drained peatlands is through rewetting and wetland restoration. These can make significant contributions to the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement within the Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry sector and, ultimately, to climate change mitigation. An approach for estimating greenhouse gas emission reductions following rewetting, applicable to national and regional accounting, as well as to specific rewetting projects, is presented. It includes a methodology for determining effectively rewetted areas that can be considered wetlands, the application of IPCC greenhouse gas emission factors to said sites, and an uncertainty assessment. Starting from 2020 the Russian Federation National Report of anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gasses not controlled by the Montreal Protocol utilised this approach in its inclusion of rewetted peatlands. An assessment of greenhouse gas emission reductions is presented using the example of a 1500 ha section of a peatland within the Fire Hazardous Peatland Rewetting Programme in Moscow Oblast (2010–2013). CO2 emission reductions were cumulatively 33.4 thous. t by 2022 (taking into account nitrous oxide fluxes, dissolved organic carbon removal and increased CH4 emissions—20 thous. t CO2-eq.) and are projected to reach almost 113 (68) thous. t by 2050. Greenhouse gas emission reductions not yet included as well as possible ways of accounting for them in the future are also noted.
Професійна підготовка вчителів природничої освітньої галузі до експериментальних досліджень у закладах загальної середньої освіти
Authors: Засєкіна Тетяна , Трускавецька Ірина 
Published: April 2024

У статті проаналізовано важливість і необхідність використання експериментальних досліджень у процесі забезпечення освітнього процесу предметів/інтегрованих курсів природничої освітньої галузі.Розглянуто актуальні тенденції, спрямовані на виявлення низьких результатів і мало зацікавлених учасників національного мультипредметного тестування із природничих предметів (біології, хімії, фізики). Ознайомлено із працями науковців, які розкривають різноманітні підходи до використання експерименту в освітньому процесі. Проаналізовано модельні навчальні програми для учнів базової школи. Наведено приклади експериментальних досліджень («Дим без вогню», «Визначення забарвлення води», «Вплив лікарських препаратів на ріст і розвиток рослин» тощо), які використовуються у процесі професійної підготовки майбутніх учителів за ОПП «Середня освіта (Біологія та здоров’я людини)» та «Середня освіта (Природничі науки)» Університету Григорія Сковороди в Переяславі. Доведено ефективність використання методів експериментального дослідження (спостереження, досліди, експерименти, моделювання тощо) з метою підвищення якості освіти в галузі природничих наук, розвитку критичного мислення, творчих навичок та практичних умінь здобувачів освіти. Розроблено рекомендації щодо вдосконалення освітніх програм професійної підготовки вчителів, спрямованих на забезпечення їхньої готовності до використання експериментальних методів у викладанні природничих предметів у закладах загальної середньої освіти. Запропоновано включити до освітніх програм природничої освітньої галузі такі навчальні дисципліни, як «Експериментальні дослідження природничої освітньої галузі», «Експериментальні підходи у навчанні природничих дисциплін», «Техніка шкільного експерименту природничих дисциплін», «Хімія харчових продуктів» тощо.
Fragment-based drug discovery for disorders of the central nervous system: designing better drugs piece by piece
Authors: Chan Bill W. G. L. , Lynch Nicholas B. , Tran Wendy , Joyce Jack M. , Savage G. Paul , Meutermans Wim , Montgomery Andrew P. , Kassiou Michael 
Published: April 2024

Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) has emerged as a powerful strategy to confront the challenges faced by conventional drug development approaches, particularly in the context of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. FBDD involves the screening of libraries that comprise thousands of small molecular fragments, each no greater than 300 Da in size. Unlike the generally larger molecules from high-throughput screening that limit customisation, fragments offer a more strategic starting point. These fragments are inherently compact, providing a strong foundation with good binding affinity for the development of drug candidates. The minimal elaboration required to transition the hit into a drug-like molecule is not only accelerated, but also it allows for precise modifications to enhance both their activity and pharmacokinetic properties. This shift towards a fragment-centric approach has seen commercial success and holds considerable promise in the continued streamlining of the drug discovery and development process. In this review, we highlight how FBDD can be integrated into the CNS drug discovery process to enhance the exploration of a target. Furthermore, we provide recent examples where FBDD has been an integral component in CNS drug discovery programs, enabling the improvement of pharmacokinetic properties that have previously proven challenging. The FBDD optimisation process provides a systematic approach to explore this vast chemical space, facilitating the discovery and design of compounds piece by piece that are capable of modulating crucial CNS targets.
Physical education students’ reflections about the learning outcomes of different teaching methods: a mixed methods study
Authors: Sørensen Arne , Lagestad Pål 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionTeaching in higher education is still mainly executed as lectures, even though research about student-active instruction methods points to more motivated students, higher enjoyment, and more optimal learning outcomes. The purpose of this study was to obtain better insight into how physical education (PE) students assessed their learning outcomes in relation to the use of different pedagogical approaches.MethodsA master’s course in PE was planned and implemented using the following eight different learning approaches: lectures; practical exercises about themes in lectures; discussions during lectures; discussions outside of lectures; planning and exercises for peer students; individual work preparing to write an academic text; individual work writing the academic text; and reading for an exam. The study constituted a mixed methods study, which used quantitative data from students’ evaluation of eight different learning approaches on a Likert-type scale, and in-depth qualitative data from follow-up interviews with some of the same students, with the aim of explaining the main findings. Quantitative data about the students’ reflections on the learning outcomes of the different learning approaches were collected among 59 different students at three different times (2021, 2022, and 2023), after finishing a course in the fifth semester in a master’s program in PE.ResultsThe findings showed that the students reported achieving the highest learning outcomes from practical exercises and attaining the lowest learning outcomes from lectures. In depth interviews among seven randomly selected students were also used to obtain reflections from the students about the different learning approaches. Quantitative analyses again revealed that practical exercises produced the highest learning outcomes, while lectures resulted in the lowest learning outcomes. Qualitative analyses of the in-depth interviews indicated that practical activities enabled students to relate theory to practice, make them active, and are associated with future work, while the quality of lectures depended on characteristics of the teacher and were often experienced as long and unstimulating.DiscussionAccording to the results, we recommend that student teachers in higher education acquire the ability to plan and execute practical lessons in relation to themes focused upon in lectures and involve students more in discussions during lectures.
Identification of common genes and pathways between type 2 diabetes and COVID-19
Authors: Wang Ya , Li Kai , Mo Shuangyang , Yao Peishan , Zeng Jiaxing , Lu Shunyu , Qin Shanyu 
Published: April 2024

Background:Numerous studies have reported a high incidence and risk of severe illness due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). COVID-19 patients may experience elevated or decreased blood sugar levels and may even develop diabetes. However, the molecular mechanisms linking these two diseases remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the common genes and pathways between T2DM and COVID-19.Methods:Two public datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE95849 and GSE164805) were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in blood between people with and without T2DM and COVID-19. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed on the common DEGs. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify common genes, and their diagnostic performance was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Validation was performed on the GSE213313 and GSE15932 datasets. A gene co-expression network was constructed using the GeneMANIA database to explore interactions among core DEGs and their co-expressed genes. Finally, a microRNA (miRNA)-transcription factor (TF)-messenger RNA (mRNA) regulatory network was constructed based on the common feature genes.Results:In the GSE95849 and GSE164805 datasets, 81 upregulated genes and 140 downregulated genes were identified. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that these DEGs were closely related to the negative regulation of phosphate metabolic processes, the positive regulation of mitotic nuclear division, T-cell co-stimulation, and lymphocyte co-stimulation. Four upregulated common genes (DHX15, USP14, COPS3, TYK2) and one downregulated common feature gene (RIOK2) were identified and showed good diagnostic accuracy for T2DM and COVID-19. The AUC values of DHX15, USP14, COPS3, TYK2, and RIOK2 in T2DM diagnosis were 0.931, 0.917, 0.986, 0.903, and 0.917, respectively. In COVID-19 diagnosis, the AUC values were 0.960, 0.860, 1.0, 0.9, and 0.90, respectively. Validation in the GSE213313 and GSE15932 datasets confirmed these results. The miRNA-TF-mRNA regulatory network showed that TYH2 was targeted by PITX1, PITX2, CRX, NFYA, SREBF1, RELB, NR1L2, and CEBP, whereas miR-124-3p regulates THK2, RIOK2, and USP14.Conclusion:We identified five common feature genes (DHX15, USP14, COPS3, TYK2, and RIOK2) and their co-regulatory pathways between T2DM and COVID-19, which may provide new insights for further molecular mechanism studies.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress-related gene expression causes the progression of dilated cardiomyopathy by inducing apoptosis
Authors: Chen Jinhao , Yang Xu , Li Weiwen , Lin Ying , Lin Run , Cai Xianzhen , Yan Baoxin , Xie Bin , Li Jilin 
Published: April 2024

Background: Previous studies have shown that endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) -induced apoptosis is involved in the pathogenesis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, the molecular mechanism involved has not been fully characterized.Results: In total, eight genes were obtained at the intersection of 1,068 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from differential expression analysis between DCM and healthy control (HC) samples, 320 module genes from weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and 2,009 endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERGs). These eight genes were found to be associated with immunity and angiogenesis. Four of these genes were related to apoptosis. The upregulation of MX1 may represent an autocompensatory response to DCM caused by a virus that inhibits viral RNA and DNA synthesis, while acting as an autoimmune antigen and inducing apoptosis. The upregulation of TESPA1 would lead to the dysfunction of calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum. The upregulation of THBS4 would affect macrophage differentiation and apoptosis, consistent with inflammation and fibrosis of cardiomyocytes in DCM. The downregulation of MYH6 would lead to dysfunction of the sarcomere, further explaining cardiac remodeling in DCM. Moreover, the expression of genes affecting the immune micro-environment was significantly altered, including TGF-β family member. Analysis of the co-expression and competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network identified XIST, which competitively binds seven target microRNAs (miRNAs) and regulates MX1 and THBS4 expression. Finally, bisphenol A and valproic acid were found to target MX1, MYH6, and THBS4.Conclusion: We have identified four ERS-related genes (MX1, MYH6, TESPA1, and THBS4) that are dysregulated in DCM and related to apoptosis. This finding should help deepen understanding of the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis in the development of DCM.
Associations of serum vitamin B6 status with the risks of cardiovascular, cancer, and all-cause mortality in the elderly
Authors: Wang Pengxi , Huang Jia , Xue Feng , Abuduaini Munire , Tao Yuchang , Liu Hongyan 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundThere are few studies investigating the relationship between serum vitamin B6 and mortality risk in the elderly. This study hereby evaluated the associations between biomarkers of serum vitamin B6 status and cardiovascular, cancer, and all-cause mortality risks in the elderly.MethodsOur study included a total of 4,881 participants aged 60 years or older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2010. Serum vitamin B6 status was estimated based on levels of pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP), 4-pyridoxic acid (4-PA), and vitamin B6 turnover rate (4-PA/PLP) detected by high-performance liquid chromatography. Survival status and corresponding causes of death were matched through the National Death Index records through December 31, 2019. Multivariate Cox regression model was adopted to assess the relationships between serum vitamin B6 status and the risk of mortality.ResultsDuring a median follow-up period of 10.33 years, 507 cardiovascular deaths, 426 cancer deaths, and 1995 all-cause deaths were recorded, respectively. In the multivariate-adjusted Cox model, the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the highest versus the lowest quartiles of PLP, 4-PA, and 4-PA/PLP were 0.70(0.54-0.90), 1.33(0.88-2.02), and 2.01(1.41-2.79) for cardiovascular mortality, 0.73(0.52-1.02), 1.05(0.71-1.57), and 1.95(1.25-3.05) for cancer mortality, and 0.62(0.53-0.74), 1.05(0.82-1.34), and 2.29(1.87-2.79) for all-cause mortality, respectively.ConclusionOur study found that lower serum PLP levels were associated with increased risks of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality among the elderly population. And higher vitamin B6 turnover rate was associated with increased risks of cardiovascular, cancer, and all-cause mortality.
Exploring causal correlations between inflammatory cytokines and knee osteoarthritis: a two-sample Mendelian randomization
Authors: Zhang Jiayu , Li Kexuan , Qiu Xiuyue 
Published: April 2024

ObjectivesKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) and certain inflammatory cytokines (such as interleukin 1 [IL-1] and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-a]) are related; however, the causal relationship remains unclear. Here, we aimed to assess the causal relationship between 41 inflammatory cytokines and KOA using Mendelian randomization (MR).MethodsTwo-sample bidirectional MR was performed using genetic variation data for 41 inflammatory cytokines that were obtained from European Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) data (n=8293). KOA-related genetic association data were also obtained from European GWAS data (n=40,3124). Inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR, heterogeneity, sensitivity, and multiple validation analyses were performed.ResultsGranulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) or colony-stimulating factor 3 (CSF-3) levels were negatively associated with the risk of developing KOA (OR: 0.93, 95%CI:0.89–0.99, P=0.015). Additionally, macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1A/CCL3) was a consequence of KOA (OR: 0.72, 95%CI:0.54–0.97, P=0.032). No causal relationship was evident between other inflammatory cytokines and KOA development.ConclusionThis study suggests that certain inflammatory cytokines may be associated with KOA etiology. G-CSF exerts an upstream influence on KOA development, whereas MIP-1A (CCL-3) acts as a downstream factor.
Aberrant CD8+T cells drive reproductive dysfunction in female mice with elevated IFN-γ levels
Authors: Bafor Enitome E. , Erwin-Cohen Rebecca A. , Martin Toni , Baker Clayton , Kimmel Adrienne E. , Duverger Olivier , Fenimore John M. , Ramba Meredith , Spindel Thea , Hess Megan M. , Sanford Michael , Lazarevic Vanja , Benayoun Bérénice A. , Young Howard A. , Valencia Julio C. 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionInterferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is pivotal in orchestrating immune responses during healthy pregnancy. However, its dysregulation, often due to autoimmunity, infections, or chronic inflammatory conditions, is implicated in adverse reproductive outcomes such as pregnancy failure or infertility. Additionally, the underlying immunological mechanisms remain elusive.MethodsHere, we explore the impact of systemic IFN-γ elevation on cytotoxic T cell responses in female reproduction utilizing a systemic lupus-prone mouse model with impaired IFN-γ degradation.ResultsOur findings reveal that heightened IFN-γ levels triggered the infiltration of CD8+T cells in the pituitary gland and female reproductive tract (FRT), resulting in prolactin deficiency and subsequent infertility. Furthermore, we demonstrate that chronic IFN-γ elevation increases effector memory CD8+T cells in the murine ovary and uterus.DiscussionThese insights broaden our understanding of the role of elevated IFN-γ in female reproductive dysfunction and suggest CD8+T cells as potential immunotherapeutic targets in female reproductive disorders associated with chronic systemic IFN-γ elevation.
Comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of YBX family reveals YBX2 as a potential biomarker in liver cancer
Authors: Yuan Ze , Li Binbin , Liao Wenmin , Kang Da , Deng Xinpei , Tang Hailin , Xie Jindong , Hu Dandan , Chen Aiqin 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundThe Y-box-binding proteins (YBX) act as a multifunctional role in tumor progression, metastasis, drug resistance by regulating the transcription and translation process. Nevertheless, their functions in a pan-cancer setting remain unclear.MethodsThis study examined the clinical features expression, prognostic value, mutations, along with methylation patterns of three genes from the YBX family (YBX1, YBX2, and YBX3) in 28 different types of cancer. Data used for analysis were obtained from Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases. A novel YBXs score was created using the ssGSEA algorithm for the single sample gene set enrichment analysis. Additionally, we explored the YBXs score’s association with the tumor microenvironment (TME), response to various treatments, and drug resistance.ResultsOur analysis revealed that YBX family genes contribute to tumor progression and are indicative of prognosis in diverse cancer types. We determined that the YBXs score correlates significantly with numerous malignant pathways in pan-cancer. Moreover, this score is also linked with multiple immune-related characteristics. The YBXs score proved to be an effective predictor for the efficacy of a range of treatments in various cancers, particularly immunotherapy. To summarize, the involvement of YBX family genes is vital in pan-cancer and exhibits a significant association with TME. An elevated YBXs score indicates an immune-activated TME and responsiveness to diverse therapies, highlighting its potential as a biomarker in individuals with tumors. Finally, experimental validations were conducted to explore that YBX2 might be a potential biomarker in liver cancer.ConclusionThe creation of YBXs score in our study offered new insights into further studies. Besides, YBX2 was found as a potential therapeutic target, significantly contributing to the improvement of HCC diagnosis and treatment strategies.