bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single-cell and spatial transcriptomic investigation reveals the spatiotemporal specificity of the β-defensin gene family during mouse spermatogenesis
Authors: Zhang Guoliang , Sun Yuanchao , Guan Minkai , Liu Mengmeng , Sun Shiduo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Spermatozoa produced in the testes acquire motility and maturation processes in the epididymis, but little is known about the mechanism of sperm development in the testicular and epididymal environment. In this study, we performed single-cell RNA and spatial transcriptome sequencing to study the mechanism of mouse spermatogenesis. We investigated the cell compositions of testicular and epididymal tissues and examined their gene expression characteristics. In the epididymis, we found that epididymal epithelial cells display a specific gene expression profile in different regions of the epididymis. Therefore, we divided the entire epididymis into 12 segments according to spot cluster and structural characteristics and investigated their gene expression profiles. Moreover, we investigated the detailed expression characteristics of β-defensin family genes in the mouse epididymis. In addition, we also analyzed the gene expression characteristics and spatial information of stromal cells associated with spermatogenesis, including Sertoli cells and Leydig cells in the testis and fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells in the epididymis. Our study provides a single-cell and spatial landscape to analyze the gene expression characteristics of the testicular and epididymal environments in which spermatogenesis and maturation occur and has important implications for the study of spermatogenesis and maturation.
Network pharmacology approach and experimental verification of salidroside in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Bing , Huang Shiqi , Bai Xuefei , Tian Lele , Wang Yanru , Yang Tao , Feng Longfei , Guo Wenjing , Li Yangyang , Feng Xin , Wang Tao , Guo Huan , Su Haixiang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Salidroside (Sal) is a bioactive component extracted from the rhizome of Rhodiola rosea L. Pharmacological studies have shown that Sal has good anti-cancer properties in various cancers, but the exact mechanism is not clear.
Method
This study validated the efficacy and explored the potential mechanisms of Sal in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by integrating network pharmacology analyses and experimental verification. The pharmacological effects and molecular mechanism of Sal on HCC were explored by network pharmacology approach. HepG2 cells were treated with Sal and/or chloroquine diphosphate (CQ). The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, inverted microscope (IM) observation, transmission electron microscope (TEM) observation, various staining were used to detect the condition of autophagy and apoptosis, and the western blotting was used to detect related proteins. Moreover, Sal and/or CQ was also used to treat HCC mice, the hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) staining was used to observe the pathological change of tumor tissue, the immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to detect the change of related proteins in tumor tissue.
Results
The network pharmacology approach successfully identified that Sal might adjust autophagy flux through PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which might affect the occurrence and development of HCC. The in vitro experiments indicated that Sal induced HepG2 cells autophagy and apoptosis. The in vitro and vivo experiments indicated that inhibition of autophagy promoted mitochondrial damage and apoptosis induced by Sal. Moreover, Caspase cascade reactions might be involved in these processes, especially the increased expression of cleaved-caspase-3 and cleaved-caspase-9. Notably, Sal also inhibited the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, while CQ promoted the activation of this pathway.
Conclusion
These findings provide important view for the molecular mechanism of interaction between autophagy and apoptosis, and also provide new insights for monitoring, diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
Collaborative governance of an integrated system for collecting contributions for social health insurance, pension, and taxes from the informal sector: A synthesis of stakeholder perspectives
Authors: Muntalima Nelly Claire , Silumbwe Adam , Zulu Joseph Mumba , Mweemba Chris , Hangoma Peter 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Most low-and middle-income countries have adopted social health insurance schemes. However, the collection of contributions from the large informal sector of these economies poses a significant challenge. Employing an integrated system of contribution collection for all relevant institutions may be cost-effective. This study explores stakeholder perspectives on the collaborative governance of an integrated system for collecting contributions for social health insurance, pension, and taxes from the informal sector in Zambia.
Methods
We undertook a qualitative case study involving 25 key informants drawn from government ministries and institutions, cooperating partners, non-governmental organizations, and association representatives in the informal sector. Data were analyzed thematically using Emerson’s integrative framework for collaborative governance.
Results
The main drivers of collaboration include a need for comprehensive policies and legislation to oversee an integrated system, prevent redundancy, reduce costs, and enhance organizational effectiveness. However, challenges such as leadership issues and coordination complexities were identified. Factors affecting principled engagement within the collaborative regime consist of communication gaps, organizational structure disparities, and a lack of common understanding of the informal sector. Additionally, factors influencing shared motivation involve concerns about power, self-interest, trust issues, corruption, and the varying willingness of informal sector groups to contribute.
Conclusion
This analysis sheds light on the multifaceted landscape of collaborative governance of an integrated system for contribution collection in a low-middle-income setting such as Zambia, providing valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners alike. Enhancing collaboration holds the potential to broaden the scope of social health insurance, a crucial factor in expanding coverage to the large but often excluded informal sector.
The trajectories of CO2 emissions and terrestrial carbon sinks of 30 Chinese provinces
Authors: HU Yongjie , LI Ying , ZHANG Hong , LIU Xiaolin , ZHENG Yixian 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Global greenhouse gas emissions, a major factor driving climate change, have been increasing since 19th century. STIRPAT and CEVSA models are performed to estimate Chinese provinces-level carbon emission peak and terrestrial ecosystem carbon sinks, respectively. Based on the criterion of the growth characteristics and the peak time for the past 23 years, the patterns of energy consumption and CO2 emissions from 30 Chinese provinces are divided into four groups: (i) one-stage increase (5 provinces); (ii) two-stage increase (10 provinces); (iii) maximum around 2013 (13 provinces), and (iv) maximum around 2017 (2 provinces). The anticipated time of peak CO2 emissions for Beijing from the third group is ~ 2025 in both business as usual and high-speed scenarios, for Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and Zhejiang province from the first and second groups are 2025 ~ 2030, and for Shaanxi province from the fourth group is before 2030, respectively. The inventory-based estimate of China’s terrestrial carbon sink is ~ 266.2 Tg C/a during the past 34 years, offsetting 18.3% of contemporary CO2 emissions. The province-level CO2 emissions, peak emissions and terrestrial carbon sinks estimates shown here significant for those concerned with carbon neutrality in China.
A remarkable assemblage of petroglyphs and dinosaur footprints at a site in Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Troiano Leonardo P. , Santos Heloísa B. dos , Aureliano Tito , Ghilardi Aline M. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The Serrote do Letreiro Site, found on the northwest periphery of the Sousa Basin, Brazil, presents a remarkable convergence of paleontological and archaeological elements. It is constituted of sub-horizontal "lajeiros", or rock outcrops, intermingled with Caatinga vegetation. The two prominent outcrops feature fossilized footprints of theropod, sauropod, and iguanodontid dinosaurs. Adjacent to these dinosaur tracks, indigenous petroglyphs adorn the surface. The petroglyphs, mainly characterized by circular motifs maintain a striking resemblance to other petroglyphs found in the states of Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte. This study primarily endeavors to delineate the site's major characteristics while concentrating on the relationship between the dinosaur footprints and the petroglyphs. It concurrently assesses the preservation status of this invaluable record, shedding light on its implications for the realms of paleontology, archaeology, and cultural heritage studies.
Risk factors for cervical ipsilateral lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Yang Qiu-hui , Ma Hai-guang , Zhang Xiang-jian , Zhang Xian-bo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC)is the most common type of thyroid malignancy, characterized by slow progression, long survival, and low mortality rate. However, the cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) rate of PTC can reach up to 40%, and if the initial treatment is not appropriate, it is easy to relapse.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 118 patients with PTC who underwent surgical treatment in our hospitals over the past decade. Furthermore, we analyzed whether the age, gender, tumor position, diameter, and other characteristics of patients were related to CLNM through univariate and multivariate analysis. At the same time, we also analyzed the factors related to skip metastasis in PTC.
Results: The results of univariate analysis showed that CLMN was related to gender, tumor position, calcification, capsular infiltration, tumor diameter, tumor numbers, and lymph nodes of VI zone. Besides, the results of logistic regression analysis showed that CLMN was related to tumor position, calcification, tumor diameter, tumor numbers, and lymph nodes of VI zone. What’s more, we also found that upper polar thyroid tumors are more prone to jumping metastasis.
Conclusion: The study of risk factors for CLNM in PTC will help identify patients who require selective lymph node dissection (SLND). Firstly, patients with primary tumor located in the upper pole of the thyroid gland need to carefully evaluate lymph node in the cervical region. Secondly, for PTC patients with negative preoperative evaluation of cervical lymph nodes, even if the VI area is judged negative during surgery, we still need to consider risk factors such as capsular infiltration, gender, and tumor position to comprehensively determine whether patients need SLND.
­Automated Generation of Covering Array Using Model Checking and Modified Gravitational Search Algorithm
Authors: Esfandyari Sajad , Rafe Vahid , Pira Einollah , Yousofvand liela 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The widespread usage of combinatorial testing methodologies in software development has necessitated efficient strategies for generating high-quality test suites. Covering Array (CA) has emerged as a significant component of combinatorial testing, offering various types that cater to different testing requirements. Several strategies have been proposed to generate CAs, each with its unique trade-offs in terms of performance and efficiency. However, there remains a lack of a strategy that simultaneously addresses both aspects effectively. Furthermore, manually acquiring software information introduces a higher chance of errors and also poses challenges in terms of the complexity involved in extracting relevant data. To overcome these challenges, this research incorporates the powerful GROOVE model checker to automate the extraction of variables and their interactions within the software. Subsequently, by modifying the Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA), an optimal test suite is produced with improved efficiency. This paper aims to construct a software model using the GROOVE model checker and leverage its features to extract pertinent software information. The proposed methodology then employs a modified Gravitational Search Algorithm (MGSA) to generate CAs with both uniform and variable strength. Additionally, a mechanism is introduced to expedite search operations within data structures. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed solution, it is implemented within the GROOVE environment, alongside several other meta-heuristic algorithms. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm is also implemented externally for comparison with existing strategies. The evaluation results demonstrate that the proposed solution outperforms other strategies in terms of efficiency and performance.
A novel platform for meta-omics analysis. Pilot study on inhaled corticosteroids in asthma patients with side effects
Authors: Sorokin Anatoly , Seitov Meder , Emilov Berik , Iskakov Muskarbek , Osmonov Batyr , Goryanin Igor 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

In this study, we sought to elucidate the microbiome-related etiologies underlying the side effects of inhaled salmeterol We collected fecal samples from 24 individuals, stratified into three cohorts: asthma patients experiencing corticosteroid-induced side effects, asthma patients devoid of such side effects, and healthy controls. These samples underwent next-generation sequencing (NGS), with data processing involving quality control, trimming, and merging of sequences. Taxonomic assignments were made using Kraken2 and Braken. The DeSEQ2 R package facilitated differential abundance analysis of microbial species. Concurrently, we employed liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for metabolomic profiling, with peak detection and identification carried out via metaX software. This was supplemented by classification and functional annotation, incorporating databases such as KEGG and HMDB. Integrative analysis using Multi-Omics Factor Analysis (MOFA) and ASAR provided a holistic view on the potential microbial, genetic, and metabolite contributors to the adverse effects of inhaled corticosteroids. Subsequent analysis using Global Sensitivity Analysis-Partial Rank Correlation Coefficient (GSA-PRCC) enabled us to integrate the data into a comprehensive microbiome model. This facilitated the identification of pivotal exo-metabolites and the formulation of specialized dietary interventions aimed at ameliorating side effects. Our findings corroborate known bacteria and compounds implicated in these side effects and introduce novel targets. The proposed diets, substantiated through meta-omics analyses nd modeling, hold promise for mitigating adverse reactions. Our findings corroborate known bacteria and compounds implicated in these side effects and introduce novel targets. The proposed diets, substantiated through meta-omics analyses and modeling, hold promise for mitigating adverse reactions. Nevertheless, it is imperative to acknowledge the limitations posed by the modest sample size of 24, which may not sufficiently capture the entire spectrum of microbiome elements influencing the health of asthma patients and the manifestation of corticosteroid side effects. Further research with expanded cohorts is warranted to validate and extend our findings.
On Simulation of the 2D P Colony with Evolving Environment
Authors: Langer Miroslav , Valenta Daniel , Patnaik Pawan Kumar 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
To obtain more results in the field of theoretical models of the multiagent systems it is necessary to step outside of the research done on the paper and move forward to the computer simulation. The simulation opens the possibilities to study the behavior of studied model in real-time, or verify designed configurations. To develop an application of a good quality and fulfilling all the needs, the development of such simulator must pass standard phases of the information system life cycle. In this paper, we present a development of a simulator of a 2D P colony with the evolving environment simulator. The simulator replaces the previous version of the software we used to simulate the behavior of the 2D P colony with evolving environment, where the configuration of the colony was hardcoded into the source code of the simulator, hence, any changes had to be done by developing a new version of the simulator. Recent version is modular and the definition of the simulated colony is held in the separate configuration file.
During the development of the application, we followed phases of the information system life cycle. The result of the development is an application in the Python programming language with desired features. The application was developed under the Open Source license; hence, it is freely accessible and can be used or modified by anyone.
MSC Classification: 68Q01 , 68Q07 , 68Q42
Estrategia educativa virtual sobre salud bucal con adultos mayores con enfermedad periodontal y cardiovascular
Authors: Pantoja Olaya Andrea , Agudelo-Ramírez Alexandra , Mejía Hincapié Mariana , Galindo Álvarez Valentina , Grajales Agudelo Laura 
Published: December 2023

Introducción: las enfermedades cardiovasculares afectan al paciente no solo por su cardiopatía sino también por su salud bucal. Esto plantea la necesidad de mejorar conocimientos y prácticas para evitar que el mal estado periodontal avance. Objetivo: implementar una estrategia educativa virtual en salud bucal con pacientes que padecen enfermedad cardiovascular y periodontal entre 55 y 75 años que asisten a la clínica odontológica de la Institución Universitaria Visión de las Américas sede Pereira en el periodo 2020-2. Metodología: estudio cualitativo con diseño Investigación Acción. Participaron 12 pacientes que contaron con recursos tecnológicos. Resultados: se desarrolló en cuatro fases. I)Descripción de conocimientos y prácticas sobre salud bucal: se efectuaron entrevistas. II) Planeación y formulación de la estrategia: los pacientes plantearon inquietudes, sugirieron aprender con videos. III) Aplicación de la estrategia educativa: se llevaron a cabo nueve talleres pedagógicos. Se usaron videos, juegos serios, conversatorios, entre otros. IV) Recopilación de resultados de la estrategia: a pesar del poco conocimiento de virtualidad los participantes estuvieron motivados, además demostraron conocimiento de los temas. Conclusiones: la estrategia educativa virtual con adultos mayores permitió adquirir aprendizajes para mejorar su salud bucal y desarrollar habilidades para incrementar su autocuidado.
Judicial Interpretation of Signs of Socially Dangerous Encroachment with the Necessary Defense
Authors: Nikulenko A. V. , Smirnov M. A. 
Published: December 2023

Relevance. In this article, the authors consider the signs of socially dangerous encroachments, the suppression of which generates the right to the necessary defense. Studying the signs of encroachment, enshrined in Article 37 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation No. 19 dated 27.09.2012, as well as developed by the doctrine of criminal law, the authors come to the conclusion that the signs of encroachment are interpreted both in a narrow and in an expansive meaning, which, in turn, creates difficulties in solving the issue on the legality of causing harm in a state of necessary defense.The purpose of the study is to develop theoretical judgments about the form of socially dangerous encroachment, which, in turn, is the basis for the emergence of the right to the necessary defense.Objectives: To identify possible problems related to the realization by citizens of the right to the necessary defense.Methodology. The methodological basis of the research was the universal dialectical method of cognition of socio-legal phenomena, general scientific research methods (analysis and synthesis, deduction and induction, system-structural and others). In addition, private scientific methods of cognition were used logical–formal and system analysis.The results of the study are theoretical and applied in nature and are aimed at overcoming the contradictions that arise when solving the question of the legality of the harm caused in a state of necessary defense.Conclusions. As part of the study, the authors conclude that the provisions of Article 37 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation are designed purely formally, which negatively affects the protection of the rights and interests of the defending person.
Family Business in the United Arab Emirates: Legal Experience
Authors: Bogdan V. V. 
Published: December 2023

Relevance. Family entrepreneurship is one of the main trends in the modern development of entrepreneurial activity. Over the past five years civilistic science has achieved significant results in the study of this multidimensional complex phenomenon. Being at an intersectoral junction (civil, family, entrepreneurial, labor, administrative law), family entrepreneurial activity is designed to solve many government tasks, which allows us to talk about the entry of this type of entrepreneurial activity into Russian entrepreneurship ecosystem on a permanent basis. At the same time, Russian legislator does not react to large-scale development of family business in any way, which creates insoluble difficulties in its implementation, protection of participants rights. Under such circumstances, the experience of legal regulation of relations arising from family entrepreneurship in foreign countries that have followed the path of adopting a special law seems relevant. The United Arab Emirates is one of such states.The purpose is to set the content of a special law on family business in the United Arab Emirates.The objectives of the study: to determine the state of family entrepreneurship development abroad; establish the need to study the experience of legal regulation of family business in the UAE; disclose the content of the UAE family business law.Methodology. The article is based on analysis methods, deduction, description, generalization, formal-legal, comparative-legal methods.Results. The study found that the UAE's approach to legal regulation of family business relations is based on an internally consistent special legislative act based on a symbiosis of family values and advanced business achievements.Conclusion. The experience of legal regulation of family entrepreneurial activities of the UAE is one of the progressive at present. It seems that it is necessary to consider the achievements of the Arab legislator when creating the concept of Russian law on family entrepreneurship, its structure, laying down the principles.