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This study evaluates the oncolytic potential of the Moscow strain of reovirus against human metastatic melanoma and glioblastoma cells. The Moscow strain effectively infects and replicates within human melanoma cell lines and primary glioblastoma cells, while sparing non-malignant human cells. Infection leads to the selective destruction of neoplastic cells, mediated by functional viral replication. A positive correlation was identified between viral RNA accumulation and tumor cell death, with no replication observed in non-malignant cells. This study highlights the critical roles of cathepsins B, L, and S as mediators of the oncolytic process. The pharmacological inhibition of these enzymes significantly attenuated reovirus-induced cytotoxicity in melanoma and glioblastoma cells. Conversely, PKR production analysis revealed minimal activation in reovirus-infected tumor cells, suggesting that the hyperactivation of the RAS-signaling pathway and subsequent PKR inhibition do not directly contribute to the selective efficacy of reovirus. Moreover, infected tumor cells exhibited features of both apoptotic and non-apoptotic death, emphasizing the intricate mechanisms of reovirus-mediated oncolysis. These findings underscore the therapeutic promise of the Moscow strain of reovirus as a selective and potent oncolytic agent for targeting melanoma and glioblastoma cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: The spruces of the Picea abies–P. obovata complex have a total range that is the most extensive in the world flora of woody conifers. Hybridization between the nominative species has led to the formation of a wide introgression zone, which probably increases the adaptive potential of the entire species complex. This study aimed to search the genes associated with drought resistance, develop primers for the informative loci of these genes, identify and analyze SNPs, and establish the parameters of nucleotide diversity in the studied populations. Methods: The objects of this study were eight natural populations of the spruce complex in the Urals. Nucleotide sequences related to drought resistance spruce genes with pronounced single-nucleotide substitutions were selected, based on which 16 pairs of primers to their loci were developed and tested. Results: Based on the developed primers, six pairs of primers were chosen to identify SNPs and assess the nucleotide diversity of the studied populations. All selected loci were highly polymorphic (6 to 27 SNPs per locus). It was found that the Pic01 locus is the most variable (Hd = 0.947; π = 0.011) and selectively neutral, and the Pic06 locus is the most conservative (Hd = 0.516; π = 0.002) and has the most significant adaptive value. Conclusions: The nucleotide diversity data for the studied populations reveal similar values among the populations and are consistent with the literature data. The discovered SNPs can be used to identify adaptive genetic changes in spruce populations, which is essential for predicting the effects of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-synthetic modification of proton-conducting metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) by loading small molecules capable of generating protons into pores is an efficient approach for developing a new type of material with improved ionic conductivity. Herein, the synthesis, characterization and proton conductivity of a novel electroneutral MOF based on palladium(II) meso-tetrakis(4-(phosphonatophenyl))porphyrinate, IPCE-1Pd, are reported. The exposure of the obtained framework to imidazole by the diffusion vapor method has surprisingly led to its complete crystal-to-crystal MOF-to-HOF transformation, resulting in the formation of a novel hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF) IPCE-1Pd_Im, which is the first example of such kind of structural change among all known MOFs. This modification has led to an almost 25-fold increase in the proton conductivity in comparison with the pristine MOF, reaching up to 6.54 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 85 °C and 95% relative humidity, which is one of the highest values among all known porphyrin-based HOFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kearns-Sayre Syndrome (KSS) is a variant of mitochondrial disorder caused by a Mitochondrial Deoxyribonucleic Acid (mtDNA) deletion. Clinical manifestations of KSS can include different organ and system involvement. Different organ malfunctions, more often cardiac dysfunction, can lead to death. No effective treatment of this condition exists to date. Here, we report two patients with KSS. Female patient with a large-scale deletion of 7,020 base pairs (bp) suffered from hypogonadism, diabetes mellitus with fluctuating glucose levels, and had poor general health. A male patient with a common 4,977 bp deletion did not have diabetes mellitus but had impaired glucose tolerance. He also had a higher level of general health than our female patient. Both patients had reduced Bone Mineral Density (BMD). In female patients, calcium and vitamin D supplementation combined with metabolic therapy and nutritional drink supplements helped increase BMD (up to 32% in L1-L4). Comparing these two patients suggests that the larger the mtDNA deletion is, the more severe the course of the disease is. Not only does the size of the mtDNA deletion probably determine the severity of the disease, but also such factors as mtDNA heteroplasmy level, presence of mtDNA duplications, and pleioplasmy. Moreover, continuous nonconsecutive metabolic therapy and nutritional supplements are helpful in the prevention of deterioration of symptoms and general health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments can be associated with various substances, including persistent organic pollutants, which add to the problem of plastic ecotoxicity. The abundance of 1–5 mm microplastics and concentrations of particle-adsorbed organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in sandy sediments from three beaches in recreational areas along the upper Ob River in Western Siberia were assessed. MP pollution levels in the Ob River beach sands ranged from 24 ± 20.7 to 104 ± 46.2 items m−2 or, in terms of mass concentration, from 0.26 ± 0.21 to 1.22 ± 0.39 mg m−2. The average abundance of MP particles reached 0.67 ± 0.58 items kg−1 or 8.22 ± 6.13 μg kg−1 in the studied sediments. MP concentrations were significantly higher in number (p < 0.05) and mass (p < 0.01) at the riverbank site downstream of the Novosibirsk wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) outfall compared to these at the upstream and more distant beaches. Most MPs (70–100%) were represented by irregularly shaped fragments. The polymer composition of MPs varied between sites, with a general predominance of polyethylene (PE). The study revealed associations of MPs with PCBs and OCPs not previously detected in the riverbed and beach sediments, suggesting that these substances are circulating in the Ob River basin. Although MP concentrations were higher downstream of the WWTP, the maximum levels of particle-associated OCPs were observed in the beach sands of the site farthest from the urban agglomeration. The pesticides γ-HCH, 4,4-DDT, and 4,4-DDE were detected on MPs at relatively low concentrations. PCBs were more abundant in the studied samples, including 118 dioxin-like congener. The results obtained indicate that the Ob River is susceptible to plastic and persistent organic pollutant (POP) contamination and serve as a starting point for further studies and practical solutions to the problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Likert scales rely on the assumption that psychological attributes are ordinal, meaning that the attribute levels a, b, and c are in transitive relations. Testing transitivity is possible through pairwise comparisons of attribute levels. Previous tests showed that people can violate transitivity, which calls into question the basic assumption of rating scales. We hypothesized that transitivity violations might be related to the large number of pairwise comparisons that respondents made. We showed that a reduced number of comparisons per respondent was associated with a small number of violations, although about a quarter of respondents still violated transitivity. We explained this by the heterogeneity of psychological attributes. We discussed intransitivity in heterogeneous systems, and the importance of studying it in psychology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines teachers’ perspectives on the promotion of peace education in Ghana. It is based on a study that engaged twenty (n = 20) secondary school teachers in five schools in two regions in Ghana to investigate how prepared, equipped and supported teachers are to teach peace education and what factors support and hinder education for peace and the integration of Ghana’s Indigenous traditional knowledge of peace – Sankofa – in the education system. This study fills the gaps in and offers a nuanced reading of peace education in Ghana from the perspective of teachers. The Transcendental Phenomenological analysis method was employed in this study, revealing the deficits in the support teachers receive in teaching for and about peace and the challenges they face that arise from curriculum issues, systemic obstacles, and enduring colonial legacies. The paper offers a valuable understanding of the Sankofa concept as a potential direction for decolonisation and change in peace education in Ghanaian secondary schools and other contexts globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain plasticity is at the basis of many cognitive functions, including learning and memory. It includes several mechanisms of synaptic and extrasynaptic changes, neurogenesis, and the formation and elimination of synapses. The plasticity of synaptic transmission involves the expression of immediate early genes (IEGs) that regulate neuronal activity, thereby supporting learning and memory. In addition, IEGs are involved in the regulation of brain cells' metabolism, proliferation, and survival, in the establishment of multicellular ensembles, and, presumably, in cell competition in the tissue. In this review, we analyze the current understanding of the role of IEGs (c-Fos, c-Myc, Arg3.1/Arc) in controlling brain plasticity in physiological and pathological conditions, including brain aging and neurodegeneration. This work might inspire new gene therapy strategies targeting IEGs to regulate synaptic plasticity, and potentially prevent or mitigate neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health ramifications of adolescent obesity are understudied in the Israeli Arab population, and the impact of ethnicity on the association of obesity with mental health problems is unclear. To examine the association of weight categories with Anxiety, Depression and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among Arab adolescents in Israel and to compare this association to a Jewish comparison group. A cross-sectional nationwide study of 313,936 Arab adolescents aged 14–19 years between the years 2007–2022, and 289,616 Jewish adolescents in a comparison group. The aORs for Anxiety, Depression and ADHD in Arab adolescents increased from a reference 'normal weight' category to 'class 3 obesity', reaching aORs (95 % CI) of 1.31 (1.16–1.47), 1.64 (1.31–2.02) and 1.51 (1.40–1.63) in 'class 2 obesity', and 1.51 (1.20–1.87), 2.81(2.00–3.84) and 1.69 (1.45–1.96) in 'class 3 obesity', respectively. The dose-dependent association between weight categories and psychiatric comorbidity was confirmed in sensitivity analyses with comorbidity with the purchase of medications serving as the dependent variable. The Jewish comparison group demonstrated a comparable increment in aORs with increase in weight category. The association between excessive weight categories and psychiatric comorbidities was stronger in Arab females, than in males. Relying on the recorded weight and height measurements and the diagnoses of psychiatric comorbidity could lead to bias. The study findings emphasize the need to relate to the mental health of adolescents with excessive weight, which can improve their overall quality of life and the success of adolescent weight loss intervention programs. • We studied the association of adolescent obesity with psychiatric comorbidity. • The outcomes were Anxiety, Depression and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity disorder. • The association of weight categories with psychiatric comorbidity was dose-dependent. • The association with psychiatric comorbidity was stronger in Arab females. • This association was comparable for Arab and Jewish groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the synthesis of novel N-coordinated λ5-iodanes as a unique class of hypervalent iodine compounds. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed their intriguing (pseudo)cyclic structure, showcasing distinctive N⋯I-secondary bonding interactions. We demonstrate the in situ generation of reactive diacetoxy derivatives, which exhibits remarkable efficacy in alcohol oxidation reactions. Thermal stability assessments using TGA/DSC analysis provide crucial insights into the handling and potential applications of these compounds. This work expands the frontier of hypervalent iodine chemistry, offering new tools for selective oxidation reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Myocardial disease is an important component of the wide field of cardiovascular disease. However, the phenomenon of multiple myocardial diseases in a single patient remains understudied. Aim: To investigate the prevalence and impact of myocarditis in patients with genetic cardiomyopathies and to evaluate the outcomes of myocarditis treatment in the context of cardiomyopathies. Methods: A total of 342 patients with primary cardiomyopathies were enrolled. The study cohort included 125 patients with left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC), 100 with primary myocardial hypertrophy syndrome, 70 with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), 60 with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and 30 with restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM). The diagnosis of myocarditis was based on data from myocardial morphological examination or a non-invasive diagnostic algorithm consisting of an analysis of clinical presentation, anti-cardiac antibody (Ab) titres, and cardiac MRI. Results: The prevalence of myocarditis was 74.3% in ARVC, 56.7% in DCM, 54.4% in LVNC, 37.5% in RCM, and 30.9% in HCM. Myocarditis had a primary viral or secondary autoimmune nature and manifested with the onset or worsening of chronic heart failure (CHF) and arrhythmias. Treatment of myocarditis in cardiomyopathies has been shown to stabilise or improve patient condition and reduce the risk of adverse outcomes. Conclusions: In cardiomyopathies, the genetic basis and inflammation are components of a single continuum, which forms a complex phenotype. In genetic cardiomyopathies, myocarditis should be actively diagnosed and treated as it is an important therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), peritoneal macrophages contribute to the resident intestinal macrophage pool. Previous studies have demonstrated that oral administration of L-fucose exerts an immunomodulatory effect and repolarizes the peritoneal macrophages in vivo in mice. In this study, we analyzed the phenotype and metabolic profile of the peritoneal macrophages from Muc2−/− mice, as well as the effect of L-fucose on the metabolic and morphological characteristics of these macrophages in vitro. The investigation utilized flow cytometry, quantitative PCR (qPCR), measurement of the intracellular ATP and Ca2+ concentrations, an analysis of mitochondrial respiration and membrane potential, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for ultrastructural evaluations. The Muc2−/− mice exhibited lower intracellular ATP and Ca2+ levels in their peritoneal macrophages, a higher percentage of stellate macrophages, and an increased oxygen consumption rate (OCR), combined with a higher percentage of mitochondria displaying an abnormal ultrastructure. Additionally, there was a five-fold increase in condensed mitochondria compared to their level in C57BL/6 mice. The number of CD209+ peritoneal macrophages was reduced three-fold, while the number of M1-like cells increased two-fold in the Muc2−/− mice. L-fucose treatment enhanced ATP production and reduced the expression of the Parp1, Mt-Nd2, and Mt-Nd6 genes, which may suggest a reduction in pro-inflammatory factor production and a shift in the differentiation of peritoneal macrophages towards the M2 phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generative adversarial neural networks with a variational autoencoder (VAE-GANs) are actively used in the field of materials design. The synthesis of random structures with nonrepeated geometry and predetermined mechanical properties is important for solving various practical problems. Geometric parameters of such artificially generated random structures can vary within certain limits compared to the training dataset, causing unpredicted fluctuations in their resulting mechanical response. This study investigates the statistical variability of mechanical and morphological characteristics of random 3D models reconstructed from 2D images using a VAE-GAN neural network. A combined multitool method employing different mathematical and statistical instruments for comparison of the reconstructed models with their corresponding originals is proposed. It includes the analysis of statistical distributions of elastic properties, morphometric parameters, and stress values. The neural network was trained on two datasets, containing models created based on Gaussian random fields. Statistical fluctuations of the mechanical and morphological parameters of the reconstructed models are analyzed. The deviation of the effective elastic modulus of the reconstructed models from that of the original ones was less than 5.7% on average. The difference between the median values of ligament thickness and distance between ligaments ranged from 3.6 to 6.5% and 2.6 to 5.2%, respectively. The median value of the surface area of the reconstructed geometries was 4.6–8.1% higher compared to the original models. It is thus shown that mechanical properties of the NN-generated structures retain the statistical variability of the corresponding originals, while the variability of the morphology is highly affected by the training set and does not depend on the configuration of the input 2D image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this study, we investigate genetic variability in two closely related parasitic flatworms belonging to the genus Exorchis (Cryptogonimidae), Exorchis oviformis, and E. convictus, which infect commercially important catfish. By sequencing and analyzing the partial sequences of the cox1 mtDNA gene of these species from the Russian Far East, we observe a surprising low genetic variability in both species. These unexpected findings could reflect the potential of these species to influence each other's genetic diversity and, consequently, the parasite and host population dynamics. Trematodes of the genus Exorchis are parasites that are common in East and Southeast Asia. These parasites are known to infect fish, thus impacting aquaculture significantly. An introspection into the dynamics of infection of these parasites has revealed possible co-infection in shared hosts. But data on the dynamics of their shared host on their population structure and genetic variability is lacking. In this study, we investigate the intraspecific structure of the Exorchis species, Exorchis oviformis, and E. convictus, both of which coexist in the same definitive host. By using partial gene sequences of the mitochondrial cox1 gene (715 bp), including 30 newly obtained sequences from the southern part of the Russian Far East, we found a low level of genetic variation in both species, consistent with previous findings of other trematodes from the same region. We hypothesize that the observed low variability could be attributable to the process of host infection and transmission and abiotic factors influencing a recent decline in host variability and abundance. This is driving a strong selection pressure due to the limited number of parasites reaching the definitive host. This, among other factors, could possibly impact the long-term survival and adaptability of Exorchis and other trematodes at large in the region. However, we also believe that there may be a chance that these closely related species could exert an influence on each other's genetic diversity, potentially limiting the variation within each species. To uncover the dynamics driving these observations, we propose the approach of expanding sampling, broader genetic marker analyses, and investigations of varied host populations that could elucidate the complexities of the Exorchis species genetic variability and evolutionary dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has often demonstrated that liberal values and democratic regimes are associated with higher levels of subjective well-being (SWB). However, consistent results are only found at the country level, while at the individual level the relationship between values, democracy, and SWB is not as clear. This article analyzes recent data from 86 countries and shows that individual SWB depends on whether one’s values match the country’s predominant values and political system. In authoritarian countries, those with more conservative values tend to exhibit higher levels of SWB, reaching a level of happiness comparable to that of an average person in a typical democracy. Conversely, their liberal-minded compatriots often report significantly lower levels of SWB. In democracies, people with more liberal values tend to have higher SWB than do conservatives, although this difference is not as robust as in autocracies. This study emphasizes the importance of political context in the relationship between liberal values and SWB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Cenobamate is a novel anti-seizure medication (ASM) with unusually high responder rates even in patients with refractory epilepsy. Due to its enzyme-inducing properties, cenobamate could negatively affect bone metabolism, similar to other ASMs; however, effects of long-term cenobamate treatment on bone health have not yet been investigated. The aim of this longitudinal observational study was to assess the effects of 1 year of continuous, adjunctive cenobamate treatment on bone health in patients with drug-resistant, focal epilepsy. Methods: Adult patients from a tertiary epilepsy centre received cenobamate add-on to their concomitant anti-seizure medication. Bone mineral density at femoral neck and lumbar spine, as well as bone formation biomarkers, electrolytes and liver enzymes in serum were assessed at baseline and after 12 months of continuous cenobamate therapy. Results: Forty-seven patients (29 male, median age 40 years) were included in the study. Median daily dose of cenobamate at 12 months was 250 mg. Moderate, yet statistically significant reduction of the T-score at femoral neck but not lumbar spine was found after 1 year of cenobamate treatment, also in a subgroup of patients (n = 37) without enzyme inducers in the comedication. Additionally, we observed statistically significant changes in bone formation biomarkers: decreased serum level of osteocalcin and increased bone-specific alkaline phosphatase. Bone minerals (calcium and phosphorus) as well as vitamin D3 remained unchanged. Parathormone was statistically significantly reduced. There was a highly statistically significant increase in serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels after 12 months of treatment, reflecting an underlying hepatic enzyme induction by cenobamate. Conclusion: A statistically significant decrease of the T-score at femoral neck, as well as prominent alterations in the bone formation biomarkers, suggest an increase in bone turnover after 1 year of cenobamate treatment. The underlying mechanism is most likely attributed to the hepatic enzyme activation, indicated by a prominent elevation of serum GGT. The results alert for bone density control in susceptible patient groups. Trial Registration Number: DRKS00027568, March 2, 2022 retrospectively registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To characterize the genomic landscape of FIGO 2009 stage IA, non-myometrial invasive endometrioid endometrial cancers (ECs) of no specific molecular profile (NSMP) and define the earliest driver genetic alterations and subsequent tumor evolution. Early-stage (FIGO 2009 stage IA), non-myoinvasive endometrioid NSMP ECs subjected to clinical tumor-normal targeted sequencing between 2014 and 2022 were identified. ECs were dichotomized into low- and high-volume disease based on gross and histologic measurement using a cutoff of 1.8 cm3. Cancer cell fractions (CCF) of somatic mutations were determined. A total of 171 noninvasive, FIGO 2009 stage I endometrioid ECs of NSMP subtype were identified, of which the majority (n = 139; 81 %) were FIGO grade 1. The median calculated volume of disease was 1.8 cm3 at diagnosis. The ECs had on average 6 pathogenic mutations, affecting known EC cancer-related genes, including PTEN (80 %), ARID1A (52 %), PIK3CA (52 %), CTNNB1 (39 %), PIK3R1 (37 %), and KRAS (29 %). Genomic alterations did not correlate with tumor volume. PTEN mutations had the highest CCFs. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering based on CCF revealed 4 main groups characterized by: 1. clonal alterations in PTEN accompanied by PIK3CA, PIK3R1, or ARID1A alterations, 2. mutations in PIK3CA co-occurring with ARID1A alterations, 3. KRAS mutations, particularly associated with 1q high-level gain, or 4. AKT1 mutations, which uniquely occurred without concurrent PTEN , PIK3CA , or PIK3R1 alterations. Stage IA non-myoinvasive NSMP ECs show genomic heterogeneity suggestive of multiple evolutionary pathways. Further studies are warranted to define whether this is a sign of early genomic drift. • Early non-myoinvasive endometrial cancers (ECs) of no specific molecular profile (NSMP) are genetically heterogeneous. • Genomic heterogeneity is present in low-volume early-stage ECs. • Alterations in PTEN are likely the most common initiator of carcinogenesis, followed by PIK3CA , ARID1A , KRAS, and PIK3R1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We aimed to enhance our understanding of the distribution of mesopelagic mesozooplankton (MM) using species distribution models, assess the performance of various modelling techniques, identify key environmental predictors for MM distribution and compute their habitat suitability indices. Location: Our study focused on the mesopelagic zone globally, with data analysed from different oceans. Taxon: Our focus was primarily on mesopelagic mesozooplankton, gathering data on 861 different species from the Mesopelagic Mesozooplankton and Micronekton (MMM) Database. Methods: We used an ensemble of species distribution models, applying 10 different modelling algorithms and three multi‐model ensemble approaches. We explored two important factors that can affect model performance: subsampling and the choice of background points. We also estimated the relative importance of various environmental conditions such as mixed layer depth, temperature, salinity, net primary productivity, euphotic zone depth and dissolved nitrate concentration on the distribution of these species. Results: Euphotic zone depth, salinity and dissolved nitrate concentration were identified as the most important variables for explaining the distribution of mesopelagic mesozooplankton. The ensemble modelling results were robust in areas with abundant observational records, but high uncertainty was observed in data‐limited regions. We found a patchy habitat suitability map for zooplankton when modelled within their native range, largely due to uneven sampling. Unrestricted range models yielded smoother patterns but could inaccurately project species in areas where they do not occur. Main Conclusions: Our study highlights the need for increased sampling effort in data‐limited regions to improve the accuracy of mesopelagic species distribution models. Despite some inaccuracies, unrestricted range models, assuming ecological equivalence (where different species occupying a similar ecological niche in different geographical regions or different ecosystems exhibit similar adaptations and behaviours), provide a reasonable comparison for habitat suitability maps and model performance. It also confirms the significant impact of certain environmental conditions on mesozooplankton distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Interactive segregation is considered to be the main mechanism for reducing competition, limiting the size and overlap of niches when juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar Linnaeus, 1758) and brown trout (Salmo trutta Linnaeus, 1758) co‐occur. However, the differences observed between allopatric and sympatric populations of these fishes in their habitat utilisation are not always evident. We propose to use degree of the parasite communities divergence as an integral indicator of segregation, as it is known that similar infection is found in fish with similar behaviour and habitat use and vice versa. The parasite communities were studied in juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar Linnaeus, 1758) and brown trout (Salmo trutta Linnaeus, 1758) inhabiting the rivers South Esk and Spey (north‐eastern Scotland, flowing into the North Sea) and the Annan (south‐western Scotland, flowing into the Irish Sea). The parasitological data were used to test the interactive segregation hypothesis, which is thought to be the main mechanism of avoiding competition and determining the degree of niche overlap between sympatric fish species. In all the rivers, parasite communities of brown trout were richer than those of salmon. Ordination of infracommunities using non‐metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) indicated the greatest and the smallest overlap between parasite communities of salmon and brown trout in the South Esk and the Spey, respectively. The analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) confirmed that intraspecific differences in the parasite communities of salmon and brown trout were consistently lower than interspecific differences, increasing from the South Esk via the Annan to the Spey. The trend of increasing segregation of the host populations was supported by NMDS‐coordination of the component communities of the parasites based on parasite prevalence, comparison of lists of core species and species accumulation curves. Accumulation models indicated the lowest expected species richness of infracommunities in both hosts in the South Esk (a small mountain river), and the highest expected species richness in the Spey (the largest of the studied rivers with a high habitat diversity). In the Annan, a southern river flowing in the plains but similar to the South Esk in length and catchment area, the parasite infracommunities of salmon were as poor as in the South Esk, but those of brown trout were as rich as in the Spey. This differentiation is presumably associated with a high trophicity of the Annan and thus an improved food resources for fish. Juvenile brown trout uses these food resources more actively than juvenile salmon, which is more narrowly specialised and prefers habitats with fast‐flowing water. A smaller divergence of the model curves in the Annan as compared to the Spey, indicating a lesser segregation of the host populations, can be explained by a much higher rate of parasite species accumulation in salmon. The potential of using fish parasites as biological indicators in freshwater ecosystems is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research into the mechanisms by which gravity influences spermatozoa has implications for maintaining the species in deep space exploration and may provide new approaches to reproductive technologies on Earth. Changes in the speed of mouse spermatozoa after 30 min exposure to simulated weightlessness (by 3D-clinostat) and 2 g hypergravity (by centrifugation) were studied using inhibitory analysis. Simulated microgravity after 30 min led to an increase in the speed of spermatozoa and against the background of an increase in the relative calcium content in the cytoplasm. This effect was prevented by the introduction of 6-(dimethylamino) purine, wortmannin, and calyculin A. Hypergravity led to a decrease in the speed of spermatozoa movement, which was prevented by sodium orthovanadate and calyculin A. At the same time, under microgravity conditions, there was a redistribution of proteins forming microfilament bundles between the membrane and cytoplasmic compartments and under hypergravity conditions—proteins forming networks. The obtained results indicate that even a short exposure of spermatozoa to altered gravity leads to the launch of mechanotransduction pathways in them and a change in motility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last decades, significant progress has been made in studying agonistic and antagonistic hematopoietic peptides. The main disadvantage of this class of peptides is their low stability with noninvasive administration methods, which limits the widespread use of hematopoiesis-regulated peptide drugs in medical practice. The aim of this work is to study novel peptidomimetics with hematopoietic activity sustained in invasive and oral administration. The activity of the leading compound cyclopeptide Cyclo—[Glu(Ile)-Glu(Trp)] (CP-88) was compared to that of the pharmaceutical preparation Stemokin in stimulating the population of committed colony-forming cells in intact and irradiated mice. CP-88 peptide increases the relative number of CD34+ cells in the blood and bone marrow, leading to expanded hematopoietic stem cells. CP-88 peptide, applied 48 h before bone marrow extraction, stimulates the population of committed colony-forming cells in the normal bone marrow by 33–37% above the normal level. In recipient mice injected with irradiated bone marrow, this peptide was restored practically to normal levels of colony-forming cells in a wide range of doses at intraperitoneal and oral administration. The toxicological results conclude that in humans, considering interspecies extrapolation, the CP-88 peptide can be practically safe with a single and course administration in doses of up to 100 μg/kg. The results of this investigation underscore the significant potential of CP-88 peptide as a hematopoiesis-regulated drug and instill optimism for its future application in medical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The failure of the fight against obesity makes us turn to new goals in its treatment. Now, brown adipose tissue has attracted attention as a promising target for the treatment of obesity and associated metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and glucose tolerance disorders. Meanwhile, the expansion of our knowledge has led to awareness about two rather different subtypes: classic brown and beige (inducible brown) adipose tissue. These subtypes have different origin, differences in the expression of individual genes but also a lot in common. Both tissues are thermogenic, which means that, by increasing energy consumption, they can improve their balance with excess intake. Both tissues are activated in response to specific inducers (cold, beta-adrenergic receptor activation, certain food and drugs), but beige adipose tissue transdifferentiates back into white adipose tissue after the cessation of inducing action, while classic brown adipose tissue persists, but its activity decreases. In this review, we attempted to understand whether there are differences in the effects of different groups of thermogenesis-affecting drugs on these tissues. The analysis showed that this area of research is rather sparse and requires close attention in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A one-stage synthesis of gasoline fraction from CO 2 and H 2 was carried out on Zn–Cr–oxide-zeolite combined and composite catalysts. It was found that after oxidative and reduction treatment the catalysts contain ZnO and ZnCr 2 O 4 phases. The one-step coprecipitation of zinc and chromium salts in the presence of zeolite allows obtaining an active bifunctional composite catalyst, each particle of which contains Zn–Cr oxide and zeolite components. A synergistic catalysis due to a closer distance of metal and acid sites increased the efficiency of such a catalyst in CO 2 hydrogenation. It was found that the optimal temperature of oxidative activation of the composite catalyst is 400 °C. With an increase in the temperature of oxidative treatment of the composite catalyst from 400 to 500 °C, part of the zinc leaves the structure of the non-stoichiometric spinel and leads to a decrease in the basicity of the catalyst, which is responsible for the activation of CO 2 on surface oxygen vacancies. Agglomerated ZnO particles blocked the pores and reduced their volume, as well as the specific surface of the catalyst. At the same time, the total acidity of the catalyst decreased. ZnO-species, which have hydrogenating activity, under the reaction conditions removed alkenes from the reaction cycle and thereby reduced the C 5+ –selectivity of the composite catalyst. Among the studied catalysts, the ZnCrO x -НZSM-5/Al 2 O 3 (400) composite catalyst in the tail-gas recirculation mode at 380 °C and 10 MPa demonstrated high CO 2 conversion of 25% and high selectivity for C 5+ –HCs of 53 wt% with a high content of isoalkanes 71 wt% for 60 h. The methane content in the tail-gas did not exceed 3 vol%. The results obtained will be used to develop approaches to creating effective catalysts for one-stage CO 2 hydrogenation into valuable petrochemical products. • CO 2 and H 2 were subjected to one-stage synthesis using Zn–Cr oxide-zeolite catalysts. • After oxidative and reduction treatment the catalysts contain ZnO and ZnCr 2 O 4 phases. • At temperature 500 °C zinc leaves the structure of the non-stoichiometric spinel. • High CO 2 conversion of 25% and high selectivity of 53 wt% was achieved at 380 °C and 10 MPa. • ZnCrO x -НZSM-5/Al 2 O 3 (400) composite catalyst was stable for 60 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delineation of structural variants (SVs) at sequence resolution in highly repetitive genomic regions has long been intractable. The sequence properties, origins, and functional effects of classes of genomic rearrangements such as ring chromosomes and Robertsonian translocations thus remain unknown. To resolve these complex structures, we leveraged several recent milestones in the field, including (1) the emergence of long-read sequencing, (2) the gapless telomere-to-telomere (T2T) assembly, and (3) a tool (BigClipper) to discover chromosomal rearrangements from long reads. We applied these technologies across 13 cases with ring chromosomes, Robertsonian translocations, and complex SVs that were unresolved by short reads, followed by validation using optical genome mapping (OGM). Our analyses resolved 10 of 13 cases, including a Robertsonian translocation and all ring chromosomes. Multiple breakpoints were localized to genomic regions previously recalcitrant to sequencing such as acrocentric p-arms, ribosomal DNA arrays, and telomeric repeats, and involved complex structures such as a deletion-inversion and interchromosomal dispersed duplications. We further performed methylation profiling from long-read data to discover phased differential methylation in a gene promoter proximal to a ring fusion, suggesting a long-range position effect (LRPE) with heterochromatin spreading. Breakpoint sequences suggested mechanisms of SV formation such as microhomology-mediated and non-homologous end-joining, as well as non-allelic homologous recombination. These methods provide some of the first glimpses into the sequence resolution of Robertsonian translocations and illuminate the structural diversity of ring chromosomes and complex chromosomal rearrangements with implications for genome biology, prediction of LRPEs from integrated multi-omics technologies, and molecular diagnostics in rare disease cases. [Display omitted] Genomic rearrangements in repetitive regions have long eluded sequence-based characterization by standard genomic methods. We leveraged long-read sequencing to resolve the architecture of ring chromosomes, Robertsonian translocations, and complex balanced rearrangements. We discovered unexpected complexity, mechanistic signatures, and DNA methylation changes, with implications for molecular diagnosis and genome biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article studies the distribution of the alien species Euphorbia maculata L. in the North Caucasus. The species was first recorded in the region in 2006 and is now widely distributed. This study presents the species relationship to habitats and the floristic composition of plant communities. Communities were compared with similar ones in Europe and a new weed association Euphorbio maculata-Acalyphetum australis ass. nova was analysed. Diagnostic species: Euphorbia maculata, Acalypha australis. Summer-dry trampled vegetation with Euphorbia maculata in crevices of sealed asphalt and tile coating of sandy subsoil (on sandy soils), on gravel ground of tram and railway tracks of the Nortn Caucasus region. The Euphorbia maculata communities are often found in cracks of pavement, laid on sand substrate, asphalt cracks of suburban areas and along highways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is scant research on professional youth workers' perspectives on adolescents and young adults' involuntary loneliness, although they can support young people's well-being. The aim was to explore professional youth workers' views on involuntary loneliness and its alleviation among adolescents and young adults (ages 18–29). A qualitative exploratory design, three focus group interviews and one individual interview, a total of fifteen professional youth workers. Three main categories (Characteristic features of involuntary loneliness among adolescents and young adults, Risk factors for involuntary loneliness among adolescents and young adults, Strategies for alleviating or reducing involuntary loneliness among adolescents and young adults) and fourteen subcategories emerged. Involuntary loneliness has changed and often exists alongside other mental health issues. Several risk factors exist but even different strategies whereby it can be reduced or alleviated. Exploration of which strategies effectively target involuntary loneliness among adolescents and young adults should be undertaken in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generational approach aims to reconstruct the existential context of the development of philosophy, to study the personal ties within the philosophical community. Russia's invasion in Ukraine in February 2022 has led to a split in the Russian philosophical network. The years of war practically destroyed professional solidarity in the Russian academic community, which is divided into three camps. In the first one, there are researchers opposed to Putin's regime who have left Russia and found new work in universities and research centres around the world. These colleagues have united in a number of new structures aimed at critically analysing the origins and consequences of the military catastrophe unfolding before our eyes. Some academics who have not found a use for their professional skills abroad have been forced to either change their occupation or return to Russia. In the second camp, there are colleagues working in Russia who see their mission in passive resistance and escapism. Most of them are intimidated and depressed. By the end of 2024, they began to remark that the Kremlin and the Duma were increasingly turning to academics for expert opinion and assistance in developing a new ideology. In the third camp, there are philosophers who share the values of the Russian far right and support the war and repression in Russia, and who are developing a Russian military philosophy. The article examines the transformation of values over two years of war in four generations of Russian philosophers active today (the so-called generations of "stagnation", "glasnost", "market reforms" and "relocalisation"). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Establishing well-defined relationships between sleep features and memory consolidation is essential in comprehending the pathophysiology of cognitive decline commonly seen in patients with insomnia, depression, and other sleep-disrupting conditions. Twenty-eight volunteers participated in two experimental sessions: a session with selective SWS suppression during one night and a session with undisturbed night sleep (as a control condition). Fifteen of them also participated in a third session with REM suppression. Suppression was achieved by presenting an acoustic tone. In the evening and the morning, the participants completed procedural and declarative memory tasks and the Psychomotor vigilance task (PVT). Heart rate variability analysis and salivary cortisol were used to control possible stress reactions to sleep interference. SWS and REM suppression led to more than 50 percent reduction in the amount of these stages. Neither vigilance nor memory consolidation was impaired after SWS or REM suppression. Unexpectedly, a beneficial effect of selective SWS suppression on PVT performance was found. Similarly, after a night with SWS suppression, the overnight improvement in procedural skills was higher than after a night with REM suppression and after a night with undisturbed sleep. Our data brings into question the extent to which SWS and REM are truly necessary for effective memory consolidation to proceed. Moreover, SWS suppression may even improve the performance of some tasks, possibly by reducing sleep inertia associated with undisturbed sleep. • Our data brings into question the extent to which SWS and REM are truly necessary for memory consolidation to proceed. • If sleep disturbances do not cause stress, half the usual amount of SWS or REM is sufficient for memory consolidation. • Moreover, SWS suppression may improve vigilance and procedural memory performance, perhaps due to reduced sleep inertia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seagrass beds have roles and benefits in shallow water ecosystems, including producers of organic matter, habitats for various marine biota, and providing services that are beneficial for the fishing community. However, increasing development activities in coastal areas, have decreased their valuable roles, which also affects damage in seagrass beds in Indonesian waters. Therefore, information on species diversity and seagrass conditions, especially in East Indonesian waters, is needed. This paper aims to provide information as the initial study of the distribution of species diversity, conditions of seagrass beds, and challenges of seagrass management in eastern Indonesia. This study collected primary and secondary data from several data sources from seagrass monitoring and research activities. The assessment of conditions and categories of seagrass cover refers to the Decree of the state minister for the Environment (KMN-LH) of 2004 No. 200 and the 2017 seagrass monitoring guidelines. As a result of 24 monitoring locations ten species were found indicating that Eastern Indonesia has high species diversity. The results at 24 locations can be categorized as healthy seagrass conditions in six locations (25%) and around 16 locations (67%) as less healthy. Monitoring results after 2015 are predicted to change the diversity and seagrass conditions. The challenges of seagrass management in Eastern Indonesian waters, including the coastal environment changes, need to increase public knowledge and understanding of the role, function, and benefits of seagrass. Also, replanting and enhancement of seagrass-protected areas are essentially needed by the local government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pathogenic Leptospira is maintained in renal tubules of certain animals, mostly rodents, and excreted in the urine which can contaminate the environment. It is necessary to detect pathogenic Leptospira in environmental samples. Knowing the survival of Leptospira in the environment (water and soil) can provide an overview of where and how they can be transmitted to humans. Objective: Therefore, this study aimed to provide a systematic overview of pathogenic Leptospira presence in water and soil environment, the various species of pathogenic Leptospira that are harmful for human, and the ability to survive using a systematic review method. Methods: The search process used four databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and ProQuest. Furthermore, the articles sought were published from 2000 to July 2021, and 38 were analysed. Results: The pathogenic Leptospira contamination in water was higher in urban areas, while soil samples were higher in rural areas. Various pathogenic Leptospira detected in the environment were L. alstonii, L. kmetyi, L. noguchii, and L. interrogans. Those pathogenic Leptospira can survive in water at 4–30°C and at pH < 7; in soil, it can survive at a humidity of < 20% and a pH < 6. Conclusion: Urban and rural areas have the same risk for leptospirosis disease because pathogenic Leptospira (P1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing evidence on the adverse health impacts of microplastics (MPs) is available, but their associated risks to the well-being of humans and long-term impacts are poorly understood. An indicator of the remote effects of MPs may be their influence on the rate of aging. To assess the effects of MPs on the aging process, we used accelerated senescence OXYS rats that develop a complex of geriatric diseases. We prepared the polyethylene terephthalate MPs (2–6 microns in size) and in OXYS and Wistar (maternal strain) rats assessed the influence of chronic administration of MPs (10 or 100 mg/kg per day from age 1.5 to 3.5 months,) on the hematological and biochemical blood parameters, spatial learning, and memory. In addition, the effects of MPs on the development of cataracts and retinopathy, similar to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), in OXYS rats were assessed. We found that in the absence of significant changes in standard clinical blood parameters, chronic MP administration negatively affected the cognitive functions of both Wistar rats and OXYS rats. Additionally, a dose of 100 mg/kg MPs contributed to cataract and AMD progression in OXYS rats. Our results suggest that MPs may increase the rate of aging and, in the long term, lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural 5-azaindoles, marine sponge guitarrin C and D, were observed to exert inhibitory activity against a highly active alkaline phosphatase (ALP) CmAP of the PhoA family from the marine bacterium Cobetia amphilecti, with IC50 values of 8.5 and 110 µM, respectively. The superimposition of CmAP complexes with p-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP), a commonly used chromogenic aryl substrate for ALP, and the inhibitory guitarrins C, D, and the non-inhibitory guitarrins A, B, and E revealed that the presence of a carboxyl group at C6 together with a hydroxyl group at C8 is a prerequisite for the inhibitory effect of 5-azaindoles on ALP activity. The 10-fold more active guitarrin C could compete with pNPP for binding sites in the ALP active site due to similarities in size, three-dimensional structure, and the orientation of the COOH group along the phosphate group. However, the inhibition of CmAP and calf intestinal ALP (CIAP) by guitarrin C was observed to occur via a non-competitive mode of action, as evidenced by a twofold decrease in Vmax and an unchanged Km. In contrast, the kinetic model with guitarrin D, with an additional OH group at C7, reflected a mixed type of inhibition, with a decrease in both values. The sensitivity of CIAP to guitarrins C and D was shown to be slightly lower than that of CmAP, with IC50 values of 195 and 230 µM, respectively. Nevertheless, these findings prompted the prediction of complexes of human ALP isoenzymes with guitarrins C and D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Learning media is a component which takes place in the learning process for the education level. With the development of sophisticated technology, everyone in the education field is demanded to be able to apply the use of digital technology media for the learning process because of the unseparated use of technology in education. Objective: This activity aims to give a short course about making cartoon learning media using the makebeliefscomix.com web for learning activities for KB-RA Muslimat students. Method: This activity was carried out at KB-RA Muslimat Surabaya for 2 days to 8 teachers. The team provided material and created learning media using makebeliefscomix.com web and continued with material about marketing used as a theme in making cartoons. Results: The difficulties in creating learning media are in operating laptops, signing up, using email, determining topics, and incompatibility of material topics. However, all participants were able to complete the media creation well and enthusiastically and stated that this media is useful. Conclusion: All teacher participants were able to follow the instructions well, use and create interesting dialogue on the topic of marketing a product using Makebeliefscomix media even though they experienced several obstacles at the beginning of production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satisfaction among shoppe and Facebook application users is a need that local people want to get the products they want or it could also be called loyalty for their satisfaction. Based on the results of this research survey, it can be seen and compared what percentage of people are satisfied with shoppe users and Facebook users in terms of brand level, quality, price and others. The e-serqual method used in this research is to measure the level of satisfaction and loyalty on shoppe and Facebook using a distributed questionnaire. From the results of this research, it is found that Shoppe is superior to Facebook, where in the Likert scale calculation using the e-Serqual method and assisted by SPSS, there is a value that almost the application users prefer Shoppe to Facebook based on the site organization satisfaction level. Reliability, User Friendliness, Personal Need while the shoppe Loyalty level has a positive value with Responsiveness, User Friendliness, Efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of mature spermatozoa originates from spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) located near the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules. This developmental process, known as spermatogenesis, is tightly regulated to ensure continuous sperm production. A critical aspect of this regulation is the balance between SSC differentiation and self-renewal, which is directed by various factors guiding SSCs in either of these two directions. The SSC niche, defined functionally rather than anatomically, includes all factors necessary for SSC maintenance. These factors are produced by cells surrounding the SSC niche, collectively creating the microenvironment of the seminiferous tubules. Coordination between the cells in this microenvironment is essential for the proper function of the SSC niche and successful spermatogenesis. Testicular mast cells (MCs) significantly influence the regulation of this niche, as they contain various biologically active substances that regulate a wide range of physiological processes and contribute to different pathological conditions affecting fertility. This review explores the effects of testicular MCs on SSCs, their role in regulating spermatogenesis under normal and pathological conditions, and their interactions with other components of the testicular microenvironment, with a focus on their potentially critical impact on spermatogenesis and male fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serotonin (5-HT), a versatile signaling molecule, plays a variety of roles in both neurotransmission and tissue regulation. The influence of serotonin on early development was first studied in marine invertebrate embryos and has since been documented in a variety of vertebrate species, including mammals. The present study investigates the expression and functional activity of serotonin components in mouse embryos, focusing on key receptors and transporters. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that mRNA transcripts related to serotonin show marked expression during the oogenesis and preimplantation stages. The results of the immunohistochemical studies show the presence of serotonin, the vesicular monoamine transporter VMAT2, and several membrane receptors (5-HT1B, 5-HT1D, 5-HT2B, 5-HT7) in the early stages of development. A functional analysis performed with the VMAT inhibitor reserpine revealed the crucial role of vesicular transport in the maintenance of serotonin signaling. The findings presented here support the hypothesis that serotonin plays a significant role in oocyte maturation and embryonic development, as well as in interblastomere interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibrio sp. KMM 8419 (=CB1-14) is a Gram-negative bacterium isolated from a food-net mucus sample of marine polychaete Chaetopterus cautus collected in the Sea of Japan. Here, we report the structure and biosynthetic gene cluster of the capsular polysaccharide (CPS) from strain KMM 8419. The CPS was isolated and studied by one- and two-dimensional 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The molecular weight of the CPS was about 254 kDa. The CPS consisted of disaccharide repeating units of D-glucose and sulfated and acetylated L-rhamnose established as →2)-α-L-Rhap3S4Ac-(1→6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→. To identify the genes responsible for CPS biosynthesis, whole-genome sequencing of KMM 8419 was carried out. Based on the genome annotations together with the Interproscan, UniProt and AntiSMASH results, a CPS-related gene cluster of 80 genes was found on chromosome 1. This cluster contained sets of genes encoding for the nucleotide sugar biosynthesis (UDP-Glc and dTDP-Rha), assembly (glycosyltransferases (GT)), transport (ABC transporter) and sulfation (PAPS biosynthesis and sulfotransferases) of the sulfated CPS. A hypothetical model for the assembly and transportation of the sulfated CPS was also proposed. In addition, this locus included genes for O-antigen biosynthesis. Further studies of biological activity, the structure–activity relationship in the new sulfated polysaccharide and its biosynthesis are necessary for the development of potent anticancer agents or drug delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SAYP and Bap170, subunits of the SWI/SNF remodeling complex, have the ability to support enhancer-dependent transcription when artificially recruited to the promoter on a transgene. We found that the phenomenon critically depends on two subunits of the Mediator kinase module, Med12 and Med13 but does not require the two other subunits of the module (Cdk8 and CycC) or other subunits of the core part of the complex. A cooperation of the above proteins in active transcription was also observed at endogenous loci, but the contribution of the subunits to the activity of a particular gene differed in different loci. The factors SAYP/Bap170 and Med12/Med13 did not form sufficiently stable interactions in the extract, and their cooperation was apparently local at regulatory elements, the presence of SAYP and Bap170 in a locus being necessary for stable recruitment of Med12 and Med13 to the locus. In addition to the above factors, the Nelf-A protein was found to participate in the process. The cooperation of the factors, independent of enzymatic activities of the complexes they are part of, appears to be a novel mechanism that maintains promoter activity and may be used in many loci of the genome. Extended intrinsically disordered regions of the factors were assumed to sustain the mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A technique for characterizing the color of small ochre samples was proposed. The technique includes visual color determination with the aid of a stereomicroscope and a Munsell Soil Color Chart, conversion of Munsell values to CIE L*a*b* coordinates, cluster analysis, and principle component analysis (PCA). The technique was applied to ochre samples from the Kapova Cave and Kamennaya Balka II Upper Paleolithic sites. Characterization of the color of a statistically significant number of pigment samples makes it possible to identify the relationships between different structural features of the cultural layer and reliably identify a wide range of artistic practices in parietal caves in addition to the actual creation of drawings, and it also possibly serves as a chronological marker at multi-layered sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is devoted to the practical application of multi-operations theory to the construction of decision-making systems and the description of the subsequent research results. Unlike classical multi-valued and fuzzy logic, where events are described by only two logical values, namely, "true" and "false", when there are various types of uncertainty between these two states, the theory of multi-operations can be used to describe events using a larger number of logical values for the uncertainties between these states. This article demonstrates a new approach to processing input information using rank 3 multi-operations, i.e., considering input information for a set of three logical values and five values of uncertainty. This approach allows for saving time and resources when forming a subject area model for decision-making systems and when working with specific users. The application of this approach is illustrated in the article by using the example of determining the area of human disease. When testing this system, which is built on the basis of rank 3 multi-operations, we show that applying multi-operations theory allows for significant expansion of the range of accepted decisions; this makes the system more flexible for the construction of human–machine interfaces and organizes the integration of efforts in the development of humans and machines with a common goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving the precise targeting of lentiviral vectors (LVs) to specific cell populations is crucial for effective gene therapy, particularly in cancer treatment where the modulation of the tumor microenvironment can enhance anti-tumor immunity. Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) is overexpressed on activated tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes, including regulatory T cells that suppress immune responses via FOXP3 expression. We developed PD1-targeted LVs by incorporating the anti-PD1 nanobody nb102c3 into receptor-blinded measles virus H and VSV-Gmut glycoproteins. We assessed the retargeting potential of nb102c3 and evaluated transduction efficiency in activated T lymphocytes. FOXP3 expression was suppressed using shRNA delivered by these LVs. Our results demonstrate that PD1-targeted LVs exerted pronounced tropism towards PD1+ cells, enabling the selective transduction of activated T lymphocytes while sparing naive T cells. The suppression of FOXP3 in Tregs reduced their suppressive activity. PD1-targeted glycoprotein H provided greater specificity, whereas the VSV-Gmut, together with the anti-PD1 pseudoreceptor, achieved higher viral titers but was less selective. Our study demonstrates that PD1-targeted LVs may offer a novel strategy to modulate immune responses within the tumor microenvironment with the potential for developing new therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing anti-tumor immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, building upon ethnographic fieldwork conducted among members of one initiative of Jewish-Muslim dialogue in the UK, I discuss how my interlocutors thematize the temporal dimension of anti-minority discrimination and perceive remaining historical material heritage associated with it. Using the example of problematic artifacts pertaining to mediaeval Lincoln, such as the so-called "shrine of Little Hugh," I discuss how in engaging the memory of traumatic past events in Jewish history activists of inter-faith dialogue reflect on their current conditions of minoritization and attempt a projection of their communities' lives in the UK in the future. I also borrow insight from the presentist theoretical framework in anthropology of time to highlight the impact my interlocutors' life histories have had on the way they relate to and conceptualize their own and other minoritized groups' histories and imagine their personal and collective futures based on their experiences in the present. I suggest that in these reflections, narratives of positive historical trajectories in the minority experience sit alongside an anticipation of multiple possible futures, some inflected with anxiety about a repetition of difficult pasts, others imbued with a vision connecting the past, present and future of minoritized communities into a common presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific and psychological validity of the a priori attitude of practicing psychologists and parents in solving the urgent problem of adolescent distrust has been verified that the trusting attitude of adolescents towards parents exists only in the form of opposition; trust or distrust based on a previously developed model for studying ambivalent trust. The aim of the research was to study the features of the classified ratios of trust/distrust to a mother in adolescents from single-parent families and the role of order in the structure of predictors of trust in a mother in these ratios. The study involved adolescent boys and girls, in the number of 177 people aged 15 years, raised in families where the only parent living with a teenager is the mother. The following methods were used: content analysis based on expert assessments; subjective scaling according to specified parameters; statistical technology for developing the construct classification of the trust/distrust ratio; approximation by hyperbolic rank parametric distribution; nonparametric statistics. It was found that 1) only 19% of the respondents have "absolute trust" and "absolute distrust", and the rest have different variants of ambivalent trust (p<0.01). 2) significant predictors of adolescents trust in the mother are: a) "trust in me"; b) honesty; c) reliability; d) fairness; e) commitment to fulfilling promises; f) an unappreciative attitude. 3) the average value of the β coefficient is higher in the "positive" variant of ambivalent trust, when adolescents from single-parent families have both trust and distrust of their mother, but trust significantly prevails over distrust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores how non‐Indigenous teachers understand challenges and barriers to academic progress and success for Indigenous students in Taiwan. Drawing on data from a study with 17 teachers of Han Taiwanese and Hakka background who had worked closely with Indigenous students from elementary to high school across Taiwan, we utilise Expectancy‐Value Theory to explore teacher participants' views of the barriers and challenges to educational success for their Indigenous students. Previous research suggests a deficit view among majority background teachers, depicting them as biased against Indigenous peoples and lacking relevant knowledge that would allow them to teach Indigenous students and about Indigenous cultures and histories. In contrast with this previous research, the teachers we interviewed exhibited a good and nuanced understanding of the obstacles and challenges of Indigenous students, families and communities which prevent their success. The teachers in our study indicated that they lack agency and are limited by structural forces in effecting meaningful change. Far from holding deficit views, the teachers interviewed pointed to the importance of working together with Indigenous families and communities to support the learning of Indigenous students. In our conclusion we point to ways of capitalising on the non‐deficit positive views captured here to effect long‐term sustainable change to support teachers to, in turn, support the learning of Indigenous students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]