Science Center Research Articles

Lev Gutman – A Pioneer in Theoretical Mesoscale Meteorology

Abstract On March 5, 2023, Professor Lev Gutman would have been 100 years old. This article describes Professor Gutman’s legacy in the field of dynamic mesoscale meteorology and numerical weather prediction. Gutman developed his career as a mathematician and meteorologist in the Soviet Union, where he built a school of specialists in mesoscale meteorology during the 1950s through the 1970s. He primarily worked on analytical methods to solve complex nonlinear problems, such as the structure of sea breezes, mountain-valley circulations, and thermal convection over heated terrain. Gutman pioneered the development of theories of cumulus clouds, tornados, and other atmospheric phenomena. In the 1960s, he carried out numerous research investigations on these topics with his doctoral students and collaborators at High-Altitude Geophysical Institute in Nalchik in the northern Caucasus and later at the Siberian scientific center near Novosibirsk. Gutman compiled the results from these studies into a monograph titled “Introduction to the Nonlinear Theory of Mesoscale Meteorological Processes”, which was published in Russian in 1969, and later translated into English, Chinese, and Japanese. This monograph became a major textbook for specialists in mesoscale meteorology, remaining relevant to this day. After Prof. Gutman immigrated to Israel in 1978, his collaborations expanded to include Israeli and western scientists from Europe and the United States. Gutman did not receive the recognition he deserved due to the political realities of the time. His book and his seminal analytical solutions should still be useful for early career scientists in mesoscale meteorology and atmospheric dynamics.

Information Network Assessment of Farm Women in Sub-Himalayan Terai Region of India and the Role of KVK

Krishi Vigyan Kendra play an important role of information network development among the farmers and farm women through different training and extension programme. This empirical study was conducted to find out the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendra on information networks development of the farm women in sub Himalayan terai region of India and to identify the different factors influencing agricultural information network output of the farm women in terms of knowledge. The study was conducted in the Cooch Behar District of West Bengal with the help of an ex post facto research design. It is found from the study that social participation of farm women was high in case of the members of Self Help Groups, Mobility of the farm women were more in panchayat office. Majority of the farm women received farm information from farmers club/FPO, sources of informal farm information of the female farmers were higher in case of discussion with fellow farmers, mass media exposure of the farm women was higher in case of mobile phone and farm women visit the farm science centre whenever problems occur. It is also found from the study that the variables livestock possession, material possession, participation of FSC programme, communication skill, attitude of the farm women towards FSC scientist, mass media exposure, e resources exposure, decision making ability, type of family and occupation were influence more than 70% of the variability of the dependent variable agricultural information network output of the farm women. So, it is very essential for taking consideration above mentioned variable before implementation of any farm women orientated programme. It is revealed from the study that the residual errors were less in the regression model and there was some of variation that is not explained by the model. The research work would play important guidelines for expanding the information network in the field of agriculture through Krishi Vigyan Kendra.

Success of introduction of species of the genus <i>Cotoneaster</i> Medik. in the Komi Republic

Among the woody plants preserved and studied in the arboretum of the Botanical Garden of the Institute of Biology of the Komi Scientific Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences for nine years (2013–2021) include representatives of the polymorphic genus Cotoneaster of different geographical origins. As a result of generalization and analysis of data on biomorphology, characteristics of the generative period, dynamics of seasonal growth and development, winter hardiness of plants of species of the genus Cotoneaster introduced in the North, based on an assessment of the main indicators of viability, the studied plants were divided into groups of prospects for cultivation in the northern region. Plants of Eurasian origin C. melanocarpus and C. integerrimus, which undergo a full cycle of seasonal development, are characterized by high winter hardiness, form full-fledged seeds and retain their vital form under introduction conditions, are classified in Group I as quite promising. The East Asian species C. dammeri, C. horizontalis are assigned to the II group of promising plants and C. ascendens to the III group of unpromising plants. These introduced species were characterized by an extended period of growth and development, late completion of the growing season, low winter hardiness, but good shoot recovery ability after winter damage. C. bullatus turned out to be an unpromising species (group V) with low winter hardiness, and therefore the impossibility of transition to the generative period of development. Additional study of this decorative species with the involvement of other specimens is necessary. Based on the data obtained, species such as C. melanocarpus, C. integerrimus, C. dammeri and C. horizontalis can be recommended for cultivation and use in landscaping in some areas of the Komi Republic.

Features of clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of Bertolotti syndrome: а clinical case

BACKGROUND: One of the causes of pain in the lumbar spine may be congenital spinal column malformations. Bertolotti syndrome is a clinical and radiological symptom complex associated with sacralization of the LV vertebra, leading to disruption of the biomechanics of the lumbosacral spine and accelerated degeneration of facet joints and intervertebral discs, followed by foraminal and central stenosis of the spinal canal. The clinical manifestations of the disease can be polymorphic, and their cause is multifactorial. Thus, along with pain in the lumbar spine, patients with sacralization of the LV vertebra suffer from numbness and paresthesia in the lower extremities. The incidence of pathology ranges from 4% to 8%, mainly affecting elderly and mature people. СLINICAL CASE DESCRIPTION: Patient S was born in 1982 with long-term nonspecific pain in the back and lower limb; she presented to the Neurosurgical Department of the Irkutsk Scientific Center for Surgery and Traumatology. During a clinical neurological examination and additional introscopic studies of the lumbar spine, dorsopathy diagnosed. Degenerative spondyloarthrosis LIV–LV grade III according to D. Weishaupt. Sacralization of the LV vertebra type IIa according to Castellvi A.E. Syndrome of lumbar ischialgia on the right. Persistent pain and muscle-tonic syndrome. Minimally invasive interventional treatment was performed: pulsed radiofrequency ablation of the dorsal ganglion and radicular nerve at the level of the foraminal openings LIV–LV on the right and thermal radiofrequency ablation of the recurrent nerve of Luschka at the level of LIV–LV and LV–SI on the right. In the postoperative period, the intensity of the pain syndrome decreased, and the patient was discharged to work. CONCLUSION: A promising method of minimally invasive surgery is radiofrequency ablation in the area of neoarthrosis for denervation and relief of pathological pain impulses. Assessing the patient’s complaints, carefully collecting anamnesis, interpreting data from a clinical and neurological examination, and introscopic methods of examining the lumbar spine enables establishing an accurate diagnosis and selecting the most effective treatment method.

The effect of games on listening and speaking anxiety in learning English

This action research investigates the effect of game technique on reducing English listening and speaking anxiety among fourth-grade primary school students. The study group involved 46 students at a Science and Art Centre in Türkiye. The quantitative data were collected through the English Listening Anxiety Scale and the English Speaking Anxiety Scale administered before and after the implementation. The qualitative data were gathered through student interviews and teacher’s research diary. The dependent samples t-test was used to compare the pre-test and post-test mean scores from the scales. The data from the interviews and the diary were analysed by inductive analysis. Firstly, the findings of the t-test analysis revealed that game technique significantly reduced students’ English listening anxiety, but not English speaking anxiety. On the other hand, the qualitative findings showed that this technique has positive contributions to learning-teaching process although it does not have such an effect on both speaking and listening anxiety. Nevertheless, the analysis of the interviews and the diary also indicated that the technique has a positive influence on the factors that can reduce anxiety such as “willingness to make sentences, not getting bored in lessons, feeling relaxed, thinking quickly, eagerness, and effort”. Considering all the findings in the study, we concluded that using game technique in English courses is not directly effective in reducing English listening and speaking anxiety, but it has positive contributions to the overall learning-teaching process. Finally, the study provides some practical suggestions for teachers.

Establishment of breeding research of the genus Citrus in the subtropics of the Russian Black Sea coast

The article briefly describes the history behind the creation of the Sochi Agricultural and Horticultural Experimental Station (now known as the Federal Research Center ‘the Subtropical Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences’), as well as the techniques and methods of breeding research to create new varieties of the genus Citrus. A brief biography of the breeder Fyodor Zorin (1904-1967) is presented, as well as the varieties of citrus crops created by him. The article tells the story behind the Friendship Tree, its importance in promoting the ideas of peace and friendship of peoples, and how it became a unique botanical garden.

Demonstration of neutron time-of-flight diffraction with an event-mode imaging detector.

Neutron diffraction beamlines have traditionally relied on deploying large detector arrays of 3He tubes or neutron-sensitive scintillators coupled with photomultipliers to efficiently probe crystallographic and microstructure information of a given material. Given the large upfront cost of custom-made data acquisition systems and the recent scarcity of 3He, new diffraction beamlines or upgrades to existing ones demand innovative approaches. This paper introduces a novel Timepix3-based event-mode imaging neutron diffraction detector system as well as first results of a silicon powder diffraction measurement made at the HIPPO neutron powder diffractometer at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. Notably, these initial measurements were conducted simultaneously with the 3He array on HIPPO, enabling direct comparison. Data reduction for this type of data was implemented in the MAUD code, enabling Rietveld analysis. Results from the Timepix3-based setup and HIPPO were benchmarked against McStas simulations, showing good agreement for peak resolution. With further development, systems such as the one presented here may substantially reduce the cost of detector systems for new neutron instrumentation as well as for upgrades of existing beamlines.

Analysis of the consistency of doctors’ opinions in the assessment of dermatoscopic images of actinic keratosis, Bowen’s disease, keratoacanthoma and squamous cell cancer

Background. Squamous cell skin cancer (SCSC) is the most dangerous tumor of all non-melanocytic skin neoplasms due to its aggressive course with destructive growth and frequent metastasis. Another characteristic feature of SCSC is the presence of precancerous conditions such as actinic keratosis, arsenic keratosis and PUVA-keratosis. In the gradual increase in the degree of keratinocyte dysplasia to the development of invasive forms of skin malignancies, the following continuum of diseases can be distinguished: actinic keratosis — Bowen’s disease — keratoacanthoma — SCSC. Dermatoscopic signs of each of the listed nosologies can also occur in other diseases of this chain, which can complicate diagnosis and lead to erroneous patient management tactics. Aim. To determine the consistency of dermatologists’ opinions in assessing dermatoscopic images of actinic keratosis, Bowen’s disease, keratoacanthoma and SCSC, depending on work experience. Methods. The study was conducted on the basis of the Scientific and Practical Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Skin Tumors of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution “PIMU” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. Based on the literature data, we compiled a generalized list of possible dermatoscopic signs of actinic keratosis, Bowen’s disease, keratoacanthoma, SCSC and analyzed dermatoscopic images of 85 elements of actinic keratosis, 28 — of Bowen’s disease, 10 — of keratoacanthoma and 24 — of SCSC. 10 dermatovenerologists participated in the study, half of whom (Group 1) had experience in the field of dermatoscopy for more than 4 years, and the other half (Group 2) — for less than 4 years. Results. The study reveals statistically significant deviations in the frequencies of dermatoscopic signs between the two groups of specialists when analyzing images of actinic keratosis and Bowen’s disease. Differences in the frequency of detection of keratoacanthoma and SCSC signs between specialists with more than 4 years of experience in the field of dermatoscopy and less than 4 years’ experience have not been found. Conclusion. Taking into account the average number of signs, the statistically justified result of the analysis is the inference that the average group frequencies in Group 1 and Group 2 are equal. The conclusion is that the opinions of specialists in the field of dermatoscopy are highly consistent, regardless of work experience. This indicates the high diagnostic value of the method, despite its subjective nature.

Формирование цифровой модели угольного месторождения в горно-геологической информационной системе МАЙНФРЭЙМ

Digitalization of enterprise management using Russian software is the main trend in the development of the country's mining sector. Sharp fluctuations in demand and prices in the mineral markets, as well as the development of technical tools for mechanization and automation of technological processes along with a systematic increase in their cost affect the financial performance of mining companies. This determines the need for a rapid adoption of technical, technological and organizational decisions, which, along with the requirements of the company's owners and regulators to obtain prompt, reliable and the most complete information about the production process explains the urgent need for the prompt introduction of digital control systems for mining operations. In the article the authors describe an algorithm to design a digital model of the mining and geological system, including a digital geological model of the deposit, digital models of mine workings and the surface topography, based on the experience of creating three-dimensional digital models of complex-structured coal deposits. The basic software suite for designing a digital management system for mining operations is the MINEFRAME mining and geological information system developed at the Mining Institute of the Kola Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences. MINEFRAME allows to perform a full range of tasks aimed at creation of a digital 3D model of the mining and geological system for a coal deposit with the possibility to account for the complex bedding in the modelling. High accuracy and correctness of the input geological sampling data is achieved by means of tools to check for errors in the tables of borehole collar coordinates, inclinometry and sampling. The wireframe modelling methods implemented in MINEFRAME provide the possibility to create wireframe models of seams with high detail in the fracture zones.

Hidradenitis suppurativa as seen by the patient

Background. Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a common disease that significantly reduces the quality of life of patients of reproductive age, while its exact prevalence is unknown in most countries due to untimely and poor-quality diagnosis. Aim. In order to clarify the prevalence of HS, an analysis of the structure of newly identified cases of this disease was carried out in the conditions of the consultative and diagnostic center of the State Research Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation for the period 2008–2021 inclusive. In order to study the characteristics of the course of HS, its impact on behavior and receipt of medical care from the patient’s point of view, an anonymous quantitative online survey of patients was conducted. The patient questionnaire “Shin a light on hidradenitis” was used as a basis. Methods. Аnonymous quantitative online survey of patients was conducted. The patient questionnaire “Shin a light on hidradenitis” was used as a basis. Results. For the period 2008–2021 exclusively under the section “L73 Other diseases of the hair follicles”, 765 cases were diagnosed in the State Scientific Center for Disease Control and Prevention (0.36% of the total number of all newly diagnosed cases). The diagnosis of GG (ICD code L73.2) was first established only in 59 cases (about 8% of identified cases using code L73). 1035 respondents took part in the survey. The survey revealed that patients with HS are worried about: 66% — swelling, 55% — pain, 38% — purulent discharge and/or blood, 25% of patients note a disturbing look. Most patients rated the severity of pain as moderate (29%) and low (29%) pain, severe and very severe pain — 12 and 7% respectively. Among the treatments used for HH, patients recommended: antibiotics (34%), opening and drainage (32%), prescription corticosteroid creams/ointments (11%), and biologics (4%). In 44% of patients, a visit to a doctor to provide qualified assistance continues; 18% of patients are observed by one doctor (dermatologist and/or surgeon); 9% of patients visited 2–3 doctors before receiving the necessary help. Conclusion. All over the world, the “search” for a specialist who will correctly diagnose, prescribe adequate treatment and accompany its long process is still a complex and unsolved task. In order to improve the quality of medical care for patients with HH, it is necessary to develop and implement domestic clinical recommendations, as well as the development and implementation of educational programs for interested specialists.

Preface: 6th International Symposium on Social Science and Management Innovation (SSMI 2024)

6th International Symposium on Social Science and Management Innovation (SSMI 2024) was held in Macao, China during June 8-9, 2024. This conference was sponsored by Research Center of Engineering and Science, and was attended by academicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, government agencies and policy-makers, postgraduates from China and all over the world. The aim of the conference is to provide an interactive platform for the academicians, R & D organizations, industries, innovators, entrepreneurs, government agencies and policy-makers etc., from both China and abroad to exchange ideas on recent researches and advances in the domain of Social Science and Management Innovation with its prospective application in the various interdisciplinary domains of engineering. This two-day conference is being organized in technical association with Research Center of Engineering and Science and will include invited keynote talks and oral paper presentations from both academia and industry to ignite our young minds, to initiate them in the field of meaningful research and thereby enrich their existing knowledge. SSMI 2024 has received 97 manuscripts. And more than 20 submissions have been accepted by our reviewers and the Press. By submitting a paper to SSMI 2024, the authors agreed to the review process and understand that papers undergo a peer-review process. Manuscripts would be reviewed by appropriately qualified experts in the field selected by the Conference Committee, who would give detailed comments and-if the submission gets accepted-the authors submitted a revised version that considers this feedback. All papers were reviewed using a double-blind review process: authors declare their names and affiliations in the manuscript for the reviewers to see, but reviewers did not know each other's identities, nor did the authors receive information about who has reviewed their manuscript. The Committees invested great efforts in reviewing the papers submitted to the conference and organizing the sessions to enable the participants to gain maximum benefit. With our warmest regards, SSMI 2024 Conference Committees

Empowering communities through data literacy: a qualitative study exploring Indigenous Australian perceptions, engagement and understanding of data

Data literacy is an essential competency needed to use data to inform decisions and participate in contemporary society. Importantly, in the context of Indigenous health it enables engagement with health services and facilitates health management, Indigenous data sovereignty and Indigenous data governance. However, while Indigenous data sovereignty and Indigenous data governance are gaining momentum globally, there are no mechanisms for understanding or enhancing data literacy within Indigenous communities. To explore this, a research project was co-designed between the QUT Centre for Data Science and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Brisbane (ATSICHS), a community-controlled health service in Queensland Australia, to provide insights into the current state of data literacy, community perceptions of data, and identify community suggestions for enhancing data literacy. Furthermore, by utilizing an Indigenist research design, the project ensured Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ ways of knowing, being, and doing were privileged and prominent throughout research design, data collection and analysis. The qualitative study included 20 semi-structured interviews with Brisbane Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples who had accessed or engaged with ATSICHS. This paper presents insights into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ perspectives on data and data literacy, which may benefit community-controlled organizations and other Indigenous communities within Australia and around the world.

Experience in conducting human-dimensional examination of innovative projects

The article proposes methodological and methodological foundations for conducting a human-dimensional examination of innovative projects for the agro-industrial complex. The concept of human-dimensional expertise is proposed as an interdisciplinary assessment of the significance and forecasting of the prospects for use, socio-economic efficiency, risks, threats and consequences of the implementation of intersectoral innovation for the quality of life of a person, territorial population, and society. The article provides a step-by-step technology for conducting a human-dimensional examination. An example of such an examination is presented on the example of one of the projects of the Scientific and Educational Center "Innovative Solutions in Agroindustrial Complex" (Belgorod Region) on the topic "Creation and implementation of technology - an innovative analytical tool for assessing and shaping human resources in the agro-industrial complex of the Belgorod Region". As part of the demonstration, estimates of the main and industry indicators are presented, the positive and negative human-dimensional effects are highlighted, the conclusion on the conditions and restrictions on the implementation of innovations in the agro-industrial complex is justified. It is proposed to consider the proposed innovation for two levels of implementation: administrative-regional and individually-locally. The concentration of risks and negative probabilities identified by experts at the second level made it possible to put forward a proposal to refine the innovation before its final use, which made it possible to prevent possible social risks for the industry and the region.

Treating neuropathic pain and nicotine dependence: Epibatidine derivatives as potential therapeutics

Treating neuropathic pain and nicotine dependence: Epibatidine derivatives as potential therapeutics Lance R. McMahon, Ph.D. and Jenny L. Wilkerson, Ph.D. from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, describe the search for the magic bullet to treat both neuropathic pain and nicotine dependence using novel epibatidine derivatives as potential therapeutics. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR), specifically nAChR containing α4β2* subunits (* denotes additional receptor subunits), are known for their role in nicotine dependence and addiction (1). These receptors are found throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems on neuronal, glial, and immune cells (2). Although varenicline, an α4β2 nAChR* partial agonist, is a useful smoking cessation pharmacotherapy, the largest individual cause of preventable death continues to be cigarette smoking. (1)

Professor P.V. Denisov – A Distinguished Alumnus of Kazan University

This article considers the role of the Kazan school of history and ethnology in the development of Professor P.V. Denisov’s views and professional expertise. Kazan University is the alma mater of numerous notable Chuvash researchers. Many studies on the Chuvash people were performed within its walls, particularly by N.V. Nikolsky, V.K. Magnitsky, I.Ya. Yakovlev, N.I. Zolotnitsky et al. P.V. Denisov, who rose to prominence as a scholar and lecturer within the scientific and educational centers of Kazan, carried on their work with great merit. Here, his collaborations with Kazan colleagues and his substantial contributions to the advancement of ethnology and pedagogy were analyzed. Based on the analysis, several conclusions were drawn. P.V. Denisov dedicated his life to promoting science and mentoring further generations of highly qualified and skilled historians and ethnologists. His academic and pedagogical endeavors were mostly connected with I.N. Ulyanov Chuvash State University, where he taught historical and ethnographic disciplines, as well as established and headed the Department of Archaeology, Ethnography, and Regional History. Throughout his life, he published 120 scholarly works and supervised 20 holders of candidate and doctorate degrees in history. He was proud to be an alumnus of Kazan University and always maintained friendly and professional ties with his colleagues from Tatarstan. P.V. Denisov’s heritage and achievements have become deeply ingrained in Russian ethnology and pedagogy. His influence and ideas live on in the memories of his students. The obtained results hold both scientific and practical significance, shed light on the history of ethnology in the Volga–Ural region, and provide valuable material for studying and sketching the lives of famous Kazan University alumni.

ПРАВОВОЕ РЕГУЛИРОВАНИЕ СПАСАНИЯ ЛЮДЕЙ НА ВОДНЫХ ОБЪЕКТАХ В АРКТИЧЕСКОЙ ЗОНЕ (ОБЗОР МАТЕРИАЛОВ «КРУГЛОГО СТОЛА»)

The review highlights the abstracts of the round table «Legal regulation of human rescue on water bodies in the Arctic zone», held on February 7, 2024 at the Federal state budgetary institution Arctic rescue educational and scientific center «Vytegra» (Vologda region, Vytegorsky district, Ustye village) within the framework of the International Scientific and practical conference «Russian ice – 2024». 10 scientific and educational organizations, more than 50 participants were represented. The review highlights the problems and prospects of the legislation of the Russian Federation in the field of search and rescue of people in the waters of the Arctic basin; problems of interdepartmental cooperation in the development of a system for providing search and rescue of people at sea in the Arctic zone: historical experience of conducting marine rescue operations in the Arctic, etc.

РАЗВИТИЕ НАУЧНОГО НАПРАВЛЕНИЯ В ОБЛАСТИ ПРЕДУПРЕЖДЕНИЯ ЧРЕЗВЫЧАЙНЫХ СИТУАЦИЙ ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО ХАРАКТЕРА

Substantiates the strategy for the development of a promising scientific area of activity of the All-Russian research institute for civil defense and emergency situations of EMERCOM of Russia (Federal center for science and high technologies) in the field of preventing the environmental consequences of emergencies, ensuring environmental safety, in terms of the activities of EMERCOM of Russia. The development of a new interdisciplinary field of research into interrelated problems of ensuring the safety of life of the population, the state of human protection from emergencies, monitoring and forecasting their environmentally adverse consequences is becoming particularly relevant in a complex geopolitical situation, the reduction of reserves of uncontaminated natural resources, and the ever-increasing technospheric impact on the natural environment. The novelty of the approaches proposed by the authors lies in a new format for studying the processes of environmental hazard from the standpoint of preventing its occurrence at the stage and in the sources of origin. The purpose of this study was to develop new conceptual approaches, the main activities of a scientific institution in the interdisciplinary subject area of monitoring, forecasting the state of protection of the population, the natural environment, territories from threats of natural and man-made emergencies in terms of preventing dangerous environmental and related consequences. One of the applied tasks of the work was to substantiate the formation of one of the first joint dissertation councils in Russia in the scientific specialty «Environmental safety». According to the authors of the article, the development of scientific research within the framework of the work of the new dissertation council will serve as a powerful impetus to the intensification of research activities in the relevant field of knowledge aimed at ensuring the safety, favorable conditions of Russian citizens, protection and preservation of the natural environment, ensuring sustainable socio-economic development of the Russian Federation.

Developing a customised set of evidence-based quality indicators for measuring workplace violence towards healthcare workers: a modified Delphi method

BackgroundWorkplace violence (WPV) is a complex global challenge in healthcare that can only be addressed through a quality improvement initiative composed of a complex intervention. However, multiple WPV-specific quality indicators...

Zebrafish from the Alps to Sicily: The 4th Italian Zebrafish Meeting in Palermo.

The 4th Italian Zebrafish Meeting took place in Palermo from February 7 to 9, 2024. The primary aim of this meeting was to bring together a diverse group of principal investigators, young researchers, facility managers, commercial vendors, and others to provide an important forum for presentation and discussion of the most innovative and exciting scientific research currently ongoing in Italy using the zebrafish model. Nonetheless, the meeting program has been conceived to allow the dissemination of cutting-edge scientific research across a wide range of topics and to shed light on its future directions, without geographical boundaries. Indeed, people from various parts of the world joined the meeting, and 210 participants presented their latest work in talks and posters. Importantly, the meeting had designated time to foster open scientific exchange and informal networking opportunities among participants of all career stages, thus allowing initiation of new collaborations and strengthening of existing partnerships. The meeting was a tremendous success as testified by the highest participation ever since the first meeting of the series in 2017, coupled with the highly positive satisfaction rating expressed by the attendants. The full program and detailed information about the meeting can be found on the dedicated website at https://itazebrafishmeeting.wixsite.com/izm2024.

O-102 From oocytes to embryos

Abstract Title: Oxidative stress and DNA damage in oocytes: clinical relevance and diagnosis Study question: Is it possible to detect signs of oxidative stress (OS) in a living oocyte? Summary answer: OS-driven changes in lipid profile can be detected in human oocytes. What is known already: Oxidative stress and DNA damage are associated with increasing age of women. From all cellular molecules, lipids are most prone to OS-driven damage. DNA is more stable, so its damage may occur only later, probably as a result of cytoplasmic changes caused by damage to lipids and proteins. Initially, peroxidation of cellular lipids causes damage to lipid bilayers i.e. biological membranes and membranous organelles. Accumulation of lipid peroxidation products - toxic aldehydes - causes DNA damage and mutations. Screening of DNA damage in the oocyte is not feasible in human ART. However, oocyte lipid damage can be detected using live-cell label-free spectroscopies. So far, changes in the lipid profile of human oocytes have not been investigated. Here we propose the screening of lipid profile as a reliable method of evaluation of OS-driven damage of the oocyte. Study design, size, duration: This study aims to thoroughly discuss effects of OS in female gamete. Special consideration is given to current limits in DNA damage detection and oocyte quality screening. Then, strategies to evaluate OS-driven damage of cellular components are proposed. Finally, obstacles and future perspectives in clinical diagnosis and treatment of OS-damaged oocytes are discussed. Participants/materials, setting, methods: To investigate if it is possible to detect differences in oocyte LF, we examined a total of 48 GV oocytes derived from 26 women under 33 years of age and with no history of infertility, enrolled in an oocyte donation program. Furthermore, to evaluate the effect of lipid profile changes in oocytes on embryo development, 167 C57BL/6 mice were used. Modifications of cytoplasmic lipid droplets (LDs) profile in oocytes were evaluated by Coherent anti-stokes Raman Spectroscopy (CARS) and further validated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The influence of oocyte lipid changes on embryo development was verified using mouse model. Main results and the role of chance: Here we show woman-age-dependent progressive changes in LF of oocytes consisting of increased LDs size, area and number, assessed by label-free imaging (CARS). LF variations in oocytes were detectable also within individual donors. We next confirmed woman-age-dependent changes in oocytes by demonstration of lipid peroxidation and composition changes (FTIR) and alterations of structural properties of lipid bilayers (TEM). Finally, using a mouse model we showed that LF changes in oocytes negatively affect preimplantation embryo development. Limitations, reasons for caution: The idea of this study was to propose an original approach to assess the quality of oocytes based on changes in the lipid profile. The information presented should not be viewed as directly applicable, because human oocytes at the GV stage were assessed, and not at the MII stage. Wider implications of the findings: Our findings highlight functional connections between lipids and other molecules building the oocyte, including DNA. Furthermore, this original study open the possibility to develop an innovative tool for oocyte assessment. Study funding/competing interest(s): This research was funded by National Science Centre of Poland Grants 2021/41/B/NZ3/03507 and 2019/35/B/NZ4/03547.