Subject Of Controversy Research Articles

Development of node architecture and emergence of molecular organizer characteristics in the pig embryo.

The avian node is the equivalent of the amphibian Spemann's organizer, as indicated by its ability to induce a secondary axis, cellular contribution, and gene expression, whereas the node of the mouse, which displays limited inductive capacities, was suggested to be a part of spatially distributed signaling. Furthermore, the structural identity of the mouse node is subject of controversy, while little is known about equivalent structures in other mammals. We analyzed the node and emerging organizer in the pig using morphology and the expression of selected organizer genes prior to and during gastrulation. The node was defined according to the "four-quarter model" based on comparative consideration. The node of the pig displays a multilayered, dense structure that includes columnar epithelium, bottle-like cells in the dorsal part, and mesenchymal cells ventrally. Expression of goosecoid (gsc), chordin, and brachyury, together with morphology, reveal the consecutive emergence of three distinct domains: the gastrulation precursor domain, the presumptive node, and the mature node. Additionally, gsc displays a ventral expression domain prior to epiblast epithelialization. Our study defines the morphological and molecular context of the emerging organizer equivalent in the pig and suggests a sequential development of its function.

Aspartame exposures in the US population: Demonstration of a novel approach for exposure estimates to food additives using NHANES data.

Exposure to food additives is widespread but up-to-date and accurate intake estimates are rarely available. The safety of the food additive aspartame is the subject of recent controversy and intake estimates for this nonnutritive sweetener are typically derived from surrogates such as diet soda consumption. We describe an approach for developing nationally representative dietary exposure estimates for food additives that combines intake from dietary recalls and grocery purchasing information. We combined NielsenIQ Homescan Consumer Panel purchasing data with the USDA Global Branded Food Products database and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to estimate aspartame intake and prevalence of consumption for the US population. We examined points of departure for aspartame from CompTox Chemicals Dashboard to provide context for exposures and potential effects. Mean, 90th percentile, and 95th percentile aspartame intake estimates are below the acceptable daily intake (50 mg/kg/day) and are lower than estimates from previous decades. Groups with the highest aspartame intakes are non-Hispanic whites, 60- to 69-year-olds, and individuals on diabetic diets. Aspartame exposure is highly prevalent (62.6%) in the US including sensitive populations such as pregnant women and children. Exposure to the widely consumed food additive aspartame is not well characterized, and concerns about potential health effects remain despite assurances of safety when consumed under conditions of intended use. This work provides current intake estimates for the US population with important comparisons across demographic groups and individuals on special diets. The approach includes ingredient statement and grocery purchasing data to capture all aspartame-containing products, beyond diet soda, in intake estimates. This framework also has the potential for application to other food ingredients.

Exploring political topics that connect to antisemitism on Twitter: U.S. midterm Pennsylvania gubernatorial race 2022

Online antisemitism rears its head during times of political instability, especially during contentious elections. This paper uses the 2022 Pennsylvania Gubernational governor race as a case study to examine what political topics spur antisemitic expression on Twitter. Both rich political and antisemitism discourses are offered by this election that featured a Jewish Democrat candidate Josh Shapiro and far-right Republican candidate Doug Mastriano. Over 800 tweets were qualitatively analyzed through critical discourse analysis to understand both Shapiro’s political tweets and the antisemitic reply tweets. This study addresses the gap of what online political contexts leads to instances of antisemitism on Twitter during political elections. Grounded in antisemitism and political propaganda literature, this study shows that particularly controversial topics of abortion rights and extremism in politics led to the highest amount of antisemitic expression. Dominantly, Jewish political control conspiracies were used as simple explanations for particularly turbulent political topics.

Abstract PO5-26-04: The value of skin involvement in achieving of pCR in patients with locally advanced breast cancer

Abstract Objective: The management of patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) with skin involvement (edema or thickening) continues to be one of the most controversial topics in mammology. The most recommended conventional treatment strategies include systemic therapy (chemotherapy/hormone therapy/biological agents) followed by local therapy (surgery and/or radiation therapy). However, approximately 1/3 of patients with locally advanced breast cancer are “resistant” to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (which is manifested by the persistence of skin involvement/edema/thickening). In this study, we aimed to identify the relationship between skin involvement and clinicopathological features of LABC patients. In particular, we sought to develop the algorithm for skin involvement measurement and examine the impact of skin involvement on the rate of pCR. Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 182 patients diagnosed with LABC from 2010 to 2018 at N.N. Blokhin National Cancer Research Center. All patients were treated with neoadjuvant hormone- or chemotherapy and were considered as borderline for surgical resection because of partial skin edema. Ninety one women received surgery with consecutive radiotherapy (first group) and 50 women (second group) received radiotherapy (total dose 50 Gy) with consecutive surgery after systemic treatment. We developed the algorithm for skin involvement measurement, using a series of formulas. We further interrogated the impact of skin involvement on the rate of breast and lymph node pathological response in every group. Results: The median percentage of skin edema before systemic therapy was 76.3% in the first group and 70.1% in the second group. The median percentage of skin edema after systemic therapy was 62.3% in the first group and 69.1% in the second group. There wasn`t a statistically significant difference between the two groups (р=0,675 and р = 0,286, respectively). Breast pCR was seen in 19,7% (n=18) of the first group patients and partial response was seen in 72.6% (n=66). Breast pCR was seen in 30% (n=15) of the second group patients and partial response was seen in 70% (n=35). Results showed no significant differences between groups, р=0,342 and р = 0,12, respectively. Nodal pCR was reported in 23,9% (n=16) and partial response in 50,8% (n=34) of the 67 node-positive patients. Nodal pCR was reported in 31,6% (n=12) and partial response in 65,8% (n=29) of the 38 node-positive patients of the second group. There was no statistical difference in the groups, p >0,05. Conclusion: Increasing attention has been paid to LABC patients due to the clinical commonness and the complexity of treatment. Our study showed that LABC patients with incomplete clinical response to neoadjuvant systemic therapy can achieve pCR or partial response of tumor despite partial skin edema. In this study we developed the algorithm for skin involvement measurement. We hope that knowledge about volume of skin involvement revealed by this study might shed light on individualized therapies for these patients. In future, it allows to evaluate criteria of tumor resectability to improve patient selection. Therefore, prospective randomized trials are needed to improve optimization of the local treatment. Citation Format: Viktory Amosova, Alexander Petrovskiy, Oxana Trofimova, Mona Frolova, Alexey Rumyantsev. The value of skin involvement in achieving of pCR in patients with locally advanced breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-26-04.

Dating mortars and bricks of Santalla de Bóveda Monument (Lugo, NW Spain)

Santalla de Bóveda Monument (Lugo, NW Spain) is a small semi-buried building, under the Bóveda parish church, built in the 18th century, with an apsidal quadrangular floor plan, which was divided into three naves, a small vaulted apse and a rectangular floor plan vaulted, where paintings depicting birds and plant elements have been well preserved. The monument has aroused great interest since its discovery, but its chronology and functionality has always been the subject of controversy. Several hypotheses have suggested that the monument was built in the Roman period and some others around the 5h, 8th or 9th century AD. However, any direct evidence or absolute age has been provided until today. The stratigraphic analysis of the building suggests five constructive phases. Bricks and mortars of all phases were sampling to perform absolute dating techniques and to get a precise and accurate chronology. Radiocarbon dating of mortars and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating of bricks and mortars have been used to this purpose. A total of 34 samples were taken, being 20 used for luminescence (mortars and quartz aggregates) and 15 used for 14C ages (charcoal fragments of lime mortars). 5 brick samples were also dated by Thermoluminescence (TL). The obtained ages have allowed, for the first time, stablishing an accurate and precise chronology being the first phase assigned to the 4th Century AD. Alterations of the building and the vault paintings were performed in the early 7th century, while the construction of the second floor and occasional repairs were performed during the 10th-12th centuries.

SLARD consensus for the treatment of focal chondral lesions of the knee

ObjectivesTo establish a consensus of the Latin American knee surgeons from SLARD for treating focal chondral lesions of the knee. MethodsA formal consensus was conducted among three groups of surgeons from the Latin American society of arthroscopy (SLARD) with special interest in cartilage. First, the steering group (n=9), created a list of 21 statements on controversial topics and compiled a review of literature for each topic. Secondly, the rating group (n=19), gave a score to each statement according to their agreement with it, over two rounds (score: 1-9). Median scores and agreement levels were calculated and each statement was categorized as inappropriate, uncertain or appropriate. Finally, the lecture group (n=24), evaluated the appropriateness and clinical relevance for each statement. ResultsDuring the first round, there was strong agreement on 5% of the statements, relative agreement on 14% and lack of consensus on 81% of statements. After the second round, there was strong agreement on 57% of statements, with 43% having relative agreement and no statement having a lack of consensus. The lecture group approved all the statements. ConclusionSLARD arrived at a consensus on the 21 statements proposed. This consensus includes literature review and clinical experience, which represents the expert opinion of a society. Strong agreement was found in the advantage of using arthroscopy to diagnose chondral lesions, pre-injury level as an age modification of treatment, superiority of nanofractures compared to microfractures, advantages of adding scaffolds, benefits of PRP in the midterm and faster return to sport with osteochondral autografts. Level of evidenceIV. What are the new findingsThis is the first formal consensus from SLARD about the treatment of focal chondral lesions of the knee.This consensus includes 55 orthopaedic surgeons from 13 countries in Latin America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, México, Panama, Peru and Uruguay).This consensus about focal chondral lesions presents 21 statements in relation to the actual evidence, but also according to the Latin American context, available resources and experience.

The Single Cell Immunogenomic Landscape after Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy combined Chemotherapy in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Neoadjuvant immunotherapy represents promising strategy in the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the mechanisms underlying its impact on treatment sensitivity or resistance remain a subject of controversy. In this study, we conducted single-cell RNA and T/B cell receptor (scTCR/scBCR) sequencing of CD45+ immune cells on samples from 10 patients who received neoadjuvant immunotherapy and chemotherapy. We also validated our findings using multiplexed immunofluorescence and analyzed bulk RNA-seq from other cohorts in public database. By integrating analysis of 87357 CD45+ cells, we found GZMK+ effector memory T cells were relatively enriched and CXCL13+ exhausted T cells and regulator T cells decreased among responders, indicating a persistent anti-tumor memory process. Additionally, the enhanced presence of BCR expansion and somatic hypermutation process within TNFRSF13B+ memory B cells suggested their roles in antigen presentation. This was further corroborated by the evidence of the T-B co-stimulation pattern and CXCL13-CXCR5 axis. The complexity of myeloid cell heterogeneity was also particularly pronounced. The elevated expression of S100A7 in ESCC, as detected by bulk RNA-seq, was associated with an exhausted and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In summary, this study has unveiled a potential regulatory network among immune cells and the clonal dynamics of their functions, and the mechanisms of exhaustion and memory conversion between GZMK+ Tem and TNFRSF13B+ Bmem from antigen presentation and co-stimulation perspectives during neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade treatment in ESCC.

Utilizing the Power of Cooperative Learning to Teach Controversial Topics such as Genetically Modified Organisms

Some topics are controversial and, as a consequence, difficult to teach. I describe a cooperative teaching and learning strategy that combines the “Jigsaw method” with the “Six thinking hats” of de Bono. This allows students to work together in expert groups while investigating the topic from different perspectives. Students then provide feedback to each other, where all perspectives are shared in the home group.

Exercise Physiology: A Review of Established Concepts and Current Questions

Exercise physiology is the science that studies the processes of physical activity and their impact on the body. It usually requires a multidisciplinary approach with a team of experts because of the multiple physiological systems involved. At the cellular level, exercise can trigger a cascade of events that involve metabolic pathways, muscle recruitment and conditioning, neuromuscular adaptations, and optimization of energy production. On a systematic level, this has involved the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the musculoskeletal system, the peripheral and central nervous systems, and even the endocrine system to improve adaptation to meet the demands of exercise, improving strength and endurance with the goal of maximizing performance. This field, which began largely with a focus on the kinetics of oxygen consumption and the relationship between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, has expanded with technological advancements such as wearable devices, advanced imaging techniques, and genomics, which has allowed for a greater appreciation of the physiologic responses of exercise at the level of molecular and cellular interactions. Recently, this science has evolved into the study of overall health promotion and disease prevention to meet individual fitness needs and goals. This philosophy, which is captured by the motto “Exercise is Medicine”, has been adopted as a Global Health Initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite the advancements in technology and impactful, large-scale studies, a variety of questions, such as how physical activity interacts with aging to affect physical and cognitive function, how inactivity influences acute and chronic disease states, and how we maximize human performance in extreme conditions like microgravity environments, remain. The purpose of this review is to present and discuss established concepts, controversial topics, and unanswered questions within exercise physiology that have allowed this field to become a science that embraces the overall well-being of individuals.

Consensus Statement on Vitamin D Status Assessment and Supplementation: Whys, Whens, and Hows.

The 6th International Conference, "Controversies in Vitamin D," was convened to discuss controversial topics, such as vitamin D metabolism, assessment, actions, and supplementation. Novel insights into vitamin D mechanisms of action suggest links with conditions that do not depend only on reduced solar exposure or diet intake and that can be detected with distinctive noncanonical vitamin D metabolites. Optimal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels remain debated. Varying recommendations from different societies arise from evaluating different clinical or public health approaches. The lack of assay standardization also poses challenges in interpreting data from available studies, hindering rational data pooling and meta-analyses. Beyond the well-known skeletal features, interest in vitamin D's extraskeletal effects has led to clinical trials on cancer, cardiovascular risk, respiratory effects, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and mortality. The initial negative results are likely due to enrollment of vitamin D-replete individuals. Subsequent post hoc analyses have suggested, nevertheless, potential benefits in reducing cancer incidence, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular events, and diabetes. Oral administration of vitamin D is the preferred route. Parenteral administration is reserved for specific clinical situations. Cholecalciferol is favored due to safety and minimal monitoring requirements. Calcifediol may be used in certain conditions, while calcitriol should be limited to specific disorders in which the active metabolite is not readily produced in vivo. Further studies are needed to investigate vitamin D effects in relation to the different recommended 25(OH)D levels and the efficacy of the different supplementary formulations in achieving biochemical and clinical outcomes within the multifaced skeletal and extraskeletal potential effects of vitamin D.

Increased Psychological Symptoms and Autonomic Arousal in Patients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Case–Control Study

(1) Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SHT) is a condition that has been a subject of controversy in the literature due to its association with psychological and psychiatric symptoms as well as autonomic imbalances. To gain a better understanding of the effects of SHT on patients, a research study has been undertaken to investigate the presence of psychological symptoms and autonomic imbalances in a group of individuals diagnosed with SHT. (2) Methods: In this case–control study, 50 patients diagnosed with SHT who accessed the Department of Endocrinology of the University of Pisa were consecutively recruited. Psychological symptoms were measured through the Crown–Crisp Experiential Index (CCEI), whereas autonomic imbalance was described using the Psychophysiological Stress Profile (PSP), with simultaneous recording of the following psychophysiological parameters: Surface Electromyogram (sEMG), Skin Conductance Level (SCL), heart rate (HR), and peripheral temperature (PT). The patients’ values were compared to those of 50 healthy control subjects. (3) Results: The comparison between groups highlighted significant differences in the CCEI and PSP. In particular, patients reported higher rates of psychological symptoms (anxiety, depression, somatic complaints, and hysteria behavior). Significantly higher levels of autonomic arousal were also recorded. More specifically, the sEMG, SCL, HR, and PT values were different between the two groups. (4) Conclusions: The study has confirmed the presence of autonomic hyperarousal in patients diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism. This is likely due to the body’s attempt to compensate for a general lack of energy by accelerating the autonomic activity. The findings also underline the significance of a comprehensive assessment approach that takes into account various dimensions such as psychological and psychophysical well-being. Such an approach helps in evaluating the impact of subclinical diseases on overall health and well-being.

Targeting Dectin-1 and or VISTA enhances anti-tumor immunity in melanoma but not colorectal cancer model.

Acquired resistance to immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) is a major barrier in cancer treatment, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies. Dectin-1 (gene Clec7a) is a C-type lectin receptor best known for its ability to recognize β-glucan-rich structures in fungal cell walls. While Dectin-1 is expressed in myeloid cells and tumor cells, its significance in cancer remains the subject of controversy. Using Celc7a-/- mice and curdlan administration to stimulate Dectin-1 signaling, we explored its impact. VISTA KO mice were employed to assess VISTA's role, and bulk RNAseq analyzed curdlan effects on neutrophils. Our findings reveal myeloid cells as primary Dectin-1 expressing cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), displaying an activated phenotype. Strong Dectin-1 co-expression/co-localization with VISTA and PD-L1 in TME myeloid cells was observed. While Dectin-1 deletion lacked protective effects, curdlan stimulation significantly curtailed B16-F10 tumor progression. RNAseq and pathway analyses supported curdlan's role in triggering a cascade of events leading to increased production of pro-inflammatory mediators, potentially resulting in the recruitment and activation of immune cells. Moreover, we identified a heterogeneous subset of Dectin-1+ effector T cells in the TME. Similar to mice, human myeloid cells are the prominent cells expressing Dectin-1 in cancer patients. Our study proposes Dectin-1 as a potential adjunctive target with ICBs, orchestrating a comprehensive engagement of innate and adaptive immune responses in melanoma. This innovative approach holds promise for overcoming acquired resistance to ICBs in cancer treatment, offering avenues for further exploration and development.

Etica reprezentației teatrale și limitele libertății creatoare

Theatre represents an ingenuous form of dialogue of the self with another, a space of contradiction between freedom and alienating forms of power. By opening paths of ethics, the performing arts impose or are imposed on themselves limits that the stage performance itself continues to interrogate. Are there ways or means to sign an “agreement” between the stage creators and the audience, between the creation and the spectators, in such a way that, without infringing the right to freedom of the artists, the feelings, convictions, or beliefs of the receivers are not adversely affected? The answer comes from the very relationship that the theatre has with itself, from the way the creators understand how to manage sensitive subjects, approaching and not ignoring them, but passing them through the filter of a responsibility regarding the mission of art and the significant role which the encounter has. In contemporary theatre, there are taboo or controversial topics (for example, the representation of violence and trauma) that attract more attention than ever and continue to be perceived as sensitive depending on the cultural, social or political context in which they are presented. Thus, the limit becomes a central notion that we cannot avoid in the discussions related to the role that the theatre plays in relation to the spectators and their sufferings or sensitivities.

Material composition of copper slag of the Almalyk copper-smelting plant (Uzbekistan)

Relevance. Copper production is accompanied by release of a large volume of slag. Today, huge quantities of copper slags have accumulated all over the world, in which the copper content is even greater than that in original ores. The slags that result from the smelting of ores and concentrates of both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, together with other metallurgical wastes such as tailings, are increasingly the subject of significant environmental controversy. The only way to reduce the negative impact of slag waste on the environment can be their disposal, by complex extraction of valuable components from them and further use of slag waste for construction purposes. In addition to the main component of copper, copper slags contain elevated contents of gold, silver, zinc, iron, etc. The form of finding valuable metals such as iron, copper, lead and zinc in copper slags is complex. A detailed study of the mineral composition of slags is used in development of an effective technology for processing slags. Aim. To study mineral composition of copper slags, the form of finding valuable components. Object. Copper slag waste from the copper-smelting plant of the Almalyk MMC. Methods. Chemical composition of copper slags was established by phase analysis, atomic absorption, X-ray fluorescence research methods. Mineral composition of the ores was established as a result of complex studies, including: optical microscopy in transmitted and reflected light, X-ray diffraction, microprobe studies and electron microscopy. Results. Copper content in composition of copper slag samples is higher than in copper ores and it is 0.77–0.97%. In addition to copper, copper slags contain elevated contents of a complex of metals (g/t): Au – 0.17–0.26; Ag 8.42–10.64, Zn 4.288–10216, Pb – 2014-3360. Ferrous silicates (fayalite, ferrosillite), vitreous mass of ferruginous-silicate composition predominate in the composition of copper slags. Ore minerals are mainly represented by magnetite. The mineral content is approximately 10–15%. Among сopper sulfides minerals bornite, chalcocite, less often cubanite, chalcopyrite, covellite sharply predominate. Cuprite is observed in small amounts, and native copper is metallic. The mineral form of finding molybdenum is molybdenite. Among the native silver minerals, native silver was found in association with lead minerals. Gold is included in the composition of native copper and chalcocite as an impurity and passes into copper concentrate during processing slags.

Designing hard carbon microsphere structure via halogenation amination and oxidative polymerization reactions for sodium ion insertion mechanism investigation

Hard carbon as a negative electrode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) has great commercial potential and has been widely studied. The sodium-ion intercalation in graphite domains and the filling of closed pores in the low voltage platform region still remain a subject of controversy. We have successfully constructed hard carbon materials with a pseudo-graphitic structure by using polymerizable p-phenylenediamine and dichloromethane as carbon sources. This was achieved by a halogenated amination reaction and oxidative polymerization. It was found that the capacity of hard carbon materials mainly originates from intercalation into graphite domains. The study found that the prepared hard carbon could store 339.33 mAh g−1 of sodium in a reversible way at a current density of 25 mA g−1, and it had an initial coulomb efficiency of 80.23%. It even maintained a reversible sodium storage capacity of 125.53 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 12.8 A g−1. Based on the analysis of hard carbon structure and electrochemical performance, it was shown that the materials conform with an “adsorption-intercalation” mechanism for sodium storage.

The Efficacy of Dietary Intake, Supplementation, and Blood Concentrations of Carotenoids in Cancer Prevention: Insights from an Umbrella Meta-Analysis.

Previous meta-analyses of multiple studies have suggested that dietary intake and blood concentrations of carotenoids, as well as dietary supplement of certain carotenoids, play a role in reducing the risk of cancer. However, the conclusions of these studies have been subject to controversy. We conducted an umbrella review of meta-analyses to comprehensively analyze and evaluate the evidence pertaining the association between carotenoids and cancer outcomes. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases of meta-analyses and systematic reviews up to June 2023. Our selection criteria encompassed meta-analyses of cohort and case-control studies, as well as randomized controlled clinical trials, which investigated the associations between carotenoids and cancer risk. We also determined the levels of evidence for these associations with AMSTAR 2 criteria. We included 51 eligible articles, including 198 meta-analyses for qualitative synthesis in the umbrella review. Despite the presence of moderate to high heterogeneity among the studies, dietary intake, supplementation, and blood concentrations of carotenoids were inversely associated with the risk of total cancer, and certain specific cancers of lung, digestive system, prostate, breast, head and neck, and others. Subgroup analysis also showed that individual carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene) offer certain protection against specific types of cancers. However, high doses of carotenoid supplements, especially β-carotene, significantly increased the risk of total cancer, lung cancer, and bladder cancer. Our umbrella meta-analysis supported that high intake of dietary carotenoids as a whole food approach could be more beneficial in reducing cancer risk. Concurrently, the findings suggest that the efficacy of single-carotenoid supplementation in cancer prevention remains a subject of controversy.

Susceptibility to poor arguments: The interplay of cognitive sophistication and attitudes.

Despite everyday argumentation being crucial to human communication and decision-making, the cognitive determinants of argument evaluation are poorly known. This study examined how attitudes and aspects of cognitive sophistication, i.e., thinking styles and scientific literacy, relate to people's acceptance of poorly justified arguments (e.g., unwarranted appeals to naturalness) on controversial topics (e.g., genetically modified organisms (GMOs)). The participants were more accepting of poorly justified arguments that aligned with their attitudes compared to those that opposed their attitudes, and this was true regardless of one's thinking styles or level of scientific literacy. Still, most of the examined aspects of cognitive sophistication were also positively related to fallacy detection. The strongest cognitive predictors of correctly recognizing the fallacies were one's scientific reasoning ability and active open-mindedness. The results thus imply that decreasing misleading attitude effects, and increasing certain aspects of analytic and scientific thinking, could improve argumentation.

Exome sequencing in genuine empty follicle syndrome: Novel candidate genes

Objective(s)Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is a condition in which no oocytes are retrieved in an IVF cycle despite apparently normal follicular development and meticulous follicular aspiration following ovulation induction. The EFS is called genuine (gEFS) when the trigger administration is correct. The existence of gEFS is a subject of controversy, and it is quite rare with an undetermined etiology. Genetic defects in specific genes have been demonstrated to be responsible for this condition in some patients. Our objective was to identify novel genetic variants associated with gEFS. Study DesignWe conducted a prospective observational study including 1,689 egg donors from July 2017 to February 2023. WES were performed in patients suffering gEFS. ResultsOnly 7 patients (0.41 %) exhibited gEFS after two ovarian stimulation cycles and we subsequently performed whole exome sequencing (WES) on these patients. Following stringent filtering, we identified 6 variants in 5 affected patients as pathogenic in new candidate genes which have not been previously associated with gEFS before, but which are involved in important biological processes related to folliculogenesis. These genetic variants included c.603_618del in HMMR, c.1025_1028del in LMNB1, c.1091-1G > A in TDG, c.607C > T in HABP2, c.100 + 2 T > C in HAPLN1 and c.3592_3593del in JAG2. ConclusionAs a conclusion, we identified new candidate genes related to gEFS that expand the mutational spectrum of genes related to gEFS.This study show that WES might be an efficient tool to identify the genetic etiology of gEFS and provide further understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of gEFS.

Biomonitoring of volatile organic compounds and organophosphorus flame retardands in commercial aircrews after „fume and smell events“

Health risks to humans after „fume and smell events“, short-term incidents on aircrafts that are accompanied by unpleasant odour or visible smoke, remain a subject of controversy. We assessed exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOC) and organophosphorus compounds (OPC) by biomonitoring in 375 aircrew members after self-reported “fume and smell events” and in 88 persons of the general population. A total of 20 parameters were analysed in blood and urine by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Median levels of acetone in blood and urine and 2-propanol in blood were elevated in aircrews compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Additionally, elevated peak exposures, best estimated by the 95th percentiles, were observed in aircrews for n-heptane and n-octane in blood, and acetone, 2,5-hexanedione and o-cresol in urine. Only the maximum observed levels of 2,5-hexandione in urine (768 μg/L) and toluene in blood (77 μg/L) in aircrew members were higher than the current biological exposure indices (BEI® levels) (500 and 20 μg/L, respectively) of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (US-ACGIH) for workers occupationally exposed to n-hexane and toluene, two well-accepted human neurotoxicants. Low-level exposures to n-hexane and toluene could be also observed in controls. The majority of OPC parameters in urine, including those of neurotoxic ortho-isomers of tricresylphosphate, were below the limit of quantitation in both aircrews and controls. Our comparative VOC and OPC analyses in biological samples of a large number of aircrew members and controls suggest that exposures are similar in both groups and generally low.

Evidence of Sharp Transitions between Octahedral and Capped Trigonal Prism States of the Solvation Shell of the Aqueous Fe3+ Ion.

The structure of the solvation shell of the aqueous Fe3+ ion has been a subject of controversy due to discrepancies between experiments and different levels of theory. We address this issue by performing simulations for a wide range of ion concentrations, using various potential energy functions, supplemented by density functional theory calculations of selected configurations. The solvation shell undergoes abrupt transitions between two states: a hexacoordinated octahedral (OH) state and a capped trigonal prism (CTP) state with 7-fold coordination. The lifetime of these states is dependent on concentration. In dilute FeCl3 solutions, the lifetimes of both are similar (≈1 ns). However, the lifetime of the OH state increases with ion concentration, while that of the CTP state decreases slightly. When a uniform negative background charge is used instead of explicit counterions, the lifetime of the OH state is greatly overestimated. These findings underscore the need for further experimental measurements and higher-level simulations.