bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CRH-R2 signalling modulates feeding and circadian gene expression in hypothalamic mHypoA-2/30 neurons
Authors: Alcántara-Alonso Viridiana , Dallmann Robert , Lehnert Hendrik , de Gortari Patricia , Grammatopoulos Dimitris K.
Published: October 2023

The hypothalamic type 2 corticotropin releasing hormone receptor (CRH-R2) plays critical roles in homeostatic regulation, particularly in fine tuning stress recovery. During acute stress, the CRH-R2 ligands CRH and urocortins promote adaptive responses and feeding inhibition. However, in rodent models of chronic stress, over-exposure of hypothalamic CRH-R2 to its cognate agonists is associated with urocortin 2 (Ucn2) resistance; attenuated cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation and increased food intake. The molecular mechanisms involved in these altered CRH-R2 signalling responses are not well described. In the present study, we used the adult mouse hypothalamus-derived cell line mHypoA-2/30 to investigate CRH-R2 signalling characteristics focusing on gene expression of molecules involved in feeding and circadian regulation given the role of clock genes in metabolic control. We identified functional CRH-R2 receptors expressed in mHypoA-2/30 cells that differentially regulate CREB and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and downstream expression of the appetite-regulatory genes proopiomelanocortin (Pomc) and neuropeptide Y (Npy) in accordance with an anorexigenic effect. We studied for the first time the effects of Ucn2 on clock genes in native and in a circadian bioluminescence reporter expressing mHypoA-2/30 cells, detecting enhancing effects of Ucn2 on mRNA levels and rhythm amplitude of the circadian regulator Aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like protein 1 (Bmal1), which could facilitate anorexic responses in the activity circadian phase. These data uncover novel aspects of CRH-R2 hypothalamic signalling that might be important in regulation of circadian feeding during stress responses.
Updates in SJS/TEN: collaboration, innovation, and community
Authors: Marks Madeline E. , Botta Ramya Krishna , Abe Riichiro , Beachkofsky Thomas M. , Boothman Isabelle , Carleton Bruce C. , Chung Wen-Hung , Cibotti Ricardo R. , Dodiuk-Gad Roni P. , Grimstein Christian , Hasegawa Akito , Hoofnagle Jay H. , Hung Shuen-Iu , Kaffenberger Benjamin , Kroshinsky Daniela , Lehloenya Rannakoe J. , Martin-Pozo Michelle , Micheletti Robert G. , Mockenhaupt Maja , Nagao Keisuke , Pakala Suman , Palubinsky Amy , Pasieka Helena B. , Peter Jonathan , Pirmohamed Munir , Reyes Melissa , Saeed Hajirah N. , Shupp Jeffery , Sukasem Chonlaphat , Syu Jhih Yu , Ueta Mayumi , Zhou Li , Chang Wan-Chun , Becker Patrice , Bellon Teresa , Bonnet Kemberlee , Cavalleri Gianpiero , Chodosh James , Dewan Anna K. , Dominguez Arturo , Dong Xinzhong , Ezhkova Elena , Fuchs Esther , Goldman Jennifer , Himed Sonia , Mallal Simon , Markova Alina , McCawley Kerry , Norton Allison E. , Ostrov David , Phan Michael , Sanford Arthur , Schlundt David , Schneider Daniel , Shear Neil , Shinkai Kanade , Tkaczyk Eric , Trubiano Jason A. , Volpi Simona , Bouchard Charles S. , Divito Sherrie J. , Phillips Elizabeth J.
Published: October 2023

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS/TEN) is a predominantly drug-induced disease, with a mortality rate of 15–20%, that engages the expertise of multiple disciplines: dermatology, allergy, immunology, clinical pharmacology, burn surgery, ophthalmology, urogynecology, and psychiatry. SJS/TEN has an incidence of 1–5/million persons per year in the United States, with even higher rates globally. One of the challenges of SJS/TEN has been developing the research infrastructure and coordination to answer questions capable of transforming clinical care and leading to improved patient outcomes. SJS/TEN 2021, the third research meeting of its kind, was held as a virtual meeting on August 28–29, 2021. The meeting brought together 428 international scientists, in addition to a community of 140 SJS/TEN survivors and family members. The goal of the meeting was to brainstorm strategies to support the continued growth of an international SJS/TEN research network, bridging science and the community. The community workshop section of the meeting focused on eight primary themes: mental health, eye care, SJS/TEN in children, non-drug induced SJS/TEN, long-term health complications, new advances in mechanisms and basic science, managing long-term scarring, considerations for skin of color, and COVID-19 vaccines. The meeting featured several important updates and identified areas of unmet research and clinical need that will be highlighted in this white paper.
Time to change? Present and prospects of hemorrhoidal classification
Authors: Wang Ling , Ni Jiachun , Hou Changcheng , Wu Di , Sun Li , Jiang Qiong , Cai Zengjin , Fan Wenbin
Published: October 2023

As a common benign anal condition, the high incidence and recurrence of hemorrhoids pose challenges for both patients and doctors. The classification of hemorrhoids plays a crucial role in assessing, diagnosing, and treating the condition. By using appropriate classification and corresponding treatment strategies, we can achieve higher cure rates and lower recurrence rates of hemorrhoids. Since the introduction of the Miles classification in 1919, various classifications have been developed, which include objective classifications based on anatomical or instrumental assessment and subjective classifications based on symptoms and patient sensations. These classifications aim to accurately evaluate the condition. In this study, we discuss the evaluation values of each classification in terms of their advantages, disadvantages, treatment relevance, reproducibility, practicality, and assessment value. We also analyze the significant and essential factors, principles of use, and components of assessment indicators of hemorrhoidal classification. This study proposes several strategies to address the limitations of current hemorrhoidal assessment methods. All these will provide a reference for the development regarding the assessment and classification of hemorrhoids and clinical diagnosis and management of hemorrhoids.
Phenotypic and genomic characterization of the first alkaliphilic aceticlastic methanogens and proposal of a novel genus Methanocrinis gen.nov. within the family Methanotrichaceae
Authors: Khomyakova Maria A. , Merkel Alexander Y. , Slobodkin Alexander I. , Sorokin Dimitry Y.
Published: October 2023

Highly purified cultures of alkaliphilic aceticlastic methanogens were collected for the first time using methanogenic enrichments with acetate from a soda lake and a terrestrial mud volcano. The cells of two strains were non-motile rods forming filaments. The mud volcano strain M04Ac was alkalitolerant, with the pH range for growth from 7.5 to 10.0 (optimum at 9.0), while the soda lake strain Mx was an obligate alkaliphile growing in the pH range 7.7–10.2 (optimum 9.3–9.5) in the presence of optimally 0.2–0.3 M total Na+. Genomes of both strains encoded all enzymes required for aceticlastic methanogenesis and different mechanisms of (halo)alkaline adaptations, including ectoine biosynthesis, which is the first evidence for the formation of this osmoprotectant in archaea. According to 16S rRNA gene phylogeny, the strains possessed 98.3–98.9% sequence identity and belonged to the obligately aceticlastic genus Methanothrix with M. harundinaceae as the most closely related species. However, a more advanced phylogenomic reconstruction based on 122 conserved single-copy archaeal protein-coding marker genes clearly indicated a polyphyletic origin of the species included in the genus Methanothrix. We propose to reclassify Methanothrix harrundinacea (type strain 8AcT) into a new genus, Methanocrinis gen. nov., with the type species Methanocrinis harrundinaceus comb. nov. We also propose under SeqCode the complete genome sequences of strain MxTs (GCA_029167045.1) and strain M04AcTs (GCA_029167205.1) as nomenclatural types of Methanocrinis natronophilus sp. nov. and Methanocrinis alkalitolerans sp. nov., respectively, which represent other species of the novel genus. This work demonstrates that the low energy aceticlastic methanogenesis may function at extreme conditions present in (halo)alkaline habitats.
Bioprospecting for the soil-derived actinobacteria and bioactive secondary metabolites on the Western Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Liu Lifang , Liu Yuyu , Liu Shaowei , Nikandrova Arina A. , Imamutdinova Arina N. , Lukianov Dmitrii A. , Osterman Ilya A. , Sergiev Petr V. , Zhang Benyin , Zhang Dejun , Li Feina , Sun Chenghang
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The increase in incidence of multidrug-resistant bacteria and the inadequacy of new antimicrobial drugs have led to a widespread outbreak of bacterial antimicrobial resistance. To discover new antibiotics, biodiversity, and novelty of culturable actinobacteria dwelled in soil of the Western Qinghai-Tibet Plateau were investigated. By integrating antibacterial assay with omics tools, Amycolatopsis sp. A133, a rare actinobacterial strain and its secondary metabolites were further studied.

Method

Culture-dependent method was used to obtain actinobacterial strains from two soil samples collected from Ali region in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The cultural extractions of representative strains were assayed against “ESKAPE” pathogens by paper-disk diffusion method and the double fluorescent protein reporter “pDualrep2” system. An Amycolatopsis strain coded as A133 was prioritized and its secondary metabolites were further analyzed and annotated by omics tools including antiSMASH and GNPS (Global Natural Social Molecular Networking). The predicted rifamycin analogs produced by Amycolatopsis sp. A133 were isolated and identified by chromatographic separation, such as Sephadex LH-20 and HPLC, and spectral analysis, such as NMR and UPLC-HRESI-MS/MS, respectively.

Results

A total of 406 actinobacteria strains affiliated to 36 genera in 17 families of 9 orders were isolated. Out of 152 representative strains, 63 isolates exhibited antagonistic activity against at least one of the tested pathogens. Among them, 7 positive strains were identified by the “pDualrep2” system as either an inhibitor of protein translation or DNA biosynthesis. The cultural broth of Amycolatopsis sp. A133 exhibited a broader antimicrobial activity and can induce expression of TurboRFP. The secondary metabolites produced by strain A133 was annotated as rifamycins and zampanolides by antiSMASH and GNPS analysis. Five members of rifamycins, including rifamycin W, protorifamycin I, rifamycin W-M1, proansamycin B, and rifamycin S, were purified and identified. Rifamycin W-M1, was found as a new member of the naturally occurring rifamycin group of antibiotics.

Discussion

Assisted by omics tools, the successful and highly efficient discovery of rifamycins, a group of clinically used antibiotics from actinobacteria in Ali area encouraged us to devote more energy to explore new antibiotics from the soils on the Western Tibetan Plateau.
The double-edged sword role of hydrogen sulfide in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Huijie , Zhang Yanting , Fu Xiaodi , Chen Chaoren , Khattak Saadullah , Wang Honggang
Published: October 2023

With an increasing worldwide prevalence, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant tumor of the liver in the world. It is also the primary reason for cancer-related death in the world. The pathogenesis of HCC is complex, such as DNA methylation changes, immune regulatory disorders, cell cycle disorders, chromosomal instability, and so on. Although many studies have been conducted on HCC, the molecular mechanisms of HCC are not completely understood. At present, there is no effective treatment for HCC. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has long been regarded as a toxic gas with the smell of rotten eggs, but recent studies have shown that it is an important gasotransmitter along with carbon monoxide (CO) and nitric oxide (NO). Increasing evidence indicates that H2S has multiple biological functions, such as anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, anti-oxidative stress, and so on. Recently, a lot of evidence has shown that H2S has a “double-edged sword” effect in HCC, but the mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we reviewed the progress on the role and mechanism of H2S in HCC in recent years, hoping to provide a theoretical reference for future related research.
Identification of QTL associated with plant vine characteristics and infection response to late blight, early blight, and Verticillium wilt in a tetraploid potato population derived from late blight-resistant Palisade Russet
Authors: Park Jaebum , Sathuvalli Vidyasagar , Yilma Solomon , Whitworth Jonathan , Novy Richard G.
Published: October 2023

Potato late blight (causal agent Phytophthora infestans) is a disease of potatoes with economic importance worldwide. Control is primarily through field monitoring and the application of fungicides. Control of late blight with fungicides and host plant resistance is difficult, with documented cases of such control measures failing with the advent of new pathotypes of P. infestans. To better understand host plant resistance and to develop more durable late blight resistance, Quantitative Trait Locus/Loci (QTL) analysis was conducted on a tetraploid mapping population derived from late blight-resistant potato cultivar Palisade Russet. Additionally, QTL analyses for other traits such as Verticillium wilt and early blight resistance, vine size and maturity were performed to identify a potential relationship between multiple traits and prepare genetic resources for molecular markers useful in breeding programs. For this, one hundred ninety progenies from intercrossing Palisade Russet with a late blight susceptible breeding clone (ND028673B-2Russ) were assessed. Two parents and progenies were evaluated over a two-year period for response to infection by the US-8 genotype of P. infestans in inoculated field screenings in Corvallis, Oregon. In Aberdeen, Idaho, the same mapping population was also evaluated for phenotypic response to early blight and Verticillium wilt, and vine size and maturity in a field over a two-year period. After conducting QTL analyses with those collected phenotype data, it was observed that chromosome 5 has a significant QTL for all five traits. Verticillium wilt and vine maturity QTL were also observed on chromosome 1, and vine size QTL was also found on chromosomes 3 and 10. An early blight QTL was also detected on chromosome 2. The QTL identified in this study have the potential for converting into breeder-friendly molecular markers for marker-assisted selection.
Corylus avellana “Nocciola Piemonte”: metabolomics focused on polar lipids and phenolic compounds in fresh and roasted hazelnuts
Authors: Cerulli Antonietta , Napolitano Assunta , Olas Beata , Masullo Milena , Piacente Sonia
Published: October 2023

The common hazel plant (Corylus avellana L., Betulaceae) is one of the most popular tree nuts widespread in Europe and Asia. In Italy, there are different cultivars among which the cultivar affording the valuable hazelnut “Tonda Gentile Trilobata,” also known as “Tonda Gentile delle Langhe,” covered by the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) label “Nocciola Piemonte” (NP), known for its sweetness, cooked-bread aroma, and the low intensity of the burnt aroma. In order to obtain a detailed and in-depth characterization of the polar fraction of fresh (NPF) and roasted (NPR) kernels of NP the analysis of the n-butanol extracts by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization and high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/HRMS) was carried out. Moreover, to evaluate the quantitative distribution of the most representative polar lipids in NPF and NPR, the analysis by liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was performed. To unambiguously identify the phenolic compounds highlighted by the LC-ESI/HRMS profiles, they were isolated from the n-butanol extract and characterized by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments. Finally, the ability of the isolated compounds to exert radical scavenging activity and to inhibit the lipid peroxidation induced by H2O2 or H2O2/Fe2+ was tested by Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assays, respectively. The LC-ESI/HRMS allowed to ascertain the presence of phenolic compounds and multiple classes of polar lipids including phospholipids, glycolipids, sphingolipids, and oxylipins. The quantitative analysis highlighted in NPR fraction a lipid content three times higher than in NPF, evidencing lyso-phospholipids and phospholipids as the most represented lipid classes in both NPF and NPR, together accounting for 94 and 97% of the considered lipids, respectively. Furthermore, phytochemical analysis permitted to identify flavonoid and diarylheptanoid derivatives. In particular, quercetin 3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside and myricetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside showed the highest antioxidant activity, exhibiting TEAC values similar to that of quercetin, used as reference compound (2.00 ± 0.03 and 2.06 ± 0.03 mM vs 2.03 ± 0.03 mM, respectively). Moreover, most of the tested compounds were found to reduce lipid peroxidation induced by H2O2 and H2O2/Fe2+ more than curcumin used as positive control, with myricetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside determining 44.4 % and 34.1 % inhibition percentage, respectively.
Pandemic-specific coping, anxiety, and depression across multiple waves of COVID-19 in elite athletes with disabilities
Authors: Urbański Piotr K. , Tasiemski Tomasz , Brewer Britton W.
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Competitive athletes have faced many of the same mental health challenges experienced by the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the current study was to examine the extent to which pandemic-specific coping predicted anxiety and depression over and above general coping styles in elite athletes with disabilities across multiple waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Participants were 91 athletes (60 men and 31 women) in the Polish Paralympic Preparation Program before the 2020 Tokyo Summer Paralympic Games and 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympic Games. The Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations and an open-ended item asking participants to describe coping resources they had used to overcome stressful situations caused by the pandemic were administered in April 2021, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was administered in April, July, and November of 2021.

Results

General coping styles were not significantly associated with pandemic-specific coping, anxiety, or depression in the July and November 2021 assessments. Pandemic-specific coping was related prospectively to both anxiety and depression across the July and November 2021 assessments when controlling for age, gender, general coping styles, and April 2021 anxiety and depression, respectively.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that elite athletes with disabilities may cope with pandemic-related stress differently from how they cope with stress in general and that pandemic-specific coping may be relevant to mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. This information may be useful in the development of interventions to assist elite athletes with disabilities cope with pandemics and other atypical stressors.
Race, pigmentation, and the human skin barrier—considerations for dermal absorption studies
Authors: Salminen Alec T. , Manga Prashiela , Camacho Luísa
Published: October 2023

A functional human skin barrier is critical in limiting harmful exposure to environmental agents and regulating the absorption of intentionally applied topical drug and cosmetic products. Inherent differences in the skin barrier between consumers due to extrinsic and intrinsic factors are an important consideration in the safety assessment of dermatological products. Race is a concept often used to describe a group of people who share distinct physical characteristics. The observed predisposition of specific racial groups to certain skin pathologies highlights the potential differences in skin physiology between these groups. In the context of the human skin barrier, however, the current data correlating function to race often conflict, likely as a consequence of the range of experimental approaches and controls used in the existing works. To date, a variety of methods have been developed for evaluating compound permeation through the human skin, both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, great strides have been made in the development of reconstructed human pigmented skin models, with the flexibility to incorporate melanocytes from donors of different race and pigmentation levels. Together, the advances in the production of reconstructed human skin models and the increased adoption of in vitro methodologies show potential to aid in the standardization of dermal absorption studies for discerning racial- and skin pigmentation-dependent differences in the human skin barrier. This review analyzes the existing data on skin permeation, focusing on its interaction with race and skin pigmentation, and highlights the tools and research opportunities to better represent the diversity of the human populations in dermal absorption assessments.
Noninvasive measurement of blood calcium concentration using electrocardiography in peripartum Jersey cows
Authors: Chiba Yuto , Nozaki Isamu , Itoh Megumi , Kawamoto Satoshi
Published: October 2023

We previously developed a noninvasive method for measuring blood calcium concentration (Ca) in Holstein cows on site using electrocardiographic (ECG) variables and calving number, based on a high positive correlation between Ca. Jersey cows easily develop peripartum hypocalcemia compared with other dairy cows. The early detection and treatment of hypocalcemia are particularly important for Jersey cows because delayed treatment can result in various complications. In this study, to establish a simple, noninvasive, on-site diagnosis of hypocalcemia in perinatal Jersey cows, we attempted to create an equation for estimating Ca using ECG waveforms. Overall, 112 Jersey cows 0–2 days postpartum were used. The ECG findings of these cows were measured using the base-apex lead for 30 s and the corrected ST interval (STc = ST peak interval/SS peak interval0.5) was calculated. Simultaneously, blood was collected from the tail vein, and the serum total Ca (tCa) and serum ionized Ca (iCa) were measured. Several items considered related to Ca were investigated. A strong positive correlation was observed between the tCa and iCa (r = 0.96). A positive correlation was observed between the tCa and STc−1 (r = 0.83). Furthermore, significant correlations were observed between skin temperature, calving number, vigor level, rumen movement, and auricle temperature (p < 0.05). Of these, multiple regression analysis was performed to calculate the tCa estimation formula with the STc and calving number (categorized into primipara, second parity, and third or more parity) as explanatory variables and the tCa as the objective variable (r = 0.85, p < 0.01). Of 15 postpartum Jersey cows, the estimation formula could mostly distinguish between cows with hypocalcemia, those with subclinical hypocalcemia, and normal cows. Blood Ca in peripartum Jersey cows can be noninvasively estimated using ECG variables and calving number.
The combination of vaccines and adjuvants to prevent the occurrence of high incidence of infectious diseases in bovine
Authors: Yao Yiyang , Zhang Zhipeng , Yang Zhangping
Published: October 2023

As the global population grows, the demand for beef and dairy products is also increasing. The cattle industry is facing tremendous pressures and challenges. The expanding cattle industry has led to an increased risk of disease in cattle. These diseases not only cause economic losses but also pose threats to public health and safety. Hence, ensuring the health of cattle is crucial. Vaccination is one of the most economical and effective methods of preventing bovine infectious diseases. However, there are fewer comprehensive reviews of bovine vaccines available. In addition, the variable nature of bovine infectious diseases will result in weakened or even ineffective immune protection from existing vaccines. This shows that it is crucial to improve overall awareness of bovine vaccines. Adjuvants, which are crucial constituents of vaccines, have a significant role in enhancing vaccine response. This review aims to present the latest advances in bovine vaccines mainly including types of bovine vaccines, current status of development of commonly used vaccines, and vaccine adjuvants. In addition, this review highlights the main challenges and outstanding problems of bovine vaccines and adjuvants in the field of research and applications. This review provides a theoretical and practical basis for the eradication of global bovine infectious diseases.
Adherence to Pharmacotherapies After Heart Transplantation in Relation to Multimorbidity and Socioeconomic Position: A Nationwide Register-Based Study
Authors: Mols Rikke E. , Bakos István , Løgstrup Brian B , Horváth-Puhó Erzsébet , Gustafsson Finn , Eiskjær Hans
Published: October 2023

No studies have examined the impact of multimorbidity and socioeconomic position (SEP) on adherence to the pharmacological therapies following heart transplantation (HTx). Using nationwide Danish registers, we tested the hypothesis that multimorbidity and SEP affect treatment patterns and adherence to pharmacological therapies in first-time HTx recipients. Pharmacological management included cost-free immunosuppressants and adjuvant medical treatment (preventive and hypertensive pharmacotherapies; loop diuretics). We enrolled 512 recipients. The median (IQR) age was 51 years (38–58 years) and 393 recipients (77%) were males. In recipients with at least two chronic diseases, prevalence of treatment with antihypertensive pharmacotherapies and loop diuretics was higher. The overall prevalence of adherence to treatment with tacrolimus or mycophenolate mofetil was at least 80%. Prevalence of adherence to preventive pharmacotherapies ranged between 65% and 95% and between 66% and 88% for antihypertensive pharmacotherapies and loop diuretics, respectively. In socioeconomically disadvantaged recipients, both the number of recipients treated with and adherence to cost-free everolimus, lipid modifying agents, angiotensin-converting enzyme/angiotensin II inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and loop diuretics were lower. In recipients with multimorbidity, prevalence of treatment with antihypertensive pharmacotherapies and loop diuretics was higher. Among socioeconomically disadvantaged recipients, both number of patients treated with and adherence to cost-free everolimus and adjuvant pharmacotherapies were lower.
Cover Crop Termination Methods and Custom Residue Manager Effects on Collard Production
Authors: Kichler Corey M. , Kornecki Ted S. , Torbert H. Allen , Watts Dexter B. , Prasad Rishi
Published: October 2023

Producers are looking for more sustainable methods of producing fresh vegetables. No-till systems that use cover crops to keep the soil surface covered can increase sustainability by reducing soil erosion, reducing weed pressure, and retaining soil moisture compared to bare soil cropping systems. Cover crop termination methods along with planting equipment modifications required to work in high residue planting systems are often areas of interest to farmers prior to adopting no-till systems. The objectives of this experiment are to compare the effects of two different cover crops, iron clay pea (Vigna unguiculata L.), and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.), using three different termination methods (rolled/crimped, mowed, and mowed + incorporated via tillage) and two no-till transplanter configurations (with and without residue manager) on soil properties and collard (Brassica oleracea L. var. viridis) yield. Results show that biomass production for pearl millet was greater, with a three-season average of 8461 kg ha−1 compared to 6465 kg ha−1 for iron clay pea. Rolled cover crops under drier weather conditions retained more volumetric soil moisture compared to other methods for both cover crops. Increases in total soil carbon and nitrogen concentration in the top 15 cm ranged from 8 to 11% and 23 to 35%, respectively. Collards grown in an iron clay pea cover crop produced greater weight and height per plant for all growing seasons compared to those grown in pearl millet. Collard yield was affected by cover crop type as reported with iron clay peas ranging from 2881–13,168 kg ha−1 compared to lower yield for the pearl millet cover crop with a range of 1354–8943 kg ha−1. Overall, both cover crops showed the ability to improve soil health by increasing total soil carbon, but collard production was better in the iron clay pea cover crop.
Effects of Functional and Nutraceutical Foods in the Context of the Mediterranean Diet in Patients Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
Authors: Flore Giovanna , Deledda Andrea , Lombardo Mauro , Armani Andrea , Velluzzi Fernanda
Published: October 2023

Several studies report that breast cancer survivors (BCS) tend to have a poor diet, as fruit, vegetable, and legume consumption is often reduced, resulting in a decreased intake of nutraceuticals. Moreover, weight gain has been commonly described among BCS during treatment, increasing recurrence rate and mortality. Improving lifestyle and nutrition after the diagnosis of BC may have important benefits on patients’ general health and on specific clinical outcomes. The Mediterranean diet (MD), known for its multiple beneficial effects on health, can be considered a nutritional pool comprising several nutraceuticals: bioactive compounds and foods with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Recent scientific advances have led to the identification of nutraceuticals that could amplify the benefits of the MD and favorably influence gene expression in these patients. Nutraceuticals could have beneficial effects in the postdiagnostic phase of BC, including helping to mitigate the adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Moreover, the MD could be a valid and easy-to-follow option for managing excess weight. The aim of this narrative review is to evaluate the recent scientific literature on the possible beneficial effects of consuming functional and nutraceutical foods in the framework of MD in BCS.
Evaluation of the Protective and Regenerative Properties of Commercially Available Artichoke Leaf Powder Extract on Plasma and Liver Oxidative Stress Parameters
Authors: Florek Ewa , Szukalska Marta , Markiewicz Katarzyna , Miechowicz Izabela , Gornowicz-Porowska Justyna , Jelińska Anna , Kasprzyk-Pochopień Joanna , Nawrot Joanna , Sobczak Agnieszka , Horoszkiewicz Małgorzata , Piekoszewski Wojciech , Nowak Gerard
Published: October 2023

Hepatocellular damage by the harmful effects of xenobiotics, which increase the production of free radicals, is a widespread phenomenon. The extract from the leaves of Cynara scolymus L. available as an artichoke preparation (natural source) of antioxidants may serve as a potential hepatoprotective factor. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the protective and regenerative properties of artichoke preparation on the liver in three extract doses: 0.5; 1.0; and 1.5 g/kg bw/day. The evaluation was conducted by measuring the levels of oxidative stress parameters, including glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferases (GST), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), SH- group, nitrosylated protein (RSNO), as well as such liver enzymes as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the plasma and liver homogenate of rats with liver damage induced by CCl4 (1 mL/kg bw). Measurements were taken in plasma and liver homogenate. The results have demonstrated that the artichoke preparation, owing to its high antioxidative potential, exhibits protective and regenerative effects on the liver. This is supported by the observation of higher GSH levels in the plasma of rats treated with artichoke extract for two weeks before CCl4 exposure. Furthermore, the artichoke extract has shown regenerative properties, as evidenced by lower ALT, AST, and SOD activity in the group treated with artichoke extract after CCl4 exposure. These findings suggest that the in vivo administration of artichoke preparation may be beneficial for the protection and regeneration of the liver.
Valuable Knowledge Mining: Deep Analysis of Heart Disease and Psychological Causes Based on Large-Scale Medical Data
Authors: Wang Ling , Shan Minglei , Zhou Tie Hua , Ryu Keun Ho
Published: October 2023

The task of accurately identifying medical entities and extracting entity relationships from large-scale medical text data has become a hot topic in recent years, aiming to mine potential rules and knowledge. How to conduct in-depth context analysis from biomedical texts, such as medical procedures, diseases, therapeutic drugs, and disease characteristics, and identify valuable knowledge in the medical field is our main research content. Through the process of knowledge mining, a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between various factors in diseases can be gained, which holds significant guiding implications for clinical research. An approach based on context semantic analysis is proposed to realize medical entity recognition and entity relationship extraction. In addition, we build a medical knowledge base related to coronary heart disease and combine the NCBI disease dataset and the medical lexicon dataset extracted from the text as the test data of the experiment. Experimental results show that this model can effectively identify entities in medical text data; the WBC model achieved an F1 score of 89.2% in the experiment, while the CSR model achieved an F1 score of 83.4%, and the result is better than other methods.
Enhancing Control: Unveiling the Performance of Poisson EWMA Charts through Simulation with Poisson Mixture DATA
Authors: Uncu Nuşin , Koyuncu Melik
Published: October 2023

Poisson-Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (PEWMA) charts are one of the most frequently used control charts for monitoring count data. But as real-world data often shows overdispersion—prevalent in manufacturing, health care, economics, and marketing—the standard Poisson distribution falls short. One of the ways to tackle overdispersion is to use Poisson mixture distributions. Our study examines Average Run Length (ARL) performance in the presence of Poisson mixture distribution in the PEWMA control charts. Through meticulously designed experiments, we explore different control parameter combinations and employ simulation to evaluate the process. Our graphs illustrate the performance of the PEWMA control chart, offering desired in-control ARL across parameter combinations. Finally, the performance of the PEWMA control chart is presented for the real process data of fastener production.
Navigating through Noise Comparative Analysis of Using Convolutional Codes vs. Other Coding Methods in GPS Systems
Authors: Sabbry Nawras H. , Levina Alla
Published: October 2023

This research highlights the importance of error-correcting codes in ensuring secure and efficient data transmission over noisy channels. This paper aims to address the issue of limited information regarding the factors that contribute to the effectiveness of the implementation of Convolutional Codes in GPS systems. The research problem revolves around the insufficiency of scholarly sources elucidating the rationale behind the utilization of convolutional codes, specifically in GPS systems, rather than others. Through an in-depth analysis of these factors, this study strives to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the application of Convolutional Codes in GPS. To tackle this research problem, a novel methodology involving comparative analysis is employed. The coding techniques commonly used in satellite communication systems (such as BCH, LDPC, and turbo codes) are carefully examined and compared to the advantages and suitability of Convolutional codes and the Viterbi algorithm for GPS systems. Each coding technique is evaluated based on factors such as error detection and correction capabilities, bandwidth efficiency, computational complexity, and resilience to noise. The key findings of this study shed light on the unique advantages offered by Convolutional codes and the Viterbi algorithm for GPS systems. The analysis reveals that these coding techniques exhibit superior error detection and correction capabilities, efficient bandwidth utilization, and the ability to withstand noise in the GPS communication channel. The results also highlight the computational complexity associated with these techniques, providing valuable insights for the implementation of convolutional codes in GPS systems. Overall, this article contributes to the existing knowledge by providing a comprehensive understanding of the reasons behind the suitability of convolutional codes for GPS systems. The findings of this study serve as a resource for researchers, engineers, and practitioners in the field of satellite communication, aiding in the comprehensive understanding, advancement, and optimization of GPS system designs.
The Effectiveness of Least Mean Squared-Based Adaptive Algorithms for Active Noise Control System in a Small Confined Space
Authors: Mori Francesco , Santoni Andrea , Fausti Patrizio , Pompoli Francesco , Bonfiglio Paolo , Nataletti Pietro
Published: October 2023

Active noise control (ANC) is a technique applied to eliminate an unwanted sound by superposing a signal of equal amplitude and opposite phase, sometimes defined as an anti-noise signal, computed through an adaptive algorithm. The study described herein aims to evaluate and compare the performance of some of the most popular algorithms based on the least mean squares (LMS) approach applied to a multichannel active noise control system in a small, enclosed space. The comparison is conducted through an experimental evaluation of the ANC algorithms’ performance, carried out on a tractor cabin in a hemi-anechoic chamber, generating the unwanted sound field using a dodecahedron sound source placed outside the enclosure, emitting narrowband and broadband signals. The experimental analysis and the comparison with the results obtained in a free field condition have made it possible to show certain practical limitations when implementing the algorithms. The results show that the feed-forward systems allow for greater stability, avoiding the acoustic feedback from the control loudspeakers to the reference microphone when this is outside the cabin, while the feedback system is the slowest configuration to converge, requiring an internal modeling of the reference signal. With random signals, the feed-forward systems concentrate their performance in the range above 500 Hz, while the feedback system becomes ineffective.
Characteristics of Indoor and Soil Gas Radon, and Discussion on High Radon Potential in Urumqi, Xinjiang, NW China
Authors: Wang Nanping , Yang Jingming , Wang Haochen , Jia Binlin , Peng Aimin
Published: October 2023

Urumqi City, located in the northwest of China, is a city with a high indoor radon concentration in a nationwide indoor radon survey in China. This study focuses on the assessment of the indoor radon level and its distribution in this city. Indoor radon measurement using RAD7 and solid nuclear track detector (SSNTD), soil gas radon measured by RAD7, and the determination of the specific activity of uranium and radium in soil samples by a high pure germanium spectrometer were performed from 2021 to 2023. The results reveal a wide range of indoor radon concentrations in Urumqi, with anomalies above 400 Bq/m3 in some dwellings. The arithmetical and geometric mean values of indoor radon concentration are 80 ± 77 Bq/m3 and 58 Bq/m3, respectively. The geometric mean value of radon measured by SSNTD is 101 Bq/m3. The distribution of areas with a high indoor radon concentration is spatially consistent with deep and large active faults or overlapping and intersection zones of multiple groups of faults. It is recommended to conduct a more comprehensive investigation and research into the elevated radon potential and radioactivity associated with building materials.
An Empirical Study on Core Data Asset Identification in Data Governance
Authors: Chen Yunpeng , Zhao Ying , Xie Wenxuan , Zhai Yanbo , Zhao Xin , Zhang Jiang , Long Jiang , Zhou Fangfang
Published: October 2023

Data governance aims to optimize the value derived from data assets and effectively mitigate data-related risks. The rapid growth of data assets increases the risk of data breaches. One key solution to reduce this risk is to classify data assets according to their business value and criticality to the enterprises, allocating limited resources to protect core data assets. The existing methods rely on the experience of professionals and cannot identify core data assets across business scenarios. This work conducts an empirical study to address this issue. First, we utilized data lineage graphs with expert-labeled core data assets to investigate the experience of data users on core data asset identification from a scenario perspective. Then, we explored the structural features of core data assets on data lineage graphs from an abstraction perspective. Finally, one expert seminar was conducted to derive a set of universal indicators to identify core data assets by synthesizing the results from the two perspectives. User and field studies were conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the indicators.
Evolution of Documents Related to Biomechanics Research in Gymnastics
Authors: Hernández-Beltrán Víctor , Espada Mário C. , Muñoz-Jiménez Jesús , León Kiko , Ferreira Cátia C. , Parraca Jose A. , Gamonales José M.
Published: October 2023

Biomechanical analysis has been one of the most used procedures when aiming to improve performance in sports and is also very relevant and decisive in the final classification of competitive events in sports such as gymnastics. Hence, this study sought to provide an overview of the number of scientific literature publications related to biomechanics research in gymnastics. The document search was completed in March 2023 and reflected a bibliometric analysis considering the published manuscripts up to 31 December 2022. Data collection was performed on the Web of Science, following the bibliometric analysis law, using Microsoft Excel and VosViewer Software (v1.6.19) for analysis and data processing. A total of 325 documents related to the topic under study were located. The results highlight that the older manuscripts date from 1980, with a growing trend of publications from that moment until now and a very visible increase in 2015, and that Sport Science is the category associated with more published manuscripts. A total of 30 manuscripts have 30 or more citations, 746 authors and co-authors are associated with the publications, and 58 co-authorships have published one or more studies. Moreover, 47 countries or regions have been associated with the topic under study, with the USA, England, and Australia being the countries with the most published articles and citations. The study also found that the highest frequency keywords are: “gymnastics” (n = 122), “biomechanics” (n = 73), “simulation” (n = 27), and “performance” (n = 25), considering the average year of publication of the documents, “balance” (n = 11), “artistic gymnastic” (n = 14) and “training” (n = 25) are the most frequently used terms. This study reveals that the topic of biomechanics in gymnastics has shown sustained growth and deserves the attention of the scientific community, but at the same time, there is still much room for research development.
Immunotechniques for the Group Determination of Macrolide Antibiotics Traces in the Environment Using a Volume-Mediated Sensitivity Enhancement Strategy
Authors: Burkin Maksim A. , Tevyashova Anna N. , Bychkova Elena N. , Melekhin Artem O. , Galvidis Inna A.
Published: October 2023

Macrolide antibiotics, which are effective antimicrobial agents, are intensively used in human and veterinary medicine, as well as in agriculture. Consequently, they are found all over the world as environmental pollutants, causing harm to sensitive ecological communities and provoking a selection of resistant forms. A novel azithromycin derivative, which was used as hapten conjugate, ensured the group immunorecognition of six major macrolide representatives (105–41%), namely erythromycin, erythromycin ethylsuccinate, clarithromycin, roxithromycin, azithromycin, and dirithromycin in a competitive immunoassay based on anti-clarithromycin antibodies. The heterologous hapten-based ELISA format resulted in a 5-fold increase in sensitivity, with an IC50 value of 0.04 ng/mL for erythromycin. In this study, we proposed an underexploited strategy in an immunoassay field to significantly improve the detectability of analytes in environmental samples. Unlike most approaches, it does not require special enhancers/amplifiers or additional concentration/extraction procedures; instead, it involves analyzing a larger volume of test samples. A gradual volume increase in the samples (from 0.025 to 10 mL) analyzed using a direct competitive ELISA, immunobeads, and immunofiltration assay formats based on the same reagents resulted in a significant improvement (more than 50-fold) in assay sensitivity and detection limit up to 5 and 1 pg/mL, respectively. The suitability of the test for detecting the macrolide contamination of natural water was confirmed by the recovery of macrolides from spiked blank samples (71.7–141.3%). During 2022–2023, a series of natural water samples from Lake Onega and its influents near Petrozavodsk were analyzed, using both the developed immunoassay and HPLC-MS/MS. The results revealed no contamination of macrolide antibiotic.
Photoacoustic Chemical Imaging Sodium Nano-Sensor Utilizing a Solvatochromic Dye Transducer for In Vivo Application
Authors: Folz Jeff , Wasserman Jacalyn H. , Jo Janggun , Wang Xueding , Kopelman Raoul
Published: October 2023

Sodium has many vital and diverse roles in the human body, including maintaining the cellular pH, generating action potential, and regulating osmotic pressure. In cancer, sodium dysregulation has been correlated with tumor growth, metastasis, and immune cell inhibition. However, most in vivo sodium measurements are performed via Na23 NMR, which is handicapped by slow acquisition times, a low spatial resolution (in mm), and low signal-to-noise ratios. We present here a plasticizer-free, ionophore-based sodium-sensing nanoparticle that utilizes a solvatochromic dye transducer to circumvent the pH cross-sensitivity of most previously reported sodium nano-sensors. We demonstrate that this nano-sensor is non-toxic, boasts a 200 μM detection limit, and is over 1000 times more selective for sodium than potassium. Further, the in vitro photoacoustic calibration curve presented demonstrates the potential of this nano-sensor for performing the in vivo chemical imaging of sodium over the entire physiologically relevant concentration range.