bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion in children with chronic diseases with healthy children and adults during the first waves of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hoste Levi , Prytula Agnieszka , Dehoorne Jo , De Bruyne Ruth , Van Biervliet Stephanie , De Waele Kathleen , Maes Evelyn , Bordon Victoria , Vanlander Arnaud , Claes Karlien , Vande Walle Johan , Schelstraete Petra , Van daele Sabine , Haerynck Filomeen
Published: August 2023

Background

Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is clinically diverse, and children have a low risk of developing severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, children with chronic diseases have a potentially increased risk.

Methods

We performed a prospective surveillance study with longitudinal serum SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleocapsid antibody quantification and questionnaires in pediatric tertiary care patients during the first waves of the COVID-19 pandemic (November 2020–September 2021). The results were compared with those of healthy children and adults from the same geographic area.

Results

We obtained 525 samples from 362 patients (M/F ratio of 1.3:1; median age of 11.1 years) comprising children with immune-suppressive or immune-modulating drugs (32.9%), inborn errors of immunity (23.5%), type 1 diabetes mellitus (15.2%), and rheumatic diseases (11.9%). A total of 51 (9.7%) samples were seropositive among 37/351 children (10.5%). Seropositivity increased from 5.8% in November–December 2020 to 21.6% in July–September 2021. Compared with adults, a longitudinal analysis revealed reduced seroprevalence but similar kinetics as in children from the same country. Demographic or social variables and disease characteristics did not correlate with seropositivity. Being obese and household contact with COVID-19-infected individuals significantly increased the odds of infection. The majority of seropositive patients had mild symptoms (21/37). One-third were asymptomatic and/or unaware of having COVID-19 (10/37). Four patients (4/37) needed hospitalization, with good clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

Although harboring a chronic disease, we observed a low SARS-CoV-2 incidence in a cohort of pediatric tertiary care patients, comparable with healthy children during the first year of the pandemic. Infection was mostly associated with mild symptoms.
Development of a small cell lung cancer organoid model to study cellular interactions and survival after chemotherapy
Authors: Sen Chandani , Koloff Caroline R. , Kundu Souvik , Wilkinson Dan C. , Yang Juliette M. , Shia David W. , Meneses Luisa K. , Rickabaugh Tammy M. , Gomperts Brigitte N.
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Small-cell-lung-cancer (SCLC) has the worst prognosis of all lung cancers because of a high incidence of relapse after therapy. While lung cancer is the second most common malignancy in the US, only about 10% of cases of lung cancer are SCLC, therefore, it is categorized as a rare and recalcitrant disease. Therapeutic discovery for SCLC has been challenging and the existing pre-clinical models often fail to recapitulate actual tumor pathophysiology. To address this, we developed a bioengineered 3-dimensional (3D) SCLC co-culture organoid model as a phenotypic tool to study SCLC tumor kinetics and SCLC-fibroblast interactions after chemotherapy.

Method: We used functionalized alginate microbeads as a scaffold to mimic lung alveolar architecture and co-cultured SCLC cell lines with primary adult lung fibroblasts (ALF). We found that SCLCs in the model proliferated extensively, invaded the microbead scaffold and formed tumors within just 7 days. We compared the bioengineered tumors with patient tumors and found them to recapitulate the pathology and immunophenotyping of the patient tumors. When treated with standard chemotherapy drugs, etoposide and cisplatin, we observed that some of the cells survived the chemotherapy and reformed the tumor in the organoid model.

Result and Discussion: Co-culture of the SCLC cells with ALFs revealed that the fibroblasts play a key role in inducing faster and more robust SCLC cell regrowth in the model. This is likely due to a paracrine effect, as conditioned media from the same fibroblasts could also support this accelerated regrowth. This model can be used to study cell-cell interactions and the response to chemotherapy in SCLC and is also scalable and amenable to high throughput phenotypic or targeted drug screening to find new therapeutics for SCLC.
Lippia javanica (Burm. F.) Herbal Tea: Modulation of Hepatoprotective Effects in Chang Liver Cells via Mitigation of Redox Imbalance and Modulation of Perturbed Metabolic Activities
Authors: Salau Veronica F. , Erukainure Ochuko L. , Olofinsan Kolawole A. , Schoeman Recardia L. S. , Matsabisa Motlalepula G.
Published: August 2023

Introduction:Hepatic oxidative injury is one of the pathological mechanisms that significantly contributes to the development of several liver diseases. In the present study, the hepatoprotective effect ofLippia javanicaherbal tea was investigated in Fe2+- mediated hepatic oxidative injury.

Methods:Using anin vitroexperimental approach, hepatic oxidative injury was induced by co-incubating 7 mM FeSO4with Chang liver cells that have been pre-incubated with or without different concentrations (15–240 μg/mL) ofL. javanicainfusion. Gallic acid and ascorbic acid served as the standard antioxidants.

Results:The infusion displayed a reducing antioxidant activity in ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and a potent scavenging activity on 2,2-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. Pretreatment withL. javanicainfusion significantly elevated the levels of reduced glutathione and non-protein thiol, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, with concomitant decrease in hepatic malondialdehyde levels, acetylcholinesterase, glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, glycogen phosphorylase and lipase activities. The infusion showed the presence of phytoconstituents such as phenolic compounds, tannins, phenolic glycosides and terpenoids when subjected to liquid chromatography—mass spectrometry analysis. Molecular docking revealed a strong binding affinity of dihydroroseoside and obacunone with both SOD and catalase compared to other phytoconstituents.

Conclusion:These results portray a potent antioxidant and hepatoprotective effect ofL. javanica, which may support the local usage of the herbal tea as a prospective therapeutic agent for oxidative stress-related liver diseases.
Bacterial responses to plant antimicrobials: the case of alkannin and shikonin derivatives
Authors: Rat Angélique , Koletti Antigoni E. , Rodić Nebojša , Papageorgiou Vassilios P. , Willems Anne , Assimopoulou Andreana N.
Published: August 2023

Alkannin, shikonin and their derivatives (A/S) are secondary metabolites produced in the roots of certain plants of the Boraginaceae family such as Lithospermum erythrorhizon Siebold & Zucc. and Alkanna tinctoria (L.) Tausch. These naphthoquinones express anti-cancer, wound healing, and antimicrobial activities. To study the interactions between endophytic bacteria isolated from A. tinctoria and the antimicrobials A/S, endophytic bacteria known to be resistant to the compounds were screened for their effect on A/S in liquid medium. Thereafter, the strain Pseudomonas sp. R-72008, was selected and tested for its ability to modify A/S in nutrient medium and minimal medium with A/S as sole carbon source. Bacterial growth was recorded, and high performance liquid chromatography-diode array and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry analyses were performed to detect and quantify metabolites. In nutrient medium inoculated with R-72008, a decrease in the amount of A/S monomers initially present was observed and correlated with an increase of A/S oligomers. Moreover, a significant decrease of initial A/S monomers in minimal medium was correlated with bacterial growth, showing for the first time that a bacterial strain, Pseudomonas sp. R-72008, was able to use the naphthoquinones A/S as sole carbon source. This study opens new perspectives on the interactions between bacteria and plant antimicrobials.
Controlling nutritional status score is associated with renal progression, cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality in biopsy-proved diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Huo Qingyu , He Ting , Xiong Jiachuan , Zhao Jinghong
Published: August 2023

Background: The Controlled Nutritional Status (CONUT) score, calculated from albumin, total cholesterol, and lymphocyte count, is a useful indicator for immune-nutritional assessment and is associated with the prognosis of various diseases. However, its relationship with renal outcomes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and all-cause mortality in patients with diabetic kidney disease is unclear.

Methods: This retrospective single-center study enrolled 336 patients with biopsy-confirmed diabetic kidney disease from August 2009 to December 2018. The outcomes were progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), CVD events, and death. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to estimate the association between confounding factors and outcomes. The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to compare the outcomes of the patients according to the median CONUT score. The area under the curve (AUC) evaluated with time-dependent receiver operating characteristics was used to test discriminative power of COUNT score.

Results: During a median follow-up period of 5.1 years. The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients in the high CONUT group (CONUT score > 3) had a significantly higher incidence of ESRD, CVD events, and all-cause mortality than those in the low CONUT group (CONUT score ≤ 3). The multivariate COX regression analysis indicated that, The CONUT score was an independent predictor of ESRD (hazards ration [HR] = 1.129, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.037-1.228, p = 0.005), CVD events (HR = 1.159, 95% CI 1.057-1.271, p = 0.002), and all-cause mortality (HR = 1.299, 95% CI 1.143-1.478, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The CONUT score is an independent risk factor for ESRD, CVD events, and overall death in patients with diabetic kidney disease.
G2P Provides an Integrative Environment for Multi-model genomic selection analysis to improve genotype-to-phenotype prediction
Authors: Wang Qian , Jiang Shan , Li Tong , Qiu Zhixu , Yan Jun , Fu Ran , Ma Chuang , Wang Xiangfeng , Jiang Shuqin , Cheng Qian
Published: August 2023

Genotype-to-phenotype (G2P) prediction has become a mainstream paradigm to facilitate genomic selection (GS)-assisted breeding in the seed industry. Many methods have been introduced for building GS models, but their prediction precision may vary depending on species and specific traits. Therefore, evaluation of multiple models and selection of the appropriate one is crucial to effective GS analysis. Here, we present the G2P container developed for the Singularity platform, which not only contains a library of 16 state-of-the-art GS models and 13 evaluation metrics. G2P works as an integrative environment offering comprehensive, unbiased evaluation analyses of the 16 GS models, which may be run in parallel on high-performance computing clusters. Based on the evaluation outcome, G2P performs auto-ensemble algorithms that not only can automatically select the most precise models but also can integrate prediction results from multiple models. This functionality should further improve the precision of G2P prediction. Another noteworthy function is the refinement design of the training set, in which G2P optimizes the training set based on the genetic diversity analysis of a studied population. Although the training samples in the optimized set are fewer than in the original set, the prediction precision is almost equivalent to that obtained when using the whole set. This functionality is quite useful in practice, as it reduces the cost of phenotyping when constructing training population. The G2P container and source codes are freely accessible at https://g2p-env.github.io/.
Democracy, sovereignty, and security: understanding the normative approaches of third parties involved in the conflicts in Moldova and Ukraine
Authors: Albulescu Ana Maria
Published: August 2023

This article compared the process of political settlement in Transnistria and the Donbass region. This comparison ultimately serves toward understanding the following question: What constitute the fundamental differences between historical interpretations of the principles of international order by external parties involved in the design of peace agreements in Moldova and Ukraine and how did this influence their implementation? In analyzing this complex context, this article therefore looks at two major proposals for political settlement in Transnistria—the Kozak Memorandum (2003) and the Yushchenko plan (2005) and the Minsk Agreements (2014/2015) in the Donbass. It focuses on the interpretation of the principles of democracy, sovereignty, and security that have been included in the design of these externally sponsored peace agreements toward providing a conceptual framework for understanding the broader normative approaches of third parties involved in the conflicts in Moldova and Ukraine. It informs an analysis of the role of peace and democracy as foundations of the Liberal International Order.
Leadership cycles, styles, and antecedent factors: the perspective of coaches and young soccer athletes from national Slovak leagues
Authors: Lisá Elena , Sousa Jacinta , Morais Catarina , Gomes António Rui
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Building positive relationships and interactions between coaches and athletes is critical to an athlete’s success. The current study aimed to overview how coaches and their young athletes perceive three elements of the Leadership Efficacy Model (philosophy, practice, and criteria). The aim was examined with four goals of analysis: the perceptions of coaches and athletes about coaches’ leadership philosophy, practice, and criteria (1); the differences between athletes’ and coaches’ perceptions of leadership cycles (2); the differences between athletes’ and coaches’ perceptions of leadership styles (3); and the differences between athletes’ and coaches’ perceptions of leadership antecedent factors (4).

Methods

The study involved 304 athletes and 20 coaches competing in the youth national leagues U15, U16, U17, and U19. Two-source data collection was applied: coaches completed the questionnaires from their point of view, and so did athletes. The coaches were paired then with their athletes to compare the answers. Coaches fulfilled Leadership Cycles Questionnaire (LEQ), Multidimensional Scale of Leadership in Sport (MSLS), and Leadership Antecedent Factors Questionnaire (LAFQ). Athletes completed the same questionnaires as the coaches did and also fulfilled the Sport Performance Perception Questionnaire (SPPQ). Athletes’ age and SPPQ served as control variables.

Results

Both athletes (37.5%) and coaches (40%) perceived that the philosophy of the leadership efficacy model should be increased. Coaches evaluated their philosophy (F = 4.43; p = 0.036; η2 = 0.014), support in MSLS (F = 5.05; p = 0.025; η2 = 0.016) and active management in MSLS (F = 4.08; p = 0.044; η2 = 0.013) higher than their athletes. The athletes assessed the maturity of the team members (LAFQ dimension) (F = 13.98; p <0.001; η2 = 0.044), negative feedback in MSLS (F = 6.02; p = 0.015; η2 = 0.020), and passive management in MSLS (F = 4.95; p = 0.027; η2 = 0.016) higher than their coaches.

Discussion

The tendency of coaches to have a more positive perception of their leadership behavior compared to their athletes represents the coach-athlete perception gap of leadership. Future research can examine the efficacy of congruent perceptions of leadership between athletes and coaches during the sports season and the impact produced by objective performance indicators.
The multicenter effectiveness study of inpatient and day hospital treatment in departments of psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy in Germany
Authors: Doering Stephan , Herpertz Stephan , Pape Magdalena , Hofmann Tobias , Rose Matthias , Imbierowicz Katrin , Geiser Franziska , Bierling Antonie Louise , Weidner Kerstin , Rademacher Jörg , Michalek Silke , Morawa Eva , Erim Yesim , Teigelack Per , Teufel Martin , Hartmann Armin , Lahmann Claas , Peters Eva Milena Johanne , Kruse Johannes , von Boetticher Dirk , Herrmann-Lingen Christoph , Nöhre Mariel , de Zwaan Martina , Dinger Ulrike , Friederich Hans-Christoph , Niecke Alexander , Albus Christian , Zwerenz Rüdiger , Beutel Manfred , Sattel Heribert Christian , Henningsen Peter , Stein Barbara , Waller Christiane , Hake Karsten , Spitzer Carsten , Stengel Andreas , Zipfel Stephan , Weimer Katja , Gündel Harald , Kessler Henrik
Published: August 2023

Background

Reliable outcome data of psychosomatic inpatient and day hospital treatment with a focus on psychotherapy are important to strengthen ecological validity by assessing the reality of mental health care in the field. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of inpatient and day hospital treatment in German university departments of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy in a prospective, naturalistic, multicenter design including structured assessments.

Methods

Structured interviews were used to diagnose mental disorders according to ICD-10 and DSM-IV at baseline. Depression, anxiety, somatization, eating disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, as well as personality functioning were assessed by means of questionnaires on admission and at discharge.

Results

2,094 patients recruited by 19 participating university hospitals consented to participation in the study. Effect sizes for each of the outcome criteria were calculated for 4–5 sub-groups per outcome domain with differing severity at baseline. Pre-post effect sizes for patients with moderate and high symptom severity at baseline ranged from d = 0.78 to d = 3.61 with symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety showing the largest and somatization as well as personality functioning showing somewhat smaller effects.

Conclusions

Inpatient and day hospital treatment in German university departments of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy is effective under field conditions.

Clinical trial registration

https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00016412, identifier: DRKS00016412.
Isolated high altitude psychosis, delirium at high altitude, and high altitude cerebral edema: are these diagnoses valid?
Authors: Hüfner Katharina , Falla Marika , Brugger Hermann , Gatterer Hannes , Strapazzon Giacomo , Tomazin Iztok , Zafren Ken , Sperner-Unterweger Barbara , Fusar-Poli Paolo
Published: August 2023

Psychosis is a psychopathological syndrome that can be triggered or caused by exposure to high altitude (HA). Psychosis can occur alone as isolated HA psychosis or can be associated with other mental and often also somatic symptoms as a feature of delirium. Psychosis can also occur as a symptom of high altitude cerebral edema (HACE), a life-threatening condition. It is unclear how psychotic symptoms at HA should be classified into existing diagnostic categories of the most widely used classification systems of mental disorders, including the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11). We provide a diagnostic framework for classifying symptoms using the existing diagnostic categories: psychotic condition due to a general medical condition, brief psychotic disorder, delirium, and HACE. We also discuss the potential classification of isolated HA psychosis into those categories. A valid and reproducible classification of symptoms is essential for communication among professionals, ensuring that patients receive optimal treatment, planning further trips to HA for individuals who have experienced psychosis at HA, and advancing research in the field.
Vaccination, time lost from work, and COVID-19 infections: a Canadian healthcare worker retrospective cohort study
Authors: Okpani Arnold I. , Lockhart Karen , Grant Jennifer M. , Barker Stephen , Srigley Jocelyn A. , Yassi Annalee
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted hurdles for healthcare delivery and personnel globally. Vaccination has been an important tool for preventing severe illness and death in healthcare workers (HCWs) as well as the public at large. However, vaccination has resulted in some HCWs requiring time off work post-vaccination to recover from adverse events. We aimed to understand which HCWs needed to take time off work post-vaccination, for which vaccine types and sequence, and how post-vaccination absence impacted uptake of booster doses in a cohort of 26,267 Canadian HCWs. By March 31, 2022, more than 98% had received at least two doses of the approved COVID-19 vaccines, following a two-dose mandate. We found that recent vaccination and longer intervals between doses were associated with significantly higher odds of time-loss, whereas being a medical resident and receiving the BNT162b2 vaccine were associated with lower odds. A history of lab-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with lower odds of receiving a booster dose compared with no documented infection, aOR 0.61 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.68). Similarly, taking sick time following the first or second dose was associated with lower odds of receiving a booster dose, aOR 0.83 (95% CI: 0.75, 0.90). As SARS-CoV-2 becomes endemic, the number and timing of additional doses for HCWs requires consideration of prevention of illness as well as service disruption from post-vaccination time-loss. Care should be taken to ensure adequate staffing if many HCWs are being vaccinated, especially for coverage for those who are more likely to need time off to recover.
In vitro exposure of neuronal networks to the 5G-3.5 GHz signal
Authors: Canovi Anne , Orlacchio Rosa , Poulletier de Gannes Florence , Lévêque Philippe , Arnaud-Cormos Delia , Lagroye Isabelle , Garenne André , Percherancier Yann , Lewis Noëlle
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The current deployment of the fifth generation (5G) of wireless communications raises new questions about the potential health effects of exposure to radiofrequency (RF) fields. So far, most of the established biological effects of RF have been known to be caused by heating. We previously reported inhibition of the spontaneous electrical activity of neuronal networks in vitro when exposed to 1.8 GHz signals at specific absorption rates (SAR) well above the guidelines. The present study aimed to assess the effects of RF fields at 3.5 GHz, one of the frequencies related to 5G, on neuronal activity in-vitro. Potential differences in the effects elicited by continuous-wave (CW) and 5G-modulated signals were also investigated.

Methods

Spontaneous activity of neuronal cultures from embryonic cortices was recorded using 60-electrode multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) between 17 and 27 days in vitro. The neuronal cultures were subjected to 15 min RF exposures at SAR of 1, 3, and 28 W/kg.

Results

At SAR close to the guidelines (1 and 3 W/kg), we found no conclusive evidence that 3.5 GHz RF exposure impacts the activity of neurons in vitro. On the contrary, CW and 5G-modulated signals elicited a clear decrease in bursting and total firing rates during RF exposure at high SAR levels (28 W/kg). Our experimental findings extend our previous results, showing that RF, at 1.8 to 3.5 GHz, inhibits the electrical activity of neurons in vitro at levels above environmental standards.
Disparities in food insecurity between sexual minority and heterosexual adults – a higher burden on bisexual individuals
Authors: Sharareh Nasser , Bybee Sara , Goldstein Evan , Jones Shannon , Hess Rachel , Wallace Andrea , Seligman Hilary , Wilson Fernando A.
Published: August 2023

Background

Sexual minorities—individuals who identify as gay/lesbian, bisexual, or other non-heterosexual individuals—experience higher rates of food insecurity (FI) compared to heterosexual individuals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, discrimination and structural racism, which are known risk factors for food insecurity, were perpetuated against sexual and racial/ethnic minorities. However, to our knowledge, a nationally representative analysis of the impact of the pandemic on food insecurity by sexual minority status and based on race/ethnicity is missing. We aimed to determine the degree of association between FI and sexual minority adults overall, before (2019) and during (2020–2021) the pandemic, and stratified by race/ethnicity.

Methods

We used nationally representative data from the 2019–2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). We specified multivariable logistic regression models to determine the association between FI and identifying as a sexual minority adult (≥18 years old), including gay/lesbian, bisexual, and other non-heterosexual individuals.

Results

Overall, we only observed FI disparities between bisexuals and heterosexuals (aOR 1.61 [95% CI 1.31–1.99]). Stratified by year, this association was significant only during the pandemic. Stratified by race/ethnicity, non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black individuals identifying as bisexual also experienced a significantly higher FI rate than their heterosexual counterparts.

Conclusion

Our results may be a manifestation of the disproportionate impact of discrimination on bisexual individuals’ FI experiences. With the growing number of legislative bills targeting the rights of sexual minorities, we expect to see a higher burden of FI among bisexuals, particularly, bisexual people of color. Future intersectional research regarding FI among bisexual and racial/ethnic minority individuals would further elucidate how membership in multiple minority groups may contribute to a higher risk of FI.
Use of biosolids from wastewater treatment plants and other organic fertilizers in agriculture—a preliminary results of a case study in banana cultivation in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Martínez Durán Atuey J. , Rodríguez Núñez Vladimir A. , Castillo Jáquez José del C.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The use of biosolids from wastewater treatment plants in agriculture is considered relevant for the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices, the improvement of soil fertility, and the reduction of dependence on synthetic chemical products. The Dominican Republic is today the world's largest producer of organic bananas and the main exporter of organic and fair-trade bananas to Europe. The biosolids generated in the wastewater treatment plants in the Dominican Republic currently have no use. In other countries, biosolids are used for agriculture, although biosolids have different characteristics in each place and their potential must be analyzed. In the Dominican Republic, there is no research that analyzes biosolids and their impact on agriculture. This research aims to compare the nutritional composition of bananas in plantations fertilized with different doses of biosolids and other organic fertilizers.

Methods

For this test, five blocks were prepared with organic fertilization, another with potassium sulfate, and a control block. Laboratory analysis was used to determine the characteristics of the biosolids used and also to know the nutritional composition of bananas of the Williams variety.

Results

The results, when compared, show the impact that each of these fertilizers has or can have on the production of organic bananas in the Dominican Republic.

Discussion

The use of dose Y of the biosolid, characterized by the application of 16 kilograms of biosolid per plant, is the most recommended to fertilize the banana since the collected fruits presented the most optimal nutritional values.
A comparison of FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC radio occultation and ionosonde measurements in sporadic E detection over mid- and low-latitude regions
Authors: Sobhkhiz-Miandehi S. , Yamazaki Y. , Arras C. , Themens D.
Published: August 2023

The investigation of sporadic E or Es layers typically relies on ground-based or satellite data. This study compares the Es layers recorded in ionograms with those detected using GNSS L1 signal-to-noise ratio data from FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC radio occultation at mid and low latitudes. GPS radio occultation measurements of Es layers, during an 11-year time span of 2007–2017, within a 2° latitude × 5° longitude grid around each ionosonde site are compared to the Es recordings of the ionosonde. By comparing multi-year radio occultation data with recordings from six ionosonde stations at mid and low latitudes, it was discovered that at least 20% of the Es layer detection results between each ionosonde and its crossing GPS radio occultation measurements did not agree. The results show that the agreement between the two methods in Es detection is highly dependent on the season and local time. This study suggests that Es layer recordings from ground-based ionosonde observations have the best agreement with the Es layers detected by radio occultation data during daytime and local summers. The difference in the Es detection mechanisms between the two methods can explain the inconsistency between Es events measured by these two methods. The detection of Es layers in ionograms relies on the high plasma concentration in the E region, whereas signal scintillations caused by a large vertical gradient of the plasma density in the E region are considered a sign of Es occurrence in satellite techniques.
Changing food nitrogen flow in a food-exporting city
Authors: Huang Wei , Zhong Qiumeng , Lu Yang , Huang Yunfeng , Cui Shenghui , Gao Bing
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Nitrogen (N) plays a significant role in food systems, but only a fraction of N is effectively utilized and the rest is lost to the environment and negatively affects the ecosystem. So far, there has been relatively little research on N flow associated with the food production and consumption of production-oriented cities in developing countries.

Methods

In this study, we present a comprehensive analysis of N flow in the food production and consumption system of Changchun in China between 1991 and 2014, and define three types of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and compare them.

Results

(1) Total new N input into the food system in Changchun increased by 63.75% (240.8 to 394.3 Gg N yr−1) during the study period, mainly attributable to the high volume of food exports(total output from 47.63 to 72.51 Gg N yr−1). (2) Changchun typically exhibited lower apparent NUE and virtual NUE of the food system, while its actual NUE was typically higher, compared to food-importing cities. (3) The consumption of crop food witnessed a decrease from 24.2 Gg N in 1991 to 18.7 Gg N in 2014, whereas the consumption of animal food showed an upward trend from 2.5 Gg N to 7.7 Gg N. Both urban and rural residents consumed less grain food but more fruits and meat. (4) The total N loss has increased from 131.3 Gg N in 1991 to 266.6 Gg N in 2014. The crop production caused 58.1% of the total N loss in 2014, and the atmospheric loss accounted for 40.2% of the total.

Conclusion

The study has revealed the distinctive features, fluctuations, and underlying drivers of N flow in the food-exporting city, setting it apart from food-importing city. These findings provide a valuable point of reference for the implementation of customized and diversified nitrogen management strategies in these specific urban areas.
Adaptive IMM-UKF for Airborne Tracking
Authors: Arroyo Cebeira Alvaro , Asensio Vicente Mariano
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we propose a nonlinear tracking solution for maneuvering aerial targets based on an adaptive interacting multiple model (IMM) framework and unscented Kalman filters (UKFs), termed as AIMM-UKF. The purpose is to obtain more accurate estimates, better consistency of the tracker, and more robust prediction during sensor outages. The AIMM-UKF framework provides quick switching between two UKFs by adapting the transition probabilities between modes based on a distance function. Two modes are implemented: a uniform motion model and a maneuvering model. The experimental validation is performed with Monte Carlo simulations of three scenarios with ACAS Xa tracking logic as a benchmark, which is the next generation of airborne collision avoidance systems. The two algorithms are compared using hypothesis testing of the root mean square errors. In addition, we determine the normalized estimation error squared (NEES), a new proposed noise reduction factor to compare the estimation errors against the measurement errors, and an estimated maximum error of the tracker during sensor dropouts. The experimental results illustrate the superior performance of the proposed solution with respect to the tracking accuracy, consistency, and expected maximum error.
Refined Evaluation of Soil Quality Sustainability in the Main Grain-Producing Areas of Heilongjiang Province
Authors: Zhou Yan , Liu Jiazhe , Li Haiyan , Sun Nan , Li Mo
Published: August 2023

An evaluation of soil quality sustainability can support decision making for the sustainable use of land resources. However, certain current problems associated with these evaluations remain unaddressed, e.g., the evaluation indicators do not fully reflect soil quality risks and the evaluation scale is not sufficiently small. In this study, 25,000 spatial grids of dimensions 3 km × 3 km are used to divide the major grain-producing regions in China, namely, the Sanjiang Plain and the Songnen Plain of Heilongjiang. Then, the soil erosion modulus, nutrient balance index, soil organic carbon (SOC) storage, heavy metal soil pollution index and crop productivity are calculated for each grid using the RULSE model, nutrient balance index model, soil type method, geoaccumulation index method and mechanism method, respectively. A spatial grid cluster analysis method is used to thoroughly evaluate and analyze the sustainability of soil quality in each grid. The results show that the overall soil status of the study area is good. The soil and water conservation levels are high, the soils show low levels of contamination, the crop production potential is high and the ratio of highly sustainable to moderately sustainable soils is approximately 2:1. Only 2.74% of the land is rated extremely unsustainable and needs to be restored to a basic level of productivity before subsequent functional restoration can be carried out. This study provides a new method for the fine-scale evaluation of soil quality and contributes to the management of land resources.
Porcine Germ Cells Phenotype during Embryonic and Adult Development
Authors: Jorge Amanda Soares , Recchia Kaiana , Glória Mayra Hirakawa , de Souza Aline Fernanda , Pessôa Laís Vicari de Figueirêdo , Fantinato Neto Paulo , Martins Daniele dos Santos , de Andrade André Furugen Cesar , Martins Simone Maria Massami Kitamura , Bressan Fabiana Fernandes , Pieri Naira Caroline Godoy
Published: August 2023

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the precursors of gametes. Due to their importance for the formation and reproduction of an organism, understanding the mechanisms and pathways of PGCs and the differences between males and females is essential. However, there is little research in domestic animals, e.g., swine, regarding the epigenetic and pluripotency profiles of PGCs during development. This study analyzed the expression of epigenetic and various pluripotent and germline markers associated with the development and differentiation of PGCs in porcine (pPGCs), aiming to understand the different gene expression profiles between the genders. The analysis of gonads at different gestational periods (from 24 to 35 days post fertilization (dpf) and in adults) was evaluated by immunofluorescence and RT-qPCR and showed phenotypic differences between the gonads of male and female embryos. In addition, the pPGCs were positive for OCT4 and VASA; some cells were H3k27me3 positive in male embryos and adult testes. In adults, the cells of the testes were positive for germline markers, as confirmed by gene expression analysis. The results may contribute to understanding the pPGC pathways during reproductive development, while also contributing to the knowledge needed to generate mature gametes in vitro.
Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles with Curcumin or Açai in the Tissue Repair of Palatal Wounds
Authors: Thirupathi Anand , Guzzatti Morgana Francisco Machado , Corrêa Maria Eduarda Anastácio Borges , Venturini Ligia Milanez , Casagrande Laura de Roch , Lima Igor Ramos , Da Costa Camila , De Pieri Ellen , Tietbohl Lariani Tamires Witt , Feuser Paulo Emilio , Machado-de-Ávila Ricardo Andrez , Gu Yaodong , Silveira Paulo Cesar Lock
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of treatment with gold nanoparticles (GNPs) reduced with Curcumin (Curcuma longa L.) or Açai (Euterpe oleracea) to a standard commercial treatment of the pharmacological type (Omcilon®) and an electrophysical agent (photobiomodulation) in the palatal wounds of rats. As for the in vitro assay, a cell viability test was performed to assess the toxicity of the synthesized nanoparticles. In vivo assay: 60 Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n = 12): I. Palatal Wound (PW); II. PW + Photobiomodulation (PBM); III. PW + Omcilon®; IV. PW + GNPs-Cur (0.025 mg/mL); V. PW + GNPs-Açai (0.025 mg/mL). Animals were first anesthetized, and circular lesions in the palatine mucosa were induced using a 4 mm-diameter punch. The first treatment session started 24 h after the injury and occurred daily for 5 days. The animals were euthanized, and the palatal mucosa tissue was removed for histological, biochemical, and molecular analysis. GNPs-Açai were able to significantly reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and increase anti-inflammatory ones, reduce oxidant markers, and reduce inflammatory infiltrate while increasing the collagen area and contraction rate of the wound, along with an improved visual qualification. The present study demonstrated that the proposed therapies of GNPs synthesized greenly, thus associating their effects with those of plants, favor the tissue repair process in palatal wounds.
The Dose-Related Efficacy of Human Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation on Antioxidant Effects in a Rat Model with Ovariectomy
Authors: Seok Jin , Park Hyeri , Lee Dae-Hyun , You Jun Hyeong , Kim Gi Jin
Published: August 2023

Oxidative stress initiates various degenerative diseases, and it is caused by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Oxidative stress is a key factor that causes infertility by inducing ovarian dysfunction, characterized by irregular hormone levels, lower quality of mature follicles, and loss of follicles. Hence, stem cell therapy has been actively studied as an approach to overcome the side effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on ovarian dysfunction. However, there is a lack of evidence about the appropriate number of cells required for stem cell therapy. Therefore, based on the antioxidant effects investigated in this study, we focused on determining the appropriate dose of stem cells for transplantation in an animal model with ovarian dysfunction. One week after half-ovariectomy, placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PD-MSCs, 1 × 105 cells, 5 × 105 cells, or 2.5 × 106 cells) were injected intravenously into the Tx groups through the tail vein. As a result, the mRNA expression of hAlu gradually increased as the transplanted cell concentration increased. Compared with no transplantation (NTx), the transplantation of PD-MSCs improved folliculogenesis, including the levels of secreted hormones and numbers of follicles, by exerting antioxidant effects. Also, the levels of oxidized glutathione in the serum of animal models after transplantation were significantly increased (* p < 0.05). These results indicated that PD-MSC transplantation improved ovarian function in half-ovariectomized rats by exerting antioxidant effects. According to our data, increasing the number of transplanted cells did not proportionally increase the effectiveness of the treatment. We suggest that low-dose PD-MSC transplantation has the same therapeutic effect as described in previous studies. These findings provide new insights for further understanding reproductive systems and provide evidence for related clinical trials.
Investigating Crude Sesame Oil Sedimentation and Its Monitoring Using Laser Backscattering Imaging (LBI)
Authors: Wu Zhangkai , Romuli Sebastian , Intani Kiatkamjon , Müller Joachim
Published: August 2023

Sesame oil is a food and energy resource that is not used enough. Sedimentation of crude oil after pressing can remove particles and happens regardless of the producer’s intention. However, sedimentation of crude plant oil and its sensing technology are rarely studied. This research studied crude sesame oil sedimentation and monitored it with low-cost laser backscattering imaging (LBI). In the discontinuous measurement, a 30-day sedimentation was conducted with oil samples sent to the lab LBI system for image capture. A scattering spot and an increasing Tyndall effect along the light path were seen. In the continuous measurement, an LBI system was mounted on a sedimentation tank for 30 days. The sedimentation curve, scattering images, and oil properties were checked. The sedimentation speed was about −7 mm/h, then less than −2 mm/h. The image features correlated well with the sedimentation interface height (R2 = 0.97) when the height was above −100 mm. The oil-particle-related properties (ash content, phosphorus content, carbon residue, and total contamination) dropped by at least 87%, water content decreased by 90%, and the oxidation-related properties (oxidation stability, γ-tocotrienol, δ-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and acid value) changed less significantly. The crude sesame oil sedimentation had two stages: diluted and hindered sedimentation. This research can help improve sedimentation tank and LBI system design and prevent unwanted sedimentation.
Modeling the Relation between Building Information Modeling and the Success of Construction Projects: A Structural-Equation-Modeling Approach
Authors: Waqar Ahsan , Othman Idris , Radu Dorin , Ali Zulfiqar , Almujibah Hamad , Hadzima-Nyarko Marijana , Khan Muhammad
Published: August 2023

Over the course of the last twenty years, building information modeling (BIM) has emerged as a firmly established construction methodology integrating fundamental principles. The implementation of BIM methodologies possesses the capability to augment the attainment of quality, cost, and schedule objectives in construction endeavors. Notwithstanding the widespread adoption of BIM in the construction sector, the execution of BIM-related tasks frequently suffers from the absence of established methodologies. The objective of this study was to create a BIM application model through an examination of the correlation between BIM integration and the achievement of overall project success (OPS) in construction endeavors. In order to develop the BIM application model, feedback was solicited from a cohort of fourteen industry experts who assessed a range of BIM activities in light of prior research. The data that were gathered underwent exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in order to authenticate the results acquired from the expert interviews. Furthermore, construction professionals participated in structured surveys in order to evaluate the importance of said BIM practices. This study utilized partial least squares–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to ascertain and authenticate the underlying framework and correlations between BIM implementation and OPS. The findings indicate a moderate correlation between the implementation of BIM and the success of a project wherein BIM is responsible for approximately 52% of the project’s overall success. To optimize project outcomes, it is recommended that construction companies prioritize the implementation of BIM practices. This study highlights the correlation between the utilization of BIM and favorable project results, emphasizing the necessity for the construction sector to adopt BIM as a revolutionary instrument to attain enhanced project achievements.
Investigation of Lactation Period and Technological Treatments on Mineral Composition and IR-Profiles of Donkey Milk by Chemometrics
Authors: Di Donato Francesca , Sabatini Arianna , Biancolillo Alessandra , Foschi Martina , Spera Daniela Maria , Polidori Paolo , D’Archivio Angelo Antonio
Published: August 2023

Donkey milk represents an efficient substitute for human milk in infants’ diets being unlikely to cause allergic reactions. In this study, different donkey milks were collected at two lactation times (T0 and T1), subjected to freezing–thawing and freeze-drying, and analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and ATR-FT-IR. The data collected on freeze–thaw (FT-) and reconstituted (R-)milks were investigated by ANOVA–Simultaneous Component Analysis (ASCA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The following concentrations (µg/mL) for FT and R-milks, respectively, at T0, were found: Ca: 712 ± 71, 600 ± 72; Fe: 0.7 ± 0.3, 0.1 ± 0.1; K: 595 ± 49, 551 ± 59; Mg: 75 ± 5, 67 ± 4; Na: 117 ± 16, 114 ± 16; P: 403 ± 30, 404 ± 38; Zn: 1.6 ± 0.2, 1.6 ± 0.3. At T1, the concentrations (µg/mL for FT and R-milks, respectively) were: Ca: 692 ± 60, 583 ± 43; Fe: 0.13 ± 0.02, 0.13 ± 0.03; K: 641 ± 71, 574 ± 61; Mg: 72 ± 4, 63 ± 1; Na: 116 ± 9, 109 ± 8; P: 412 ± 30, 405 ± 24; Zn: 1.6 ± 0.3, 1.6 ± 0.3. ASCA demonstrated the treatment has a substantial effect, and PCA revealed that the largest quantities of metals, specifically Fe, Mg, and Ca for T0 and K, P, and Na for T1, are present in the FT-milk samples. The IR spectra of FT- and R-milks revealed no macroscopic changes among them or between lactation periods, indicating this technique may not suitably capture variability in lactation or conservation processes in donkey milk. Despite the relatively small sample size, this study offers insight on the mineral composition changes in donkey milk and emphasizes the significance of milk preprocessing and the lactation period on it.
Estimation of Expectations and Variance Components in Two-Level Nested Simulation Experiments
Authors: Muñoz David Fernando
Published: August 2023

When there is uncertainty in the value of parameters of the input random components of a stochastic simulation model, two-level nested simulation algorithms are used to estimate the expectation of performance variables of interest. In the outer level of the algorithm n observations are generated for the parameters, and in the inner level m observations of the simulation model are generated with the values of parameters fixed at the values generated in the outer level. In this article, we consider the case in which the observations at both levels of the algorithm are independent and show how the variance of the observations can be decomposed into the sum of a parametric variance and a stochastic variance. Next, we derive central limit theorems that allow us to compute asymptotic confidence intervals to assess the accuracy of the simulation-based estimators for the point forecast and the variance components. Under this framework, we derive analytical expressions for the point forecast and the variance components of a Bayesian model to forecast sporadic demand, and we use these expressions to illustrate the validity of our theoretical results by performing simulation experiments with this forecast model. We found that, given a fixed number of total observations nm, the choice of only one replication in the inner level (m=1) is recommended to obtain a more accurate estimator for the expectation of a performance variable.