bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are PD-1 inhibitors effective for recurrent/metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Yan Le , Ren Bi , Hu Rongqiu , Zhang Huiping , Gou Haocheng
Published: January 2023

Objective: For metastatic/recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients, a programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) is a controversial option. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of PD-1 inhibitors in patients with metastatic/recurrent NPC.

Methods: Electronic databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and Web of Science were manually searched until 1 July 2022, and Stata 15.0 was used to analyze the data.

Result: A total of 10 studies were included, of which three were randomized controlled trials with data, and seven were single-arm studies. For randomized controlled trial (RCT) study, ORR [OR = 1.11, 95% CI (.49, 2.52); p = .812], OS [1-year OR = 1.26, 95% CI (.76, 2.08); p = .367], [2-year OR = 1.04, 95% CI (.39, 2.71); p = .928] in patients with metastatic/recurrent NPC were consistent with PD-1 inhibitor therapy and conventional chemotherapy. However, PD-1 inhibitor had higher 1-year PFS than conventional chemotherapy [OR = 2.16, 95% CI (1.26, 3.70); p = .005]. For single-arm studies, after PD-1 inhibitor therapy, the ORR of patients with recurrent/metastatic NPC reached [ES = 37%, 95 CI (17%–56%)], 1-year OS [ES = 61%, 95% CI (46%–76%)], 2-year [ES = 16%, 95% CI (6%–26%)], and 1-year PFS [ES = 16%,95% CI (12%–20%)].

Conclusion: The efficacy of PD-1 inhibitor monotherapy in patients with metastatic/recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma was not significantly different from that of conventional chemotherapy; however, due to the limitations of the included studies, further phase III RCTs are required to corroborate our conclusion.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022342400; Identifier: CRD42022342400.
Applications for natural deep eutectic solvents in Chinese herbal medicines
Authors: Li Minghui , Rao Cheng , Ye Xiaoqian , Wang Mei , Yang Boyuan , Wang Chengxiao , Guo Liqun , Xiong Yin , Cui Xiuming
Published: January 2023

Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs), with a wide range of bioactive components, are considered to be an important source for new drug discovery. However, the process to isolate and obtain those bioactive components to develop new drugs always consumes a large amount of organic solvents with high toxicity and non-biodegradability. Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES), a new type of green and designable solvents composed of primary plant-based metabolites, have been used as eco-friendly substitutes for traditional organic solvents in various fields. Due to the advantages of easy preparation, low production cost, low toxicity, and eco-friendliness, NADES have been also applied as extraction solvents, media, and drug delivery agents in CHMs in recent years. Besides, the special properties of NADES have been contributed to elucidating the traditional processing (also named Paozhi in Chinese) theory of CHMs, especially processing with honey. In this paper, the development process, preparation, classification, and applications for NADES in CHMs have been reviewed. Prospects in the future applications and challenges have been discussed to better understand the possibilities of the new solvents in the drug development and other uses of CHMs.
The role of metabolic reprogramming in pancreatic cancer chemoresistance
Authors: Liu Chang , Li Changfeng , Liu Yuanda
Published: January 2023

Pancreatic cancer is characterized by hidden onset, high malignancy, and early metastasis. Although a few cases meet the surgical indications, chemotherapy remains the primary treatment, and the resulting chemoresistance has become an urgent clinical problem that needs to be solved. In recent years, the importance of metabolic reprogramming as one of the hallmarks of cancers in tumorigenesis has been validated. Metabolic reprogramming involves glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism and interacts with oncogenes to affect the expression of key enzymes and signaling pathways, modifying the tumor microenvironment and contributing to the occurrence of drug tolerance. Meanwhile, the mitochondria are hubs of the three major nutrients and energy metabolisms, which are also involved in the development of drug resistance. In this review, we summarized the characteristic changes in metabolism during the progression of pancreatic cancer and their impact on chemoresistance, outlined the role of the mitochondria, and summarized current studies on metabolic inhibitors.
Sustainability assessment of Cerrado and Caatinga biomes in Brazil: A proposal for collaborative index construction in the context of the 2030 Agenda and the Water-Energy-Food Nexus
Authors: Arcoverde Gustavo Felipe Balué , Menezes Julia Alves , Paz Mariana Gutierres Arteiro , Barros Jocilene Dantas , Guidolini Janaína Ferreira , Branco Evandro Albiach , De Andrade Pedro Ribeiro , Pulice Sergio Mantovani Paiva , Ometto Jean Pierre Henry Balbaud
Published: January 2023

The 2030 Agenda framework represents an opportunity for the co-development of local indicators and shares the same principles of cross-sectoral integration and universality as the water–energy–food nexus. This research aimed to develop a quantitative-collaborative methodology for constructing indicators and indexes for the sustainability of the Cerrado and Caatinga Brazilian biomes, considering the connection and synergies between the Nexus perspective and the 2030 Agenda’s SDG–target framework. The study was applied in 2,512 municipalities that make up the total of the mentioned biomes. The methodology consists of four major blocks: i) identification and construction of indicators based on the association of them with one or more 2030 Agenda’s targets, in a collaborative way from expert groups; ii) generation of weights by an indicator considering leverage, according to the number of target assignments, and importance, attributed by experts for each indicator to the target; iii) generation of sustainable development goal indexes, considering the performance of the SDGs; Nexus performance, considering different weights between the SDGs; Nexus synergistic, the standard deviation between the SDGs; and Nexus overall, a combination of the last two; and iv) sensitivity analysis for performance indexes considering the assignment of zero values to the governance indicators. In general, the regions of MATOPIBA, northern and western of Cerrado and the Caatinga, are, on average, the areas of greatest vulnerability. The targets that respond to this inequality are related to eradicating hunger, sustainable and climate-resilient production systems, universal access to water, water quality, efficiency of multiple water uses, access to energy, and the participation of renewable energies. We found that in areas of better average nexus performance, there is also greater inequality between nexus dimensions; therefore, the Nexus overall index is penalized. The federal units and areas with the worst Nexus dimension performances and with insufficient governance measures are north and northwest of Bahia and municipalities bordering the State of Tocantins—food; Maranhão and Piauí, northeast of Mato Grosso, northwest of Goiás, Rio Grande do Norte and Paraíba—water; and Maranhão, extreme southeast of Pará, and more sparsely in Paraíba—energy.
Genome-wide identification and functional analysis of long non-coding RNAs in Chilo suppressalis reveal their potential roles in chlorantraniliprole resistance
Authors: Huang Shuijin , Jing Dong , Xu Lu , Luo Guanghua , Hu Yanyue , Wu Ting , Hu Yao , Li Fei , He Kang , Qin Wenjing , Sun Yang , Liu Hui
Published: January 2023

Long non-coding RNAs, referred to as lncRNAs, perform essential functions in some biological processes, including reproduction, metamorphosis, and other critical life functions. Yet, lncRNAs are poorly understood in pesticide resistance, and no reports to date have characterized which lncRNAs are associated with chlorantraniliprole resistance in Chilo suppressalis. Here, RNA-seq was performed on two strains of C. suppressalis exposed to chlorantraniliprole: one is a susceptible strain (S), and the other is a resistant strain (R). In total, 3,470 lncRNAs were identified from 40,573 merged transcripts in six libraries, including 1,879 lincRNAs, 245 intronic lncRNAs, 853 sense lncRNAs, and 493 antisense lncRNAs. Moreover, differential expression analysis revealed 297 and 335 lncRNAs upregulated in S and R strains, respectively. Differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs are usually assumed to be involved in the chlorantraniliprole resistance in C. suppressalis. As potential targets, adjacent protein-coding genes (within <1000 kb range upstream or downstream of DE lncRNAs), especially detoxification enzyme genes (cytochrome P450s, carboxyl/cholinesterases/esterases, and ATP-binding cassette transporter), were analyzed. Furthermore, the strand-specific RT-PCR was conducted to confirm the transcript orientation of randomly selected 20 DE lincRNAs, and qRT-PCR was carried out to verify the expression status of 8 out of them. MSTRG.25315.3, MSTRG.25315.6, and MSTRG.7482.1 were upregulated in the R strain. Lastly, RNA interference and bioassay analyses indicated overexpressed lincRNA MSTRG.7482.1 was involved in chlorantraniliprole resistance. In conclusion, we represent, for the first time, the genome-wide identification of chlorantraniliprole-resistance-related lncRNAs in C. suppressalis. It elaborates the views underlying the mechanism conferring chlorantraniliprole resistance in lncRNAs.
Analysis of chemotypes and their markers in leaves of core collections of Eucommia ulmoides using metabolomics
Authors: Meng Yide , Du Qingxin , Du Hongyan , Wang Qi , Wang Lu , Du Lanying , Liu Panfeng
Published: January 2023

The leaves of Eucommia ulmoides contain various active compunds and nutritional components, and have successively been included as raw materials in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the Health Food Raw Material Catalogue, and the Feed Raw Material Catalogue. Core collections of E. ulmoides had been constructed from the conserved germplasm resources basing on molecular markers and morphological traits, however, the metabolite diversity and variation in this core population were little understood. Metabolite profiles of E. ulmoides leaves of 193 core collections were comprehensively characterized by GC-MS and LC-MS/MS based non-targeted metabolomics in present study. Totally 1,100 metabolites were identified and that belonged to 18 categories, and contained 120 active ingredients for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and 85 disease-resistant metabolites. Four leaf chemotypes of the core collections were established by integrated uses of unsupervised self-organizing map (SOM), supervised orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and random forest (RF) statistical methods, 30, 23, 43, and 23 chemomarkers were screened corresponding to the four chemotypes, respectively. The morphological markers for the chemotypes were obtained by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) between the chenomarkers and the morphological traits, with leaf length (LL), chlorophyll reference value (CRV), leaf dentate height (LDH), and leaf thickness (LT) corresponding to chemotypes I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Contents of quercetin-3-O-pentosidine, isoquercitrin were closely correlated to LL, leaf area (LA), and leaf perimeter (LP), suggesting the quercetin derivatives might influence the growth and development of E. ulmoides leaf shape.
Microspore embryogenesis induction by mannitol and TSA results in a complex regulation of epigenetic dynamics and gene expression in bread wheat
Authors: Valero-Rubira Isabel , Castillo Ana María , Burrell María Ángela , Vallés Maria Pilar
Published: January 2023

Reprogramming of microspores development towards embryogenesis mediated by stress treatment constitutes the basis of doubled haploid production. Recently, compounds that alter histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) have been reported to enhance microspore embryogenesis (ME), by altering histones acetylation or methylation. However, epigenetic mechanisms underlying ME induction efficiency are poorly understood. In this study, the epigenetic dynamics and the expression of genes associated with histone PTMs and ME induction were studied in two bread wheat cultivars with different ME response. Microspores isolated at 0, 3 and 5 days, treated with 0.7M mannitol (MAN) and 0.7M mannitol plus 0.4µM trichostatin A (TSA), which induced ME more efficiently, were analyzed. An additional control of gametophytic development was included. Microspores epigenetic state at the onset of ME induction was distinctive between cultivars by the ratio of H3 variants and their acetylated forms, the localization and percentage of labeled microspores with H3K9ac, H4K5ac, H4K16ac, H3K9me2 and H3K27me3, and the expression of genes related to pollen development. These results indicated that microspores of the high responding cultivar could be at a less advanced stage in pollen development. MAN and TSA resulted in a hyperacetylation of H3.2, with a greater effect of TSA. Histone PTMs were differentially affected by both treatments, with acetylation being most concerned. The effect of TSA was observed in the H4K5ac localization pattern at 3dT in the mid-low responding cultivar. Three gene networks linked to ME response were identified.TaHDT1, TaHAG2, TaYAO,TaNFD6-A,TabZIPF1andTaAGO802-B, associated with pollen development, were down-regulated.TaHDA15,TaHAG3,TaHAM, TaYUC11D,Ta-2B-LBD16 TaMS1andTaDRM3constituted a network implicated in morphological changes by auxin signaling and cell wall modification up-regulated at 3dT. The last network includedTaHDA18, TaHAC1,TaHAC4, TaABI5,TaATG18fD, TaSDG1a-7Aand was related to ABA and ethylene hormone signaling pathways, DNA methylation and autophagy processes, reaching the highest expression at 5dT. The results indicated that TSA mainly modified the regulation of genes related to pollen and auxin signaling. This study represents a breakthrough in identifying the epigenetic dynamics and the molecular mechanisms governing ME induction efficiency, with relevance to recalcitrant wheat genotypes and other crops.
Linking perceived social support to self-esteem and social integration among adolescents with visual impairment: A cross-lagged study
Authors: Yuan Wei , Xie Zhengli , Dong Ping , Yang Yuqin
Published: January 2023

This study examines the relationship between perceived social support and self-esteem and between perceived social support and social integration among adolescents with visual impairments. Adolescents with visual impairments (Ntime1 = 311, Ntime2 = 170) from four special education schools in eastern China participated in this study within a 1-year interval. The Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale, Rosenberg Self-esteem Questionnaire, and Interpersonal Adaptation Scale were used to collect data. The results from cross-lagged panel modeling showed reciprocal positive relationships between parental support and self-esteem. Self-esteem at T1 positively predicted three other sources of perceived social support at T2: teacher support, classmate support, and close-friend support. Social integration at T1 positively predicted close-friend support at T2. This study extends understanding of the relationships among perceived social support, self-esteem, and social integration, and provides practical implications for parents, schools, and communities to improve psychosocial outcomes in adolescents with visual impairment.
Subjective experiences and perceptions of learning a second language through digital games: A case study of Chinese college students
Authors: Xiao Xian , He Gaoda
Published: January 2023

Recent years have seen a rapid proliferation of game-based learning applied in language classes. Second language teaching and learning are being inspired by the increasingly mature game-based learning technology. Currently, educational games are regarded as a new technology with great potential. The game-based promotion of oral English has also become one of the research hotspots. This research carried out an empirical study on the subjective experiences and perceptions of using game-based second language learning to cultivate the oral English of Chinese college students. By using Unity 3D technology, “Digital Game-Virtual College” game software was developed for Chinese teenagers as the experimental carrier. Sixty-six freshmen majoring in review engineering at a university located in a first-tier city in southern China were invited as participants. Based on the courses “College English-Reading and Writing” and “College English-Listening, Viewing and Speaking,” this research explored the game-based teaching of “Words Arena Contest” and “Words Talents,” respectively. The analysis of the attitude and achievement data not only indicated the advantages and disadvantages of game-based learning, but also suggested the significant points in game-based learning software design. The results of tests and survey provide insight into the evaluation and reflection of the subjective experiences and perceptions of using digital game-based language learning. The results of this research can not only provide guidance for exploring the psychological contributors and barriers to game-based second language learning, but can also shed some light on and provide a reference for the design of game-based second language learning software.
Reflection at work – A conceptual model and the meaning of its components in the domain of VET teachers
Authors: Hommel Mandy , Fürstenau Bärbel , Mulder Regina H.
Published: January 2023

Professional development requires reflection. However, a conceptual model that considers the different perspectives on reflection remains missing. Regarding reflection, three different research streams can be distinguished: (I) an individual action-process-perspective, (II) a critical perspective, and (III) a social-relatedness perspective. From these three streams, important components are derived in the present study and integrated into one conceptual model. This model contains the individual and contextual components which influence reflection and considers reflection to be a process containing mutually influencing emotion, motivation, and cognition which can lead to various outcomes such as performance and, consequently, innovation. For illustrating the meaning of the model’s components in a specific professional context, we used data from an interview study with eight teachers of vocational schools. The conceptual model can serve as a basis for further research on reflection in all kinds of work contexts and be used to foster professional development, for instance by developing interventions to foster reflection.
The moderating effect of resilience on the relationship between academic stress and school adjustment in Korean students
Authors: Choi Sumi , Yoo Inhwa , Kim Dongil , An Sohyun , Sung Yoonhee , Kim Changhyun
Published: January 2023

Introduction

This study investigated the moderating effects of resilience on the relationship between academic stress and school adjustment among Korean adolescents. We examined the moderating effect for the total scores of school adjustment and the two subscales of school adjustment (academic adjustment and general school adjustment).

Methods

Data were obtained in Pusan, Korea, using the convenience sampling method, and a total of 674 participants' responses were used for the final analysis. Hierarchical regression analysis and multiple regression analysis were performed to examine our research questions.

Results

The results of the study showed that academic stress was a significant predictor of school adjustment among Korean adolescents. More specifically, academic stress was related to poor school adjustment. The study also found that resilience has a significant mediating effect on the relationship between academic stress and school adjustment.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that resilience is likely to alleviate the harmful effect of academic stress on school adjustment. Finally, implications for school-based intervention were discussed for providing practical academic assistance.
Mental states and personality based on real-time physical activity and facial expression recognition
Authors: Huang Yating , Zhai Dengyue , Song Jingze , Rao Xuanheng , Sun Xiao , Tang Jin
Published: January 2023

Introduction

To explore a quick and non-invasive way to measure individual psychological states, this study developed interview-based scales, and multi-modal information was collected from 172 participants.

Methods

We developed the Interview Psychological Symptom Inventory (IPSI) which eventually retained 53 items with nine main factors. All of them performed well in terms of reliability and validity. We used optimized convolutional neural networks and original detection algorithms for the recognition of individual facial expressions and physical activity based on Russell's circumplex model and the five factor model.

Results

We found that there was a significant correlation between the developed scale and the participants' scores on each factor in the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) and Big Five Inventory (BFI-2) [r = (−0.257, 0.632), p < 0.01]. Among the multi-modal data, the arousal of facial expressions was significantly correlated with the interval of validity (p < 0.01), valence was significantly correlated with IPSI and SCL-90, and physical activity was significantly correlated with gender, age, and factors of the scales.

Discussion

Our research demonstrates that mental health can be monitored and assessed remotely by collecting and analyzing multimodal data from individuals captured by digital tools.
The impact of disease changes and mental health illness on readapted return to work after repeated sick leaves among Brazilian public university employees
Authors: Dias Adriano , Nunes Hélio Rubens de Carvalho , Ruiz-Frutos Carlos , Gómez-Salgado Juan , Spröesser Alonso Melissa , Bernardes João Marcos , García-Iglesias Juan Jesús , Lacalle-Remigio Juan Ramón
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Health affects work absenteeism and productivity of workers, making it a relevant marker of an individual's professional development.

Objectives

The aims of this article were to investigate whether changes in the main cause of the sick leaves and the presence of mental health illnesses are associated with return to work with readaptation.

Materials and methods

A historical cohort study was carried out with non-work-related illnesses suffered by statutory workers of university campuses in a medium-sized city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Two exposures were measured: (a) changes, throughout medical examinations, in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) chapter regarding the main condition for the sick leave; and (b) having at least one episode of sick leave due to mental illness, with or without change in the ICD-10 chapter over the follow-up period. The outcome was defined as return to work with adapted conditions. The causal model was established a priori and tested using a multiple logistic regression (MLR) model considering the effects of several confounding factors, and then compared with the same estimators obtained using Targeted Machine Learning.

Results

Among workers in adapted conditions, 64% were health professionals, 34% had had changes in the ICD-10 chapter throughout the series of sick leaves, and 62% had diagnoses of mental health issues. In addition, they worked for less time at the university and were absent for longer periods. Having had a change in the illness condition reduced the chance of returning to work in another function by more than 30%, whereas having had at least one absence because of a cause related to mental and behavioral disorders more than doubled the chance of not returning to work in the same activity as before.

Conclusion

These results were independent of the analysis technique used, which allows concluding that there were no advantages in the use of targeted maximum likelihood estimation (TMLE), given its difficulties in access, use, and assumptions.
Effect of nasal irrigation in adults infected with Omicron variant of COVID-19: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Liu Li , Xie Shuangshuang , Li Cheng , Su Liang , Zhu Chengbao
Published: January 2023

Objective

To investigate the effect of nasal irrigation on the duration of symptoms and nucleic acid conversion in adults infected with the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study enrolled patients diagnosed with asymptomatic, mild, or moderate Omicron infection at the Shandong Public Health Clinical Center between April 1, 2022 and May 1, 2022. Patients were divided into two groups to receive Lianhua Qingwen granules and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions (conventional group) and 3% hypertonic saline nasal irrigation based on conventional treatment (nasal irrigation groups), respectively. Primary outcomes were symptom disappearance time and nucleic acid negative conversion time. Secondary outcomes were peripheral blood white blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte (LYM) count, neutrophil (NEU) count, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and chest CT examination findings.

Results

Eighty patients were included (40 patients/group). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that, after adjustment for comorbidities, smoking history, LYM count, and Ct values of N gene, the patients in the nasal irrigation group were more likely to get lower nucleic acid negative conversion time (β = −11.052, 95% CI: −8.277–13.827, P < 0.001) compared with the conventional group. The symptom disappearance time showed no significant improvement (P > 0.05). Subgroup analysis for treatment-naïve patients in the nasal irrigation group showed similar nucleic acid negative conversion time improvement (P = 0.038).

Conclusion

Early nasal irrigation shortens the nucleic acid negative conversion time in adults infected with the Omicron variant but without improvements in symptom disappearance time.
Regulating the product quality of COVID-19 antigen testing reagents: A tripartite evolutionary game analysis under China's legal framework
Authors: Huang Zhengzong , Wang Xi , Feng Zehua , Chen Baoxin
Published: January 2023

Personal purchases of novel coronavirus antigen detection reagents (ADRs) for self-detection have contributed to the optimization of medical resources and containment of the COVID-19 pandemic. The recurring occurrence of false testing results in China has generated concerns regarding the quality of ADRs and the testing mechanism for medical devices. Academic viewpoints and remarks on the sensitivity, application possibilities, and product innovation of ADRs may be found in the extant scientific literature. However, the current research does not explore the microscopic product quality concerns that emerge throughout the production and marketing of ADRs. To explore strategic equilibrium circumstances and behavioral evolution processes, an evolutionary game model was developed to include ADR manufacturers, third-party medical device inspection agencies, and regulatory authorities. The results reveal that the quantity of illegal incentives, the cost of regulation, and the loss of government credibility have a major impact on the decisions of regulatory authorities and determine three potential systemic equilibrium states. To maximize social welfare, ADRs should be incorporated into China's medication price monitoring system in order to manage market prices. To cut regulatory expenses, the government should employ blockchain technology for traceable network regulation of ADR product quality. The government should also protect the people's right to free speech and encourage online reporting of adverse incidents caused by ADRs. The conclusions of this article can provide many developing nations with important insights for regulating the quality of ADR products.
Application perspective of cavity optomechanical system
Authors: Sun Huanying , Liu Yulong , Li Tiefu
Published: January 2023

Cavity optomechanical systems are demonstrating diverse applications in sensing and transduction, profiting from advances in related theories and experiments, which also promotes quantum research based on them. Here, we first briefly introduce typical applications of cavity optomechanical systems and some of our recent progress in this field and then discuss the potential of cavity optomechanical systems for exploring fundamental questions in quantum theory and the challenges encountered in current developments. Cavity optomechanical systems will play a vital role in quantum computing and quantum information and will enrich the quantum toolbox, particularly in quantum interfaces and quantum memory.
Journey through a virtual tunnel: Simulated motion and its effects on the experience of time
Authors: Landeck Maximilian , Alvarez Igarzábal Federico , Unruh Fabian , Habenicht Hannah , Khoshnoud Shiva , Wittmann Marc , Lugrin Jean-Luc , Latoschik Marc Erich
Published: January 2023

This paper examines the relationship between time and motion perception in virtual environments. Previous work has shown that the perception of motion can affect the perception of time. We developed a virtual environment that simulates motion in a tunnel and measured its effects on the estimation of the duration of time, the speed at which perceived time passes, and the illusion of self-motion, also known as vection. When large areas of the visual field move in the same direction, vection can occur; observers often perceive this as self-motion rather than motion of the environment. To generate different levels of vection and investigate its effects on time perception, we developed an abstract procedural tunnel generator. The generator can simulate different speeds and densities of tunnel sections (visibly distinguishable sections that form the virtual tunnel), as well as the degree of embodiment of the user avatar (with or without virtual hands). We exposed participants to various tunnel simulations with different durations, speeds, and densities in a remote desktop and a virtual reality (VR) laboratory study. Time passed subjectively faster under high-speed and high-density conditions in both studies. The experience of self-motion was also stronger under high-speed and high-density conditions. Both studies revealed a significant correlation between the perceived passage of time and perceived self-motion. Subjects in the virtual reality study reported a stronger self-motion experience, a faster perceived passage of time, and shorter time estimates than subjects in the desktop study. Our results suggest that a virtual tunnel simulation can manipulate time perception in virtual reality. We will explore these results for the development of virtual reality applications for therapeutic approaches in our future work. This could be particularly useful in treating disorders like depression, autism, and schizophrenia, which are known to be associated with distortions in time perception. For example, the tunnel could be therapeutically applied by resetting patients’ time perceptions by exposing them to the tunnel under different conditions, such as increasing or decreasing perceived time.
The spectacle of feminism and machismo in two Peruvian cumbia singers: Marisol and Tony Rosado
Authors: Gutiérrez-Gómez Edgar , Munaris-Parco Sonia Beatriz
Published: January 2023

The objective of this research is to analyze and interpret the entertainment section of the most important media in Peru, concentrated on two private companies: Grupo La República and Grupo El Comercio, with great journalistic dominance of national information. The entertainment section is as old as the foundation of the newspapers themselves. The method of analysis with qualitative documents has allowed us to reach the conclusion that the fight for gender equality promoted by the government is a spectacle for the national press. The entertainment section of the Peruvian press has exposed the private lives of representative characters such as the singers Marisol, “La Faraona de la Cumbia” and Tony Rosado, “El Ruiseñor de la Cumbia”, from there the differences in feminism tolerated in Marisol and machismo censored in Rosado are popularized. It is concluded that the exposure of the struggle for gender equality is entertainment news where machismo and feminism are underhandedly justified with the parameter established with these public figures, that is, Peruvian cumbia singer–songwriters, and that offers evidence of the tolerance to the feminine voice that incites machismo, justifies the mistreatment of men and makes the male complaint a synonym of cowardice.
Pseudomonas 42P4 and Cellulosimicrobium 60I1 as a sustainable approach to increase growth, development, and productivity in pepper plants
Authors: Lobato-Ureche Miguel Andrés , Pérez-Rodriguez María Micaela , Segura Diana , Monasterio Romina , Cohen Ana Carmen
Published: January 2023

The production of pepper plants for industrial use is not enough to satisfy the demand of consumers and agrochemicals are frequently used to increase production. In this study four native plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) was tested as an alternative to select the most effective to enhance growth, development, and productivity of pepper plants. Seedlings were inoculated with Pseudomonas 42P4, Cellulosimicrobium 60I1, Ochrobactrum 53F, Enterobacter 64S1 and cultivated on pots in the greenhouse and the morphological, biochemical, and physiological parameters were determined. In addition, the phenolic compound profiles were evaluated. All four strains increased the different parameters evaluated but Pseudomonas 42P4 and Cellulosimicrobium 60I1 were the most effective strains, improving leaf and root dry weight, stem diameter, nitrogen level, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll quantum efficiency, chlorophyll SPAD index, total chlorophyll and carotenoid levels, number of flowers and fruits per plant, and the length, diameter and dry weight of the fruit. Also, these strains modified the phenolic compound profiles, and 18 compounds were quantified. Pseudomonas 42P4 inoculation modified the phenolic compound profile similarly to the Fertilized treatment and induced the synthesis of different endogenous compounds in the flavonoid family, also increasing catechin, naringin, naringenin, myricetin, procyanidin B1, epigallocatechin-gallate, cinnamic, and ferulic acids related to antioxidant activity and catechin, cinnamic, and ferulic acids related to the induced systemic response. Pseudomonas 42P4 can be used as a bioinoculant in pepper plants to enable better agronomic management, decreasing the use of chemical fertilizer to contribute to sustainable agriculture.
Analysis of image-based sow activity patterns reveals several associations with piglet survival and early growth
Authors: Girardie Océane , Bonneau Mathieu , Billon Yvon , Bailly Jean , David Ingrid , Canario Laurianne
Published: January 2023

An activity pattern describes variations in activities over time. The objectives of this study are to automatically predict sow activity from computer vision over 11 days peripartum and estimate how sow behavior influences piglet's performance during early lactation. The analysis of video images used the convolutional neural network (CNN) YOLO for sow detection and posture classification of 21 Large White and 22 Meishan primiparous sows housed in individual farrowing pens. A longitudinal analysis and a clustering method were combined to identify groups of sows with a similar activity pattern. Traits under study are as follows: (i) the distribution of time spent daily in different postures and (ii) different activities while standing. Six postures were included along with three classes of standing activities, i.e., eating, drinking, and other, which can be in motion or not and root-pawing or not. They correspond to a postural budget and a standing-activity budget. Groups of sows with similar changes in their budget over the period (D-3 to D-1; D0 and D1–D7) were identified with the k-means clustering method. Next, behavioral traits (time spent daily in each posture, frequency of postural changes) were used as explanatory variables in the Cox proportional hazards model for survival and in the linear model for growth. Piglet survival was influenced by sow behavior on D-1 and during the period D1–D7. Piglets born from sows that were standing and doing an activity other than drinking and eating on D-1 had a 26% lower risk of dying than other piglets. Those born from sows that changed posture more frequently on D1–D7 had a 44% lower risk of dying. The number of postural changes, which illustrate sow restlessness, influenced piglet growth in the three periods. The average daily gain of piglets born from sows that were more restless on D1–D7 and that changed posture more frequently to hide their udder on D0 decreased by 22 and 45 g/d, respectively. Conversely, those born from sows that changed posture more frequently to hide their udder during the period of D1–D7 grew faster (+71 g/d) than the other piglets. Sow restlessness at different time periods influenced piglet performance.
Antiviral activity of dandelion aqueous extract against pseudorabies virus both in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Cai Xiaojing , Shao Yi , Wang Zhiying , Xu Yongkang , Ren Zhiyuan , Fu Lian , Zhu Yan
Published: January 2023

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is one of the most significant pathogens of swine. In recent years, the continual emergence of novel PRV variants has caused substantial economic losses in the global pig industry. PRV can infect humans leading to symptoms of acute encephalitis with implications for public health. Thus, new measures are urgently needed to prevent PRV infection. This study evaluated the anti-PRV capability of dandelion aqueous extract (DAE) in vitro and in vivo. DAE was found to inhibit the multiplication of the PRV TJ strain in PK15 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.2559 mg/mL and a selectivity index (SI) of 14.4. DAE inhibited the adsorption and replication stages of the PRV life cycle in vitro, and the expression of IE180, EP0, UL29, UL44, and UL52 was inhibited in the presence of DAE. In vivo experiment results of mice show that a 0.5 g/kg dose of DAE injected intraperitoneally protected 28.6% of the mice from the lethal challenge; decreased the viral load in the liver, lung, brain, heart, and kidney of PRV-infected mice; and attenuated brain damage caused by PRV infection. Furthermore, DAE could also ameliorate viral infection through regulation of the levels of cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-4) in PRV-infected mouse serum. These results demonstrated that DAE exhibited potent inhibitory capability against PRV infection in vitro and in vivo; DAE is therefore expected to be a candidate TCM herb for use against PRV infection.
Proteomic analysis of Taenia solium cysticercus and adult stages
Authors: Li Lizhu , He Wei , Fan Xianmin , Liu Meichen , Luo Bo , Yang Fengjiao , Jiang Nan , Wang Lingjun , Zhou Biying
Published: January 2023

Taenia solium (T. solium) cysticercosis is a neglected parasitic zoonosis that occurs in developing countries. Since T. solium has a complex life cycle that includes eggs, oncospheres, cysticerci, and adults, presumably many proteins are produced that enable them to survive and establish an infection within the host. The objectives of this study were to perform a comparative proteomic analysis of two ontogenetic stages of T. solium (cysticerci and adult) and to analyze their differential expression of proteins. Methods proteins were separated by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) fractionation, and protein samples were also digested in liquid and identified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS); the differentially expressed proteins were then processed by a bioinformatics analysis and verified by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). Results we identified 2,481 proteins by label-free quantitative proteomics. Then differentially expressed proteins were screened under P values < 0.05 and 2 fold change, we found that 293 proteins up-regulated and 265 proteins down-regulated. Discussion through the bioinformatics analysis, we analyzed the differences types and functions of proteins in the Taenia solium and cysticercus, the data will provide reference value for studying the pathogenic mechanism of the two stages and the interaction with the host, and also support for further experimental verification.
Clinicopathologic features of gastric glomus tumor: A report of 15 cases and literature review
Authors: Deng Minying , Luo Rongkui , Huang Jie , Luo Yuanlong , Song Qi , Liang Huaiyu , Xu Chen , Yuan Wei , Hou Yingyong
Published: January 2023

Objective: Glomus tumor is a relatively uncommon soft tissue neoplasm predominantly occurring in upper extremity (fingers), less reported in stomach. This study aimed to discuss the clinicopathologic features of gastric glomus tumor (GGT) and then provide reference for clinical practice.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of all cases pathologically diagnosed of GGT was performed, pathological findings were correlated with clinical information, immunohistochemical studies, next-generation sequencing, and patient follow-ups. A review of literature by searching similar cases was conducted to summarize previous knowledge of GGTs.

Results: Our study identified 15 GGTs included 5 males and 10 females, aged between 35–75 years old (median, 49 years old). The tumor was located to the gastric corpus in 6 cases (40%) and to the antrum in 9 cases (60%). The maximum tumor diameter ranged between 1–4 cm (median, 1.5 cm). There were 11 cases (73%) of solid glomus tumor, 3 cases (20%) of mixture of solid glomus tumor and glomangioma, and 1 case (7%) of glomangiomyoma. Partial spindle cell area was observed in 3 cases (20%), moderate cellular atypia in 1 case (7%), atypical mitosis in 1 case (7%), vascular invasion in 5 cases (33%), neural invasion in 6 cases (40%) and tumor necrosis in 1 case (7%). Tumor cells expressed Collagen type IV, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and synaptophysin in most cases. The Ki67 index varied from 1% to 30%. Next-generation sequencing reported EGFR, PIK3CA, KEAP1 and TP53 mutation. The outcome information was obtained in 12 (80%) cases, followed for 6–63 months, 11 patients (92%) had tumor-free survival and 1 patient (8%) developed liver metastasis 26 months after surgery. Literature review obtained 16 previously reported malignant GGT cases. In terms of the total 31 cases, univariate analysis revealed that the atypical mitosis (OS: p = 0.009; DFS: p = 0.010) and severe cellular atypia (OS: p = 0.007; DFS: p = 0.004) were significantly associated with poor prognosis (patient death).

Conclusion: GGT is indolent, while long-term close follow-up should be required in the presence of increasing number of risk factors. Malignant GGT is relatively uncommon and predisposes to liver metastasis, calling for accumulation of large-sample data and experience.
Sybil in the Haystack: A Comprehensive Review of Blockchain Consensus Mechanisms in Search of Strong Sybil Attack Resistance
Authors: Platt Moritz , McBurney Peter
Published: January 2023

Consensus algorithms are applied in the context of distributed computer systems to improve their fault tolerance. The explosive development of distributed ledger technology following the proposal of ‘Bitcoin’ led to a sharp increase in research activity in this area. Specifically, public and permissionless networks require robust leader selection strategies resistant to Sybil attacks in which malicious attackers present bogus identities to induce byzantine faults. Our goal is to analyse the entire breadth of works in this area systematically, thereby uncovering trends and research directions regarding Sybil attack resistance in today’s blockchain systems to benefit the designs of the future. Through a systematic literature review, we condense an immense set of research records (N = 21,799) to a relevant subset (N = 483). We categorise these mechanisms by their Sybil attack resistance characteristics, leader selection methodology, and incentive scheme. Mechanisms with strong Sybil attack resistance commonly adopt the principles underlying ‘Proof-of-Work’ or ‘Proof-of-Stake’ while mechanisms with limited resistance often use reputation systems or physical world linking. We find that only a few fundamental paradigms exist that can resist Sybil attacks in a permissionless setting but discover numerous innovative mechanisms that can deliver weaker protection in system scenarios with smaller attack surfaces.
Special Issue on Algorithms for PID Controllers 2021
Authors: Barbosa Ramiro S. , Jesus Isabel S.
Published: January 2023

The PID is the most common type of algorithm used in control system applications [...]
A Symbolic Method for Solving a Class of Convolution-Type Volterra–Fredholm–Hammerstein Integro-Differential Equations under Nonlocal Boundary Conditions
Authors: Providas Efthimios , Parasidis Ioannis Nestorios
Published: January 2023

Integro-differential equations involving Volterra and Fredholm operators (VFIDEs) are used to model many phenomena in science and engineering. Nonlocal boundary conditions are more effective, and in some cases necessary, because they are more accurate measurements of the true state than classical (local) initial and boundary conditions. Closed-form solutions are always desirable, not only because they are more efficient, but also because they can be valuable benchmarks for validating approximate and numerical procedures. This paper presents a direct operator method for solving, in closed form, a class of Volterra–Fredholm–Hammerstein-type integro-differential equations under nonlocal boundary conditions when the inverse operator of the associated Volterra integro-differential operator exists and can be found explicitly. A technique for constructing inverse operators of convolution-type Volterra integro-differential operators (VIDEs) under multipoint and integral conditions is provided. The proposed methods are suitable for integration into any computer algebra system. Several linear and nonlinear examples are solved to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.
Fuzzy Algorithmic Modeling of Economics and Innovation Process Dynamics Based on Preliminary Component Allocation by Singular Spectrum Analysis Method
Authors: Rogachev Alexey F. , Simonov Alexey B. , Ketko Natalia V. , Skiter Natalia N.
Published: January 2023

In this article, the authors propose an algorithmic approach to building a model of the dynamics of economic and, in particular, innovation processes. The approach under consideration is based on a complex algorithm that includes (1) decomposition of the time series into components using singular spectrum analysis; (2) recognition of the optimal component model based on fuzzy rules, and (3) creation of statistical models of individual components with their combination. It is shown that this approach corresponds to the high uncertainty characteristic of the tasks of the dynamics of innovation processes. The proposed algorithm makes it possible to create effective models that can be used both for analysis and for predicting the future states of the processes under study. The advantage of this algorithm is the possibility to expand the base of rules and components used for modeling. This is an important condition for improving the algorithm and its applicability for solving a wide range of problems.