bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of body-protective compound 157, a potential drug for treating various wounds, in rats and dogs
Authors: He Lei , Feng Donglin , Guo Hui , Zhou Yueyuan , Li Zhaozhao , Zhang Kuo , Zhang Wangqian , Wang Shuning , Wang Zhaowei , Hao Qiang , Zhang Cun , Gao Yuan , Gu Jintao , Zhang Yingqi , Li Weina , Li Meng
Published: December 2022

Body-protective compound (BPC) 157 demonstrates protective effects against damage to various organs and tissues. For future clinical applications, we had previously established a solid-phase synthesis process for BPC157, verified its biological activity in different wound models, and completed preclinical safety evaluations. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetics, excretion, metabolism, and distribution profiles of BPC157. After a single intravenous (IV) administration, single intramuscular (IM) administrations at three doses in successive increments along with repeated IM administrations, the elimination half-life (t1/2) of prototype BPC157 was less than 30 min, and BPC157 showed linear pharmacokinetic characteristics in rats and beagle dogs at all doses. The mean absolute bioavailability of BPC157 following IM injection was approximately 14%–19% in rats and 45%–51% in beagle dogs. Using [3H]-labeled BPC157 and radioactivity examination, we proved that the main excretory pathways of BPC157 involved urine and bile. [3H]BPC157 was rapidly metabolized into a variety of small peptide fragments in vivo, thus forming single amino acids that entered normal amino acid metabolism and excretion pathways. In conclusion, this study provides the first analysis of the pharmacokinetics of BPC157, which will be helpful for its translation in the clinic.
Clinical study of ganshuang granule combined with tenofovir in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B complicated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Su Changtian , Yang Qin
Published: December 2022

Objective: This study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy of Ganshuang granules combined with tenofovir, an antiviral drug, in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B complicated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Methods: A total of 92 patients with chronic hepatitis B combined with non-alcoholic fatty liver who were treated in our Hospital from January 2020 to December 2021 were included as the research objects. According to the method of random number table, the patients were divided into the control group (n = 42) and the treatment group (n = 50). The control group was treated with silibinin meglumine tablets and tenofovir, while the treatment group was treated with Ganshuang granules combined with silybin meglumine tablets and tenofovir. Before and after treatment, liver function index, liver hardness measurement (LSM), controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), HBV-DNA serum load and body mass index (BMI) were observed.

Results: Compared with the baseline, ALT, AST and GGT were significantly improved in both groups after treatment (p < 0.05), while TBIL indexes were not significantly different before and after treatment (p > 0.05). Patients in the treatment group had significantly lower ALT and AST index values than the control group at 12 and 24 weeks of treatment (p < 0.05). At 12 and 24 weeks of treatment, the fat attenuation parameters of the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The fat attenuation parameters in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group at 12 and 24 weeks after treatment (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The effect of Ganshuang granule combined with antiviral drugs in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B complicated with non-alcoholic fatty liver is significantly better than that of antiviral drugs alone, which is worthy of clinical recommendation.

Systematic Review Registration:https://register.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT05523648.
Bayesian inference of real-time dynamics from lattice QCD
Authors: Rothkopf Alexander
Published: December 2022

The computation of dynamical properties of nuclear matter, ranging from parton distribution functions of nucleons and nuclei to transport properties in the quark-gluon plasma, constitutes a central goal of modern theoretical physics. This real-time physics often defies a perturbative treatment and the most successful strategy so far is to deploy lattice QCD simulations. These numerical computations are based on Monte-Carlo sampling and formulated in an artificial Euclidean time. Real-time physics is most conveniently formulated in terms of spectral functions, which are hidden in lattice QCD behind an ill-posed inverse problem. I will discuss state-of-the art methods in the extraction of spectral functions from lattice QCD simulations, based on Bayesian inference and emphasize the importance of prior domain knowledge, vital to regularizing the otherwise ill-posed extraction task. With Bayesian inference allowing us to make explicit the uncertainty in both observations and in our prior knowledge, a systematic estimation of the total uncertainties in the extracted spectral functions is nowadays possible. Two implementations of the Bayesian Reconstruction (BR) method for spectral function extraction, one for MAP point estimates and one based on an open access Monte-Carlo sampler are provided. I will briefly touch on the use of machine learning for spectral function reconstruction and discuss some new insight it has brought to the Bayesian community.
Electronic properties of topological rough nanowires for thermoelectrical performance
Authors: Estrada J. , Díaz E. , Domínguez-Adame F.
Published: December 2022

We study the electronic states in topological nanowires of narrow-gap semiconductors, such as PbTe or SnTe, with rough surfaces, using a continuous two-band model. We calculate the subband structure and identify topological conducting states located at the surface of the nanowire. In addition, a novel approach to study a nanowire with rough surface demonstrates that the topological surface states are mostly confined in the widest areas of the nanowire. This effect leads to a flattening of the subbands, thus raising the effective mass of carriers. Finally, we analyze the thermoelectric properties of the topological nanowires. The reduction of the radius causes a noticeable enhancement of the thermoelectric efficiency due surface phonon scattering, as expected. However, we also observe that the appearance of topological surface states can play a detrimental role, reducing the thermoelectric efficiency. We conclude that, in addition to nanostructuring, the modulation of the radius of the nanowires, which partially suppress the conduction of the surface states, may be a potential strategy to improve the thermoelectric response of narrow-gap semiconductor nanowires.
Hilbert solution, iterative algorithms, convergence theoretical results, and error bound for the fractional Langevin model arising in fluids with Caputo’s independent derivative
Authors: Aal Mohammad Abdel , Arqub Omar Abu , Maayah Banan
Published: December 2022

Studying and analyzing the random motion of a particle immersed in a liquid represented in the Langevin fractional model by Caputo’s independent derivative is one of the aims of applied physics. In this article, we will attend to a new, accurate, and comprehensive numerical solution to the aforementioned model using the reproducing kernel Hilbert approach. Basically, numerical and exact solutions of the fractional Langevin model are represented using an infinite/finite sum, simultaneously, in the Σ2Ξ space. The proof has been sketched for many mathematical theorems such as independence, convergence, error behavior, and completeness of the solution. A sufficient set of tabular results and two-dimensional graphs are shown, and absolute/relative error graphs that express the dynamic behavior of the fractional parameters α,β are utilized as well. From an analytical and practical point of view, we noticed that the simulation process and the iterative approach are appropriate, easy, and highly efficient tools for solving the studied model. In conclusion, what we have carried out is presented with a set of recommendations and an outlook on the most important literature used.
The use of non-linear tools to analyze the variability of force production as an index of fatigue: A systematic review
Authors: García-Aguilar Fernando , Caballero Carla , Sabido Rafael , Moreno Francisco J.
Published: December 2022

Background: Fatigue is a process that results in a decreased ability to produce force, and which could eventually affect performance and increase the risk of injury. Force variability analysis has been proposed to describe the level of fatigue with the purpose of detecting the development of fatigue. Variability is credited to play a functional and adaptive role through which the components of a system self-organize to solve a motor problem. Non-linear tools have been applied to analyze the variability of physiological signals, revealing that the structure of motor fluctuations provides relevant information about the functional role of variability. It has been suggested that the presence of lower complexity in the variability structure could reveal a less functional and adaptative state (e.g., ageing or illness). In the last years, an increased number of studies have applied these techniques to force variability analysis in relation to fatigue.

Objective: To provide an overview of the current knowledge on the use of non-linear tools on force variability as a fatigue index.

Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed was carried out. Studies included were: a) original studies that analyzed the effect of fatigue on humans during an action focused on force production; b) published studies with their title and abstract in English; c) studies that applied non-linear tools on a signal directly related to force production.

Results: Twenty-five studies were included in this review. The relationship between fatigue and the complexity of force variability, the type of action and relative intensity, the nature of the signal and the non-linear tools used, and the methods of data acquisition and processing were identified.

Conclusion: The articles reviewed suggest that fatigue leads to a decrease in complexity mostly in isometric contractions, but this is not as clear in dynamic contractions. This fatigue-induced loss of complexity seems to be a result of changes in the nervous system at the central level, albeit triggered by peripheral mechanisms. It should be noted that non-linear tools are affected by the relative intensity of contraction, non-stationarity, and the acquisition and treatment of the signal.
Protein-protein interactions in plant antioxidant defense
Authors: Melicher Pavol , Dvořák Petr , Šamaj Jozef , Takáč Tomáš
Published: December 2022

The regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in plants is ensured by mechanisms preventing their over accumulation, and by diverse antioxidants, including enzymes and nonenzymatic compounds. These are affected by redox conditions, posttranslational modifications, transcriptional and posttranscriptional modifications, Ca2+, nitric oxide (NO) and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. Recent knowledge about protein-protein interactions (PPIs) of antioxidant enzymes advanced during last decade. The best-known examples are interactions mediated by redox buffering proteins such as thioredoxins and glutaredoxins. This review summarizes interactions of major antioxidant enzymes with regulatory and signaling proteins and their diverse functions. Such interactions are important for stability, degradation and activation of interacting partners. Moreover, PPIs of antioxidant enzymes may connect diverse metabolic processes with ROS scavenging. Proteins like receptor for activated C kinase 1 may ensure coordination of antioxidant enzymes to ensure efficient ROS regulation. Nevertheless, PPIs in antioxidant defense are understudied, and intensive research is required to define their role in complex regulation of ROS scavenging.
Autofluorescence-based high-throughput isolation of nonbleaching Cyanidioschyzon merolae strains under nitrogen-depletion
Authors: Takeue Nozomi , Kuroyama Ayaka , Hayashi Yoshiharu , Tanaka Kan , Imamura Sousuke
Published: December 2022

Photosynthetic organisms maintain optimum levels of photosynthetic pigments in response to environmental changes to adapt to the conditions. The identification of cyanobacteria strains that alleviate bleaching has revealed genes that regulate levels of phycobilisome, the main light-harvesting complex. In contrast, the mechanisms of pigment degradation in algae remain unclear, as no nonbleaching strains have previously been isolated. To address this issue, this study attempted to isolate nonbleaching strains of the unicellular red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae after exposure to nitrogen (N)-depletion based on autofluorescence information. After four weeks under N-depletion, 13 cells from 500,000 cells with almost identical pre- and post-depletion chlorophyll a (Chl a) and/or phycocyanin autofluorescence intensities were identified. These nonbleaching candidate strains were sorted via a cell sorter, isolated on solid medium, and their post-N-depletion Chl a and phycocyanin levels were analyzed. Chl a levels of these nonbleaching candidate strains were lower at 1–4 weeks of N-depletion similar to the control strains, however, their phycocyanin levels were unchanged. Thus, we successfully isolated nonbleaching C. merolae strains in which phycocyanin was not degraded under N-depletion, via autofluorescence spectroscopy and cell sorting. This versatile method will help to elucidate the mechanisms regulating pigments in microalgae.
Identification of novel canonical strigolactones produced by tomato
Authors: Wakabayashi Takatoshi , Moriyama Daisuke , Miyamoto Ayumi , Okamura Hironori , Shiotani Nanami , Shimizu Nobuhiro , Mizutani Masaharu , Takikawa Hirosato , Sugimoto Yukihiro
Published: December 2022

Canonical strigolactones (SLs), such as orobanchol, consist of a tricyclic lactone ring (ABC-ring) connected to a methylbutenolide (D-ring). Tomato plants have been reported to produce not only orobanchol but also various canonical SLs related to the orobanchol structure, including orobanchyl acetate, 7-hydroxyorobanchol isomers, 7-oxoorobanchol, and solanacol. In addition to these, structurally unidentified SL-like compounds known as didehydroorobanchol isomers (DDHs), whose molecular mass is 2 Da smaller than that of orobanchol, have been found. Although the SL biosynthetic pathway in tomato is partially characterized, structural elucidation of DDHs is required for a better understanding of the entire biosynthetic pathway. In this study, three novel canonical SLs with the same molecular mass as DDHs were identified in tomato root exudates. The first was 6,7-didehydroorobanchol, while the other two were not in the DDH category. These two SLs were designated phelipanchol and epiphelipanchol because they induced the germination of Phelipanche ramosa, a noxious root parasitic weed of tomato. We also proposed a putative biosynthetic pathway incorporating these novel SLs from orobanchol to solanacol.
The power of transfer learning in agricultural applications: AgriNet
Authors: Al Sahili Zahraa , Awad Mariette
Published: December 2022

Advances in deep learning and transfer learning have paved the way for various automation classification tasks in agriculture, including plant diseases, pests, weeds, and plant species detection. However, agriculture automation still faces various challenges, such as the limited size of datasets and the absence of plant-domain-specific pretrained models. Domain specific pretrained models have shown state of art performance in various computer vision tasks including face recognition and medical imaging diagnosis. In this paper, we propose AgriNet dataset, a collection of 160k agricultural images from more than 19 geographical locations, several images captioning devices, and more than 423 classes of plant species and diseases. We also introduce AgriNet models, a set of pretrained models on five ImageNet architectures: VGG16, VGG19, Inception-v3, InceptionResNet-v2, and Xception. AgriNet-VGG19 achieved the highest classification accuracy of 94% and the highest F1-score of 92%. Additionally, all proposed models were found to accurately classify the 423 classes of plant species, diseases, pests, and weeds with a minimum accuracy of 87% for the Inception-v3 model. Finally, experiments to evaluate of superiority of AgriNet models compared to ImageNet models were conducted on two external datasets: pest and plant diseases dataset from Bangladesh and a plant diseases dataset from Kashmir.
Case report: Amisulpride therapy induced reversible elevation of creatine kinase-MB and bradycardia in schizophrenia
Authors: Hu Ze-Rui , Yang Zhen-Zhen , Wang Xu-Bo , Chu Hong-Shuo , Liu Chuan-Xin
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Schizophrenia is regarded as one of the most severe, disabling, and costly mental illnesses. Hence, early effective prevention and treatment are critical to the prognosis of patients. Amisulpride, a first-line atypical antipsychotic medication that acts as a blocker of the D2 and D3 dopamine receptors, is used in varying doses for the treatment of both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Reversible amisulpride-induced elevation of the myocardial enzyme spectrum with bradycardia is a rare condition.

Case presentation

We report a 26-year-old patient diagnosed with first-episode schizophrenia. This patient was treated with amisulpride (400 mg/d), but no clinical benefits were obtained. Meanwhile, amisulpride caused elevation of the myocardial enzyme spectrum with asymptomatic bradycardia. After stopping the medication, these parameters normalized.

Conclusion

We described a rare side reaction of amisulpride. Psychiatrists should take this side effect seriously in the clinical setting. The mechanism of this adverse reaction warrants further investigation and debate. When this side effect occurs during treatment, reducing the dosage of amisulpride and subsequently discontinuing medication, along with monitoring the electrocardiogram and serum myocardial enzymes, may be the most appropriate treatment protocol.
Social participation and mental health of immunocompromised individuals before and after COVID-19 vaccination–Results of a longitudinal observational study over three time points
Authors: Heesen Gloria , Heinemann Stephanie , Müller Frank , Dopfer-Jablonka Alexandra , Mikuteit Marie , Niewolik Jacqueline , Klawonn Frank , Vahldiek Kai , Hummers Eva , Schröder Dominik
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacted how people perform their daily lives in manifold and sometimes massive ways. Particularly, individuals who are at high risk for a severe disease progression, like immunocompromised people, may have experienced drastic changes in social participation during the pandemic. A COVID-19 basic vaccination may have changed the safety behavior of immunocompromised individuals in terms of infection risk and thereby influence social participation and mental wellbeing.

Methods

This study aims to investigate self-perceived social participation at baseline before and at follow-up 1 and 6 months after basic vaccination. Beginning in March 2021, 274 immunocompromised persons 18 years or older were enrolled in the COVID-19 Contact Immune study (CoCo study) in Lower Saxony, Germany. Measurements were performed at three time points regarding social participation [Index for the Assessment of Health Impairments (IMET)], mental health [Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4)], subjective health status (five-point Likert-scale) and quality of life (five-point Likert-scale).

Results

In total, 126 participants were included in the final analysis. About 60% of the participants showed increasing social participation over time. The greatest increase in social participation was observed within the first month after basic vaccination (p < 0.001). During the following 5 months, social participation remained stable. The domains “social activities,” “recreation and leisure” and “close personal relationships” were responsible for the overall change in social participation. No association was found between social participation and mental health, sociodemographic or medical factors (except hypertension).

Discussion

It is unclear why social participation increased after basic vaccination. Perceived vaccine efficacy and a feeling of being protected by the vaccine may have caused relaxed social distancing behaviors. Reducing safety behaviors may, however, increase the risk of a COVID-19 infection for immunocompromised individuals. Further investigations are needed to explore the health-related consequences of more social participation among immunocompromised persons.
Regional surveillance of medically-attended farm-related injuries in children and adolescents
Authors: VanWormer Jeffrey J. , Berg Richard L. , Burke Richard R. , Barnes Kathrine L. , Weichelt Bryan P.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Due to numerous environmental hazards such as heavy machinery and large livestock, youth who live and work on farms are at high risk of injury, disability, and death. This study described a regional surveillance system for monitoring farm-related injuries in children and adolescents. As the risk of farm-related injuries are not exclusive to farm residents, trends in farm-related injuries over the previous 5 years were reported and compared between children/adolescents who did and did not live on farms in north-central Wisconsin.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of child and adolescent patients of the Marshfield Clinic Health System was assembled. Incident farm-related injuries, including from agricultural work or other activities in a farm environment, were extracted from medical records from 2017 through 2021. Generalized linear models were created to compare age- and sex-adjusted farm-related injury rates by year.

Results

There were 4,730 (5%) in-farm and 93,420 (95%) out-farm children and adolescents in the cohort. There were 65 incident farm-related injury cases in the in-farm group and 412 in the out-farm group. The annual incidence rate of farm-related injuries was higher in the in-farm group, but changes during the 5-year timeframe were not significant in either group. In the in-farm group, rates ranged from a high of 61.8 [95% confidence interval (CI): 38.3, 94.5] incident farm-related injuries per 10,000 children/adolescents in 2017 to a low of 28.2 (13.5, 51.9) injuries per 10,000 children/adolescents in 2018. In the out-farm group, rates ranged from 10.7 (8.3, 13.6) to 16.8 (13.7, 20.5) incident farm-related injuries per 10,000 children/adolescents per year between 2017 and 2021. The in-farm group had a higher proportion of injured males and heavy machinery injuries, while the out-farm group had more all-terrain vehicle injuries and pesticide poisonings.

Conclusion

Farm residency remains hazardous for children and adolescents, as injury rates were three times higher in the in-farm group and remained stable over 5 years. All-terrain vehicle injuries were high in both groups, and should be a priority in rural safety interventions. With additional adaptations to other states, this surveillance model could be scaled across other healthcare systems.
SARS-CoV-2 infections among asymptomatic individuals contributed to COVID-19 cases: A cross-sectional study among prospective air travelers from Ghana
Authors: Akowuah Kwasi A. , Akuffo Richard A. , Boateng Anthony T. , Asigbee Theodore W. , Bonney Joseph H. K. , Lamptey Helena , Adusei-Poku Mildred A. , Obodai Evangeline , Asante Ivy A. , Adjei Samuel , Aboagye James O. , Adu-Amankwah Susan , Partey Frederica D. , Kyei George B. , Ampofo William K. , Odoom John K. , Bonney Evelyn Y.
Published: December 2022

Background

The spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by asymptomatic individuals has been reported since the early stages of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in various parts of the world. However, there are limited data regarding SARS-CoV-2 among asymptomatic individuals in Ghana. The aim of the study was to use test data of prospective travelers from Ghana as a proxy to estimate the contribution of asymptomatic cases to the spread of COVID-19.

Methods

The study analyzed the SARS-CoV-2 PCR test data of clients whose purpose for testing was classified as “Travel” at the COVID-19 walk-in test center of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) from July 2020 to July 2021. These individuals requesting tests for travel generally had no clinical symptoms of COVID-19 at the time of testing. Data were processed and analyzed using Microsoft Excel office 16 and STATA version 16. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data on test and demographic characteristics.

Results

Out of 42,997 samples tested at the center within that period, 28,384 (66.0%) were classified as “Travel” tests. Of these, 1,900 (6.7%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The majority (64.8%) of the “Travel” tests were requested by men. The men recorded a SARS-CoV-2 positivity of 6.9% compared to the 6.4% observed among women. Test requests for SARS-CoV-2 were received from all regions of Ghana, with a majority (83.3%) received from the Greater Accra Region. Although the Eastern region recorded the highest SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate of 8.35%, the Greater Accra region contributed 81% to the total number of SARS-CoV-2 positive cases detected within the period of study.

Conclusion

Our study found substantial SARS-CoV-2 positivity among asymptomatic individuals who, without the requirement for a negative SARS-CoV-2 result for travel, would have no reason to test. These asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals could have traveled to other countries and unintentionally spread the virus. Our findings call for enhanced tracing and testing of asymptomatic contacts of individuals who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.
Development of three new multidimensional measures to assess household food insecurity resilience in the United States
Authors: Calloway Eric E. , Carpenter Leah R. , Gargano Tony , Sharp Julia L. , Yaroch Amy L.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

This study aimed to develop and test novel self-administered measures (Absorptive capacity, Adaptive capacity, and Transformative capacity) of three aspects of a household's resilience to financial shocks (e.g., job loss) that can increase food insecurity risk.

Methods

Measures were piloted in a convenience sample of households at risk for food insecurity in the United States. The survey included the new measures, validation variables (financial shock, household food security, general health, personal resilience to challenges, and financial wellbeing), and demographic questions. Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess dimensionality, internal consistency was assessed [Cronbach's alpha (CA)], and construct validity was assessed (Spearman's correlation). Also, brief screener versions of the full measures were created.

Results

Participants in the analytic samples (n = 220-394) averaged 44 years old, 67% experienced food insecurity, 47% had a high school diploma or less, 72% were women, and the sample was racially/ethnically diverse. Scores for Absorptive capacity [one factor; CA = 0.70; Mean = 1.32 (SD = 0.54)], Adaptive capacity [three factors; CAs 0.83-0.90; Mean = 2.63 (SD = 0.85)], and Transformative capacity [three factors; CAs 0.87-0.95; Mean = 2.70 (SD = 1.10)] were negatively associated with financial shocks (−0.221 to −0.307) and positively associated with food insecurity (0.310-0.550) general health (0.255-0.320), personal resilience (0.231-0.384), and financial wellbeing (0.401-0.474).

Discussion

These findings are encouraging and support reliability and validity of these new measures within this sample. Following further testing, such as Confirmatory Factor Analysis in future samples, these measures may prove useful for needs assessments, program evaluation, intake screening, and research/surveillance. Widespread adoption in the future may promote a more comprehensive understanding of the food insecurity experience and facilitate development of tailored interventions on upstream causes of food insecurity.
Evolution of spatial and temporal patterns of railway container transportation: A case study of China cities
Authors: Bai Zhizhen , Kuang Haibo , Yang Jun , Li Haijiang
Published: December 2022

The healthy development of railway container transport is an important part of railway freight transport and is key for promoting the green transformation of China's transport and supporting a new pattern of transport development. In this study, railway container handling station (RCHS) data, kernel density analysis, standard deviation ellipse, Herfindahl–Hirschman index (HHI), trend surface analysis (TSA), and R index were applied to examine the evolution characteristics of container transport patterns after the market-oriented reform of China's railway freight transport in 2013. The results are as follows: First, the overall scale growth trend is obvious, and the double-center effect of transport scale on the Bohai Rim region and Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Zone is evident, with the transport center of gravity moving northward. Second, the amount of attraction/occurrence is consistent in spatial distribution, and the aggregation effect of both is similar, essentially exhibiting a tendency of being high in the northwest and low in the southeast. Third, the pattern of “export-oriented in the north and import-oriented in the south” has taken shape; nearly half of cities in China have stable traffic functions, stable traffic supply, and demand relationships, and the change of functions shows that the industrial structure is constantly upgrading. This study elucidates the pattern of railway container transport in cities in China and provides empirical guidance for adjusting the functions of urban freight transport, thereby promoting the healthy development of urban freight transport and optimizing urban transport planning.
Improving the effectiveness of anti-aging modalities by using the constrained disorder principle-based management algorithms
Authors: Hurvitz Noa , Elkhateeb Narmine , Sigawi Tal , Rinsky-Halivni Lilah , Ilan Yaron
Published: December 2022

Aging is a complex biological process with multifactorial nature underlined by genetic, environmental, and social factors. In the present paper, we review several mechanisms of aging and the pre-clinically and clinically studied anti-aging therapies. Variability characterizes biological processes from the genome to cellular organelles, biochemical processes, and whole organs’ function. Aging is associated with alterations in the degrees of variability and complexity of systems. The constrained disorder principle defines living organisms based on their inherent disorder within arbitrary boundaries and defines aging as having a lower variability or moving outside the boundaries of variability. We focus on associations between variability and hallmarks of aging and discuss the roles of disorder and variability of systems in the pathogenesis of aging. The paper presents the concept of implementing the constrained disease principle-based second-generation artificial intelligence systems for improving anti-aging modalities. The platform uses constrained noise to enhance systems’ efficiency and slow the aging process. Described is the potential use of second-generation artificial intelligence systems in patients with chronic disease and its implications for the aged population.
Politics of hesitance and the formation of ethical subjects through responsible gambling practices
Authors: Selin Jani
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Instead of harm prevention and risk related to gambling products, responsible gambling discourse emphasizes the importance of voluntary measures. From the point of view of governmentality, the responsible gambling practices produce, rely on, and call forth subjectivities. The aim of the study is to find out what kind of subjects are being produced through the responsible gambling practices of four Nordic state-owned gambling companies. As the companies are state-owned and operate on different types of markets, there are reasons to suspect that the companies could endorse different versions of the figure of responsible gambler. Previous research indicates that responsible gambling practices typically presuppose or aim to produce a self-governing subject making informed choices. Less attention has been given to detailed analyses of the heterogeneous factors contributing to the ethical subject formation. Moreover, there is a growing body of literature indicating, that along with the use of detailed behavioral data (big data), new forms of governmentality, that are highly relevant from the point of view of subject formation, are emerging.

Methods

The responsible gambling practices are analyzed along Michel Foucault's four aspects of ethics. First, there is ethical substance, the problematic aspect of the self that is taken as the target of the ethical work. Second, the subject needs to have a certain relation to social norms and moral codes. Third, ethical work is needed to mold the problematic aspect of the self. Fourth, the aim of the ethical work is a certain mode of being or relationship to oneself. The analyzed material consists of the annual reports of the companies between 2019 and 2021.

Results and discussion

The results show that the figure of subject making informed voluntary choices is deeply embedded in the responsible gambling practices of the companies. The companies entice the gamblers to think about themselves and to act upon themselves as subjects capable of self-control. Hesitancy to intervene characterizes the activities of the companies, even if all the companies collect and use detailed behavioral data. The inclusion of the precarious subject of gambling harm would allow the companies to do much more to prevent gambling harm.
Ionospheric response modeling under eclipse conditions: Evaluation of 14 December 2020, total solar eclipse prediction over the South American sector
Authors: Bravo M. A. , Molina M. G. , Martínez-Ledesma M. , de Haro Barbás B. , Urra B. , Elías A. , Souza J. , Villalobos C. , Namour J. H. , Ovalle E. , Venchiarutti J. V. , Blunier S. , Valdés-Abreu J. C. , Guillermo E. , Rojo E. , de Pasquale L. , Carrasco E. , Leiva R. , Castillo Rivera C. , Foppiano A. , Milla M. , Muñoz P. R. , Stepanova M. , Valdivia J. A. , Cabrera M.
Published: December 2022

In this work, we evaluate the SUPIM-INPE model prediction of the 14 December 2020, total solar eclipse over the South American continent. We compare the predictions with data from multiple instruments for monitoring the ionosphere and with different obscuration percentages (i.e., Jicamarca, 12.0°S, 76.8°W, 17%; Tucumán 26.9°S, 65.4° W, 49%; Chillán 36.6°S, 72.0°W; and Bahía Blanca, 38.7°S, 62.3°W, reach 95% obscuration) due to the eclipse. The analysis is done under total eclipse conditions and non-total eclipse conditions. Results obtained suggest that the model was able to reproduce with high accuracy both the daily variation and the eclipse impacts of E and F1 layers in the majority of the stations evaluated (except in Jicamarca station). The comparison at the F2 layer indicates small differences (<7.8%) between the predictions and observations at all stations during the eclipse periods. Additionally, statistical metrics reinforce the conclusion of a good performance of the model. Predicted and calibrated Total Electron Content (TEC, using 3 different techniques) are also compared. Results show that, although none of the selected TEC calibration methods have a good agreement with the SUPIM-INPE prediction, they exhibit similar trends in most of the cases. We also analyze data from the Jicamarca Incoherent Scatter Radar (ISR), and Swarm-A and GOLD missions. The electron temperature changes observed in ISR and Swarm-A are underestimated by the prediction. Also, important changes in the O/N2 ratio due to the eclipse, have been observed with GOLD mission data. Thus, future versions of the SUPIM-INPE model for eclipse conditions should consider effects on thermospheric winds and changes in composition, specifically in the O/N2 ratio.
The Lompe code: A Python toolbox for ionospheric data analysis
Authors: Hovland A. Ø. , Laundal K. M. , Reistad J. P. , Hatch S. M. , Walker S. J. , Madelaire M. , Ohma A.
Published: December 2022

A recent paper by Laundal et al. (2022c) presented a new technique to combine all available measurements of polar ionospheric electrodynamics; magnetic field measurements from ground and space, ionospheric convection data from radars and satellites, and conductance measurements; to a full 2D map within analysis regions of arbitrary resolution and extent. The technique, called Local Mapping of Polar Ionospheric Electrodynamics (Lompe), is implemented in Python (Laundal et al., 2022a). The Lompe technique combines spherical elementary current system analysis, finite element analysis on a cubed-sphere projection, the use of empirical models like the International Geomagnetic Reference Field, and visualization tools. In this paper, we go through these different components of the Lompe code and show how they are useful on their own, for example in the analysis of ground magnetometer data or data from the upcoming Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer mission. We also demonstrate how to use the Lompe code to produce a coherent picture of ionospheric electrodynamics.
Parthenolide induces rapid thiol oxidation that leads to ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: LoBianco Francesca V. , Krager Kimberly J. , Johnson Erica , Godwin Christopher O. , Allen Antino R. , Crooks Peter A. , Compadre Cesar M. , Borrelli Michael J. , Aykin-Burns Nukhet
Published: December 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is both a devastating and common disease. Every year in the United States, about 24,500 men and 10,000 women are diagnosed with HCC, and more than half of those diagnosed patients die from this disease. Thus far, conventional therapeutics have not been successful for patients with HCC due to various underlying comorbidities. Poor survival rate and high incidence of recurrence after therapy indicate that the differences between the redox environments of normal surrounding liver and HCC are valuable targets to improve treatment efficacy. Parthenolide (PTL) is a naturally found therapeutic with anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. PTL can alter HCC’s antioxidant environment through thiol modifications leaving tumor cells sensitive to elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS). Investigating the link between altered thiol mechanism and increased sensitivity to iron-mediated lipid peroxidation will allow for improved treatment of HCC. HepG2 (human) and McARH7777 (rat) HCC cells treated with PTL with increasing concentrations decrease cell viability and clonogenic efficiency in vitro. PTL increases glutathione (GSH) oxidation rescued by the addition of a GSH precursor, N-acetylcysteine (NAC). In addition, this elevation in thiol oxidation results in an overall increase in mitochondrial dysfunction. To elucidate if cell death is through lipid peroxidation, using a lipid peroxidation sensor indicated PTL increases lipid oxidation levels after 6 h. Additionally, western blotting reveals glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) protein levels decrease after treatment with PTL suggesting cells are incapable of preventing lipid peroxidation after exposure to PTL. An elevation in lipid peroxidation will lead to a form of cell death known as ferroptosis. To further establish ferroptosis as a critical mechanism of death for HCC in vitro, the addition of ferrostatin-1 combined with PTL demonstrates a partial recovery in a colony survival assay. This study reveals that PTL can induce tumor cell death through elevations in intracellular oxidation, leaving cells sensitive to ferroptosis.
L-arginine alters myogenic genes expression but does not affect breast muscle characteristics by in ovo feeding technique in slow-growing chickens
Authors: Lu Panpan , Morawong Thanidtha , Molee Amonrat , Molee Wittawat
Published: December 2022

In ovo feeding (IOF) of nutrients is a viable method for increasing muscle mass through hyperplasia and hypertrophy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of IOF of L-arginine (Arg) on breast muscle weight, muscle morphology, amino acid profile, and gene expression of muscle development in slow-growing chickens. Four hundred eighty fertilized eggs were randomly divided into two groups: the first group was the non-injected control group, and the second group was the Arg group, injected with 1% Arg (0.5 mL) into the amnion on day 18 of incubation. After hatching, 160 birds from each group were randomly divided into four replicates of 40 birds each. This experiment lasted for 63 days. The results showed that IOF of Arg did not affect (P > 0.05) breast muscle weight, muscle morphology, and mRNA expression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in slow-growing chickens. However, the amino acid profile of breast muscle was altered (P < 0.05) on the day of hatching (DOH), day 21 (D21), and day 42 (D42) post-hatch, respectively. Myogenic factor 5 (Myf5) mRNA expression was upregulated (P < 0.05) on D21 post-hatch. Myogenic regulator 4 (MRF4) mRNA expression was increased (P < 0.05) on DOH. And myogenin (MyoG) was increased (P < 0.05) on DOH and D21 post-hatch, in the Arg group compared to the control group. Overall, IOF of 1% Arg improved the expression of myogenic genes but did not influence muscle morphology and BMW. These results indicate that in ovo Arg dosage (0.5 mL/egg) has no adverse effect on breast muscle development of slow-growing chickens.
Exploiting animal personality to reduce chronic stress in captive fish populations
Authors: Prentice Pamela M. , Houslay Thomas M. , Wilson Alastair J.
Published: December 2022

Chronic stress is a major source of welfare problems in many captive populations, including fishes. While we have long known that chronic stress effects arise from maladaptive expression of acute stress response pathways, predicting where and when problems will arise is difficult. Here we highlight how insights from animal personality research could be useful in this regard. Since behavior is the first line of organismal defense when challenged by a stressor, assays of shy-bold type personality variation can provide information about individual stress response that is expected to predict susceptibility to chronic stress. Moreover, recent demonstrations that among-individual differences in stress-related physiology and behaviors are underpinned by genetic factors means that selection on behavioral biomarkers could offer a route to genetic improvement of welfare outcomes in captive fish stocks. Here we review the evidence in support of this proposition, identify remaining empirical gaps in our understanding, and set out appropriate criteria to guide development of biomarkers. The article is largely prospective: fundamental research into fish personality shows how behavioral biomarkerscouldbe used to achieve welfare gains in captive fish populations. However, translating potential to actual gains will require an interdisciplinary approach that integrates the expertise and viewpoints of researchers working across animal behavior, genetics, and welfare science.
Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment of European Catfish (Silurus glanis) Flesh
Authors: Simeanu Cristina , Măgdici Emanuel , Păsărin Benone , Avarvarei Bogdan-Vlad , Simeanu Daniel
Published: December 2022

Quantitative and qualitative flesh production in the Silurus glanis species was comparatively studied between two fish groups: one from aquaculture (AG) and the other from a natural environment, the Prut River (RG). Morphometry was carried out on the fish, and then biometric and conformational indices were calculated. Better values were found in the aquaculture catfish. The Fulton coefficient was 0.82 in the Prut River fish and 0.91% in the farmed ones. The fleshy index reached 19.58% in the AG fish and 20.79% in the RG fish, suggesting better productive capabilities in the AG fish. Postslaughter, the flesh yield and its quality were assessed at different moments throughout the refrigeration period (0–15 days), and chemical compound loss occurred. In the AG samples, the water content decreased by 8.87%, proteins by 27.66%, and lipids by 29.58%. For the RG samples, the loss reached 8.59% in water, 25.16% in proteins, and 29%in lipids. By studying the fatty acids profile and sanogenic indices, good levels of PUFA (31–35%) were found, and the atherogenic index reached 0.35–0.41 while the thrombogenic index ranged between 0.22 and 0.27. Consequently, it can be stated that fish origin and especially the refrigeration period influence the flesh proximate composition and nutritional value of European catfish.
Enzymatic Activity of Soil after Applying Mineral Fertilizers and Waste Lignite to Maize Grown for Silage
Authors: Symanowicz Barbara , Toczko Rafał , Toczko Martyna
Published: December 2022

This paper examines the effect of mineral fertilizers and waste lignite, the latter applied to the preceding crop, on the enzymatic activity of soil. The research was conducted between 2014 and 2016 at the Agricultural Experimental Station of the Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities in Zawady (Poland). The following treatment combinations were involved: 1—control; 2—NPKMgS; 3—NPKMgS + 20 N; 4—NPKMgS + 40 N; 5—NPKMgS + 60 N. Three varieties of maize grown for silage constituted the second research factor. Mineral fertilizers were applied at the following doses (pre-sowing): N-100, P-35, K-125, Mg-12 and S-14 kg ha−1. Nitrogen was additionally applied as top dressing with 3, 4, and 5 treatment combinations at 20, 40, and 60 kg ha−1. Waste lignite was applied to the preceding crop on two plots (3 and 4), in 1 and 5 t ha−1 doses. In the subsequent years, the significantly highest content of soil organic carbon was recorded on the NPKMgS + 60 N plot (1.12%; 0.98% and 1.16%). With 49.25 and 51.95 mg NH4-N h–1 kg–1 DM, urease activity in the soil treated with NPKMgS + 20 N and NPKMgS + 40 N was 56.95% and 65.55% higher than in the control plot soil. Throughout the experimental years, acid phosphatase activity did not vary much and amounted to 3.51–3.53 mmol PNP h–1 kg–1 DM. Mineral fertilizers significantly increased the activity of alkaline phosphatase and dehydrogenases in relation to the control. To ensure the high enzymatic activity of the soil and a high biochemical index of soil fertility, pre-sowing fertilizers at the level of 100 kg N, 35 kg P, 125 kg K, 12 kg Mg, and 14 kg S per hectare and top dressing of 20 kg N or 40 kg N per hectare are recommended. At the same time, it is advisable to use 1 t ha–1 or 5 t ha–1 of waste lignite of low energy value on the preceding crop.