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Significant trends in the vehicle industry are autonomous driving, micromobility, electrification and the increased use of shared mobility solutions. These new vehicle automation and mobility classes lead to a larger number of occupant positions, interiors and load directions. As safety systems interact with and protect occupants, it is essential to place the human, with its variability and vulnerability, at the center of the design and operation of these systems. Digital human body models (HBMs) can help meet these requirements and are therefore increasingly being integrated into the development of new vehicle models. This contribution provides an overview of current HBMs and their applications in vehicle safety in different driving modes. The authors briefly introduce the underlying mathematical methods and present a selection of HBMs to the reader. An overview table with guideline values for simulation times, common applications and available variants of the models is provided. To provide insight into the broad application of HBMs, the authors present three case studies in the field of vehicle safety: (i) in‐crash finite element simulations and injuries of riders on a motorcycle; (ii) scenario‐based assessment of the active pre‐crash behavior of occupants with the Madymo multibody HBM; (iii) prediction of human behavior in a take‐over scenario using the EMMA model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential benefits of an extract obtained from seeds/fruits of an Oleaceae (Fraxinus excelsior L.) on glucose homeostasis and associated [...]

From January 2020 to early 2022, for the first time, several Greater Spotted Eagles were recorded wintering in Xinjiang between the Tien Shan and Kunlun mountains.

The outbreak of the COVID-19, which lasted more than two years, negatively impacted humanity at large. In the post-pandemic era, some people began to analyze the so-called “anthropopause”, which seems to be perceived as a good thing for wildlife that brings it vitality. In fact, many animals are at a loss because of quarantine measures, especially those scavengers who rely on human-produced garbage to survive. More corpses are recycled, buried, or burned, making the environment cleaner. Moreover, people have entered an era of low consumption, trapped at home and facing production stagnation, some consumption is almost at zero. Here, we analyze 253 cases of vultures rescued from the wild in at least 25 provinces (74% of the provinces in China) during 2010–2021. In this period more than half of the rescue cases were caused by hunger, as vultures are facing unexpected difficulties. Four vulture species have been affected by a sudden decrease in food availability caused by restricted human activity following Covid-19 pandemic.

Background: Epidemiological studies indicate there is low incidence of colon cancer in the South Pacific islands, including Fiji, West Samoa, and Vanuatu. Cancer incidence has been shown to be inversely associated with kava (Piper methysticum G. Forst.) ingestion. Hypothesis/Purpose: Kava prepared traditionally will inhibit the growth of human cancer cells. This investigation entails preparation and analysis of kava extracts and study of the growth inhibitory activity of the extracts, alone and combined with hibiscus.Study Design: We will prepare kava as in Micronesia - as a water extract, high in particulate content, alone or combined with sea hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus L.) - and examine the components and growth inhibitory activity.Methods: We obtained ground kava prepared in the traditional way from lateral roots and sea hibiscus mucilage and sap from different sources in Micronesia, and prepared water extracts (unfiltered, as well as filtered, since in traditional use the kava beverage contains a high particulate content) and partitions. We used the MTT assay to determine the growth inhibitory activity of the preparations on colon and breast cancer cells and nonmalignant intestinal epithelial cells. LC-MS analysis was used to examine the components of the kava and sea hibiscus extracts and partitions.Results: Traditional preparations of kava inhibit the growth of breast and colon cancer cells. Among the kava preparations, the order of decreasing activity was Fiji(2), Fiji(1), Hawaii; the unfiltered preparations from Fiji were more active than the filtered. Phytochemical analysis indicated that filtering reduced most kavalactone and chalcone content. For example, for Fiji(2), the ratio of dihydromethysticin in filtered/unfiltered kava was 0.01. Thus, for the extracts from Fiji, growth inhibitory activity correlates with the content of these compounds. Unfiltered and filtered kava from Fiji(1) were more active on malignant than nonmalignant intestinal epithelial cells. Since kava is prepared in Micronesia by squeezing the extract through sea hibiscus bark, we assayed the growth inhibitory activity of combinations of kava and sea hibiscus sap and found that sea hibiscus enhanced the growth inhibitory effect of kava.Conclusion: Our results show that traditional kava, alone or combined with sea hibiscus, displays activity against human cancer cells and indicate it will be worthwhile to develop and further analyze these preparations to prevent and treat colon and other cancers. Our findings suggest it is important to examine the activity of plants in the form that people consume them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During 2016 and 2017, we observed 4 nests of the Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus) in the middle of the Tien Shan Mountains, the west of China, and tried to follow them by the GPS/GSM dataloggers. We continuously observed nesting birds and recorded their behavior. The duration of the field works was about 40 days that makes in total more than 500 hours. The results showed that all nests of the vultures were located on the eastern slope of cliffs on the altitude of 2 300 – 2 900 meters, with the distance between nests is 1–3 km. Nests were built on the open and steep ledges with the outer diameter of the nest is 1.1–1.6 m. All clutches consists of only one egg (n=4), the incubation period was 52–56 days, and the nestlings hatched in the middle of April; the medium weight of newly hatched nestlings was 160 g. In May 17th, their weight increased to 1.50 kg, in June 14th – to 5.65kg, and in July 14th the weight of young birds was about 8.56kg (close to the adult’s weight). The brooding period in this species is very long – nestlings stayed for 90–105 days in the nest, and continued to be fed by adult birds till October. Lack of food is one of the main reasons for low reproductive success in this species.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether a Fraxinus excelsior L. seed extract, FraxiPure[TM] (0.5% in the diet), limits weight gain and hyperglycemia in mice. In a previous report, we identified several secoiridoids in FraxiPure[TM], some of which activated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR[alpha]) in vitro and inhibited the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells. In a separate study, FraxiPure[TM] reduced glycemia in healthy volunteers, following an oral glucose tolerance test. These findings suggest that FraxiPure[TM] has antiobesity and antihyperglycemia effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: FraxiPure[TM] was tested in mice that were fed a high-fat diet over 16 weeks and compared with low-fat and high-fat diet controls. Weight gain, omental and retroperitoneal fat, fasting blood glucose, and fasting blood insulin were measured. RESULTS: FraxiPure[TM] reduced gains in body weight by 32.30% (p<0.05), omental fat by 17.92%, and retroperitoneal fat by 17.78%. FraxiPure[TM] also lowered fasting blood glucose levels by 76.52% (p<0.001) and plasma insulin levels by 53.43% (p<0.05) after 16 weeks. Moreover, FraxiPure[TM] lowered liver weight gains by 63.62% (p<0.05) and the incidence of fatty livers by 66.67%. CONCLUSIONS: Our novel results demonstrate the antiobesity effects of chronic administration of an F. excelsior seed extract and confirm its ability to regulate glycemia and insulinemia. In addition, this extract, which is rich in secoiridoid glucosides, protects against obesity-related liver steatosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the breeding seasons of 2010-2016, we have found seven nests of the Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus) in Xinjiang, the west of China. We used a method of focal sampling and infrared cameras to continually observe behaviors and nestlings’ growth. Nestling behaviors were different between nestling period and post-nestling period. Attendance at the nests by both adults decreased as the nestling aged. The female brooded significantly more than the male did during daylight hours (P=0.016, F= 8.38, df =1). The daily mean number of food items delivered to the nests by adults was 3.2 times/day in nestling period, and 0.96/day in post-nestling period. Seven orders of wild birds, three orders of mammals and domestic poultry were documented as prey.

Evaluates the cancer risk for oral exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Literature review on the carcinogenic potency of PAH; Underestimation on the potency of PAH; Carcinogenic potency ration between PAH and benzo[a]pyrene.

Human malignant mesotheliomas are induced almost exclusively by fibrous dusts. The nature of interactions between fibers and target cells, and the molecular mechanisms leading to tumorigenesis, are not yet understood. Here, the mRNA expression patterns at different stages of asbestos-induced carcinogenesis in rats were monitored by suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) and array assay. Several genes were upregulated in pretumorous tissues from asbestos-treated rats, in asbestos-induced tumors and in cells treated with asbestos in vitro. The upregulation of the proto-oncogene c-myc, fra-1 and egfr in fiber-induced carcinogenesis was demonstrated at different stages of carcinogenesis. A possible role of Fra-1 as one of the dimeric proteins generating the AP-1 transcription factor was substantiated by its dose-dependent expression in mesothelial cells treated with asbestos in vitro. The upregulation of osteopontin (an extracellular matrix protein) and of zyxin and integrin-linked kinase (intracellular proteins associated with the focal adhesion contact), indicate that fibers may affect integrin-linked signal transduction and extracellular matrix proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In the present work, a tire model is derived based on geometrically exact shells. The discretization is done with the help of isoparametric quadrilateral finite elements. The interpolation is performed with bilinear Lagrangian polynomials for the mid-surface as well as for the director field. As time stepping method for the resulting differential algebraic equation a backward differentiation formula is chosen. A multilayer material model for geometrically exact shells is introduced, to describe the anisotropic behavior of the tire material. To handle the interaction with a rigid road surface, a unilateral frictional contact formulation is introduced. Therein a special surface to surface contact element is developed, which rebuilds the shape of the tire.

Intratracheal instillation of several non-fibrous dusts induced tumour rates of between 3 and 65% in female Wistar rats. Diesel soot showed a relatively high tumourigenic potency. However, carbon black with a high specific surface area and an extremely low PAH content was just as carcinogenic. The surface properties of elemental carbon seem to be much more effective than dusts from iron oxides, titanium dioxide and silicon carbide. There are indications of a rat specific ‘overload carcinogenesis’, but this term may oversimplify a mechanism which does not seem to exist in hamsters. Polyvinylpyridine-N-oxide inhibited the development of severe siltcosis after treatment with quartz DQ 12 and prolonged the life-span; the total tumour incidence and especially the rate of malignant tumours increased. This supports the assumption that benign lung tumours, which seldom occur in humans are, in animals, precursors of malignant tumours and should be combined for toxicologic evaluation. Relatively low masses of man-made mineral fibres from silicon carbide and glass induced tumours and confirmed the conclusion from earlier experiments that there is an s reaction of the serosa and lung tissue to mineral fibres. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Мы изучали гнездовую биологию кумая (Gyps himalayensis) в горах Центрального Тянь-Шаня в течение двух лет 2012–2013 гг. Для выявления гнездовых участков вели исследования на линейных трансектах. Гнездовое поведение исследовалось с точек хорошего осмотра и на известных гнездовых участках во время посещения гнёзд, а также с помощью видео, полученного с камер, установленных на гнёздах. Характеристики гнёзд и гнездовых биотопов, степень насиженности яиц и возраст птенцов, размер яиц и птенцов определялись во время посещений гнёзд. В ходе работы сделана оценка численности кумая: на 7 территориях в 14 колониях от 89 до 122 гнёзд. Кумай предпочитает гнездиться на южных склонах (78,6%). Гнезда располагаются в нишах, небольших гротах или на уступах. Гнездовой материал состоит в основном из мелких стеблей злаков, таких как мятлик (Poa spp.) и ковыль (Stipa spp.). Максимальная протяженность одной колонии составила 7,3 км, а две ближайших колонии располагались в 47 км друг от друга. Сезон размножения растянут от 6 до 9 месяцев – с января по сентябрь. Продолжительность периода выращивания птенцов является наибольшей среди сипов (представителей рода Gyps). Возможные причины этого обсуждаются и будущие исследования на эту тему рекомендуется.

Abstract Background Phyllodes tumors are uncommon tumors of the breast that exhibit aggressive growth. While surgical management of the tumor has been reported, a single surgical approach with immediate breast reconstruction using AlloDerm has not been reported. Case presentation A 22-year-old woman presented with a 4 cm mass in the left breast upon initial examination. Although the initial needle biopsy report indicated a fibroadenoma, the final pathologic report revealed a 6.5 cm × 6.4 cm × 6.4 cm benign phyllodes tumor ex vivo. Treatment was a simple nipple-sparing mastectomy coupled with immediate breast reconstruction. After the mastectomy, a subpectoral pocket was created for a saline implant and AlloDerm was stitched to the pectoralis and serratus muscle in the lower-pole of the breast. Conclusions Saline implant with AlloDerm can be used for immediate breast reconstruction post-mastectomy for treatment of a phyllodes tumor.

Abstract Background The proto-oncogene pituitary tumor-transforming gene (PTTG) has been shown to be abundantly overexpressed in a large variety of neoplasms likely promoting neo-vascularization and tumor invasiveness. In this study, we investigated a potential role for PTTG mRNA expression as a marker to evaluate the future clinical outcome of patients diagnosed with primary cancer of the head and neck. Methods Tumor samples derived from primary tumors of 89 patients suffering from a squamous cell carcinoma were analyzed for PTTG mRNA-expression and compared to corresponding unaffected tissue. Expression levels were correlated to standard clinico-pathological parameters based on a five year observation period. Results In almost all 89 tumor samples PTTG was found to be overexpressed (median fold increase: 2.1) when compared to the unaffected tissue specimens derived from the same patient. The nodal stage correlated with PTTG transcript levels with significant differences between pN0 (median expression: 1.32) and pN+ (median expression: 2.12; P = 0.016). In patients who developed a tumor recurrence we detected a significantly higher PTTG expression in primary tumors (median expression: 2.63) when compared to patients who did not develop a tumor recurrence (median expression: 1.29; P = 0.009). Since the median expression of PTTG in patients with tumor stage T1/2N0M0 that received surgery alone without tumor recurrence was 0.94 versus 3.82 in patients suffering from a tumor recurrence (P = 0.006), PTTG expression might provide a feasible mean of predicting tumor recurrence. Conclusion Elevated PTTG transcript levels might be used as a prognostic biomarker for future clinical outcome (i.e. recurrence) in primary squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck, especially in early stages of tumor development.