Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MIB-ANet: A novel multi-scale deep network for nasal endoscopy-based adenoid hypertrophy grading

Introduction To develop a novel deep learning model to automatically grade adenoid hypertrophy, based on nasal endoscopy, and asses its performance with that of E.N. T. clinicians. Methods A total of 3,179 nasoendoscopic images, including 4-grade adenoid hypertrophy (Parikh grading standard, 2006), were collected to develop and test deep neural networks. MIB-ANet, a novel multi-scale grading network, was created for adenoid hypertrophy grading. A comparison between MIB-ANet and E.N. T. clinicians was conducted. Results In the SYSU-SZU-EA Dataset, the MIB-ANet achieved 0.76251 F1 score and 0.76807 accuracy, and showed the best classification performance among all of the networks. The visualized heatmaps show that MIB-ANet can detect whether adenoid contact with adjacent tissues, which was interpretable for clinical decision. MIB-ANet achieved at least 6.38% higher F1 score and 4.31% higher accuracy than the junior E.N. T. clinician, with much higher (80× faster) diagnosing speed. Discussion The novel multi-scale grading network MIB-ANet, designed for adenoid hypertrophy, achieved better classification performance than four classical CNNs and the junior E.N. T. clinician. Nonetheless, further studies are required to improve the accuracy of MIB-ANet.
Abrupt peaks in perceived risk of occasional drug use after changing the question order in a repeated self-administered survey

Background Question-order changes in repeated surveys can distort comparisons. We want to describe the evolution of drug risk perceptions among Spanish adolescents and assessing whether the 2006 peaks in perceived risk of occasional drug use can be explained by question-order changes. Methods The subjects were secondary students from a biennial national survey during 2000–2012. A one-off intervention was applied in 2006, replacing the two-adjacent items on perceived risk of occasional and regular use of each drug by non-adjacent items. Annual prevalence of high-risk perception were obtained for occasional and regular use of cannabis, heroin, cocaine and ecstasy. Subsequently, the 2006 percent level change (PC) in such were estimated prevalence using segmented Poisson regression, adjusting for various student and parent covariates. Results The 2006 PC in prevalence of high-risk perception of occasional drug use ranged from +63% (heroin) to +83% (ecstasy). These PCs were very high in all considered subgroups. However, the 2006 PC in prevalence of high-risk perception of regular drug use ranged from 1% (heroin) to 12% (cannabis). The evolution of preventive interventions does not suggest alternative causal hypotheses for 2006 peaks other than question-order changes. Conclusion Within the cognitive heuristics framework, the 2006 spikes in perceived risk of occasional drug use were most likely due to a release of the anchor exerted by perceived risk of regular drug use over that of occasional use triggered by 2006 question-order changes. In repeated surveys it is inexcusable to pre-test the effect of any change in questionnaire format.
Engaging older adults with a migration background to explore the usage of digital technologies in coping with dementia

Background Coping with dementia can imply particular challenges for people with a migration background due to diversity in their life course, personal characteristics, and living environment. Some of the services available for people with dementia include digital technologies for care, providing health services, and maintaining or increasing participation, independence, and safety. This study aimed to explore the role of digital technology in coping with dementia in the lives of older adults with a migration background, and the possibilities to engage and collaborate with older adults. Methods This study combined a qualitative interview-based approach with citizen science principles in the design and execution of a project studying the use of Anne4Care. Results and discussion Participants valued that technology should provide health benefits and fit into aspects of their daily lives. Anne4Care was considered helpful in staying independent and connecting to loved ones in their country of birth. The participants needed to learn new competencies to work with the device, and not all had the material prerequisites, such as an internet connection. Still, this learning process was considered purposeful in their life, and the virtual assistant could be integrated into care and daily practices. The involvement of the older adults with dementia as co-researchers made them feel valuable and as equal partners during this research. An important prerequisite for the involvement of older adults with a migration background was existing relations with carers and care organizations. Conclusion Digital care technologies to cope with dementia can become a valuable part of care practices in the lives of older adults with a migration background. Involving older adults in the development of technology, acknowledging their expertise and needs, and working together in short iterations to adapt the technology for their specific needs and situations were experienced as valuable by the researchers, older adults, and care professionals.
Removal of Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilms from pilot-scale food processing equipment using ozone-assisted cleaning-in-place

Biofilm formation in food processing environment and within equipment increases the risk of product spoilage and contamination with pathogens. Cleaning-in-place (CIP) operations are useful in removing soils and in sanitizing processing equipment, including eliminating biofilms. However, CIP is a resource-intensive process, particularly in the usage of chemical detergents, heat, and sanitizers. The current study was initiated to investigate the feasibility of integrating ozone into CIP operations to facilitate the elimination of Pseudomonas biofilm, with the long-term goal of decreasing the dependance on conventional cleaning and sanitizing reagents. To investigate integrating ozone into CIP, a robust biofilm of Pseudomonas fluorescens was developed on a pilot-scale food processing equipment after 2 days of incubation in 10% skim milk (skim milk-water mixture, 1:9 v/v) under stagnant conditions, followed by additional 5 days of circulation while feeding 10% fresh skim milk. CIP was applied using water prerinse at 22–25°C, alkaline cleaning with 0.2% potassium hydroxide at 50°C, and a final water rinse. These CIP operations reduced planktonic cell populations below the detection method’s limit but did not fully remove P. fluorescens biofilm from either smooth or rough surfaces of the processing equipment. When the CIP process was followed by application of an aqueous ozone step (10 ppm for 10 min), the treatment reduced biofilm cell population, on smooth and rough surfaces, below the recovery method’s detection limit (0.9 and 1.4 log CFU/ 100 cm2, respectively). These findings demonstrate the utility of ozone-assisted CIP in eliminating microbial biofilms on processing equipment, but further research is needed to optimize the use of cleaning agents and the application of ozone.
Generalized input-estimation technique for tracking maneuvering targets

A new input estimation technique for target tracking problem is proposed. Conventional input estimation techniques assume that the target maneuver level is constant within the detection window, which has been the major drawback of the techniques. The proposed technique is developed to overcome this drawback by modeling the target maneuver as a linear combination of some basic time functions. The resulting algorithm has a generalized formulation including earlier works on input estimation. A detection performance of the proposed algorithm is analyzed by investigating the detection sensitivity according to the selection of maneuver models and other design parameters such as the detection window size, measurement noise level, and sampling step size. A computer simulation study shows that the estimation performance of the proposed algorithm is comparable to Bogler's input estimation method while the computation time is greatly reduced.
Average irregularity representation of a rough surface for ray reflection

A new ray model is presented for the reflection of electromagnetic radiation from the rough air-material interface of a randomly rough surface. Unlike previous derivations that modeled the rough interface as consisting of microareas randomly oriented but flat (facets), this derivation models it as consisting of microareas not only randomly oriented but also randomly curved. Physically, the models are the same, but this new derivation leads to some new results. (1) For any given rough surface, there exists a single, optically smooth, curved surface of revolution of very restricted shape that will reflect radiation in the same distribution as that reflected by the rough interface. (2) Modeling that surface as an ellipsoid of revolution gives a surface-structure function that appears more accurate and useful than existing ones. (3) Unlike the facet derivations, this derivation lends itself to a normalization that gives the absolute, instead of just a comparative, reflectance-distribution function.
Contrasting influences of two dominant plants, Dasiphora fruticosa and Ligularia virguarea, on aboveground and belowground communities in an alpine meadow

Soil organisms are abundant, phylogenetically and functionally diverse, and interact to catalyse and regulate critical soil processes. Understanding what structures belowground communities is therefore fundamental to gaining insight into ecosystem functioning. Dominant plants have been shown to influence belowground communities both directly and indirectly through changes in abiotic and biotic factors. In a field study, we used piecewise structural equation modelling to disentangle and compare the effects of a dominant allelopathic plant, Ligularia virgaurea, and a dominant facilitative plant, Dasiphora fruticosa, on understory plant, soil microbial and nematode community composition in an alpine meadow on the Tibetan plateau. Dasiphora fruticosa was associated with changes in edaphic variables (total nitrogen, soil organic carbon, pH and ammonium), understory plant and soil bacterial communities, whereas Ligularia virguarea was associated with increased soil ammonium content and soil fungal richness relative to dominant plant-free control plots. Moreover, nematode richness was significantly greater under D. fruticosa, with no change in nematode community composition. By contrast, nematode richness under Ligularia virgaurea was similar to that of dominant plant-free control plots, but nematode community composition differed from the control. The effects of both plants were predominantly direct rather than mediated by indirect pathways despite the observed effects on understory plant communities, soil properties and microbial assemblages. Our results highlight the importance of plants in determining soil communities and provide new insight to disentangle the complex above- and belowground linkages.
The mediating and moderating effects of resilience between childhood trauma and geriatric depressive symptoms among Chinese community-dwelling older adults

Objective This study aims to examine the association between childhood traumatic events (CTEs), childhood trauma severity, and depressive symptoms, as well as to examine the mediating and moderating roles of resilience in these associations. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1,091 community-dwelling older adults in Jinan, China. The trauma history questionnaire (THQ) was used to measure CTEs and childhood trauma severity. CTEs were defined as the number of traumatic events before the age of 18. We calculated childhood trauma severity by multiplying the number of CTEs by the participants’ self-perceived impact level of the events from the THQ. We then applied the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale and 10-item Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale to assess participants’ depressive symptoms and resilience, respectively. Linear regression models were used to examine the associations, and structural equation modeling was used to examine the mediating and moderating roles of resilience. Results Childhood traumatic events, childhood trauma severity, and resilience were all associated with depressive symptoms in older adults. Resilience mediated the relationship between childhood trauma severity and depressive symptoms (β = 0.082, 95% CI = 0.045–0.123), accounting for 26.6% of the overall effect (β = 0.308, 95% CI = 0.190–0.422). However, there was no evidence that resilience mediated the association between CTEs and depressive symptoms. In addition, we did not find that resilience played a moderating role in the associations of CTEs, childhood trauma severity with depressive symptoms. Conclusion Resilience plays a mediating role in the relationship between childhood trauma severity and depressive symptoms. Intervention measures on improving resilience may reduce childhood trauma severity associated with depression risk in older Chinese adults.
A synthesis of priorities, patterns, and gaps in large carnivore corridor research

Introduction Conservation research plays an integral role in the effort to conserve biodiversity globally. However, research gaps can limit conservation research’s potential contribution to addressing global biodiversity problems such as habitat fragmentation. While a synthesis of the research literature does not attain effective conservation action by itself, it can inform future research and corridor conservation planning and practices. Methods We used a systematic search of peer-reviewed research articles in Scopus, Web of Science, and grey literature in the Connectivity Conservation Specialist Group library published before December 2020. Our review assessed research on the identification and use of corridors, a primary instrument used to address the threats of habitat fragmentation, for large carnivores to identify patterns, priorities, and gaps in the literature. We focused on large carnivores because they are frequently used for connectivity planning owing to their higher sensitivity to habitat fragmentation and their importance as conservation flagship species. Results and discussion We found that peer-reviewed studies primarily focused on single-species corridors with a strong preference toward apex predators, whereas grey literature focused on multi-species corridors. More than 80% of studies included one of the following five species, the mountain lion (n=46 studies), American black bear (n=31 studies), jaguar (n=25 studies), tiger (n=25 studies), and brown bear (n=18 studies). Although research on the identification of corridors was relatively more common in the past, we found an increasing trend in the publication of studies assessing the use of corridors by large carnivores in recent years. The published research is predominantly from North America (47%) and Asia (30%), with comparatively fewer studies from Africa (4%), despite having several large carnivore species. While climate change and human-wildlife conflict are considered major concerns for large carnivore conservation, these were seldomly considered in corridor research. Corridor research collaborations exist between academia, government, and non-government institutions, but the involvement of the private sector is lacking. Conclusions Our review shows that there is scope for future corridor research to (i) focus on areas where geographical gaps exist, (ii) target multi-species corridors, (iii) include climate change and human-wildlife conflict scenarios, and iv) increase collaboration with the private sector to better inform connectivity solutions.
Medicago truncatula quantitative resistance to a new strain of Verticillium alfalfae from Iran revealed by a genome-wide association study

Verticillium wilt is a major threat to many crops, among them alfalfa (Medicago sativa). The model plant Medicago truncatula, a close relative of alfalfa was used to study the genetic control of resistance towards a new Verticillium alfalfae isolate. The accidental introduction of pathogen strains through global trade is a threat to crop production and such new strains might also be better adapted to global warming. Isolates of V. alfalfae were obtained from alfalfa fields in Iran and characterized. The Iranian isolate AF1 was used in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving 242 accessions from the Mediterranean region. Root inoculations were performed with conidia at 25°C and symptoms were scored regularly. Maximum Symptom Score and Area under Disease Progess Curve were computed as phenotypic traits to be used in GWAS and for comparison to a previous study with French isolate V31.2 at 20°C. This comparison showed high correlation with a shift to higher susceptibility, and similar geographical distribution of resistant and susceptible accessions to AF1 at 25°C, with resistant accessions mainly in the western part. GWAS revealed 30 significant SNPs linked to resistance towards isolate AF1. None of them were common to the previous study with isolate V31.2 at 20°C. To confirm these loci, the expression of nine underlying genes was studied. All genes were induced in roots following inoculation, in susceptible and resistant plants. However, in resistant plants induction was higher and lasted longer. Taken together, the use of a new pathogen strain and a shift in temperature revealed a completely different genetic control compared to a previous study that demonstrated the existence of two major QTLs. These results can be useful for Medicago breeding programs to obtain varieties better adapted to future conditions.
MicroRNA-494 augments fibrotic transformation of human retinal pigment epithelial cells and targets p27 with cell-type specificity

Epiretinal membranes (ERMs) are the result of fibro-cellular proliferation that cause distortion and impairment of central vision. We hypothesized that select microRNAs (miRs) regulate retinal fibro-proliferation and ERM formation. Following IRB approval, a pilot study was performed in patients presenting for retina surgery with and without clinical ERMs. Total RNA was isolated from ERM tissue and controls from non-ERM vitreous and subjected to miR profiling via microarray analysis. MiR-494 was identified as the only miR selectively expressed at significantly greater levels, and in silico analysis identified p27 as a putative fibroproliferative gene target of miR-494. In vitro testing of miR-494 and p27 in fibrotic transformation was assessed in spontaneously immortalized human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) and human Müller cell lines, stimulated to transform into a fibroproliferative state via transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ). Fibroproliferative transformation was characterized by de novo cellular expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA). In both RPE and Müller cells, both TGFβ and miR-494 mimic decreased p27 expression. In parallel experiments, transfection with p27 siRNA augmented TGFβ-induced αSMA expression, while only in RPE cells did co-transfection with miR-494 inhibitor decrease αSMA levels. These results demonstrate that miR-494 augments fibrotic transformation in both Müller cells and RPEs, however only in RPEs does miR-494 mediate fibrotic transformation via p27. As p27 is known to regulate cellular proliferation and differentiation, future studies should extend clinical testing of miR-494 and/or p27 as a potential novel non-surgical therapy for ERMs, as well as identify relevant miR-494 targets in Müller cells.
Genetic legacy of southern Middle Siberian mountain and foothill populations of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.): Diversity and differentiation

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is a widespread and economically important tree species in Eurasia. Southern Siberian, Scots pine mountain and foothills forests are especially valuable natural objects that help to stabilize environmental conditions. Due to the associated impact of natural and anthropogenic factors, the habitats of the species in southern Siberia are constantly shrinking. In this regard, the study of genetic diversity and structure of Scots pine forests in southern Siberia is very relevant. Here, we studied the genetic diversity and structure of eight Scots pine populations located in southern Middle Siberia (Russia). A high level of genetic diversity (HE = 0.518) was detected in the studied populations. No recent bottleneck effect, isolation by distance or isolation-by-environment were detected. Most genetic diversity was found within populations, while only 7% of genetic diversity occurred among populations. Both STRUCTURE analysis and UPGMA clustering showed two genetic groups. Two populations from the Minusink basin and a population from the Western Sayan Mts. formed the first group and the second group was composed of the other populations from Kuznetsk Alatau Mts. , Central Tuva basin and Todzha basin. Our findings suggest that the studied Scots pine populations originate from different gene pools. The pattern of genetic diversity revealed by our study may be useful for the elaboration of conservation measures of genetic resources of Scots pine in southern Middle Siberia.
Molecular characterization and antimicrobial susceptibility of human Brucella in Northeast China

Introduction Northeast China has always been an area with severe brucellosis prevalence. This study will identify Brucella in Northeast China and test its resistance to antibiotics, in order to clarify its resistance mechanism. Brucella is a widespread and highly pathogenic bacteria that poses serious threats to public health and animal husbandry. Methods In this study, 61 Brucella isolates were identified by abortus-melitensis-ovis-suis polymerase chain reaction (AMOS-PCR) for biotypes and epidemic potential was clarified by multi-locus sequence analysis. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed and the antibiotic susceptibility of the Brucella strains against 13 antibiotics was detected with the use of E-test strips. Results The results showed that all of the isolates were Brucella melitensis ST8, group CC4 with little genetic variation and obvious geographical characteristics. All 61 Brucella isolates were sensitive to doxycycline, tetracycline, minocycline, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and streptomycin, while 24.6%, 86.9%, 65.6%, 27.9%, 3.3%, and 1.6% were resistant to rifampin, azithromycin, cefepime, cefoperazone/sulbactam, cefotaxime, and meperidine/sulfamethoxazole, respectively. This is the first report of cephalosporin-resistant B. melitensis in China. The WGS results indicated that about 60% of the antibiotic resistance genes were associated with efflux pumps (mainly the resistance nodulation division family). Discussion Brucellosis is usually treated with antibiotics for several months, which can easily lead to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. To ensure the effectiveness and safety of antibiotics for treatment of brucellosis, continuous surveillance of antibiotic susceptibility is especially important.