bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do subsidies drive Southern Ocean fishery operations? A comprehensive analysis of Southern Ocean fishery subsidies and the economics of distant water fleets
Authors: Chavez-Molina Vasco , Miller Steve , Teh Louise , Sumaila U. Rashid , Francis Elizabeth , Brooks Cassandra
Published: February 2025

Across the high seas, distant water fisheries have benefited from government subsidies. Public funds directed toward supporting the fishery sector have enabled these fisheries to extend their range and duration at sea, threatening fish populations and the health of ocean ecosystems. Fuel subsidies have been identified as the primary form of subsidy, often allowing fishing vessels to continue operations despite declining revenues. While significant attention has been directed toward understanding fishery subsidies on a global scale, the magnitude of fishery subsidies specific to the Southern Ocean remained largely unknown. The Southern Ocean accounts for 10% of the global oceans, and its two main fisheries, for Antarctic krill and toothfishes, are managed by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). Through primary data collection in the form of interviews, our study provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex operations that underpin Southern Ocean fisheries. Our research drew upon 29 expert interviews with industry representatives, government officials, and researchers from 13 CCAMLR Member States engaged in fishing activities in the Southern Ocean. The most commonly identified subsidies in our interviews included: fuel subsidies; tax breaks; discounted loans; research, development, and innovation grants; infrastructure support; and import subsidies. However, our results show that, based on research interviews, few Southern Ocean fishing companies heavily depend on government subsidies, with subsidy allocation varying greatly by State. For the majority of CCAMLR Member States, Southern Ocean fishery subsidies are largely insufficient to induce significant changes in fishery operations. Instead, private fishery organizations continually adjust their economic strategies and operational dynamics to increase profitability and lower expenses, often foregoing government subsidies by relocating their operations (e.g., home ports) to foreign States closer to the Southern Ocean. This research suggests that distant water fisheries subsidies are complex and nuanced, needing further investigation at the regional, Nation State, and company level scale.
Research progress of MRI-based radiomics in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Xie Xiao-Yun , Chen Rong
Published: February 2025

Background

Primary liver cancer (PLC), notably hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), stands as a formidable global health challenge, ranking as the sixth most prevalent malignant tumor and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. HCC presents a daunting clinical landscape characterized by nonspecific early symptoms and late-stage detection, contributing to its poor prognosis. Moreover, the limited efficacy of existing treatments and high recurrence rates post-surgery compound the challenges in managing this disease. While histopathologic examination remains the cornerstone for HCC diagnosis, its utility in guiding preoperative decisions is constrained. Radiomics, an emerging field, harnesses high-throughput imaging data, encompassing shape, texture, and intensity features, alongside clinical parameters, to elucidate disease characteristics through advanced computational techniques such as machine learning and statistical modeling. MRI radiomics specifically holds significant importance in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the methodology of radiomics and delineate the clinical advancements facilitated by MRI-based radiomics in the realm of hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was conducted, encompassing peer-reviewed articles published between July 2018 and Jan 2025, sourced from PubMed and Google Scholar. Key search terms included Hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC, Liver cancer, Magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, radiomics, deep learning, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

Results

A comprehensive analysis of 93 articles underscores the efficacy of MRI radiomics, a noninvasive imaging analysis modality, across various facets of HCC management. These encompass tumor differentiation, subtype classification, histopathological grading, prediction of microvascular invasion (MVI), assessment of treatment response, early recurrence prognostication, and metastasis prediction.

Conclusion

MRI radiomics emerges as a promising adjunctive tool for early HCC detection and personalized preoperative decision-making, with the overarching goal of optimizing patient outcomes. Nevertheless, the current lack of interpretability within the field underscores the imperative for continued research and validation efforts.
Evaluation of patient immunocompetence for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy using the psoas muscle index: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tsurui Toshiaki , Hamada Kazuyuki , Mura Emiko , Suzuki Risako , Iriguchi Nana , Ishiguro Tomoyuki , Hirasawa Yuya , Ohkuma Ryotaro , Shimokawa Masahiro , Ariizumi Hirotsugu , Kubota Yutaro , Horiike Atsushi , Wada Satoshi , Yoshimura Kiyoshi , Tsuji Mayumi , Kiuchi Yuji , Tsunoda Takuya
Published: February 2025

Introduction

In patients with cancer, sarcopenia is an indicator of poor prognosis and is associated with an increased risk of chemotherapy-related adverse events. Skeletal muscle interacts with the immune system, and sarcopenia is associated with immune senescence. However, the association between sarcopenia and the response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy remains unclear.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with advanced or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer treated with nivolumab or pembrolizumab monotherapy. The association between the psoas muscle index (PMI) and both clinical response and immune-related adverse events (irAEs) was assessed using logistic regression. The PMI was calculated as the cross-sectional area of the psoas muscle divided by the square of the height based on computed tomography scans performed before the initial administration of ICI therapy.

Results

A total of 67 patients were included in the analysis. Logistic regression analysis showed that PMI was associated with the overall response (odds ratio [OR]: 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–2.22; p = 0.030) and the risk of severe irAEs (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.05–2.80; p = 0.031).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that PMI is both an indicator of prognosis and a surrogate marker of immunocompetence in predicting the clinical response to ICI therapy.
Esophageal submucosal gland duct adenoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhou Bing , Zheng Jian , Huang Ling , Hao Hua
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Esophageal submucosal gland duct adenoma (ESGDA) is a rare, benign tumor with non-specific clinical features and imaging findings, often leading to misdiagnosis.

Case report

In this report we describe the clinicopathological features of a new-onset case of ESGDA and review 19 previously-reported ESGDA cases in the literature.

Results

The median age of the 20 patients was 70 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 5:2. Lesions located in the lower esophagus accounted for 81% of the cases. Chest and abdominal discomfort were the main clinical symptoms, and endoscopic findings mostly included polypoid masses that were impossible to correctly diagnose prior to excision and biopsy. On microscopic examination, the submucosal tumor was found to be composed of glandular cavities of various sizes, bland cytology with infrequent mitotic figures, and the interstitium was infiltrated by a large number of lymphocytes. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the expression of adenomyoepithelial cytokeratins (CK) CK7, CK5/6, and p63. Local tumor resection was performed, the longest follow-up period was 132 months of the 20 patients, the prognosis was favorable, and no recurrence or metastasis.

Discussion

ESGDA is more common in the lower esophagus in elderly patients, and its clinical symptoms are atypical. Taking into account its characteristic microscopic morphology and immunohistochemical markers, the possibility of this rare disease should be considered to avoid misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis. Complete en bloc resection with Endoscopicp may be the best strategy for both the diagnosis and treatment of this entity.
The impact of integrated genomic analysis on molecular classifications and prognostic risk stratification in endometrial cancer: a Chinese experience
Authors: Zheng Qian , Shao Di , Shu Jin , Zhang Qin , Huang Min , Wang Dong , Zou Dongling
Published: February 2025

Background

The molecular classification of endometrial cancer (EC), as proposed by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), has transformed tumor classification, but there is a lack of extensive research on the molecular profiles and subtyping of endometrial cancer patients in China.

Methods

200 EC patients were classified into the following four molecular types: (i) POLEmut; (ii) MSI-H; (iii) TP53mut; (iv) NSMP. This study aimed to investigate the molecular characteristics of EC patients at a single center by large-scale next generation sequencing(NGS), including clinicopathological features and gene mutations in patients with distinct molecular types, and to assess the relevance of molecular subtyping for postoperative adjuvant therapy.

Results

NSMP group was the most prevalent, comprising 46.0% (92/200) of cases, followed by the TP53mut group at 17.5% (35/200), the MSI-H group at 23.5% (47/200), and the POLEmut group at 13.0% (26/200). CTNNB1 mutations were common in the POLEmut group but rare in the TP53mut group. With the application of the new European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2022 classification, 27 patients (14.1%) were reclassified. Concordance between the two classifications regarding postoperative risk was observed in 85.9% (165/192) of cases. Seven patients (3.6%) were downstaged, and twenty patients (10.4%) were upgraded. Additionally, the analysis revealed that eleven genes were significantly mutated in patients with lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) compared to those without LVSI. Notably, NSD3 and POLD1 were highly mutated in patients with lymphatic metastasis compared to those without lymphatic metastasis. Conclusively, large-scale NGS has revolutionized EC management by facilitating rapid molecular subtype identification, guiding tailored adjuvant therapies, targeted treatments, and immunotherapies, and efficiently screening for Lynch syndrome, thereby significantly improving patient outcomes.
The analgesic effects of quadratus lumborum block versus caudal block for pediatric patients undergoing abdominal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Yu , Wu Jin , Qu Shenglong , Jiang Peng , Bohara Chetan , Li Yi
Published: February 2025

Background

Since children cannot express pain, postoperative pain treatment for them is relatively lacking. In this meta-analysis, we compared the postoperative analgesic effects of quadratus lumborum block (QLB) and caudal block (CB) in surgeries involving the lower abdomen, inguinal region, and urogenital system in children.

Objective

This review examined the postoperative analgesic effects of QLB and CB in pediatric patients (0–18 years of age) undergoing abdominal surgery. The primary endpoint was the rate of postoperative rescue analgesia, defined as the proportion of patients who returned to acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and other analgesics when the pain score was greater than the protocol preset value within 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included resting pain scores (0–10) at 30 min, 4 h, 12 h, and 24 h after surgery. Other secondary outcome measures were the time of first rescue analgesia, the incidence of PONV, and the incidence of postoperative complications, such as post-block infection, anaphylaxis to local anesthesia and hematoma.

Evidence review

We systematically reviewed Pubmed, Central, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Web of Science citation index, the US clinical trials register, and abstracts for randomized controlled trials that compared these blocks and reported the rate of postoperative rescue analgesia.

Findings

Seven RCTs (444 patients) were included in the final analysis. In pediatric abdominal surgery, compared with CB, QLB could reduce the rate of postoperative rescue analgesia within 24 h after surgery (RR = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.26 to 0.51; P < 0.01). The pain score in the QLB group at 4 (SMD = −0.11; 95% CI = −0.21 to −0.01; P = 0.02) and 12 h (SMD = −0.11; 95% CI = −0.22 to 0.00; P = 0.06) after surgery was lower, but at 0.5(SMD = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.34 to 0.50; P < 0.01) and 24 h (SMD = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.58; P = 0.03) was higher than that in the CB group. Of note, these pain score differences were not clinically significant. In addition, there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications or side effects between the QLB and the CB group (RR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.59 to 1.48; P = 0.77).

Conclusion

In conclusion, QLB might have a better postoperative analgesic effect for lower abdominal surgery than CB in pediatric patients. However, due to the relatively few RCTs identified and significant heterogeneity, further research in the future is needed to prove these findings.

Systematic Review Registration

identifier (CRD 42023441447).
Therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in neurological conditions: a systematic review of clinical trials
Authors: Hakami Alqassem Y. , Alshehri Fahad S.
Published: February 2025

Overview

Cannabinoids have gained increasing attention for their therapeutic potential in treating several neurological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, chronic pain, and epilepsy. This review aims to assess the current clinical trials investigating cannabinoids, primarily Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol, for neurological disorders. This review will aim to highlight the efficacy, safety, and outcome measures used in these trials.

Methods

Clinical trials were identified using ClinicalTrials.gov, focusing on studies that examined the effects of cannabinoids in treating neurological conditions. All trials that fulfilled the following criteria were included: Phase 1–4, focused on cannabinoids as primary intervention, and measured relevant outcomes such as pain relief, cognitive function, or spasticity reduction. Data on conditions, interventions, primary and secondary outcomes, and trial phases were extracted and analysed.

Results

A total of 47 clinical trials were identified, including different neurological conditions. The most frequently studied conditions were Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, and Parkinson’s Disease. Most trials were in Phase 2, with the primary outcome measures focused on pain management, spasticity, and cognitive function. Secondary outcomes included safety and tolerability measures.

Conclusion

The review highlights the broad therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in neurology, with promising results in symptom management for conditions like Multiple Sclerosis and Fibromyalgia. However, the lack of standardized study protocols, dosing, and outcome measures presents challenges for broader clinical implementation.

Systematic Review Registration

clinicatrials.gov.
Overview of development and challenges of attitude determination for rotary wing UAVs based on GNSS
Authors: Zeng Yejia , Lu Zukun , Xie Yuchen , Ren Binbin , Yu Yi , Ni Shaojie
Published: February 2025

Attitude determination of rotary-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (RUAVs) is crucial for grasping their motion state and is a necessary condition to ensure the correct execution of flight missions. With the continuous development and the constant enhancement of measurement accuracy related to the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), attitude determination based on GNSS have become the mainstream high-precision attitude measurement approach. This paper mainly discusses the relevant theories of using GNSS for RUAV’s attitude determination, and introduces the relevent key aspects that determine attitude accuracy in the attitude resolution process, such as integer ambiguity fixing, attitude solution algorithms, and integrated attitude measurement. It especially elaborates on the challenges that faced to be solved for current RUAVs to use the GNSS system for real-time and guarded attitude measurement.
Data-driven nitrogen application for satinleaf: leveraging optical sensors in urban landscape management
Authors: Nogueira Souza Costa Bárbara , Khoddamzadeh Amir Ali
Published: February 2025

The use of sensor technology is essential in managing fertilization, especially in urban landscape where excessive fertilization is a common issue that can lead to environmental damage and increased costs. This study focused on optimizing nitrogen fertilizer application for Satinleaf (Chrysophyllum oliviforme), a native Florida plant commonly used in South Florida landscaping. Fertilizer with an 8N-3P-9K formulation was applied in six different treatments: 15 g (control), 15 g (15 g twice; T1), 15 g (15 g once; T2), 30 g (15 g twice; T3), 30 g (15 g once; T4), and 45 g (15 g twice; T5). Evaluations of plant growth and nutrient status were conducted at several intervals: baseline (0), and 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days post-fertilizer application. Three types of optical sensors-GreenSeeker™, SPAD meter, and atLEAF chlorophyll sensor - were used to monitor chlorophyll levels as an indicator of nitrogen content. The study found that the 30 g (15 g twice; T3) treatment was most effective in promoting plant growth and increasing nitrogen content in leaves and soil, while the 45 g (15 g twice; T5) treatment resulted in higher nutrient runoff, indicating potential environmental risks. These findings emphasize the value of using optical sensors for precise nitrogen management in plant nurseries to enhance growth, lower costs, and minimize environmental impact.
Analysis of health expenditures in China from 2000 to 2019 compared with the world and upper-middle-income countries
Authors: Zeng Xindian , Chen Lijie , Chen Lu
Published: February 2025

Background

Fairness in health funding has always been a priority in China. This article aims to study the trends in total health expenditure (THE), government health expenditure (GHE), social health expenditure (SHE), and out-of-pocket health expenditure (OOPHE) among China, the world, and upper-middle-income countries from 2000 to 2019. The goal is to provide a theoretical basis for the Chinese government to adjust and formulate health-related policies.

Methods

Aggregate time-series data were collected from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank (WB) Open Data sources from 2000 to 2019. These data were compared and some of it analyzed using cluster analysis methods.

Results

The financing structure level of THE in China is currently above average among upper-middle-income countries. The proportion of THE in GDP for upper-middle-income countries and China remains relatively stable and slow growth, and is consistently lower than the world average. The proportions of GHE and SHE in THE in China and upper-middle-income countries converged toward the world average level. But the proportion of OOPHE in THE in China is higher than that of two. Overall, the proportions of GHE exhibited an upward trend and the proportion of SHE and OOPHE exhibited a downward trend in China. What's more, the changes in China are more pronounced. The proportion of THE in GDP of China increased by 0.84% from 2000 to 2019, and it ranked 24th among the 51 upper-middle-income countries in 2019, and Compared with it in 2000 there has been a consistently positive increase rate. The per capita health expenditure in China was $42.11 in 2000 and it's $535.13 in 2019, which rapidly grow to the level of upper-middle-income countries and narrow the gap with the level of the world.

Conclusion

The financing structure of THE is increasingly optimized, but the level of financing still needs improvement in China. The government should continue to optimize the financing structure of THE, increase GHE, encourage social capital investment, decrease the proportion of OOPHE, diversify financing and reimbursement policies to promote hierarchical medical system, promote health management for an aging population, and formulate health expenditure plans for public health emergencies.
Unveiling the impact of CD133 on cell cycle regulation in radio- and chemo-resistance of cancer stem cells
Authors: Wu Luyao , Katsube Takanori , Li Xiaofei , Wang Bing , Xie Yi
Published: February 2025

The adaptation of malignancy to therapy presents a significant challenge in cancer treatment. The cell cycle plays a crucial role in regulating the evolution of radio- and chemo-resistance in tumor cells. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the primary source of therapy resistance, with CD133 being one of the most recognized and valuable cell surface markers of CSCs. Evidence increasingly suggests that CD133 is associated with cancer resistance. The current understanding of the molecular biological function of CD133 is limited, leading to ongoing debates about its role in cancer biology. In this review, we explore recent research and emerging trends related to CD133 through extensive literature and content analysis. It was summarized that new insights into the relationships of CD133 and cell cycle signaling pathways in resistant CSCs. The aim of this review is to provide a foundational understanding of how these signaling pathways and their interactions impact cancer prognosis and inform treatment strategies.
The role of C-reactive protein in predicting all-cause mortality among Chinese arthritis patients: implications for public health education and promotion
Authors: Ye Shuchao , Ye Damei , Lin Changyi , Lu Dongming , You Xuelan , Xu Chaoyan , Wu Yongyang
Published: February 2025

Objective

Arthritis poses a significant public health challenge, contributing to increased healthcare resource utilization and reduced quality of life. C-reactive protein (CRP), a key inflammatory biomarker, plays a critical role in monitoring disease progression and guiding health promotion strategies. This study aims to investigate the association between CRP levels and all-cause mortality in Chinese arthritis patients, highlighting its implications for public health education and intervention programs.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) from 2011 to 2020. Individuals diagnosed with arthritis in 2011 were included, with CRP levels as the primary exposure variable and mortality as the outcome of interest. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed to assess the relationship between CRP levels and mortality risk, emphasizing the potential for targeted health education and promotion interventions.

Results

A total of 3,413 participants were analyzed, with 87 deaths recorded during the 10-year follow-up period. Deceased individuals were older and exhibited higher levels of CRP, creatinine, and uric acid, alongside lower BMI, MET, eGFR, and HGB. Across three Cox regression models, elevated CRP levels (≥3 mg/L) were significantly associated with increased mortality risk [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.73 (2.23–6.23), HR = 3.00 (1.79–5.01), HR = 4.94 (1.77–13.78), respectively]. Kaplan–Meier survival curves further confirmed that arthritis patients with CRP levels ≥3 mg/L faced a markedly higher mortality risk.

Conclusion

Elevated CRP levels are strongly associated with increased all-cause mortality in arthritis patients, underscoring the importance of integrating CRP monitoring into public health education and promotion strategies. Efforts to control inflammation and promote health literacy regarding arthritis management may improve survival outcomes and reduce the public health burden associated with arthritis.
Is leisure sedentary time associated with mental health issues? Evidence from China Health and Nutrition Survey
Authors: Li Hao , Zeng Weihong
Published: February 2025

Background

The relationship between leisure sedentary behaviors and mental health remains inconclusive. This study aims to provide evidence on leisure sedentary behaviors on mental health using longitudinal data, along with its moderating and mediating roles.

Methods

We utilized data from four waves (2006–2015) of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), focusing on adults who completed their education, with a total sample of 23,693 observations. Leisure sedentary time, the independent variable, was measured based on self-reported data, while mental health issues were the dependent variables based on the Simplified Symptom Self-Rating Scale (SCL) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14). The primary analysis employed ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. Potential endogeneity was addressed by instrumental variable (IV) method via two-stage least squares (2SLS) regression and a continuous difference-in-differences (DID) design.

Results

Our findings indicate that high levels of sedentary time are associated adversely with mental health issues. Moderating roles show that improving health literacy and reducing sedentary time were effective in alleviating this adverse impact. Among older adults, social engagement and support from female caregivers showed greater potential to reduce the detrimental mental health impact of leisure sedentary time. Furthermore, obesity serve as its mediating role.

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential adverse impact of increased leisure sedentary time on mental health among Chinese population. These results provide a foundation for public health initiatives aimed at addressing the rising prevalence of sedentary behavior and its association with mental health issues.
Clinical validation of an artificial intelligence algorithm for classifying tuberculosis and pulmonary findings in chest radiographs
Authors: de Camargo Thiago Fellipe Ortiz , Ribeiro Guilherme Alberto Sousa , da Silva Maria Carolina Bueno , da Silva Luan Oliveira , Torres Pedro Paulo Teixeira e Silva , da Silva Denise do Socorro Rodrigues , de Santos Mayler Olombrada Nunes , Filho William Salibe , Rosa Marcela Emer Egypto , Novaes Magdala de Araujo , Massarutto Thiago Augusto , Junior Osvaldo Landi , Yanata Elaine , Reis Marcio Rodrigues da Cunha , Szarf Gilberto , Netto Pedro Vieira Santana , de Paiva Joselisa Peres Queiroz
Published: February 2025

Background

Chest X-ray (CXR) interpretation is critical in diagnosing various lung diseases. However, physicians, not specialists, are often the first ones to read them, frequently facing challenges in accurate interpretation. Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms could be of great help, but using real-world data is crucial to ensure their effectiveness in diverse healthcare settings. This study evaluates a deep learning algorithm designed for CXR interpretation, focusing on its utility for non-specialists in thoracic radiology physicians.

Purpose

To assess the performance of a Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs)-based AI algorithm in interpreting CXRs and compare it with a team of physicians, including thoracic radiologists, who served as the gold-standard.

Methods

A retrospective study from January 2021 to July 2023 evaluated an algorithm with three independent models for Lung Abnormality, Radiological Findings, and Tuberculosis. The algorithm's performance was measured using accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Two groups of physicians validated the model: one with varying specialties and experience levels in interpreting chest radiographs (Group A) and another of board-certified thoracic radiologists (Group B). The study also assessed the agreement between the two groups on the algorithm's heatmap and its influence on their decisions.

Results

In the internal validation, the Lung Abnormality and Tuberculosis models achieved an AUC of 0.94, while the Radiological Findings model yielded a mean AUC of 0.84. During the external validation, utilizing the ground truth generated by board-certified thoracic radiologists, the algorithm achieved better sensitivity in 6 out of 11 classes than physicians with varying experience levels. Furthermore, Group A physicians demonstrated higher agreement with the algorithm in identifying markings in specific lung regions than Group B (37.56% Group A vs. 21.75% Group B). Additionally, physicians declared that the algorithm did not influence their decisions in 93% of the cases.

Conclusion

This retrospective clinical validation study assesses an AI algorithm's effectiveness in interpreting Chest X-rays (CXR). The results show the algorithm's performance is comparable to Group A physicians, using gold-standard analysis (Group B) as the reference. Notably, both Groups reported minimal influence of the algorithm on their decisions in most cases.
Perspectives on the adoption of black-soldier fly larvae for animal feed among livestock farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Nyamuhirwa Dieu-Merci Akonkwa , Feleke Shiferaw , Dontsop Nguezet Paul-Martin , Sissoko Dioukou , Moussa Bokar , Kouakou Abel-Gautier , Zakari Seydou , Abdoulaye Tahirou , Manyong Victor
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are increasingly promoted as cost-effective, and environmentally friendly source of protein in animal nutrition. However, there is limited information about farmers' adoption rates and the factors influencing their adoption decisions in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This article assesses livestock farmers' actual and potential adoption rates of BSFL and determinants of their adoption decisions.

Methods

In this paper, we used the treatment effect framework approach on data collected from 1,885 fish, poultry, and pig smallholder farmers in five cities of four West and Central African countries, including Kinshasa and Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Accra in Ghana, Bamako in Mali, and Niamey in Niger.

Results and discussion

The results show that about 20 percent of surveyed farmers are aware of BSFL as a protein source in animal feed, and the actual adoption rate of BSFL is four percent. However, the treatment effect analysis showed that the adoption rate could quadruple if all farmers were aware. This result suggests that successful awareness creation can boost the actual adoption of BSFL, which currently stands at four percent. The awareness creation should target educated livestock farmers with access to group membership, credit, extension services, and diversified income sources to influence their decisions to adopt BSFL as a source of protein in animal feed.
H-NS controls the susceptibility of Escherichia coli to aminoglycosides by interfering its uptake and efflux
Authors: Chen Qiuru , Liang Yulei , Dong Yanbin , Cui Junling , He Kun , Ma Xiaoyuan , Zhao Jinfeng , Zhai Yajun , Yuan Li
Published: February 2025

H-NS is a histone-like nucleoid-structuring protein that regulates gene expressions, particularly acquired foreign genes, however, little is known about whether H-NS can modulate bacterial susceptibility by regulating its intrinsic genes. The hns-deleted mutant EΔhns, the hns-complemented strain EΔhns/phns and the hns-overexpressed strain E/phns were derivatives of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, the susceptibility of which were assessed by the broth microdilution method and time-kill curves assays. We found that the MICs for strain EΔhns against gentamicin and amikacin were significantly decreased by 8–16 folds in contrast to E. coli ATCC 25922. Further studies displayed that the absence of hns caused damage to the bacterial outer membrane and increased the expression levels of porin-related genes, such as ompC, ompF, ompG, and ompN, thus obviously enhancing aminoglycosides uptake of strain EΔhns. Meanwhile, hns deletion also led to remarkable inhibition of the efflux pumps activity and decreased expressions of efflux-related genes clbM, acrA, acrB, acrD, and emrE, which reduced the efflux of aminoglycosides. In addition, the activation of glycolysis and electron transport chain, as well as the reduction of Δψ dissipation, could lead to a remarkable increase in proton motive force (PMF), thus further inducing more aminoglycosides uptake by strain EΔhns. Our findings reveal that H-NS regulates the resistance of E. coli to aminoglycosides by influencing its uptake and efflux, which will enrich our understanding of the mechanism by which H-NS modulates bacterial resistance.
Prediction of Tail Strike Incidents in Flight Training Using Ensemble Learning Models
Authors: Du Xing , Xu Gang , Zhang Kai , Jin Huibin , Chen Bin
Published: February 2025

To achieve accurate predictions of tail strike events during the landing phase of flight training, we propose a stacking ensemble learning prediction model that uses Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Regression (SVR), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost) as base models, with Logistic Regression (LR) serving as the meta-model. This model is built on non-exceedance flight data recorded on airborne SD cards. By evaluating the importance scores of the feature parameters influencing tail strike events, we identified the optimal set of features for model input while using the landing pitch angle as the model output. We then compared the R2 and RMSE of each model. The results indicate that under a prediction horizon of 5 s prior to landing, the ensemble learning model demonstrates high predictive accuracy. This capability provides flight trainees with sufficient reaction time to adjust their flight attitudes, thereby helping to avoid the occurrence of tail strike events during landing.
RANS Simulations of Advanced Nozzle Performance and Retro-Flow Interactions for Vertical Landing of Reusable Launch Vehicles
Authors: Scarlatella Giuseppe , Sieder-Katzmann Jan , Propst Martin , Heutling Theodor , Petersen Jannis , Weber Felix , Portolani Marco , Garutti Marco , Bianchi Daniele , Pastrone Dario , Ferrero Andrea , Tajmar Martin , Bach Christian
Published: February 2025

In recent years, advanced nozzle concepts have attracted interest because of advancements in their technology readiness level and studies on applications to vertical take-off and landing reusable launch vehicles. This is ascribable to their intrinsic altitude compensation properties, which could mitigate the additional propellant cost resulting from the vertical landing manoeuvres based on retro-propulsion. Experimental and numerical campaigns at the Technical University of Dresden test the performance of annular-aerospike, dual-bell, and expansion-deflection nozzles compared with conventional bell-shaped nozzles in various subsonic counter-flow regimes and atmospheric conditions. The methods of investigation and a detailed description of the experimental and numerical results are reported. More specifically, the study offers a comparison between advanced and conventional nozzles, with a focus on nozzle performance through experiments and aerodynamic performance and retro-flow interaction through simulations. The flow topology that is established within the area of interaction between nozzle jets and counter-flows is detailed, with the advantages and limitations of each advanced nozzle in terms of adaptive performance. The numerical simulations confirm that advanced nozzles achieve altitude compensation in retro-flow configurations. Moreover, the distance obtained from the models for jet penetration into subsonic counter-flows is compatible with empirical formulations available in the literature.
Priv-IQ: A Benchmark and Comparative Evaluation of Large Multimodal Models on Privacy Competencies
Authors: Shahriar Sakib , Dara Rozita
Published: February 2025

Large language models (LLMs) and generative artificial intelligence (AI) have demonstrated notable capabilities, achieving human-level performance in intelligent tasks like medical exams. Despite the introduction of extensive LLM evaluations and benchmarks in disciplines like education, software development, and general intelligence, a privacy-centric perspective remains underexplored in the literature. We introduce Priv-IQ, a comprehensive multimodal benchmark designed to measure LLM performance across diverse privacy tasks. Priv-IQ measures privacy intelligence by defining eight competencies, including visual privacy, multilingual capabilities, and knowledge of privacy law. We conduct a comparative study evaluating seven prominent LLMs, such as GPT, Claude, and Gemini, on the Priv-IQ benchmark. Results indicate that although GPT-4o performs relatively well across several competencies with an overall score of 77.7%, there is room for significant improvements in capabilities like multilingual understanding. Additionally, we present an LLM-based evaluator to quantify model performance on Priv-IQ. Through a case study and statistical analysis, we demonstrate that the evaluator’s performance closely correlates with human scoring.
Effects of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) on In Vitro Cultured Equine Chorionic Girdle Cells
Authors: Mu Siqin , Shen Yingchao , Ren Hong , Ulaangerel Tseweendolmaa , Yi Minna , Zhao Bilig , Hao Asiya , Liu Qi , Wen Xin , Dugarjaviin Manglai , Bou Gerelchimeg
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Equine chorionic girdle cells can give rise to the endometrial cup, a structure that secretes equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). To date, the mechanisms underlying the proliferation, differentiation, invasion, and hormone secretion of equine chorionic girdle cells are not fully understood. During human pregnancy, interleukin-6 (IL-6) is maternally expressed to stimulate the invasion and migration of human syncytiotrophoblast cells and influence the synthesis of human chorionic gonadotropin. Although many previous studies reported the same upregulation of IL-6 during equine placentation, its effects on equine chorionic girdle cells have never been tested. Methods: In this study, we tested the effects of different concentrations of IL-6 on the morphology, differentiation, proliferation, hormone production, invasion, migration, and gene expression profiles of equine chorionic girdle cells. Results: We found that, with respect to morphology and proliferation, IL-6 had no significant effect; with respect to eCG production, 30 ng/mL IL-6 significantly increased the expression of genes related to eCG production, whereas treatment with 70 ng/mL IL-6 downregulated these genes. However, no significant increase in intracellular protein levels or eCG secretion was observed following treatment with any concentration of IL-6. Regarding cell migration and invasion, we found that IL-6 treatment had no significant effect on the migration capability of equine chorionic girdle cells but did enhance the invasion capability of equine chorionic girdle cells and upregulated the expression of the invasion-related genes, Mmp2 and Mmp9. Finally, our transcriptomic study revealed that in equine chorionic girdle cells, IL-6 treatment mainly affected the expression of genes related to the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway and the JAK–STAT signaling pathways, which are involved in immune and inflammatory responses. Conclusions: In summary, this study demonstrates the positive effects of IL-6 on the cytokine secretion and invasive ability of equine chorionic girdle cells.
Fading Roars? A Survey of the Cultural Use and Illegal Trade in Wild Felid Body Parts in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Horion Robin , Aglissi Janvier , Pickles Rob , Ouattara Amara , Drouilly Marine
Published: February 2025

The illegal trade in leopard and lion parts is a major threat to felid conservation across Africa, especially in under-researched areas like francophone West Africa. Between April and June 2024, we conducted surveys in 16 cities and 46 markets in Côte d’Ivoire, interviewing 39 sellers and 14 users of felid products. We found leopard and lion parts in 42.7% and 25% of stalls, respectively. The illegal trade is driven by the demand for felid products for traditional purposes, with both species holding strong symbolic values. Products were often trafficked through informal networks and sourced from Sahelian neighboring countries like Mali and Burkina Faso. We identified some key trade routes across West Africa and beyond. Without effective control measures, this illegal trade could accelerate the decline of West Africa’s remaining large felid populations. We recommend establishing a regional database of confiscated felid parts for genetic tracing and developing standardized questionnaires for use during traffickers’ arrests to gain further insights into their operations. Additionally, targeted behavioral change campaigns should be implemented to address corruption, increase enforcement agencies’ interest and capacity, and shift the practices of traditional practitioners toward sustainable alternatives. Training law enforcement officers, raising awareness among key communities, and increasing cross-border collaboration and controls are critical to providing a more comprehensive understanding of the trade dynamics in the region.
Morphological Variation in the Striped Field Mouse Across Three Countries
Authors: Balčiauskas Linas , Csanády Alexander , Stanko Michal , Timm Uudo , Balčiauskienė Laima
Published: February 2025

We examined the morphological variation in the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) along south–north and west–east geographic gradients in Europe (Slovakia, Lithuania, and Estonia). Data collected over several decades (1980s–2020s) were analyzed, focusing on five traits: body mass, body length, tail length, hind foot length, and ear length, with GLM models assessing the influence of latitude, longitude, age, sex, and decade. Results revealed strong adherence to ecogeographic rules. Findings suggest that body size increased toward the north, following Bergmann’s rule, which links larger size to better heat conservation in colder climates. Conversely, appendage sizes (e.g., tail, ear) decreased, aligning with Allen’s rule to minimize heat loss. Longitudinal gradients revealed reductions in body length and appendages toward the east, potentially reflecting climatic and habitat variability. Temporal trends highlighted dynamic changes in body size, with increases in Slovakia and mixed trends in Lithuania and Estonia. Sex-based dimorphism varied by country and decade, with females often heavier and males displaying longer appendages. The findings underscore the influence of geographic and temporal factors on morphological variation, providing critical insights into the adaptability of A. agrarius. These results contribute to understanding species’ ecological plasticity and evolutionary responses.
The Cow Paradox—A Scoping Review of Dairy Bovine Welfare in India Using the Five Freedoms
Authors: Mathkari Chirantana
Published: February 2025

India, the leading producer and consumer of milk, houses 307 million cattle, nearly a third of the world’s total. A ban on cow slaughter exists in the majority of the Indian states. Intricately interweaved with the disputable yet publicly acknowledged sentiment of the cow’s sacrality, and with the animal’s utility value, the ban is capable of influencing the humans’ treatment of the dairy animals. Against this background, this research aims to evaluate the welfare state of the Indian dairy bovines by analyzing their welfare at various life phases using the Five Freedoms framework. A scoping review of the relevant published studies that met all inclusion criteria was conducted using bibliographic databases Google Scholar, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. Data were extracted and organized using Microsoft Excel, version 22H2. The literature reviewed demonstrates a loss of one or more freedoms in multiple phases of the bovines’ productive lives, and a parallel loss of two or more freedoms in their post-productive lives; indicating the role of religious values, legislation, and the animal’s economic utility in their treatment. This study highlights the role of culturally shaped human influences on dairy husbandry and creates grounds for studying human–bovine relationships through interdisciplinary lenses to generate culturally viable solutions to improve cattle welfare and promote a sustainable inter-species coexistence.
Research on Fault Diagnosis of Marine Diesel Engines Based on CNN-TCN–ATTENTION
Authors: Ma Ao , Zhang Jundong , Shen Haosheng , Cao Yang , Xu Hongbo , Liu Jiale
Published: February 2025

In response to the typical fault issues encountered during the operation of marine diesel engines, a fault diagnosis method based on a convolutional neural network (CNN), a temporal convolutional network (TCN), and the attention mechanism (ATTENTION) is proposed, referred to as CNN-TCN–ATTENTION. This method successfully addresses the issue of insufficient feature extraction in previous fault diagnosis algorithms. The CNN is employed to capture the local features of diesel engine faults; the TCN is employed to explore the correlations and temporal dependencies in sequential data, further obtaining global features; and the attention mechanism is introduced to assign different weights to the features, ultimately achieving intelligent fault diagnosis for marine diesel engines. The results of the experiments demonstrate that the CNN-TCN–ATTENTION-based model achieves an accuracy of 100%, showing superior performance compared to the individual CNN, TCN, and CNN-TCN methods. Compared with commonly used algorithms such as Transformer, long short-term memory (LSTM), Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), and Deep Belief Network (DBN), the proposed method demonstrates significantly higher accuracy. Furthermore, the model maintains an accuracy of over 90% in noise environments such as random noise, Gaussian noise, and salt-and-pepper noise, demonstrating strong diagnostic performance, generalization capability, and noise robustness. This provides a theoretical basis for its practical application in the fault diagnosis of marine diesel engines.
Physicochemical, Functional, and Antioxidative Characteristics of Oyster Mushrooms
Authors: Tiupova Alona , Olędzki Remigiusz , Harasym Joanna
Published: February 2025

Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus species) have gained significant attention in food science and nutrition due to their exceptional nutritional and functional properties. This review examines various oyster mushroom species’ comprehensive physicochemical characteristics, functional attributes, and antioxidative properties. Through analysis of current literature, we establish that oyster mushrooms contain substantial amounts of protein (15–30%), carbohydrates (43–60%), dietary fibre, and essential micronutrients while maintaining low-fat content (~1.2%). The mushrooms demonstrate significant antioxidant activity through compounds such as ergothioneine, phenolics, and flavonoids, with different species showing varying levels of bioactive compounds. Scientific studies reveal that processing methods, particularly different drying techniques, significantly impact their nutritional composition and functional properties. Notable findings include the identification of specific compounds in coloured varieties, such as pink chromoprotein in Pleurotus djamor and various melanin types, which contribute to both aesthetic and functional properties.