bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to present economic evaluations to non-technical audiences? Randomized trials with professionals and the general population.
Authors: Linertová Renata , Hernández-Yumar Aránzazu , Guirado-Fuentes Carmen , Rodríguez-Díaz Benjamín , Valcárcel-Nazco Cristina , Imaz-Iglesia Iñaki , Carmona-Rodríguez Montserrat , García-Pérez Lidia
Published: August 2024

Background Cost-effectiveness analyses of health technologies have become a part of the decision-making process in healthcare policies. Nevertheless, economic results are not always presented in comprehensible formats for non-technical audiences, such as the general population, healthcare professionals or decision-makers. The purpose of this study was to observe which formats better convey the key message of an economic evaluation, and which are better received in two different audiences.Methods Summary of a hypothetical cost-effectiveness analysis was edited in different formats: infographic, plain language text and video-abstract for the general population; executive summary and policy brief for a specialized population, i.e. clinicians, clinical and non-clinical managers, or methodologists in health-technology assessment. Participants were randomly shown one of the formats, and data on objective and subjective comprehension, and perceived usefulness/acceptability were gathered via on-line questionnaires. Statistical differences between formats were evaluated with t-test and analysis of variance.Results In the general population (N = 324), the infographic group had significantly better objective comprehension than the plain text and video-abstract groups (p = 0.012), there were no differences in subjective comprehension, and video-abstract was considered slightly more useful to understand the information than the other formats. In the specialized population (N = 100), no significant differences were observed for objective and subjective comprehension, although both measures were slightly better for executive summary than policy brief; however, policy brief was perceived to be significantly more useful than executive summary (p = 0.043).Conclusions Infographic could be a good way to present economic data to the general public, although video-abstract seemed to be more attractive for this audience. Among the specialized population, policy brief was clearly preferred, but not better understood. A balance between effectivity of transmitting the message and attractivity of the format needs to be sought, to facilitate non-technical audiences’ understanding economic data and consequently perceive the decision-making processes as more transparent and legitimate.
Intertrochanteric Fracture in Young Woman Without Osteoporosis: A Case Study
Authors: Gray Hazel , Gray Atticus
Published: August 2024

This case presents a 42-year-old non-osteoporotic white female runner with an intertrochanteric stress fracture in the right hip which progressed to a displaced intertrochanteric fracture during a low-impact weighted hip exercise and required surgical intervention. X-rays revealed several previously untreated stress fractures throughout her lower body which had healed without intervention. This is an unusual case because nontraumatic stress fractures in the hip are quite rare in younger and non-osteoporotic patients. Additionally, the previous fractures in her lower body indicate that her injury was not acute, but part of a deeper, chronic issue. This study investigates and briefly discusses several inconspicuous factors present in this patient that could have contributed to this issue, including: Coeliac disease and other food intolerances, malnutrition, subclinical hypothyroidism, overexercise, and iron-deficiency anaemia. Herein are also identified and suggested relevant, potent areas for the consideration of further research.
Development of a protocol for the micropropagation of two forest species threatened with extinction in Ecuador
Authors: Hector Eduardo , Cevallos Damaris , Corozo Liliana , Macías Fatima , Fosado Osvaldo
Published: August 2024

Handroanthus chrysanthus Jacq. S. O. Grose and Tabebuia rosea (Bertol.) Bertero ex A.DC are two forest species that grow in the coastal region of Ecuador and are threatened with extinction. A protocol for the mass multiplication of these species was developed using in vitro culture techniques. The cultures were initiated from seeds, and the effect of two culture media (WPM and MS), two concentrations of NaClO (0.5% and 1%), and two disinfection times (3 and 5 minutes) was studied. During multiplication, the effect of three concentrations of two cytokinins (6-BAP 4.4, 5.5, or 6.6 µM; KIN 4.6, 5.75, or 6.9 µM) on the number of shoots, their length, and diameter was analyzed. This phase of the experiment was carried out in two successive multiplications. For rooting, two concentrations of IBA (2.45 and 4.9 µM) were tested, and the number of roots formed and their length were determined. It was demonstrated that the WPM medium is the most suitable for the in vitro culture of both species and that disinfection time and NaClO concentration affect each species differently. For the multiplication of H. chrysanthus, the most suitable cytokinin was 6-BAP 6.6 µM; T. rosea performed better in the absence of cytokinins. IBA 2.45 µM produced the best results for the rooting of H. chrysanthus, while for T. rosea, IBA 4.9 µM was the most suitable. The acclimatized plants showed a high survival rate, demonstrating the feasibility of using this methodology for the accelerated propagation of these endangered species.
Extreme Arctic lakes reveal accelerating ecological shifts linked to 21st century warming
Authors: Cameron Emma , Oliva Marc , Antoniades Dermot
Published: August 2024

The Arctic is among the most rapidly warming regions on Earth, and climate change has triggered widespread alterations to its cryosphere and ecosystems. Among these, extreme northern lakes are highly sensitive to rising temperatures due to the influence of ice cover on multiple limnological processes. Here, we studied the sediments of three lakes on northern Ellesmere Island (82.6 °N), at the terrestrial limit of the Last Ice Area, to produce records of past environmental change. The colonization of the lakes by diatoms, as well as subsequent diversification and the appearance of planktonic forms, marked important ecological shifts due to warming temperatures and lengthening ice-free periods. A subsequent meta-analysis of 22 circumpolar diatom records revealed trends in species overturn that paralleled those of temperature, including a notable acceleration since the 1980s that eclipses shifts previously observed since the mid-19th century. Projections for sustained amplified warming imply that the accelerating changes we observed are likely to continue, as rising temperatures and lengthening ice-free seasons push Arctic lakes across further ecological thresholds.
Language diversity, economic growth and per capita income distribution
Authors: GAMMADIGBE Vigninou
Published: August 2024

This paper proposes a neoclassical growth model that analyzes the key role of language diversity on the long-term trajectory of economies. It considers language as a social technology, which provides workers with linguistic capital enabling them to absorb new knowledge produced locally and abroad. We show that the plurality of languages fragments the global stock of knowledge available to countries, and projects them onto different long-term growth trajectories depending on the structure of their workforce. The study shows that the adoption of a common language for all countries, in addition to their national languages, could be a solution that would promote the long-term convergence of countries' per capita incomes. The conclusions of the theoretical analysis are supported by empirical evidence, which shows, from a sample of 158 countries from 1978 to 2022, that sharing a common official language significantly reduces per capita income disparities across countries after controlling for other important factors such as human capital, investment rates, foreign direct investment, trade, and colonial ties.
JEL Classification : E13, E23.
Record-breaking rainfall in Sri Lanka in 2014 enhanced by the MJO
Authors: Kajakokulan Pathmarasa , Hunt Kieran M R
Published: August 2024

Sri Lanka has experienced a number of severe floods over the past decades, illustrating the importance of understanding the events leading to extreme rainfall. The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), an intraseasonal phenomenon over the tropical ocean, strongly influences interannual precipitation variability in Sri Lanka. However, the impact of the MJO on rainfall over Sri Lanka during the October-November-December (OND) period is less well understood. In this study, we use reanalysis data to explore the impact of the MJO on Sri Lankan rainfall during this season. We show that OND seasons with heavier-than-usual rainfall typically have more days where an active MJO is in phases 2 and 3 and that this is also true for 2014, where both November and December experienced about a week of strong phase 3 MJO. This led to a persistent synoptic-scale circulation anomaly over Sri Lanka, which increased moisture convergence over the island, leading to widespread and long-lived deep convection. We also argue that the persistent 2014 MJO events adjusted the Walker circulation, leading to anomalous ascent over Sri Lanka, which further amplified the seasonal rainfall. This study shows that a better understanding of the link between the MJO and local thermodynamics is needed to improve extreme precipitation forecasts over Sri Lanka.
Elucidating the Roles of Redox and Structure in the Grain Growth of Mn-doped UO2
Authors: Murphy Gabriel , Bazarkina Elena , Rossberg Andre , Silva Clara , Amidani Lucia , Thuemmler Robert , Klinkenberg Martina , Henkes Maximilian , Marquardt Julien , Lessing Jessica , Svitlyk Volodymyr , Hennig Christoph , Kvashnina Kristina , Huittinen Nina
Published: August 2024

Mn-doped UO2 is considered a potential advanced nuclear fuel due to ameliorated microstructural grain growth compared to non-doped variants. However, recent experimental investigations have highlighted limitations in growth mechanisms, apparently arising from misunderstandings of its redox-structural chemistry. To resolve this disparity, this investigation has used a combination of synchrotron X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy measurements supported by ab initio calculations to cross-examine the redox and structure chemistry of Mn-doped UO2 single crystal grains and ceramic specimens. Mn was found to enter the UO2 matrix divalently with additional formation of fluorite Mn+ 2O in the bulk material. Extended X-ray absorption near edge structure measurements indicated that due to the isostructural fluorite relationship between UO2 and Mn+ 2O, grain enhancing diffusing U species, that should migrate to neighbour UO2 grains during sintering, are inadvertently incorporating within MnO, inhibiting grain growth. The investigation consequently highlights the significance of considering total redox and structural chemistry of main and minor phases in the design of advanced materials.
“Heard or Unheard?” a Qualitative Inquiry Into the Nuanced Experiences of Mothers with Intrapartum Care in Kano, Nigeria
Authors: Rajah Amina Suleiman , Idris Abdulrashid , Yunusa Umar , Ladan Muhammad Awwal , Mba Chioma Judith
Published: August 2024

Background: Childbirth experience significantly impacts maternal and neonatal outcomes, with negative experiences leading to consequences such as postpartum depression, self-care neglect, sleeping problems, posttraumatic stress disorder and the reluctance to use health facilities and recommend hospital delivery to other women.
Aim:This study aimed to explore maternal experience with intrapartum care in Kano, Nigeria.
Methods:A qualitative narrative inquiry approach involving in-depth interviews with 11 postpartum women was utilized. The interviews were transcribed, translated, and thematically analysed to identify patterns and themes related to maternal experiences of intrapartum care.
Results:Three main themes emerged: (1) Dignified care during birth, emphasizing positive experiences with midwives and healthcare personnel; (2) Intense pain and search for relief, highlighting the challenging nature of labor; and (3) Inadequate care and neglect, capturing negative experiences with wait times, lack of support, and even verbal abuse.
Conclusion:This study highlights the diverse range of maternal experiences during childbirth in Kano, Nigeria, encompassing both positive and negative aspects of intrapartum care.
Effect of melamine on the oxygen reduction reaction in the n(111)-(111) series of Pt3Co
Authors: Kamei Takuro , Nakamura Masashi , Hoshi Nagahiro
Published: August 2024

Enhancement of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity is an important subject for the development of fuel cells. In this study, we prepared the n(111)-(111) series of Pt3Co single crystal electrodes using an induction heating furnace and investigated the ORR in 0.1 M HClO4 using the rotation disk electrode (RDE). The specific activity of the ORR (jk) increased monotonously with increasing terrace width n on the n(111)-(111) series of Pt3Co, showing the highest activity on Pt3Co(111). The value of jk of Pt3Co(111) was 59-fold higher than that of Pt(111) at 0.95 V(RHE). This trend was different from those of the same series of Pt, Pt3Co, and Pt3Ni reported previously. Furthermore, the ORR activity was improved on all electrodes by adding melamine to the electrolytic solution. Melamine was preferentially adsorbed at the terrace edge. Pt3Co(553) n = 5 showed the highest activity. The values of jk at 0.95 V(RHE) were 23- and 3.3-fold higher than those of Pt(553) n = 5 and Pt3Co(553) n = 5 without melamine modification, respectively. The durability of Pt3Co(553) n = 5 with melamine was improved 8.0-fold.
Risk factors and common organisms in bacterial keratitis in a tertiary center in Iran, a retrospective study.
Authors: Hadi Yasaman ,   Saba Gholamalizadeh1, Ghiasian Leial , Dadpour Negar , Elmi Navid , Mazouchi Marjan
Published: August 2024

Background
To report the range of isolated microorganisms and identify the underlying factors contributing to infectious keratitis in a 12-year period at a referral center in Tehran.
Methods
This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with infectious keratitis from 2009 to 2021. A total of 867 patients were admitted, with corneal scrapping performed for 414 of them. Fortified empiric antibiotic eye drops were initiated for all patients, while surgical intervention was carried out for a total of 376 patients during their hospitalization.
Results
Trauma being identified as the most prevalent risk factor (21.9%). The primary microorganisms responsible for corneal ulcers were Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Staphylococcus aeuros was the predominant microorganism cultured in patients under 50 years old, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common in patients over 50 years old. Tarsorrhaphy was carried out on 23.6% of the patients. Other surgical procedures were performed on a total of 44.6% of the patients, with tectonic graft and corneal patch graft being the most common surgeries.
Conclusion
This research highlights the significance of trauma as the primary predisposing factor and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the predominant cultured microorganism in adult microbial corneal ulcer cases in Iran. Furthermore, we emphasize the necessity of surgical procedures in cases of bacterial keratitis.
A new validated instrument to assess sustainability perception among university students
Authors: Salahange Laura , Sánchez-Martín Jesús , Dávila-Acedo María A. , Cañada-Cañada Florentina
Published: August 2024

Promoting sustainability within university institutions entails conducting assessments to lay the groundwork for developing educational methodologies. This article presents the validation of a quantitative 36-item scale questionnaire that aimed to measure university students' perceptions towards sustainability. A total of 285 university students from different Spanish Universities participated in completing the questionnaire. The reliability and validity of the instrument were statistically assessed through the Cronbach’s alpha and confirmatory factor analysis. The questionnaire consists of six dimensions: affective, knowledge, attitude, willingness to act, behavior, self-efficacy, which were confirmed by the confirmatory factor analysis, with results that show a good fit level in the model (RMSEA = 0.043, CFI = 0.972, SRMR = 0.076, TLI = 0.970 and X2/df = 1.45). Internal reliability, which was found using Cronbach’s alpha, varies between 0.737 and 0.909. The results show that the instrument meets the validity and reliability criteria. Consequently, a valuable tool for academic utilization is suggested, offering a diagnostic and monitoring mechanism for evaluating sustainability perceptions, a topic that has recently garnered significant attention.
Distinct CDH11+ circulating fibroblasts and immune cells co-expressing chemokine receptors in chronic inflammatory arthritis patients
Authors: Vetsika Eleni-Kyriaki , Kyriakidi Maria , Fragoulis George , Sakkou Maria , Verrou Kleio Maria , Mourikis Anastasios , Vlachogiannis Nikolaos , Tektonidou Maria , Sfikakis Petros
Published: August 2024

The mechanisms underlying the progression of chronic inflammatory arthritis, affecting over 1% of adults, remain largely unclear. Using single-cell mass cytometry on peripheral blood of patients with active rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, we identified various cells co-expressing mesenchymal markers, including the homotypic adhesion molecule cadherin-11 (CDH11), and chemokine receptors. Circulating fibroblasts (podoplanin+CD45−CD3−CD19−CD4−CD8−CD56−CD66b−CD294−) co-expressing CDH11 and CCR7 were found exclusively in patients and not in paired bone marrow samples, suggesting their origin from inflamed joints. Increased fibrocytes (CD34+HLA-DR+CD45+CD3−CD19−CD4−CD8−CD56−CD66b−CD294−) co-expressing CDH11 and CCR7 were also found in patients, being more prevalent in bone marrow than blood, supporting their bone marrow origin. Among various leukocyte subsets, CDH11+CD90+neutrophils co-expressing CCR6 were markedly increased in patients. Paired measurements three months post-antirheumatic treatment revealed persistently increased circulating CDH11+fibroblasts, CDH11+fibrocytes and CDH11+CD90+CCR6+neutrophils, regardless of clinical responses. Moreover, CDH11+neutrophils were identified by confocal microscopy in close proximity to synovial fibroblasts in knee-surgery-obtained rheumatoid synovium. Combining our findings with previous data showing circulating pre-inflammatory mesenchymal cells to precede clinical arthritis flares, we suggest a drug-independent process orchestrated by chemokines that may contribute to ‘arthritis spreading’, wherein synovial fibroblasts and fibrocytes migrate into distant synovium, either alone or by forming complexes with CD90+CDH11+ neutrophils, through CDH11-mediated binding.
Synergizing AI with Geology: Exploring VisionTransformers for Rock Classification
Authors: Maheen Anfal , Vijayan Vidya , Sivan Shailesh
Published: August 2024

Automated rock identification is a critical domain within geosciences, offering significant advancements over traditional manual methods. This study explores the benefits of automation in rock identification, highlighting improvements in speed, efficiency, consistency, and accuracy. Such advancements facilitate large-scale geological surveys and allow for the seamless integration of various geoscientific data, yielding novel insights into Earth’s geology and resources. The research presents a robust model that achieves an impressive accuracy rate of 88.00%, outperforming conventional Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Transfer Learning approaches. A comprehensive analysis of performance metrics, confusion matrices, and ROC-AUC curves demonstrates the model’s robustness and precision in classifying different rock types. Despite its success, the study acknowledges the challenges in accurately classifying Basalt and suggests potential solutions such as data augmentation and incorporating domain-specific knowledge. The conclusion emphasizes the need for future research to address class imbalances and to adopt more advanced techniques for feature extraction and classification, aiming to further refine the model’s accuracy and applicability in automated rock identification
Environmental yeasts differentially impact the development and oviposition behavior of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus
Authors: Malassigné Simon , Laÿs Mathieu , Vallon Laurent , Martin Edwige , Vigneron Aurélien , Van Vân Tran , Minard Guillaume , Moro Claire Valiente , Luis Patricia
Published: August 2024

Background
While the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), a known vector of many arboviruses, establishes symbiotic associations with environmentally acquired yeasts, their impact on mosquito biology remains poorly investigated. To better understand these associations, we hypothesized that water-borne yeasts colonizing the larval gut differentially support mosquito development based on their capacity to produce riboflavin or recycle nitrogen waste into proteins by secreting uricase, as B vitamins and amino acids are crucial for mosquito development. To address this hypothesis, we used axenic and gnotobiotic insects to gauge the specific impact of different environmental yeasts on Ae. albopictus development and survival. We then evaluated whether the observed variations across yeast species could be linked to differential uricolytic activities and varying quantities of riboflavin and proteins in insecta. Finally, given that mosquito breeding site selection favors conditions that enhance offspring performance, we tested whether yeasts that promote faster development mediate oviposition site selection by gravid females.
Results
Differences in mosquito development times were observed based on the environmental yeast used. Yeasts like Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Aureobasidium pullulans, and Wickerhamomyces anomalus promoted rapid development and were associated with improved survival. Conversely, yeasts such as Torulaspora delbrueckii and Martiniozyma asiatica, which led to slower development, produced smaller adults. Notably, R. mucilaginosa, which promoted the fastest development, provided higher riboflavin intakes and might enhance nitrogenous waste recycling and protein synthesis through strong uricolytic activity. Behavioral experiments indicated that yeasts promoting rapid development attract gravid females.
Conclusions
Our findings highlight that a set of environmental yeasts present in natural larval breeding sites can be associated with improved mosquito development and survival by enhancing nutritional intake, thereby attracting gravid females. Variations in mosquito development time are likely linked to the differential levels of riboflavin production and nitrogenous waste recycling capacities among yeast species. This study opens new perspectives on the trophic interactions between mosquitoes and their mycobiota, emphasizing the importance of nitrogen-containing molecules such as essential amino acids, proteins or vitamins provided by the mycobiota.
An Improved Current Differencing Transconductance Amplifier with Dual Input Dual Output Operation and its Potential Application
Authors: Rana Prerna , Ranjan Ashish
Published: August 2024

This research article presents an extended Current Differencing Transconductance Amplifier (CDTA) designed with a Flipped Voltage Follower (FVF) and an Arbel-Goldminz OTA (AG-OTA), and named Dual Input Dual Output (DIDO-CDTA). The trans-conductance (gm) of the DIDO-CDTA can be electronically tuned, offering practical implications for signal processing circuits. The entire structure operates on a 0.6V supply voltage. The workability of the DIDO-CDTA is validated through DC and AC analysis using the Cadence Virtuoso simulator with 0.18 µm gpdk technology. The designed active block is also used to implement Low Pass Filter (LPF) and High Pass Filter (HPF) using the concept of Wave Active Filter (WAF) and dual-mode integrator circuits.
The genetic associations between gut microbiota and menstruation quality of life impacts in the East Asian women
Authors: Zhou Yuhang , Wang Yue , Feng Yun , Sun Tao , Xu Junnan
Published: August 2024

Background Menstruation affects the physiological and psychological health of East Asian women, imposing burdens on their daily lives and work. The gut microbiota has been found to improve various diseases. The study used Mendelian randomization to exploratorily discuss the causal effects of gut microbiota on the menstruation quality of life impacts. Methods According to the predefined threshold, independent genetic variants significantly linked to 119 bacterial genera in the gut were extracted as instrumental variables. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) was utilized as the primary analysis method, supplemented by MR-Egger and Weighted median methods. Effect estimates were assessed primarily using the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). In addition, sensitivity analyses (heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, and outliers) were implemented to evaluate the robustness and accuracy of the findings. Results Causal effects were found between 28 bacterial genera and 13 menstruation quality of life impacts. Based on OR, 18 bacterial genera were identified as risk factors, while 10 were identified as protective factors. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis did not detect heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, or outliers. Conclusions This study provides evidence for causal effects of gut microbiota on menstruation quality of life impacts. These findings will help elucidate how gut microbiota could affect physiological and psychological health issues during menstruation. Furthermore, they also offer valuable perspectives into the management of women's health during menstruation.
IRIS: Iterative Improvement of Distantly Supervised Named Entity Annotations
Authors: Yano Ken , Miwa Makoto , Ananiadou Sophia
Published: August 2024

Background: Named entity recognition (NER) aims to detect entity mentions from text and classify them into predefined types. It is a fundamental task in information extraction and many other downstream tasks. However, the necessity of extensive human efforts to annotate a large amount of training data imposes restrictions on the state-of-the-art supervised deep learning methods, especially in specific domains. To address this problem, various distantly supervised methods (DS-NER), which aim to train NER models using automatically annotated training data based on external knowledge, such as dictionaries and knowledge bases, have been proposed. Although DS-NER methods are effective, the annotation quality tends to be noisy, which requires further manual checking and correction.
Methods: We propose a named entity annotation framework called IRIS (IteRative Improvement dS-ner).The IRIS framework is a client-server web application that aims to curate noisy named entity annotations made by DS-NERs initially annotated using only domain dictionaries. The tool provides a fast and efficient corpus search capability to correct annotation manually. Besides, a back-end offline process periodically launched to re-train the DS-NER by the updated annotations generates new annotations. The web tool provides a UI to compare current and new annotations, enabling curators to decide whether to replace old annotations with new ones. This curation process continues until the corpus quality converges.
Results: We adopt a simulation-based method using the BC5CDR dataset to evaluate the framework. The results show the effectiveness of our proposed annotation framework in reducing manual annotation or curation workload compared with manual annotation from scratch to obtain annotation results of similar quality.
Conclusions: Our proposed IRIS annotation framework introduces a novel approach, iteratively and semiautomatically correcting noisy entity annotations made by DS-NER. The results of the simulation-based experiments demonstrate that the IRIS framework significantly reduces human annotation efforts compared with naive manual annotation from scratch.
Combining Ability and Heterosis Studies for Yield Improvement in Rapeseed
Authors: Azim Jaber Bin , Chowdhury Noushin , Robin Arif Hasan Khan
Published: August 2024

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is globally important for its edible oil. Breeders focus on enhancing favorable yield attributes to increase yield in this crop. A comprehensive 5 × 5 full-diallel study was conducted to explore gene action, combining ability, and heterosis for morphological characteristics, days to maturity, and yield traits in rapeseed. The findings revealed that these traits are influenced by additive and non-additive genetic factors, with non-additive effects particularly prominent. Therefore, delaying selection to later segregating generations may prove more effective. Significant reciprocal effects were observed across all traits indicating the role of maternal influence in trait expression. NAP-0721-1 and BD-10109 were identified as the top general combiners, while the F1 hybrids NAP-0724-2 × BD-7118 and BD-10109 × NAP-0724-2 were noted for favorable combinations related to days to maturity and plant height. For yield and yield attributes, BD-6951 × BD-7118, NAP-0721-1 × BD-10109, BD-7118 × NAP-0724-2, and BD-7118 × BD-6951 emerged as the most promising specific combiners. The study highlighted the potential of these genotypes to transfer important quantitative traits, with the cross-combination BD-6951 × BD-7118 demonstrating superior performance across multiple traits compared to its parental lines. These promising parent lines are recommended for use in breeding programs aimed at developing high-yielding rapeseed genotypes. At the same time the identified F1 hybrids can be utilized to select desirable segregates for further improvement of yield and related traits.
Detection of pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria using an antimicrobial peptides-modified bipolar electrode-electrochemiluminescence platform
Authors: Ji Lei , Wang Fengyang , Qi Yan , Qiao Fanglin , Xiong Xiaohui , Liu Yuanjian J.
Published: August 2024

Real-time, label-free detection of Gram-negative bacteria with high selectivity and sensitivity is demonstrated using a bipolar electrode-electrochemiluminescence (BPE-ECL) platform. This platform utilizes anode luminescence and cathode modification of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to effectively capture bacteria. Magainin I, basic AMP from Xenopus skin, boasting an a-helix structure, exhibits a preferential affinity for the surface of Gram-negative pathogens. The covalent attachment of the peptide's C-terminal carboxylic acid to the free amines of a previously thiolated linker ensures its secure immobilization onto the surface of interdigitated gold-plated cathode of BPE. The AMP-modified BPE sensor, when exposed to varying concentrations of Gram-negative bacteria, produces reproducible ECL intensities, allowing for the detection of peptide-bacteria interactions within the range of 1 to 104 CFU mL-1. Furthermore, this AMP-modified BPE sensor demonstrates a selective capacity to detect E. coli O157:H7 amidst other Gram-negative strains, even at a concentration of 1 CFU mL-1. This study underscores the high selectivity of Magainin I in bacterial detection, and the AMP-modified BPE-ECL system holds significant promise for rapid detection of Gram-negative bacteria in various applications. The AMP-modified BPE sensor to various concentrations of Gram-negative bacteria generated reproducible ECL intensity that detected peptide-bacteria interactions in the range of 1 to 104 CFU mL-1. The AMP-modified BPE sensor also selectively detected E. coli O157:H7 from other Gram-negative strains at a concentration of 1 CFU mL-1. In this paper, AMP demonstrated high selectivity in bacterial detection. The AMP-modified BPE-ECL system prepared has a great potential for application in the field of rapid detection of Gram-negative bacteria.
Functional Diversity Patterns in a Mountainous Mediterranean Refuge
Authors: Aykurt Candan , Özkan Kürşad , Gülben Mertcan , Şentürk Özdemir , Berberoğlu Emirhan , Türkan Semra , Öz Zeynep , Göktürk Ramazan Süleyman , Akgül Hasan , Günaydın Sinem , Görgöz Muhammet Murat
Published: August 2024

In this study, the variation in functional diversity along all Mediterranean-type vegetation belts in a topographically complex mountainous refuge area was examined in relation to topographic and climatic factors. Microclimatic processes and mosaic habitats caused by topographic complexity increase the plant diversity of the area. This diversity is reflected in our study through the representation of different habitat types, and all members of Spermatophyta in the sample plots were recorded. In addition to functional diversity, the relationship of alpha species diversity with enviromental parameters was also modeled and mapped within this study conducted with approximately 5550 records of 1017 plant taxa from 136 study plots. Functional diversity was measured using Rao’s quadratic entropy, and alpha species diversity values were calculated using the Shannon-Wiener index. Various regression models were trained and evaluated, and were assessed based on several statistical metrics. The final model selection, the Generalized Additive Model (GAM), was chosen based on its superior performance, ensuring the model not only fits the data well but also accurately predicts new data, thus optimizing both the validity and practical utility of the model. Our GAM results indicated that elevation is the most influential factor on diversity values, and that functional and species diversity curves show different trends with increasing elevation. Additionally, the topographic position index was identified as the most significant process affecting functional diversity in terms of “habitat filtering”. In this context, the variation in functional diversity, species diversity, and endemism in mosaic habitats creates a mosaic of diversity.
Effect of coincidence of severe extracranial and intracranial artery stenosis or occlusion on cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Dai Pei , Fang Ya-na , Yu Hui-xian , Wang Zhao-xia , Liu Si-hao , Zang Da-wei
Published: August 2024

Objective: There was a significant correlation between the large atherosclerotic extracranial artery stenosis (ECAS) or intracranial artery stenosis (ICAS) and the neuroimaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Our objective was to investigate the effect of coexistence of severe extracranial and intracranial arterial stenosis or occlusion on CSVD in patients with ischemic stroke.
Methods: A total of 222 patients with LAA infarction with CSVD were included in this retrospective study, including 160 males and 62 females. All enrolled patients were divided into four groups: ECAS, ECAS+ICAS, ICAS and None. The differences between the four groups were evaluated by total CSVD scores, total Fazekas scores, periventricular WMH Fazekas scores and deep WMH Fazekas scores.
Results: There were significant differences between the four groups in terms of total CSVD scores (P< 0.05). But there was no significant difference in the total Fazekas scores, periventricular WMH Fazekas scores and deep WMH Fazekas scores. Further pairwise comparison shows that only the ECAS+ICAS group and the none group had a significant difference in total CSVD scores (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The coincidence of severe stenosis or occlusion of the extracranial and intracranial artery may increase the incidence of CSVD and aggravate the performance of CSVD in patients with ischemic stroke and mainly reflected in the total CSVD scores. If ECAS and/or ICAS are found in patients, the total CSVD burden should be also actively assessed. To reduce the incidence of stroke and improve outcomes, active clinical intervention should be undertaken for these patients.
An Experimental Database for Machine Learning of Algebraic Models in Separated Flows
Authors: Carlucci Andrea , Petronio Daniele , Dellacasagrande Matteo , Simoni Daniele , Satta Francesca
Published: August 2024

This work presents an extended experimental database characterizing the transition process induced by flow separation on a flat plate with a variable adverse pressure gradient, and demonstrates its usability for tuning algebraic models of the Reynolds stress tensor by means of machine learning techniques. The database collects the 2D components of the Reynolds stress tensor for about 90 flow cases characterized by different flow Reynolds numbers, freestream turbulence intensities and adverse pressure gradients. In the range of variation chosen for the aforementioned parameters, bursting process occurs, with the consequent formation of separation bubbles of both short and long types. Sparse Bayesian Learning has been exploited to tune two algebraic turbulence models, based on the Pope’s expansion, for short and long bubbles. The models have been formulated in terms of the invariants of the strain and rotation tensors with the addition of different physical-based flow features to account for the strong anisotropy that has been observed in the transitional region. The capability of the tuned relations in reproducing the anisotropy tensor along the separated shear layer is here shown by predicting flow cases that did not participate in the tuning process. The paper aims at providing a thorough database for future researches in the field and to improve turbulence models and RANS capabilities in the simulation of separated flows.
Single image dehazing method based on knowledge transfer and multi-branch data augmentation correction
Authors: Cao manman
Published: August 2024

Dehazing can improve the clarity of images and provide more reliable inputs for image analysis tasks, thereby enhancing their performance. Therefore, we propose a dehazing network based on knowledge transfer and multi-data enhancement correction. First, we propose a multi-data enhancement correction method that combines different image enhancement techniques to improve the quality of the input images. Second, by leveraging a pre-trained teacher network to acquire prior knowledge from clear data, guiding the dehazing process of the student network through knowledge transfer. We introduce a deep multi-scale refinement network composed of a dense feature enhancement module and enhanced residual dense blocks, enabling the dehazing model to learn the local structure and feature representation of the data more accurately. Experimental results on multiple benchmark datasets demonstrate that the proposed dehazing method outperforms state-of-the-art dehazing methods. Code are available at: https://github.com/JNcmm/KTMDA-DehazeNet.
Unequal roles of cities in the inter-urban healthcare system
Authors: Zhao Pengjun , Li Juan , Zhang Mengzhu
Published: August 2024

Cities are increasingly interdependent regarding healthcare provision/demand. However, the inter-urban healthcare system (IHS) behind the nationwide patient mobility remains largely unknown. Leveraging human mobility big data, we reveal cities’ roles in providing/demanding quality healthcare within the IHS of China. We find that 8%of Chinese cities arenational and regional hubs that address the healthcare shortage of cities deprived of quality healthcare, while 63% of the cities that are unnoticed compensate for migrant workers being denied healthcare rights in megacities. IHS generates new structural inequalities in healthcare access exhibiting a Matthew effect, where the few (12%) cities that are already rich in healthcare resources benefit more and can strengthen their advantages in providing healthcare to local populations (32% of China’s total population). While, the majority (35%) of cities, particularly those facing healthcare shortages, are further disadvantaged in ensuring adequate healthcare for their local populations (26% of China’s total population).
Inherited Genetic Risk in Stillbirth: A Shared Genomic Segments Analysis of High-Risk Pedigrees.
Authors: Workalemahu Tsegaselassie , Madsen Myke , Lopez Sarah , Page Jessica , Blue Nathan , Avery Cecile , Sargent Rob , Yu Zhe , Guinto Emily , Branch D Ware , Leisher Susannah , Jorde Lynn , Quinlan Aaron , Coon Hilary , Varner Michael , Roberts Claire , Neklason Deborah , Camp Nicola , Silver Robert
Published: August 2024

Background
Stillbirth is a devastating adverse pregnancy outcome affecting 2 million pregnancies worldwide every year. Though an etiology may be found in some, one-third of stillbirth cases remain unexplained. Stillbirth clusters in families and, apart from infrequent aneuploidies and balanced translocations, few underlying inherited genes associated with stillbirth are known. Well-characterized family-based studies may aid in identifying genetic contributors to unexplained stillbirth.
Methods
Using the Utah Population Database, we defined pedigrees with high familial risk of stillbirth. Comprehensive phenotyping with review of primary medical records was conducted to identify stillbirth cases without identifiable causes. We generated whole-genome sequencing in seven stillborn placentas from three pedigrees, referred to hereafter as Pedigree A, Pedigree B, and Pedigree C. We performed shared genomic segments analysis to identify evidence for segregating haplotypes shared by the stillbirths to provide evidence for inherited risk.
Results
A region at 15q26.3 was identified in two independent pedigrees with genome-wide significance in both (a 1.2 Mb segment shared by two stillbirths in Pedigree A, and a 1.8 Mb segment shared by two stillbirths in pedigree B). Four other regions reached genome-wide significance in single pedigrees at 16p13.13-p13.12, 9p13.3-p13.1, and 6p22.2-p22.1 (shared by the same two stillbirths in Pedigree B), and 0.8 Mb segment at 14q.32.2 shared by three stillbirths in Pedigree C. The identified regions are implicated in in utero and postnatal development, pregnancy loss, and infertility.
Conclusions
We identified evidence for inherited risk loci in stillbirth placental genes are implicated in in utero and postnatal development, pregnancy loss, and infertility. Identification of inherited genes in stillbirth risk may provide novel therapeutic targets for prevention and treatment to improve pregnancy outcomes.
Immunotherapeutic potential of collagen V oral administration in mBSA/CFA-induced arthritis
Authors: Silveira Lizandre Keren Ramos da , Velosa Ana Paula , Catanozi Sergio , Pereira Marco Aurélio A. , Filho Antonio dos Santos , Marques Fabio Luiz N. , Faria Daniele de Paula , Real Caroline Cristiano , Fernezlian Sandra de M. , Yanke Amanda Flores , Queiroz Zelita Aparecida de J. , Contini Vitória Elias , Lobo Thays de Matos , Carrasco Solange , Baldavira Camila Machado , Goldenstein-Schainberg Cláudia , Fuller Ricardo , Capelozzi Vera L. , Teodoro Walcy R.
Published: August 2024

We hypothesized that after synovial injury, collagen V (Col V) expose occult antigens, and Col V autoantibodies develop, indicating the loss of immune tolerance against this molecule, thus leading to damage to mesenchymal-derived cells as well as the extracellular matrix in experimental arthritis. Thus, the present study investigated the effects of oral administration of Col V on the synovium after the development of inflammation in mBSA/CFA-induced arthritis. After fourteen days of intraarticular administration of mBSA, 10 male Lewis rats were orally administered Col V (500 µg/300 µL) diluted in 0.01 N acetic acid (IA-Col V group). The arthritic group (IA group, n = 10) received only intraarticular mBSA. An intra-articular saline injection (20 µL) was given to the control group (CT-Col V, n = 5). IA group presented damaged synovia, the expansion of the extracellular matrix by cellular infiltrate, which was characterized by T and B lymphocytes, and fibroblastic infiltration. In contrast, after Col V oral immunotherapy IA-Col V group showed a significant reduction in synovial inflammation and intense expression of IL-10 + and FoxP3 + cells, in addition to a reduction in Col V and an increase in Col I in the synovia compared to those in the IA group. Furthermore, an increase in IL-10 production was detected after IA-Col V group spleen cell stimulation with Col V in vitro. PET imaging did not differ between the groups. The evaluation of oral treatment with Col V, after mBSA/CFA-induced arthritis in rats, protects against inflammation and reduces synovial tissue damage, through modulation of the synovial matrix, showing an immunotherapeutic potential in inhibiting synovitis.
A challenging diagnosis of complete androgen insensitivity syndrome in a young Eritrean woman: a case report
Authors: mohammedidris sabrin , birara malede , tekeset simon
Published: August 2024

Background:Androgen insensitivity syndrome is a rare X-linked disorder in which a 46xy individual fails to virilize normally owing to varying degrees of impairment in androgen receptor function. Androgen insensitivity syndrome manifests in a spectrum of phenotypes.
Case presentation: A 27-year-old Eritrean who identified as a female presented with a history of primary amenorrhea and dyspareunia. Physical examination revealed the absence of pubic and axillary hair. The patient was tall, measuring 1.84 cm, and had a 4 cm long blind-ended vaginal pouch. Ultrasonography revealed an absent uterus and fallopian tubes. Hormone analysis and Barr body test were performed. The patient underwent orchidectomy.
Conclusion: Androgen insensitivity syndrome presents a broad spectrum of phenotypes. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is crucial among healthcare professionals to enable prompt diagnosis prior to the assignment of gender.
Evaluation of Demographic, Clinical, Laboratory Findings and Treatments of Our Febrile Seizures Cases
Authors: Yılmaz Özge Özdil , Karal Yasemin , Yılmaz Burak Barıs , Karaman Mustafa
Published: August 2024

Febrile convulsions are seizures during febrile illness between the ages of 6-60 months without a central nervous system infection or any other cause (electrolyte imbalance, metabolic disorder, intoxication, trauma) and without previous afebrile convulsions. It is the most common disorder of childhood neurological diseases.
In our study, we aimed to determine the characteristics among 200 patients who were diagnosed as febril convulsion at Trakya University Faculty of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Neurology Out-patient Clinic between January 2014-December 2018, to determine the risks of recurrence and development of epilepsy and patients’ response for different treatments.
Our patients’ male / female ratio is 1,22 / 1, 78% term, 60% NSVY and 20% of them have difficulty in labor. Diagnose age was between 6-60 months, with a mean of 21,82 ± 12,69 months. It was mostly seen under age of 2 (79%). Family history of febril seizure and epilepsy is %25 and 10 respectively. The common fever cause was upper respiratory system infections (83%). 41% was simple, 52,5% was complicated, and 82% was generalized tonic clonic. The recurrence rate was 22,5%. 8% of patients had abnormal EEG and they have higher recurrence rate. When the laboratory values were evaluated in terms of seizure recurrence and epilepsy, it was found that patients with recurrence have higher C-reaktive protein levels than those with epilepsy.
Patients with seizures below 38,3ºC, abnormal EEG and recurrence, have high rate of epilepsy.
Prophylaxis includes continuous antiepileptic, intermittant rectal diazepam and antipyretic. In our study recurrence after treatment in both seizure types is higher than those without treatment, but risk of developing epilepsy is not associated with treatment.
As a result; it is benign disease. Following-up is important because of the high recurrence rate and risk of epilepsy compared to general population. We found no significant difference between the treatments in preventing recurrence, but rectal diazepam may be preferred in those who received less recurrence, since it is easy to apply and has few side effects.