bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on potential health emergencies in paediatric patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Mitura Krzysztof Marek , Celiński Daniel , Snarska Jadwiga , Szajda Sławomir Dariusz
Published: September 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic compromised the principles underlying the functioning of public health, which is understood as the prevention of diseases and care for the health of entire communities. During the pandemic period, the efforts of the health system focused on patients with suspected infection and those infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which led to changes in the provision of health services and the characteristics of patients receiving medical services at the pre-hospital stage. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on potential health emergencies in paediatric patients based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10). The data used in the study were derived from interventions carried out by Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) in central and eastern Poland, involving patients who were under 18 years of age (n = 12,619). The data were collected from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2022. The study used descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney U Test, and the Chi-square test. The study reveals that fewer paediatric patients (5.28%) were provided medical services by EMTs during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period (5.86%). There was a decrease in the number of injuries in paediatric patients (from 42.0 to 32.7%; p < 0.001), and more patients were left at the location from which the call was made (18.9 vs. 23.9%; p < 0.001). Moreover, during the pandemic, as compared to the pre-pandemic period, there was an increase in the number of cases of pre-hospital assistance provided to paediatric patients with fever, irrespective of gender, area (village, city) or patient age. During the pandemic, paediatric patients consumed alcohol more frequently. The age of patients who were provided with assistance by EMTs decreased (median of 10.0 vs. 9.0; p < 0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic brought about changes in the prevalence of potential health emergencies in children. The incidence of injuries decreased, while the number of interventions due to fever and alcohol consumption increased. There was a reduction in the number of patients transported to the hospital. In addition, the age of patients who received medical assistance decreased. The study shows health problems that were faced by paediatric patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and, therefore, can be helpful in preparing the healthcare system for emergency situations.
Early detection of students’ mental health issues from a traditional daily health observation scheme in Japanese schools and its digitalization
Authors: Nishimura Tomoko , Wakuta Manabu , Osuka Yuko , Tsukui Nobuaki , Hirata Ikue , Takahashi Michio , Adachi Masaki , Katayama Taiichi , Aizaki Kyoko , Sumiya Motofumi , Kawakami Sayaka , Iwabuchi Toshiki , Senju Atsushi
Published: September 2024

Objective

The implementation of school-based mental health screening offers promise for early detection of mental health issues in children; however, various barriers hinder its widespread adoption. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of digital data obtained from an established daily health observation scheme in Japanese schools to identify later mental health issues in children.

Methods

Data for the analysis were obtained from 2,433 students enrolled in five public schools. The data acquisition period spanned 76 school days, from September 1, 2022, to December 23, 2022, and student absences were recorded during this period. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed in January 2023. The students’ daily physical and emotional health status was recorded as “daily health issue” scores and group-based trajectory modeling was employed to classify the long-term trends in these scores. Additionally, rolling z-scores were utilized to capture variability in daily health issue scores, with z-scores above +1 considered unusual responses.

Results

After 4 months of daily health observations, students’ response trends were classified into five trajectory groups. The group experiencing the highest number of daily health issues (Group 5; 5.4% of the sample) exhibited more subsequent depressive and anxiety symptoms compared to the group with fewer issues (Group 1; 47.5%) (incident rate ratio [IRR] = 5.17; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.82, 6.99). Group 5 also demonstrated significantly more days of absence than Group 1 (IRR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.19, 3.85). The average daily health issue scores for the entire period were associated with both depressive/anxiety symptoms and the number of days absent from school (IRR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.45, 1.73; IRR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.35, respectively). Furthermore, a higher number of unusual responses during the entire period was also associated with more depressive/anxiety symptoms (IRR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.12).

Conclusion

The current study is the first to demonstrate the predictive capability of a traditional daily health observation scheme to identify mental health issues in children. This study highlights the scheme’s potential to screen and safeguard children’s mental health, emphasizing the importance of digitalization and collaboration with various stakeholders.
Spatiotemporal distribution and risk factors for patient and diagnostic delays among groups with tuberculous pleurisy: an analysis of 5-year surveillance data in eastern China
Authors: Li Yang , Luo Dan , Zheng Yi , Liu Kui , Chen Songhua , Zhang Yu , Wang Wei , Wu Qian , Ling Yuxiao , Zhou Yiqing , Chen Bin , Jiang Jianmin
Published: September 2024

Objective

To understand and analyze the factors relating to patient and diagnostic delays among groups with tuberculous pleurisy (TP), and its spatiotemporal distribution in Zhejiang Province.

Methods

Data of all tuberculous pleurisy patients were collected from the existing Tuberculosis Information Management System. A time interval of > 2 weeks between first symptom onset and visit to the designated hospital was considered a patient delay, and a time interval of > 2 weeks between the first visit and a confirmed TP diagnosis was considered a diagnostic delay. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore factors influencing patient and diagnostic delays in patients with TP. Spatial autocorrelation and spatiotemporal scan analyses were used to identify hot spots and risk clusters, respectively.

Results

In total, 10,044 patients with TP were included. The median time and interquartile range for patients seeking medical care and diagnosis were 15 (7–30) and 1 (0–8) days, respectively. The results showed that people aged > 65 years, retirees, and residents of Jinhua, Lishui, and Quzhou were positively correlated with patient delay, whereas retreatment patients, houseworkers, unemployed people, and residents of Zhoushan or Ningbo were positively correlated with diagnostic delay. Additionally, high-risk clusters of patient delays were observed in the midwestern Zhejiang Province. The most likely clusters of TP diagnostic delays were found in southeast Zhejiang Province.

Conclusion

In summary, patient delay of TP in Zhejiang province was shorter than for pulmonary tuberculosis in China, while the diagnostic delay had no difference. Age, city, occupation, and treatment history were related to both patient and diagnostic delays in TP. Interventions in central and western regions of Zhejiang Province should be initiated to improve the early detection of TP. Additionally, the allocation of health resources and accessibility of health services should be improved in the central and eastern regions of Zhejiang Province.
Large language model triaging of simulated nephrology patient inbox messages
Authors: Pham Justin H. , Thongprayoon Charat , Miao Jing , Suppadungsuk Supawadee , Koirala Priscilla , Craici Iasmina M. , Cheungpasitporn Wisit
Published: September 2024

Background

Efficient triage of patient communications is crucial for timely medical attention and improved care. This study evaluates ChatGPT’s accuracy in categorizing nephrology patient inbox messages, assessing its potential in outpatient settings.

Methods

One hundred and fifty simulated patient inbox messages were created based on cases typically encountered in everyday practice at a nephrology outpatient clinic. These messages were triaged as non-urgent, urgent, and emergent by two nephrologists. The messages were then submitted to ChatGPT-4 for independent triage into the same categories. The inquiry process was performed twice with a two-week period in between. ChatGPT responses were graded as correct (agreement with physicians), overestimation (higher priority), or underestimation (lower priority).

Results

In the first trial, ChatGPT correctly triaged 140 (93%) messages, overestimated the priority of 4 messages (3%), and underestimated the priority of 6 messages (4%). In the second trial, it correctly triaged 140 (93%) messages, overestimated the priority of 9 (6%), and underestimated the priority of 1 (1%). The accuracy did not depend on the urgency level of the message (p = 0.19). The internal agreement of ChatGPT responses was 92% with an intra-rater Kappa score of 0.88.

Conclusion

ChatGPT-4 demonstrated high accuracy in triaging nephrology patient messages, highlighting the potential for AI-driven triage systems to enhance operational efficiency and improve patient care in outpatient clinics.
Impact of implicit vs. explicit Instructions on tactical performance in under-20 soccer players
Authors: Abreu Cristóvão de Oliveira , Aburachid Layla Maria Campos , Lima Igor Mendes , Moura Felipe A. , Bedo Bruno L. S. , Ribas Schelyne , Praça Gibson Moreira
Published: September 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to verify whether implicit and explicit informational constraints generate differences in tactical performance and behavior in U-20 national-level soccer players.

Methods

Thirty-two under-20 male athletes from two clubs participated. Four 4-a-side small-sided games (SSG) protocols were used: R1 - explicit rule for high-press marking, R2 - implicit rule for high-press marking, R3 - game with both previous rules simultaneous and FR - free game, without additional rules. SSGs comprised 4 vs. 4+ goalkeepers games on a 42 m × 29 m field. Position data from 10 Hz Global Positioning System (GPS) devices were used to evaluate individual and collective tactical behavior (spatial occupation metrics) and performance (interpersonal coordination). MANOVA was used for normally distributed variables, and Friedman's with Dunn or Bonferroni post hoc was used for variables without normal distribution. For SEI, an ANOVA was used with Bonferroni post hoc.

Results

The R1 protocol showed higher SEI, length, width, and LpWratio than the FR protocol (p = 0.009). There was an effect of the different protocols in SEI values (p < 0.001). Under the explicit rule, players also showed the highest in-phase interpersonal coordination values (p < 0.001).

Discussion

Providing players with explicit tactical instructions improves tactical performance acutely for high-pressing defensive actions.
Recent developments and inventive approaches in vertical farming
Authors: Sowmya Chennu , Anand M. , Indu Rani C. , Amuthaselvi G. , Janaki P.
Published: September 2024

“Biomimicry” is an acronym used to describe how people looked at nature for inspiration to tackle a variety of problems. The modern problems of fast-increasing urbanization, land degradation, climate change, pandemics, loss of biodiversity, and widespread use of pesticides and fertilizers seriously threaten our food supply chain. There is a growing consumer demand for nutrient-dense, flavourful plant-based cuisine with minimal environmental impact. Moreover, a considerable portion of food roughly 24% is lost before it reaches consumers, partly as a result of poor quality and protracted supply chains. Researching new methods of producing food is essential since, by 2050, there will be more than 9.7 billion people on the planet, 70% of whom will reside in cities. Vertical farming (VF), which relieves pressure on conventional agricultural land by using vertical space instead of horizontal expansion, is growing in popularity as a solution to these problems. Because VF incorporates soil-less growth techniques, it is well-suited for urban environments. This strategy may help to produce more premium products, such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs. It may also help to produce cosmetics and medications made from plants. Vertical farming, is becoming more favoured as an alternative to traditional agriculture, and provides avenues for enhancing sustainable food production given the growing challenges of climate change and population growth.
Virus-like particles in poultry disease: an approach to effective and safe vaccination
Authors: Raji Abdullahi Abdullahi , Dastjerdi Paniz Zarghami , Omar Abdul Rahman
Published: September 2024

The poultry industry, a cornerstone of global food security, faces dynamic challenges exacerbated by viral diseases. This review traces the trajectory of poultry vaccination, evolving from traditional methods to the forefront of innovation Virus-Like Particle (VLP) vaccines. Vaccination has been pivotal in disease control, but traditional vaccines exhibit some limitations. This review examines the emergence of VLPs as a game-changer in poultry vaccination. VLPs, mimicking viruses without replication, offer a safer, targeted alternative with enhanced immunogenicity. The narrative encompasses VLP design principles, production methods, immunogenicity, and efficacy against major poultry viruses. Challenges and prospects are explored, presenting VLP vaccines as a transformative technique in poultry disease control. Understanding their potential empowers industry stakeholders to navigate poultry health management with precision, promising improved welfare, reduced economic losses, and heightened food safety.
Canine mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes attenuate renal ischemia-reperfusion injury through miR-146a-regulated macrophage polarization
Authors: Liu HaiFeng , Deng Hongchuan , Huang Haocheng , Cao Jiahui , Wang Xinmiao , Zhou Ziyao , Zhong Zhijun , Chen Dechun , Peng Guangneng
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The most common factor leading to renal failure or death is renal IR (ischemia-reperfusion). Studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their exosomes have potential therapeutic effects for IR injury by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization and inflammation. In this study, the protective effect and anti-inflammatory mechanism of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (ADMSC-Exos) after renal IR were investigated.

Method

Initially, ADMSC-Exos were intravenously injected into IR experimental beagles, and the subsequent assessment focused on inflammatory damage and macrophage phenotype. Furthermore, an in vitro inflammatory model was established by inducing DH82 cells with LPS. The impact on inflammation and macrophage phenotype was then evaluated using ADMSC and regulatory miR-146a.

Results

Following the administration of ADMSC-Exos in IR canines, a shift from M1 to M2 macrophage polarization was observed. Similarly, in vitro experiments demonstrated that ADMSC-Exos enhanced the transformation of LPS-induced macrophages from M1 to M2 type. Notably, the promotion of macrophage polarization by ADMSC-Exos was found to be attenuated upon the inhibition of miR-146a in ADMSC-Exos.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that miR-146a plays a significant role in facilitating the transition of LPS-induced macrophages from M1 to M2 phenotype. As a result, the modulation of macrophage polarization by ADMSC-Exos is achieved via the encapsulation and conveyance of miR-146a, leading to diminished infiltration of inflammatory cells in renal tissue and mitigation of the inflammatory reaction following canine renal IR.
A Systematic Approach towards the Integration of Initial Airworthiness Regulatory Requirements in Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Conceptual Design Methodologies
Authors: Gómez-Rodríguez Álvaro , Turkoglu Cengiz , Cuerno-Rejado Cristina
Published: September 2024

The regulatory framework of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPASs) has recently experienced an extraordinary evolution. This article seeks to improve the integration of certification considerations in RPAS conceptual design approaches so as to enhance the safety, certifiability and competitiveness of their resulting designs. The first part of the research conducts a two-stage analysis of contemporary regulations related to an RPAS’s initial airworthiness. In the first stage, the broad international regulation paradigm is evaluated attending to a set of criteria that are tightly related to both airworthiness and design considerations. The second stage keeps the most promising documents from a design–integration standpoint, which are assessed according to their applicability considering both design and operational aspects. The results of this analysis provide insights regarding the main issues in airworthiness design criteria extraction and integration in design methodologies. To aid the designer in surmounting these challenges, a flexible procedure named DECEX is developed. Considering the documents and findings from the survey, and attending to the scope of the design methodology being developed, it aids in establishing a complete regulatory document corpus and in comparing and extracting the applicable airworthiness design criteria. Two case studies for different RPAS types are conducted to demonstrate its application.
Soil Microbial Properties of Durum Grown after Camelina, Carinata, Cover Crops, and Fallow
Authors: Dangi Sadikshya R. , Allen Brett L. , Jabro Jay D. , Rand Tatyana A. , Campbell Joshua W. , Calderon Rosalie B.
Published: September 2024

Novel crop rotation is an important factor influencing the composition of soil microorganisms. However, the effect of introducing oilseed and cover crops (CCs) into monoculture durum rotations on soil microbial communities is not clear in the Northern Great Plains. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 2-year durum (Triticum durum D.) rotations with Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A.) or camelina (Camelina sativa L.) or a 10-species forage/CC mix planted to replace fallow rotations with wheat on soil microorganisms. This study was designed as a randomized complete block with three replications in a no-tillage system. The results showed that total bacterial proportion was significantly higher in durum following fallow and camelina compared to durum following CC and carinata. Total fungal proportion was significantly higher in durum following CC compared to durum following oilseed crops and fallow. The fungal-to-bacterial ratio was significantly higher in durum following CC compared to durum following camelina and fallow. The crop species, soil pH and highly variable rainfall influenced the microbial community dynamics. The abundance of specific microbial groups due to crop-related changes might play a key role in the yield of subsequent crops and soil biological health. This study provides valuable insights into the use of CC mix and oilseeds as an alternative crop for fallow in a wheat–fallow system under dryland farming conditions. Future work is required to elucidate the biological mechanisms and functions of the soil microbial communities in the preceding and subsequent crop relative to soil health and crop productivity.
The Roles of Glutaredoxins in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Biotic and Abiotic Stress Conditions, including Fungal and Hormone Treatments
Authors: Song Mengyuan , Xu Xiao , Dong Ye , Bimpong Daniel , Liu Lijun , Li Yanli , Shen Huiquan , Wang Youning
Published: September 2024

Glutaredoxins (GRXs) are widely distributed oxidoreductase enzymes that play important roles in plant growth, development, and responses to various stresses. In this study, bioinformatics methods were used to identify and analyze the wheat GRX gene family and predict their properties and potential functions. RNA-seq and RT-qPCR expression analyses were used to investigate their regulatory functions under hormone treatment and fungal diseases. In this study, 86 GRX genes were identified in wheat and classified into CC-type, CGFS-type, and CPYC-type categories with no TaGRX located on chromosome 4B. The results show that TaGRXs regulate wheat transcriptional responses and have an integrative role in biotic and abiotic stress responses. TaGRXs are involved in wheat responses to Fusarium graminearum, Puccinia striiformis, and Erysiphe graminis diseases. TaGRX73-7D, TaGRX20-3A, and TaGRX29-3B play a negative regulatory role in E. graminis infection but a positive regulatory role in F. graminearum and P. striiformis infection. These TaGRXs play potential regulatory functions in wheat responses to the plant hormones and signaling molecules, including IAA, ABA, H2O2, and SA. The findings of this study lay the groundwork for further investigation of the functions of wheat GRX genes and their potential use as candidate genes for molecular breeding of stress-resistant wheat varieties.
Effects of Socialization on Problem Solving in Domestic Cats
Authors: Foerder Preston , Howard Mary C.
Published: September 2024

Domestic cats are capable of leading both solitary and social lives and socializing to humans. This type of socialization may also enhance an animal’s problem-solving ability. We examined the relationship between socialization and problem-solving ability, problem-solving speed, and latency to approach a novel apparatus in domestic cats. Socialization towards humans was measured with the Feline Behavior Assessment based on the ASPCA’s Feline Spectrum Assessment. This modified measure requires assessors to observe an individual cat’s behavior during three steps: observation test, door test, and the stroke and push test. During each test, the assessor examined specific behaviors that are indicative of socialization. Problem solving was assessed with a food-acquisition puzzle box that required the subject to pull on a tab to release a food reward. Twenty-four out of eighty-six cats solved the problem-solving task. More socialized cats were more likely to solve the problem, solve it faster, and approach the apparatus sooner. We also found a significant relationship between age and problem solving; younger adult cats were more likely to solve the problem than older adults. These results provide evidence that domestic cats are not only capable of solving this type of problem but also that their socialization towards humans influences their abilities.
The Bony Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses of Big Felids and Domestic Cat: A Study Using Anatomical Techniques, Computed Tomographic Images Reconstructed in Maximum-Intensity Projection, Volume Rendering and 3D Printing Models
Authors: Díaz Martínez Elena , Arencibia Espinosa Alberto , Soler Laguía Marta , Ayala Florenciano María Dolores , Kilroy David , García García María I. , Martínez Gomariz Francisco , Sánchez Collado Cayetano , Gil Cano Francisco , Jaber José Raduán , Ramírez Zarzosa Gregorio
Published: September 2024

This study aims to develop three-dimensional printing models of the bony nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses of big and domestic cats using reconstructed computed tomographic images. This work included an exhaustive study of the osseous nasal anatomy of the domestic cat carried out through dissections, bone trepanations and sectional anatomy. With the use of OsiriX viewer, the DICOM images were postprocessed to obtaining maximum-intensity projection and volume-rendering reconstructions, which allowed for the visualization of the nasal cavity structures and the paranasal sinuses, providing an improvement in the future anatomical studies and diagnosis of pathologies. DICOM images were also processed with AMIRA software to obtain three-dimensional images using semiautomatic segmentation application. These images were then exported using 3D Slicer software for three-dimensional printing. Molds were printed with the Stratasys 3D printer. In human medicine, three-dimensional printing is already of great importance in the clinical field; however, it has not yet been implemented in veterinary medicine and is a technique that will, in the future, in addition to facilitating the anatomical study and diagnosis of diseases, allow for the development of implants that will improve the treatment of pathologies and the survival of big felids.
Expression of GLOD4 in the Testis of the Qianbei Ma Goat and Its Effect on Leydig Cells
Authors: Wang Jinqian , Chen Xiang , Sun Wei , Tang Wen , Chen Jiajing , Zhang Yuan , Li Ruiyang , Wang Yanfei
Published: September 2024

The expression pattern of GLOD4 in the testis and its regulatory effect on testicular cells was explored in goats to enhance our understanding of spermatogenesis and improve reproduction in breeding rams. In this study, we demonstrated the localization of GLOD4 in testicular cells using immunohistochemistry and subcellular localization analyses. Subsequently, we analyzed the GLOD4 expression pattern in four age-based groups (0, 6, 12, and 18 months old) using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and protein blotting. Finally, we performed GLOD4 silencing and overexpression studies in Leydig cells (LCs) and explored the effects on cell proliferation, the cell cycle, steroid hormone secretion and the expression of candidate testosterone hormone-regulated genes. GLOD4 was mainly expressed in Leydig cells, and the subcellular localization results showed that the GLOD4 protein was mainly localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Silencing of GLOD4 significantly suppressed the mRNA expression levels of the testosterone secretion-related genes CYP11A1, 3β-HSD, and CYP17A1 and the mRNA expression levels of cell cycle-related genes CDK6, PCNA, and Cyclin E. Moreover, the cell cycle was blocked at the G2/M phase after GLOD4 silencing, which significantly suppressed testosterone secretion. In contrast, GLOD4 overexpression significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of the testosterone secretion-related genes CYP11A1, 3β-HSD, and CYP17A1 and increased the expression of the cell cycle-related genes CDK6, PCNA, and Cyclin E. Moreover, GLOD4 overexpression promoted the cell cycle from G0/G1 phases to enter the S phase and G2/M phases, promoted the secretion of testosterone. Taken together, our experimental results indicate that GLOD4 may affect the development of cells in Qianbei Ma goats of different ages by influencing the cell cycle, cell proliferation, and testosterone hormone synthesis. These findings enhance our understanding of the functions of GLOD4 in goats.
Characterization of Oxacillin-Resistant and Oxacillin-Susceptible mecA-Positive Staphylococcus pseudintermedius from Skin Lesions and Nasal Cavities of Dogs with Clinical Pyoderma
Authors: Putriningsih Putu Ayu Sisyawati , Kampa Jaruwan , Jittimanee Suphattra , Phuektes Patchara
Published: September 2024

Understanding the epidemiology of mecA-positive Staphylococcus pseudintermedius strains, including those that are oxacillin-susceptible but potentially inducible to resistance, is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies and mitigating public health risks. This study characterized 87 mecA-positive S. pseudintermedius isolates obtained from skin lesions and nasal orifices of 46 dogs with pyoderma enrolled at a referral hospital in Thailand between 2019 and 2020. All isolates underwent antibiogram profiling, SCCmec typing, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) for phenotypic and genetic analysis. Among the 87 isolates, 33 isolates (37.9%) recovered from 15 dogs were oxacillin-resistant (OR-MRSP), while 54 isolates (62.1%) from 31 dogs were oxacillin-susceptible (OS-MRSP). All OR-MRSP isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR), and 44% of the OS-MRSP isolates also showed MDR. SCCmec typing revealed type V as predominant among OR-MRSP isolates (69.7%), while many oxacillin-susceptible isolates (70.4%) were non-typeable. The OR-MRSP isolates from the same dog showed consistent antibiogram and SCCmec types, while OS-MRSP isolates displayed both identical and diverse patterns. No dominant pulsotypes were observed among the OR-MRSP or OS-MRSP strains. Genetic diversity was also noted among the isolates within the same dogs and among the others, highlighting the complexity of S. pseudintermedius colonization and infection dynamics in pyoderma-affected dogs.
Preliminary Evidence of the Possible Roles of the Ferritinophagy-Iron Uptake Axis in Canine Testicular Cancer
Authors: Leandri Rebecca , Power Karen , Buonocore Sara , De Vico Gionata
Published: September 2024

Iron is a key element in spermatogenesis; its metabolic pathway in the testis is strictly regulated. Alterations in iron metabolism are linked to various diseases, including cancer, and changes in iron metabolism-related proteins have been observed in multiple human, mouse and canine tumors. There is limited knowledge about iron metabolism in canine non-neoplastic and neoplastic testes. This study aimed to explore the immunohistochemical expression of molecules involved in iron uptake and storage [Transferrin Receptor 1 (TfR1), ferritin (FTH1), nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4)] and PCNA in canine non-neoplastic and neoplastic testicular samples. Non-neoplastic testes showed moderate TfR1 expression in developing germ cells and Sertoli cells, high NCOA4 cytoplasmic immunostaining in the Sertoli cells and occasional cytoplasmic immunopositivity for FTH1 in the spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. In contrast, Leydig cell tumors (LCTs) and Diffuse Type Seminoma (DSEM) exhibited increased expression of TfR1, along with higher PCNA expression, suggesting a higher iron need for proliferation. Intratubular Type Seminoma (ITSEM) showed a higher FTH1 expression, indicating greater iron storage, while the increased NCOA4 expression in the LCTs and DSEM suggested ferritinophagy to release iron for proliferation. Sertoli cell tumors (SCTs) showed only NCOA4 expression. These preliminary findings highlight potential molecular targets for developing new anti-neoplastic treatments in canine testicular tumors.
Persistence and Culturability of Escherichia coli under Induced Toxin Expression
Authors: Dhaouadi Yousr , Hashemi Mohamad Javad , Ren Dacheng
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Bacteria are well known to enter dormancy under stress conditions. However, the mechanisms of different dormancy-related phenotypes are still under debate and many questions remain unanswered. This study aims to better understand the effects of toxin gene expression on the dormancy of Escherichia coli. Methods: The effects of toxin gene expression on growth, persistence, and culturability were characterized. Specifically, we detailed dose- and time-dependent dormancy of E. coli and its susceptibility to ofloxacin via arabinose-induced hipA toxin gene expression under the PBAD promoter. A new plot was developed to better describe the dynamic changes in culturability and persistence. The expression level of hipA was determined using qPCR and cellular activities were monitored using fluorescence imaging and flow cytometry. Results: High-level persister formation and strong tolerance to ofloxacin were observed after high-level hipA induction. The new plot reveals more information than the changes in persistence alone, e.g., reduced culturability of E. coli and thus deeper dormancy under high-level hipA induction. Consistently, controlled hipA induction led to decreased cellular activities at promoter PrrnBP1 and an increase in the non-culturable subpopulation. Conclusions: Overall, this study provides new insights into dormancy induced by toxin gene expression and a more comprehensive view of persistence and culturability. The findings may help develop better control agents against dormant bacterial cells.
Enhanced Precision in Chinese Medical Text Mining Using the ALBERT+Bi-LSTM+CRF Model
Authors: Fang Tianshu , Yang Yuanyuan , Zhou Lixin
Published: September 2024

Medical texts are rich in specialized knowledge and medical information. As the medical and healthcare sectors are becoming more digitized, many medical texts must be effectively harnessed to derive insights and patterns. Thus, great attention is directed to this emerging research area. Generally, natural language processing (NLP) algorithms are employed to extract comprehensive information from unstructured medical texts, aiming to construct a graphical database for medical knowledge. One of the needs is to optimize model sizes while maintaining the precision of the BART algorithm. A novel carefully designed algorithm, called ALBERT+Bi-LSTM+CRF, is introduced. In this way, both enhanced efficiency and scalability are attained. When entities are extracted, the constructed algorithm achieves 91.8%, 92.5%, and 94.3% for the F-score, precision, and recall, respectively. The proposed algorithm also achieves remarkable outcomes in extracting relations, with 88.3%, 88.1%, and 88.4% for the F-score, precision, and recall, respectively. This further underscores its practicality in the graphical construction of medical knowledge.
A Study of Friction Nonlinearity and Compensation for Turntable Servo Systems
Authors: Yan Minjie , Liu Kai , Sohel Rana Md , Ji Runze , Ye Hairong
Published: September 2024

In view of the worse dynamic performance and steady-state accuracy caused by nonlinear friction in turntable servo systems, challenges are posed in precise positioning tasks. However, most of the existing research ignores the effect of friction on system performance. Therefore, it is of great significance to analyze the nonlinear characteristics of the transmission mechanism and study compensation strategies for improving the control quality of non-direct drive turntable servo systems. Therefore, an improved active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) based on state feedback compensation is proposed in this paper to optimize the accuracy of the turntable servo system and improve the robustness of the system under nonlinear friction conditions. Firstly, friction is modeled and analyzed through offline identification, which is the basis for nonlinear friction compensation. Subsequently, the two methods of friction compensation are compared. Since feedforward compensation is prone to under-compensation and over-compensation, it is highly dependent on the parameters, while the traditional ADRC compensation method has poor dynamic performance under gap conditions. Therefore, the advantages of ADRC and state feedback are combined together to reduce the steady-state error and optimize the control performance of the system. Lastly, the effectiveness of the proposed compensation method is verified and compared through simulations and experiments. The method is able to comprehensively compensate the gap and friction nonlinearities, and the experimental steady-state error is reduced from 0.55° to 1/3 (0.19°), which improves the load-side positioning accuracy. Finally, a conclusion can be drawn that the new compensation method can improve the parameter adjustability, speed estimation precision, and system robustness.
Construction of Prediction Models of Mass Ablation Rate for Silicone Rubber-Based Flexible Ablative Composites Based on a Small Dataset
Authors: Chen Wenxing , Zhou Chuxiang , Zhang Hao , Yan Liwei , Zhou Shengtai , Chen Yang , Heng Zhengguang , Zou Huawei , Liang Mei
Published: September 2024

The prediction of the ablation rate of silicone rubber-based composites is of great significance to accelerate the development of flexible thermal protection materials. Herein, a method which combines uniform design experimentation, active learning, and virtual sample generation was proposed to establish a prediction model of the mass ablation rate based on a small dataset. Briefly, a small number of sample points were collected using uniform design experimentation, which were marked to construct the initial dataset and primitive model. Then, data points were acquired from the sample pool and iterated using various integrated algorithms through active learning to update the above dataset and model. Finally, a large number of virtual samples were generated based on the optimal model, and a further optimized prediction model was achieved. The results showed that after introducing 300 virtual samples, the average percentage error of the gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) prediction model on the test set decreased to 3.1%, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method in building prediction models based on a small dataset.
A Method for All-Weather Unstructured Road Drivable Area Detection Based on Improved Lite-Mobilenetv2
Authors: Wang Qingyu , Lyu Chenchen , Li Yanyan
Published: September 2024

This paper presents an all-weather drivable area detection method based on deep learning, addressing the challenges of recognizing unstructured roads and achieving clear environmental perception under adverse weather conditions in current autonomous driving systems. The method enhances the Lite-Mobilenetv2 feature extraction module and integrates a pyramid pooling module with an attention mechanism. Moreover, it introduces a defogging preprocessing module suitable for real-time detection, which transforms foggy images into clear ones for accurate drivable area detection. The experiments adopt a transfer learning-based training approach, training an all-road-condition semantic segmentation model on four datasets that include both structured and unstructured roads, with and without fog. This strategy reduces computational load and enhances detection accuracy. Experimental results demonstrate a 3.84% efficiency improvement compared to existing algorithms.
Blockchain Traceability Process for Hairy Crab Based on Cuckoo Filter
Authors: Tian Shiyu , Jiang Wenbao
Published: September 2024

With the rapid development of global information technology, smart agriculture has gradually become an important force to promote agricultural modernisation. Taking Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs as the research object, this paper constructs a full-chain traceability process for hairy crabs integrating blockchain and Internet of Things technology in response to the demand for the enhancement of its brand value and market competitiveness. The model covers all aspects of breeding, processing, and transport to sales; realises end-to-end transparent regulation; effectively guarantees the authenticity and non-tamperability of information; and enhances consumers’ trust in the brand. At the technical level, this paper designs the ECMI (Enhanced Cuckoo Merkle Index) model, optimises the data storage and retrieval mechanism, and experimentally verifies the advantages of cuckoo filters over traditional Bloom filters in reducing false positives and improving query efficiency. This paper not only provides an efficient and safe traceability solution for the hairy crab industry in Yangcheng Lake but also provides technical support and practical cases for the further application of blockchain technology in smart agriculture, which is of great value for the realisation of the national rural revitalisation strategy.
Side-Scan Sonar Image Augmentation Method Based on CC-WGAN
Authors: Zhu Junhui , Li Houpu , Qing Ping , Hou Jiaxin , Peng Ye
Published: September 2024

The utilization of deep learning algorithms for side-scan sonar target detection is impeded by the restricted quantity and representativeness of side-scan sonar (SSS) samples. To address this issue, this paper proposes a method for image augmentation using a CC-WGAN network. First, the generator incorporates the Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) to enhance the assimilation of global information and local features in the input images. This integration also improves stability and avoids mode collapse problems associated with the original Generative Adversarial Network. Subsequently, the CBAM is incorporated into the discriminator to facilitate a better understanding of the relevance and significance of input data, thereby enhancing the model’s generalization ability. Finally, based on this model, existing few-sample SSS images are augmented, and we utilize the augmented images for discrimination and detection with YOLOv5. The experimental results show that following training with the SSS dataset that is augmented by this network, the accuracy of target detection increased by 7.6%, validating the feasibility of our proposed method. This method presents a novel solution to the problem of low model accuracy in underwater target detection with side-scan sonar due to limited samples.
Research on Intraparticle to Interparticle Entanglement Swapping Protocols
Authors: Tang Jiangmei , Wang Shaomeng , Liang Bingyang , Gong Yubin
Published: September 2024

Entanglement is one of the most striking features of quantum systems, whereby its non-classical correlation is an essential resource in numerous quantum protocols. Entanglement can be divided into two categories: interparticle and intraparticle entanglement. There are both distinctions and similarities between these two kinds of entangled states. This work delves into these distinctions and similarities from the following aspects: correlation and non-locality, robustness, the mechanisms of generation and separation, and practical applications. Entanglement swapping is a technique based on quantum entanglement. As entanglement has different categories, entanglement swapping also has various types, including interparticle to interparticle and intraparticle to interparticle. Swapping protocols from intraparticle entanglement to interparticle entanglement can be applied to super quantum dense encoding, quantum information transmission, quantum teleportation, etc. Thus, this work proposes three swapping protocols, from spin–orbit intraparticle entanglement to spin–spin interparticle entanglement, based on Bell state joint measurement, the cross-Kerr medium, and linear optical elements. This work can help us better understand entanglement by analyzing the differences and similarities between the two types of entangled states. It can also enhance entanglement swapping protocols, from spin–orbit intraparticle to spin–spin interparticle entanglement, for use in quantum information transfer.
Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells Isolated by Explant Culture Method from Wharton’s Jelly and Subamnion Possess Similar Biological Characteristics
Authors: Kestendjieva Snejana , Chervenkov Mihail , Oreshkova Tsvetelina , Mourdjeva Milena , Stoyanova Elena
Published: September 2024

Human umbilical cord (UC) is an attractive source of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to its easy availability, non-invasive procedure of collection, and no ethical concerns. The aim of this study was to isolate MSCs from the Wharton’s jelly (WJ) and subamnion (SA) from the same umbilical cord by an optimized explant method, and to compare the morphology, proliferation, and stemness properties of the MSCs from both sources. Cells from the WJ and SA of six umbilical cords were characterized by flow cytometry, differentiation capacity and proliferation assays, immunofluorescence staining, and RT-PCR. The optimized explant method was successfully used to isolate WJ-MSCs and SA-MSCs. The MSCs from both sources showed similar patterns of growth kinetics, adipogenic and osteogenic potential, and the expression of pluripotency markers (OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, and SSEA-4). The current findings support the usage of the optimized explant method to generate a relatively homogenous population of MSCs from Wharton’s jelly and subamnion, which can facilitate the reproducibility of the results from experimental and practical applications of the obtained cells.
Engineering Vehicle Detection Based on Improved YOLOv6
Authors: Ling Huixuan , Zhao Tianju , Zhang Yangqianhui , Lei Meng
Published: September 2024

Engineering vehicles play a vital role in supporting construction projects. However, due to their substantial size, heavy tonnage, and significant blind spots while in motion, they present a potential threat to road maintenance, pedestrian safety, and the well-being of other vehicles. Hence, monitoring engineering vehicles holds considerable importance. This paper introduces an engineering vehicle detection model based on improved YOLOv6. First, a Swin Transformer is employed for feature extraction, capturing comprehensive image features to improve the detection capability of incomplete objects. Subsequently, the SimMIM self-supervised training paradigm is implemented to address challenges related to insufficient data and high labeling costs. Experimental results demonstrate the model’s superior performance, with a mAP50:95 value of 88.5% and mAP50 value of 95.9% on the dataset of four types of engineering vehicles, surpassing existing mainstream models and proving its effectiveness in engineering vehicle detection.
Guessing Human Intentions to Avoid Dangerous Situations in Caregiving Robots
Authors: Zapata Noé , Pérez Gerardo , Bonilla Lucas , Núñez Pedro , Bachiller Pilar , Bustos Pablo
Published: September 2024

The integration of robots into social environments necessitates their ability to interpret human intentions and anticipate potential outcomes accurately. This capability is particularly crucial for social robots designed for human care, as they may encounter situations that pose significant risks to individuals, such as undetected obstacles in their path. These hazards must be identified and mitigated promptly to ensure human safety. This paper delves into the artificial theory of mind (ATM) approach to inferring and interpreting human intentions within human–robot interaction. We propose a novel algorithm that detects potentially hazardous situations for humans and selects appropriate robotic actions to eliminate these dangers in real time. Our methodology employs a simulation-based approach to ATM, incorporating a “like-me” policy to assign intentions and actions to human subjects. This strategy enables the robot to detect risks and act with a high success rate, even under time-constrained circumstances. The algorithm was seamlessly integrated into an existing robotics cognitive architecture, enhancing its social interaction and risk mitigation capabilities. To evaluate the robustness, precision, and real-time responsiveness of our implementation, we conducted a series of three experiments: (i) A fully simulated scenario to assess the algorithm’s performance in a controlled environment; (ii) A human-in-the-loop hybrid configuration to test the system’s adaptability to real-time human input; and (iii) A real-world scenario to validate the algorithm’s effectiveness in practical applications. These experiments provided comprehensive insights into the algorithm’s performance across various conditions, demonstrating its potential for improving the safety and efficacy of social robots in human care settings. Our findings contribute to the growing research on social robotics and artificial intelligence, offering a promising approach to enhancing human–robot interaction in potentially hazardous environments. Future work may explore the scalability of this algorithm to more complex scenarios and its integration with other advanced robotic systems.