bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intestinal flora and ulcerative colitis: A Mendelian Randomization study
Authors: Qu Fanfan , Cheng ming , Wang Hongxia , Ji Jianbin , Lei Yanan , Zhou Zhenghua
Published: April 2024

A large body of clinical data and observational studies suggest that intestinal flora is associated with ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the causal relationship between gut flora and UC remains to be determined. To investigate the potential causal relationship between intestinal flora and UC, a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed in this study. We obtained genome-wide association data for gut flora and UC from published GWAS databases and performed dual sample MR analysis using inverse variance weighting (IVW) to identify potential UC beneficial or deleterious gut flora. Sensitivity analysis, including multi potency and heterogeneity assays, was performed to validate the stability of MR primary assays. In this study, we found a negative correlation between three genera of bacteria and the risk of UC developing into beneficial floras. They include Genus Butyrivibrio [OR = 0.908, 95%CI (0.835, 0.987), P = 0.0229]; Genus Clostridiuminnocuumgroup [OR = 0.847, 95%CI (0.752, 0.955), P = 0.00646]; and Genus Lactococcus [OR = 0.886, 95%CI (0.796, 0.986), P = 0.0263]. The analysis of pleiotropy showed that the MR-Egger regression intercept P > 0.05 for all three, and the Q-pval > 0.05 for the heterogeneity analysis, indicating that there was no pleiotropy or heterogeneity in the above-mentioned bacterial groups. This study expands the intestinal flora associated with UC risk and provides a theoretical basis for further relevant experiments and clinical studies.
Insight into enhancing the performance of sludge dewatering using a novel flocculant CS-TA prepared through free radical-mediated conjugation
Authors: Liu Yuejin , Niu Xiaojun , Zhang Dongqing , Zhou lingling , Tao chunyang , Lin yu , Chen siping , Chen yawen , Lin zhang
Published: April 2024

Flocculation is one of the most significant conditioning methods for sludge dewatering. In the present study, a novel flocculant CS-TA, which was prepared through free radical-mediated conjugation of tannic acid (TA) and chitosan (CS), was proposed to improve the performance of sludge dewatering. The findings indicate that the conditioning of CS-TA yielded the best dewatering performance at 30 mg g TS− 1 with water content of 59.78% and capillary suction time of 11.8s, compared to the Wsc of 98.2% and CST of 56.2s in raw sludge. The flocculation efficiency of different influencing factors were evaluated, indicating that CS-TA possessed the capacity for enhancing sludge dewaterability over a wide range of pH. Furthermore, the analysis of particle size implied that the addition of CS-TA favored the formation of larger particles. Meanwhile, the value of zeta potential of sludge was increased form − 24.29 ± 0.49 mV to -17.69 ± 0.35 mV after CS-TA conditioning, suggesting that CS-TA could improve sludge dewatering through charge neutralization, thus accelerating sludge filtration. In addition, extracellular polymer substances (EPS) analysis indicated that the decrease in the polysaccharide (PS) and protein (PN) contents in EPS after CS-TA addition could increase the relative hydrophobicity of sludge, contributing to a decrease in water content. The results of FTIR reinforced the breakdown of hydrophic functional groups of PN and PS, leading to the sludge hydrophobicity. This study provides a comprehensive insights into the exploration of CS-TA for sludge dewatering and the maintenance of ecological security in an eco-friendly way.
Enhanced Long Wavelength Mermin-Wagner Fluctuations in Two-Dimensional Active Crystals and Glasses
Authors: Karmakar Smarajit , Dey Subhodeep , Bhattacharya Antik
Published: April 2024

In two-dimensional (2D) systems, the Mermin-Wagner effect plays a significant role, giving rise to striking dimensionality effects marked by long-range density fluctuations and the divergence of various dynamic properties. This effect also unequivocally negates the possibility of stable crystalline phases in 2D particulate systems with continuous degrees of freedom. This effect has been recently discerned in glass-forming liquids, displaying characteristic signatures like the logarithmic divergence of mean squared displacement in the plateau regime. We explored these long-wavelength fluctuations in crystalline solids and glass-forming liquids in the presence of non-equilibrium active forces. Active systems can be thought of as a minimalistic model for understanding various non-equilibrium systems where the constituent particles' dynamics are controlled by both temperature and internal or external active forces. Such models often offer valuable insights into the dynamical behavior of biological systems, such as collections of cells, bacteria, ant colonies, or even synthetic self-propelled Janus colloids. Our study reveals that fluctuations stemming from active forces get strongly coupled with long wavelength fluctuations arising from thermal effects, resulting in dramatic dynamical effects in 2D systems. We also shed light on how these fluctuations impact dynamical heterogeneity, a defining characteristic of glassy dynamics.
Prognostic impact of nectin-like molecule-5 (CD155) expression in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Popa-Navarro Xitlally , Avilés-Salas Alejandro , Hernández-Pedro Norma , Orozco-Morales Mario , Caballé-Pérez Enrique , Castillo-Ruiz Cesar , Lucio-Lozada José , Barrios-Bernal Pedro , Hernandez-Martinez Juan-Manuel , Arrieta Oscar
Published: April 2024

Objective
CD155, a transmembrane protein which inhibits antitumor immune responses, has been shown to be a predictor of worse clinical outcomes in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its association with the prognosis, clinical and genomic characteristics of Latin American patients remains unexplored. Thus, this study characterizes CD155 expression in NSCLC.
Materials and methods
Tissue biopsies from 86 consecutive Latin American patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC were assessed for CD155 protein expression, ALK rearrangements and EGFR mutations. Optimal cutoff values for CD155 expression were determined from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves according to the 2-year survival of patients with driver and non-driver mutations. Its association with clinicopathological features, median progression-free survival (mPFS), and median overall survival (mOS) was evaluated.
Results
The cutoff for high CD155 expression (CD155high) was 155 in the entire cohort and in patients without driver mutations, and 110 in patients with driver mutations. CD155 was detected in 84 patients (97.7%), more frequently (52.3%) and at higher levels (62.2%) in patients without driver mutations. EGFR L858R mutation was associated with lower CD155 expression than exon 19 deletion. CD155high patients had a significantly shorter mOS (13.0 vs 30.8 months; HR: 1.96 [95% CI, 1.15–3.35]; p = 0.014). Among patients without driver mutations, CD155high was related to significantly shorter mPFS (1.61 vs 6.40 months; HR: 2.04 [95% CI, 1.03–4.02]; p = 0.034) and mOS (2.92 vs 23.06 months; HR: 2.17 [95% CI, 1.07–4.42]; p = 0.032). In patients with driver mutations, CD155high was only borderline significant for shorter mOS (26.3 vs 52.0 months, HR: 2.39 [95% CI, 0.98–5.83]; p = 0.056).
Conclusion
CD155high is a predictor of worse survival outcomes in patients with advanced NSCLC, predominantly among those without onco-driver mutations. CD155 could be a potential biomarker and a molecular target in patients with poor responses to current therapies.
Enhancing Student Engagement in Online Education: The Role of Self-Regulation and Teacher Support in Zambia
Authors: Daniel Kangwa , Msafiri Mgambi , WAN Xiulan , Fute Antony
Published: April 2024

This study examined the opportunities and difficulties of online learning in Zambia's higher education system, emphasizing the effects of self-regulation as a mediator between student participation in the classroom and online interactions that teachers guide. Students and teachers frequently encounter significant challenges, such as low motivation, engagement, and self-regulation, despite the growing popularity of online learning. Data was gathered from an online survey of 1323 undergraduate students who took online courses in blended learning environments at four higher education institutions in Zambia. The results show a substantial mediating effect of self-regulation between student learning engagement and teacher-scaffolded online interactions. Findings underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to enhance online learning experiences, including constructive feedback, conducive learning environments, and continuous professional development programs for teachers. Further, it highlights the importance of activities to improve students’ learning management skills and promote self-discipline in online learning. It highlights the vital role of self-regulation, active learning engagement, and teacher-scaffolded online interactions in online learning. It calls on school administrators to develop innovative ways to make participating in online learning more smoothly.
Engineering of novel g-C3N4 photocatalyst using arc-discharge synthesized sphere-like carbon nanoparticles for enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Madhurima V. P. , Kumari Kusum , Jain P. K.
Published: April 2024

A highly efficient visible-light-driven photocatalyst was engineered using arc-discharge-developed sphere-like carbon soot nanoparticles (CS) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4 or CN) through a single-step pyrolysis process. Different weight ratios were taken starting from 0.1–1% wt. of CS loading in the nanocomposite. All the as-prepared samples were tested under XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, PL, BET, XPS, UV-DRS, etc to study the optical, structural, morphological, chemical bonding and other crucial information. Further, the photocatalytic activity was studied by analysing the Rhodamine B (RhB) photodegradation performance. It was observed that 0.1% loaded sample removed 97% of RhB in 90 minutes whereas, pristine g-C3N4 removed 88% of the dye. The rate of reaction of the hybrid photocatalyst was 1.44 times greater than the pristine g-C3N4 material. This enhanced performance was dedicated to the superior surface area of CS material, longer lifetime of photo-generated charges, suitable band edge levels and band gap leading to synergistic charge separation.
Efficacy of SAL0114, an Oral NMDA Receptor Antagonist with Multimodal Activity, in Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Hu Xuefeng , Xing Wei , Wang Ruhuan , Li Xiaoqing , Li Jiahuan , Yan Jie , Wu Junjun , Xiao Ying
Published: April 2024

The first FDA-approved rapid-acting antidepressant was esketamine, but its use was limited because of the risk of addiction, and although the subsequent combination of dextromethorphan (DM) + bupropion (BUP) has alleviated some of the problems, there is still a clinical need for safer and more effective compounds. In this paper, we use a strategy of deuterated substitution of DM to improve stability and reduce metabolites to improve safety and efficacy. We analyzed the effects of deuterium substitution on the in vitro activities of DM and deDX (deDM metabolite) by radioligand competition binding assay, evaluated the antidepressant and synergistic effects of deDM and BUP by a mouse behavioral despair model, and further assessed the synergistic mechanism of deDM and BUP by a reserpine-induced hypothermia rats model and an ammonia-induced cough mice model, which showed that deuterium substitution does not change the DM and deDX (deDM metabolite) in vitro activity, but can improve the in vivo effectiveness of DM, suggesting that deDM has the potential to be more stable in vivo with fewer metabolites, i.e., fewer side effects, and therefore, deDM and BUP is a safer and more potent combination for depressed patients than the combination of DM and BUP.
Biotransformation of eicosapentaenoic acid into the dihydroxyeicosapentaenoic acids resolvin E4 and its enantiomer by 15S- and 15R-lipoxygenases expressed in Escherichia coli
Authors: Lee Jin , Park Hyun-Ah , Shin Kyung-Chul , Oh Deok-Kun
Published: April 2024

Objectives
To enhance the production of resolvin E4 (RvE4) or its enantiomer from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), Archangium violaceum 15S-lipoxygenase (15S-LOX) or Sorangium cellulosum 15R-LOX was expressed in Escherichia coli with solvent, polymer, and adsorbent resin, respectively.
Results
The concentrations of cells and substrate and the types and concentrations of solvent, polymer, and resin were optimized for the biotransformation of EPA into RvE4 (5S,15S-dihydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid) and its enantiomer (5R,15R-dihydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid). Under optimized conditions, A. violaceum 15S-LOX and S. cellulosum 15R-LOX expressed in E. coli converted 6.0 mM (1.8 g L−1) EPA into 4.3 mM (1.4 g L−1) RvE4 and 5.8 mM (1.9 g L−1) RvE4 enantiomer in 60 min, with productivities of 4.3 and 5.8 mM h−1 and molar conversions of 72 and 97%, respectively. The concentrations of RvE4 and its enantiomer resulting from the conversion of EPA with solvent, polymer, and resin were 3.1- and 5.3-fold higher than those without additives, respectively.
Conclusions
The concentrations, productivities, and conversions of RvE4 and its enantiomer were increased by optimizing the concentrations of cells and substrate and the types and concentrations of solvent, polymer, and adsorbent resin.
Developing and Testing a Framework for Coding General Practitioners' Free-Text Diagnoses in Electronic Medical Records - A Reliability Study for Generating Training Data in Natural Language Processing
Authors: Wallnöfer Audrey , Burgstaller Jakob M. , Weiss Katja , Rosemann Thomas , Senn Oliver , Markun Stefan
Published: April 2024

Background
Diagnoses entered by general practitioners into electronic medical records have great potential for research and practice, but unfortunately, diagnoses are often in uncoded format, making them of little use. Natural language processing (NLP) could assist in coding free-text diagnoses, but NLP models require local training data to unlock their potential. The aim of this study was to develop a framework of research-relevant diagnostic codes, to test the framework using free-text diagnoses from a Swiss primary care database and to generate training data for NLP modelling.
Methods
The framework of diagnostic codes was developed based on input from local stakeholders and consideration of epidemiological data. After pre-testing, the framework contained 105 diagnostic codes, which were then applied by two raters who independently coded randomly drawn lines of free text (LoFT) from diagnosis lists extracted from the electronic medical records of 3000 patients of 27 general practitioners. Coding frequency and mean occurrence rates (n and %) and inter-rater reliability (IRR) of coding were calculated using Cohen's kappa (Κ).
Results
The sample consisted of 26,980 LoFTs and in 56.3% no code could be assigned because it was not a specific diagnosis. The most common diagnostic codes were, 'dorsopathies' (3.9%) and 'other diseases of the circulatory system' (3.1%). Raters were in almost perfect agreement (Κ ≥0.81) for 69 of the 105 diagnostic codes, and 28 codes showed a substantial agreement (K between 0.61 and 0.80). Both high coding frequency and almost perfect agreement was found in 37 codes, including codes that are particularly difficult to identify from components of the electronic medical record, such as musculoskeletal conditions, cancer or tobacco use.
Conclusion
The coding framework was characterised by a subset of very frequent and highly reliable diagnostic codes, which will be the most valuable targets for training NLP models for automated disease classification based on free-text diagnoses from Swiss general practice.
Discovery of intestinal mRNA expression profiles correlated with mucosal healing of ustekinumab patients with Crohn’s disease: bioinformatics analysis and prospective cohort validation
Authors: Li Qing , Huang Zicheng , Yang Hongsheng , Tang Jian , Zuo Tao , Yang Qingfan , Huang Zhaopeng , Guo Qin , Li Miao , Gao Xiang , Chao Kang
Published: April 2024

Background:
Variations existed in responses to ustekinumab (UST) treatment in patients with Crohn's disease (CD), but the underlying cause remains unknown. Our objective was to investigate the involvement of immune cells and identify potential biomarkers that can predict the response to IL 12/23 inhibitors in patients with CD.
Methods:
GSE207022 dataset was analyzed, which consisted of 54 non-responders and 9 responders to UST in CD cohort. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified,followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. LASSO (Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) regression was used to further screen the most powerful hub genes. ROC curve analysis was employed to evaluate the predictive performances of these genes. ssGSEA was used to estimate the proportion of immune cell types. These significantly altered genes were further subjected to clustering analysis into immune cell-related infiltration. To validate the reliability of the candidates, patients prescribed with UST as the first line biologics in a prospective cohort were included as an independent validation dataset.
Results:
A total of 99 DEGs were obtained from the integrated dataset. Analyses of GO and KEGG revealed a significant enrichment of immune response pathways in CD patients. Thirteen genes (SOCS3, CD55, KDM5D, IGFBP5, LCN2, SLC15A1, XPNPEP2, HLA-DQA2, HMGCS2, DDX3Y, ITGB2, CDKN2B and HLA-DQA1) which were primarily associated with the response versus non-response patients were identified and included to conduct the LASSO model. These genes accurately predicted treatment response with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.938. Non-response individuals exhibited a relatively high Th1 cell polarization. Both LCN2 and KDM5D genes showed positive correlations with Th1 cells. Furthermore, we validated LCN2 and KDM5D genes as effective predictive markers using independent validation datasets and preliminary experimental verification.
Conclusions:
Th1 cell polarization was an important cause of non-response to UST therapy in CD patients. LCN2 and KDM5D could be used as predictive markers to identify non-response patients effectively.
Trial registration:
Trial registration number: NCT05542459; Date of registration: 2022-09-14; URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov.
The Lusinde late-post-tectonic Variscan granite (Central Iberian Zone): pluton emplacement at the termination of the Juzbado-Penalva shear zone
Authors: Portela Luís Pedro de Castro Figueiredo , Azevedo Maria do Rosário , Medina Jorge , Aguado Beatriz Valle
Published: April 2024

The Lusinde biotite granite constitutes a small late-post-tectonic Variscan massif, emplaced along the western termination of the Juzbado-Penalva Shear Zone (JPCSZ). The main objective of this work is to constrain the time of crystallisation of the Lusinde massif and to apply the technique of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility to better understand pluton emplacement and internal structure. New LA–ICP–MS U–Pb zircon geochronological data for this intrusion yielded an emplacement age of 295 ± 1 Ma. The Lusinde granite shows relatively low values of magnetic susceptibility (Km = 152 × 10-6 to 271 × 10-6 SI), typical of granites of the ilmenite series in which biotite is the main carrier of magnetic signal. A pyroxene- and amphibole-bearing mafic microgranular enclave exhibits higher Km magnitudes (536 × 10-6 SI). Magnetic foliations are steeply plunging and strike subparallel to the pluton irregular margins. Magnetic lineations show rather variable directions and steep plunges, suggesting that the whole massif may correspond to a feeder zone. The studied pluton seems to belong to an E-W band of steep lineations traced along the northern border of the main mass of the Cota-Viseu late-post-tectonic granite and associated mafic and intermediate rocks, which has been interpreted as an alignment of feeder zones related to the extensional termination of the Juzbado-Penalva Shear Zone (JPCSZ). As a result, it is concluded that the emplacement of the Lusinde granite was tectonically controlled by the JPCSZ.
Intact functional brain networks in the isolated hemisphere of people after hemispherotomy
Authors: Bauer Tobias , Gauvry Charlotte , Markett Sebastian , Kreter-Schönleber Thomas , Hoppe Christian , Borger Valeri , Vatter Hartmut , Sander Josemir , Gabriel Markus , Mormann Florian , Radbruch Alexander , Surges Rainer , Rüber Theodor
Published: April 2024

Cognition and behaviour are thought to be underpinned by seven segregated brain networks, whose tasks range from the sensory role of the visual network to intrinsic mental processes such as consciousness carried out by the default-mode network. However, it is unclear whether functional integrity of these networks is retained when the brain is devoid of external inputs. Here we investigate the functional organisation of individual brain hemispheres in individuals having undergone hemispherotomy (HT) due to pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Although this procedure results in one hemisphere being isolated from the rest of the nervous system, we find that the functional organisation of the seven macroscale networks is retained in the isolated hemisphere, including the default-mode network. However, both isolated and connected hemispheres have a lower degree of network segregation after HT, compared to healthy brains. Our results indicate that isolated hemispheres preserve functional integrity, thereby instigating inquiries into their cognitive capacities and their potential to be “islands of awareness”.
A novel ultrasound image denoising algorithm based on Neighbor2Neighbor unsupervised learning model
Authors: Wei Peiyang , Gan Jianhong , Wang Liping , Shi Xiaoyu , Shang Mingsheng
Published: April 2024

Ultrasound images are widely adopted in medical diagnosis, thus whose the quality and accuracy are crucial. The mainstream supervised deep learning denoisation methods generally require noise-clean image pairs of samples, which is not feasible in real ultrasound scenarios. Due to these limitations of independent noise, current unsupervised denoizing methods like Neighbor2Neighbor cannot address correlated noise in ultrasound images. Meanwhile, due to the random neighborhood downsampler, this method results in pixel loss. This work proposes an effective Neighbor2Neighbor algorithm to deal with the pixel loss problem by reconstructing the image through a refined downsampling strategy. Moreover, the structural similarity function and the regularization term are introduced into the loss function, which can suppress the independent and correlated noises more effectively. After experimental comparison with the state-of-the-art baseline algorithms including BM3D, Noise2Noise, Noise2Void, Neighbor2Neighbor, the proposed algorithm has excellent performance in PSNR, MSSIM, PSLM and EPI.
Endophytic interaction of the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa with the grass Brachypodium distachyon roots
Authors: Kollath-Leiß Krisztina , Repnik Urska , Winter Hannes , Winkelmann Heinrich , Freund Anna Sophie , Kempken Frank
Published: April 2024

Fungi, beyond their role as saprophytes, engage in intricate relationships with plants, showcasing diverse connections ranging from mutualistic to pathogenic. We describe here an endophytic interaction employing two well-established model organisms, the grass Brachypodium distachyon and the ascomycete Neurospora crassa. Although N. crassa has been extensively investigated under laboratory conditions, its ecological characteristics remain largely unknown. In contrast, B. distachyon, a sweet grass closely related to significant crops, demonstrates remarkable ecological flexibility and participates in a variety of fungal interactions, encompassing both mutualistic and harmful associations. Through comprehensive microscopic analysis using electron, fluorescence, and confocal laser scanning microscopy, we discovered a novel endophytic interaction between N. crassa and B. distachyon roots, where fungal hyphae not only thrive in the apoplastic space and vascular bundle, but also may colonize plant root cells. This consistent connection between the fungus and B. distachyon suggests a natural association of the fungus with Poaceae. This discovery opens new perspectives for understanding the fungal life cycle in nature. Moreover, we present a tool for studying plant-fungus interspecies communication, combining well-established model systems.
A Study on the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Research Integrity among Medical Professionals in Ningxia, China
Authors: Jin Yiran , Wei Jie , Zhang Jingyi , Luo Sang , Yuan Liwei , Zou Xiaojie , Liu Dan
Published: April 2024

This study utilizes a Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) questionnaire to investigate the awareness of medical professionals in the Ningxia region regarding research integrity and their attitudes towards academic misconduct. A comprehensive analysis of the factors contributing to academic misconduct is performed, with the aim of providing insights for the formulation of policies to enhance research integrity. The research employs a self-designed KAP survey questionnaire distributed online for clinical doctors and nurses in hospitals, faculty members in medical higher education institutions, and undergraduates enrolled in medical schools in the Ningxia region. A total of 1013 valid questionnaires were collected, with a majority of participants (76.2%) having received training in research integrity. Most respondents demonstrated a basic understanding of research integrity and maintained a resistant attitude towards academic misconduct. However, there exists an insufficient awareness of certain forms of academic misconduct, indicating the need for further reinforcement of the stance against such behaviors. The study recommends implementing multifaceted measures to enhance the ethical awareness and attitudes of researchers.
Field Releases of Neoseiulus barkeri: Effects on Megalurothrips usitatus Abundance and Arthropod Diversity
Authors: Chi Yuanming , Yu Chen , Feng MingYue , Shu Kai , Zhu Yilin , Shi WangPeng
Published: April 2024

Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is an important pest in Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. Neoseiulus barkeri (Hughes) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is widely used for control of pest mites and insects worldwide. We evaluated its effect on M. usitatus when predators (N. barkeri) or insecticides (Spinetoram) were applied in the fields. Neoseiulus barkeri Hughes consumed 80% of M. usitatus prey offered within 6 hours, and predation showed Type III functional response with prey density. The maximum consumption of N. barkeri was 27.29 ± 1.02 individuals·per d per arena (1.5 cm diameter), while the optimal prey density for the predatory mite was 10.35 ± 0.68 individuals per·d per arena (1.5 cm diameter). The developmental duration of N. barkeri fed with M. usitatus was significantly shorter than those fed with the dried fruit mite, Carpoglyphus lactis (L.) (Acari: Astigmata) . In field trials, the efficiency of N. barkeri against M. usitatus was not significantly different from that of applications of the insecticide spinetoram. Biodiversity of other insects in treated fields was assessed, and there were 21 insect species in garden plots treated with N. barkeri releases. The total abundance (N), Shannon’s diversity index (H), Pielou’s evenness index (J) and Simpson’s diversity index (D) of the garden plots treated with predatory mites were all significantly higher than that in the garden plots treated with spinetoram, where we found no species of predators or parasitoids and 7 herbivores. Our results show that N. barkeri is a potential means to control M. usitatus while preserving arthropod diversity at the level of treated gardens.
Comparing the performance of machine learning models for predicting the compressive strength of concrete
Authors: Loureiro Arthur Afonso Bitencourt , Stefani Ricardo
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to investigate and compare the performance of different machine learning models in predicting the compressive strength of concrete using a data set of 1234 compressive strength values. The predictive variables were selected based on their relevance using the SelectKBest method, resulting in an analysis of eight and six predictive variables. The evaluation was conducted through linear correlation studies via simple linear regression and non-linear correlation studies using support vector regression (SVR), gradient boosting (GB), and artificial neural networks (ANN). The results showed a coefficient of determination (R²) = 0.85 and a root mean square error (RMSE) = 30.9051 MPa for SVR, R² = 0.90 and RMSE = 25.5979 MPa for GB, and R² = 0.87 and RMSE = 5.781 MPa for ANN. The comparison between the machine learning methods revealed significant differences. For instance, GB stood out with a higher R² value, demonstrating its remarkable ability to explain the variability in the data. Conversely, ANN showed the lowest RMSE value, indicating notable accuracy in the predictions. The choice between these approaches depends on considerations regarding the balance between explainability and accuracy. While GB provides a more in-depth understanding of the relationship between variables, ANN stands out for the accuracy of its predictions.
Development and validation of a dynamic nomogram for individualized prediction of survival in patients with colon cancer
Authors: Sun Yuting , Huang Longchang , Shen Xiaoming , Yang Zenghui , Xu Binghua , Bao Chuanqing , Shi Yifan
Published: April 2024

Current tools for predicting survival outcomes in colon cancer patients depend predominantly on clinical and pathologic characteristics, but accumulating evidence demonstrates that nutritional status is closely related to patient outcomes. We aimed to establish a new dynamic nomogram for individualized prediction of postoperative overall survival (OS). The clinicopathological and nutritional data of colon cancer patients undergoing radical resection were retrospectively collected and randomly divided into the primary and validation cohorts. Risk factors on OS rates were investigated by Cox analyses and the nomogram was constructed using significant predictors. Among 1,024 patients, 341 deaths were observed after median follow-up of 54 months. Five independent prognostic factors including nutritional status assessments, were incorporated into the nomogram. The C-index regarding 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS were 0.830, 0.859, and 0.757 in the primary cohort and 0.843, 0.870, and 0.773 in the validation cohort, respectively. Calibration curves for the probability of OS exhibited an optimal agreement. The decision curve analyses demonstrated the greater application value of the nomogram than the TNM staging system. Based on the nomogram, these patients could be divided into three scenarios with significant prognostic classification (P < 0.0001). We developed and validated an easy-to-use dynamic nomogram to predict postoperative OS for patients with colon cancer.
Study Protocol: The Use of Rituximab in Nephrotic Glomerulonephritis (TURING)
Authors: Willcocks Lisa , Qian Wendi , Cader Ruzaika , Gatley Katrina , Siddiqui Hira , Tabebisong Endurance , Champion Karlena , Kronbichler Andreas , Lightstone Liz , Jayne David , Wilson Edward , Griffith Megan
Published: April 2024

Background: Minimal Change Disease (MCD) and Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are a spectrum of disease causing the nephrotic syndrome (NS), characterised by proteinuria with debilitating oedema, as well as a high risk of venous thromboembolic disease and infection. Untreated, 50-60% patients with FSGS progress to end stage kidney disease after 5 years. These diseases respond to immunosuppression with high dose glucocorticoids, but 75% will relapse as the glucocorticoids are withdrawn, leading to significant morbidity associated with prolonged use. In children, the B cell depleting monoclonal antibody rituximab reduces relapse risk, but this drug has not been tested in randomised controlled trial in adults.
Methods: 130-150 adults with new or relapsing MCD/FSGS, from UK Renal Units, are being randomised to receive either rituximab (two 1g infusions two weeks apart) or placebo. Partipicipants are recruited when they present with nephrosis, and all are treated with glucocorticoids as per KDIGO guidelines. Once in remission, prednisolone is withdrawn according to a pre-specified regimen. If in remission at 6 months, participants receive a further dose of trial drug. If they relapse, they are unblinded, and if they have received placebo, they are offered open label rituximab with protocolised prednisolone as in the main phase of the trial. The primary end point is time from remission to relapse. A number of secondary endpoints will be assessed including the effect of rituximab on: (1) NHS and societal resource use and hence cost: (2) safety: (3) other measures of efficacy, such as achievement of partial and complete remission of NS and the preservation of renal function: (4) health status of participant.
Trial Registration: TURING received ethical approval on 14 Jun 2019 - REC reference: 19/LO/0738. It is registered on EudraCT, with ID number: 2018-004611-50, with a start date of 2019-06-14.
Alleviating Asthma-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress: Lactobacillus rhamnosus Intervention via Notch1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Si , Chen Shao-Tian , Jiang Xin-Yan , Shang Xiao-Yun , Nan Yang
Published: April 2024

Immune system disorders play a crucial role in asthma. Probiotics can be beneficial in maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria and improving metabolism. Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) is a gram-positive probiotic found primarily in the intestines of humans and animals. However, the mechanism by which L. rhamnosus treats asthma is unknown. Here, we confirmed that L. rhamnosus had a protective effect on the lung tissues of asthmatic mice. In addition, L. rhamnosus significantly modulated the balance of T cell subpopulations and promoted the expression of Treg cells, increasing the proportion of inhibited Th17 and restoring immune function. Mechanistically, L. rhamnosus inhibited the activation of NOD-like receptor heat protein domain-related protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammatory vesicles caused by asthma-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. In conclusion, L. rhamnosus ameliorated asthma by mediating Notch1 signaling pathway-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) translational activation. In words, our study provides a theoretical basis for the use of probiotics, represented by L. rhamnosus, as effective agents for the prevention and treatment of asthma.
Functional characterization of the Escherichia coli membrane transport protein MdtEF
Authors: Tong Chunyu , Liang Yimin , Liu Qi , Feng Wenzhi , Yu Honghao , Song Bocui
Published: April 2024

The mdtE and mdtF genes encode membrane transporters, with their transport substrates and mechanisms still not fully understood. Amino acid sequence analysis suggests that MdtE belongs to the MFP family while MdtF belongs to the RND family. MdtF is positioned in the inner membrane, while MdtE is found in the periplasmic space, connecting MdtF with the outer membrane porin TolC to create a MdtEF-TolC tripartite efflux pump for drug and substrate efflux. Subsequently, an Escherichia coli (E. coli) mdtEF gene deletion strain was developed using a suicide plasmid method. An expression vector, was then constructed and complemented based on the pBR322 vector. Drug sensitivity tests and EB accumulation experiments were performed on the mdtEF gene deletion strain, revealing that the MdtEF protein could efflux the carbapenems imipenem and ertapenem. In the EB accumulation experiment, two inhibitors, vanadate and carbonyl m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), were utilized, demonstrating that MdtEF functions through the proton gradient's potential energy for substrate transport.
Object-Oriented Multi-Scale Segmentation and Multi-Feature Fusion-Based Method for Identifying Typical Fruit Trees in Arid Regions Using Sentinel-1/2 Satellite Images
Authors: Liang Jiaxi , Sawut Mamat , Cui Jintao , Hu Xin , Xue Zijing , zhao Ming , Zhang Xinyu , Rouzi Areziguli , Ye Xiaowen , Xilike Aerqing
Published: April 2024

The rapid and accurate identification of fruit trees provides a foundation for dynamic monitoring of orchard planting areas and estimating orchard yields objectively. This study aims to evaluate the applicability of time series Sentinel-1/2 satellite data for fruit tree classification and to provide a new method for accurately extracting fruit tree categories. Therefore, the study area selected is the Tarim Basin, the most important fruit-growing region in northwest China. The main focus is on the identification of three major fruit tree species in this region. Time series Sentinel-1/2 satellite images acquired from the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform are used for the study. A multi-scale segmentation approach is applied, and six categories of features including spectral, phenological, texture, polarization, vegetation index, and red edge index features are constructed. A total of 44 features are extracted and optimized using the Vi feature importance index to determine the best time phase. Based on this, an object-oriented segmentation combined with Random Forest (RF) method is used to identify fruit tree categories. The results are compared with three other commonly used traditional machine learning algorithms, including Classification and Regression Tree(CART), Gradient Boosting Decision Tree(GBDT), and Support Vector Machine(SVM)classification methods, to determine the best approach for fruit tree identification. The results show that: (1) the object-oriented segmentation method helps to improve the accuracy of fruit tree identification features; September satellite images provide the best time window for fruit tree identification, with spectral, phenological, and texture features contributing the most to fruit tree category identification; (2) the RF model has a higher accuracy in identifying fruit tree categories than other machine learning models, with an Overall Accuracy (OA) and Kappa Coefficient(KC) of 94.60% and 93.74% respectively, indicating that the combination of object-oriented segmentation and RF algorithm has great value and potential for fruit tree identification and classification. This method can be applied to large-scale fruit tree remote sensing classification and provide an effective technical means for monitoring fruit tree planting areas using medium to high-resolution remote sensing images.
Parafoveal Preview Effects in Chinese Reading Comprehension among Third- and Fifth-graders: The Role of Phonetic Radicals
Authors: Luo Jiefei , Qin Ruiqi , Wu Yan
Published: April 2024

This eye-movement study utilizing the boundary paradigm investigated the processing of phonological information in the parafoveal during reading in Chinese children from third and fifth grades. The experimental design required participants to read sentences that included regular, irregular, homophone, or unrelated control phonograms as substitutes for normal simple characters. Both regular and irregular characters incorporated the same simple character as their phonetic radical, but only regular characters shared the exact pronunciation with their corresponding phonetic radical. The preview benefit of phonetic radicals was assessed by comparing regular and irregular characters against the unrelated control condition. In contrast, the preview benefit of homophones was determined by contrasting visually dissimilar homophones with the unrelated control condition. Results revealed that the phonetic radical preview effect becomes evident in the initial stages of reading for fifth graders. Subsequently, in the later integration stage, regular characters, wherein the phonetic radical's pronunciation consistent with the host character, demonstrate a markedly enhanced preview benefit compared to irregular characters. Notably, the homophone preview effect, emerging after the phonetic radical preview effect, maintains consistency among fifth-grade readers, in contrast to third-grade readers. These outcomes underscore the pivotal role of phonological information in the reading development of Chinese children, with effects varying across different grades.
Effects of acute aerobic exercise on sweet taste preference and its brain mechanisms in tobacco addicts
Authors: Liu Hongen , Han Yanbai , Liang Wei , Zhou Lin , Zhang Yingying , Sun Pinghan , Fan Hainan , Xu Zhao
Published: April 2024

Aerobic exercise can improve cravings for smoking and inhibition control in tobacco-dependent individuals; however, its effect on their sweet taste preferences remains unclear. This study aims to examine the effects of acute aerobic exercise on sweet taste preferences and nerve sensitivity in brain regions associated with the prefrontal cortex in tobacco-dependent subjects. Participants were asked to perform 35 minutes of exercise or rest. They took the sweet taste preference test and the Visual Food Cues Paradigm Task immediately before and immediately after the experiment. After the intervention with acute high-intensity exercise, participants' preference for low-sweetness foods increased significantly (F = 14.220, P < 0.001). Following the moderate-intensity exercise intervention, when participants were shown pictures of low-sweetness food, the average concentration of oxyhemoglobin in the right orbitofrontal cortex increased significantly (F = 14.215, P < 0.001). Additionally, the change in functional connection strength between the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex was significantly enhanced (F = 4.113, P = 0.046). These results suggest that acute aerobic exercise can alter the sweet taste preferences of tobacco-dependent subjects, as well as the level of PFC activation and functional connectivity, thereby temporarily restoring the nerve sensitivity related to sweet taste that has been impaired by nicotine.
Effects of Hurricane Irma on mosquito abundance and species composition in a metropolitan gulf coastal city, 2016-2018
Authors: Moise Imelda K. , Huang Qian , Medina Johana , Petrie William D.
Published: April 2024

Mosquitoes are the most common disease vectors worldwide. Rainfall variability and the frequency of rainfall events might be important factors influencing environmental conditions, the mosquito life cycle and mosquito population dynamics, particularly post storming events. We examined mosquito abundance and species composition before and after Hurricane Irma in Miami, Dade County, Florida, and identified which mosquito species predominated post-Hurricane Irma according to trap type. Our results showed that more mosquitoes (7.3 and 8.0 times more) were captured in 2017 than at baseline (2016 and 2018). The responses of different mosquito species to the possible effects of Hurricane Irma varied: in BG-Sentinel traps, 3 of the 13 species (Aedes tortills, Culex nigripalpus and Culex quinquefasciatus) and in CDC light traps, 7 of the 20 species (Aedes tortills, Anopheles atropos, Anopheles crucians, Anopheles quadrimaculatus, Culex erraticus, Culex nigripalpus, and Psorophora columbiae) dominated pre-post Hurricane Irma. The risk factors for mosquito abundance were population density, rainfall, and temperature. This may further our understanding of the relationships between the amount of rainfall and other underlying factors affecting mosquito abundance.
An attentional mechanism model for segmenting multiple lesion regions in the diabetic retina
Authors: Xu Changzhuan , He Song , Li Hailin
Published: April 2024

Diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness in diabetic patients, necessitates precise lesion segmentation for effective grading. To address the challenges of low pixel occupancy and capturing multi-scale features in fundus images, we introduce a novel deep learning method: the Multi-Scale Spatial Attention Gate (MSAG) mechanism network. The model inputs images of various scales to extract diverse semantic information. Our innovative Spatial Attention Gate merges low-level spatial details with high-level semantic content, assigning hierarchical attention weights for accurate segmentation. Using the Modified Spatial Attention Gate in the inference stage enhances precision by combining prediction scales hierarchically, thus improving segmentation accuracy without increasing training costs. Testing on the IDRiD-S Dataset demonstrates that our fusion method surpasses others, with our model achieving balanced accuracy across all lesion types. Notably, our approach shows a 1\%-3\% higher accuracy for microaneurysms and overall accuracy compared to similar models, marking a significant advancement in diabetic retinopathy lesion segmentation.
Detrimental Role of Selected Soil Properties on Sedimentation of Dam- Reservoir
Authors: Lemma Tesfaye Mebrate , Moges Admasu
Published: April 2024

Reservoirs are broadly affected by sedimentation resulting from
soil erosion. This study aimed to analyze the detrimental role of
selected soil physical properties on the sedimentation of
reservoirs, in this case, Washa Dam-Reservoir, Ethiopia; in a view
to help the monitoring system. The catchment was divided into
square grids of size 300 m by 300 m as a study unit to collect all
information for the analysis. Thirty-two years of rainfall data
were used to analyze rainfall trends, and estimate runoff through
the runoff curve number model. Soil loss was estimated using USLE.
the study revealed that the soil is dominated by as high as 49%
clay content; pH of 4.6–5.6; and bulk density of 1.4 to 1.6
kg/m3 which is a challenge to plant growth affecting
ground cover in turn soil erosion. The average daily runoff was
13.55mm with a runoff coefficient of 26%. The average annual soil
loss was 6.9t ha− 1 y− 1 producing a yearly
volume of sediment 4918.32 tons. The catchment sediment delivery
ratio was 26.98% resulting in the maximum sediment of 1.81 t
ha− 1 with a total of 1327.95 tonsediment yield per year
forming 8mm thick sediment on average. In conclusion, although the
catchment has erosive rainfall and is relatively less conserved, it
revealed tolerable soil loss and sediment yield. Except using their
separate interrelation, soil properties, and erosion do not show
statistical correlation. Therefore, it is recommended to plan
interventions by giving priority to grids having sediment-promoting
soil factors coupled with paying attention to getting a working
relationship between soil properties and sedimentation for a better
monitoring system.
When does spillover indicate benefits to fish abundance and catch?
Authors: Hilborn Ray , Fitchett Mark , Hampton John , Ovando Daniel
Published: April 2024

Spillover is a term commonly applied to the movement of fish from inside a closed area to areas open to fishing outside of the closure and is usually identified by gradients in abundance or catch rates near the boundaries. It is commonly assumed that such gradients indicate that the closed area has benefitted the fishery and the total abundance of fish. We explore this assumption for spatially explicit models of closed areas with different intensities of fishing and fish movement and find that such gradients will be expected any time there is higher abundance inside the closed area. However, under most conditions it does not indicate a benefit to the fishery either in terms of total catch of catch rate, and unless fishing is intense total abundance is not expected to rise significantly. We examine one specific case of estimates spillover from the Papahānaumokuākea marine monument, one the largest no-take areas in the world, and see no evidence of spillover for yellowfin tuna and very slight evidence for bigeye tuna. These results are consistent with the theoretical models, the biology of the species and the intensity of fishing.