bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a combined model incorporating clinical characteristics and magnetic resonance imaging features to enhance the predictive value of a prognostic model for locally advanced cervical cancer
Authors: Lin Canyang , Yang Fengling , Guo Baoling , Xiao Nan , Liao Dongxia , Liu Pengfei , Jiang Yunshan , Li Jiancheng , Ni Xiaolei
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study aimed to develop non-invasive predictive tools based on clinical characteristics and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features to predict survival in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC), thereby facilitating clinical decision-making.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical and MRI data from LACC patients who underwent radical radiotherapy at our center between September 2012 and May 2020. Prognostic predictors were identified using single-factor and multifactor Cox analyses. Clinical and MRI models were established based on relevant features, and combined models were created by incorporating MRI factors into the clinical model. The predictive performance of the models was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC), consistency index (C-index), and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

The study included 175 LACC patients. Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that patients with FIGO IIA-IIB stage, ECOG score 0-1, CYFRA 21-1<7.7 ng/ml, ADC ≥ 0.79 mm^2/s, and Kep ≥ 4.23 minutes had a more favorable survival prognosis. The clinical models, incorporating ECOG, FIGO staging, and CYFRA21-1, outperformed individual prognostic factors in predicting 5-year overall survival (AUC: 0.803) and 5-year progression-free survival (AUC: 0.807). The addition of MRI factors to the clinical model (AUC: 0.803 for 5-year overall survival) increased the AUC of the combined model to 0.858 (P=0.011). Similarly, the combined model demonstrated a superior predictive ability for 5-year progression-free survival, with an AUC of 0.849, compared to the clinical model (AUC: 0.807) and the MRI model (AUC: 0.673). Furthermore, the C-index of the clinical models for overall survival and progression-free survival were 0.763 and 0.800, respectively. Upon incorporating MRI factors, the C-index of the combined model increased to 0.826 for overall survival and 0.843 for progression-free survival. The DCA further supported the superior prognostic performance of the combined model.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that ECOG, FIGO staging, and CYFRA21-1 in clinical characteristics, as well as ADC and Kep values in MRI features, are independent prognostic factors for LACC patients undergoing radical radiotherapy. The combined models provide enhanced predictive ability in assessing the risk of patient mortality and disease progression.
Curative effect of immediate reconstruction after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Gang , Ji Hongxiang , Li Jiang , Xiao Linfeng , Chen Zhan
Published: November 2023

Background

The safety of mastectomy (MT) with immediate reconstruction (IR) in breast cancer patients who have completed neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is not apparent. This meta-analysis aims to systematically evaluate the differences in surgical complications and postoperative survival rates between MT with IR (MT+IR) and MT alone in post-NAC breast cancer patients.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, WanFang Data, and CNKI databases were systematically searched, and cohort studies of post-NAC breast cancer patients with MT+IR or MT surgery were collected from databases inception to May 25, 2023. Two researchers independently executed literature screening, data extraction, and bias risk assessment, and meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.3 software.

Results

A total of 12 studies involving 7378 cases who have accepted NAC were collected for this study. The results showed that compared with the MT group, the relative risk of surgical complications in the MT+IR group was increased by 44%, with no statistical significant [RR=1.44, 95% CI (0.99, 2.09), P=0.06]. While among study subgroups with a median follow-up of less than one year, more surgical complications occurred in the MT+IR group by 23% [RR=1.23, 95% CI (1.00, 1.52), P=0.05]. There was no significant differences in overall survival, disease-free survival, local relapse-free survival, and distant metastasis-free survival between the two groups.

Conclusions

Compared with the MT, MT+IR does not affect the postoperative survival rate in post-NAC breast cancer patients, accompanied by a mild increase in short-term surgical complications, but no significant difference in long-term complications.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42023421150.
Polymorphous low-grade neuroepithelial tumor of the young with FGFR3-TACC3 fusion mimicking high-grade glioma: case report and series of high-grade correlates
Authors: Golub Danielle , Lynch Daniel G. , Pan Peter C. , Liechty Benjamin , Slocum Cheyanne , Bale Tejus , Pisapia David J. , Juthani Rupa
Published: November 2023

Background

Polymorphous low-grade neuroepithelial tumor of the young (PLNTY) is a recently described entity that can mimic high-grade glioma (HGG) in histologic and molecular features; however, factors predicting aggressive behavior in these tumors are unclear.

Methods

We present an indolent neuroepithelial neoplasm in a 59-year-old female with imaging initially suggestive of HGG, and a series of adult patients with HGG harboring FGFR3-TACC3 fusions are also presented for comparison.

Results

Pathology in the case patient revealed low-grade cytomorphology, microcalcifications, unusual neovascularization, and a low proliferation index. The lesion was diffusely CD34+ and harbored an FGFR3-TACC3 fusion and TERT promoter mutation. A diagnosis of PLNTY was therefore favored and the patient was observed with no progression at 15-month follow-up. In patients with HGG with FGFR3-TACC3 fusions, molecular findings included IDH-wildtype status, absence of 1p19q codeletion, CDKN2A loss, TERT promoter mutations and lack of MGMT promoter methylation. These patients demonstrated a median 15-month overall survival and a 6-month progression-free survival.

Conclusion

PLNTY is a rare low-grade entity that can display characteristics of HGG, particularly in adults. Presence of FGFR3-TACC3 fusions and other high-grade features should raise concern for a more malignant precursor lesion when a diagnosis of PLNTY is considered.
Repair of cervicothoracic skin defects with extra-long transverse cervical flaps by stepwise pressure packing in children: a technical innovation
Authors: Kong Liangliang , Xiong Jiageng , Ji Yi , Cui Jie , Chen Jianbing , Shen Weimin
Published: November 2023

Objective

To investigate the clinical effect of prolonging predilated transverse cervical flap with stepwise pressure packing for neck and chest lesions in children.

Methods

A retrospective review of children with large cervicothoracic lesions admitted to our department from January 2011 to June 2021 was conducted to compare stepwise pressure packing with normal dressing in the surgical method of transverse cervical pedicled flaps after expansion. Among 58 included children, 22 (14 males and 8 females) were allocated to the extended and expanded transverse cervical flap with stepwise compression dressing group, and 36 (19 males and 17 females) to the transverse cervical flap group. The causes of skin defects were: scars (37 cases) and giant nevus (21 cases). The course of the disease ranged from 0.5 to 8 years. The two groups were compared in terms of child satisfaction, the occurrence of infection, recurrence of the contracture, secondary operation, and repaired area.

Results

In 22 cases of extended transverse cervical flaps, 8 cases were embedded with two expanders, resulting in a total of 30 expanded flaps, which were successfully transferred to the neck and chest without necrosis at the distal end of compression, with good effect. Comparison of pedicled transverse cervical flaps with stepwise pressure packing and pedicled transverse cervical flaps alone revealed no significant difference in child satisfaction, the occurrence of infection, recurrence of the contracture, and secondary surgery (all P > 0.05). Yet, there was a significant difference in the repair area between two groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Prolongation of pedicled cervical flaps after expansion with stepwise pressure packing resulted in an effective method for repairing the large skin defect of children's face and neck caused by various diseases. In terms of increasing neck repair area, the operation with stepwise pressure dressing was significantly superior to the simple packing.
Shear thinning behavior of cerebrospinal fluid with elevated protein or cellular concentration
Authors: Hollister John C. P. , Wang Anthony C. , Kim Won , Giza Christopher C. , Prins Mayumi L. , Kavehpour H. Pirouz
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a crucial role in the maintenance of the central nervous system (CNS) by cushioning the brain, providing nutrients, removing interstitial waste, and maintaining homeostasis. Flow characteristics of CSF may significantly contribute to brain dynamics, injury mechanics, disease pathogenesis, and the functionality of the glymphatic system. Conventionally, CSF is considered to have very similar rheological properties to water and Newtonian behavior of CSF has been assumed, despite its complex composition, which can include proteins like albumin and tau, as well as cellular content such as blood.

Methods: Recent advances in rheological techniques allow for more accurate quantification of CSF characteristics and behavior. Here, we present an updated rheological characterization of CSF, including the impact of its cellular and proteinaceous constituents. CSF samples were tested for protein and cellular concentration. Using precision torsional rheometry and recently developed extensional rheology techniques, we show that CSF with elevated cellular or protein concentration exhibits significant non-Newtonian behavior, especially at low shear rates.

Results: Like other biological fluids, CSF with elevated cellular or protein concentration exhibits shear thinning behavior until reaching a steady state viscosity of approximately 1 mPa·s at shear rates greater than 10 s-1. This shear thinning behavior becomes more pronounced with increasing concentration of its constituents. In extensional flow, CSF exhibited weakly non-Newtonian behavior, with an average extensional relaxation time of 0.14 ms. The extensional relaxation time is positively correlated to cellular concentration and significantly increased with elevated protein.

Discussion: Our results enhance the understanding of CSF rheology with significant implications for the analysis, modeling, and treatment of CSF-related processes.
Expression of miRNAs in turkey muscle satellite cells and differential response to thermal challenge
Authors: Reed Kent M. , Mendoza Kristelle M. , Kono Thomas , Powell Ashley A. , Strasburg Gale M. , Velleman Sandra G.
Published: November 2023

Thermal stress alters the transcriptome and subsequent tissue physiology of poultry; thus, it can negatively impact poultry production through reduced meat quality, egg production, and health and wellbeing. The modulation of gene expression is critical to embryonic development and cell proliferation, and growing evidence suggests the role of non-coding RNAs (RNA:RNA interaction) in response to thermal stress in animals. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) comprise a class of small regulatory RNAs that modulate gene expression through posttranscriptional interactions and regulate mRNAs, potentially altering numerous cellular processes. This study was designed to identify and characterize the differential expression of miRNAs in satellite cells (SCs) from the turkey pectoralis major muscle and predict important miRNA:mRNA interactions in these developing SCs under a thermal challenge. Small RNA sequencing was performed on RNA libraries prepared from SCs cultured from 1-week-old male Nicholas commercial turkeys (NCTs) and non-selected Randombred Control Line 2 turkeys during proliferation and differentiation at the control temperature (38°C) or under a thermal challenge (33°C or 43°C). A total of 353 miRNAs (161 known and 192 novel) were detected across the sequenced libraries. Expression analysis found fewer differentially expressed miRNAs in the SCs of NCT birds, suggesting that the miRNA response to heat stress has been altered in birds selected for their modern commercial growth traits. Differentially expressed miRNAs, including those with described roles in muscle development, were detected both among temperature treatments and between genetic lines. A prominent differential expression of miR-206 was found in proliferating turkey SCs with a significant response to thermal challenges in both lines. In differentiating SCs, isoforms of miR-1 had significant differential responses, with the expression of miR-206 being mainly affected only by cold treatment. Target gene predictions and Gene Ontology analysis suggest that the differential expression of miRNAs during thermal stress could significantly affect cellular proliferation and differentiation.
Back to the future—revisiting Skylab data on ocular counter-rolling and motion sickness
Authors: Clément Gilles , Macaulay Timothy R. , Moudy Sarah C. , Kuldavletova Olga , Wood Scott J.
Published: November 2023

In the early 1970s, nine astronauts participated in missions to the Skylab space station. During two preflight testing sessions at the Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory in Pensacola, the amplitudes of their ocular counter-rolling (OCR) during body tilts were assessed to determine if their vestibular functions were within normal ranges. We recently re-evaluated this data to determine asymmetry of each astronaut’s OCR response and their OCR slope from sigmoid fits during static leftward and rightward body tilts, which we then compared with their Coriolis sickness susceptibility index (CSSI) on the ground, their motion sickness symptom scores during 0 g maneuvers in parabolic flight, and the severity of the symptoms of space motion sickness (SMS) they reported during their spaceflights. We arranged the astronauts in rank order for SMS severity based on the SMS symptoms they reported during spaceflight and the amount of anti-motion sickness medication they used. As previously reported, the OCR amplitudes of these astronauts were within the normal range. We determined that the OCR amplitudes were not correlated with SMS severity ranking, CSSI, or motion sickness symptoms experienced during parabolic flight. Indices of asymmetry in the OCR reflex were generally small and poorly correlated with SMS scores; however, the only subject with a high index of asymmetry also ranked highly for SMS. Although OCR slope, CSSI, and motion sickness symptoms induced during parabolic flight were each only moderately correlated with SMS severity ranking (rho = 0.41–0.44), a combined index that included all three parameters with equal weighting was significantly correlated with SMS severity ranking (rho = 0.71, p = 0.015). These results demonstrate the challenge of predicting an individual’s susceptibility to SMS by measuring a single test parameter in a terrestrial environment and from a limited sample size.
The impact of the Health Silk Road on Global South countries: insights from Brazilian health agents
Authors: Santiago Anabela Rodrigues , Rodrigues Carlos
Published: November 2023

Introduction

China is currently ranked second in the world economy, and its political role in the global order has increased in recent decades. As part of one of its modern and emblematic international projects, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is the Health Silk Road, which can be considered a branch officially launched in 2017. Driven by some external factors, the most important of which is the COVID-19 pandemic, the Health Silk Road (HSR) and Chinese public health policies have gained accrued relevance, especially in countries of the Global South, which have been the main partners of Chinese cooperation initiatives, not only in health.

Methods

This study is an exploratory exercise that reflects the potential gains resulting from Chinese- Global South cooperation in the health sector by analyzing the perceptions of Brazilian health agents in a contemporary period starting from 2013 to 2023, which is the first 10 years since BRI implementation. We intend to answer the following questions: Does Brazil benefit from health partnerships with China, specifically under the Health Silk Road, despite not having formally joined the BRI? What are the privileged health areas of implementation, and what are the gains? These questions were answered through interviews with Brazilian researchers from public institutions to obtain their perspectives and insights regarding the practical aspects of partnerships.

Results and discussion

The current partnerships established are not directly linked to BRI initiatives. Brazilian health agents are generally unaware of the BRI contours and, consequently, HSR. The model of cooperation identified is based on the theoretical premise that each stakeholder contributes their best assets. New potential research topics were identified from this exploratory research to reflect on the impacts of HSR and Chinese Health Assistance in the Global South. We suggest in-depth research on the influence of the health sovereignty concept on the global health performance of countries from the Global South.
Psychosocial correlates of mental health of university students in Hong Kong under COVID-19
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L. , Chai Wenyu , Dou Diya , Li Xiang , Chan Cathy H. M.
Published: November 2023

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many problems for university students, there are several research gaps in the study of psychological well-being of Hong Kong university students. First, few studies have examined different ecological correlates of mental health in a single study. Second, few studies have used both psychological morbidity and positive well-being as indicators of mental health. Third, we know little about the relationships between university students’ perceived need satisfaction, difficulties, service utilization, and their mental health. Hence, we conducted a study (N = 1,020 university students) in the later stage of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong. For mental health, we included measures of negative mental health (psychological morbidity) and positive mental health. We addressed several research questions in this study: (1) what is the mental health status of Hong Kong university students? (2) what is the relationship between COVID-19 stress and student mental health? (3) what are the intrapersonal correlates of student mental health? (4) are interpersonal factors related to student mental health? (5) are need satisfaction, difficulties encountered, and service utilization related to students’ mental health? (6) are there gender differences in the effects of correlates in different ecological systems? Analyses using structural equation modeling showed several observations. First, the prevalence of mental health symptoms among university students was alarming. Second, COVID-19 related socio-economic stress positively predicted psychological morbidity but negatively predicted well-being. Third, beliefs about adversity, resilience, and emotional competence predicted mental health. Fourth, family functioning was related to psychological morbidity negatively but connected with well-being positively. Fifth, while need satisfaction predicted psychological morbidity negatively, difficulties encountered showed the opposite direction. Besides, the perceived usefulness of university services positively predicted mental health. Finally, there were no gender differences in the effects of different predictors. The present findings enable public health researchers to formulate theoretical models on different ecological determinants of university students’ mental health under the pandemic. For public health practitioners, the study highlights the importance of reducing COVID-19 associated stress, strengthening internal and external developmental assets, and meeting the psychosocial needs of university students as strategies to promote their mental health under the pandemic.
Suicide risk communication and intervention preferences for veterans and service members
Authors: Beatty Abby E. , Richardson John S. , Batten Sonja V. , Weintraub Steven , Hogan Karen , Hotle Keith
Published: November 2023

Despite the investment of public resources to fight staggering suicide rates among veterans, we know little about how veterans and service members in crisis communicate suicidal ideations, and what interventions they are willing to receive. We aim to identify communication and suicide intervention preferences of veterans and service members in times of crisis. Descriptive statistics were used to explore veterans communication of suicidal ideations. While 89.9% of participants indicated they were willing to speak to someone when having thoughts of suicide, less than 26% of participants indicated they were willing to bring up their thoughts with a crisis line or veterans organization. Rather, they indicate that family members (62.2%) and military friends (51.1%) would be their primary outreach. Logistic regression was used to determine whether or not preferred interventions varied by participant demographic characteristics. While the majority of participants indicated they were willing to allow intervention (88.6%), no one method was accepted by the majority of the population. The most accepted means of communication was to proactively contact a friend or family member about general life struggles (32.6%) or suicide-specific concerns (27.5%). Many participants were open to receiving resources (42.0%), suicide-specific mental health treatment (36.3%), and some sort of lethal means safety intervention (19.1%–26.4%). The age, marital status, and veterans status of participants significantly impacted what interventions they were willing to allow. We discuss the implications of these findings and the need for evidence-based, multimodal interventions in order to assist veterans in need.
Enhancing nursing documentation in Kazakhstan: assessing utilization and standardization for improving patient care
Authors: Sydykova Bibinur , Smailova Dariga , Khismetova Zaituna , Brimzhanova Marzhan , Baigozhina Zaure , Hosseini Hengameh , Latypova Natalya , Izmailovich Marina
Published: November 2023

Background and aim

This article stresses the importance of comprehensive nursing documentation in scientific medicine and discusses the adoption of standardized terminologies in Europe. The study also presents findings from a cross-sectional study conducted in Kazakhstan, assessing the utilization of standard operating procedures and nursing documentation in various clinical scenarios. The aim was evaluate the level of use of the form of nursing documentation and Standard Operating Procedure within the framework of reforming the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Materials and methods

During the period from December 2021 to February 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Kazakhstan, involving a randomly selected sample of nurses with technical and vocational education as well as those with applied/academic baccalaureate degrees in nursing.

Results

In this cross-sectional study of 2,263 female nurses, 75.3% were nurse practitioners, and 44% held the highest qualification category. Awareness levels varied, with around 64.7% aware of the pilot program for care services, 65.8% aware of the deputy head position, and 73.8% familiar with the “extended practice nurse” role. Only 55.2% knew about the International Clinical Nursing Classification, and 54.5% observed changes in their nursing approach due to education. The limb edema measurement checklist was not used by the majority (88.4%) of respondents, and 68% did not utilize the antibiotic susceptibility testing checklist. Various other checklists and algorithms had limited utilization, with percentages ranging from 9.1 to 69.3%, indicating varying levels of adoption among participants. For assisting children with cerebral palsy, the “Assessment of hand use capacity according to the MACS classification system” was utilized by 9.1%, while 90.9% did not employ it. In the context of communication, 30.7% of the respondents utilized the “Algorithm of actions of a medical registrar when communicating with a patient,” while 69.3% did not use it. These findings highlight variable adoption rates among participants for these medical procedures and protocols.

Conclusion

In Kazakhstan, nursing documentation forms and Standard Operating Procedures face challenges and limited utilization, but their implementation has shown positive impacts on patient care and healthcare outcomes. Overcoming resistance to change, increasing awareness, and addressing resource constraints are essential for further improvement.
Adverse childhood experiences on internet gaming disorder mediated through insomnia in Chinese young people
Authors: Guo Ningyuan , Weng Xue , Zhao Sheng Zhi , Zhang Juan , Wang Man Ping , Li Li , Wang Lin
Published: November 2023

Background

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with addictions such as substance use disorders. Few have examined ACEs on internet gaming disorder (IGD) as a newly established behavioral addiction, and the potential mediating role of insomnia remains unclear. We examined the associations between ACE number and types, IGD, and insomnia.

Methods

Participants included 1, 231 Chinese university students (54.5% male; 56.9% aged 18–20 years) who had played internet games at least once in the previous month. ACEs were measured using the 10-item ACE questionnaire (yes/no). Symptoms of insomnia and IGD were measured using the Insomnia Severity Index and the 9-item Internet Gaming Disorder Scale–Short-Form, respectively. Multivariable regressions examined the associations, adjusting for sex, age, maternal and paternal educational attainment, monthly household income, smoking, and alcohol drinking. The mediating role of insomnia symptoms was explored.

Results

The prevalence of ACEs≥1 was 40.0%. Childhood verbal abuse was the most prevalent (17.4%), followed by exposure to domestic violence (17.1%) and childhood physical abuse (15.5%). More ACE numbers showed an association with IGD symptoms (adjusted OR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.04, 1.17). Specifically, IGD symptoms were observed for childhood physical neglect, emotional neglect, sexual abuse, parental divorce or separation, and household substance abuse. Insomnia symptoms mediated the associations of ACE number and types with IGD symptoms (proportion of total effect mediated range 0.23–0.89).

Conclusion

The number and specific types of ACEs showed associations with IGD mediated through insomnia. Screening of ACEs is recommended in future studies on IGD. Longitudinal data are warranted to determine the causality of the observed associations.
Addressing gaps in AMR awareness in the public: an evidence-based policy brief to guide school curriculum review in Uganda
Authors: Waswa JP , Kiggundu Reuben , Joshi Mohan P. , Mpagi Joseph , Kasujja Hassan , Murungi Marion , Kajumbula Henry , Were Esther , Schwarz Dan , Lwere Kamada , Konduri Niranjan
Published: November 2023

The government of Uganda, through its Ministry of Health, previously adopted curriculum review as a mechanism to respond to public health threats such as HIV/AIDS and include content in primary and secondary schools. This approach contributes to raising public awareness, a key strategy recommended by the World Health Organization to support the global response to the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This policy brief, developed for policymakers related to school curricula, aims to advocate for and support integration of AMR content in Uganda's primary and secondary level school curricula. The policy brief supports efforts by the multisectoral National AMR Subcommittee to create awareness on this issue as part of its role in facilitating the operationalization of Uganda's National Action Plan on AMR.
Learning from the success of tobacco control: how to leverage ideas, interests, and institutions to reduce red meat consumption
Authors: Bless Anja
Published: November 2023

Over-consumption of red meat has significant impacts on public health and the environment. To achieve a planetary health diet, consumption of red meat must be reduced across the developed world. However, policy action on this issue has been lacking and there is insufficient research exploring how to overcome barriers to reducing red meat consumption. Using the ‘three I’s’ policy change framework based around ideas, interests, and institutions and their influence on policy outcomes, this article will consider how the passage and success of Australia’s tobacco control regime could provide lessons for achieving reductions in Australian red meat consumption. Drawing on stakeholder analysis through semi-structured interviews, this analysis demonstrates the explanatory power of the ‘three I’s’ framework and highlights the essential roles of awareness-raising, cohesive policy networks, and a gradual increase in interventionism for achieving transformative changes in consumption behaviour. It also demonstrates the scale of barriers for policies aimed at reducing red meat over-consumption, and the potential policy windows that are opening due to a shift in meat consumption patterns.
Robert H. Rubin and infectious disease in transplantation
Authors: Fishman Jay A.
Published: November 2023

Robert H. Rubin, M.D. was among the first physician-scientists to focus attention on the infectious diseases associated with immune suppression. A superb bedside clinician and teacher, he developed many of the concepts central to the care and improved survival of organ transplant and stem cell transplant recipients. These concepts have provided the basis of clinical investigation and basic research for multiple generations of infectious disease specialists, immunologists, and transplant surgeons.
Quantifying thermal variation around gray infrastructure in urban India
Authors: Subramanian Divya
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Dense cities in developing nations face rapid urban sprawl. This alters the local ecology and contributes significantly to the local temperature variation. Gray infrastructure (GI) includes vital processes of sewage treatment and wastewater pumping stations. GI is attributed to large greenhouse gas emissions and high energy utilization, contributing to the local urban heat island effect. A knowledge gap exists in assessing GI contribution to the local temperature variation in megacities of developing nations like India.

Methodology

In this study, the Thermal Variance Index (TVI) was derived around a buffer zone for 7 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in Mumbai. Landsat 8 remote sensing imagery was used with summer and winter variation for alternate years from 2014 to 2021.

Results and discussion

Three STPs set within densely built surroundings showed a cooling profile. Four STPs located among wetlands displayed a heating profile. The surrounding built spaces showed significant influence on the TVI recorded. The STP Cooling Effect (CE) was further quantified by deducing its Cooling Range (CR) and Cooling Intensity (CI). STPs within densely built areas showed higher Cooling Range and Cooling Intensity. Regression analysis models indicated a high positive correlation for the Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI), Landscape Shape Index (LSI), and STP capacity. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI), and STP area showed a strong negative correlation.
Prevalence, MRI findings, and clinical features of lumbosacral intervertebral disc protrusion in French Bulldogs diagnosed with acute thoracic or lumbar intervertebral disc extrusion
Authors: La Rosa Claudia , Morabito Simona , Carloni Andrea , Davini Tommaso , Remelli Carlotta , Specchi Swan , Bernardini Marco
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Intervertebral disc protrusion (IVDP) is a neurological disorder commonly observed at the lumbosacral junction of old, medium-to-large breeds, non-chondrodystrophic dogs. Although uncommon, lumbosacral IVDP can also be seen in chondrodystrophic dogs, among them French Bulldogs (FBs) and could be associated with congenital vertebral malformations in this breed. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence, clinical features, and MRI characteristics of lumbosacral IVDP and congenital vertebral malformations in FBs diagnosed with thoracic or lumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) and to evaluate the possible interference of the neurologic deficits related to chronic IVDP on neurological examination.

Materials and methods

This is a single-center, retrospective case series. A search for FBs diagnosed with IVDE affecting the thoracic or lumbar regions is done on the database of the AniCura I Portoni Rossi Veterinary Hospital (Zola Predosa, Bologna, Italy). Eligible dogs have a complete medical report and a high-field MRI of the lumbosacral junction. MRIs of the lumbosacral junction are evaluated to determine the position of IVDP, cranial intervertebral foraminal stenosis, and signs of nerve root involvement. Radiographs, when available, are reviewed to identify the presence of lumbosacral congenital vertebral malformations.

Results

Eighty FBs are included in the study. The prevalence of lumbosacral IVDP among FBs is 91.3%. Among FBs with lumbosacral IVDP, 45.0% show concurrent cranial intervertebral foraminal stenosis, 28.8% exhibit concurrent nerve root involvement, 56.2% appear to be asymptomatic for lumbosacral changes, while 15.1% manifest a decreased or absent withdrawal reflex as a supposed consequence of chronic lumbosacral IVDP. Congenital vertebral malformations are detected in 10 dogs.

Conclusion

The results of this study support the hypothesis that lumbosacral IVDP is frequent in FBs presenting with thoracic or lumbar IVDE. In over half the dogs lumbosacral IVDP appears to be asymptomatic; however, in other cases, chronic lumbosacral IVDP seems to cause neurological deficits that may lead to erroneous localization of acute IVDE, representing a confounding factor for clinicians.
Educator–Learner Homophily Effect on Participants’ Adoption of Agribusiness Recordkeeping Practices
Authors: Moscarelli Michael , Wingenbach Gary , Strong Robert
Published: November 2023

Homophily is the tendency of individuals to be attracted to and associate with people who share similar sociodemographic, behavioral, and intrapersonal characteristics. Homophily plays a significant role when introducing innovations to create behavioral change. Understanding the educator–learner homophily effect is important to introduce and diffuse innovations efficiently and effectively. A quasi-experimental design was used to test the effect of educator–learner homophily on technology adoption in agriculture. Researchers showed one of four instructional videos about agribusiness recordkeeping practices to 238 Guatemalan female farmers. After the video instruction, the participants were given agribusiness logbooks to track farm sales and expenses. Initially, literate participants were more than four times as likely to adopt agribusiness recordkeeping practices than illiterate participants. Logistic regression determined the effects of the trainer’s gender and nationality on the participants’ likelihoods of adopting agribusiness recordkeeping practices at 6- and 21-weeks post-training. The 21-week logistic regression model was statistically significant; participants who received training from a female instructor were 0.441 times less likely to adopt and maintain agribusiness recordkeeping practices over the long-term. Nationality was not associated with the likelihood of adopting recordkeeping as an agribusiness practice. Program administrators should consider trainers’ perceived credibility and participants’ cultural norms when planning agribusiness management training programs with topics having limited immediate benefit.
Enabling Autonomous Navigation on the Farm: A Mission Planner for Agricultural Tasks
Authors: Cordova-Cardenas Ruth , Emmi Luis , Gonzalez-de-Santos Pablo
Published: November 2023

This study presents the development of a route planner, called Mission Planner, for an agricultural weeding robot that generates efficient and safe routes both in the field and on the farm using a graph-based approach. This planner optimizes the robot’s motion throughout the farm and performs weed management tasks tailored for high-power laser devices in narrow-row crops (wheat, barley, etc.) and wide-row crops (sugar beet, maize, etc.). Three main algorithms were integrated: Dijkstra’s algorithm to find the most optimal route on the farm, the VRMP (Visibility Road-Map Planner) method to select the route within cultivated fields when roads are not visible, and an improved version of the Hamiltonian path to find the best route between the crop lines. The results support the effectiveness of the strategies implemented, demonstrating that a robot can safely and efficiently navigate through the entire farm and perform an agricultural treatment, in this case study, in laser-based weed management. In addition, it was found that the route planner reduced the robot’s operation time, thus improving the overall efficiency of precision agriculture.
Water and Nitrogen Balance under Various Water and Fertilizer Regulation Modes
Authors: Luo Wenbing , Li Yalong , Yang Zirong , Wang Yan , Chen Jialong , Xiao Xin , Chen Yanfei , Wei Chenchen , Zou Zhike
Published: November 2023

A experiment was conducted at the Jiangxi Province Center Station of Irrigation Experiment from 2019 to 2021 to study the water and nitrogen balance under water and fertilizer regulation modes. The study aimed to propose a recommended mode for paddy fields that could save water, control pollution, reduce gas emission, and improve fertilizer use efficiency. This study examined the impact of different irrigation methods and nitrogen application levels on water saving and emission reduction in paddy fields. The experiment included six treatments, which involved two irrigation methods (intermittent irrigation and flooding irrigation, referred to as W1 and W0, respectively) and three application rates of nitrogen fertilizer (0 kg/ha, 135 kg/ha, 180 kg/ha, referred to as N0, N1 and N2, respectively). The study found that irrigation methods had a significant effect on the amount of irrigation, drainage, leakage, nitrogen load from drainage, soil nitrification potential, and ammonia volatilization. The results showed that compared to flooding irrigation, intermittent irrigation reduced the amount of irrigation, drainage, leakage and nitrogen load from drainage by an average of 25.98%, 16.03%, 8.43% and 10.86%, respectively. However, the study also found that the nitrification potential and ammonia volatilization increased by an average of 6.45% and 4.32%, respectively. Fertilization levels had a significant effect on drainage nitrogen load, early soil nitrification potential and ammonia volatilization. Compared with the treatment of N2 (180 kg N/ha), the drainage nitrogen load under the treatment of N1 (135 kg N/ha) decreased by 10.86% on average, while nitrification potential and ammonia volatilization increased by 38.74% and 3.33%, respectively. In terms of nitrogen output, the amount of nitrogen absorbed by crops was the largest, followed by the nitrogen load from field drainage, then ammonia volatilization, and then denitrification. Considering the goals of water saving, emission reduction, and the efficient utilization of water and fertilizer in paddy fields, the optimal water and fertilizer regulation mode was the W1N1 mode (intermittent irrigation combined with reduced nitrogen fertilizer application rate, 135 kg N/ha).
The GDP-Mannose Dehydrogenase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: An Old and New Target to Fight against Antibiotics Resistance of Mucoid Strains
Authors: Hulen Christian
Published: November 2023

Alginates play an important role in the resistance of mucoid strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to antibiotics, as well as their persistence by escaping the immune defense system. GDP-mannose dehydrogenase (GMD) is the key enzyme in alginate biosynthesis by catalyzing the irreversible double oxidation of GDP-mannose to GDP-mannuronate. GDP-mannose dehydrogenase purified from mucoid strains exhibits strong negative cooperativity for its substrate, the GDP-mannose, with a KM of 13 µM for the site of strong affinity and 3 mM for this weak of a binding. The presence of a nucleotide strongly associated with the enzyme was detected, confirming the fact that the substrate oxidation reaction takes place in two distinct steps, with the substrate blocked on the enzyme in a half-oxidation state in the form of a hemiacetal. As the GMD polypeptide has only one site for substrate binding, our results tend to confirm the fact that the enzyme functions in a dimer form. The GDP-mannose dehydrogenase inhibition strategy that we developed a few years ago, based on the synthesis of substrate analogs, has shown its effectiveness. The addition of an alkynyl radical on carbon 6 of the mannose grafted to an amino-sulfonyl-guanosine allows, at a concentration of 0.5 mM, to inhibit GMD by 90%. As we had previously shown the effectiveness of these analogs on the sensitivity of mucoid strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to aminoglycosides, this revives the interest in the synthesis of new inhibitors of GDP-mannose dehydrogenase.
Perlite Has Similar Diffusion Properties for Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide to Snow: Implications for Avalanche Safety Equipment Testing and Breathing Studies
Authors: Walzel Simon , Rozanek Martin , Roubik Karel
Published: November 2023

On average, one hundred people die each year under avalanche snow. Despite extensive global research on gas exchange in buried avalanche victims, it remains unclear how the diffusion of respiratory gases affects survival under avalanche snow. This study aims to determine how oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse through snow, as well as through wet and dry perlite, which may serve as a surrogate for avalanche snow. A custom-made apparatus to study the diffusion of respiratory gases consisted of a plastic cylinder (1200 mm long, ID 300 mm) with 13 gas sampling needles evenly spaced along the axis of the cylinder filled with the tested material. Following 60 min of free diffusion, gas samples were analyzed using a vital signs monitor with a module for respiratory gas analysis (E-CAiOVX, Datex-Ohmeda, GE Healthcare, Chicago, IL, USA). A combination of 16% oxygen, 5% carbon dioxide, and 79% nitrogen was used. The rates of diffusion for both respiratory gases were comparable in snow and both forms of perlite. Oxygen propagated faster than carbon dioxide. Due to similar diffusion characteristics to snow, perlite possesses the potential to stand in as an effective substitute for soft snow for the study of respiratory dynamics, for conducting breathing experiments, and for testing avalanche safety equipment.
Environment-Aware Knowledge Distillation for Improved Resource-Constrained Edge Speech Recognition
Authors: Pimentel Arthur , Guimarães Heitor R. , Avila Anderson , Falk Tiago H.
Published: November 2023

Recent advances in self-supervised learning have allowed automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems to achieve state-of-the-art (SOTA) word error rates (WER) while requiring only a fraction of the labeled data needed by its predecessors. Notwithstanding, while such models achieve SOTA results in matched train/test scenarios, their performance degrades substantially when tested in unseen conditions. To overcome this problem, strategies such as data augmentation and/or domain adaptation have been explored. Available models, however, are still too large to be considered for edge speech applications on resource-constrained devices; thus, model compression tools, such as knowledge distillation, are needed. In this paper, we propose three innovations on top of the existing DistilHuBERT distillation recipe: optimize the prediction heads, employ a targeted data augmentation method for different environmental scenarios, and employ a real-time environment estimator to choose between compressed models for inference. Experiments with the LibriSpeech dataset, corrupted with varying noise types and reverberation levels, show the proposed method outperforming several benchmark methods, both original and compressed, by as much as 48.4% and 89.2% in the word error reduction rate in extremely noisy and reverberant conditions, respectively, while reducing by 50% the number of parameters. Thus, the proposed method is well suited for resource-constrained edge speech recognition applications.
Estimating the Volatility of Flights and Risk of Saturation of Airspaces in the European Core Area: A Methodological Proposal
Authors: Galarraga Ibon , Abadie Luis María , Standfuss Thomas , Ruiz de Gauna Itziar , Goicoechea Nestor
Published: November 2023

Despite having some fluctuations and the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, the demand for flights had a general growing trend for the past years. As the airspace is limited, efforts to better manage the total number of flights are noteworthy. In addition, volatility (i.e., unpredicted changes) in the number of flights has been observed to be increasing. Efforts to improve flight forecasting are thus necessary to improve air traffic efficiency and reduce costs. In this study, volatility in the number of flights is estimated based on past trends, and the outcomes are used to project future levels. This enables risk situations such as having to manage unexpectedly high numbers of flights to be predicted. The methodological approach analyses the Functional Airspace Block of Central Europe (FABEC). Based on the number of flights for 2015–2019, the following are calculated: historic mean, variance, volatility, 95th percentile, flights per hour and flights per day of the week in different time zones in six countries. Due to the nature of air traffic and the overdispersion observed, this study uses counting data models such as negative binomial regressions. This makes it possible to calculate risk measures including expected shortfall (ES) and value at risk (VaR), showing for each hour that the number of flights can exceed planned levels by a certain number. The study finds that in Germany and Belgium at 13:00 h there is a 5% worst-case possibility of having averages of 683 and 246 flights, respectively. The method proposed is useful for planning under uncertainties. It is conducive to efficient airspace management, so risk indicators help Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) to plan for low-probability situations in which there may be large numbers of flights.