bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-stage glaucoma classification using pre-trained convolutional neural networks and voting-based classifier fusion
Authors: Velpula Vijaya Kumar , Sharma Lakhan Dev
Published: June 2023

Aim: To design an automated glaucoma detection system for early detection of glaucoma using fundus images.

Background: Glaucoma is a serious eye problem that can cause vision loss and even permanent blindness. Early detection and prevention are crucial for effective treatment. Traditional diagnostic approaches are time consuming, manual, and often inaccurate, thus making automated glaucoma diagnosis necessary.

Objective: To propose an automated glaucoma stage classification model using pre-trained deep convolutional neural network (CNN) models and classifier fusion.

Methods: The proposed model utilized five pre-trained CNN models: ResNet50, AlexNet, VGG19, DenseNet-201, and Inception-ResNet-v2. The model was tested using four public datasets: ACRIMA, RIM-ONE, Harvard Dataverse (HVD), and Drishti. Classifier fusion was created to merge the decisions of all CNN models using the maximum voting-based approach.

Results: The proposed model achieved an area under the curve of 1 and an accuracy of 99.57% for the ACRIMA dataset. The HVD dataset had an area under the curve of 0.97 and an accuracy of 85.43%. The accuracy rates for Drishti and RIM-ONE were 90.55 and 94.95%, respectively. The experimental results showed that the proposed model performed better than the state-of-the-art methods in classifying glaucoma in its early stages. Understanding the model output includes both attribution-based methods such as activations and gradient class activation map and perturbation-based methods such as locally interpretable model-agnostic explanations and occlusion sensitivity, which generate heatmaps of various sections of an image for model prediction.

Conclusion: The proposed automated glaucoma stage classification model using pre-trained CNN models and classifier fusion is an effective method for the early detection of glaucoma. The results indicate high accuracy rates and superior performance compared to the existing methods.
Changes in Medicago truncatula seed proteome along the rehydration–dehydration cycle highlight new players in the genotoxic stress response
Authors: Pagano Andrea , Kunz Laura , Dittmann Antje , Araújo Susana De Sousa , Macovei Anca , Shridhar Gaonkar Shraddha , Sincinelli Federico , Wazeer Hisham , Balestrazzi Alma
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Several molecular aspects underlying the seed response to priming and the resulting vigor profile are still poorly understood. Mechanisms involved in genome maintenance deserve attention since the balance between stimulation of germination and DNA damage accumulation versus active repair is a key determinant for designing successful seed priming protocols.

Methods

Changes in the Medicago truncatula seed proteome were investigated in this study, using discovery mass spectrometry and label-free quantification, along the rehydration-dehydration cycle of a standard vigorization treatment (hydropriming plus dry-back), and during post-priming imbibition.

Resuts and discussion

From 2056 to 2190 proteins were detected in each pairwise comparison, among which six were differentially accumulated and 36 were detected only in one condition. The following proteins were selected for further investigation: MtDRP2B (DYNAMIN-RELATED PROTEIN), MtTRXm4 (THIOREDOXIN m4), and MtASPG1 (ASPARTIC PROTEASE IN GUARD CELL 1) showing changes in seeds under dehydration stress; MtITPA (INOSINE TRIPHOSPHATE PYROPHOSPHORYLASE), MtABA2 (ABSCISIC ACID DEFICIENT 2), MtRS2Z32 (SERINE/ARGININE-RICH SPLICING FACTOR RS2Z32), and MtAQR (RNA HELICASE AQUARIUS) that were differentially regulated during post-priming imbibition. Changes in the corresponding transcript levels were assessed by qRT-PCR. In animal cells, ITPA hydrolyses 2’-deoxyinosine triphosphate and other inosine nucleotides, preventing genotoxic damage. A proof of concept was performed by imbibing primed and control M. truncatula seeds in presence/absence of 20 mM 2’-deoxyinosine (dI). Results from comet assay highlighted the ability of primed seeds to cope with dI-induced genotoxic damage. The seed repair response was assessed by monitoring the expression profiles of MtAAG (ALKYL-ADENINE DNA GLYCOSILASE) and MtEndoV (ENDONUCLEASE V) genes that participate in the repair of the mismatched I:T pair in BER (base excision repair) and AER (alternative excision repair) pathways, respectively.
Identification of candidate genes for soybean seed coat-related traits using QTL mapping and GWAS
Authors: Yang Yue , Zhao Tiantian , Wang Fengmin , Liu Luping , Liu Bingqiang , Zhang Kai , Qin Jun , Yang Chunyan , Qiao Yake
Published: June 2023

Seed coat color is a typical morphological trait that can be used to reveal the evolution of soybean. The study of seed coat color-related traits in soybeans is of great significance for both evolutionary theory and breeding practices. In this study, 180 F10 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the cross between the yellow-seed coat cultivar Jidou12 (ZDD23040, JD12) and the wild black-seed coat accession Y9 (ZYD02739) were used as materials. Three methods, single-marker analysis (SMA), interval mapping (IM), and inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM), were used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling seed coat color and seed hilum color. Simultaneously, two genome-wide association study (GWAS) models, the generalized linear model (GLM) and mixed linear model (MLM), were used to jointly identify seed coat color and seed hilum color QTLs in 250 natural populations. By integrating the results from QTL mapping and GWAS analysis, we identified two stable QTLs (qSCC02 and qSCC08) associated with seed coat color and one stable QTL (qSHC08) related to seed hilum color. By combining the results of linkage analysis and association analysis, two stable QTLs (qSCC02, qSCC08) for seed coat color and one stable QTL (qSHC08) for seed hilum color were identified. Upon further investigation using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, we validated the previous findings that two candidate genes (CHS3C and CHS4A) reside within the qSCC08 region and identified a new QTL, qSCC02. There were a total of 28 candidate genes in the interval, among which Glyma.02G024600, Glyma.02G024700, and Glyma.02G024800 were mapped to the glutathione metabolic pathway, which is related to the transport or accumulation of anthocyanin. We considered the three genes as potential candidate genes for soybean seed coat-related traits. The QTLs and candidate genes detected in this study provide a foundation for further understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying soybean seed coat color and seed hilum color and are of significant value in marker-assisted breeding.
Motivation to succeed is not enough: motivated students need to know how to plan/organize their steps on their way to success
Authors: Lisá Elena , Sokolová Lenka , Jablonická Paulína , Kardelisová Lea
Published: June 2023

The study is based on dispositional (career motivation) and social-cognitive (generalized self-efficacy) theories of personality, further on the expectancy-value theory of achievement motivation and future time perspective theory (task value, time, and study environment). The study aimed to explain the mechanism of the prediction relationship between motivation and students’ performance. It was assumed that skills of planning and organizing (operationalized as generalized self-efficacy and learning strategies) mediate the prediction of motivation (career motivation and task value) on students’ success (operationalized as academic achievement and employability). In two studies (N = 313, N = 219), the hypotheses of the mediation models were supported by structural equation modeling. Generally, the skills of organizing/planning fully mediated the students’ performance, measured as academic achievement and employability (number of employers). The results show the importance of combining dispositional motivation characteristics with dynamic planning skills on the way to students’ success. Traditional psychological predictors of performance, like general mental ability and conscientiousness, were not controlled. Higher education institutions could support motivated students on their way to success by teaching them how to plan and organize specific steps on their way to success.
Emerging and re-emerging zoonotic viral diseases in Southeast Asia: One Health challenge
Authors: Saba Villarroel Paola Mariela , Gumpangseth Nuttamonpat , Songhong Thanaphon , Yainoy Sakda , Monteil Arnaud , Leaungwutiwong Pornsawan , Missé Dorothée , Wichit Sineewanlaya
Published: June 2023

The ongoing significant social, environmental, and economic changes in Southeast Asia (SEA) make the region highly vulnerable to the emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic viral diseases. In the last century, SEA has faced major viral outbreaks with great health and economic impact, including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), arboviruses, highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV); and so far, imported cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Given the recent challenging experiences in addressing emerging zoonotic diseases, it is necessary to redouble efforts to effectively implement the “One Health” initiative in the region, which aims to strengthen the human-animal–plant-environment interface to better prevent, detect and respond to health threats while promoting sustainable development. This review provides an overview of important emerging and re-emerging zoonotic viral diseases in SEA, with emphasis on the main drivers behind their emergency, the epidemiological situation from January 2000 to October 2022, and the importance of One Health to promote improved intervention strategies.
Empowering women across gender and caste in a women’s dairy cooperative in India
Authors: Farnworth Cathy Rozel , Ravichandran Thanammal , Galiè Alessandra
Published: June 2023

Mulukanoor Women’s Dairy Cooperative (Mulukanoor Dairy) in India has been run by women for women since 2002. From the beginning it created strategies to empower women members, including mixing milk provided by the marginalized caste with milk from other castes; paying women exclusively for milk; providing technical training to women; and seating women together in training and governance events. Caste norms are not observed in these interactions. This article examines the effectiveness of Mulukanoor Dairy’s strategies for overcoming gender and caste disadvantage through empirical research. We hypothesized that if women members of Mulukanoor Dairy had become empowered over the past 20 years we should be able to see evidence for this in the form of women’s empowerment in relation to dairy decision-making at intra-household level. And if caste divisions had been largely overcome we should observe collegial relationships among women of different castes, and similar levels of women’s empowerment at intra-household level regardless of caste. Research was carried out in four villages provisioning Mulukanoor Dairy through focus group discussions with women members of Mulukanoor Dairy, and men spouses of different women members. In total 21 women and 23 men participated. FGDs were sex-and caste disaggregated. The introduction of a new sorghum forage, CoFS-29, provided the entry point to start talking about gender and caste norms. The findings show a remarkable transition of the dairy industry from elite non-marginalized caste men to marginalized and non-marginalized women. Caste norms have changed within the safe space of Mulukanoor Dairy and to a limited extent in the community. A new norm has been instituted that marginalized caste women are dairy farmers. Women across caste experience considerable decision-making power over milk and dairy income. However, men remain primary decision-makers over whether forage is grown. Men engage with key dairy chain actors. Knowledge on new technologies is passed only within castes, and mostly between persons of the same gender. Over the process of knowledge transmission, knowledge networks become increasingly masculinized. Knowledge networks are stronger among non-marginalized men who are best able to make use of new technologies.
Machine learning in pancreas surgery, what is new? literature review
Authors: Taha Anas , Taha-Mehlitz Stephanie , Ortlieb Niklas , Ochs Vincent , Honaker Michael Drew , Rosenberg Robert , Lock Johan F. , Bolli Martin , Cattin Philippe C.
Published: June 2023

Background

Machine learning (ML) is an inquiry domain that aims to establish methodologies that leverage information to enhance performance of various applications. In the healthcare domain, the ML concept has gained prominence over the years. As a result, the adoption of ML algorithms has become expansive. The aim of this scoping review is to evaluate the application of ML in pancreatic surgery.

Methods

We integrated the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses for scoping reviews. Articles that contained relevant data specializing in ML in pancreas surgery were included.

Results

A search of the following four databases PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, and IEEE and files adopted from Google and Google Scholar was 21. The main features of included studies revolved around the year of publication, the country, and the type of article. Additionally, all the included articles were published within January 2019 to May 2022.

Conclusion

The integration of ML in pancreas surgery has gained much attention in previous years. The outcomes derived from this study indicate an extensive literature gap on the topic despite efforts by various researchers. Hence, future studies exploring how pancreas surgeons can apply different learning algorithms to perform essential practices may ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Four vertex technique for correcting urethral prolapse: technique description and cohort study
Authors: Noya-Mourullo Andrea , Herrero-Polo Manuel , Heredero-Zorzo Oscar , García-Gómez Francisco , Urrea-Serna Carmen , Marquez-Sanchez Magaly-Teresa , Flores-Fraile Javier , Padilla-Fernandez Barbara-Yolanda , Lorenzo-Gómez María-Fernanda
Published: June 2023

Introduction/Objectives

This study aims to describe the procedure and effectiveness of the four-vertex technique for correcting urethral prolapse in women.

Methods and Materials

includes a retrospective case series of 17 patients who underwent surgery for urethral prolapse. Two study groups were distinguished based on the presence or absence of pelvic heaviness symptoms. The variables were analyzed, including age, BMI, concomitant diseases, obstetric and gynecological history, time from diagnosis to surgery, and outcomes of treatment.

Results

All patients were postmenopausal, with a mean age at the time of the intervention of 70.41 years, with no differences between groups. Mean BMI was 23.67 kg/m2, higher in the group with a sensation of vaginal heaviness (p = 0.027). Mean time elapsed between diagnosis and operation was 231.58 days, with no differences between groups. Mean childbirth count was 2.29. The most frequent causes for consultation were urethrorrhagia (33.33%) and a bulging sensation (33.33%). After the intervention, 14 patients (82.35%) were asymptomatic, two (11.76%) had dysuria, and one (5.88%) had urinary urgency. Ten patients had pre-surgical urinary incontinence, which was resolved in nine patients. 17.46% subsequently presented pelvic organ prolapse. In three women there was secondary impairment of sexual activity.

Conclusion

The four-vertex technique was effective in resolving symptoms in most patients. However, some patients experienced dysuria, urinary urgency, and pelvic organ prolapse after surgery. Urinary incontinence improved in most patients, but a few required additional treatments with suburethral tape. The study also identified associations between variables and the presence of cystocele, consultation for a bulging sensation, and bleeding from urethral prolapse. Overall, this study sheds light on the challenges and outcomes of surgical treatment for urethral prolapse and provides valuable insights for future research in this area.
Drought Impact on the Morpho-Physiological Parameters of Perennial Rhizomatous Grasses in the Mediterranean Environment
Authors: Arias Claudia , Lino Gladys , Sánchez Elena , Nogués Salvador , Serrat Xavier
Published: June 2023

The selection of non-food crops for bioenergy production in limiting environments is a priority for energy security and climate change mitigation. Therefore, more studies are needed on the interactions between species and environmental factors in specific sites which allows their selection for biomass production. The objective of this work is to study the impact of drought on the morpho-physiological parameters of perennial rhizomatous grasses Panicum virgatum L., Miscanthus × giganteus, and Arundo donax L. in the Mediterranean environment. Plants were grown on field and trials were carried out under support-irrigation and rainfed conditions during two consecutive years. Morpho-physiological parameters were measured in May, June and August, and dry biomass at the end of the experiment. Under rainfed conditions, A. donax presented the highest photosynthesis rate (25, 15 and 10 CO2 m−2 s−1), relative water content (85–90%), and dry biomass (~4500 g plant−1) compared with P. virgatum (20, 5 and 5 CO2 m−2 s−1, 65–85% RWC and ~1400 g plant−1) and Miscanthus (18, 4 and 0 CO2 m−2 s−1, 80–10% RWC and ~260 g plant−1). It is concluded that A. donax would be the best perennial rhizomatous grass to be used as bioenergy crop under Mediterranean conditions.
From Traditional to Smart: Exploring the Effects of Smart Agriculture on Green Production Technology Diversity in Family Farms
Authors: Hu Yixin , Koondhar Mansoor Ahmed , Kong Rong
Published: June 2023

The application of smart agriculture is increasingly becoming a critical force in transforming the traditional methods of agricultural production in China. This change, based on technological innovation, is essential to promoting a sustainable production system in family farms. This study is based on the resource orchestration theory to investigate how smart agriculture affects the diversity of green production technologies (GPTs) on family farms. Based on a sample of 563 family farms surveyed in 2022, this study utilizes propensity score matching (PSM) methods and instrumental variables to analyze the effect of smart-agriculture adoption on the diversity of GPTs on farms. The findings reveal that smart agriculture has significantly increased the diversity of GPTs on farms by 8.5%. Network consulting services, value-added products, and environmental monitoring services are potential impact mechanisms underlying the positive effects of smart agriculture on the diversity of GPTs on farms. Furthermore, the increased diversity of GPTs is more significant on purely plantation farms, farms without contract farming, and farms with high levels of mechanization.
Co-Occurrence of Severe Equine Asthma and Palatal Disorders in Privately Owned Pleasure Horses
Authors: Kozłowska Natalia , Wierzbicka Małgorzata , Pawliński Bartosz , Domino Małgorzata
Published: June 2023

According to the “unified or united airway disease” theory, diseases in the upper and lower airways frequently co-occur because they represent a single morphological and functional unit. Palatal disorders (PDs) and severe equine asthma (SEA) are frequent diseases that, respectively, affect upper and lower equine airways; however, clinical studies focusing on the co-occurrence of PDs and SEA are limited. The present study investigated the prevalence of PDs in horses affected by SEA, and whether prevalence decreased after SEA treatment. Forty-six privately owned horses affected by SEA in exacerbation were included. For each horse, the severity of the asthma clinical signs was assessed using a previously described scoring system, and the co-occurrence of palatal disorders was investigated using overground endoscopy, before and after treatment for SEA. Before treatment (in exacerbation), 67.4% of SEA-affected horses showed evidence of PDs, including 39.1% showing evidence of palatal instability (PI) and 28.3% of dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP). Airway inflammation (neutrophil percentage in the tracheal wash and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) was worse in horses with co-occurring PDs. After treatment (in remission), no horses showed evidence of PI, while DDSP was diagnosed in 8.7% of horses. These findings suggest that palatal disorders respond to asthma treatment, supporting the hypothesis that both diseases could be manifestation of a common underlying disorder.
Characterization of the Domestic Cat Population of Uruguay: Breeds, Coat Colors, Hair Length, Lifestyle, Sex and Spay/Neuter Status According to Guardian Report
Authors: Barrios Florencia , Suárez Gonzalo , Udell Monique A. R. , Damián Juan Pablo
Published: June 2023

The objective of this study was to characterize the domestic cat population of Uruguay in relation to breed, coat color, hair length, lifestyle (indoor vs. outdoor), age, sex, and spay/neuter status according to a survey completed by their owners or guardians. An online survey, distributed to residents of Uruguay, was completed in full by 2561 cat guardians. Descriptive statistics and Chi-squared tests were performed. The population of cats with guardians in Uruguay is characterized by the following data: higher frequency of female cats (53%), most of the cats were between two and six years old (49%), most of them were neutered (84%, mainly those older than one year of age), most of them have outdoor access (87%), a very low percentage (6%) are purebred (Siamese being the most frequent: 86%), and within the non-pure breeds, short hair cats were the most frequent (79%). This study, in addition to expanding the information on the characteristics of cats with guardians from other countries and continents, is the first study in Latin America to describe some key demographic aspects such as cat breeds, coat color, hair length, lifestyles, and frequency by age, sex, and spay/neuter status (spayed/neutered or not) at the country level.
How Dog Behavior Influences Pet Owner’s Perceptions of Dog Preference for Dental Chews
Authors: Johnson Anamarie C. , Miller Holly C. , Wynne Clive D. L.
Published: June 2023

American pet owners spend billions of dollars on food and treats so it is important to understand what products they want and what they think their dog would enjoy. This study analyzed video recordings of dogs engaging in dental chews in their home environment and compared the observed appetitive behaviors to owner preference and owner-reported dog preference. Overall, appetitive behavior differed significantly between some dental chews. Owner preference for the chews correlated significantly with dog appetitive behavior, but the effect was small (r (702) = 0.22, p = 0.001), whereas owner-reported dog preference correlated significantly with dog appetitive behavior and showed a moderate effect size (r (702) = 0.43, p = 0.001)—similar in magnitude to findings when parents are asked to report on their children’s behavior. By merging objective behavioral observation of owner-recorded videos with their survey responses, we were able to preliminarily parse out what factors owners may use to assess preference and encourage the future use of in-home video recordings to better understand dog and owner engagement and interaction with pet products.
Investigating Dog Welfare When Interacting with Autistic Children within Canine-Assisted Occupational Therapy Sessions: A Single Case Study
Authors: Hill Jessica , Driscoll Carlie , Cawdell-Smith Judy , Anderson Stephen , Ziviani Jenny
Published: June 2023

Human-animal bond is defined as the mutually beneficial relationship between humans and animals. Recent years have seen increasing research regarding the benefits of interaction with animals for autistic children. However, there continue to be limited studies exploring the impact of this interaction on the welfare of therapy dogs. As part of a pilot randomised control trial assessing the efficacy of canine-assisted occupational therapy with autistic children, this project assessed welfare markers of the therapy dog involved. A total of twenty-one saliva samples were taken from the therapy dog to assess cortisol, alpha amylase, and oxytocin concentrations at home and throughout the treatment days. Additionally, six hours of therapy session videos were analysed for stress indicators of canine behaviour. No significant differences were found between days spent at home and treatment days for any of the biomarkers or stress indicators. Results suggest that the therapy dog involved did not experience increased stress resulting from interaction with the autistic children throughout the therapy sessions. This study supports the need for further research regarding therapy dog welfare when interacting with autistic children including an increased sample size of therapy dogs and therapists.
Data on New Intermediate and Accidental Hosts Naturally Infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis in La Gomera and Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain)
Authors: Martin-Carrillo Natalia , Baz-González Edgar , García-Livia Katherine , Amaro-Ramos Virginia , Abreu-Acosta Néstor , Miquel Jordi , Abreu-Yanes Estefanía , Pino-Vera Román , Feliu Carlos , Foronda Pilar
Published: June 2023

Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a metastrongyloid nematode and the etiologic agent of angiostrongyliasis, a disease characterized by eosinophilic meningitis. This emerging zoonotic parasite has undergone great expansion, including in some regions of Europe and America. In the Canary Islands, the parasite was first discovered parasitizing Rattus rattus on the island of Tenerife in 2010. To date, the distribution of this parasite in the Canary Islands has been restricted to the northern zone and the main cities of Tenerife. Using molecular tools for the sentinel species present in the Canary Islands, this study confirmed the presence of the nematode on two other islands in the Canary Archipelago: La Gomera and Gran Canaria. Furthermore, this emerging parasite was detected, besides in the common definitive host R. rattus, in wild Mus musculus and Felis catus and in four terrestrial gastropod species, Limacus flavus, Milax gagates, Insulivitrina emmersoni, and Insulivitrina oromii, two of them endemic to La Gomera, for the first time, increasing the number of non-definitive host species. This study reinforces the expansion character of A. cantonensis and highlights the importance of knowledge about sentinel species for identifying new transmission locations that help prevent and control the transmission of the parasite and, thus, prevent public health problems.
Feeding Flaxseed and Lupins during the Transition Period in Dairy Cows: Effects on Production Performance, Fertility and Biochemical Blood Indices
Authors: Nanas Ioannis , Dokou Stella , Athanasiou Labrini V. , Dovolou Eleni , Chouzouris Thomas M. , Vasilopoulos Stelios , Grigoriadou Katerina , Giannenas Ilias , Amiridis Georgios S.
Published: June 2023

Flaxseed and lupin seed were offered as an alternative dietary approach in dairy cows, through the partial substitution of soybean meal. Milk production and fertility traits were investigated. A total of 330 animals were allocated into two groups, treated (n = 176) and control (n = 154). From each group, 30 animals were selected for hematological and cytological studies. The experimental feeding period lasted for 81 days (25 days prepartum and 56 days postpartum). The control ration (group C) contained corn, barley, soybean meal, rapeseed cake, corn silage and lucerne hay; whereas, in the treatment group (group T), 50% of the soybean meal was replaced by an equal mixture of flaxseed and lupins. The two rations were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. Milk samples were analyzed for chemical composition, somatic cell count (SCC) content and total colony forming units (CFU). Blood samples were collected, and serum was analyzed for non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), acute phase proteins (haptoglobin and serum amyloid) and lipid oxidation indices, namely thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and catalase activity. To assess polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) numbers, endometrial samples from each cow were collected on days 21 and 42. No difference was recorded between groups in milk yield (p > 0.05). In multiparous cows, NEFA (mMol/L) concentrations were significantly lower in group T than in group C on day 14 (p > 0.009) and on day 42 (p = 0.05), while no difference was detected in the group of primiparous cows. At all time points, serum TBARS and catalase values were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Multiparous cows in group T expressed the first postpartum estrus and conceived earlier than cows in group C (p ≤ 0.05). Between days 21 to 42 postpartum, the PMN reduction rate was higher in group T animals (p ≤ 0.05). Acute phase protein levels were in general lower in group T animals, and at specific time points differed significantly from group C (p ≤ 0.05). It was concluded that the partial replacement of soybean meal by flaxseed and lupins had no negative effect on milk yield or milk composition, and improved cow fertility; which, along with the lower cost of flaxseed and lupins mixture, may increase milk production profitability.
Combining HIIT Plus Cognitive Task Increased Mental Fatigue but Not Physical Workload in Tennis Players
Authors: Díaz-García Jesús , Clemente-Suárez Vicente Javier , Fuentes-García Juan Pedro , Villafaina Santos
Published: June 2023

Mental fatigue can significantly impair physical performance during sports practice. However, previous studies have not analyzed the impact of combining High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with a cognitive task on physical performance. In this line, we developed the present research to investigate the specific aspects of mental and physical fatigue as well as the potential impact of combining HIIT with a cognitive task. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare mental and physical fatigue indicators between single HIIT and an incongruent Stroop task added to the HIIT protocol. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 32 tennis players (25 men and 7 women, mean age = 21.40). Two HIIT sessions were performed: (1) one with the incongruent Stroop task presented during rests, and (2) another without the Stroop task during rests. Mental fatigue, mental load, and wellness were measured. Additionally, mean and maximum heart rate, mean and peak speed, and heart rate variability through RMSSD were recorded using a heart rate monitor. Mann-Whitney U tests and Wilcoxon tests were performed to explore differences between during-session loads and pre- and post-HIITs. The results showed that mixed HIIT with the incongruent Stroop task caused higher increases in mental fatigue (p = 0.04) and the ratio of perceived exertion (p = 0.001) from pre- to post-HIIT. However, no significant differences in external (speed) and internal (heart rate) factors were observed between the protocols. This suggests that subjective feelings of physical exertion increased significantly due to mental fatigue. However, it did not decrease the physical workload during HIIT for tennis players. Therefore, incorporating short periods of the incongruent Stroop task during HIIT could be used to develop tolerance to mental fatigue without a decrease in the workload.
Research on Effective Advertising Types in Virtual Environment
Authors: Kang Donghyun , Kwon Joungheum , Nam Sanghun
Published: June 2023

Virtual reality (VR) applies various types of advertisements (ads) to promote brands while collaborating with companies. This study aims to present effective advertisement types by verifying user responses in a VR environment. First, by analyzing the cases of advertisements with immersive content, the types of advertisements in VR were defined as avatar costumes, products, and wall posters. The user response was measured in two categories: gaze response measured by the eye-tracking VR advertisement monitoring system (EVAMS) and the advertisement effect analyzed through surveys. As a result of analyzing the user responses, the avatar costumes among the advertisement types caused the highest visual attention and advertisement effect. In addition, by analyzing the correlation between visual attention and the advertisement effect, it was observed that there was a positive relationship between the number of fixations and advertisement attention, fixation time, and advertisement recall. Thus, it was confirmed that the higher the number of fixations and the longer the fixation time, the more positively an advertisement was affected. In addition, it is expected that the results of this study can be used as a reference for effective advertisement directing in VR content development and advertisement directing and processing.
Synuclein Proteins in Cancer Development and Progression
Authors: Zanotti Lucía C. , Malizia Florencia , Cesatti Laluce Nahuel , Avila Aylén , Mamberto Macarena , Anselmino Luciano E. , Menacho-Márquez Mauricio
Published: June 2023

Synucleins are a family of small, soluble proteins mainly expressed in neural tissue and in certain tumors. Since their discovery, tens of thousands of scientific reports have been published about this family of proteins as they are associated with severe human diseases. Although the physiological function of these proteins is still elusive, their relationship with neurodegeneration and cancer has been clearly described over the years. In this review, we summarize data connecting synucleins and cancer, going from the structural description of these molecules to their involvement in tumor-related processes, and discuss the putative use of these proteins as cancer molecular biomarkers.
Dysregulation of SWI/SNF Chromatin Remodelers in NSCLC: Its Influence on Cancer Therapies including Immunotherapy
Authors: Shi Yijiang , Shin Daniel Sanghoon
Published: June 2023

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Molecularly targeted therapeutics and immunotherapy revolutionized the clinical care of NSCLC patients. However, not all NSCLC patients harbor molecular targets (e.g., mutated EGFR), and only a subset benefits from immunotherapy. Moreover, we are lacking reliable biomarkers for immunotherapy, although PD-L1 expression has been mainly used for guiding front-line therapeutic options. Alterations of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeler occur commonly in patients with NSCLC. This subset of NSCLC tumors tends to be undifferentiated and presents high heterogeneity in histology, and it shows a dismal prognosis because of poor response to the current standard therapies. Catalytic subunits SMARCA4/A2 and DNA binding subunits ARID1A/ARID1B/ARID2 as well as PBRM1 were identified to be the most commonly mutated subunits of SWI/SNF complexes in NSCLC. Mechanistically, alteration of these SWI/SNF subunits contributes to the tumorigenesis of NSCLC through compromising the function of critical tumor suppressor genes, enhancing oncogenic activity as well as impaired DNA repair capacity related to genomic instability. Several vulnerabilities of NSCLCS with altered SWI/SNF subunits were detected and evaluated clinically using EZH2 inhibitors, PROTACs of mutual synthetic lethal paralogs of the SWI/SNF subunits as well as PARP inhibitors. The response of NSCLC tumors with an alteration of SWI/SNF to ICIs might be confounded by the coexistence of mutations in genes capable of influencing patients’ response to ICIs. High heterogenicity in the tumor with SWI/SNF deficiency might also be responsible for the seemingly conflicting results of ICI treatment of NSCLC patients with alterations of SWI/SNF. In addition, an alteration of each different SWI/SNF subunit might have a unique impact on the response of NSCLC with deficient SWI/SNF subunits. Prospective studies are required to evaluate how the alterations of the SWI/SNF in the subset of NSCLC patients impact the response to ICI treatment. Finally, it is worthwhile to point out that combining inhibitors of other chromatin modulators with ICIs has been proven to be effective for the treatment of NSCLC with deficient SWI/SNF chromatin remodelers.
Electrochemical Detection of Different Foodborne Bacteria for Point-of-Care Applications
Authors: Wu Tailin , Yagati Ajay Kumar , Min Junhong
Published: June 2023

Bacterial infections resulting from foodborne pathogenic bacteria cause millions of infections that greatly threaten human health and are one of the leading causes of mortality around the world. To counter this, the early, rapid, and accurate detection of bacterial infections is very important to address serious health issue concerns. We, therefore, present an electrochemical biosensor based on aptamers that selectively bind with the DNA of specific bacteria for the accurate and rapid detection of various foodborne bacteria for the selective determination of bacterial infection types. Different aptamers were synthesized and immobilized on Au electrodes for selective bindings of different types of bacterial DNA (Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Staphylococcus aureus) for the accurate detection and quantification of bacterial concentrations from 101 to 107 CFU/mL without using any labeling methods. Under optimized conditions, the sensor showed a good response to the various concentrations of bacteria, and a robust calibration curve was obtained. The sensor could detect the bacterial concentration at meager quantities and possessed an LOD of 4.2 × 101, 6.1 × 101, and 4.4 × 101 CFU/mL for S. Typhimurium, E. Coli, and S. aureus, respectively, with a linear range from 100 to 104 CFU/mL for the total bacteria probe and 100 to 103 CFU/mL for individual probes, respectively. The proposed biosensor is simple and rapid and has shown a good response to bacterial DNA detections and thus can be applied in clinical applications and food safety monitoring.
Ultrasensitive Silicon Nanowire Biosensor with Modulated Threshold Voltages and Ultra-Small Diameter for Early Kidney Failure Biomarker Cystatin C
Authors: Hu Jiawei , Li Yinglu , Zhang Xufang , Wang Yanrong , Zhang Jing , Yan Jiang , Li Junjie , Zhang Zhaohao , Yin Huaxiang , Wei Qianhui , Jiang Qifeng , Wei Shuhua , Zhang Qingzhu
Published: June 2023

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequently occurring severe disease with high mortality. Cystatin C (Cys-C), as a biomarker of early kidney failure, can be used to detect and prevent acute renal injury. In this paper, a biosensor based on a silicon nanowire field-effect transistor (SiNW FET) was studied for the quantitative detection of Cys-C. Based on the spacer image transfer (SIT) processes and channel doping optimization for higher sensitivity, a wafer-scale, highly controllable SiNW FET was designed and fabricated with a 13.5 nm SiNW. In order to improve the specificity, Cys-C antibodies were modified on the oxide layer of the SiNW surface by oxygen plasma treatment and silanization. Furthermore, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchannel was involved in improving the effectiveness and stability of detection. The experimental results show that the SiNW FET sensors realize the lower limit of detection (LOD) of 0.25 ag/mL and have a good linear correlation in the range of Cys-C concentration from 1 ag/mL to 1 pg/mL, exhibiting its great potential in the future real-time application.
A Face to Love or Trust
Authors: Johansson Christer , Folgerø Per Olav
Published: June 2023

This article demonstrates the use of a card sorting game that is suitable for field studies. Subjective judgment in face perception is studied by sorting faces based on attractiveness or trustworthiness. Are beautiful people also trustworthy, or does beauty come with a price? Our first hypothesis is that the two conditions like and trust are different. We investigate this using a sorting game, where participants are asked to sort 27 semi-artificial portraits according to how much they like or trust the faces. The faces are in two different conditions: prototypes and individualized prototypes. Our participants were consistent in their judgments. Participants claim to have reacted to small inconsistencies in facial expressions in the trust condition, and we investigate the relation to anatomical features using a model and Correspondence Analysis.
Stimulus Heterogeneity in a Task-Irrelevant Dimension Affects Selective Attention
Authors: Kim Cheol Hwan , Han Suk Won
Published: June 2023

When multiple stimuli are simultaneously presented, they compete against each other to be represented in the capacity-limited visual system. This competition increases as stimulus heterogeneity increases. Given that selective attention is a way to resolve this competition, it has been known that the effect of attention on task performance is magnified as the level of competition increases due to increased stimulus heterogeneity. While previous studies showed that stimulus heterogeneity in a task-irrelevant dimension affects task performance, it remains unknown how this kind of stimulus heterogeneity interacts with visual attention and stimulus-driven competition. Here, we found that the process of searching for a target stimulus among non-targets became inefficient as stimulus heterogeneity in a task-irrelevant dimension increased. The results also showed that the magnitude of the attentional cuing effect could be affected by increased heterogeneity. However, this modulation was dependent on the type of varied feature or task demand. We suggest that increased stimulus heterogeneity in a task-irrelevant dimension would increase stimulus-driven competition, which impoverishes the quality of stimulus representations.
Determining Residential Location Choice along the Coastline in Victoria Island, Nigeria Using a Factor Analytical Approach
Authors: Ayoola Adeyosoye Babatunde , Oyetunji Abiodun Kolawole , Amaechi Chiemela Victor , Olukolajo Michael Ayodele , Ullah Safi , Kemiki Olurotimi Adebowale
Published: June 2023

This paper evaluates how households consider environmental attributes alongside other housing attributes in their residential location decisions along the coastline in Victoria Island, Nigeria. The data were obtained from tenants’ revealed preference surveys where 204 respondents rated 15 identified and most common key factors in the order by which they influence their residential location choices. The factor analytical approach was then applied to understand how these factors influence such decisions. Thus, this study also gives bearing to the factors considered in making policy and/or investment decisions around residential location choice (RLC). The results revealed the presence of four key components with a total variance of 70.76%. Among the components, neighbourhood, critical dwelling cum socio-economic attributes are found to have a significant influence in explaining 39.78% of the variation in the factors influencing the study area’s selection as the residential location choice (RLC) for households. The findings have implications for households’ residential location choices. For residential locations to be equally attractive to tenants, policymakers and urban planners should pay attention to addressing the menace of the neighbourhoods including crime and traffic congestion. Moreover, property owners should respond to tenants’ needs by paying attention to the provision of utility facilities such as portable water and an appropriate mix of toilet/bathrooms to available bedrooms.
A Hybrid Deep Learning Approach for Real-Time Estimation of Passenger Traffic Flow in Urban Railway Systems
Authors: Fu Xianlei , Wu Maozhi , Ponnarasu Sasthikapreeya , Zhang Limao
Published: June 2023

This research introduces a hybrid deep learning approach to perform real-time forecasting of passenger traffic flow for the metro railway system (MRS). By integrating long short-term memory (LSTM) and the graph convolutional network (GCN), a hybrid deep learning neural network named the graph convolutional memory network (GCMN) was constructed and trained for accurate real-time prediction of passenger traffic flow for the MRS. Data collected of the traffic flow in Delhi’s metro rail network system in the period from October 2012 to May 2017 were utilized to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed model. The results indicate that (1) the developed method provides accurate predictions of the traffic flow with an average coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.920, RMSE of 368.364, and MAE of 549.527, and (2) the GCMN model outperforms state-of-the-art methods, including LSTM and the light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM). This study contributes to the state of practice in proposing a novel framework that provides reliable estimations of passenger traffic flow. The developed model can also be used as a benchmark for planning and upgrading works of the MRS by metro owners and architects.
Clinical Features and Management of Acute and Chronic Radiation-Induced Colitis and Proctopathy
Authors: Abu-Sbeih Hamzah , Tang Tenglong , Ali Faisal S. , Ma Weijie , Shatila Malek , Luo Wenyi , Tan Dongfeng , Tang Chad , Richards David M. , Ge Phillip S. , Thomas Anusha S. , Wang Yinghong
Published: June 2023

Background: RICAP is a recognized adverse effect of radiation therapy (RT) that can adversely affect cancer patients’ quality of life. Data on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of RICAP are scarce. We aimed to analyze the clinical and endoscopic characteristics of acute or chronic radiation-induced colitis and proctopathy (ARICAP and CRICAP) based on symptom onset after RT (≤ or >45 days, respectively). Methods: This is a retrospective observational study of a single tertiary cancer center, from January 2010 and December 2018, of cancer patients with endoscopically confirmed ARICAP and CRICAP. We conducted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to associate clinical variables with endoscopic and medical outcomes. Results: One hundred and twelve patients were included (84% Caucasian; 55% female; median age of 59 years); 46% had ARICAP with non-bloody diarrhea as the predominant symptom, whereas 55% had CRICAP with mostly bloody diarrhea. Neovascularization was the most frequent finding on endoscopy, followed by bleeding. ARICAP patients more often received medical management (p < 0.001), whereas CRICAP patients with bleeding more often received argon plasma coagulation (APC) (p = 0.002). Female sex and undergoing less-intense RT treatments were more associated with medical treatment; bleeding clinically and during the endoscopy was more associated with APC treatment. However, APC treatment did not significantly reduce bleeding recurrence or RICAP symptoms. Conclusion: Patients with ARICAP and CRICAP experience different symptoms. Medical management should be considered before endoscopic therapy. APC may be useful in patients with endoscopically apparent bleeding.
In Utero Exposure to Hormonal Contraception and Mortality in Offspring with and without Cancer: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Mørch Lina Steinrud , Gamborg Mads , Hemmingsen Caroline Hallas , Skovlund Charlotte Wessel , Kjær Susanne Krüger , Hargreave Marie
Published: June 2023

Approximately 400 million women of reproductive age use hormonal contraceptives worldwide. Eventually, pregnancy sometimes occurs due to irregular use. Use in early pregnancy is found to be associated with child morbidities including cancer, the main reason for disease-related death in children. Here, we add the missing piece about in utero exposure to hormonal contraception and mortality in offspring, including assessments of prognosis in children with cancer. In utero exposure to hormonal contraception may be associated with death since we found a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.22 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.48) compared to children of mothers with previous use. The HRs were 1.22 (95% CI 0.99–1.13) for oral combined products and 2.92 (95% CI 1.21–7.04) for non-oral progestin-only products. A poorer prognosis was also found in exposed children with leukemia (3.62 (95% CI: 1.33–9.87)). If causal, hormonal contraception in pregnancy seems detrimental for offspring health and a marker of poorer prognosis in children with leukemia.