bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebral venous congestion alters CNS homeostatic plasticity, evoking tinnitus-like behavior
Authors: Wei Huimin , Jiang Huimin , Zhou Yifan , Liu Lu , Ma Wei , Ni Shanshan , Zhou Chen , Ji Xunming
Published: April 2024

Background

Brain function and neuronal activity depend on a constant supply of blood from the cerebral circulation. The cerebral venous system (CVS) contains approximately 70% of the total cerebral blood volume; similar to the cerebral arterial system, the CVS plays a prominent role in the maintenance of central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis. Impaired venous autoregulation, which can appear in forms such as cerebral venous congestion, may lead to metabolic abnormalities in the brain, causing severe cerebral functional defects and even chronic tinnitus. However, the role of cerebral venous congestion in the progression of tinnitus is underrecognized, and its pathophysiology is still incompletely understood. This study elucidated the specific pathogenetic role of cerebral venous congestion in the onset and persistence of tinnitus and the possible neurophysiological mechanisms.

Results

We found that a rat model of cerebral venous congestion exhibited tinnitus-like behavioral manifestations at 14 days postoperatively; from that point onward, they showed signs of persistent tinnitus without significant hearing impairment. Subsequent neuroimaging and neurochemical findings showed CNS homeostatic plasticity disturbance in rats with cerebral venous congestion, reflected in increased neural metabolic activity, ultrastructural synaptic changes, upregulated synaptic efficacy, reduced inhibitory synaptic transmission (due to GABA deficiency), and elevated expression of neuroplasticity-related proteins in central auditory and extra-auditory pathways.

Conclusion

Collectively, our data suggest that alternations in CNS homeostatic plasticity may play a vital role in tinnitus pathology caused by cerebral venous congestion. These findings provide a new perspective on tinnitus related to cerebral venous congestion and may facilitate the development of precise interventions to interrupt its pathogenesis.
Association of socioeconomic deprivation with outcomes in critically ill adult patients: an observational prospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Benaïs Morgan , Duprey Matthieu , Federici Laura , Arnaout Michel , Mora Pierre , Amouretti Marc , Bourgeon-Ghittori Irma , Gaudry Stéphane , Garçon Pierre , Reuter Danielle , Geri Guillaume , Megarbane Bruno , Lebut Jordane , Mekontso-Dessap Armand , Ricard Jean-Damien , da Silva Daniel , de Montmollin Etienne
Published: April 2024

Background

The influence of socioeconomic deprivation on health inequalities is established, but its effect on critically ill patients remains unclear, due to inconsistent definitions in previous studies.

Methods

Prospective multicenter cohort study conducted from March to June 2018 in eight ICUs in the Greater Paris area. All admitted patients aged ≥ 18 years were enrolled. Socioeconomic phenotypes were identified using hierarchical clustering, based on education, health insurance, income, and housing. Association of phenotypes with 180-day mortality was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

A total of 1,748 patients were included. Median age was 62.9 [47.4–74.5] years, 654 (37.4%) patients were female, and median SOFA score was 3 [1–6]. Study population was clustered in five phenotypes with increasing socioeconomic deprivation. Patients from phenotype A (n = 958/1,748, 54.8%) were without socioeconomic deprivation, patients from phenotype B (n = 273/1,748, 15.6%) had only lower education levels, phenotype C patients (n = 117/1,748, 6.7%) had a cumulative burden of 1[1–2] deprivations and all had housing deprivation, phenotype D patients had 2 [1–2] deprivations, all of them with income deprivation, and phenotype E patients (n = 93/1,748, 5.3%) included patients with 3 [2–4] deprivations and included all patients with health insurance deprivation. Patients from phenotypes D and E were younger, had fewer comorbidities, more alcohol and opiate use, and were more frequently admitted due to self-harm diagnoses. Patients from phenotype C (predominant housing deprivation), were more frequently admitted with diagnoses related to chronic respiratory diseases and received more non-invasive positive pressure ventilation. Following adjustment for age, sex, alcohol and opiate use, socioeconomic phenotypes were not associated with increased 180-day mortality: phenotype A (reference); phenotype B (hazard ratio [HR], 0.85; 95% confidence interval CI 0.65–1.12); phenotype C (HR, 0.56; 95% CI 0.34–0.93); phenotype D (HR, 1.09; 95% CI 0.78–1.51); phenotype E (HR, 1.20; 95% CI 0.73–1.96).

Conclusions

In a universal health care system, the most deprived socioeconomic phenotypes were not associated with increased 180-day mortality. The most disadvantaged populations exhibit distinct characteristics and medical conditions that may be addressed through targeted public health interventions.
Patient characteristics of, and remedial interventions for, complaints and medico-legal claims against doctors: a rapid review of the literature
Authors: Schultz Timothy J. , Zhou Michael , Gray Jodi , Roseleur Jackie , Clark Richard , Mordaunt Dylan A. , Hibbert Peter D. , Haysom Georgie , Wright Michael
Published: April 2024

Background

It is uncertain if patient’s characteristics are associated with complaints and claims against doctors. Additionally, evidence for the effectiveness of remedial interventions on rates of complaints and claims against doctors has not been synthesised.

Methods

We conducted a rapid review of recent literature to answer: Question 1 “What are the common characteristics and circumstances of patients who are most likely to complain or bring a claim about the care they have received from a doctor?” and Question 2 “What initiatives or interventions have been shown to be effective at reducing complaints and claims about the care patients have received from a doctor?”. We used a systematic search (most recently in July 2023) of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and grey literature. Studies were screened against inclusion criteria and critically appraised in duplicate using standard tools. Results were summarised using narrative synthesis.

Results

From 8079 search results, we reviewed the full text of 250 studies. We included 25 studies: seven for Question 1 (6 comparative studies with controls and one systematic review) and 18 studies for Question 2 (14 uncontrolled pre-post studies, 2 comparative studies with controls and 2 systematic reviews). Most studies were set in hospitals across a mix of medical specialties.

Other than for patients with mental health conditions (two studies), no other patient characteristics demonstrated either a strong or consistent effect on the rate of complaints or claims against their treating doctors.

Risk management programs (6 studies), and communication and resolution programs (5 studies) were the most studied of 6 intervention types. Evidence for reducing complaints and medico-legal claims, costs or premiums and more timely management was apparent for both types of programs. Only 1 to 3 studies were included for peer programs, medical remediation, shared decision-making, simulation training and continuing professional development, with few generalisable results.

Conclusion

Few patient characteristics can be reliably related to the likelihood of medico-legal complaints or claims. There is some evidence that interventions can reduce the number and costs of claims, the number of complaints, and the timeliness of claims. However, across both questions, the strength of the evidence is very weak and is based on only a few studies or study designs that are highly prone to bias.
The Functional-Cognitive and Sensory Treatment (F-CaST) to improve rehabilitation outcomes of individuals with substance use disorder: a study protocol for a mixed-method randomized controlled trial
Authors: Assayag Naama , Bar-Shalita Tami , Rand Debbie
Published: April 2024

Background

Substance use disorder (SUD) is associated with executive function (EF) deficits and sensory modulation dysfunction (SMD). Yet, these deficits are not addressed therapeutically. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the Functional-Cognitive and Sensory Treatment (F-CaST) compared to standard care to improve everyday performance and behavior and length of stay at the therapeutic community (TC) in individuals with SUD. In addition, to assess the improvement in EF, sensory modulation, participation, self-efficacy, life satisfaction, and use of strategies within and between groups. Satisfaction with F-CaST will also be assessed.

Methods

Forty-eight participants from a community of men in a TC, aged 18–45 years will be randomly allocated to (i) F-CaST—(experimental group) providing sensory and EF strategies for improving daily function; (ii) standard care (control group) as provided in the TC. Assessments will be conducted by assessors blind to group allocation at 4 time points: T1- pre-intervention; T2- post-intervention; T3- 1-month follow-up; and T4- 3-month follow-up. Primary outcome measures will be everyday performance, assessed by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), behavior and length of stay in the TC; secondary outcome measures will assess EF, SMD. Semi-structured in-depth qualitative interviews will be conducted at T1, T2 and T4.

Discussion

We hypothesize that F-CaST will lead to improved everyday performance and longer length of stay in the TC, compared to the control group. If F-CaST will prove to be effective, cognitive and sensory strategies may be incorporated as an adjunctive intervention in SUD rehabilitation.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05647863 Registered on 13 December 2022, https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05647863.
Targeting ferroptosis for leukemia therapy: exploring novel strategies from its mechanisms and role in leukemia based on nanotechnology
Authors: Ashoub Muhammad Hossein , Razavi Razieh , Heydaryan Kamran , Salavati-Niasari Masoud , Amiri Mahnaz
Published: April 2024

The latest findings in iron metabolism and the newly uncovered process of ferroptosis have paved the way for new potential strategies in anti-leukemia treatments. In the current project, we reviewed and summarized the current role of nanomedicine in the treatment and diagnosis of leukemia through a comparison made between traditional approaches applied in the treatment and diagnosis of leukemia via the existing investigations about the ferroptosis molecular mechanisms involved in various anti-tumor treatments. The application of nanotechnology and other novel technologies may provide a new direction in ferroptosis-driven leukemia therapies. The article explores the potential of targeting ferroptosis, a new form of regulated cell death, as a new therapeutic strategy for leukemia. It discusses the mechanisms of ferroptosis and its role in leukemia and how nanotechnology can enhance the delivery and efficacy of ferroptosis-inducing agents. The article not only highlights the promise of ferroptosis-targeted therapies and nanotechnology in revolutionizing leukemia treatment, but also calls for further research to overcome challenges and fully realize the clinical potential of this innovative approach. Finally, it discusses the challenges and opportunities in clinical applications of ferroptosis.
Colonization during a key developmental window reveals microbiota-dependent shifts in growth and immunity during undernutrition
Authors: Serrano Matos Yadeliz A. , Cano Jasmine , Shafiq Hamna , Williams Claire , Sunny Julee , Cowardin Carrie A.
Published: April 2024

Background

Childhood undernutrition is a major global health challenge with devastating lifelong consequences. Linear growth stunting due to undernutrition has been linked to poor health outcomes, and mothers who experience growth stunting in childhood are more likely to give birth to stunted children later in life. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that intergenerational colonization of mice with microbiota from human donors with undernutrition may recapitulate certain immune and growth changes observed in this disorder.

Results

To test this hypothesis, we developed a gnotobiotic murine model of undernutrition using microbiota from human infants with healthy or stunted growth trajectories. Intergenerational colonization with microbiota derived from children with growth stunting lead to less linear growth and the development of immune features of undernutrition and enteropathy, including intestinal villus blunting, lower liver IGF-1 and accumulation of intraepithelial lymphocytes and plasma cells in the small intestine. In contrast, colonization after weaning lead to fewer host phenotypic changes between these distinct microbial communities.

Conclusions

These results are broadly consistent with previous findings demonstrating that exposure of the immune system to microbial products during the weaning phase is a critical determinant of later life immune function. Overall, our results suggest intergenerational colonization with human microbiota samples is a useful approach with which to investigate microbiota-dependent changes in growth and immunity in early life. Murine models that capture the intergenerational and multifactorial nature of undernutrition are critical to understanding the underlying biology of this disorder.
Metallothionein-3 is a multifunctional driver that modulates the development of sorafenib-resistant phenotype in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Rodrigo Miguel Angel Merlos , Michalkova Hana , Jimenez Ana Maria Jimenez , Petrlak Frantisek , Do Tomas , Sivak Ladislav , Haddad Yazan , Kubickova Petra , de los Rios Vivian , Casal J. Ignacio , Serrano-Macia Marina , Delgado Teresa C. , Boix Loreto , Bruix Jordi , Martinez Chantar Maria L. , Adam Vojtech , Heger Zbynek
Published: April 2024

Background & aims

Metallothionein-3 (hMT3) is a structurally unique member of the metallothioneins family of low-mass cysteine-rich proteins. hMT3 has poorly characterized functions, and its importance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the molecular mechanisms driven by hMT3 with a special emphasis on susceptibility to sorafenib.

Methods

Intrinsically sorafenib-resistant (BCLC-3) and sensitive (Huh7) cells with or without up-regulated hMT3 were examined using cDNA microarray and methods aimed at mitochondrial flux, oxidative status, cell death, and cell cycle. In addition, in ovo/ex ovo chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays were conducted to determine a role of hMT3 in resistance to sorafenib and associated cancer hallmarks, such as angiogenesis and metastastic spread. Molecular aspects of hMT3-mediated induction of sorafenib-resistant phenotype were delineated using mass-spectrometry-based proteomics.

Results

The phenotype of sensitive HCC cells can be remodeled into sorafenib-resistant one via up-regulation of hMT3. hMT3 has a profound effect on mitochondrial respiration, glycolysis, and redox homeostasis. Proteomic analyses revealed a number of hMT3-affected biological pathways, including exocytosis, glycolysis, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and cellular stress, which drive resistance to sorafenib.

Conclusions

hMT3 acts as a multifunctional driver capable of inducing sorafenib-resistant phenotype of HCC cells. Our data suggest that hMT3 and related pathways could serve as possible druggable targets to improve therapeutic outcomes in patients with sorafenib-resistant HCC.
Real-world data of cardio-oncologic interventions for cardiovascular adverse events with oral oncolytics
Authors: Abboud Karen , Umoru Godsfavour , Trachtenberg Barry , Ajewole Veronica
Published: April 2024

Background

Oral cancer therapy-related cardiovascular (CV) toxicity has a wide variety of presentations including arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, and myocardial infarction, but clinical evidence related to its management is limited. The purpose of this IRB-approved, single-center, retrospective, cohort study was to characterize cardio-oncologic interventions for CV adverse events related to oral oncolytics.

Methods

The cohort included 67 patients who were admitted to a multi-hospital health system between June 1, 2016 and July 31, 2021, had at least one medical record order of oral oncolytics considered to have cardiotoxic potential, and had an ICD10 code for a cardiotoxic event added to their electronic medical records after initiation of oral oncolytics.

Results

The majority (97%) had pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) or a CV risk factor. The three most common classes of oral oncolytics were aromatase inhibitors (36%), BCR-ABL inhibitors (16%), and VEGFR inhibitors (13%). New-onset or worsening heart failure (HF) (n = 31), which occurred after a median of 148 days (Interquartile range (IQR) 43–476 days) was the most common cardiotoxic event. The most frequent interventions were pharmacological treatment of the CV adverse event (n = 44) and treatment interruption (n = 18), but guideline-directed medication therapy for HF could be further optimized.

Conclusion

Pre-existing CVD or CV risk factors predispose oncology patients to CV adverse events. Real-world practice reveals that CV adverse events require temporary interruption of treatment and initiation of pharmacologic treatment. A multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach that includes discussion of risks/benefits of treatment continuation, and initiation of guideline-directed treatment is recommended until high-quality, drug-specific data for monitoring and treatment become available.
Locked in and left out: the "prison penalty" for implementation of evidence-based interventions
Authors: Berk Justin , Frank Hannah E. , Drainoni Mari-Lynn
Published: April 2024

Background

While the broader medical community grapples with the widely accepted notion that it takes an average of 17 years for research evidence to be incorporated into clinical practice, the implementation of evidence-based interventions in carceral settings (i.e., jails and prisons) faces longer delays, exacerbating health disparities.

Main body

The “prison implementation penalty” describes the significant delay in and limited adoption of evidence-based healthcare practices in carceral settings. We explore the complex challenges of implementing evidence-based interventions in jails and prisons, environments where healthcare often plays a secondary role under security and discipline. We use specific frameworks to highlight the unique barriers within these settings and propose potential implementation strategies. These challenges have broad implications for health equity due to the disproportionate impact on the marginalized groups affected by mass incarceration. Implementation science has potential to mitigate these disparities.

Conclusion

Bridging the gap between healthcare evidence and practice in carceral settings offers a public health opportunity. Implementation science offers a unique role in improving healthcare standards and reducing health inequities in this environment.
Comparing ChatGPT's and Surgeon's Responses to Thyroid-related Questions From Patients
Authors: Guo Siyin , Li Ruicen , Li Genpeng , Chen Wenjie , Huang Jing , He Linye , Ma Yu , Wang Liying , Zheng Hongping , Tian Chunxiang , Zhao Yatong , Pan Xinmin , Wan Hongxing , Liu Dasheng , Li Zhihui , Lei Jianyong
Published: April 2024

Context

For some common thyroid-related conditions with high prevalence and long follow-up times, ChatGPT can be used to respond to common thyroid-related questions.

Objective

In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the ability of ChatGPT (version GPT-4.0) to provide accurate, comprehensive, compassionate, and satisfactory responses to common thyroid-related questions.

Methods

First, we obtained 28 thyroid-related questions from the Huayitong app, which together with the 2 interfering questions eventually formed 30 questions. Then, these questions were responded to by ChatGPT (on July 19, 2023), a junior specialist, and a senior specialist (on July 20, 2023) separately. Finally, 26 patients and 11 thyroid surgeons evaluated those responses on 4 dimensions: accuracy, comprehensiveness, compassion, and satisfaction.

Results

Among the 30 questions and responses, ChatGPT's speed of response was faster than that of the junior specialist (8.69 [7.53-9.48] vs 4.33 [4.05-4.60]; P < .001) and the senior specialist (8.69 [7.53-9.48] vs 4.22 [3.36-4.76]; P < .001). The word count of the ChatGPT's responses was greater than that of both the junior specialist (341.50 [301.00-384.25] vs 74.50 [51.75-84.75]; P < .001) and senior specialist (341.50 [301.00-384.25] vs 104.00 [63.75-177.75]; P < .001). ChatGPT received higher scores than the junior specialist and senior specialist in terms of accuracy, comprehensiveness, compassion, and satisfaction in responding to common thyroid-related questions.

Conclusion

ChatGPT performed better than a junior specialist and senior specialist in answering common thyroid-related questions, but further research is needed to validate the logical ability of the ChatGPT for complex thyroid questions.
Rescue Lead Implantation After Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease: A Single-Center Experience and Case Series
Authors: Schnurman Zane , Fazl Arash , Feigin Andrew S. , Mogilner Alon Y. , Pourfar Michael
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Despite the well-established efficacy of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) for Parkinson's Disease (PD), there remains a subset of patients with only a moderate improvement in symptoms even with appropriate lead placement and optimal programming. In patients with persistent tremor or dyskinesias, one consideration is the addition of a second “rescue lead” to provide dual stimulation to primary and secondary targets to address the refractory component. This study aimed to assess all “rescue lead” cases from our institution and characterize the patients and their outcomes.

METHODS:

Records of all patients with PD treated at our institution between 2005 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data of all patients treated with a second rescue lead to supplement a positive but inadequate initial DBS response were collected and reviewed.

RESULTS:

Of 670 patients with PD treated at our institution during the study period, 7 were managed with a rescue lead. All 7 were initially treated with STN DBS with a partial improvement in underlying symptoms, had confirmed appropriate lead placement, and underwent thorough programming. Four patients underwent rescue with a globus pallidus interna lead for persistent dyskinesias, all with subsequent improvement in their dyskinesias. Three patients had persistent tremors that were treated with a rescue ventrointermediate thalamus stimulation with subsequent improvement in tremor scores. There were no operative complications, and all patients tolerated dual stimulation.

CONCLUSION:

For a small subset of patients with PD with persistent dyskinesias or tremors after STN DBS despite optimized lead parameters and adequate lead placement, rescue lead placement offers an effective treatment option.
Exploring stem cell frontiers: definitions, challenges, and perspectives for regenerative medicine
Authors: Dardano Miriana , Lebek Tamina , H. C. Tsang Ingrid
Published: April 2024

Each year, the European Summer School on Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (SCSS) attracts early-career researchers and actively practicing clinicians who specialise in stem cell and regenerative biology. The 16th edition of this influential course took place from 12th to 19th September 2023 on the charming Greek island of Spetses. Focusing on important concepts and recent advances in stem cells, the distinguished faculty included experts spanning the spectrum from fundamental research to clinical trials to market-approved therapies. Alongside an academically intensive programme that bridges the various contexts of stem cell research, delegates were encouraged to critically address relevant questions in stem cell biology and medicine, including broader societal implications. Here, we present a comprehensive overview and key highlights from the SCSS 2023.
Developing an Application for Document Analysis with Latent Dirichlet Allocation: A Case Study in Integrated Quality Assurance System
Authors: Prianes Freddie , Palaoag Thelma
Published: April 2024

Background As part of the transition of every higher education institution into an intelligent campus here in the Philippines, the Commission of Higher Education has launched a program for the development of smart campuses for state universities and colleges to improve operational efficiency in the country. With regards to the commitment of Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges to improve the accreditation operation and to resolve the evident problems in the accreditation process, the researchers propose this study as part of an Integrated Quality Assurance System that aims to develop an intelligent model that will be used in categorizing and automating tagging of archived documents used during accreditation. Methods As a guide in modeling the study, the researchers use an agile method as it promotes flexibility, speed, and, most importantly, continuous improvement in developing, testing, documenting, and even after delivery of the software. This method helped the researchers design the prototype with the implementation of the said model to aid the file searching process and label tagging. Moreover, a computational analysis is also included to understand the result from the devised model further. Results As a result, from the processed sample corpus, the document labels are faculty, activities, library, research, and materials. The labels generated are based on the total relative frequencies, which are 0.009884, 0.008825, 0.007413, 0.007413, and 0.006354, respectively, that have been computed between the ratio of how many times the term was used in the document and the total word count of the whole document. Conclusions The devised model and prototype support the organization in file storing and categorization of accreditation documents. Through this, retrieving and classifying the data is easier, which is the main problem for the task group. Further, other clustering, modeling, and text classification patterns can be integrated into the prototype.
Morphological study of the popliteus muscle-tendon complex in formalin embalmed adult cadavers
Authors: Vadgaonkar Rajanigandha , Tonse Mamatha , Blossom Vandana , Kalluraya P. Gopal Govind , Murlimanju B.V.
Published: April 2024

Background The dimensions of popliteus muscle and its tendon are subjected to variability in the origin, mode of insertion, innervation patterns and vascular supply. The aim of this study was to measure the length, thickness and width of the popliteus muscle and its tendon at its different parts. The objectives were to study the topographic anatomy of the neurovascular structures of the popliteus and also to determine the dimensions of the popliteo-fibular ligament. Methods This descriptive cross sectional institutional based study included 50 formalin embalmed adult lower limb specimens. The measurements were performed by using the digital Vernier caliper. Results The length of the popliteus muscle belly along the upper and lower border were 44.2±6.63 mm and 89.26±14.41 mm, width of the muscle belly at midpoint, musculotendinous junction and insertion were 28.45±6.85 mm, 11.7±3.5 mm and 75.95±10.7 mm. The thickness of muscle belly at the midpoint was 2.55±0.55 mm. The length of popliteal tendon, width at origin and at musculotendinous junction were 24.85±2.15 mm, 7.55±1.55 mm and 8.5±1.15 mm. The thickness of tendon of popliteus was 2.6±0.75 mm. The length of nerve to popliteus was 50.44±8.66 mm and its origin was located 27.54±6.18 mm from the intercondylar line. The distance of origin of medial and lateral geniculate arteries from the intercondylar line were 26.26±10.47 mm and 20.76±5.19 mm. The distance of division of popliteal artery was 49.44±16.26 mm from the intercondylar line. The length and width of the popliteo-fibular ligament was 17.84±3.43 mm and 7.36±1.9 mm individually. Conclusions This study offered detailed morphometric data of the popliteus and it is believed that the data of this anatomical research is enlightening to orthopedic surgeons particularly in the field of arthroscopic and plastic surgery. The data can be considered as the database from our population.
The discovery of human Plasmodium among domestic animals in West Sumba and Fakfak, Indonesia
Authors: Munirah Munirah , Wahyuni Sitti , Wahid Isra , Hamid Firdaus
Published: April 2024

Background In Indonesia, malaria incidence is at a high rate despite maximum preventive efforts. Therefore, this study aims to determine the possibility of a Plasmodium reservoir among domestic animals in malaria-endemic areas. Methods Animal blood was collected using EDTA tubes, then smeared and stained with Giemsa for Plasmodium microscopic identification. About 10 μl of blood was dropped on to a filter paper to capture Plasmodium DNA. Nested PCR was used for parasite molecular detection, while Plasmodium species were identified using the sequenced DNA. Results A total of 208 and 62 animal blood samples were collected from Gaura village, West Sumba and Fakfak village, West Papua, Indonesia respectively. In total, 32 samples from Gaura contained P. falciparum or P. vivax, while the Plasmodium percentage in buffalo, horse, goat, and dogs were 20.7%, 14.3%, 5.8%, 16.7%, respectively. P. knowlesi was not found in any of the samples, and no other species were detected in 18 pig blood samples. Conclusion Human Plasmodium existence among domestic animals in Indonesia partly explains the high prevalence and persistence of malaria in some endemic areas due to a reservoir host presence. Therefore, future studies need to ascertain the cause.
Multiagent Q-Learning Approach for the Recharging Scheduling of Electric Automated Guided Vehicles in Container Terminals
Authors: Zhou Chenhao , Stephen Aloisius , Tan Kok Choon , Chew Ek Peng , Lee Loo Hay
Published: April 2024

In recent years, advancements in battery technology have led to increased adoption of electric automated guided vehicles in container terminals. Given how critical these vehicles are to terminal operations, this trend requires efficient recharging scheduling for automated guided vehicles, and the main challenges arise from limited charging station capacity and tight vehicle schedules. Motivated by the dynamic nature of the problem, the recharging scheduling problem for an entire vehicle fleet given capacitated stations is formulated as a Markov decision process model. Then, it is solved using a multiagent Q-learning (MAQL) approach to produce a recharging schedule that minimizes the delay of jobs. Numerical experiments show that under a stochastic environment in terms of vehicle travel time, MAQL enables the exploration of better scheduling by coordinating across the entire vehicle fleet and charging facilities and outperforms various benchmark approaches, with an additional improvement of 18.8% on average over the best rule-based heuristic and 5.4% over the predetermined approach.

Funding: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72101203], the Shaanxi Provincial Key R&D Program, China [Grant 2022KW-02], and the Singapore Maritime Institute [Grant SMI-2017-SP-002].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2022.0113 .
On-Plant Size and Weight Estimation of Tomato Fruits Using Deep Neural Networks and RGB-D Imaging
Authors: Hong Suk-Ju , Kim Sungjay , Lee ChangHyup , Park Seongmin , Kim Kyoung-Chul , Lee Ahyeong , Kim Ghiseok
Published: April 2024

Highlights

Deep learning-based instance segmentation models were applied and evaluated for tomato fruit detection.

Mask R-CNN with vision transformer backbone showed the highest accuracy for tomato instance detection.

Size and weight estimation indexes were calculated using tomato region depth data from instance segmentation models.

Area-based index has higher accuracy for weight estimation than indexes based on weight and height information.

Abstract. The size and weight of fruits are crucial factors in yield prediction and determining harvesting time. Machine vision, including fruit detection, is a key technology in the automated monitoring and harvesting of fruits. In particular, deep learning-based fruit-detection methods have been actively applied. Estimation of fruit size after fruit detection requires depth information, which can be acquired using depth imaging. RGB-D cameras include color and depth information required for fruit detection and size estimation. In this study, the RGB-D imaging technique was used to estimate the size and weight of tomatoes. Furthermore, deep learning-based instance segmentation models, including Mask R-CNN, YOLACT, and RTMDet for tomato fruit detection, were trained and evaluated. The proposed method estimated the fruit width with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 4 mm, a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 4.28%, and a fruit height with an RMSE of 5.12 mm and a MAPE of 6.42%. Furthermore, the weight-prediction model based on the area index estimated the tomato fruit weight with an RMSE of 19.69 g and MAPE of 9.44%. Thus, the method can be used for accurate size and weight estimation and can be applied in growth monitoring and automated tomatoes harvesting. Keywords: Deep learning, Fruit sizing, Instance segmentation, RGB-D, Tomato.
Irrigation Response, Water Use, and Lint Yield of Upland Cotton Cultivars
Authors: Schwartz Robert C. , Witt Travis W. , Ulloa Mauricio , Colaizzi Paul D. , Baumhardt R. Louis
Published: April 2024

Highlights

In-season crop water use and canopy temperatures after first square did not differ among cultivars.

Lint yield was significantly affected by cultivar in all study years.

Cultivar effects on lint yield were significant only at higher irrigation levels.

Crop water productivity increased with increasing irrigation in two of the three study years.

Abstract. Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production requires less irrigation compared with other crops and thus provides an opportunity to reduce risk and maintain profitability in areas where water is limited. Water use, canopy temperature, lint yield, and crop water productivity were evaluated for four early to medium maturity upland cotton cultivars under three levels (100%, 66%, and 33%) of alternate furrow subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) in a thermally limited environment. Crop evapotranspiration (ET) across cultivars and years averaged 627, 547, and 467 mm for the 100%, 66%, and 33% irrigation levels, respectively, and did not differ among cultivars (P > 0.05). Changes in stored soil water within each irrigation level were similar among cultivars, with significant differences occurring infrequently. Measured canopy temperatures from first white flower to two weeks after cutout did not significantly differ among cultivars (P > 0.10) within each irrigation level. Crop water use during boll maturation, as inferred from the developed crop coefficient curve, was considerably less than reported by other studies, signifying that irrigation could be terminated earlier without reducing lint yield. The cultivar effect on lint yield was significant in all study years (P < 0.001), but only at the 66% and 100% irrigation levels, with one cultivar exceeding the average yields of all evaluated cultivars by 13% across the three study years. Medium maturity cultivars usually yielded less than early maturity cultivars, especially for a year with less accumulation of thermal energy. Crop selection and late season irrigation water management were both key to improving cotton water productivity. Keywords: Upland cotton, Subsurface drip irrigation, Water productivity, Root water uptake, Canopy temperature.
The merging of knowledge? Lived experience of poverty and its place in public debate
Authors: Bennett Fran
Published: April 2024

This article reflects on the recent ‘turn to lived experience’ within academia and the third sector in the UK and discusses some issues arising. It then focuses on ways in which these issues might be addressed – including through a methodology employed by ATD Fourth World, an international human rights-based anti-poverty organisation founded after the Second World War that works in partnership with people affected by poverty. ATD developed the ‘merging of knowledge and practice’ to bring together different kinds of expertise, including that acquired from lived experience, to create a richer form of knowledge and better-informed practice. The article discusses this method and suggests various ways in which the lived experience of poverty can be embedded in public debate, policy and practice. People with experience of poverty can be involved in examining and conveying the many dimensions of that experience; providing training for officials dealing with people in poverty; and designing and evaluating relevant policies.
‘The forme to the fynisment foldes ful selden’ (l.499): A Comparison of David Lowery’s Screenplay and His 2021 Film Adaptation The Green Knight
Authors: Tredy Dennis
Published: April 2024

Abstract: This study closely compares David Lowery’s film The Green Knight to his 2018 screenplay, detailing the many changes he made during two months of filming in 2019 and in post-production. These include changes due to location choices and budget, those regarding Lowery’s use of literary and cinematic subtexts, those made to his main characters (both male and female), and structural modifications distorting the linearity of the storyline. The analysis reveals Lowery’s organic filmmaking techniques, his changing priorities and how one’s vision at the outset of such an endeavor does indeed seldom match its final form.
Investigating turbulence distribution in the lower atmosphere using time-lapse imagery from a camera bank
Authors: Wilson Benjamin C. , Bose-Pillai Santasri R. , McCrae Jack E. , Fiorino Steven T. , Freeman Robert P. , Slabaugh Laura R.
Published: April 2024

The atmosphere’s surface layer (first 50–100 m above the ground)
is extremely dynamic and is influenced by surface radiative
properties, roughness, and atmospheric stability. Understanding the
distribution of turbulence in the surface layer is critical to many
applications, such as directed energy and free space optical
communications. Several measurement campaigns in the past have relied
on weather balloons or sonic detection and ranging (SODAR) to measure
turbulence up to the atmospheric boundary layer. However, these
campaigns had limited measurements near the surface. We have developed
a time-lapse imaging technique to profile atmospheric turbulence from
turbulence-induced differential motion or tilts between features on a
distant target, sensed between pairs of cameras in a camera bank. This
is a low-cost and portable approach to remotely sense turbulence from
a single site without the deployment of sensors at the target
location. It is thus an excellent approach to study the distribution
of turbulence in low altitudes with sufficiently high resolution. In
the present work, the potential of this technique was demonstrated. We
tested the method over a path with constant turbulence. We explored
the turbulence distribution with height in the first 20 m above
the ground by imaging a 30 m water tower over a flat terrain on
three clear days in summer. In addition, we analyzed time-lapse data
from a second water tower over a sloped terrain. In most of the
turbulence profiles extracted from these images, the drop in
turbulence with altitude in the first 15 m or so above the
ground showed a h
m
dependence, where the exponent m varied from −0.3 to −1.0, quite contrary to the widely used
value of −4/3.
Widely tunable fiber optical parametric oscillator synchronized with a Ti:sapphire laser for stimulated Raman scattering microscopy
Authors: Takahashi Shun , Oguchi Kenichi , Kamei Kento , Mizuguchi Takaha , Spratt Spencer J. , Ozeki Yasuyuki
Published: April 2024

Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy is a powerful vibrational imaging technique with high chemical specificity. However, the insufficient tuning range or speed of light sources limits the spectral range of SRS imaging and, hence, the ability to identify molecular species. Here, we present a widely tunable fiber optical parametric oscillator with a tuning range of 1470 cm−1, which can be synchronized with a Ti:sapphire laser. By using the synchronized light sources, we develop an SRS imaging system that covers the fingerprint and C–H stretching regions, without balanced detection. We validate its broadband imaging capability by visualizing a mixed polymer sample in multiple vibrational modes. We also demonstrate SRS imaging of HeLa cells, showing the applicability of our SRS microscope to biological samples.
Radiation hardness of open Fabry-Pérot microcavities
Authors: Rodrigues-Machado Fernanda C. , Janitz Erika , Bernard Simon , Bekerat Hamed , McEwen Malcolm , Renaud James , Enger Shirin A. , Childress Lilian , Sankey Jack C.
Published: April 2024

High-finesse microcavities offer a platform for compact, high-precision sensing by employing high-reflectivity, low-loss mirrors to create effective optical path lengths that are orders of magnitude larger than the device geometry. Here, we investigate the radiation hardness of Fabry-Pérot microcavities formed from dielectric mirrors deposited on the tips of optical fibers. The microcavities are irradiated under both conventional (∼ 0.1 Gy/s) and ultrahigh (FLASH, ∼ 20 Gy/s) radiotherapy dose rates. Within our measurement sensitivity of ∼ 40 ppm loss, we observe no degradation in the mirror absorption after irradiation with over 300 Gy accumulated dose. This result highlights the excellent radiation hardness of the dielectric mirrors forming the cavities, enabling new optics-based, real-time, in-vivo, tissue-equivalent radiation dosimeters with ∼ 10 micron spatial resolution (our motivation), as well as other applications in high-radiation environments.
Polarization-insensitive and high-efficiency edge coupler for thin-film lithium niobate
Authors: Guo Zehao , Liu Weixi , Wen Chengfeng , Song Lijia , Liu Liu , Dai Daoxin , Shi Yaocheng
Published: April 2024

In this Letter, we propose and demonstrate a fiber-to-chip edge coupler (EC) on an x-cut thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) for polarization-insensitive (PI) coupling. The EC consists of three width-tapered full-etched waveguides with silica cladding and matches well with a single-mode fiber (SMF). The measured results show that the minimum coupling losses for TE0/TM0 modes remain to be 0.9 dB/1.1 dB per facet, and the polarization dependent loss (PDL) is <0.5 dB over the wavelength range from 1260 to 1340 nm. Moreover, the EC features large misalignment tolerance of ±2 µm in the Z direction and ±1.5 µm in the X direction for both polarizations for a 1 dB penalty. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first realized O-band edge coupler on TFLN with SMF. The proposed device shows promising potential for integration into TFLN polarization diversity devices.
Efficient numerical Fresnel diffraction with Gabor frames
Authors: Blinder David , Birnbaum Tobias , Schelkens Peter
Published: April 2024

Numerical Fresnel diffraction is broadly used in optics and holography in particular.
So far, it has been implemented using convolutional approaches, spatial convolutions, or the fast Fourier transform.
We propose a new way of computing Fresnel diffraction using Gabor frames and chirplets.
Contrary to previous techniques, the algorithm has linear time complexity, does not exhibit aliasing, does not need zero padding, has no constraints on changing shift/resolution/pixel pitch between source and destination planes, and works at any propagation distance.
We provide theoretical and numerical analysis, detail the algorithm, and report simulation results with an accelerated GPU implementation. This algorithm may serve as a basis for more flexible, faster, and memory-efficient computer-generated holography methods.
Transient Receptor Potential Channels in the Healthy and Diseased Blood–Brain Barrier
Authors: Rezzani Rita , Favero Gaia , Gianò Marzia , Pinto Daniela , Labanca Mauro , van Noorden Cornelis J.F. , Rinaldi Fabio
Published: April 2024

The large family of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are integral membrane proteins that function as environmental sensors and act as ion channels after activation by mechanical (touch), physical (heat, pain), and chemical stimuli (pungent compounds such as capsaicin). Most TRP channels are localized in the plasma membrane of cells but some of them are localized in membranes of organelles and function as intracellular Ca2+-ion channels. TRP channels are involved in neurological disorders but their precise role(s) and relevance in these disorders are not clear. Endothelial cells of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) express TRP channels such as TRP vanilloid 1–4 and are involved in thermal detection by regulating BBB permeability. In neurological disorders, TRP channels in the BBB are responsible for edema formation in the brain. Therefore, drug design to modulate locally activity of TRP channels in the BBB is a hot topic. Today, the application of TRP channel antagonists against neurological disorders is still limited.
Performance characteristics of a polymerase chain reaction-based assay for the detection of EGFR mutations in plasma cell-free DNA from patients with non-small cell lung cancer using cell-free DNA collection tubes
Authors: May Theresa , Clement Michelle S. , Halait Harkanwal , Kohlmann Alexander , Kohlmann Milena , Lai Jason , Lee Nitta , Li-Sucholeiki Xiaocheng , Meldgaard Peter , Joshi Snehal , Scudder Sidney , Shrestha Neelima , Sorensen Boe , Kiral Marilyn , O’Donnell Patrick
Published: April 2024

Survival rates in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are low. Detection of circulating tumor DNA in liquid biopsy (plasma) is increasingly used to identify targeted therapies for clinically actionable mutations, including EGFR mutations in NSCLC. The cobas® EGFR Mutation Test v2 (cobas EGFR test) is FDA-approved for EGFR mutation detection in tissue or liquid biopsy from NSCLC. Standard K2EDTA tubes require plasma separation from blood within 4 to 8 hours; however, Roche Cell-Free DNA (cfDNA) Collection Tubes (Roche cfDNA tube) enable whole blood stability for up to 7 days prior to plasma separation. This analysis assessed performance of Roche cfDNA tubes with the cobas EGFR test for the detection of EGFR mutations in plasma from healthy donors or patients with NSCLC. Overall, test performance was equally robust with either blood collection tube, eg, regarding limit of detection, linearity, and reproducibility, making Roche cfDNA tubes suitable for routine clinical laboratory use in this setting. Importantly, the Roche cfDNA tubes provided more flexibility for specimen handling versus K2EDTA tubes, eg, in terms of tube mixing, plasma separation, and sample stability, and do not require processing of blood within 8 hours thereby increasing the reach of plasma biopsies in NSCLC.