bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of hypoxic microenvironment in autoimmune diseases
Authors: Gong Xun , Yang Su-Yin , Wang Zhen-Yu , Tang Min
Published: November 2024

The hypoxic microenvironment, characterized by significantly reduced oxygen levels within tissues, has emerged as a critical factor in the pathogenesis and progression of various autoimmune diseases (AIDs). Central to this process is the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), which orchestrates a wide array of cellular responses under low oxygen conditions. This review delves into the multifaceted roles of the hypoxic microenvironment in modulating immune cell function, particularly highlighting its impact on immune activation, metabolic reprogramming, and angiogenesis. Specific focus is given to the mechanisms by which hypoxia contributes to the development and exacerbation of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), multiple sclerosis (MS), and dermatomyositis (DM). In these conditions, the hypoxic microenvironment not only disrupts immune tolerance but also enhances inflammatory responses and promotes tissue damage. The review also discusses emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting the hypoxic pathways, including the application of HIF-1α inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and other modulators of the hypoxic response. By providing a comprehensive overview of the interplay between hypoxia and immune dysfunction in AIDs, this review offers new perspectives on the underlying mechanisms of these diseases and highlights potential avenues for therapeutic intervention.
Characterizing CD38 expression in terminally differentiated B cells using variable lymphocyte receptor B tetramers
Authors: Nair Arundhati G. , Leon-Ponte Matilde , Kim Vy HD , Sussman Gordon , Ehrhardt Götz R.A. , Grunebaum Eyal
Published: November 2024

Introduction

CD38 is an ectoenzyme receptor found on hematopoietic cells and its expression is used in the flow cytometric analysis of sub-populations of circulating B cells among peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to aid in diagnosing patients with different antibody production defects (AbD). Monoclonal antibodies derived from the sea lamprey Variable Lymphocyte Receptor B (VLRB) are emerging as an alternative to conventional mammalian antibodies. We hypothesized that VLRB MM3 (V-CD38) which specifically recognizes CD38 in a manner correlating with its enzymatic activity could identify terminally differentiated B cells in human PBMC. Here we investigate the ability of V-CD38 as a tool to diagnose patients with diverse immune abnormalities including AbD.

Methods

The expression of CD38 on CD3-CD19+CD27+ plasmablasts and CD3-CD19+IgMhiCD27- transitional B cells in PBMC was analyzed by flow cytometry using V-CD38 and compared with a commercial conventional antibody to CD38 (C-CD38).

Results

A highly significant correlation (p<0.001, r=0.99) between the percentages of plasmablasts recognized by V-CD38 and C-CD38 was observed among 36 healthy controls (HC), 7 patients with AbD and 24 allergic individuals (AI). The use of V-CD38 enabled improved gating of the CD38 expressing cells (CD38+), aiding in the observation that patients with AbD had significantly lower (p=0.002) CD38+ plasmablasts (0.13%±0.13%) than HC (0.52%±0.57%). Only 61.3% of the transitional B cells detected by C-CD38 were also recognized by V-CD38 (r=0.95, p<0.001) among the 67 participants. AI had significantly reduced V-CD38 and C-CD38 transitional cells compared to HC (p=0.026 and p=0.012, respectively).

Conclusions

V-CD38 is a novel reagent that can assess B cells in human PBMC.
Intelligent vehicle lateral tracking algorithm based on neural network predictive control
Authors: Su Yi , Xu Lv , Li Jiehui
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Intelligent vehicles and autonomous driving have been the focus of research in the field of transport, but current autonomous driving models have significant errors in lateral tracking that cannot be ignored.

Methods

In view of this, this study innovatively proposes a lateral trajectory algorithm for intelligent vehicles based on improved radial basis function (RBF). The algorithm first models the lateral trajectory behaviour of the car based on the pre-scanning steering theory, and then proposes an improved RBF network model to compensate for the error of the lateral trajectory model and further improve the accuracy.

Results

According to the simulation test results, after 20 iterations, the proposed algorithm always shows the highest accuracy with the same number of iterations. When the number of iterations reaches 370, the accuracy of the algorithm is stable at 88%. In addition, the bending test shows that the proposed algorithm performs best at low speeds with an overall error of 0.028 m, which is a higher accuracy compared to the algorithm without neural network compensation.

Discussion

The maximum error of the proposed algorithm does not exceed 0.04 m in complex continuous curved terrain, which is safe within the normal road width. Overall, the lateral tracking algorithm proposed in this research has better lateral tracking capability compared to other improved algorithms of the same type. The research results are of some significance to the field of lateral tracking of automatic driving, which provides new ideas and methods for the field of lateral tracking of automatic driving technology and helps to promote the overall development of automatic driving technology. By reducing the lateral tracking error, the driving stability and safety of the self-driving car can be improved, creating favourable conditions for the wide application of the self-driving technology.
An assessment of the European Patient Summary for clinical research: a case study in cardiology
Authors: Laleci Erturkmen Gokce Banu , Sinaci Ali Anil , Namli Tuncay , Boonstra Machteld J. , Lekadir Karim , Gkontra Polyxeni , Chronaki Catherine , Facile Rhonda , Baker Rebecca , Kush Rebecca
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The European Health Data Space (EHDS) initiative was launched to create a unified framework for health data exchange across Europe. Central to this initiative is the European Electronic Health Record Exchange Format, designed to achieve interoperability of electronic health record data across Europe. Despite these advancements, the readiness of current guidelines and implementations, such as the European Patient Summary, to support secondary use in clinical research, particularly in cardiology, remains underexplored.

Methods

This study aims to evaluate the European Patient Summary guidelines and their implementations, specifically the HL7 FHIR International Patient Summary Implementation Guide, to determine their suitability for secondary use in clinical research. The focus is on identifying gaps and extensions needed to enhance the utility of the European Patient Summary for building artificial intelligence models in assisting heart failure management.

Results

We selected two European Union-funded research projects, DataTools4Heart and AI4HF, that aim to reuse electronic health record data to develop artificial intelligence models for personalized decision support services for heart failure patients. We analyzed their clinical use cases and the specific data items required, and we compared these with the current European Patient Summary guidelines and provided a detailed gap analysis indicating similarities and required extensions. In our gap analysis, we also compared the needs of DataTools4Heart and AI4HF with the HL7 FHIR International Patient Summary Implementation Guide to assess the extensions needed to support clinical research.

Discussion

The EHDS is a transformative initiative to establish a European health data ecosystem that supports healthcare delivery and clinical research. Our comparative analysis demonstrates that, with minor extensions, these guidelines have significant potential to facilitate access to electronic healthcare record data for the secondary use, particularly in training AI models. We advocate for the adoption of an International Patient Summary format as a semantically interoperable core set of data elements, which will enhance global clinical research efforts and improve patient outcomes through precision medicine.
Dynamics simulations of hypoxia inducible factor-1 regulatory network in cancer using formal verification techniques
Authors: Azhar Hafiz Muhammad Faraz , Saeed Muhammad Tariq , Jabeen Ishrat
Published: November 2024

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) regulates cell growth, protein translation, metabolic pathways and therefore, has been advocated as a promising biological target for the therapeutic interventions against cancer. In general, hyperactivation of HIF-1 in cancer has been associated with increases in the expression of glucose transporter type-1 (GLUT-1) thus, enhancing glucose consumption and hyperactivating metabolic pathways. The collective behavior of GLUT-1 along with previously known key players AKT, OGT, and VEGF is not fully characterized and lacks clarity of how glucose uptake through this pathway (HIF-1) probes the cancer progression. This study uses a Rene Thomas qualitative modeling framework to comprehend the signaling dynamics of HIF-1 and its interlinked proteins, including VEGF, ERK, AKT, GLUT-1, β-catenin, C-MYC, OGT, and p53 to elucidate the regulatory mechanistic of HIF-1 in cancer. Our dynamic model reveals that continuous activation of p53, β-catenin, and AKT in cyclic conditions, leads to oscillations representing homeostasis or a stable recovery state. Any deviation from this cycle results in a cancerous or pathogenic state. The model shows that overexpression of VEGF activates ERK and GLUT-1, leads to more aggressive tumor growth in a cancerous state. Moreover, it is observed that collective modulation of VEGF, ERK, and β-catenin is required for therapeutic intervention because these genes enhance the expression of GLUT-1 and play a significant role in cancer progression and angiogenesis. Additionally, SimBiology simulation unveils dynamic molecular interactions, emphasizing the need for targeted therapeutics to effectively regulate VEGF and ERK concentrations to modulate cancer cell proliferation.
Acute exposure to diisopropylfluorophosphate in mice results in persistent cognitive deficits and alterations in senescence markers in the brain
Authors: Terry Alvin V. , Beck Wayne D. , Zona Victoria , Itokazu Yutaka , Tripathi Ashutosh , Madeshiya Amit Kumar , Pillai Anilkumar
Published: November 2024

Organophosphates (OPs) are found in hundreds of important products used worldwide; however, they have been associated with adverse long-term health consequences ranging from neurodevelopmental deficits to age-related neurological diseases. OP exposure has also been implicated in Gulf War Illness; a cluster of medically unexplained chronic symptoms estimated to affect 25–32% of veterans of the Persian Gulf war in 1991. The development of multiple types of chronic illnesses in these veterans at an early age compared to the general population has led to the suggestion that they are experiencing signs of premature or accelerated aging. The process of cellular senescence and the development of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) is believed to lead to chronic inflammation, chronic illnesses, as well as accelerated biological aging, and a role of environmental exposures in these processes has been suggested, but not extensively studied to date. In the studies described here, we evaluated the persistent effects of a single (acute) exposure of a representative nerve agent OP, diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) 4.0 mg/kg on cognitive function, noncognitive behaviors, cellular senescence markers and proinflammatory cytokines in the mouse brain. The results indicated modest, but persistent DFP-related impairments in spatial learning and working memory, but not contextual or cued fear conditioning. DFP exposure was also not associated with negative effects on weight or impairments of the various noncognitive (e.g., motor function or exploratory activity) behavioral assessments. Both histology and quantitative PCR experiments indicated that DFP was associated with persistent alterations in several senescence markers and proinflammatory cytokines in brain regions that are relevant to the performance of the memory-related tasks (e.g., hippocampus, prefrontal cortex). The results thus suggest that single acute exposures to OPs like DFP can lead to persistent impairments in specific domains of cognition that may be related to alterations in cellular senescence and inflammaging in the brain.
Interactions between tumor-associated macrophages and regulated cell death: therapeutic implications in immuno-oncology
Authors: Ge Yifei , Jiang Lixue , Yang Chengru , Dong Qingfu , Tang Chengwu , Xu Yi , Zhong Xiangyu
Published: November 2024

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a pivotal role in sculpting the tumor microenvironment and influencing cancer progression, particularly through their interactions with various forms of regulated cell death (RCD), including apoptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis. This review examines the interplay between TAMs and these RCD pathways, exploring the mechanisms through which they interact to promote tumor growth and advancement. We examine the underlying mechanisms of these intricate interactions, emphasizing their importance in cancer progression and treatment. Moreover, we present potential therapeutic strategies for targeting TAMs and manipulating RCD to enhance anti-tumor responses. These strategies encompass reprogramming TAMs, inhibiting their recruitment, and selectively eliminating them to enhance anti-tumor functions, alongside modulating RCD pathways to amplify immune responses. These insights offer a novel perspective on tumor biology and provide a foundation for the development of more efficacious cancer therapies.
Machine learning-based multiparametric MRI radiomics nomogram for predicting WHO/ISUP nuclear grading of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Yang Yunze , Zhang Ziwei , Zhang Hua , Liu Mengtong , Zhang Jianjun
Published: November 2024

Objective

To explore the effectiveness of a machine learning-based multiparametric MRI radiomics nomogram for predicting the WHO/ISUP nuclear grading of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) before surgery.

Methods

Data from 86 patients who underwent preoperative renal MRI scans (both plain and enhanced) and were confirmed to have ccRCC were retrospectively collected. Based on the 2016 WHO/ISUP grading standards, patients were divided into a low-grade group (Grade I and II) and a high-grade group (Grade III and IV), and randomly split into training and testing sets at a 7:3 ratio. Radiomics features were extracted from FS-T2WI, DWI, and CE-T1WI sequences. Optimal features were selected using the Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman correlation analysis, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). Five machine learning classifiers—logistic regression (LR), naive bayes (NB), k-nearest neighbors (KNN), adaptive boosting (AdaBoost), and multilayer perceptron (MLP)—were used to build models to predict ccRCC WHO/ISUP nuclear grading. The model with the highest area under the curve (AUC) in the testing set was chosen as the best radiomics model. Independent clinical risk factors were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression to create a clinical model, which was combined with radiomics score (rad-score) to develop a nomogram. The model’s effectiveness was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, its calibration was evaluated using a calibration curve, and its clinical utility was analyzed using decision curve analysis.

Results

Six radiomics features were ultimately selected. The MLP classifier showed the highest diagnostic performance in the testing set (AUC=0.933). Corticomedullary enhancement level (P=0.020) and renal vein invasion (P=0.011) were identified as independent risk factors for predicting the WHO/ISUP nuclear classification and were included in the nomogram with the rad-score. The ROC curves indicated that the nomogram model had strong diagnostic performance, with AUC values of 0.964 in the training set and 0.933 in the testing set.

Conclusion

The machine learning-based multiparametric MRI radiomics nomogram provides a highly predictive, non-invasive tool for preoperative prediction of WHO/ISUP nuclear grading in patients with ccRCC.
Study on the correlation between alkaloids and tastes of Coptis Rhizome from four species based on UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS combined with electronic tongue technique
Authors: Huang Yufeng , Luo Wenhui , Pei Wenhan , Sun Dongmei , Zhou Hua , He Fan
Published: November 2024

Objective

Taste is one of the vital indicators for the quality evaluation of Coptis rhizome (CR), but the traditional taste evaluation lacks objectivity. By establishing the correlation between CR’s tastes and alkaloids, an objective basis for the taste evaluation was established.

Methods

Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS) and electronic tongue technique were performed to determine ten alkaloid contents and eight tastes from Coptis chinensis rhizome, Coptis deltoidea rhizome, Coptis teeta rhizome, and Coptis japonica rhizome, respectively. Combined with multivariate statistical analysis, we established models to discriminate the alkaloid contents and tastes of CR, screened the differential alkaloids and tastes, and performed Pearson’s correlation analysis on the results of alkaloids and tastes.

Results

1) According to the previous UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS method established by our research group, the contents of ten alkaloids of the four species of CR were quantified, of which jatrorrhizine, columbamine, and magnoflorine were the differential alkaloids of the four species. 2) The electronic tongue technique realized the objectification of CR’s tastes and distinguished the species of CR based on the tastes of aftertaste-A, sourness, bitterness, and richness. 3) Pearson’s correlation analysis shows the bitterness of CR was mainly manifested as aftertaste-B, indicating the higher the aftertaste-B value, the higher the berberrubine content. Astringency and aftertaste-A could be suggested as quality evaluation indexes of CR, due to the positively correlated or significantly positively correlated with coptisine, epiberberine, berberine, and palmatine, respectively.

Conclusion

Electronic tongue technique has successfully achieved the objectification of the tastes of CR, and combined with UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS technique for alkaloid quantification and correlation research, it provides a new idea for the quality evaluation of CR.
Similar PTSD symptom networks observed in male and female survivors of military sexual assault: implications for understanding trauma responses
Authors: Xu Bingyu , Blais Rebecca K. , Cruz Rick A. , Tannahill Hallie S.
Published: November 2024

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a heterogeneous disorder with no universal symptom presentation. Sex differences in rates of PTSD among military samples are established, such that females are more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD, with severity particularly heightened among females exposed to military sexual assault (MSA). However, limited research has examined the PTSD symptom network structure among MSA survivors and whether it differs by sex. The current study examined global and sex-specific PTSD symptom network structure of PTSD among veterans and service members who were exposed to MSA. Participants were 400 service members/veterans (54% active duty; 50% male) with a history of MSA exposure recruited through Qualtrics. Participants completed an online survey assessing PTSD symptoms. Network analysis was conducted for the full sample to examine the overall symptom structure. Centrality indices revealed apathy to be the most central symptom, followed by irritability, hyperarousal, hypervigilance, and external avoidance. The Network Comparison Test was utilized to examine potential sex differences in network structure and global strength. There were no sex differences in global structure or network strength. Core symptom network structures of PTSD may be similar for males and females following MSA. Though males and females experience notable differences in PTSD, network structure is not among them. Central symptoms, or the potential treatment targets, could be similar for males and females MSA survivors.
The sorrow comes when I’m having moments of joy—experiences of parenting a live baby following a previous stillbirth: an interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Blocksidge Hope , Heazell Alexander E. P. , Wittkowski Anja , Smith Debbie M.
Published: November 2024

Stillbirth can lead to complex and varied psychological outcomes for parents. Many choose to have another pregnancy following a stillbirth; however, little is known about the experience of parenting and bonding with the subsequent baby. Couples, who were the biological parents of a stillborn baby and at least one subsequent live baby aged under five, were recruited and interviewed individually. Data were analysed using interpretative phrenomenological analysis. Twelve individual interviews (of six couples) were conducted and four themes with nine subthemes were developed. Theme 1 “Back to the starting line: pregnancy as a means to an end” captured parents’ desire to bring a live baby home with pregnancy being experienced alongside fear, trauma, and grief. Theme 2 “Reality hits” encapsulated the experience of arriving home and feeling overwhelmed by the demands of a new-born baby. Theme 3 “Being a living and loss parent” captured the experience of being a parent to both a living and non-living baby with conflicting emotions. Theme 4 “Protection: ‘I need him there next to me, so I know he’s alive’” represented the fear some parents felt when parenting their live baby and included parents’ strategies to manage this anxiety. This study presents novel insight into the complexities of being a parent to a stillborn baby in tandem with a live baby, with difficulties arising in bonding, and managing emotional distress linked to trauma and grief. Potential implications for care includes a need for increased training for professionals providing postnatal care.
Association between bullying victimization and mental health problems among Chinese left-behind children: a cross-sectional study from the adolescence mental health promotion cohort
Authors: Feng Yuan , Zhang Simai , Liao Xiao , Jia Yuge , Yang Yu , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2024

Background

Left-behind children (LBC) refer to those who have been separated from at least one parent for six months or more due to parental migration for work. This phenomenon poses a significant threat to the mental health of over 61 million LBC in China. This study aims to compare the prevalence of mental health symptoms between LBC and non-left-behind children (non-LBC) and to explore the predictive effect of bullying victimization on adolescent mental health problems.

Methods

In 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis involving 28,036 children and adolescents in Mianyang City, Sichuan Province, China, with ages ranging from 8 to 19 years. Mental health symptoms were assessed using the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The Delaware Bullying Victimization Scale-Student (DBVS-S) was employed to gather data on experiences of bullying victimization. Information on self-injury was collected by inquiring whether participants had engaged in self-injurious behavior and the reasons for such behavior. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized to analyze the risk and protective factors associated with mental health symptoms, with a particular focus on different types of bullying victimization.

Results

Compared to non-left-behind children (non-LBC), left-behind children (LBC) exhibited a higher prevalence of mental health issues: anxiety symptoms (24.0% vs. 18.0%, p<0.001), depressive symptoms (27.9% vs. 19.4%, p<0.001), and self-injurious behavior (17.7% vs. 12.2%, p<0.001). Among LBC, physical bullying was identified as the most significant predictor of anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.62). Additionally, LBC who experienced verbal bullying had a higher risk of depressive symptoms (OR = 2.23) and self-injurious behaviors (OR = 1.54). Enhanced family functioning, positive teacher-student relationships, and strong peer relationships were found to offer protective effects against mental health problems.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that LBC experienced a higher incidence of mental health symptoms, particularly among those who had been victims of bullying. This underscores the urgent need for supportive strategies focused on the school environment and interpersonal relationships to mitigate negative mental health outcomes for LBC.
Average BER evaluation of the uplink OFDM-based NOMA system under SIC and channel estimation error
Authors: Olawole Akinbode A. , Balogun Muyiwa B. , Offiong Funmilayo B. , Obayiuwana Enoruwa , Fisusi Abimbola
Published: November 2024

The non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) scheme has been recognized as a promising candidate for future generation wireless communication networks that require a high data rate and spectral efficiency. In order to achieve a superior spectral efficiency, the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technique with the robust channel estimation algorithm can be combined with the NOMA scheme. However, due to the inherent problem of inter-carrier interference in the OFDM-based systems, channel estimation using training symbols are not usually perfect. Furthermore, the successive interference cancellation (SIC) process commonly carried out in NOMA systems to address the interference among users is also imperfect under practical scenarios. Thus, a theoretical framework of the OFDM-based NOMA system to analyze the effect of both the imperfect SIC and channel estimation errors is presented in this paper. In particular, the effect of both the channel estimation errors and imperfect SIC, introduced at the receiver, on the bit error rate (BER) performance metric is analyzed under Rayleigh fading channel conditions. Our analytical results are compared to the corresponding simulation results for different design parameters. It is shown that the analytical and simulation results are in good agreement. Moreover, while revealing the importance of CSI and SIC, the results equally show that the assumption of perfect CSI and SIC is not practical, hence the need for accurate schemes for improved BER performance.
Can we extend the prolonged effects of a 180-s stretching exercise by applying an additional 15-s stretching bout?
Authors: Nakamura Masatoshi , Kasahara Kazuki , Murakami Yuta , Takeuchi Kosuke , Thomas Ewan , Scardina Antonino , Konrad Andreas
Published: November 2024

Introducation

This study aimed to clarify whether or not the prolonged effect of a 180-s static stretching (SS) exercise could be maintained for a longer period by performing an additional short-term (15-s) SS exercise following a 15-min rest.

Methods

The participants were 15 healthy untrained adult males in three conditions: (1) SS condition (180-s SS exercise only); (2) SS + 15 s condition (180-s SS and 15-s SS exercise during the rest period); and (3) noSS + 15-s condition (15-s SS exercise only). The knee flexion range of motion (ROM), pain pressure threshold (PPT), and tissue hardness were measured before (PRE), immediately after (POST), and 15 min and 30 min after the SS exercise.

Results and discussion

Significant interaction effects were observed in all variables. Post hoc tests showed that knee flexion ROM showed an immediate significant change (P < 0.05) and also at 15 min and 30 min after the SS exercise in the SS + 15 s condition. Tissue hardness showed an immediate significant decrease (P < 0.05) and also at 15 min, but not at 30 min after the SS exercise in the SS + 15 s condition. The additional short-term (15 s) SS exercise in the rest period may have a potential long-lasting effect on ROM increase and tissue hardness decrease.
Unilateral biportal endoscopic spine surgery: a meta-analysis unveiling the learning curve and clinical benefits
Authors: Liu Shu-Xin , Chen Rui-Song , Chen Chien-Min , He Li-Ru , Jhang Shang-Wun , Lin Guang-Xun
Published: November 2024

Objective

To provide insights into the learning curve of unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) spine surgery by synthesizing available evidence on critical points and associated clinical outcomes.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, yielding a pool of relevant studies. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies reporting on UBE learning curves and quantitative data related to clinical outcomes (operative time, hospital stay, and complications).

Results

A total of five studies were included in the analysis, providing six datasets to elucidate the UBE learning curve. Three of the five studies analyzed learning curves using the Cumulative Sum method and identified cutoff points. One study plotted learning curves and determined cutoff points based on surgical time analysis, while the remaining one study (providing two datasets) plotted learning curves using the phased analysis method. The mean value of the cutoff point in terms of the number of cases required to reach proficiency in time to surgery was calculated at 37.5 cases, with a range spanning from 14 to 58 cases. Notably, there was a statistically significant difference in time to surgery between the late group and the early group, with the late group demonstrating a significantly reduced time to surgery (P < 0.0001). Additionally, the determined cutoff points exhibited significant variations when applied to patient outcome parameters, including postoperative hospitalization, postoperative drainage, and surgical complications (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

While the analysis indicates that UBE surgery's learning curve is associated with surgical time, the limited focus on this metric and potential discrepancies in cutoff point determination highlight the need for a more comprehensive understanding.
Reproducibility and agreement of radiographic assessment of carpal deformities in foals
Authors: Charles Alexandre , Peeters Xavier , Verbrugghe Constance , Vandersmissen Maxime , Evrard Laurence , Busoni Valeria
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The Pivot Point (PP) method is commonly used in the radiographic assessment of carpal deformities in young foals, as the range of deviation may influence treatment choice. The aims of this study were to assess the intra- and interobserver reproducibility of the PP method and subjective radiographic evaluation without line drawing to establish the anatomical site responsible for carpal deviation in foals and to evaluate the agreement between these two techniques.

Material and methods

Anonymized radiographs of foals presented for investigation of carpal deformity or prematurity were retrospectively and independently reviewed by six readers. Readers were first asked to subjectively identify the origin of the deviation and then apply the PP method and calculate the angle of deviation (PP_Angle). A second reading in a different randomized order was performed at least two weeks after the first reading. The carpi with the highest variability in PP_Angle measurements were reviewed in consensus by two other radiologists who did not perform the measurements.

Results

A total of 52 radiographs from 25 foals were selected. Good intraobserver reproducibility was observed for all variables, with no significant differences between the first and second readings by the same reader. Measurement of the angle of deviation using the PP method had a high intraobserver reproducibility (correlation coefficient of 0.93, p < 0.05). PP and subjective evaluations revealed strong intraobserver reproducibility for the origin of deviation (Cramer coefficients of 0.4 and 0.5, respectively; p < 0.05). There was strong agreement between PP and subjective evaluation for establishing the origin of deviation for all readers (Cramer coefficient 0.41; p < 0.05). Conversely, interobserver reproducibility for PP and subjective evaluations was low (Kappa values of 0.26 and 0.20, respectively; p < 0.05). Higher variability of PP_Angle was found in limbs with lateral bowing of the distal radius.

Discussion

The results of this study suggest that the PP method can reliably be used by the same reader for follow-up of carpal deformities and that there is no need to draw lines if the only required information is the origin of deviation, while measurements by different readers on the same patient may be misleading.
Tug-of-War-Style High-Force Fluidic Actuation for Small Diameter Steerable Instruments
Authors: Lathrop Robert , Ourak Mouloud , Deprest Jan , Poorten Emmanuel Vander
Published: November 2024

Miniature steerable instruments have the potential to reduce the invasiveness of therapeutic interventions and enable new treatment options. Traditional ways of driving such instruments rely on extrinsic systems due to the challenge of miniaturizing and embedding intrinsic actuators that are powerful enough near the instrument tip or within the instrument shaft. This work introduces a method to amplify the output force of fluidic actuators by connecting their outputs in parallel but distributing them serially in currently underutilized space along the device’s long axis. It is shown that this new approach makes it possible to realize a significant force amplification within the same instrument diameter, producing a 380% higher static force and a further driving motion of the steerable bending segment 55.6° than an actuator representing the current state of the art, all while occupying a similar footprint.
A Realistic Model Reference Computed Torque Control Strategy for Human Lower Limb Exoskeletons
Authors: Hasan Sk K.
Published: November 2024

Exoskeleton robots have become a promising tool in neurorehabilitation, offering effective physical therapy and continuous recovery monitoring. The success of these therapies relies on precise motion control systems. Although computed torque control based on inverse dynamics provides a robust theoretical foundation, its practical application in rehabilitation is limited by its sensitivity to model accuracy, making it less effective when dealing with unpredictable payloads. To overcome these limitations, this study introduces a novel realistic model reference computed torque controller that accounts for parametric uncertainties while optimizing computational efficiency. A dynamic model of a seven-degrees-of-freedom human lower limb exoskeleton is developed, incorporating a realistic joint friction model to accurately reflect the physical behavior of the robot. To reduce computational demands, the control system is split into two loops: a slower loop that predicts joint torque requirements based on reference trajectories and robot dynamics, and a faster PID loop that corrects trajectory tracking errors. Coriolis and centrifugal forces are excluded from the model due to their minimal impact on system dynamics relative to their computational cost. The experimental results show high accuracy in trajectory tracking, and statistical analyses confirm the controller’s robustness and effectiveness in handling parametric uncertainties. This approach presents a promising advancement for improving the stability and performance of exoskeleton-based neurorehabilitation.
Cycle Time-Based Fault Detection and Localization in Pneumatic Drive Systems
Authors: Boyko Vladimir , Weber Jürgen
Published: November 2024

Compressed air ranks among the most expensive forms of energy. In recent decades, increased efforts have been made to enhance the overall energy efficiency of pneumatic actuator systems and develop reliable fault detection methods for preventing energy losses. However, most of the methods developed so far require additional sensors, resulting in extra costs, and/or are not applicable during machine operation, which leads to their limited use in the industry. This article introduces a cycle time-based method for detecting faults in pneumatic actuators through the use of proximity switches, enabling cost-effective monitoring in real time without the necessity of further sensors. A systematic analysis is conducted, expanding the current state of knowledge by detailing the influence of all potential leakage points on the movement times of a pneumatic drive and taking into account the different velocity control strategies (meter-out and meter-in) and operating points expressed via the pneumatic frequency ratio. Previously unassessed specifics of internal leakage, including the impact of pressure profiles and differences between differential cylinders and cylinder with equal piston areas, are also presented. The applicability of the proposed method and its detection limits in an industrial environment are examined using pneumatic assembly machines.
Competitive Position of EU Candidate Countries and Eastern Partnership Countries in Trading Fruit and Vegetables in the Single European Market
Authors: Kupsik Wiktor , Pawlak Karolina
Published: November 2024

This study aims to assess the competitive position of EU candidate countries and Eastern Partnership countries in trading fruit and vegetables in the Single European Market in 2009 and 2023. This paper presents the amount and balance of bilateral trade in fruit and vegetables between the EU and the countries considered. It also estimates their comparative advantages in the EU internal market. A mapping tool based on the Widodo scheme was used for that purpose. This study proved that most EU candidate countries and Eastern Partnership members increased their trade values and improved their competitive position in the Single European Market (SEM) over the analyzed period. The boosters of trade included the demand in EU member markets (stimulated by the evolving consumption patterns and the widespread adoption of healthy diet patterns), the population’s purchasing power, and their willingness to buy diversified products. Turkey exported a considerable volume of fruit and vegetables to the EU and gained the strongest competitive position in the SEM. In this case, the growth of exports to the EU market was primarily driven by the production potential resulting from large agricultural land resources, climate conditions, and geographical proximity. It may be concluded that the comparative advantages gained by the analyzed countries provided a basis for a beneficial export specialization, which shows the continuous relevance of the classical theory in explaining the volume and structure of trade in agri-food products. When considering the factors determining competitiveness, it may also be stated that the neoclassical theory of factor endowment developed by Heckscher, Ohlin, and Samuelson supports the optimization of agri-food export specialization in the analyzed countries. It was also shown that bilateral trade policies and agreements are decisive in trade performance and the shaping of international competitive positions.
Genome-Wide Association Studies for Wheat Height Under Different Nitrogen Conditions
Authors: Yang Tingzhi , Zhang Wenjiao , Cui Yutao , Wang Yalin , Qin Huimin , Lv Xinru , Xie Xiaohan , Yang Fulin , Ren Kangzhen , Ni Jinlan , Dai Xuehuan , Zeng Jianbin , Liu Wenxing , Ma Wujun , Zhang Hongsheng , Xu Dengan
Published: November 2024

Lodging causes a reduction in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield and quality. A shorter plant height (PH) can reduce the incidence of lodging. The overuse of nitrogen promotes excessive vegetative growth, leads to taller plants, and increases lodging risk. Here, we utilized genome-wide association studies (GWASs) to explore the genetic basis of PH and the nitrogen effect index (NEI), a parameter to estimate the responses of PH under varying nitrogen conditions, using 21,201 SNP markers from the Illumina Wheat 90K SNP array. A total of 191 wheat varieties from Yellow and Huai Valley regions of China, as well as other global regions, were analyzed across two growing seasons under four nitrogen treatments, namely N0 (0 kg/ha), N150 (150 kg/ha), N210 (210 kg/ha), and N270 (270 kg/ha). GWAS results showed that 30 genetic markers were associated with PH, explaining phenotypic variance from 5.92% to 13.69%. Additionally, nine significant loci were associated with the NEI. Notably, markers on chromosomes 1A and 6B were linked to both PH and the NEI, which were insensitive to low- and high-nitrogen fertilizers. In addition, the PH of the three cultivars (Zhoumai16, Zhoumai13, and Bima1) showed little variation in four nitrogen fertilizer levels. This study identified key genetic markers associated with wheat PH and the NEI, providing insights for optimizing nitrogen use in wheat breeding.
Climate Change Effects on Cucumber Viruses and Their Management
Authors: Yin Zhimin , Zieniuk Bartłomiej , Pawełkowicz Magdalena
Published: November 2024

The agricultural sector is facing unprecedented challenges as a result of climate change. As temperatures continue to rise and weather patterns shift, the dynamics of plant–virus interactions are significantly altered, requiring innovative solutions to ensure global food security. This review article examines the relationship between climate change and the prevalence and severity of cucumber viral diseases, their impact on cucumber yield and quality, and the subsequent economic implications, focusing on critical pathogens such as cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), cucumber leaf spot virus (CLSV), or cucumber vein yellowing virus (CVYV). It also aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge and identify critical areas for future research and development in response to climate change. The review examines potential solutions to address these challenges. These include exploring the development of virus-resistant cucumber varieties and the use of RNA-based technologies for virus control.
Multispectral UAV-Based Disease Identification Using Vegetation Indices for Maize Hybrids
Authors: Radócz László , Juhász Csaba , Tamás András , Illés Árpád , Ragán Péter , Radócz László
Published: November 2024

In the future, the cultivation of maize will become more and more prominent. As the world’s demand for food and animal feeding increases, remote sensing technologies (RS technologies), especially unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are developing more and more, and the usability of the cameras (Multispectral-MS) installed on them is increasing, especially for plant disease detection and severity observations. In the present research, two different maize hybrids, P9025 and sweet corn Dessert R78 (CS hybrid), were employed. Four different treatments were performed with three different doses (low, medium, and high dosage) of infection with corn smut fungus (Ustilago maydis [DC] Corda). The fields were monitored two times after the inoculation—20 DAI (days after inoculation) and 27 DAI. The orthomosaics were created in WebODM 2.5.2 software and the study included five vegetation indices (NDVI [Normalized Difference Vegetation Index], GNDVI [Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index], NDRE [Normalized Difference Red Edge], LCI [Leaf Chlorophyll Index] and ENDVI [Enhanced Normalized Difference Vegetation Index]) with further analysis in QGIS. The gathered data were analyzed using R-based Jamovi 2.6.13 software with different statistical methods. In the case of the sweet maize hybrid, we obtained promising results, as follows: the NDVI values of CS 0 were significantly higher than the high-dosed infection CS 10.000 with a mean difference of 0.05422 *** and a p value of 4.43 × 10−5 value, suggesting differences in all of the levels of infection. Furthermore, we investigated the correlations of the vegetation indices (VI) for the Dessert R78, where NDVI and GNDVI showed high correlations. NDVI had a strong correlation with GNDVI (r = 0.83), a medium correlation with LCI (r = 0.56) and a weak correlation with NDRE (r = 0.419). There was also a strong correlation between LCI and GNDVI, with r = 0.836. NDRE and GNDVI indices had the correlation coefficients with a CCoeff. of r = 0.716. For hybrid separation analyses, useful results were obtained for NDVI and ENDVI as well.
Meta-Analysis on Farmers’ Adoption of Agricultural Technologies in East Africa: Evidence from Chinese Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centers
Authors: Mponji Rowland Fulgence , Cao Xi , Wang Jingyi , Jia Xiangping
Published: November 2024

Farmers’ low agricultural productivity in East African countries is attributed to among other factors, the low application of modern agricultural technologies. Using meta-analysis this study intended to examine the determinants of adoption of agricultural technologies in East African countries recipients of Chinese Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centers (ATDCs). A comprehensive review employed to gather 22 studies addressing the determinants of adoption of agricultural technologies such as improved varieties, agricultural mechanization, soil conservation, and animal breeding from Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. The collected data were analyzed using STATA 17 software. The study used a random-effect model to estimate the determinants of agricultural technologies adoption. The findings demonstrated that access to credit, age, education, farming experience, farmer group membership, household size, and off-farm income have a significant influence on farmers ‘adoption of improved varieties. Age, farm size, and education have a significant influence on the adoption of agricultural mechanization. Soil conservation practices are influenced by age, household size, and sex. Moreover, age, education, extension services, and farming experience have a significant impact on the adoption of animal breeding. It is recommended that East African governments, policymakers, and agricultural practitioners to focus on these common variables when planning for the intervention of new agricultural technologies.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizae Affect Soil Nitrogen Fertilizer Utilization, Denitrification Functional Genes, and N2O Emissions During Biochar Amendment
Authors: Wang Yanfang , Liu Jing , Deng Xuxian , Li Yuyang , Gao Jiakai , Liu Ling
Published: November 2024

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can form symbionts with plant roots, acquire soil nitrogen, and affect nitrous oxide (N2O) production. Biochar, as a soil additive for the management of agricultural soil, affects soil nitrogen (N) utilization and plant growth. However, how AMF regulates soil N unitization, the denitrification process, and N2O emissions in plant–soil systems remains largely unknown, particularly under the biochar amendment. In this study, a microcosm experiment was conducted to investigate the impacts of different mycorrhizal treatments (CK: neither AMF hyphae nor plant roots; AMF: only AMF hyphae; AMF + R: AMF hyphae and plant roots) on plant growth, soil N fertilizer utilization, N2O production and consumption, functional gene abundance, and N2O emission at two biochar addition levels (B0: no biochar; B1: biochar addition rate of 10 g·kg−1 soil) in a maize planting soil system. The results revealed that AMF alone and AMF with plant root treatments enhanced the fresh weight of maize plants by 10.15% and 19.23% and decreased soil inorganic N contents by 33.28% and 75.56%, respectively. The combination of biochar, AMF, and plant roots showed the largest increase in maize plant biomass. The AMF and AMF with root treatments all significantly decreased the nirS + nirK/nosZ ratio and N2O emissions at two biochar levels. The presence of AMF and plant roots during biochar amendment showed the smallest nirS + nirK/nosZ ratio and N2O emissions. The AMF combined with biochar and AMF and plant roots combined with biochar treatments increased nirS + nirK/nosZ by 24.32% and 26.90% and decreased N2O accumulation emission by 21.12% and 38.13%, respectively. The results imply that biochar, AMF, and plant roots reduced N2O emissions directly by reducing soil N and increasing soil N unitization efficiency and indirectly by shifting the N2O production and consumption gene abundance in agroecosystems. These findings suggest that the addition of biochar and AMF and/or the presence of plant roots can interact to alleviate soil N2O emissions by manipulating plant inorganic N acquisition and the soil denitrification process.