bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of body composition data in developing a Random Survival Forest model for the Prognosis of Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer patients treated with definitive Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Xu Chao , Liu Wen , Dou Zheng , Ma Xiaoting , Lin Jiaxi , Qin Songbing , Zhu Jinzhou , Li Jinli
Published: April 2024

Objective
This study aims to integrate body composition data in developing a random survival forest (RSF) model for predicting overall survival (OS) in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) patients treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Methods: 374 LACC patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were enrolled in the study. Eleven features were selected using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression in constructing the RSF model. The Optuna algorithm was applied to optimize the hyperparameters. The constructed RSF model was evaluated based on the C-index, AUC, Brier scores, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Furthermore, we compared the RSF model with the traditional Cox regression and deep learning (Deepsurv) models.
Results: The C-index of the RSF model in the test set was 0.809 (95%CI: 0.708–0.911), superior to the Cox regression (0.739, 95%CI: 0.627–0.852) and Deepsurv (0.774, 95%CI: 0.656–0.892) models. The Brier scores for 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS in the test set (0.044, 0.069, and 0.096) and DCA demonstrated that the RSF model has good calibration and clinical benefits. Furthermore, skeletal muscle density (SMD) ranked top in visualization using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) plotting. Lastly, we applied the RSF model in risk stratification, which showed a favorable performance.
Conclusions: The RSF model, which is based on body composition characteristics, performs well in predicting OS in LACC patients treated with definitive CRT. Moreover, the RSF model demonstrates value in risk stratification.
eGFR is a risk factor for Long-Term All-Cause Death : a case control study in Middle-Aged and Elderly Patients with Hypertension
Authors: Ning Meng , Zhang Chong , Li Zhiyuan , Hu Kun , Guo Tingting , Zhang Lei , Chen Yunfang , Lu Xin , Liu Yingwu
Published: April 2024

Background: Hypertension combined with CKD is on the rise in middle-aged and elderly people. However, the association of early subclinical decline in kidney function with long-term mortality in these populations remains unclear. In this study, we developed a novel method for evaluating kidney function in middle-aged and elderly patients with hypertension and predicting their long-term survival outcomes based on the thresholds of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
Methods: We constructed a retrospective cohort study with a sample of 350 patients and used time-dependent COX regression analysis to analyze the effect of eGFR threshold changes over time on survival outcomes. Patients were divided into three subgroups based on eGFR values and age (eGFRc=1, eGFRc=2 eGFRc=3). We analyzed the potential prognostic clinicopathological factors via univariate and multivariate Cox regression. A prediction model combined the prognostic clinicopathological factors with age-related eGFRc grouping was builded.
Results: The lower eGFR groups had significantly lower rates of survival (hazard ratio [HR] eGFRc=2 = 2.407, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.663–3.484, P = 0.000; HR eGFRc=3 = 7.081, 95% CI: 4.925–10.179, P = 0.000). The prediction model combined urinary albumintocreatinine ratio (ACR), Diabetes mellitus (DM), stroke, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), with age-related eGFRc grouping significantly predicted the long-term survival of patients with hypertension (AUC = 0.827, P = 0.0105).
Conclusions:The model above can be utilized for determining the thresholds of estimated renal function and assessing long-term survival in middle-aged and elderly patients with hypertension.
Community dwelling older adults experience of attending the Emergency Department during COVID-19: A qualitative study
Authors: Ryan Siobhán , Barry Louise , Fitzgerald Christine , Galvin Rose , Doody Owen
Published: April 2024

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a decrease in emergency department (ED) visits, particularly among older adults. The objective of this study is to explore the experiences of older adults attending the ED during COVID-19. Methods: The study utilised a qualitative descriptive approach as part of a larger mixed-methods study. Data were collected at five different ED’s in Ireland, which represented both urban and rural populations. The participants were all aged over 65. Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted 10 days after attending the ED and the interviews were audio-recorded. The interviews were transcribed and imported to NVivo software, and the data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: 16 interviews were conducted with older adults over 65. Three themes emerged following thematic analysis (1) Complexity of decision making regarding the ED attendance (2) Quality and timeliness of care in the ED (3) Communication with and empathy towards healthcare staff in the ED. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the decision-making process and pathway for older adults seeking emergency medical care. Despite the challenges, older adults reported a positive experience in the ED. This was attributed to improved conditions, including shorter triage waiting times and the implementation of COVID-19 protocols. Participants demonstrated resilience and expressed gratitude for the care they received. However, for some participants it was noted there was a reluctance to express any dissatisfaction or complain about the care they received while in the ED. The study also highlighted concerns regarding discharge information and follow-up care for the older adult. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that ED healthcare providers provided quality and timely care to older adults in the ED during COVID-19. However, the need for clear communication and information sharing from healthcare providers on ED discharge and across transitions of care was highlighted as an area needing improvement.
Network medicine informed multi-omics integration identifies drug targets and repurposable medicines for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Cheng Feixiong , Yu Mucen , Xu Jielin , Dutta Ranjan , Trapp Bruce , Pieper Andrew
Published: April 2024

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating, immensely complex neurodegenerative disease by lack of effective treatments. To date, the challenge to establishing effective treatment for ALS remains formidable, partly due to inadequate translation of existing human genetic findings into actionable ALS-specific pathobiology for subsequent therapeutic development. We developed a network medicine methodology via integrating human brain-specific multi-omics data to prioritize drug targets and repurposable treatments for ALS. Using human brain-specific genome-wide quantitative trait loci (x-QTLs) under a network-based deep learning framework, we identified 105 putative ALS-associated genes enriched in various known ALS pathobiological pathways, including regulation of T cell activation, monocyte differentiation, and lymphocyte proliferation. Specifically, we leveraged non-coding ALS loci effects from genome-wide associated studies (GWAS) on brain-specific expression quantitative trait loci (QTL) (eQTL), protein QTLs (pQTL), splicing QTL (sQTL), methylation QTL (meQTL), and histone acetylation QTL (haQTL). Applying network proximity analysis of predicted ALS-associated gene-coding targets and existing drug-target networks under the human protein-protein interactome (PPI) model, we identified a set of potential repurposable drugs (including Diazoxide, Gefitinib, Paliperidone, and Dimethyltryptamine) for ALS. Subsequent validation established preclinical evidence for top-prioritized repurposable drugs. In summary, we presented a network-based multi-omics framework to identify potential drug targets and repurposable treatments for ALS and other neurodegenerative disease if broadly applied.
Identification of NAC Gene Family and Analysis of Stress Resistance of Haloxylon ammondendron
Authors: Liang Jianshun , LIU Xiashun , ZHOU Guohui , Cheng Cong , Ren Yanping , Ma Li , Wang Bo , Yao Zhengpei , Zhang Hua
Published: April 2024

NAC gene family exists widely in plants and plays an important role in plant response to stress and growth. At present, NAC gene has been identified in many plants, but it has not been fully identified and analyzed in H. ammondendron. In this study, the number and evolution of NAC gene family were analyzed and identified by bioinformatics methods, and the structure, physical and chemical properties, subcellular localization and promoter cis-acting elements of NAC gene family were further analyzed, q-RTPCR was used to analyze the expression pattern analysis. Finally, a total of 71 NAC genes were identified in H. ammondendron, distributed on 9 chromosomes, most of which were located in the nucleus. According to phylogenetic analysis, NAC proteins of H. ammondendron can be divided into seven subfamilies. Analysis of gene structure and conserved domain indicated that different subfamilies had different Motifs, indicating functional diversity. Through qRT-PCR under drought stress and salt stress, HaNAC49 gene was significantly up-regulated under drought stress and salt stress, indicating that they may be involved in regulating the response of H. ammondendron to abiotic stress. Our results indicate that NAC gene family plays an important role in the resistance of H. ammondendron, and provide an important theoretical basis for further research on the function of NAC gene family and the molecular mechanism of H. ammondendron resistance.
Removal of basic fuchsin from wastewater using natural sugar cane bagasse: Investigation of Kinetics, Isotherms, Thermodynamics, and Mechanism Analysis
Authors: imame smail , Atlas Hafssa , Houssaini Jamal , Sadoq Mohamed , Legsaier Mohammed , Loukili Khaoula , Bakkali Karim Mohamed EL , Kirm Ilham , Sannasi Abdullah Palsan , Boukhlifi Fatima
Published: April 2024

In recent times, utilizing biomass for adsorption has become a widely adopted approach to diminish contaminants in wastewater before its discharge into the environment. Our objective is to scrutinize the adsorption process of Basic Fuchsin (BF) on sugarcane bagasse (SCB). The investigation involves optimizing the process by exploring parameters such as bio-adsorbent mass, contact time, temperature, and the pH of the BF solution. The findings indicate that BF adsorption on SCB is most effective in a basic environment, attributed to electrostatic interactions between the negatively charged SCB surface within this pH range and the organic cations of the dye. Under optimal conditions, BF removal by SCB reaches 97%. Kinetic modeling of adsorption reveals that the pseudo-second-order model best describes BF adsorption on SCB, while isotherm modeling indicates that Langmuir and Freundlich models provide the most accurate descriptions. The Langmuir separation coefficient RL and the Freundlich parameter 1/n both fall below 1, signifying the favorability of BF adsorption on SCB. Thermodynamic assessments underscore the spontaneity of the BF adsorption process on SCB. Overall, the study results underscore the capability of SCB as a bio-adsorbent for removing organic dyes from aqueous solutions.
Next Generation Sequencing of Amplified DNA of Circulating Tumor Cells in Resectable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Comparative Analysis with Primary Cancer Tissue and Cell-Free DNA
Authors: Kim Woojung , Cho Sukki , Lee Joonseok , Lee Jinsu , Ji Soojeong , Sung Hyejin , Jung Woohyun , Jeon Jae Hyun , Kim Kwhanmien , Jheon Sanghoon
Published: April 2024

Purpose
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are thought to play a major role in the distant metastasis of lung cancer. However, their mutational profile has not been extensively studied. This study analyzed the amplified DNA from CTCs, using next generation sequencing to identify mutations and compare them with those found in primary cancer tissue and cell-free DNA (cfDNA).
Methods
Fifty patients with resectable primary lung cancer were prospectively enrolled from August 2023 to December 2023. Whole blood samples and cancer tissues were collected during routine curative surgery. Targeted panel sequencing was performed on the cancer tissues, cfDNA, and amplified DNA from CTC.
Results
Thirty-seven patients (74.0%) had adenocarcinoma, and 33 (66.0%) were classified as stage 1. Library construction for cancer tissue, cfDNA, and CTCs was successful in 50 (100%), 49 (98%), and 34 (68%) of patients, respectively. The top 10 mutated genes differed significantly across the sample types. CTCs predominantly harbored mutations in tumor suppressor genes, whereas cancer tissues exhibited mutations in both oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. The most frequently mutated gene in CTCs was MSH6, followed by FANCE, while EGFR and CDH1 were the most common in cancer tissue and cfDNA, respectively. Compared to cancer tissue, the mutational profile of CTCs was more closely associated with the following cancer hallmarks: evasion of anti-growth signaling, replicative immortality, and invasion/metastasis.
Conclusion
Amplified CTC DNA had specific mutations distinct from cancer tissue and cfDNA in resectable primary lung cancer. Some of these mutations may be essential for the transformation of cancer cells into CTCs.
The change of subjective grading and objective assessment in Asian young adults after switching to a silicone hydrogel daily disposable contact lens
Authors: Chen Yayu , Yang Renyu , Sun Hanyin
Published: April 2024

Purpose
To evaluate the comfort and tear film stability of verofilcon A lenses among young Asian adults.
Methods
56 participants wore verofilcon A lenses for 8–10 hours daily for a week. Subjective assessments, including comfort, visual quality, and eye dryness, were conducted using a numerical rating scale (0–100) on the first and seventh days. Noninvasive tear breakup time (NITBUT), bulbar conjunctival redness (BR), tear meniscus height (TMH), and meibography were measured with the Keratograph M5 at baseline, the first day, and the seventh day.
Results
After the seventh day, subjective ratings showed increased comfort and decreased visual quality and dryness. Comfort and visual quality scores on the first and seventh days were above 85 points, with no significant differences. The average NITBUT significantly improved 15 minutes and 8 hours post-lens application compared to baseline measures (P = 0.019). Tear meniscus height was highest at baseline, with a marginal decrease observed following both 15 minutes and 8 hours of verofilcon A lenses wear (P < 0.001). The most pronounced bulbar conjunctival redness was noted at baseline, decreasing significantly after switching to verofilcon A lenses (P = 0.002). Notably, NITBUT was found to be significantly positively correlated with comfort (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
The switch to daily disposable verofilcon A lenses resulted in maintained comfort and improved tear film stability in the young Asian population studied. A significant positive correlation was observed between NITBUT and subjective measures of comfort.
View Classification and Tooth Detection/Classification with Deep Learning in Intraoral Images
Authors: Seino Yuta , Miwa Yuto , Muramatsu Chisako , Takahashi Ryo , Hayashi Tatsuro , Zhou Xiangrong , Hara Takeshi , Iida Yukihiro , Katsumura Akitoshi , Fujita Hiroshi
Published: April 2024

In this study, we utilize intraoral images for deep learning to provide valuable supports to dentists. This study unfolds in two main phases. Initially, ResNet152 is used to classify which part of the dental arch is captured in the intraoral image. Following that, we utilize YOLOv5s for teeth detection and tooth type classification. Additionally, this study discusses post-processing techniques applied after YOLOv5s. We fine-tuned ResNet152, originally pre-trained on the ImageNet dataset, with our dataset of 290 cases. Each case included a set of five views: a frontal view, two lateral views (left and right), and two occlusal views (upper and lower). Subsequently, we fine-tuned YOLOv5s, which was pre-trained on the Microsoft Common Objects in Context (MS COCO) dataset, with 215 cases for the tooth detection/classification. In the first phase, classifying the views into five categories with ResNet152 achieved a 100% accuracy rate. In the subsequent phase, complemented by the post-processing, the YOLOv5s models for tooth detection/classification yielded accuracy rates of 97% for the upper occlusal views, 94% for the lower occlusal views, and 87% for the frontal views. Our proposal outperformed the existing research in accuracy, promising significant clinical advancements.
Classification of variant portal vein anatomy based on three-dimensional CT: surgical implications
Authors: LIU ZHEYU , SHEN TIANNI , XIA KEXIN , HE JUNYE , RUI TIANHAO , CHEN WEI
Published: April 2024

Purposes: The purpose of this study was to develop a new and more comprehensive classification system for portal vein (PV) variations using three-dimensional visualization and evaluation (3DVE) and to discuss the prevalence rates and clinical implications of the variants.
Methods: The anatomies of PVs were tracked and analyzed by using three-dimensional visualization of CT images acquired between 2013 and 2022. Scans from 200 adults were evaluated and a total of 178 patients (N = 178) were included in the study. The new classification system, named BLB classification, was developed based on the level of the absent PV branch in each variant anatomy.
Results: Using the BLB classification system, PVs were divided into thirteen subtypes. Only 82.6-84.8 percent of the portal veins of the 178 patients were depicted in Atri’s, Cheng’s or Covey’s classification, compared with 100 percent identified by the BLB classification. The BLB classification was validated against external data sets from previous studies, with 97.0-98.9 percent of patients classified by the BLB system.
Conclusion: Variant PV anatomies are more commonly seen based on 3DVE than in previous reports. The BLB classification covers almost all portal vein variants and may be used for planning liver surgery.
Genetic Evidence Supports a Causal Association Between Dietary Factors and Osteoarthritis: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Han Ying , Huang Zhibin , Lin Minjian , Chen Fenyong
Published: April 2024

Objective: Observational studies have previously suggested a relationship between diet and osteoarthritis (OA). However, whether there is a causal association between dietary choices and OA, including knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and hip osteoarthritis (HOA), remained uncertain.
Method: We conducted our analysis using summary-level data on dietary factors and OA outcomes (KOA and HOA) obtained from the IEU Open GWAS project. The primary analysis relied on the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method to determine if various dietary factors were causally associated with KOA or HOA.
Results: Our study revealed a genetic association between certain dietary factors and the risk of KOA and HOA. Specifically, alcohol intake (OR 1.26, 95%CI 1.05-1.52, p = 0.014) and coffee consumption (OR 2.05, 95%CI 1.61-2.61, p-value 0.000) were genetically linked to an increased risk of KOA. In contrast, cheese consumption (OR 0.61, 95%CI 0.48-0.76, p = 0.000), cereal intake (OR 0.58, 95%CI 0.37-0.90, p =0.014), and dried fruit consumption (OR 0.44, 95%CI 0.26-0.76, p = 0.003) were identified as protective factors against KOA. Additionally, genetically predicted coffee intake (OR 1.63, 95%CI 1.11-2.61, p = 0.012) and pork consumption (OR 2.18, 95%CI 1.03-4.61, p =0.041) showed positive associations with HOA.
Conclusion: This study provides genetic evidence supporting a causal association between specific dietary choices and the risk of OA. These findings complement earlier retrospective studies and offer valuable insights into potential strategies for preventing OA.
Comparison of intensity normalization methods in prostate, brain, and breast cancer multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Duenweg Savannah R. , Bobholz Samuel A. , Lowman Allison K. , Winiarz Aleksandra , Nath Biprojit , Barrett Michael J. , Kyereme Fitzgerald , Vincent-Sheldon Stephanie , LaViolette Peter S.
Published: April 2024

Intensity variation in multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MP-MRI) poses challenges for MRI analyses. Previous studies have employed several normalization methods, but a lack of consensus on which results in the most comparable images exists. This study analyzed MP-MRI data from patients with prostate, brain, or breast cancer to evaluate common intensity normalization methods to best harmonize intensities across sites, vendors, and magnetic field strengths. Additionally, we calculated radiomic features after normalization to assess downstream effects. In prostate cancer, normalization methods were tested on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), including a subset scanned with and without an endorectal coil (ERC). In glioblastoma (GBM) patients, methods were evaluated on various MRI sequences. For breast cancer, methods were tested on T1-weighted nonfat-suppressed images. All methods were compared using a two one-sided test (TOST) to test for equivalence of mean and standard deviation of intensity distributions. Across every comparison, the Z-score of intensity within a mask of the organ consistently provided an equivalent distribution (all p < 0.001). Likewise, Z-score normalization provided the highest percentage of radiomic features that were statistically. Our results suggest that normalizing intensity using the Z-score of MRI intensity within an organ mask produces the most comparable intensities across multiple settings.
Study on fissure evolution of overlying rock in lower protective mining
Authors: Wang Xiaolei , Cheng Junjie
Published: April 2024

Protective layer mining is the most effective and economical technical measure to prevent coal and gas outburst accidents. At present, in the study of multiple concentrated coal layer stress, plastic damage and mining pressure discharge range, there are problems such as less research on the protection effect of protective layer and less measured measurement points resulting in large experimental error. In view of the above problems, Taking the 2305 working face of a Shanxi mine as the test mine, The crack evolution characteristics of downhole drilling were detected by this method, By means of the deep base point technology, And study the plastic damage, pressure relief characteristics and expansion characteristics in the mining process of protective layer, The findings suggest that, The crack development of the protective layer is mainly characterized by small width and quantity, After protective exploitation, The number of width and number of cracks were significantly increased, The injection is three times higher than before the protective mining, The degree of fissure development is greatly improved; The settlement change of each rock layer on the basic top presents periodic and nonlinear changes, Divided into the initial deformation, violent deformation, deformation and decline of the three periods; The plastic damage area, pressure relief curve and expansion curve of protective layer are "saddle type", The overall pressure discharge rate of the protected layer has decreased by 60%, To meet the requirements of the critical value of expansion rate in the Detailed Rules for preventing Coal and Gas outburst, The protective layer mining technology applies to other working faces of the coal mine.
Maximizing Oxaliplatin's Impact on EGFR+ Colorectal Cancer Through Targeted Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Chien Shang-Tao , Huang Yi-Jung , Huang Ming-Yii , Fang Yi-Ping , Chao Shi-Wei , Li Chia-Tse , Jhang Wun-Ya , Hsu Yun-Han , Wang Shuo-Hung , Chuang Chih-Hung
Published: April 2024

Purpose: To investigate the ability of extracellular vesicles (EVs) to deliver oxaliplatin to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR+) colorectal cancer cells and increase oxaliplatin’s cytotoxicity.
Method: Oxaliplatin was passively loaded into a stable cell line expressing cetuximab in membranes. EVs were collected and characterized for size, and their ability to target EGFR+ cells was tested. Cytotoxicity experiments were performed, and a xenograft cancer animal model was used to confirm the specific accumulation of oxaliplatin-loaded EVs with cetuximab-expressing membranes in EGFR+ cells.
Results: EVs with cetuximab-expressing membranes were successfully produced and used to encapsulate oxaliplatin, resulting in consistently sized oxaliplatin-loaded EVs with cetuximab-expressing membranes. The oxaliplatin-loaded EVs with cetuximab-expressing membranes were specifically internalized by EGFR+ cells, leading to significant cytotoxic effects on these cells. In the animal model, the oxaliplatin-loaded EVs with cetuximab-expressing membranes accumulated specifically in EGFR+ cells and significantly enhanced oxaliplatin’s therapeutic efficacy against EGFR+ cancer cells.
Conclusion: EVs with membrane-expressed bioactive molecules are a promising strategy for delivering therapeutic agents to EGFR+ colorectal cancer cells.
Time persistence of climate and carbon flux networks
Authors: Havlin Shlomo , Qing Ting , Wang Fan , Li Qiuyue , Dong Gaogao , Tian Lixin
Published: April 2024

The persistence of the global climate system is critical for assuring the sustainability of the natural ecosystem. However, persistence at a network level has been rarely discussed. Here we develop a framework to analyze the time persistence of the yearly networks of climate and carbon flux, based on cross-correlations between sites, using daily data from China, the contiguous United States, and the Europe land region. Our framework for determining the persistence is based on analyzing the similarity between the network structures in different years. Our results reveal that the similarity of climate and carbon flux networks in different years are within the range of 0.57±0.07, implying that the climate and carbon flux in the Earth's climate system are generally persistent and in a steady state. We find a very small decay in similarity when the gap between years increases. Moreover, we find that the persistence of climate variables and carbon flux in the three regions decreases when considering only long range links. Analyzing the persistence and evolution of the climate and carbon flux networks, enhance our understanding of the spatial and temporal evolution of the global climate system.
Biodegradation of kitchen waste into organic fertilizer using the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae
Authors: Mohod Vandana D. , Bakane P. H. , Nage Sonal M. , Soneji Indira B. , Jadhao S. M. , Undirwade D. B. , Satpute N. S. , Zatale N. D.
Published: April 2024

The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larva are belived to be a potential means to degrade the organic matter such as food waste and divert the waste away from landfills. Thus the experiment on biodegradation by composting kitchen waste into organic fertilizer using the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae was conducted at AICRP on PHET of Dr P.D.K.V Akola with the objectives of the study is to investigate the decomposition efficiency of the black soldier fly larvae on kitchen waste and obtaining the organic compost. The experiment had 10 different feeding rates of BSFL were tested against a common substrate which was kitchen waste. In each container fixed quantity of kitchen waste was kept i.e. 20 kg and 6 days old larvae of BSF larvae were released in the proportion of 500 larvae to 5000 larvae as per treatments. 100 gm samples from the each treatments, waste and compost were analyzed for various parameters. The study showed that by adding 2000 larvae per 20 kg kitchen waste for 22 days in batch feeding, gives higher percent Substrate reduction (87.95%), and higher feed consumption (18.57%). The study revealed that the % organic carbon, N, P, K were observed within the range of 24.02–29.56%, 1.35–1.63%, 0.64–0.80% and 1.32–1.49% respectively. Compost obtained from T4 i.e. (2000 larvae per 20 kg kitchen waste) was recorded of best quality compost with favourable EC, ph, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.
Impact of defibrillators on mortality in patients with quadruple guideline-directed medical therapy: a propensity score-matched study
Authors: Sahin Anil , Celik Ahmet , Ural Dilek , Colluoglu Inci Tugce , Ata Naim , Kanik Emine Arzu , Ulgu Mustafa Mahir , Birinci Suayip , Yilmaz Mehmet Birhan
Published: April 2024

Background: In the contemporary management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), the recommended quadruple guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) consists of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), evidence-based beta-blockers (BB), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists(MRA), and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i). This study explored the impact of adding implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy to this comprehensive regimen in HFrEF patients.
Methods: Utilizing deidentified data from the National Electronic Database of the Turkish Ministry of Health, we conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study on 5450 HFrEF patients receiving quadruple GDMT, including ARNI. Among them, 709 patients underwent additional ICD or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) implantation. Propensity score matching ensured balanced baseline characteristics between groups.
Results: In the matched cohort, all-cause mortality occurred in 108 out of 619 patients (17.4%) in the GDMT group and 101 out of 619 patients (16.3%) in the ICD group, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.74 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 0.57 to 0.98. Subgroup analyses consistently demonstrated benefits, particularly among individuals aged 61 years and older, those with sinus rhythm, individuals not using amiodarone, and those with an estimated glomerular filtration rate lower than 61.9.
Conclusion: This study, which marked a significant milestone, suggested a complementary benefit of ICDsin reducing all-cause mortality among HFrEF patients adhering to contemporary quadruple GDMT.
Multi-scale feature fusion and lightweight decoupled Head in small object detection
Authors: Lv Guohua , Zhang Zengbin , Yuan Mao , Ding Zhenhui , Ma Guangxiao
Published: April 2024

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with high-definition cameras can quickly acquire image data and are widely applied, however, the task suffers from issues such as smaller objects, large scale transformations, dense objects, and occlusion. To address the above issues, LMS-YOLOv7 is proposed by combining multi-scale feature fusion and lightweight decoupled Head. Firstly, we propose the Skipping Fusion Efficient Layer Aggregation Network (SF-ELAN), in which a cross-layer fusion strategy is used to segment, extract and fuse the features in the channel to enhance the feature representation capability. Secondly, based on the multi-scale feature fusion approach, the Multi-scale Cross Stage Partial (MS-CSP) is proposed to fuse deep and shallow information to avoid losing features. In addition, based on our redesigned LightGSConv, the lightweight decoupled detection Head (LD-Head) is proposed, which decouples the localization information of the feature map from the classification information while keeping the detection head lightweight. Extensive experiments on VisDrone and WiderPer-son demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits higher perception of small objects, and the mAP@.5 metric of our method on the VisDrone improves by 3.6% over the baseline method, and our method achieves the highest accuracy on the WiderPerson. The code for the proposed method is publicly available at GitHub.
Cyclin-dependent kinase 8(CDK8) induced ubiquitin specific peptidase 7(USP7) expression to regulate MRN complex and facilitates DNA damage repair in lung cancer
Authors: Li yanmei , Yao Guojun , Zheng Jie , Fu Liyang , Zhang Dongsheng , Luo Bo , Chen Jie
Published: April 2024

CDK8 plays a critical role in the regulation of various functions in the cell process, including DNA damage and repair. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we found that CDK8 was frequently overexpressed, and high level predicted poor prognosis in lung cancer patients. Furthermore, we observed that downregulation of CDK8 in NSCLC cells exhibited enhanced irradiation-induced and cisplatin-induced DNA damage. Mechanically, CDK8 promoted the transcription activity of USP7, and then regulated the phosphorylation of MRN complex after irradiation. Our results figured out a brand-new CDK8/USP7/MRN complex axis as well as its critical regulation of irradiation-induced and cisplatin-induced DNA damage in NSCLC, which might be a promising new strategy for radiotherapy and chemotherapy resistance.
Wild divergence: how adaptable are the Molina's hog-nosed skunk and the South American coati to landscape changes in the highly neglected Uruguayan Savannah?
Authors: Dutra Jordani , Pereira Maria João Ramos , Tirelli Flávia
Published: April 2024

Understanding how species respond to changes in their environment is crucial for effective conservation efforts, particularly in vulnerable ecoregions like the Uruguayan Savannah in Brazil and Uruguay. Here, we focused on two often overlooked species, the South American coati (Nasua nasua) and Molina's hog-nosed skunk (Conepaptus chinga), deploying 79 cameras across 15 areas in both the Brazilian and Uruguayan sectors of the ecoregion. Using occupancy models, we investigated the influence of different land cover types (forests, grasslands, farmland, and silviculture) and human density on the presence of these species. We tested the activity pattern uniformity for each species. We looked at the landscape transition history. Furthermore, we also generated innovative occupancy maps to better understand and guide policies and actions for these species. The coati occupancy exhibited a positive relation with forest areas but a negative correlation with grasslands and crop farming areas (p<0.05). The skunk presented a positive response to grassland and crop farming areas but a negative response to forest areas (p<0.05). The South American coati occupancy was estimated at approximately 0.141 (0.041 – 0.420), while for Molina’s hog-nosed skunks, it was 0.377 (0.200 – 0.610). Despite the coati's use of open areas, it demonstrated a stronger association with natural forests than altered landscapes. In contrast, Molina's hog-nosed skunk displayed adaptability, persisting in altered environments. In conclusion, our findings underscore the urgency of prioritizing conservation efforts for coatis, while highlighting the skunk's resilience to landscape alterations. This knowledge can guide targeted conservation plans for these species in threatened ecoregions.
KiAtt Fusion: Remote Sensing-Based Water Bodies Segmentation for Environmental Monitoring
Authors: Sikander Saad , Rehman Hamood Ur , Perwaiz Nazia , Aslam Waqar , Abbas Fakhr
Published: April 2024

Monitoring the environment and managing water bodies are crucial for preserving ecosystems and ensuring sustainable resource utilization. This study aims to propose a robust approach for segmenting water bodies by combining various complementary attributes extracted from deep learning techniques. By leveraging deep contextual features learned from attention regions and enhanced edge detection, our method significantly improves the accuracy of detecting water bodies in low-resolution satellite imagery. Utilizing S1 and S2 Sentinel imagery data and exploring multi-band features, we enhance key attributes through advanced UNet architectures—specifically, Ki-UNet and Attention UNet—and integrate complementary features for downstream tasks. Additionally, we assembled a local dataset from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) region of Pakistan, facilitating precise water body segmentation from satellite or aerial views. Our ensemble model achieved remarkable accuracy and Intersection over Union (IoU) scores, reaching up to 99.01% and 96.2%, respectively, surpassing state-of-the-art models. This research provides automated, accurate segmentation techniques essential for environmental management and resource assessment, offering a promising solution for delineating water bodies. github link : (https://github.com/SaadBaloch96/Dataset/blob/main/README.md)
THE GREENHOUSE WASTE STREAM
Authors: Arent Gale L.
Published: April 2024

The 90's are emerging as a decade of the environment. One important dimension is a societal focus on the reduction in the volume of materials that are landfilled. The initial focus of the regulatory community was a reduction in the volume of solid waste generated by large firms. The present focus is community based with local governments developing recycling and other programs to reduce the volume of household waste. These efforts may be followed by greater governmental focus on the waste generated of small to medium sized businesses, including the greenhouse industry. Thus many communities are developing recycling alternatives for several components of the household waste stream that are also present in the greenhouse waste stream. The U.S. Household Waste Stream contains the following volume of various materials: paper 40%, yard waste 18%, metal 9%, food 8%, glass 8%, plastic 7%, and other 10%. During a year-long survey that included pre-disposal visits to greenhouse waste containers in Western Michigan during 1991, the waste stream was identified.
HEIGHT CONTROL OF CALADIUMS WITH PACLOBUTRAZOL
Authors: Barrett James E. , Nell Terril A.
Published: April 2024

Experiments were conducted in the Spring of 1991 and 1992 to evaluate the efficacy of paclobutrazol and uniconazole drench and spray applications on the tall-growing Caladium × hortulanum (Birdsey) cultivars Aaron, White Christmas, and Carolyn Whorton. Uniconazole was not more active than paclobutrazol on caladiums as has been observed on other species. Single spray applications of paclobutrazol at 200 ppm were less effective than drench applications and did not provide commercially acceptable plant heights. However, sprays at 100 ppm applied twice a week from one to three weeks after planting and directed at the expanding leaves provided adequate height control. Drench applications were applied at week 1, 2, 3 or 4 at concentrations of 0.0, 0.5. 1.0, 2.0 or 4.0 mg ai per pot. Optimum time of application was 3 weeks after planting and commercially acceptable height control was provided by 0.5 and 1.0 mg of paclobutrazol.
RELATIONSHIPS OF ETHYLENE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUPERFICIAL SCALD ON APPLES
Authors: Bramlage William J. , Du Zhanyuan , Watkins Christopher B.
Published: April 2024

When `Granny Smith' apples were stored at different temperatures, they produced different patterns of ethylene synthesis. Accumulation of α-farnesene and conjugated trienes (CT) in peel of these fruit paralleled ethylene production. Both pre- and postharvest applications of ethephon to `Cortland' apples increased accumulation of α-farnesene and CT, whereas application of DPA suppressed ethylene production and accumulation of α-farnesene and CT. When both ethephon and DPA were applied, their respective effects were negated. In these experiments, inhibition of ethylene synthesis always reduced scald development after storage, but stimulation of ethylene did not always increase scald development Ethylene had two effects: an immediate stimulation of α-farnesene and CT accumulation which increased scald susceptibility, and also a slowly developing alteration of CT metabolism, which reduced scald susceptibility. The effect of high ethylene on scald development depended on the balance between these responses.
CHANGES IN NON-ETHYLENE VOLATILE SYNTHESIS DURING PHYSIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF `BISBEE DELICIOUS' APPLES
Authors: Mattheis J.P. , Fellman J.K. , Chen P.M. , Patterson M.E.
Published: April 2024

`Bisbee Delicious' apples were harvested in two orchards over a two-month period prior to and after commercial harvest during three consecutive production seasons. Changes in the predominant non-ethylene volatile compounds (NEVs) were characterized using dynamic headspace sampling with subsequent analysis by GC-MS. Alcohols and aldehydes were the predominant qualitative and quantitative NEVs in preclimacteric apples although other compounds were consistently present. The concentration of total NEVs declined to a minimum prior to the onset of the climacteric rise in ethylene synthesis. The increase in total NEVs after this minimum was attributable largely to increased production of esters. Initial detection of major esters associated with ripening `Bisbee Delicious' apples occurred prior to onset of the climacteric, however, amounts approached the limits of detection. The large increase in ester synthesis during ripening was coincident with the onset of the climacteric. Quantitative differences between orchards and production seasons were observed. Differences between harvest dates and orchards carried through storage in air at 0 C or 1% O2/2% CO2 CA storage at 0 C.
IN VITRO MAINTENANCE OF CHIMERAL PEAR
Authors: Al-Wasel Abdelrahman S. , Skirvin Robert M.
Published: April 2024

Variegated `Louise Bonne' (LB) pear shoots propagated in vitro tend to segregate spontaneously into green, albino, pale, or rearranged chimeral types. This instability makes it difficult to maintain LB in its original chimeral form. This study was initiated to investigate the role of growth regulator combinations on chimeral stability and to find a combination that could be used to maintain the chimera through repeated subcultures. Shoots were most stable (70 to 90% remained chimeral) on LePoivre (LP) medium supplemented with less than 8 μM BA. Shoots grown at concentrations greater than 8 μM were less stable (37 to 58%). Cultures grown with thidiazuron (TDZ) were very unstable (7 to 46%). NAA at the highest concentrations (5 and 10 μM) decreased chimeral stablity both alone (40 and 8%, respectively) and in combination with TDZ (7 to 16%). The implications of growth regulator combinations on long-term chimeral maintenance in vitro will be discussed.
IN VITRO SHOOT PROLIFERATION Of MUSSAENDA `DOÑA LUZ'
Authors: Cramer Christopher S. , Bridgen Mark P.
Published: April 2024

Mussaenda, a floriferous woody ornamental from the Philippines, is being investigated as a novel flowering potted crop in the United States. One drawback to the development of Mussaenda has been the poor asexual propagation during the winter months. Micropropegation offers an alternative to asexual propagation and allows a constant supply of clonal cuttings throughout the year.

Cultures of the cultivar, 'Doña Luz', were established in vitro on a Murashige and Skoog salts media with 100mg myo-inositol/L, 0.4mg thimaine KCl/L, 30g sucrose/L, and 7g agar/L at pH 5.8. Individual aseptic shoot tips were transferred to proliferation media to determine the optimum micropropagation medium. The proliferation media had the same basic medium components as previously described with six levels of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), two levels of napthelene acetic acid (NAA), and two levels of adenine sulphate. The levels of BAP were 0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0, and 40.0 μM. NAA was used at 0 and 1.0 μM while the levels of adenine sulphate were 0 and 217 μM.

Excellent shoot proliferation was noticed with preliminary experiments using the medium containing 10 μM BAP and 217 μM adenine sulphate. In addition, root production was observed in preliminary studies with a basal MS medium. Further results from the factorial experiments described will be discussed.
USING ANTIVIRAL COMPOUNDS AGAINST CYMBIDIUM MOSAIC VIRUS IN ORCHID TISSUE CULTURE
Authors: Porter K. , Kuehnle A.R.
Published: April 2024

Dendrobium `Uniwai Mist' (UH800) protocorm-like bodies (plbs) infected by Cymbidium mosaic virus (CyMV) were grown in Vacin and Went liquid medium supplemented by 15% coconut water with one of four antiviral compounds: ribavirin (virazole), cycloleucine, 3-deazauridine, and dithiouracil. After 5 weeks of treatment, 0.2 mM dithiouracil reduced CyMV to non-detectable levels and 0.05 mM 3-deazauridine lowered CyMV concentration by 66%. Both 0.2 mM dithiouracil and 0.05 mM 3-deazauridine resulted in smaller, darker green plbs and ∼10% dead tissue as compared to the control. Virus concentration resumed to previous levels by 5 weeks after treatment with dithiouracil was discontinued. Ribavirin at 0.1 mM lowered virus concentration by 50% five weeks after treatment was stopped. 0.05 mM and 0.15 mM dithiouracil and 0.01 mM, 0.05 mM, 0.08 mM, 0.5 mM, and 0.75 mM ribavirin had no effect on virus concentration. 0.5 mM and 0.75 mM ribavirin resulted tissue death.
THE MORPHOLOGY OF FLORAL ORGANS OF CYTOPIASMIC MALE-STERLE LINE OF TUBER MUSTARD(BRASSICA JUNCEA VAR. TUMIDA Tsen at Lee.)
Authors: Chen S. I. , Son W. G. , wang B. L. , Geo O. K. , Tu G.L
Published: April 2024

The objective of the study is to clarify the morphology of floral organs of cytoplasmic male-sterle line of tuber mustard. The orignal material is the intra-specific hybrid of Brassica juncea(L).Czern or Coss × Brassica campestris L. ssp. pakinensis (Lour.) Olsson. The flower of this materile is abnormal, especially with yellow-bud and frutiness(0.03 seed per silque), no nectary was observed. When backcrossed with tuber mustard(BC1, to BC7), these abstracts have been solved. Yellow-bud has disappeared in BC7. 12.4 seeds per silque are obtained when pollinated with maintainer line. The generation of BC3, has 3.5 nectarys in average. ranged from 0 to 8. On the other hand, saccate bulge and papllas and external ovules were exsited in some stamens of sterile plant. The morphology of epidermal cells in saccuate bulge and basal portion of soma stamens in BC1 was similar to that of stamen with normal anthers in fertile plants. Neverthless, a few pollens without outer walls are present on the stamen of male-sterle line.
BRANCH DEVELOPMENT AND INDUCEMENT IN APPLE
Authors: Ouellette David R. , Young Eric
Published: April 2024

One-year-old unbranched whips of `Empire' apple [Malus domestica Borkh.) on MM.111 and M.26 rootstocks were planted in November 1991 and March 1992 in an eastern Piedmont and western Mountain site of North Carolina. Trees were subjected to one of five branch-inducing treatments: (1) notching: removing a thin band of bark above each bud: (2) `knip boom': removing emerging apical leaves of the leader at regular intervals: (3) bending: tying whip to horizontal position, tying horizontally to opposite side four weeks after budbreak, and setting upright after another four weeks: (4) renewal: after a mid-season heading cut, tipping a weak lateral and setting upright to serve as a new leader: or (5) control: heading whip 30 inches above the graft union. After one year of growth, trees with M.26 rootstocks had more, slightly longer laterals man those with MM.111. Notching resulted in a much greater number of laterals than the control treatment, but increased branch length only in fall plantings. Bent trees had fewer and shorter laterals by mid-season than those of control trees. Although branch number and length did not differ from that of the control by the end of the season, bending resulted in shorter, asymmetric trees. Knipping and lateral renewal quickly led to the development of many laterals on current season growth, but were less effective later. Overall, planting date did not influence tree height, branch number, or branch length.