bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep and goats of North West Province, South Africa
Authors: Masombuka Mthokozisi , Mphuthi Malekoba B.N. , Ngoshe Yusuf B. , Mokolopi Gloria , Gcebe Nomakorinte
Published: March 2024

Background

The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii causes toxoplasmosis, one of the most prevalent parasitic zoonotic diseases with significant economic and public health implications worldwide. Infection with the parasite has a significant adverse effect on sheep and goat production and can frequently go undetected in the herd, resulting in abortions and weak or dead offspring. Although there are few studies on seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infections in livestock in other provinces of South Africa, there is no data in the North West province. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii and risk factors associated with exposure in sheep and goats of the North West province of South Africa. Sera from 439 livestock (164 sheep and 285 goats) were collected and analysed for the presence of T. gondii IgG antibodies using indirect ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). An assessment of potential risk factors in farms associated with seropositivity was also conducted using a structured questionnaire.

Results

Out of the 439 tested sheep and goats, 13.9% (61/439) were positive for IgG antibodies against T. gondii. Sheep and goats had seroprevalences of 19.5% (32/164) and 10.5% (29/275) respectively. In the multivariable logistic regression model, the risk of acquiring T. gondii was significantly higher in the mixed breed [Odds ratio (OR) = 71.07; 95% confidence interval (CI): 266.8-1893.1; p < 0.011)] animals than white dorper sheep and in farms that burn or bury aborted material (OR = 42.04; CI: 179.9-982.5; p = 0.020) compared to those that only burn aborted material. The risk was lower for the farms in Kagisano-Molopo (OR = 0.00; CI: 0.0-25.4; p = 0.015) and Mahikeng (OR = 0.00; CI: 0.0-4.9; p < 0.001) local municipalities than Greater Taung local municipality, and for the animals that drink water from dams (OR = 0.03; CI: 0.2–58.8; p = 0.021) than those that drink from boreholes.

Conclusion

The seroprevalence and risk factors associated with transmission observed show that T. gondii infection is widespread in sheep and goats of the North West province.
Preliminary report of Mycoplasma Wenoynii and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos infection in Korean native cattle
Authors: Kim Youngjun , Kim Hannah , Choi Jae-Hyeon , Cho Hyung-Chul , Ji Min-Jeong , Park Yu-Jin , Park Jinho , Choi Kyoung-Seong
Published: March 2024

Background

Hemotropic mycoplasmas or hemoplasmas are bacteria that attach to the erythrocyte surface and cause bovine hemoplasmosis. Two species, Mycoplasma wenyonii and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos, have been identified and shown to be distributed worldwide. However, there is currently no information available on hemoplasmas in cattle in the Republic of Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of hemoplasmas in Korean native cattle and to evaluate the association between hemoplasma infection and anemia.

Methods

One farm was selected, at which blood samples were collected from 104 Korean native cattle [grazing cattle (n = 89) and housed cattle (n = 15)]. Hemoplasmas were detected via polymerase chain reaction analysis and complete blood counts were also performed.

Results

The overall prevalence of hemoplasmas was 34% (35/104); 20.2% (21/104) for M. wenyonii, 3.8% (4/104) for C. M. haemobos, and 9.6% (10/104) for co-infection. Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos was detected only in grazing cattle. Of red blood cell (RBC) parameters, C. M. haemobos-infected cattle had lower RBC and hematocrit, and higher mean cell volume than hemoplasma-negative cattle, although none of these differences were statistically significant. This is the first study to report the occurrence of M. wenyonii and C. M. haemobos. Mycoplasma wenyonii is more prevalent than C. M. haemobos in Korean native cattle. The results did not show an association between hemoplasma infection and anemia.

Conclusions

Considering the infection rate of hemoplasmas shown in this study, further studies, such as on the pathogenicity and clinical significance of hemoplasmas are necessary.
High cell density sequential batch fermentation for enhanced propionic acid production from glucose and glycerol/glucose mixture using Acidipropionibacterium acidipropionici
Authors: Dishisha Tarek , Jain Mridul , Hatti-Kaul Rajni
Published: March 2024

Background

Propionic acid fermentation from renewable feedstock suffers from low volumetric productivity and final product concentration, which limits the industrial feasibility of the microbial route. High cell density fermentation techniques overcome these limitations. Here, propionic acid (PA) production from glucose and a crude glycerol/glucose mixture was evaluated using Acidipropionibacterium acidipropionici, in high cell density (HCD) batch fermentations with cell recycle. The agro-industrial by-product, heat-treated potato juice, was used as N-source.

Results

Using 40 g/L glucose for nine consecutive batches yielded an average of 18.76 ± 1.34 g/L of PA per batch (0.59 gPA/gGlu) at a maximum rate of 1.15 gPA/L.h, and a maximum biomass of 39.89 gCDW/L. Succinic acid (SA) and acetic acid (AA) were obtained as major by-products and the mass ratio of PA:SA:AA was 100:23:25. When a crude glycerol/glucose mixture (60 g/L:30 g/L) was used for 6 consecutive batches with cell recycle, an average of 35.36 ± 2.17 g/L of PA was obtained per batch (0.51 gPA/gC-source) at a maximum rate of 0.35 g/L.h, and reaching a maximum biomass concentration of 12.66 gCDW/L. The PA:SA:AA mass ratio was 100:29:3. Further addition of 0.75 mg/L biotin as a supplement to the culture medium enhanced the cell growth reaching 21.89 gCDW/L, and PA productivity to 0.48 g/L.h, but also doubled AA concentration.

Conclusion

This is the highest reported productivity from glycerol/glucose co-fermentation where majority of the culture medium components comprised industrial by-products (crude glycerol and HTPJ). HCD batch fermentations with cell recycling are promising approaches towards industrialization of the bioprocess.
STIM1/SOX2 proteins are co-expressed in the tumor and microenvironmental stromal cells of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and ampullary carcinoma
Authors: Sweed Dina , Elhamed Sara Mohamed Abd , Aiad Hayam Abdel Samie , Ehsan Nermine Ahmed , Hemida Aiat Shaban , Dawoud Marwa Mohammed
Published: March 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and ampullary carcinoma (AAC) are lethal malignancies with modest benefits from surgery. SOX2 and STIM1 have been linked to anticancer activity in several human malignancies. This study included 94 tumor cases: 48 primary PDAC, 25 metastatic PDAC, and 21 primary AAC with corresponding non-tumor tissue. All cases were immunohistochemically stained for STIM1 and SOX2 and results were correlated with clinicopathologic data, patient survival, and BCL2 immunostaining results. Results revealed that STIM1 and SOX2 epithelial/stromal expressions were significantly higher in PDAC and AAC in comparison to the control groups. STIM1 and SOX2 expressions were positively correlated in the primary and metastatic PDAC (P = 0.016 and, P = 0.001, respectively). However, their expressions were not significantly associated with BCL2 expression. SOX2 epithelial/stromal expressions were positively correlated with the large tumor size in the primary AAC group (P = 0.052, P = 0.044, respectively). STIM1 stromal and SOX2 epithelial over-expressions had a bad prognostic impact on the overall survival of AAC (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001, respectively). Therefore, STIM1 and SOX2 co-expression in tumor cells and intra-tumoral stroma could contribute to the development of PDAC and AAC. STIM1/SOX2 expression is linked to a bad prognosis in AAC.
Towards mission-driven investment in new antimicrobials? What role for Chinese strategic industrial financing vehicles in responding to the challenge of antimicrobial resistance?
Authors: Husain Lewis , Hu Yajing , Huang Yangmu
Published: March 2024

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) causes high levels of global mortality. There is a global need to develop new antimicrobials to replace those whose efficacy is being eroded, but limited incentive for companies to engage in R&D, and a limited pipeline of new drugs. There is a recognised need for policies in the form of ‘push’ and ‘pull’ incentives to support this R&D. This article discusses China, a country with a rapidly emerging pharmaceuticals and biotech (P&B) sector, and a history of using coordinated innovation and industrial policy for strategic and developmental ends. We investigate the extent to which ‘government guidance funds’ (GGFs), strategic industrial financing vehicles (a ‘push’ mechanism), support the development of antimicrobials as part of China’s ‘mission-driven’ approach to innovation and industrial policy. GGFs are potentially globally significant, having raised approximately US$ 872 billion to 2020.

Results

GGFs have a substantial role in P&B, but almost no role in developing new antimicrobials, despite this being a priority in the country’s AMR National Action Plan. There are multiple constraints on GGFs’ ability to function as part of a mission-driven approach to innovation at present, linked to their business model and the absence of standard markets for antimicrobials (or other effective ‘pull’ mechanisms), their unclear ‘social’ mandate, and limited technical capacity. However, GGFs are highly responsive to changing policy demands and can be used strategically by government in response to changing needs.

Conclusions

Despite the very limited role of GGFs in developing new antimicrobials, their responsiveness to policy means they are likely to play a larger role as P&B becomes an increasingly important component of China’s innovation and industrial strategy. However, for GGFs to effectively play that role, there is a need for reforms to their governance model, an increase in technical and managerial capacity, and supporting (‘pull’) incentives, particularly for pharmaceuticals such as antimicrobials for which there is strong social need, but a limited market. Given GGFs' scale and strategic importance, they deserve further research as China’s P&B sector becomes increasingly globally important, and as the Chinese government commits to a larger role in global health.
Early detection of dark-affected plant mechanical responses using enhanced electrical signals
Authors: Li Hongping , Fotouhi Nikou , Liu Fan , Ji Hongchao , Wu Qian
Published: March 2024

Background

Mechanical damage to plants triggers local and systemic electrical signals that are eventually decoded into plant defense responses. These responses are constantly affected by other environmental stimuli in nature, for instance, light fluctuation. In recent years, studies on decoding plant electrical signals powered by various machine learning models are increasing in a sense of early prediction or detection of different environmental stresses that threaten plant growth or crop yields. However, the main bottleneck is the low-throughput nature of plant electrical signals, making it challenging to obtain a substantial amount of training data. Consequently, training these models with small datasets often leads to unsatisfactory performance.

Results

In the present work, we set out to decode wound-induced electrical signals (also termed slow wave potentials, SWPs) from plants that are deprived of light to different extents. Using non-invasive electrophysiology, we separately collected sets of local and distal SWPs from the treated plants. Then, we proposed a workflow based on few-shot learning to automatically identify SWPs. This workflow incorporates data preprocessing, feature extraction, data augmentation and classifier training. We established the integral and the first-order derivative as features for efficiently classifying SWPs. We then proposed an Adversarial Autoencoder (AAE) structure to augment the SWP samples. Combining them, the Random Forest classifier allowed remarkable classification accuracies of 0.99 for both local and systemic SWPs. In addition, in comparison to two other reported methods, our proposed AAE structure enabled better classification results using our tested features and classifiers.

Conclusions

The results of this study establish new features for efficiently classifying wound-induced electrical signals, which allow for distinguishing dark-affected local and systemic plant wound responses. We also propose a new data augmentation structure to generate virtual plant electrical signals. The methods proposed in this study could be further applied to build models for crop plants using electrical signals as inputs, and also to process other small-scale signals.
Robotic portal resection for mediastinal tumours: a prospective observational study
Authors: Gan Wei , Yang Mu-Zi , Tan Zi-Hui , Xie Chu-Long , Sun Tian-Yu , Yang Hao-Xian
Published: March 2024

Background

To demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of robotic portal resection (RPR) for mediastinal tumour using a prospectively collected database.

Methods

Data from 73 consecutive patients with mediastinal tumours who underwent RPRs were prospectively collected from August 2018 to April 2023. All patients underwent chest and abdominal enhanced computed tomography (CT) and preoperative multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussion. The patients were stratified into two groups based on tumour size: Group A (tumour size < 4 cm) and Group B (tumour size ≥ 4 cm). General clinical characteristics, surgical procedures, and short outcomes were promptly recorded.

Results

All of the cases were scheduled for RPRs. One patient (1/73, 1.4%) was switched to a small utility incision approach because of extensive pleural adhesion. Two patients (2.8%) converted to sternotomy, however, no perioperative deaths occurred. Most of the tumours were located in the anterior mediastinum (51/73, 69.9%). Thymoma (27/73, 37.0%) and thymic cyst (16/73, 21.9%) were the most common diagnoses. The median diameter of tumours was 3.2 cm (IQR, 2.4–4.5 cm). The median total operative time was 61.0 min (IQR, 50.0–90.0 min). The median intraoperative blood loss was 20 mL (IQR, 5.0–30.0 ml), and only one patient (1.4%) experienced an intraoperative complication. The median length of hospital stay was 3 days (IQR, 2–4 days). Compared with Group A, the median total operative time and console time of Group B were significantly longer (P = 0.006 and P = 0.003, respectively). The volume of drainage on the first postoperative day was greater in group B than in group A (P = 0.013).

Conclusion

RPR is a safe and effective technique for mediastinal tumour treatment, which can expand the application of minimally invasive surgery for the removal of complicated mediastinal tumours.
Divergent composition and transposon-silencing activity of small RNAs in mammalian oocytes
Authors: Hou Li , Liu Wei , Zhang Hongdao , Li Ronghong , Liu Miao , Shi Huijuan , Wu Ligang
Published: March 2024

Background

Small RNAs are essential for germ cell development and fertilization. However, fundamental questions remain, such as the level of conservation in small RNA composition between species and whether small RNAs control transposable elements in mammalian oocytes.

Results

Here, we use high-throughput sequencing to profile small RNAs and poly(A)-bearing long RNAs in oocytes of 12 representative vertebrate species (including 11 mammals). The results show that miRNAs are generally expressed in the oocytes of each representative species (although at low levels), whereas endo-siRNAs are specific to mice. Notably, piRNAs are predominant in oocytes of all species (except mice) and vary widely in length. We find PIWIL3-associated piRNAs are widespread in mammals and generally lack 3′-2′-O-methylation. Additionally, sequence identity is low between homologous piRNAs in different species, even among those present in syntenic piRNA clusters. Despite the species-specific divergence, piRNAs retain the capacity to silence younger TE subfamilies in oocytes.

Conclusions

Collectively, our findings illustrate a high level of diversity in the small RNA populations of mammalian oocytes. Furthermore, we identify sequence features related to conserved roles of small RNAs in silencing TEs, providing a large-scale reference for future in-depth study of small RNA functions in oocytes.
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccination schedules in infants—acquisition, immunogenicity, and pneumococcal conjugate and yellow fever vaccine co-administration study: statistical analysis plan
Authors: Mackenzie Grant A. , Osei Isaac , Salaudeen Rasheed , Licciardi Paul V. , Greenwood Brian , Mulholland Kim , Nguyen Cattram
Published: March 2024

Rationale

The effectiveness of immunisation with pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) has been demonstrated in many countries. However, the global impact of PCV is limited by its cost, which has prevented its introduction in some countries. Reducing the cost of PCV programmes will facilitate further vaccine introductions and improve the sustainability of PCV in low-income countries when they transition from subsidised vaccine supply. We are conducting a large, population-level, cluster-randomised field trial (PVS) of an alternative reduced-dose schedule of PCV compared to the standard schedule. We are also conducting a nested sub-study at the individual level to investigate the immunogenicity of the two schedules and their effects on pneumococcal carriage acquisition (PVS-AcqImm).

Methods and design

PVS-AcqImm is a prospective, cluster-randomised trial of an alternative schedule of one dose of PCV scheduled at age 6 weeks with a booster dose at age 9 months compared to the standard of three primary doses scheduled at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age. Sub-groups within the alternative schedule group receive yellow fever vaccine separately or co-administered with PCV at 9 months of age. The primary endpoints are (a) concentrations of vaccine-type anti-pneumococcal IgG at 18 months of age, (b) proportions with yellow fever neutralising antibody titre ≥ 1:8 4 weeks after separate or co-administration of PCV and yellow fever vaccines, and (c) rate of nasopharyngeal vaccine-type pneumococcal acquisition from 10–14 months of age. Participants and field staff are not masked to group allocation while measurement of the laboratory endpoints is masked. Approximately equal numbers of participants are resident in each of 28 randomly allocated geographic clusters (14 clusters in each group); 784 enrolled for acquisition measurements and 336 for immunogenicity measurements.

Purpose

This statistical analysis plan (SAP) describes the PVS-AcqImm cohort and follow-up criteria to be used in different analyses. The SAP defines the endpoints and describes how adherence to the interventions will be presented. We describe the approach to analyses and how we will account for the effect of clustering. Defining the SAP prior to the conduct of analysis will avoid bias in analyses that may arise from prior knowledge of trial findings.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN7282161328. Registered on 28 November 2019. https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN72821613.

Protocol: MRCG SCC number 1670, LSHTM Ref 17683.

Current protocol version: 6.0, 24 May 2021.

Version: 1.0 (5 April 2023); SAP revisions—none.
Implementing and evaluating group interpersonal therapy for postnatal depression in Lebanon and Kenya—individually randomised superiority trial
Authors: Fonagy Peter , Chammay Rabih El , Ngunu Carol , Kumar Manasi , Verdeli Lena , Allison Elizabeth , Anani Ghida , Fearon Pasco , Fouad Fouad , Hoare Zoe , Koyio Lucina , Moore Henrietta , Nyandigisi Andrew , Pilling Stephen , Sender Hannah , Skordis Jolene , Evans Rachel , Jaoude Gerard Joseph Abou , Madeghe Beatrice , Maradian Sandra Pardi Arsen , O’Donnell Ciara , Simes Elizabeth , Truscott Alexandra , Wambua Grace Nduku , Yator Obadia
Published: March 2024

Background

Depression ranks as the foremost mental health concern among childbearing women. Within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), between 20 and 25% of women encounter depression during pregnancy or soon after delivery. This condition impacts not only the mothers but also their offspring. Offspring of women suffering from postnatal depression (PND) exhibit suboptimal cognitive development and increased emotional and behavioural issues throughout their growth. This scenario becomes more pronounced in LMICs, where numerous adversities further jeopardise children’s developmental progress. Despite antenatal services providing a pivotal platform to address women’s mental health needs, PND treatment remains inaccessible in many LMICs. The World Health Organization advocates interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for treating depression. While research from high-income countries has established the efficacy of IPT and group-IPT (g-IPT) for PND, its effectiveness within the LMIC context and its potential benefits for child development remain uncharted. This study seeks to gauge the potency of g-IPT for women with PND in two LMICs.

Methods

This multi-site randomised controlled trial is a continuation of two preceding phases—conceptual mapping and a feasibility study executed in Lebanon and Kenya. Insights gleaned from these phases underpin this comprehensive RCT, which contrasts the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of high-quality standard care (HQ-SC) augmented with g-IPT against HQ-SC in isolation. The trial, characterised as an individually randomised superiority assessment, targets women with postnatal depression in Beirut, Lebanon, and Nairobi, Kenya. It aims to determine if culturally tailored g-IPT, administered within community settings in both countries, outperforms HQ-SC in influencing child developmental outcomes, maternal depression, and the quality of the mother–child bond.

Discussion

The SUMMIT trial, designed with pragmatism, possesses the magnitude to evaluate g-IPT within two LMIC frameworks. It seeks to enlighten policymakers, service commissioners, professionals, and users about g-IPT’s potential to alleviate maternal PND and bolster child developmental outcomes in LMICs. Additionally, the trial will generate valuable data on the clinical and economic merits of high-quality standard care.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN15154316. Registered on 27 September 2023, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN15154316
Metastasis of serous ovarian carcinoma to the breast: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Dueño Sofia , Stein Rachel , Jamal Mohsin , Lewis Gregory , Hew Karina
Published: March 2024

Background

Breast metastasis from primary ovarian cancer is rare, with an estimated frequency of 0.07%. More than 110 cases are reported in the literature of metastatic spread of ovarian cancer to the breast and axilla. This entity usually represents aggressive late disease characterized by multi-drug chemoresistance and a poor prognosis with a median survival time of 16 months. Currently no standardized treatment protocol exists for this condition.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 59-year-old Caucasian female with recurrent high-grade serous ovarian cancer who was diagnosed with symptomatic unilateral breast metastasis while on fourth line chemotherapy with weekly paclitaxel. She was treated with local radiation with 2300 cGy to the right breast with a complete response. She then had a subsequent recurrence in the ipsilateral breast 8 months after completion of post treatment imaging. She remains alive to date approximately 2 years after her initial diagnosis of breast metastasis on seventh line treatment.

Conclusions

Breast metastasis from primary ovarian cancer is rare and represents advanced disease characterized by multi-drug chemoresistance and a poor prognosis. This case describes radiation therapy as a safe, effective treatment option to improve local control and quality of life in these patients, but with limited durability of response.
Maternal immune suppression during pregnancy does not prevent abnormal behavior in offspring
Authors: Griffin Ashley , Bowles Teylor , Solis Lucia , Railey Teryn , Beauti Samer , Robinson Reanna , Spencer Shauna-Kay , Shaffery James P , Wallace Kedra
Published: March 2024

Background

Offspring of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are at an increased risk of developing neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral disorders compared to offspring from non-affected pregnancies. Using rodent models of Preeclampsia (PreE; new onset of hypertension after 20 weeks gestation) and HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets), we studied the behavioral outcome of their offspring in adolescence.

Methods

A subset of dams received Orencia, a T-cell activation inhibitor, as T cells have been associated with the induction of hypertension and inflammation during pregnancy. We hypothesized that offspring from hypertensive dams would experience adverse behavioral outcomes in social, cognitive, locomotor, and anxiety tests, and offspring from dams treated with Orencia would demonstrate less adverse behaviors.

Results

Male offspring of PreE + Orencia dams (p < 0.05) and female offspring from HELLP + Orencia dams (p < 0.05) spent more time playing compared to normal pregnant offspring. All offspring from hypertensive and Orencia-treated dams performed worse on the Barnes Maze test compared to normal pregnant. We also measured adult (postnatal day > 60) myelin basic protein (MBP) and NeuN expression in both the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. In the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, there was no difference in expression of either MBP or NeuN in all groups regardless of sex.

Conclusion

The results from this study suggest that offspring of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy have behavioral changes, specifically cognitive differences. This study has shown that there is a sex dependent difference in offspring neurobehavioral development, influenced in part by the type of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, and alterations in the maternal immune system.
Epidemiological characterization and risk assessment of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2/b/GI.2) in the world
Authors: Sun Zhuo , An Qi , Li Yuepeng , Gao Xiang , Wang Hongbin
Published: March 2024

A novel variant of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus, designated RHDV2/b/GI.2, was first discovered in France in 2010. Subsequently, RHDV2 rapidly spread to Africa, North America, Australia, and Asia. RHDV2 outbreaks have resulted in significant economic losses in the global rabbit industry and disrupted the balance of natural ecosystems. Our study investigated the seasonal characteristics of RHDV2 outbreaks using seasonal indices. RHDV2 is prone to causing significant outbreaks within domestic and wild rabbit populations during the spring season and is more likely to induce outbreaks within wild rabbit populations during late autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. Furthermore, based on outbreak data for domestic and wild rabbits and environmental variables, our study established two MaxEnt models to explore the relationship between RHDV2 outbreaks and the environmental factors and conducted outbreak risk predictions for RHDV2 in global domestic and wild rabbit populations. Both models demonstrated good predictive performance, with AUC values of 0.960 and 0.974, respectively. Road density, isothermality, and population density were identified as important variables in the outbreak of RHDV2 in domestic rabbits, while road density, normalized difference vegetation index, and mean annual solar radiation were considered key variables in the outbreak of RHDV2 in wild rabbits. The environmental factors associated with RHDV2 outbreaks identified in our study and the outbreak risk prediction maps generated in our study will aid in the formulation of appropriate RHDV2 control measures to reduce the risk of morbidity in domestic and wild rabbits.
3D scanning and modeling of highly detailed and geometrically complex historical architectural objects: the example of the Juma Mosque in Khiva (Uzbekistan)
Authors: Milosz Marek , Kęsik Jacek , Abdullaev Utkir
Published: March 2024

The city centre of Khiva (Uzbekistan), called Itchan Kala, is an architectural complex included in the UNESCO list of tangible cultural heritage. One of the historic buildings in it is the Juma Mosque. It has a simple rectangular structure, but is very large and has 213 deeply carved wooden columns supporting the roof. The article presents the process, problems, and their solutions resulting from the implementation of 3D laser scanning of such highly detailed and geometrically complex historical architectural objects in the conditions of normal tourist traffic. The optimisation of scanning positions, scanning in situ implementation, as well as the processing of the acquired data and the construction of a 3D mesh model of the mosque interior are presented. It is pointed out that scanning such objects with high accuracy and density of measurement points causes major technical problems related to the workload, and the huge volume of data acquired and processed. The possibilities of making the 3D model available in digital space for the purpose of researching the appearance and geometry of the mosque, its individual columns, as well as popularising the monument are also discussed. It is highly probable that the scanning of the Juma Mosque's interior presented here was carried out for the first time in history.
A hierarchical fusion strategy of deep learning networks for detection and segmentation of hepatocellular carcinoma from computed tomography images
Authors: Lee I-Cheng , Tsai Yung-Ping , Lin Yen-Cheng , Chen Ting-Chun , Yen Chia-Heng , Chiu Nai-Chi , Hwang Hsuen-En , Liu Chien-An , Huang Jia-Guan , Lee Rheun-Chuan , Chao Yee , Ho Shinn-Ying , Huang Yi-Hsiang
Published: March 2024

Background

Automatic segmentation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on computed tomography (CT) scans is in urgent need to assist diagnosis and radiomics analysis. The aim of this study is to develop a deep learning based network to detect HCC from dynamic CT images.

Methods

Dynamic CT images of 595 patients with HCC were used. Tumors in dynamic CT images were labeled by radiologists. Patients were randomly divided into training, validation and test sets in a ratio of 5:2:3, respectively. We developed a hierarchical fusion strategy of deep learning networks (HFS-Net). Global dice, sensitivity, precision and F1-score were used to measure performance of the HFS-Net model.

Results

The 2D DenseU-Net using dynamic CT images was more effective for segmenting small tumors, whereas the 2D U-Net using portal venous phase images was more effective for segmenting large tumors. The HFS-Net model performed better, compared with the single-strategy deep learning models in segmenting small and large tumors. In the test set, the HFS-Net model achieved good performance in identifying HCC on dynamic CT images with global dice of 82.8%. The overall sensitivity, precision and F1-score were 84.3%, 75.5% and 79.6% per slice, respectively, and 92.2%, 93.2% and 92.7% per patient, respectively. The sensitivity in tumors < 2 cm, 2–3, 3–5 cm and > 5 cm were 72.7%, 92.9%, 94.2% and 100% per patient, respectively.

Conclusions

The HFS-Net model achieved good performance in the detection and segmentation of HCC from dynamic CT images, which may support radiologic diagnosis and facilitate automatic radiomics analysis.
Habitat-based radiomics analysis for evaluating immediate response in colorectal cancer lung metastases treated by radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Huang Haozhe , Chen Hong , Zheng Dezhong , Chen Chao , Wang Ying , Xu Lichao , Wang Yaohui , He Xinhong , Yang Yuanyuan , Li Wentao
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To create radiomics signatures based on habitat to assess the instant response in lung metastases of colorectal cancer (CRC) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Methods

Between August 2016 and June 2019, we retrospectively included 515 lung metastases in 233 CRC patients who received RFA (412 in the training group and 103 in the test group). Multivariable analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for developing the clinical model. Tumor and ablation regions of interest (ROI) were split into three spatial habitats through K-means clustering and dilated with 5 mm and 10 mm thicknesses. Radiomics signatures of intratumor, peritumor, and habitat were developed using the features extracted from intraoperative CT data. The performance of these signatures was primarily evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) via the DeLong test, calibration curves through the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and decision curve analysis.

Results

A total of 412 out of 515 metastases (80%) achieved complete response. Four clinical variables (cancer antigen 19–9, simultaneous systemic treatment, site of lung metastases, and electrode type) were utilized to construct the clinical model. The Habitat signature was combined with the Peri-5 signature, which achieved a higher AUC than the Peri-10 signature in the test set (0.825 vs. 0.816). The Habitat+Peri-5 signature notably surpassed the clinical and intratumor radiomics signatures (AUC: 0.870 in the test set; both, p < 0.05), displaying improved calibration and clinical practicality.

Conclusions

The habitat-based radiomics signature can offer precise predictions and valuable assistance to physicians in developing personalized treatment strategies.
The Late Effects of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplants in Pediatric Patients: A 25-Year Review
Authors: Lee Samantha Lai-Ka , Nguyen Quynh-Nhu , Ho Cindy , James Simon , Kaur Amreeta , Lim Angelina , Tiedemann Karin , Zacharin Margaret
Published: March 2024

Context

A rare, large, single-center study covering all long-term health outcomes of pediatric allogeneic hemopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) survivors, to provide comprehensive local data and identify gaps and future directions for improved care.

Objective

To document endocrine sequelae and other late effects of all HSCT recipients.

Design

Retrospective review.

Setting

Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne.

Patients

384 children and adolescents received HSCT; 228 formed the study cohort; 212 were alive at commencement of data accrual.

Intervention

None.

Main Outcome Measures

Incidence of endocrinopathies; fertility, growth, bone and metabolic status; subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs).

Results

Gonadotoxicity was more common in females (P < .001). Total body irradiation (TBI) conditioning was more toxic than chemotherapy alone. All females receiving TBI or higher cyclophosphamide equivalent doses developed premature ovarian insufficiency. In males, impaired spermatogenesis +/- testicular endocrine dysfunction was associated with increasing testicular radiation exposure. Preservation of gonadal function was associated with younger age at HSCT. Of sexually active females, 22% reported spontaneous pregnancies. Short stature was common, with GH axis disruption in 30% of these. Of patients exposed to thyroid radiation, 51% developed nodules; 30% were malignant. Metabolic disturbances included hypertension and dyslipidemias, with both excess and underweight reported. Fragility fractures occurred in 6% and avascular necrosis in 6%. Thirteen percent developed SMNs, with the risk continuing to rise throughout follow-up.

Conclusion

We confirm gonadal dysfunction, multiple endocrine and metabolic abnormalities, thyroid cancer, and SMNs as common sequelae of HSCT and identify gaps in management—particularly the need for informed fertility counseling and pretreatment fertility preservation, evaluation, and management of bone health—and underline the need for early lifestyle modification, long-term surveillance, and prospective planned studies aimed at reducing complication risk.
Quality of Life of Patients submitted to Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Da Silva Robson Rocha , De Souza Silmara Ramos , Castro Martha Moreira , Matos Marcos Almeida , Ariel de Lima Diego
Published: March 2024

Objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life between patients who have already undergone the TKA surgery and those who have not. Methodology: 118 patients [60 undergoing TKA (G1) and the remaining 58 awaiting the procedure (G2)] answered questions about QoL using the WOMAC and SF-36 protocols. The comparison was performed using the chi-square test and Student's t-test, with a significance level of 0.05. Results: with regard to clinical aspects, there was a higher level of pain in Group G2, as well as greater frequency in the use of medications, especially for pain relief. In the QoL evaluation, significant difference was observed in all the domains of the generic questionnaire SF-36 and in WOMAC, estando a capacidade functional do G2 reduzida e abaixo do nível observado nos pacientes do G1. Conclusion: patients with advanced knee arthrosis who underwent TKA, compared to those who did not undergo the procedure, had better quality of life in all domains assessed by both the general SF-36 questionnaire and the WOMAC questionnaire.
Perception of Medical Students Regarding Implementing Telemedicine Practice Activities at a University Center in Brazil
Authors: Ponte Clarisse Mourão Melo , Lopes Laura da Silva Girão , Castelo Maria Helane Costa Gurgel , Farias Ludmilla Aline Guimarães Moreira , Lima Maria Regina Cardoso Linhares Oliveira , Macedo Maria Helena dos Santos , Sena Idna Lara Goes de , Perdigão Anne Caroline Bezerra , Pinheiro Emanuel de Araújo , Kubrusly Marcos
Published: March 2024

Objective: evaluate medical students' perceptions regarding implementing Telemedicine teaching during their undergraduate studies. Methods: this is a cross-sectional qualitative study with 30 medical students. Three focus group sessions were conducted, and the data were analyzed using a content analysis approach. Results/Discussion: the students recognized the importance of digital health strategies and digital information and communication technologies (ICTs) for the healthcare ecosystem. However, some students pointed out that this area is still challenging for some doctors who oppose Telemedicine. They reported a need for training professionals and students, emphasizing the need to improve skills and competencies for teleconsultation and other Telemedicine modalities. They stated that these experiences helped them enhance their empathy skills for establishing a good doctor-patient relationship. When referring to the negative aspects of the experiences, they mentioned the dependence on reliable internet connection and digital tools. Another limitation mentioned was the difficulty in conducting specific physical examination components. Conclusions: the students experienced Telemedicine activities in a safe healthcare environment, learning about the bioethical principles for responsible teleconsultations, understanding the limiting factors of the method, and having the opportunity to improve skills and competencies for their future professional practice.
Observational characteristics of oscillations and waves in and around sunspots. Difficulties in observing and interpreting
Authors: Kobanov Nikolay , Chelpanov Andrei
Published: March 2024

This paper summarizes the body of work that we have done over the years on the oscillation processes in sunspots, including their umbra, penumbra, and close vicinity. The study analyzes a number of aspects that impede adequate determining of some characteristics of propagating oscillations and lead to misinterpretation. Using running penumbral waves as an example, we show that their horizontal propagation with decreasing frequency is delusive. The effect is due to different oscillations propagating along magnetic field lines with gradually increasing inclination. This also applies to the three-minute oscillations in the sunspot umbral chromosphere. The change in the inclination of the strips in the half-tone space-time diagrams, which are employed to determine the oscillation propagation velocities along coronal loops, is caused by the projection effect as opposed to real changes in the velocity. We propose to use flare modulation of the natural oscillations of the medium to eliminate the uncertainties that arise while measuring the phase differences between signals of the same parameters, which is employed for estimating wave propagation velocities in the solar atmosphere.
Ion activity in quasi-neutral current sheets and discharge plasma in crossed electric and magnetic fields
Authors: Strokin Nikolay
Published: March 2024

As part of a brief review, a classification is made and information is provided about four experimentally discovered plasma effects, where unexpected behavior of the ionic component appeared and for which there is no unambiguous interpretation. 1. Ions with the highest energies for a quasi-neutral current sheet were recorded at the O-point (island) with the direction of their movement opposite to the electric field at the X-point. 2. In a self-sustaining discharge in crossed electric and magnetic fields (E×B discharge), a large number of ions (not the tails of the distribution function) with energies significantly exceeding the energies equivalent to the discharge voltage are generated. This occurs in a certain range of pressures of the plasma-forming gas and magnetic fields. 3. The discovered region of effective ionization — the “anode layer”, with increasing pressure, moves abruptly from one plasma region to another, which is accompanied by a jump in the ion density up to 16 times. An increase in the magnetic field induction causes, on the contrary, the “anode layer” to jump in the opposite direction with the ion density decreasing 3–4 times. 4. Ion distribution functions in the E×B discharge contain isomagnetic density jumps with a relative amplitude from ~30 to 80 % of the total current at the released energy. Taking into account the “anomalous” behavior of ions in the plasma of quasi-neutral current sheets and discharges in crossed electric and magnetic fields will provide further insight into the processes in space plasma, the physics of coronal heating, and the formation of the solar wind.
Transfer of auroral kilometric radiation through low-density channels at the boundary of plasmasphere
Authors: Kolpak Valeria , Mogilevsky Michael , Chugunin Dmitriy , Chernyshov Aleksandr , Moiseenko Irina
Published: March 2024

We present the results of Auroral Kilometric Radiation (AKR) measurements near the plasmapause on the ERG (Arase) satellite. The apogee of the satellite's orbit is located near the ecliptic plane, at latitudes ±30°. According to the generally accepted point of view, AKR observation is impossible in this region since it is shielded by the plasmasphere. Simultaneous measurements of AKR and local plasma density made it possible to determine that AKR in near-equatorial regions occur in plasma channels — density inhomogeneities elongated along magnetic field lines. AKR from sources located in the auroral magnetosphere is transferred by these channels to the equatorial region. This work analyzes the conditions for the capture and propagation of AKR in low plasma density channels. In the geometrical optics approximation, we have simulated the conditions for the radiation capture and propagation. The calculation results show that the proposed scheme for AKR capture into plasma channels can explain the measurement results — the radiation transfer from the auroral region to the near-equatorial region.
Effect of the NO concentration on the ratio I₅₅₇.₇/I₄₂₇.₈ in auroras
Authors: Ivanov Vladimir , Dashkevich Zhanna
Published: March 2024

We have examined the effect of the nitrogen oxide concentration on the ratio between λ557.7 nm and λ427.8 nm emission intensities in auroras caused by precipitating electron fluxes, using the numerical simulation method. The ratio I₅₅₇.₇/I₄₂₇.₈ has been shown to strongly depend on the NO concentration: the ratio decreases from 7 to 2 with increasing NO maximum concentration at the height profile from 10⁷ to 3·10⁹. This fact is in satisfactory agreement with experimental data.The effect of nitric oxide on the ratio has been demonstrated to occur through the excitation channel of the emission λ557.7 nm, namely, the dissociative recombination of the molecular oxygen ion O⁺₂+eₜₕ due to the ion deactivation by collision reaction with nitric oxide O⁺₂+NO.
Influence of relief on the atmospheric electric field
Authors: Denisenko Valery
Published: March 2024

Measurements of the fair-weather electric field in mountainous areas are affected by the terrain, and therefore need additional calibration to be included in the global field picture. To do this, it is proposed to solve the three-dimensional electric current continuity problem of the atmosphere in the region between the Earth's surface and the ionosphere. As an example, the neighborhood of Klyuchevskaya Sopka is considered. With an increase in the height of the plateaus, the fair-weather electric current density above them increases, and the electric field strength decreases. A one-dimensional model of atmosphere conductivity is not applicable for terrain with steep slopes. A comparison of the daily-seasonal diagrams constructed according to the data of the Carnegie Cruise VII and according to the Tomsk Observatory showed the similarity of variations of the fair-weather electric field strength in such different places on the Earth. The field over the sea is about half as small as over low-lying land at the same time.
Effective subtraction technique: implementation for Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar
Authors: Tashlykov Viktor , Alsatkin Sergei , Medvedev Andrey , Ratovsky Konstantin
Published: March 2024

For incoherent scatter measurements, the effective subtraction technique is to alternate the duration of amplitude-modulated signals between a pair of consequently radiated pulses. The resulting gain of spatial resolution enables us to steadily assess the electron density profile by the Faraday rotation method. The paper describes the electron density measurement technique, which involves analyzing narrow-band signals from Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar, and proposes an automated method of determining the electron density for the problem in which the convolution of the radiated signal waveform with backscatter signal cannot be neglected. The inverse problem of electron density recovery is considered as a standard nonlinear optimization problem, which is solved using the algorithms for global and local optimization applied consequently. We compare the electron density profiles obtained by analyzing different pulse waveforms and from Irkutsk ionosonde data.
Recognition of geomagnetic storms from time series of matrix observations with the muon hodoscope URAGAN using neural networks of deep learning
Authors: Getmanov Viktor , Gvishiani Alexei , Soloviev Anatoly , Zajtsev Konstantin , Dunaev Maksim , Ehlakov Eduard
Published: March 2024

We solve the problem of recognizing geomagnetic storms from matrix time series of observations with the URAGAN muon hodoscope, using deep learning neural networks. A variant of the neural network software module is selected and its parameters are determined. Geomagnetic storms are recognized using binary classification procedures; a decision-making rule is formed. We estimate probabilities of correct and false recognitions. The recognition of geomagnetic storms is experimentally studied; for the assigned Dst threshold Yᴅ₀=–45 nT we obtain acceptable probabilities of correct and false recognitions, which amount to β=0.8212 and α=0.0047. We confirm the effectiveness and prospects of the proposed neural network approach.