bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential susceptibility of Red Sea Pocilloporidae corals to UVB highlights photoacclimation potential
Authors: Overmans Sebastian , Agustí Susana
Published: March 2023

Despite being exposed to extreme water temperatures and solar irradiances, Red Sea corals are relatively resistant to bleaching. While their thermal tolerance is well described, little is known about their resistance to ultraviolet-B radiation (UVB). Here, we performed a short-term (2 days) UVB-removal incubation with Stylophora pistillata, and in situ measurements with Pocillopora verrucosa complemented by a long-term (46 days) transplantation and UVB-removal experiment. Using a suite of physiological parameters (effective quantum yield (Fv’/Fm’), oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation, LPO), and primary production), we assessed the impacts of UVB on the physiology and acclimation capacity of Red Sea corals. Shielding S. pistillata from UVB did not change the gross primary production or Fv’/Fm’, and respiration and LPO in the host remained unaffected. In situ, P. verrucosa exhibited less varying and significantly higher Fv’/Fm’ in 8 m depth (0.61 ± 0.04) than in 4 m (0.52 ± 0.06), 2 m (0.51 ± 0.09), and 0.5 m (0.50 ± 0.11), where water temperatures ranged from 30.5–33.4, 30.6–34.0, 30.8–34.5, 30.6–37.3°C and daily UVB exposures averaged 0.9, 2.9, 11.8 and 21.4 kJ m-2, respectively. Fv’/Fm’ correlated the strongest with UVB (-0.57), followed by PAR (-0.54) and temperature (-0.40), suggesting that UVB is a key determinant of photosynthetic efficiency. Fv’/Fm’ of upward transplanted specimens (T 1m) was initially decreased but gradually increased and reached the same values as shallow corals (1 m) after 44 days. UVB removal significantly increased the Fv’/Fm’ of transplanted corals in the first 20 days. Oxidative stress was initially highest in T 1m samples under full sunlight but equalized with 1 m specimens by day 46, whereas oxidative stress was significantly reduced by day 4 in T 1m corals sheltered from UVB. Overall, UVB-removal generally had little impact on the physiology of shallow-water S. pistillata and P. verrucosa but considerably accelerated the acclimation of upward transplanted corals. Our study highlights that UVB is a crucial stressor governing the photoacclimation capacity of these Red Sea coral species.
Cutaneous angiosarcoma: A review of current evidence for treatment with checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Guan Lucy , Palmeri Marisa , Groisberg Roman
Published: March 2023

Cutaneous angiosarcoma (cAS) is a rare and aggressive subtype of soft tissue sarcoma with poor prognosis and suboptimal treatment options. Clinical presentation is variable, but cAS often arises from the head and neck. The most widely accepted current approach, surgical excision with adjuvant radiotherapy, is associated with high recurrence rates and can leave patients with profound disfigurement. Chemotherapy and targeted therapy alternatives have had limited success. Thus, there is a significant unmet need to address the absence of durable treatments for advanced and metastatic cAS. Like melanoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, tumor types with known response to immunotherapy, cAS harbors immune biomarkers, such as tumor mutational burden high (TMB-H), PD-L1 positivity, ultraviolet signature expression, and tertiary lymphoid structures. While data on the use and efficacy of immunotherapy in cAS is limited, the biomarkers suggest a promising advancement in future treatment options. This review aims to summarize and discuss current data from case reports, case series, retrospective studies and clinical trials regarding immunotherapy treatment and outcomes for cAS.
Poor insight and future thinking in early dementia limit patient projections of potential utility of technological innovations and advanced care planning
Authors: McLaren Jaye E. , Shin Marlena H. , Moo Lauren R.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Cognitive psychology posits that thinking about the future relies on memory such that those with memory impairment may have trouble imaging their future technology and other needs.

Methods

We conducted a content analysis of qualitative data from interviews with six patients with MCI or early dementia regarding potential adaptations to a mobile telepresence robot. Using a matrix analysis approach, we explored perceptions of (1) what technology could help with day-to-day functioning in the present and future and (2) what technology may help people with memory problems or dementia stay home alone safely.

Results

Very few participants could identify any technology to assist themselves or other people with memory problems and could not provide suggestions on what technology may help them stay home alone safely. Most perceived that they would never need robotic assistance.

Discussion

These findings suggest individuals with MCI or early dementia have limited perspectives on their own functional abilities now and in the future. Consideration of the individuals’ diminished understanding of their own future illness trajectory is crucial when engaging in research or considering novel technological management solutions and may have implications for other aspects of advanced care planning.
Effects of milk, milk replacer, and milk replacer plus ethoxyquin on the growth performance, weaning stress, and the fecal microbiota of Holstein dairy calves
Authors: Wei Xiaoshi , Zou Jifu , Zhang Yiwei , Yang Jinyong , Wang Junhong , Wang Yanming , Wang Chong
Published: March 2023

The growth and health statuses of calves during the early stages of development have a significant effect on milk production during their first lactation period. Using appropriate milk replacers helps meet the long-term targets of dairy farmers. This study aimed to examine the effects of milk, milk replacer, and milk replacer plus ethoxyquin on growth performance, antioxidant status, immune function, and the gut microbiota of Holstein dairy calves. A total of 36 neonatal dairy calves were randomly divided into three groups and fed different diets: one group was fed milk, another group was fed milk replacer, and the third group was given milk replacer plus ethoxyquin. The supplementation with ethoxyquin was started on day 35 of the feeding period. The calves were weaned on day 45, and the experiment was conducted until day 49. The blood and fecal samples were collected at the end of the animal experiment. The results showed that milk replacers induced poor growth performance (body weight and average daily gain). However, milk replacer plus ethoxyquin aided in growth performance, enhanced the starter intake and blood antioxidative ability, and elevated the concentration of fecal valeric acid. Moreover, fecal fermentation and 16S rRNA analyses showed that milk replacer plus ethoxyquin altered the microbial composition (reducing Alistipes and Ruminococcaceae and increasing Bacteroides and Alloprevotella). Pearson's correlation assays showed that alterations in fecal microbiota strongly correlated with average daily gain and antioxidative ability. The results indicated the potential of milk replacer plus ethoxyquin in modulating the growth of dairy calves and in enhancing their ability to combat stress.
Microbial community structure dynamics of invasive bullfrog with meningitis-like infectious disease
Authors: Li Wengang , Fan Guangwei , Sun Ke , Liu Jingru , Liu Jinyan , Wang Yu , Li En , Wu Xiaobing , Shen Liang , Pan Tao
Published: March 2023

Meningitis-like infectious disease (MID) (also known as frog cataract and torticollis) is a disease prone to occur in amphibians and reptiles. It is highly contagious and has a high mortality rate. In this study, we sampled and sequenced microbiomes from oral and intestinal samples of five normal and five diseased bullfrogs. The analysis found that the richness, uniformity, and abundance of the microbial community of the diseased bullfrogs were significantly higher than those of the normal bullfrogs in both the oral cavity and the gut. In the diseased group, the abundance of Elizabethkingia significantly increased and that of Lactococcus significantly decreased. It showed that the structure of the microbial community had changed a lot in diseased frogs. After the pathogenic bacteria infected the body, it might be make the decline in the immune function of the body declined, and resulting in some conditional pathogenic bacteria in the water body further infecting the body. As a result, the richness and composition of the microbial community significantly changed. This study can provide a theoretical basis for the control of MID of bullfrogs.
Encoding of everyday objects in older adults: Episodic memory assessment in virtual reality
Authors: Pflueger Marlon O. , Mager Ralph , Graf Marc , Stieglitz Rolf-Dieter
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Age-related decline in episodic memory performance in otherwise healthy older adults is indisputably evident. Yet, it has been shown that under certain conditions episodic memory performance in healthy older adults’ barely deviates from those seen in young adults. Here we report on the quality of object encoding in an ecologically valid, virtual-reality based memory assessment in a sample of healthy older and younger adults with comparable memory performance.

Methods

We analyzed encoding by establishing both a serial and semantic clustering index and an object memory association network.

Results

As expected, semantic clustering was superior in older adults without need for additional allocation of executive resources whereas young adults tended more to rely on serial strategies. The association networks suggested a plethora of obvious but also less obvious memory organization principles, some of which indicated converging approaches between the groups as suggested by a subgraph analysis and some of which indicated diverging approaches as suggested by the respective network interconnectivity. A higher interconnectivity was observed in the older adults’ association networks.

Discussion

We interpreted this as a consequence of superior semantic memory organization (extent to which effective semantic strategies diverged within the group). In conclusion, these results might indicate a diminished need for compensatory cognitive effort in healthy older adults when encoding and recalling everyday objects under ecologically valid conditions. Due to an enhanced and multimodal encoding model, superior crystallized abilities might be sufficient to counteract an age-related decline in various other and specific cognitive domains. This approach might potentially elucidate age-related changes in memory performance in both healthy and pathological aging.
Thermofluidic assembly of colloidal crystals
Authors: Quinn Desmond , Cichos Frank
Published: March 2023

Colloidal crystals are interesting as functional structures due to their emergent photonic properties like photonic stop bands and bandgaps that can be used to redirect light. They are commonly formed by a drying process that is assisted by capillary forces at the drying fronts. In this manuscript, we demonstrate the optically induced dynamic thermofluidic assembly of 2D and 3D colloidal crystals. We quantify in experiment and simulation the structure formation and identify thermo-osmosis and temperature induced depletion interactions as the key contributors to the colloidal crystal formation. The non-equilibrium nature of the assembly of colloidal crystals and its dynamic control by laser-induced local heating promise new possibilities for a versatile formation of photonic structures inaccessible by equilibrium processes.
Temporal and periorbital depressions identified by 3D images are correlated with malnutrition phenotypes in cancer patients: A pilot study
Authors: Chen Moxi , Wang Xue , Han Meifen , Li Yunzhu , Yu Nanze , Long Xiao , Chen Wei
Published: March 2023

Background

Prompt diagnosis of malnutrition and appropriate interventions can substantially improve the prognosis of patients with cancer; however, it is difficult to unify the tools for screening malnutrition risk. 3D imaging technology has been emerging as an approach to assisting in the diagnosis of diseases, and we designed this study to explore its application value in identifying the malnutrition phenotype and evaluating nutrition status.

Methods

Hospitalized patients treating with maintenance chemotherapy for advanced malignant tumor of digestive system were recruited from the Department of Oncology, whose NRS 2002 score > 3. Physical examination and body composition data of patients at risk for malnutrition were analyzed by physicians trained to complete a subjective global assessment. The facial depression index was recognized using the Antera 3D® system, temporal and periorbital depression indexes were acquired using the companion software Antera Pro. This software captures quantitative data of depression volume, affected area, and maximum depth of temporal and periorbital concave areas.

Results

A total of 53 inpatients with malnutrition-related indicators were included. The volume of temporal depression was significantly negatively correlated with upper arm circumference (r = −0.293, p = 0.033) and calf circumference (r = −0.285, p = 0.038). The volume and affected area of periorbital depression were significantly negatively correlated with fat mass index (r = −0.273, p = 0.048 and r = −0.304, p = 0.026, respectively) and percent body fat (r = −0.317, p = 0.021 and r = −0.364, p = 0.007, respectively). The volume and affected area of temporal depression in patients with muscle loss phenotype (low arm circumference/low calf circumference/low handgrip strength/low fat-free mass index) were significantly higher than those in patients without muscle loss. Moreover, patients with fat mass loss phenotype (low fat mass index) showed a significant increase in the volume and affected area of periorbital depression.

Conclusion

The facial temporal region, and periorbital depression indicators extracted by 3D image recognition technology were significantly associated with the phenotype of malnutrition-related muscle and fat loss and showed a trend of grade changes in the population of different subjective global assessment nutritional classifications.
Case report: Coexistence of sigmoid tumor with unusual pathological features and multiple colorectal neuroendocrine tumors with lymph node metastases
Authors: Pang Shu , Song Jiugang , Zhang Kun , Wang Jia , Zhao Haiying , Wang Yongjun , Li Peng , Zong Ye , Wu Yongdong
Published: March 2023

The coexistence of adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) in the same tumor is rare. What is rarer is that the neuroendocrine component is a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (NET) Grade (G) 1. Most colorectal NETs are single, but multiple neuroendocrine tumors (M-NETs) are rare. Well-differentiated NETs rarely metastasize. Here, we present a unique case of a synchronous sigmoid tumor and multiple colorectal NETs with lymph node metastases. The sigmoid tumor consisted of adenocarcinoma and NET G1. The metastatic component was NET G1. A 64-year-old man underwent a colonoscopy for persistent changes in bowel habits and positive fecal occult blood for 1 year. An ulcerative lesion, which was diagnosed as colon cancer, was seen in the sigmoid colon. In addition, scattered lesions could be seen in the colon and rectum. Surgical resection was performed. Pathological findings suggested that the ulcerative lesion was composed of 80% adenocarcinoma and 20% neuroendocrine component (NET G1), while the remaining lesions were consistent with NET G1. At the same time, 11 lymph nodes around the resected intestinal segment were invaded by NET G1. The prognosis of the patient was good. After 13 months of follow-up, no recurrence and no metastasis were found. We hope to provide a reference and improve our understanding of the clinicopathological features and biological behavior of these unique tumors. We also aim to emphasize the importance of radical surgery and individualized treatment.
Prediction of treatment response in patients with brain metastasis receiving stereotactic radiosurgery based on pre-treatment multimodal MRI radiomics and clinical risk factors: A machine learning model
Authors: Du Peng , Liu Xiao , Shen Li , Wu Xuefan , Chen Jiawei , Chen Lang , Cao Aihong , Geng Daoying
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), a therapy that uses radiation to treat brain tumors, has become a significant treatment procedure for patients with brain metastasis (BM). However, a proportion of patients have been found to be at risk of local failure (LF) after treatment. Hence, accurately identifying patients with LF risk after SRS treatment is critical to the development of successful treatment plans and the prognoses of patients. To accurately predict BM patients with the occurrence of LF after SRS therapy, we develop and validate a machine learning (ML) model based on pre-treatment multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics and clinical risk factors.

Patients and methods

In this study, 337 BM patients were included (247, 60, and 30 in the training set, internal validation set, and external validation set, respectively). Four clinical features and 223 radiomics features were selected using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and Max-Relevance and Min-Redundancy (mRMR) filters. We establish the ML model using the selected features and the support vector machine (SVM) classifier to predict the treatment response of BM patients to SRS therapy.

Results

In the training set, the SVM classifier that uses a combination of clinical and radiomics features demonstrates outstanding discriminative performance (AUC=0.95, 95% CI: 0.93-0.97). Moreover, this model also achieves satisfactory results in the validation sets (AUC=0.95 in the internal validation set and AUC=0.93 in the external validation set), demonstrating excellent generalizability.

Conclusions

This ML model enables a non-invasive prediction of the treatment response of BM patients receiving SRS therapy, which can in turn assist neurologist and radiation oncologists in the development of more precise and individualized treatment plans for BM patients.
Host spatiotemporal overlap in a park with high endemicity of Echinococcus multilocularis
Authors: Visscher Darcy R. , Toews Emilie , Pattison Jesse , Walker Philip D. , Kemna Colborne , Musiani Marco , Massolo Alessandro
Published: March 2023

Background

There has been a spate of recent cases of human alveolar echinococcosis (AE) in Alberta, Canada. Alveolar echinococcosis is caused byEchinococcus multilocularis, which is prevalent among coyote populations and present in domestic dogs in Alberta.

Methods and results

Using qPCR, we estimated the seasonal fecal prevalence ofE. multilocularisin coyotes and dogs in a multiuse recreation area close to Edmonton, Alberta, where we also setup remote cameras to model seasonal changes in the overlap in temporal activity and the spatial intensity of use among coyotes, humans, and dogs, as a proxy of potential transmission. We detectedE. multilocularisin 18 of 137 wild canid feces and none in 44 dog feces. After correcting for the qPCR test’s sensitivity and specificity, we estimated at 15.7% (9.7-22.7%, 95% CrI) the true fecal prevalence for coyotes. Temporal overlap between coyotes and both humans and dogs increased in the fall and winter relative to the spring and summer. Coyote intensity of use showed seasonal variations and was higher on maintained trails and locations closer to visitor parking and at sites with high intensity of dog use.

Conclusions

Our results reinforce the need of an integrated approach, typical of both One-Health and Eco-Health, to park management for minimizing the likelihood of transmission where human and dog activity results in significant overlap with the one of the natural definitive hosts of zoonotic parasites.
The surgical techniques of transperineal anastomotic urethroplasty for complex posterior urethral stenosis in boys and the long-term follow up outcomes
Authors: Zhu Weidong , Song Lujie , Sa Yinglong , Xu Yuemin , Fu Qiang
Published: March 2023

Objective

To explored the curative effects of various surgical methods used to treat complicated posterior urethral strictures in boys and the long-term complication.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 28 boys under 14 years of age with complicated posterior urethral strictures treated at our hospital from January 2015 to December 2020. Urethral angiography revealed posterior urethral strictures. Twelve had previously failed urethral surgery; four had urethral fistulae. All underwent end-to-end urethral anastomoses via a transperineal, inferior pubic approach. We freed the distal end of the urethra, split the penile cavernous septum, partially resected the lower edge of the pubic symphysis, and rerouted the urethra under a corpus cavernosum to reduce the tension of the urethral anastomosis.

Results

All boys were 2–14 years of age at the time of surgery (mean 6.3 years). The urethral strictures were 3–5.5 cm in length (mean 4.2 cm). Catheters were removed 4 weeks postoperatively. The postoperative follow-up time was 4–72 months (mean 36.8 months). Twenty-four patients exhibited unobstructed urination after a single operation. The maximum urinary flow rate was 15–22 ml/s (average 17.8 ml/s); the success rate was 85.7%. Two patients required second urethral end-to-end anastomoses; urination became normal postoperatively. Two continued to exhibit cystostomies, and two evidenced mild incontinence. Of the six children who have attained puberty, two report erectile dysfunction.

Conclusion

End-to-end urethral anastomosis via a transperineal inferior pubic approach is an ideal treatment for posterior urethral strictures in boys. The complications include incontinence and erectile dysfunction, and require long-term follow-up.
Growth patterns of the nasolabial region following unilateral cleft lip primary repair
Authors: Xu Yulang , Zeng Ni , Li Jingtao , Zheng Qian , Shi Bing
Published: March 2023

Surgical correction is the optimal way of repairing a congenital cleft lip. Patients with this condition often undergo initial surgical treatment at an early age and achieve an acceptable outcome. However, their levels of satisfaction will decrease in later stages of life as facial growth and development will inevitably cause changes in long-term outcomes, especially in the nasolabial region. Therefore, it is important for surgeons to understand nasolabial development after primary treatment and tailor their surgical techniques appropriately. This review focuses on the growth patterns of the nasolabial region after primary repair, so as to provide references for operative strategy.
Cyclopia extracts act as selective estrogen receptor subtype downregulators in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cell lines: Comparison to standard of care breast cancer endocrine therapies and a selective estrogen receptor agonist and antagonist
Authors: Olayoku Folasade R. , Verhoog Nicolette J. D. , Louw Ann
Published: March 2023

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed type of cancer amongst women in economically developing countries and globally. Most breast cancers express estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and are categorized as positive (ER+) breast cancer. Endocrine therapies such as, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), aromatase inhibitors (AIs), and selective estrogen receptor downregulators (SERDs) are used to treat ER+ breast cancer. However, despite their effectiveness, severe side-effects and resistance are associated with these endocrine therapies. Thus, it would be highly beneficial to develop breast cancer drugs that are as effective as current therapies, but less toxic with fewer side effects, and less likely to induce resistance. Extracts of Cyclopia species, an indigenous South African fynbos plant, have been shown to possess phenolic compounds that exhibit phytoestrogenic and chemopreventive activities against breast cancer development and progression. In the current study, three well characterized Cyclopia extracts, SM6Met, cup of tea (CoT) and P104, were examined for their abilities to modulate the levels of the estrogen receptor subtypes, estrogen receptor alpha and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), which have been recognized as crucial to breast cancer prognosis and treatment. We showed that the Cyclopia subternata Vogel (C. subternata Vogel) extracts, SM6Met and cup of tea, but not the C. genistoides extract, P104, reduced estrogen receptor alpha protein levels while elevating estrogen receptor beta protein levels, thereby reducing the ERα:ERβ ratio in a similar manner as standard of care breast cancer endocrine therapies such as fulvestrant (selective estrogen receptor downregulator) and 4-hydroxytamoxifen (elective estrogen receptor modulator). Estrogen receptor alpha expression enhances the proliferation of breast cancer cells while estrogen receptor beta inhibits the proliferative activities of estrogen receptor alpha. We also showed that in terms of the molecular mechanisms involved all the Cyclopia extracts regulated estrogen receptor alpha and estrogen receptor beta protein levels through both transcriptional and translational, and proteasomal degradation mechanisms. Therefore, from our findings, we proffer that the C. subternata Vogel extracts, SM6Met and cup of tea, but not the C. genistoides extract, P104, selectively modulate estrogen receptor subtypes levels in a manner that generally supports inhibition of breast cancer proliferation, thereby demonstrating attributes that could be explored as potential therapeutic agents for breast cancer.
Few-femtosecond X-ray pulse generation and pulse duration control in a seeded free-electron laser
Authors: Fan Weijie , Qi Zheng , Feng Chao , Zhao Minghua
Published: March 2023

With the development of ultrafast science, free-electron lasers (FELs) with ultrashort pulses have become a state-of-the-art tool in ultrafast phenomena studies. In an externally seeded FEL, the output pulse duration is usually determined both by the seed laser pulse duration and FEL amplification process, which can hardly reach the timescale of a few femtoseconds. In this study, through a simple method of changing the relative time delay and correspondingly the pulse energy of the two seed lasers employed in a seeded FEL, we demonstrated the possibility of generating few-femtosecond soft X-ray pulses and controlling the final FEL pulse durations. Based on theoretical calculations and practical experiments, we conducted a detailed study on the capabilities and limitations to this method with the parameters of the Shanghai Soft X-ray FEL Facility. Start-to-end simulations indicate that we can achieve ultrashort soft X-ray FEL pulses with the pulse duration down to 5.2 fs, and the final pulse durations can also be controlled in terms of relative time delays.
Towards non-linearly activated ZNN model for constrained manipulator trajectory tracking
Authors: Lan Xiangyu , Jin Jie , Liu Haiyan
Published: March 2023

As a powerful method for time-varying problems solving, the zeroing neural network (ZNN) is widely applied in many practical applications that can be modeled as time-varying linear matrix equations (TVLME). Generally, existing ZNN models solve these TVLME problems in the ideal no noise situation without inequality constraints, but the TVLME with noises and inequality constraints are rarely considered. Therefore, a non-linear activation function is designed, and based on the non-linear activation function, a non-linearly activated ZNN (NAZNN) model is proposed for solving constrained TVLME (CTVLME) problems. The convergence and robustness of the proposed NAZNN model are verified theoretically, and simulation results further demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the NAZNN model in dealing with CTVLME and the constrained robot manipulator trajectory tracking problems. In addition, the wheeled robot trajectory tracking fault problems with physical constraints are also analyzed theoretically, and the proposed NAZNN model is also applied to the manipulator trajectory tracking fault problem, and the experimental results prove that the NAZNN model also deal with the manipulator trajectory tracking fault problem effectively.
Fine-grained weed recognition using Swin Transformer and two-stage transfer learning
Authors: Wang Yecheng , Zhang Shuangqing , Dai Baisheng , Yang Sensen , Song Haochen
Published: March 2023

Weeding is very critical for agriculture due to its importance for reducing crop yield loss. Accurate recognition of weed species is one of the major challenges for achieving automatic and precise weeding. To improve the recognition performance of weeds and crops with similar visual characteristics, a fine-grained weed recognition method based on Swin Transformer and two-stage transfer learning is proposed in this study. First, the Swin Transformer network is introduced to learn the discriminative features that can distinguish subtle differences between visually similar weeds and crops. Second, a contrastive loss is applied to further enlarge the feature differences between different categories of weeds and crops. Finally, a two-stage transfer learning strategy is proposed to address the problem of insufficient training data and improve the accuracy of weed recognition. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, we constructed a private weed dataset (MWFI) with maize seedling and seven species of associated weeds that are collected in the farmland environment. The experimental results on this dataset show that the proposed method achieved the recognition accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score of 99.18%, 99.33%, 99.11%, and 99.22%, respectively, which are superior to the performance of the state-of-the-art convolutional neural network (CNN)-based architectures including VGG-16, ResNet-50, DenseNet-121, SE-ResNet-50, and EfficientNetV2. Additionally, evaluation results on the public DeepWeeds dataset further demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. This study can provide a reference for the design of automatic weed recognition systems.
Enhancement of phytolith-occluded carbon accumulation of Moso bamboo response to temperatures elevation and different fertilization
Authors: Liu Lijun , Chang Scott X. , Huang Chengpeng , Zhi Yuyou , Jie Yang , Yu Xiuling , Jiang Peikun
Published: March 2023

The accumulation of phytolith-occluded carbon (PhytOC) in Moso bamboo could be a novel long-term carbon sequestration strategy. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of temperature change and different fertilization on PhytOC accumulation. The pot experiment was established with different fertilization (including control (CK), nitrogen fertilizers (N), silicon fertilizers (Si), and a combination of nitrogen and silicon (NSi)) under high- and low-temperature. Despite the different fertilization, the PhytOC accumulation of the high-temperature group increases by 45.3% on average compared with the low-temperature group, suggesting higher temperature is greatly beneficial to the PhytOC accumulation. Fertilization significantly increases the accumulation of PhytOC (increased by 80.7% and 48.4% on average for the low- and high-temperature group, respectively) compared with CK. However, the N treatment increased both Moso bamboo biomass and PhytOC accumulation. The difference in the accumulation of PhytOC in Si and NSi was insignificant, indicating the combination of N and Si didn’t bring extra benefit to PhytOC accumulation compared to Si fertilizer alone. These results indicated the application of nitrogen fertilizer is a practical and effective method for enhancing long-term carbon sequestration for Moso bamboo. Based on our study, we conclude that global warming poses a positive effect on promoting the long-term carbon sequestration of Moso bamboo.
Perspectives on adaptive functioning and intellectual functioning measures for intellectual disabilities behavioral research
Authors: Mattie Laura J. , Loveall Susan J. , Channell Marie Moore , Rodgers Derek B.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Intellectual disability (ID) is a significant limitation in both intellectual ability and adaptive functioning, but many studies of participants with ID only include a measure of overall intellectual functioning when describing their samples. The purpose of this perspective article was to provide a starting point for future research regarding the utility of including measures of both intellectual and adaptive functioning in research focused on ID. In this article, we discuss the differences and similarities between the constructs of intellectual and adaptive functioning, how they are measured, and the benefits of using both measures to describe participant abilities. Data are presented to demonstrate that intellectual and adaptive functioning measures capture separate but related skills in a sample of individuals with ID (i.e., children with Down syndrome [DS]; the leading genetic cause of ID).

Methods

Thirty children with DS (7–31 months) were administered the Mullen Scales of Early Learning and their mothers were interviewed using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales.

Results

At the group level, Vineland and Mullen composite scores were relatively normally distributed and positively correlated. At the individual level, a concordance correlation coefficient indicated moderate agreement between Vineland and Mullen composite scores.

Discussion

Although many children showed consistency between measures, others did not. Our discussion and findings, though preliminary, highlight that intellectual and adaptive functioning are separate but related skills and that there are benefits to including both measures when describing samples with ID. We discuss considerations for including adaptive functioning measures to enhance future research on individuals with ID.
Institutional presence: Toward a further developed Community of Inquiry model integrating institutional functions in online and blended learning environment
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhu Chang
Published: March 2023

In this research we examine the Community of Inquiry model and further develop the model by integrating a complementary institutional presence. For this purpose, a questionnaire including five presences and 73 questions was designed. In total, a response of 762 questionnaires from five universities were collected. Correspondingly, statistical analysis like factor analysis and structural equation model were conducted. The present paper is, duly, a quantitative investigation of the correlations between institutional presence and other presences in the new model as well. Finally, a further developed Community of Inquiry model that integrates institutional presence is generated. With a relatively large sample, the results meet the applicable requirements, indicating that the generated model is acceptable and fits well with the data.
“A frightening experience, especially at our age”: Examining the neglect and abuse of older persons in HIV prevention and care programs
Authors: Nyirenda Makandwe , Sukazi Sizakele , Buthelezi Cebo , Hanass-Hancock Jill
Published: March 2023

Background

As the global population ages and the HIV pandemic matures, a growing number of older persons aged ≥50 years are becoming increasingly vulnerable to acquiring HIV. Unfortunately, older persons are often neglected and left out of sexual health programs and services. This study explored the experiences of older persons living with and without HIV in accessing prevention and care services and how those experiences translate into the neglect and abuse of older persons. The study also explored older people's perspectives on community responses to HIV in older people.

Methods

This qualitative analysis used data from 37 individuals who participated in focus group discussions conducted in 2017/2018 across two communities in Durban, South Africa. Using an interview guide and thematic content analysis, salient themes regarding attitudes to HIV in older persons and factors of access to HIV prevention and cares services for older persons were analyzed.

Results

The study participant's mean age was 59.6 years. Major themes emerging from the data included factors impacting HIV prevention and transmission in older people; community responses to HIV contributing to the abuse of older people, and structural drivers of abuse in older people living with HIV (OPLHIV). Knowledge about HIV and how to protect themselves from HIV was limited among participants. Older persons were frightened to acquire HIV at an older age as they feared judgment and discrimination for getting HIV at that age. OPLHIV reported frequently experiencing community stigma and poor staff attitudes and practices at health facilities, such as a triage health delivery system that fueled community stigma. Participants also experienced neglect, verbal and emotional abuse at healthcare facilities.

Conclusion

Although there were no reports of physical and sexual abuse of older persons in this study, this study shows that despite decades of HIV programs in the country, HIV-related stigma, discrimination, and disrespect of older persons remain pervasive in the community and at health facilities. As an increasing number of people age and live longer with HIV, the neglect and outright abuse of older persons need urgent policy and program interventions.
Hemoglobin level is negatively associated with sarcopenia and its components in Chinese aged 60 and above
Authors: Liu Qiaoling , You Jiuhong , Zhong Min , Wu Zhigang , Geng Yunjie , Huang Cheng
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Sarcopenia and low hemoglobin level are common in older adults. Few studies have evaluated the association between hemoglobin level and sarcopenia and with inconsistent findings. The multifaceted effects of sarcopenia on the human body and the high prevalence of anemia in the Chinese population make it necessary to explore the association between the two.

Methods

Using the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), we explored the association between hemoglobin with sarcopenia and its components in the Chinese population aged 60 and above. Multivariate logistic and Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to examine the association of hemoglobin level with sarcopenia and sarcopenia components in individuals aged 60 years or above. The subgroup analysis covered residence, body mass index level, drinking status, and smoking status were conducted. The possible difference of associations between sexes was also explored.

Results

With a total of 3,055 people, the hemoglobin concentration in people without sarcopenia, possible sarcopenia, and sarcopenia are 14.34 ± 2.22, 14.64 ± 2.27, and 13.58 ± 2.02 g/dl, respectively. Cross-sectional analysis showed strong evidence that hemoglobin was negatively associated with sarcopenia [Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.95, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.90–0.99] and low height-adjusted appendicular skeletal muscle mass (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.86–0.97). On average, a per 1 g/dl higher hemoglobin level was associated with 5% lower odds of sarcopenia (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.90–0.98). The cohort study of 1,022 people demonstrated a statistically significant negative association of hemoglobin level with low physical performance [Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.85–0.99], merely with sarcopenia (HR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.84–1.00) and skeletal muscle mass (HR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.80–1.00). Sex-specific analysis suggested hemoglobin's association with sarcopenia, muscle mass, and physical performance in all sexes, with weaker magnitudes in females. Hemoglobin in urban residents and people with high body mass index (BMI) has a larger magnitude of the negative association with sarcopenia.

Discussion

Hemoglobin level associates with sarcopenia, muscle mass, and physical performance in the Chinese population aged 60 and above, with sex-specific, residence-specific, and BMI-specific effects.
What is the degree of social disability risk in China under the background of the aging population? Social disability risk measurement index system design and evaluation research based on China
Authors: Guo Qianqian , Sun Yufeng , Fan Miao , Li Zhichun
Published: March 2023

Objective

The impact of the aging population in China varies between regions. It is because regions with different resource endowments, such as those related to economy, population, and medical care, have different degrees of disability risk in the face of the increases in the disabled and semi-disabled older population caused by the overall aging of the population. This study aimed to construct an evaluation system to monitor and measure the degree of social disability risk in different regions in China and to evaluate and compare the degree of social disability risk in different regions using empirical data.

Method

This study used the Delphi method to construct a social disability risk measurement index system with macro, meso, and micro dimensions. At the same time, based on the data of CHARLS2018, an AHP-entropy method was used to calculate the index's total weight, and the standard deviation classification method was used to classify the total and criterion-level measurement scores of 28 provinces.

Results

The regional degree of social disability risk was analyzed in subdimensions. Our research indicates that China's social disability risk situation is not promising, with a general medium to high-risk level. The score of degree of social disability risk among provinces is consistent with the regional economic development level to a large extent. The risk of social disability varies significantly among the eastern and central, and western regions of China and the provinces within the three regions.

Discussion

Currently, the situation facing the degree of social disability risk in China is that the overall risk level of the country is higher, and the difference between regions is significant. It is necessary to take measures to meet better the needs of the aging population and the disabled and semi-disabled older populations in a large-range, large-scale, multilevel way.
Impact of virtual continued medical education on carbon footprint and awareness of digital sobriety: A retrospective cross-sectional study among public health professionals in India
Authors: Gandhi Aravind P. , Padhi Bijaya Kumar , Goel Kapil , Singh Amarjeet , Kansal Om Prakash , Al-Ahdal Tareq
Published: March 2023

Background

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, physical meetings and continuing medical education (CMEs) are being conducted in virtual mode. Digital sobriety has been advocated as a strategy for controlling the environmental emission from online events. The present study was undertaken to assess the impact of virtual CMEs on the environment and the participants' perception, knowledge, attitude, and practices of digital sobriety during the CMEs.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional Google form-based online study was conducted among the 1,311 registrants of 23 virtual CMEs hosted in India. A pre-tested English questionnaire was used to collect the data. The potential carbon footprint of the significant physical CME activities and the carbon emission (CE) of the virtual CMEs were estimated. Among the registrants contacted, 251 consented and participated in the study.

Results

The CE of the virtual CMEs was 0.787 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2 Eq). If the CMEs were conducted physically, the potential CE was estimated to be 290.094 MT CO2 Eq. The awareness rate of digital sobriety was 35%. Most of the participants (58.7%) from the current study preferred the hybrid mode of CMEs.

Conclusions

Virtual, digitally sober CMEs have reduced the potential CE by 99.7% compared to physical CMEs in India. The awareness and knowledge about digital sobriety is low in India. Knowledge, networking, social interactions, and overall satisfaction were relatively lower in the virtual mode of CMEs than in the physical mode.
Health-related quality of life and associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS in Sichuan, China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhong Hua , Wei Fuling , Song Yuqing , Chen Hong , Ni Zhao
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to explore health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) in Sichuan, China.

Methods

A total of 401 PLWH were recruited from the city of Panzhihua between August 2018 and January 2019. Demographic characteristics and disease-related data were collected by self-administered questionnaires and medical system records. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was measured by the medical outcome study HIV health survey (MOS-HIV), which measured ten subdimensions and two summarized dimensions, the physical health summary score (PHS) and the mental health summary score (MHS). Logistic regression models were used to explore the variables independently associated with quality of life.

Results

The PHS and MHS measured by MOS-HIV were 53.66 ± 6.80 and 51.31 ± 7.66, respectively. Younger age, higher educational level, no methadone use, higher CD4 lymphocyte counts, less symptom counts and heathy BMI significantly were associated with higher HRQOL in the univariate χ2-test analysis. Education level was found to have a significant influence on patients' quality of life, both in physical health (P = 0.022) and mental health (P = 0.002) dimensions. Younger age (P = 0.032), higher CD4 lymphocyte counts (P = 0.007), less symptom counts (P < 0.001) and health BMI level (P < 0.001) were positively related to the PHS of quality of life in the multivariable logistic regression model.

Conclusion

The HRQoL of PLWH in Sinchuan Province was relatively low. Age, educational level, methadone use, CD4 lymphocyte counts, symptom counts and BMI were positively related to quality of life. This study indicates that health caregivers should pay more attention to comorbidity issues and mental health in PLWH, especially for those with lower education levels, unhealthy body mass index, more symptomatic presentation and older age.
Predictive importance of the visceral adiposity index and atherogenic index of plasma of all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality in middle-aged and elderly Lithuanian population
Authors: Tamosiunas Abdonas , Luksiene Dalia , Kranciukaite-Butylkiniene Daina , Radisauskas Ricardas , Sopagiene Diana , Bobak Martin
Published: March 2023

Background

Two indices: visceral adiposity index (VAI) and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) during several recent years were implemented into epidemiological studies for predicting of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and mortality risk. Our study aimed to evaluate the association of VAI and AIP with the risk of all-cause and CVD mortality among the Lithuanian urban population aged 45–72 years.

Methods

In the baseline survey (2006–2008), 7,115 men and women 45–72 years of age were examined within the framework of the international study Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial Factors in Eastern Europe (HAPIEE). Six thousand six hundred and seventy-one participants (3,663 women and 3,008 men) were available for statistical analysis (after excluding 429 respondents with the missed information on study variables) and for them, VAI and AIP were calculated. The questionnaire evaluated lifestyle behaviors, including smoking and physical activity. All participants in the baseline survey were followed up for all-cause and CVD mortality events until December 31st, 2020. Multivariable Cox regression models were applied for statistical data analysis.

Results

After accounting for several potential confounders, higher levels of VAI (compared 5th quintile to 1st quintile) were associated with significantly higher CVD mortality in men [Hazards ratio (HR) = 1.38] and all-cause mortality in women (HR = 1.54) after 10-year follow-up. CVD mortality significantly increased in men with 0 the highest AIP quintile compared with that for the lowest quintile (HR = 1.40). In women, all-cause mortality was significantly higher for the 4th quintile of AIP as compared with the 1st quintile (HR = 1.36).

Conclusions

High-risk VAI levels were statistically significantly associated with all-cause mortality risk in men and women groups. The higher AIP level (5th quintile vs. 1st quintile—in men and 4th quintile vs. 1st quintile—in women) was significantly associated with increased mortality from CVD in the men group and increased all-cause mortality in the women group.