bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Questionnaire Survey on the Diagnosis and Treatments of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases (EGID) in Asia
Authors: Tsuzuki Yoshikazu , Shiotani Akiko , Miyaguchi Kazuya , Ono Shouko , Saito Yutaka , Sugimoto Mitsushige , Naito Yuji , Nomura Sachiyo , Handa Osamu , Hisamatsu Tadakazu , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Matsuda Takahisa , Morita Yoshinori , Yahagi Naohisa , Chan Francis K. L. , Ang Tiing Leong , Abdullah Murdani , Tablante Maria Carla , Prachayakul Varayu , Li Baiwen , Jung Hwoon-Yong , Matsumoto Hisashi , Shiomi Rie , Imaeda Hiroyuki
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (EGID) is divided into eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and non-eosinophilic esophagitis eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (non-EoE-EGID), based on the involved gastrointestinal organs. The present survey was performed to provide an overview of the current status of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of EGID in Asia. Methods: Responses to the questionnaire were obtained from 228 doctors at various institutions in eight Asian countries. The questionnaire consisted of 52 questions on EoE and non-EoE EGID. Results: Responses to Questionnaire were obtained from 228 doctors from eight countries. The most common participation facilities were university hospitals, followed by public hospitals, private hospitals, and private clinics. 1-10 were the most frequent patients per year in each institution for both EoE and non-EoE-EGIDs. 30’s and 40’s are common age groups for both EoE and non-EoE-EGID. Although endoscopic findings vary among countries, 15 or more eosinophil infiltrations in high-power fields as a diagnostic criterion are used in all countries for EoE. As treatments, the prescription rates of Proton pump inhibitor (PPI), diet, topical and systemic steroids, and biologics were similar among the eight countries in EoE. Non-EoE-EGID showed a similar trend to EoE in epidemiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Conclusion: The questionnaire survey partially revealed the current status of the epidemiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of EGID in Asian countries.
National trends in asthma prevalence among adolescents in South Korea, 2007–2023: a national representative serial study
Authors: Kim Juyeong , Yim Yesol , Park Seoyoung , Kim Hyunjee , Smith Lee , López Sánchez Guillermo F. , Kim Jaewon , Woo Selin , Yon Dong Keon
Published: February 2025

Background: Although previous studies have analyzed trends in asthma prevalence among adolescents before and during the COVID–19 pandemic, research specifically investigating asthma prevalence after the pandemic is lacking. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the long-term trends and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of asthma among Korean adolescents.
Methods: Data were collected from a nationwide representative study (Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey), conducted among adolescents aged 12 to 18 years from 2007 to 2023. To assess the impact of the COVID–19 pandemic, data were divided into three periods: pre-pandemic (2007–2019), intra-pandemic (2020–2022), and post-pandemic (2023). The prevalence of current asthma and variations in asthma prevalence across the pre-, intra-, and post-pandemic periods were analyzed using weighted linear regression and logistic models with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results: A total of 1,087,236 participants (559,840 males [51.49%]) were included in the analysis from 2007 to 2023. The weighted asthma prevalence exhibited slight fluctuations prior to the pandemic, with no notable overall changes. However, a substantial decline was observed during the intra-pandemic period compared to pre-pandemic (βdiff intra- versus pre-pandemic, -0.11 [95% CI, -0.12 to -0.09]), followed by a slight weakening in the post-pandemic period (βdiff post- versus intra-pandemic, 0.07 [95% CI, 0.03–0.10]). This trend persisted when analyzed by sex, with males exhibiting a higher prevalence than females throughout the entire period (versus females: weighted odds ratio, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.29–1.34]). Additionally, prior to the pandemic, the prevalence of asthma was higher among students in grades 7–9. However, after the pandemic began, students in grades 10–12 showed higher prevalence rates than their younger counterparts. The prevalence was also higher among adolescents who were overweight or obese, smoked, lived in facilities, had low household income, consumed fast food more than five times a week, experienced high stress levels, and reported low subjective recovery from fatigue.
Conclusions: This comprehensive study suggests that the prevalence of asthma among adolescents varies with age and may be affected by the COVID–19 pandemic. Additionally, it identifies key factors contributing to asthma vulnerability, highlighting the importance of developing age-specific policies and targeted interventions for these at-risk groups.
Agentes lentos e objetos coreográficos: diagramas do acolhimento ao centro de cidades ao sul
Authors: Santos Taís Beltrame dos
Published: February 2025

Entendiendo la ciudad como un lugar de encuentro entre múltiples temporalidades, agentes y fuerzas que tejen la contemporaneidad, reviso las huellas y fragmentos de mis viajes al centro de Montevideo, Porto Alegre y Pelotas para buscar objetos coreográficos que operen los territorios del espacio público en la interfaz con la arquitectura. Este encuentro habilita nuevas agencias para el diseño de lugares más acogedores e interactivos. El funcionamiento de los fragmentos revisitados se recompone a partir de diagramas, un dispositivo cartográfico que propone una forma de registrar el proceso entre forma y palabra, lo que brinda nuevas consideraciones para pensar las dinámicas en el centro de las ciudades del sur del sur.
A linguagem visual do Raio que o parta no Bairro de São Brás, Belém-PA: geometria e organicidade
Authors: Miranda Cybelle Salvador , Pereira Juliana Solano Nunes
Published: February 2025

The “Raio que o parta” is a modern trend from Pará that is configured by the junction of architecture with the arts, marked by a symbolic and plastic language in its colorful panels formed by shards of tiles creating rays, arrows, geometric and organic figures on the facades. Knowing that the use of tiles conveys a communicative value, the research aims to analyze the aesthetic and formal aspects of the mosaics present in the examples of the São Brás Neighborhood, in Belém. With the data collected, 36 houses were identified with manifestation of the characteristics “Raio que o parta”, among which it was possible, through the analysis of their panels, to observe an expressive amount of visual aspects that were frequently repeated among the cataloged specimens. Given the results obtained, we contribute to the configuration of an image bank that will serve as motivation for disseminating this cultural expression from Pará, contributing to its appreciation and preservation.
Gestão comunitária da água: a recuperação das nascentes do distrito de Pindaíbas, Patos de Minas/MG
Authors: Piccinato Junior Dirceu , Caixeta Cira
Published: February 2025

O presente artigo objetiva analisar o Programa Pró-Nascentes elaborado pela Companhia de Saneamento do estado de Minas Gerais, a Copasa. O Programa pretende, através da recuperação de áreas ambientais degradadas, conservar o meio ambiente e melhorar a qualidade de vida dos pequenos agricultores e trabalhadores rurais. Com a participação da Companhia de Saneamento, de entidades ambientais, Prefeitura Municipal, demais apoiadores, e principalmente da comunidade local, o projeto foi implantando no distrito de Pindaíbas, localizado no município de Patos de Minas. Os objetivos específicos, são: i) compreender os conceitos que fundamentam o debate e, ii) examinar o referido projeto. Os procedimentos metodológicos empregados foram a pesquisa bibliográfica, a pesquisa exploratória, entrevistas semiestruturadas e análise dos relatórios. Como resultado, destacamos o fortalecimento do sistema integrado de gerenciamento de recursos hídricos, sustentado pela consolidação de uma gestão democrática e compartilhada entre o poder público, entidades privadas e a comunidade local.
Evaluation of bacterial bioagents for controlling gray mold disease in tomatoes and promoting crop health
Authors: Rahman Md Mosaddekur , Almasoudi Najeeb M. , Asiry Khalid A. , Abo-Elyousr Kamal A. M.
Published: February 2025

Background

Tomato yield and quality are influenced by multiple factors, including conditions during cultivation, post-harvest handling and storage. Botrytis cinerea, the fungal pathogen causing gray mold disease, poses a significant threat to tomato production. This disease poses a serious challenge to tomato cultivation on a global scale, leading to significant crop losses and compromising food supply security. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of three different bacterial bioagents, namely Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Pseudomonas chlororaphis, against B. cinerea.

Results

From the rhizosphere of a tomato field, 22 bacterial isolates were collected. Among them, three isolates, designated as 1, 8 and 11, displayed notable antagonistic effects against Botrytis cinerea during in vitro testing and were selected for further analysis. The bacteria were identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and P. chlororaphis through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The experiments demonstrated that these three isolates significantly inhibited the growth of the pathogenic fungus and promoted plant growth, with B. amyloliquefaciens emerging as the most effective inhibitor, displaying the highest antifungal activity. In vitro and greenhouse experiment suggest that the bacterial isolates hold considerable promise as natural antagonists for managing gray mold disease in tomatoes. The study further recommends using all three isolates for controlling the gray mold, with B. amyloliquefaciens showing the most significant potential, evidenced by its consistently lower disease severity scores, achieving the highest % efficacy (85.75) compared to control.

Conclusions

The study emphasizes the significant potential of P. fluorescens, B. amyloliquefaciens and P. chlororaphis as effective bioagents to control tomato gray mold disease, B. cinerea. By directly targeting the fungal pathogen, these isolates provide an effective strategy for mitigating the adverse impacts of gray mold, contributing to higher crop yield and quality. Further research needs on open field trials and commercialization strategies for large-scale application of these bacterial bioagents.
Towards better resolution — a broadband Gaussian beam migration based on the impulse response of seismic imaging system
Authors: Liu Shaoyong , Ni Wenjun , Han Binkai , Sheng Shen , Wang Huazhong
Published: February 2025

High-resolution images of subsurface necessitate sophisticated migration methods and high-quality seismic data. Least-Squares Migration (LSM), as an inversion-based method, aims to produce a high-precision subsurface reflectivity model by minimizing the misfit between observed and modelled data. However, the large computational cost for large-scale datasets and convergence issues in case of complex data limit the widespread application of LSM. In this study, we reframe the basic theory of LSM within the perspective of linear system analysis. We identify the point spreading function (PSF) of the underground scattering points is the impulse response of the linear seismic imaging system, with the conventional imaging result can be regarded as the zero-state response of the same system. In this case, the problem of inversion imaging can be expressed as the estimation of the corresponding stimulation function of the imaging system, leveraging the known impulse response and zero-state response. Specifically, we introduce the Gaussian beam propagator to generate PSFs as the impulse response of the inversion imaging system firstly. Then, the Gaussian beam migration (GBM) was employed for the zero-state response of this imaging system. After that, the broadband GBM can be accomplished by a deconvolution with the estimated impulse response and the zero-state response of this system. Where the deconvolution can be expressed by the division in wavenumber domain and implemented by a constrained inversion. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness and potential applications of the proposed broadband imaging method based on the impulse response of the linear imaging system.
Childhood Cancer Survivorship Care in Limited Resource Settings: A Narrative Review and Strategies to Promote Global Health Equity
Authors: Noyd David H. , Izurieta-Pacheco Ana Carolina , Mzikamanda Rizine , Nakiddu Nana , An Dao Thi Thanh , Souvanlasy Bounpalisone , Bhalla Ritu , Kumar Chandan , Bagai Poonam , Semerci Remziye , Arpaci Tuba , Schroeder Kristin , Oyewusi Adekemi , Moreno Florencia , Vásquez Liliana , Fuentes-Alabí Soad
Published: February 2025

The WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, prompted by the marked inequity of survival across the globe, aims to increase survival rates in low- and middle-income countries to 60% by 2030. In tandem with this effort, implementing survivorship-focused care is crucial to mitigate late effects and prevent early mortality beyond the 5-year survival end point. The observed burden of secondary malignancies, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic health conditions in adult survivors of childhood cancer in high-income countries provides guidance to generate evidence in limited-resource settings. The implementation of risk stratification tools, population health management, and development of contextually relevant health care delivery models, within the current landscape of survivorship care in Latin America, Africa, and Asia as examples, are vital to continue the momentum to ensure equitable care and quality of life for all survivors of childhood cancer. This narrative review informed by expert opinion serves as a call to action for survivors, advocacy groups, health professionals, health systems, governments, and global organizations to look beyond the 5-year survival benchmark.
Combining Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor agonists and Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Builes-Montaño Carlos  E. , Suarez-Rodriguez Andres F. , Carreño Johanna
Published: February 2025

Introduction Diabetes treatment has evolved from solely focusing on glucose control to a more patient-centered approach that includes medications designed to reduce specific risks in addition to managing blood glucose control. Methods and analysis We propose a scoping review to explore the available clinical research on the combined use of GLP-1RAs and SGLT2is. This review will adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer’s Manual and the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews).
The Effect of Dadih Functional Bread for Nutritional Intake, Maternal Weight Gain During Pregnancy, and Outcomes: A Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial
Authors: Helmizar Helmizar , Ariyasra Utami , Sakinah Restu , Ferry Ferdinal , Lipoeto Nur Indrawaty
Published: February 2025

Background Pregnant women are a nutritionally vulnerable group that requires special attention due to the risk of malnutrition, which may result in low birth weight (LBW) infants. Enhancing nutritional status during pregnancy can be achieved through supplementation with locally sourced functional foods, such as dadih and bread. This study aims to evaluate the effects of dadih-based functional bread on nutritional intake, maternal weight gain during pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes. Methods A randomized clinical trial was conducted involving 143 pregnant women, divided into two groups: the intervention group (IG, n = 77), who consumed dadih-based functional bread, and the control group (CG, n = 66), who consumed original functional bread. Data analysis used the independent t-test for normally distributed variables and the Mann–Whitney test for non-parametric variables. Results Significant differences were observed in carbohydrate intake during the third trimester between the IG (320.40 [198.24–666.72] grams/day) and CG (312.37 [137.87–556.85] grams/day; p = 0.019) and in fat intake (IG: 74.30 [25.53–245.47] grams/day; CG: 62.85 [21.71–128.59] grams/day; p = 0.025). A significant difference in BMI in the third month was noted between IG and CG (p = 0.025). However, no significant differences were observed in neonatal outcomes between the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions Dadih demonstrates benefits for maternal health during pregnancy, its effects on fetal growth pa-rameters may be limited and potentially influenced by factors beyond maternal diet alone. Further research is required to explore dadih’s potential role in enhancing long-term child health outcomes. Clinical trial registration NCT05712629, registration date: 2023-01-03, https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05712629
The genome sequence of a dung beetle, Geotrupes spiniger (Marsham, 1802)
Authors: Sládeček František , Lewis Owen T. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: February 2025

We present a genome assembly from an individual male specimen of the dung beetle, Geotrupes spiniger (Arthropoda; Insecta; Coleoptera; Geotrupidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 580.60 megabases. Most of the assembly (81.94%) is scaffolded into 12 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X and Y sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 21.66 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 12,820 protein-coding genes.
Enhancing Precision and Efficiency in Dental Implants: The Art of Surgical Guides
Authors: Algermissen Eva
Published: February 2025

Implant surgical guides play a crucial role in the success of dental implant treatments. By aiding in diagnosis, treatment planning, and precise positioning of implants, these guides ensure accurate placement in the jaw bone. There are two main types of surgical guides: customized conventional radiographic templates and computer-generated templates. While the former may lack important dimensions and anatomical information, the latter, made using 3D imaging, offer precise planning and efficient implant placement, reducing complications. However, inexperienced dentists must undergo appropriate training and consider critical anatomical structures. In summary, implant surgical guides enhance accuracy and improve the success rate of implant therapy, with the choice depending on patient needs and clinician expertise.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Implant surgical guides are important in ensuring accurate and successful dental implant treatments.
Method for estimating the thermal sensitivity coefficient of a fiber-optic gyroscope loop
Authors: Pogudin Grigorii K. , Aleinik Artem S. , Nikitenko Alexander N. , Artser Ilia R. , Strigalev Vladimir E. , Oshlakov Vadim S. , Volkovskii Sergei A. , Smirnov Daniil S. , Kublanova Ida L.
Published: February 2025

Subject of study. This study investigates the thermal sensitivity coefficient of the fiber-optic gyroscope loop. Aim of study. The objective is to develop and validate a method for determining the mechanical and optical components of the temperature coefficient of the scale factor in a fiber-optic gyroscope. Method. The study employs an algorithm for experimentally determining the temperature coefficient of the scale factor in a fiber-optic gyroscope and a computational method for calculating the thermal sensitivity coefficient of the fiber loop. Main results. What we believe to be a novel method for determining the thermal sensitivity coefficient of the fiber loop in a fiber-optic gyroscope has been developed. The experimental findings confirm a dependency between the temperature coefficient of the scale factor in the gyroscope, the temperature coefficient of the mean wavelength spectrum of the output radiation from an erbium-doped superluminescent fiber source, and the thermal sensitivity coefficient of the gyroscope fiber loop. Practical significance. The research findings have practical applications in the development of testing setups and procedures for assessing the temperature coefficients of fiber loops. These results can aid in selecting or categorizing fiber loops during gyroscope manufacturing, adjusting emission source parameters to align with specific fiber loop characteristics for thermal sensitivity coefficient compensation, and minimizing the thermal sensitivity coefficient through innovative fiber loop designs. This is achieved by designing and prototyping novel fiber loop structures.
Detection and recognition of images under interference conditions
Authors: Malakhova Ekaterina Yu. , Shelepin Konstantin Yu. , Shelepin Yuriy E.
Published: February 2025

Subject of study. This study investigates human visual perception under noise conditions and models these mechanisms using generative neural networks. Aim of study. We aimed to understand how humans recognize visual signals under interference conditions and internal noise limitations and to develop effective computing technologies that implement heuristic principles of the visual system. Method. We analyzed psychophysical and neurophysiological data to understand perception efficiency, internal noise, and image reconstruction. We then modeled these perception mechanisms using generative neural networks. Main results. Our study examined visual perception thresholds in the presence of noise and characterized the properties of equivalent internal noise. We found that both internal noise and external uncertainty limit visual perception efficiency. Decreased efficiency serves as an indicator of information-processing disorders in sensory and cognitive pathology. Our work demonstrates that generative neural network models can effectively model key perceptual phenomena in noisy environments. Practical significance. Our computational models advance the understanding of noise-resistant perception mechanisms and facilitate differential diagnosis of visual processing disorders.
Ex vivo determination of perfusion-kinetic parameters in ovaries with granulosa cell carcinoma using reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Selifonov Alexey A. , Rykhlov Andrey S. , Selifonova Ekaterina I. , Tuchin Valery V.
Published: February 2025

Subject of study. In this study, the optical properties of healthy and cancerous feline ovarian tissues were examined under the influence of 99.5% glycerol, a highly effective hyperosmotic agent. Aim of study. The aim was to determine the perfusion-kinetic parameters of healthy and cancerous ovarian tissues under the influence of 99.5% glycerol. Method. The optical properties, specifically transmittance and reflectance of the tissue samples, were analyzed across a wide spectral range, from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared region, using diffuse optical spectroscopy. Main results. The diffuse reflectance and total transmittance spectra of the samples were measured. The diffusion coefficient of glycerol-induced interstitial water flux in ovarian tissue was calculated using the free diffusion model, Fick’s molecular diffusion equation, and the modified Bouguer–Beer–Lambert law for radiation attenuation. The tissue diffusion coefficient of water was determined as D=(2.2±0.5)×10−6cm2/s for healthy ovarian tissue and D=(2.6±0.6)×10−6cm2/s for ovarian tissue with granulosa cell cancer. Based on these coefficients, the time required for complete dehydration of the tissue samples under the influence of glycerol was estimated. Complete dehydration of healthy ovarian sections in the luteal phase occurred within 19.4 min, whereas granulosa cell tumor samples required 16.6 min. Practical significance. These findings may be applied to assess ovarian dehydration when using concentrated glycerol and to develop protocols for drug delivery and organ cryopreservation. The demonstrated optical clearing effect has potential therapeutic and diagnostic applications and can be leveraged to probe molecular structures deep within tissues. Additionally, this optical clearing technology, using hyperosmotic agents such as glycerol, enhances tissue transparency in the ultraviolet range and is suitable for ultraviolet biomedical spectroscopy and phototherapy.
Vadim Glezer’s modules model as a possible basis for vision perception description
Authors: Bondarko Valeria M.
Published: February 2025

Subject of study. Mechanisms of visual perception were studied. Aim of study. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of using the modules model to describe visual perception. This model was proposed by V. D. Glezer based on electrophysiological data. Method. Psychophysical methods and modeling were employed. Experiments on image recognition and the estimation of spatial interval and circle sizes in the Delboeuf and Ebbinghaus illusions were conducted. The experimental data were fitted using two models: one based on full image spectra and another based on the modules model, in which images were decomposed into finite Fourier series. For each image, a module of the optimal size was selected to retain the maximum energy of the image. Two combinations of such modules were analyzed. Main results. The results showed that the optimal module size depended on the image. Errors in image recognition and similarity assessments correlated with the distances between images calculated in the feature space as the norm of the difference in their spectra. These errors also partially correlated with the distances obtained using one variant of the modules model. The modules model adequately approximated the segmentation and size estimation data, as confirmed by the analysis of paintings. Thus, the modules model can describe the mechanisms of size estimation and segmentation. However, for image recognition, the model requires improvement, specifically in terms of the introduction of interactions between modules of different sizes. Thus, the modules model serves as a preliminary approximation for describing visual perception. Practical significance. The modules model may be applied to image analysis and the development of artificial neural networks for segmentation and object recognition.
Diagnostic of fatty liver using radiomics and deep learning models on non-contrast abdominal CT
Authors: Zhang Haoran , Liu Jinlong , Su Danyang , Bai Zhen , Wu Yan , Ma Yuanbo , Miao Qiuju , Wang Mingyue , Yang Xiaopeng
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to explore the potential of non-contrast abdominal CT radiomics and deep learning models in accurately diagnosing fatty liver.

Materials and methods

The study retrospectively enrolled 840 individuals who underwent non-contrast abdominal CT and quantitative CT (QCT) examinations at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from July 2022 to May 2023. Subsequently, these participants were divided into a training set (n = 539) and a testing set (n = 301) in a 9:5 ratio. The liver fat content measured by experienced radiologists using QCT technology served as the reference standard. The liver images from the non-contrast abdominal CT scans were then segmented as regions of interest (ROI) from which radiomics features were extracted. Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) radiomics models, as well as 2D and 3D deep learning models, were developed, and machine learning models based on clinical data were constructed for the four-category diagnosis of fatty liver. The characteristic curves for each model were plotted, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated to assess their efficacy in the classification and diagnosis of fatty liver.

Results

A total of 840 participants were included (mean age 49.1 years ± 11.5 years [SD]; 581 males), of whom 610 (73%) had fatty liver. Among the patients with fatty liver, there were 302 with mild fatty liver (CT fat fraction of 5%–14%), 155 with moderate fatty liver (CT fat fraction of 14%–28%), and 153 with severe fatty liver (CT fat fraction >28%). Among all models used for diagnosing fatty liver, the 2D radiomics model based on the random forest algorithm achieved the highest AUC (0.973), while the 2D radiomics model based on the Bagging decision tree algorithm showed the highest sensitivity (0.873), specificity (0.939), accuracy (0.864), precision (0.880), and F1 score (0.876).

Conclusion

A systematic comparison was conducted on the performance of 2D and 3D radiomics models, as well as deep learning models, in the diagnosis of four-category fatty liver. This comprehensive model comparison provides a broader perspective for determining the optimal model for liver fat diagnosis. It was found that the 2D radiomics models based on the random forest and Bagging decision tree algorithms show high consistency with the QCT-based classification diagnosis of fatty liver used by experienced radiologists.
The impact of reintroduced Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) dams on the upstream movement of brown trout (Salmo trutta) in upland areas of Great Britain
Authors: Needham Robert J. , Zabel Richard W. , Roberts Dylan , Kemp Paul S.
Published: February 2025

The return of Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) to large areas of Europe represents a conservation success with the current population estimated to be around 1.2 million individuals. Their reintroduction to many areas, including Great Britain, has in some cases been controversial. Despite numerous documented benefits to biodiversity, concerns relate to localised flooding, adverse impacts on land use and engineered structures (e.g. culvert blockage), disease transfer, and the influence of beaver habitat modifications on fisheries, particularly in relation to salmonids. This study investigated the impacts of a series of four beaver dams on the upstream movement of brown trout during the spawning period (October—December) at a field site in Scotland. The study site comprised two streams entering a common loch, one modified by a series of four beaver dams, the other remaining unaltered during the Study Period. Trout were captured using electric fishing, fyke nets and rod and line and were tagged with Passive Integrated Transponders (PIT) before release. PIT telemetry antennas were installed below and above each dam to establish successful passage of trout during the monitoring period that included trout spawning movements in 2015 (high flows) and 2016 (low flow). There was a distinct difference in passage success between years, with high flows (using prior rainfall as a proxy measure) and larger fish size being important positive predictors of upstream passage success. A combination of environmental (prior rainfall and water temperature) and biotic (fish size) factors influenced passage success with high flows being a significant covariate at all four dams in two models used to define trout passage dynamics (Weibull and exponential base models), providing the best explanatory variable for fish passage at two of the four dams. Survival analysis and associated modelling indicated that migratory delay was inversely related to previous passage success, whilst motivation was also a determinant of success, with greatest passage in highly motivated trout. Our findings indicate that given the right environmental and biotic factors, brown trout are adept at passing beaver dams, although under certain conditions, beaver dams can impede the movement of brown trout and the magnitude of impact is influenced by these factors. In particular, the barrier effects of beaver dams are exacerbated under low flow conditions, and this may become a greater challenge in the future due to shifting climatic conditions if periods of warmer and drier weather persist and coincide with peak migratory movements of fish.
Structure and diversity of intestinal methanogens in black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and water samples
Authors: Long Chengxing , Wang Peiyang , Wu Jieqi , Liu Jialin , Tan Zhoujin , Li Wenge
Published: February 2025

The present research investigation aims to examine the community features of methanogens in the intestinal tract of black and grass carp, as well as their association with methanogens in water samples. Samples of black carp, grass carp and water in a pond were gathered in Spring 2021. Using the Illumina HiSeq 2500 high-throughput sequencing platform, the metagenomic mcrA gene sequences of black carp, grass carp and cultured water specimens were determined and analyzed. The outcomes indicate that the richness and diversity of methanogens in the intestinal tract of black and carp grass carp were highly correlated with the cultured water. Five bacterial genera were found in the three sets of samples, Methanosarcina, Methanocorpusculum, Methanospirillum, Methanobacterium and Methanofollis, in which Methanosarcina and Methanocorpusculum were the dominant genera. In addition, Methanosarcina had the greatest amount in grass carp and Methanocorpusculum had the greatest quantity in black carp. In conclusion, Methanosarcina and Methanocorpusculum were the main methanogens in the digestive tract of black and grass carp and culture water, and hydrolytic fermentative bacteria were its main metabolic substrate, hydrotrophic was its main metabolic pathway. The results will provide a reference for the relationship between intestinal methanogens and aquaculture and the greenhouse effect.
Exploring the effects of quercetin-added pancreatic diet on metabolic homeostasis in dogs via metabolomics
Authors: Liu Xiao-Wan , Zhang Yao-hui , Xu Li , Xing Jia-Bao , Wang Zhou-xiang , Hu Man-li , Chen Yun , Qi Zhi-li , Ding Yi , Zhang Xin , Ding Ming-Xing , Zhang Xiao-Jing , Wan Juan
Published: February 2025

Objective

To investigate the role of quercetin-added pancreatic prescription food in regulating metabolic homeostasis in dogs.

Methods

The experimental dogs were divided into a control diet group and a prescription diet group. The control group was fed regular food, while the prescription group was fed pancreatic prescription food (3.9 g of quercetin was added in per 1 kg of food) for 8 weeks. Canine physical examination, complete blood count, and serum biochemical tests were conducted at 0 w, 4 w, and 8 w. Non-targeted metabolomics tests were performed using plasma samples at 0 w and 8 w.

Results

Dogs that received a quercetin-added pancreatic diet supplemented with quercetin showed no changes in the body weight, fasting blood glucose, body condition score, the indexes of whole blood program of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, and most blood biochemical indexes, but increased lipase levels in plasma at 8 w. Quercetin significant improved in metabolic homeostasis, especially in fatty acid, amino acid, and bile acid metabolism. Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that quercetin activates ABC transport and arginine/proline pathways, suggesting potential benefits for pancreatitis in large animals, while maintaining comparable safety parameters.

Conclusions

Quercetin-added prescription food enhances fatty acid and amino acid metabolism, demonstrating its potential to promote pancreatic function and sustain metabolic homeostasis.
Home cage-based insights into motor learning and strategy adaptation in a Huntington disease mouse model
Authors: Ramandi Daniel , Sepers Marja D. , Wang Zefang , Han Brian , Woodard Cameron L. , Murphy Timothy H. , Raymond Lynn A.
Published: February 2025

Huntington disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive motor dysfunction, cognitive decline, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Assessing early motor skill deficits in HD mouse models is challenging with traditional behavioral tasks. This study uses a home cage-based lever-pulling task, PiPaw2.0, to evaluate motor learning in 6–7 months-old zQ175 knock-in HD mice in a more naturalistic environment. In this task, mice learn to pull a lever for a water reward, with the requirement to hold the lever within a specific goal range for a required hold time. As the mice improved, the required hold time increased, thereby gradually increasing the task demands. Both wild type (WT) and zQ175 mice initially showed similar task engagement, but zQ175 mice had significant deficits in adapting to increasing hold time. The WT mice refined their strategies over time, shifting from random to more precise lever pulls, while zQ175 mice failed to make this adjustment, maintaining erratic performance. Additionally, in group-housing WT mouse lever performance benefited from peer interactions, an effect absent in zQ175 mice. Post-task neural assessments revealed that WT mice developed experience-mediated synaptic plasticity in the left striatum (contralateral to lever-pulling paw), while zQ175 mice showed no significant changes, consistent with known corticostriatal plasticity impairments in HD mouse models. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of group-housed, home cage-based assessments for evaluating motor learning and adaptation in HD mouse models. This study provides insights into the motor control and adaptive learning deficits in HD, emphasizing the value of automated home cage systems in advancing neurodegenerative disease research and highlighting the importance of peer influences on performance.
Mixed fleet-based two-echelon vehicle routing optimization for cold chain logistics with diverse recharging strategies
Authors: Li Yaling , Liao Wenzhu , Huang Yuqi
Published: February 2025

The expansion of cold chain logistics necessitates a substantial fleet of fuel-refrigerated trucks, which presents environmental challenges. Electric vehicles (EVs) offer an environmentally friendly solution for low-carbon development despite the issue of range anxiety. Diverging from the conventional two-echelon distribution structure, this paper explores alternative recharging strategies and introduces an innovative scheme: employing fuel vehicles in suburban areas and EVs in urban central zones. The presented model optimizes economic and environmental considerations to mitigate air pollution and reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources while providing feasible routes. This study proposes an allocation algorithm and an enhanced ant colony algorithm to address a single-objective two-echelon vehicle routing problem with the mixed fleet (2EVRPMF). The mixed fleet outperforms in terms of both cost and carbon emissions based on numerical experiments. Additionally, the study investigates the influence of battery capacity and recharging rate under various recharge strategies, including their correlation with costs. The findings can provide valuable insights for decision-making in implementing environmentally-friendly logistics within the cold chain industry.
The 3D reconstruction of wood and leaves from terrestrial laser scanning – a case study on PAR measurements below a solitary Malus domestica tree
Authors:   Chair of Forest Growth and Dendroecology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Tennenbacher Str. 4, 79106 Freiburg, Germany, Frey Julian , Schindler Zoe , McClatchy Patrick , Morhart Christopher , Larysch Elena , Seifert Thomas
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we present a new methodology that directly extracts the geometry of woody features (wood and bark) and foliage from 3D data originating from terrestrial laser scans. Our goal was to enhance the precision of radiative transfer models for modelling tree shading by using highly resolved 3D tree models. The approach was tested on a single apple tree (Malus domestica (Suckow) Borkh.) in a peri-urban setting and was validated by utilising an open-source radiative transfer model and comparing the simulation output with in-situ measurements of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) as well as simulations utilizing turbid voxels of 0.2 m and 1 m edge length. The in-situ measurements of 60 PAR sensors showed a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.92 with the simulated light intensities for the reconstructed polygons which was higher than for the voxel-based approaches (0.2 m: r = 0.85, 1 m: r = 0.73). We were able to demonstrate that our approach effectively simulates light extinction through the canopy. This innovative method has the potential to easily provide detailed insights into high resolution radiation patterns within forests, which are connected to multiple ecosystem functions like species and habitat diversity.
Potential impact/effect of alcohol abuse on human development: a theoretical approach
Authors: A. Ndifon Mary , S. Adiaha Monday
Published: February 2025

A theoretical survey on the potential impact/effect of alcohol abuse on human development was carried-out. The impact of alcohol abuse on the victims has being proven negative, with consequences like health challenges, financial challenges including societal challenges being identified as factors dragging the society towards ruin.Â Â
Determination of serum cadmium and lead in healthy adults from the west of Algeria
Authors: Attar Tarik
Published: February 2025

Cadmium and lead are ubiquitous and non-biodegradable pollutants representing a great concern to human health. They share common environmental exposure routes through contaminated food, water, and soil. This study was conducted to determine the serum cadmium and lead levels in healthy adults. In the present work, differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) using a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) was used in order to determine the trace level of cadmium and lead ions in real samples.A populations of one hundred and fifteen healthy adults with a mean concentration of 0.67 Â± 0.31 Âµg.L-1 and 53.11 Â± 3.25 Âµg.L-1 for cadmium and lead were determined, respectively. The accuracy and precision were in agreement with the certified values for both metals by using certified reference materials. Mean serum lead and cadmiumin the current study indicates that in general the population studied here is not exposed to worrisome Pb and Cd levels.Â
Levels of serum copper and zinc in healthy adults from the west of Algeria
Authors: Attar Tarik
Published: February 2025

Essential trace element include zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are essential elements that play an important role in the whole-body metabolism. They have been implicated to play important roles in immuno-physiologic functions. The concentration of these elements in human organism varies widely between geographical areas depending on its content in soil and plants, dietary intake, bioavailability and retention, mineral interactions and other factors. The aim of this study was to measure the alterations in serum trace element concentrations, including Zn and Cu in one hundred and fifteen healthy adults (fifty-two males and sixty-three females) living in the west of Algeria using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) on a hanging mercury drop electrode. The mean copper and zinc concentrations were 105.26Â±19.63 Î¼g/dL and 79.44Â±10.28 Î¼g/dL, respectively. Serum concentrations of these elements were in the same range as those found for populations of other European countries.Â
Environmental vulnerability of people to brick kiln
Authors: K. Saha M. , Ara Rowshon , Danish Kadir S. , G. Mostafa M.
Published: February 2025

The study aimed to assess the vulnerability to brick kilns hazards based on questionnaire surveys. It was conducted at 12 selected brick kiln clusters in Rajshahi and Gazipur Districts of Bangladesh. A total number of 700 respondents taking part in the survey from both the study areas. The study identified that most (75%) of the brick kilns were fixed chimney type kilns that impacted crop production, river grabbing, deforestation, solid waste generation, labors right violation, etc. The survey results illustrated that the emission of dust particles, harmful gases, and hot air cause several health hazards such as asthma, eye or skin irritation, etc. The brick kilns have exerted environmental stress on fruit plants such as mango, banana, jackfruit, etc., resulted declining in fruit production. The relationship between the brick kiln owners and community people is not well due to the negative impacts of brick kilns. About 69% of respondents thought that the brick kilns were a vital source of air pollution. Finally, the study concluded that the brick kilns caused threats to society, human health, and the environment around the kiln areas.Â Â
Beliefs in misinformation about COVID-19 and dengue ina sample ofthe Rio de Janeiro State
Authors: Oliveira Cardoso Nicolas de , Moreira de Oliveira Thaiane , Rosa Tagliapietra Ketlin da , Medeiros Massarani Luisa , Lara Machado Wagner de
Published: February 2025

Given the ongoing dengue epidemic in Rio de Janeiro (RJ) and the prevalence of misinformation related to COVID-19 anddengue, this study aims to: 1) compare belief levels in COVID-19 and dengue misinformation; 2) examine associations between sociodemographic factors, health-related outcomes, and misinformation beliefs; and 3) explore the reasons underlying these beliefs among residents of Rio de Janeiro. A cross-sectional opinion online survey was conducted using quantitative and qualitative data retrieved from 180 adults who live in RJ.Participants answeredaself-report questionnaireabout sociodemographic and health-related outcomes. Next, they rated as true or false and inform why they believe or not in six misinformation.Our findings reveal higher levels of belief inCOVID-19 compared to dengue misinformation among the Rio de Janeiro population.Furthermore,for each unity increase in number of receivedCOVID-19 vaccine doses,there is an increase of 277% in the odds of the individualsnot believing in misinformation about COVID-19.Individuals with right-wing political affiliations and those opposed to child vaccination exhibited a moderate to strong propensity to believe in misinformation.Trust in vaccines and health professionals emerged as primary determinants of belief in misinformation.
Afrontamiento de conflictos y desconexión moral entre víctimas afrodescendientes del conflicto armado interno en Colombia
Authors: Banquez Mendoza Jesús Guillermo , Martínez González Marina , Amar Amar Jose , Crespo Fernando
Published: February 2025

El estudio se realiza con dos comunidades afrodescendientes que resistieron de manera diferente el conflicto armado. Se requirió un estudio cuantitativo con un diseño de comparación grupal retrospectivo ex post facto, que buscó contrastar las siguientes hipótesis: (H1) las conductas relacionadas con el afrontamiento del conflicto (AC) y los mecanismos de desconexión moral (MDM) dependen del hecho victimizante (HV) o crímenes cometidos contra la población civil durante el conflicto armado. (H2) AC y MDM dependen de la edad de las víctimas. (H3) El AC y el uso de MDM dependen del género de las víctimas. Respecto a la muestra, se compuso por 344 individuos divididos entre víctimas de tortura, desplazamiento forzado y violencia sexual. Los resultados muestran que los grupos de mayor edad respondieron consistentemente al AC, y consideraron abandonar el conflicto cuando existe una condición explícita de ventaja sobre el oponente presuntamente débil.