bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Beekeepers’ Experiences and Perceptions of Anaphylaxis Risks: A Qualitative Study to Inform Targeted Health Education Programs
Authors: Močnik Tea , Ličen Sabina , Zidarn Mihaela , Prosen Mirko
Published: December 2024

Background: Beekeeping plays crucial natural and economic roles but also poses health risks, as bee stings can cause severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires timely intervention. Understanding symptoms and the proper use of adrenaline autoinjectors is essential to minimize risks. This study aimed to assess the need for education on anaphylaxis and to develop a health education program to enhance beekeepers’ preparedness and safety. Methods: A qualitative descriptive interpretative method was employed. Two focus groups were conducted, one with eight health care professionals specializing in allergy and clinical immunology and the other with six active beekeepers. The data were analyzed via content analysis using QDA Miner® Lite v3.0.5 software. Results: The analysis structure comprises five thematic areas: (1) the management of anaphylaxis; (2) the prevention of anaphylaxis; (3) health education approaches; (4) systemic approaches in prevention; and (5) adrenaline autoinjectors. The results highlight key challenges, including the need for better strategies to manage anaphylaxis, improve prevention, and provide practical educational programs for beekeepers. There is also a need for better collaboration between health care professionals and beekeepers, as well as improved access to and knowledge of adrenaline autoinjectors. Conclusions: Targeted education for beekeepers on recognizing anaphylaxis symptoms and using adrenaline autoinjectors is essential for timely intervention and preventing severe outcomes. Given their exposure to bee stings, beekeepers require proper training and regular practice to improve preparedness and safety. This research underscores the need for a comprehensive educational program to reduce anaphylaxis risk and enhance safety in beekeeping.
Approaching Suffering in Young University Students, New Challenge for a Compassionate University: A Qualitative Study of Undergraduate Nursing Students
Authors: García-Navarro Sonia , García-Navarro E. Begoña , Araujo-Hernández Miriam , Ortega-Galán Ángela , Cáceres-Titos María José
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Student distress is diverse and manifests itself in a variety of ways. Driven by the constant pressure to meet academic and personal expectations, many students experience a deep sense of insufficiency and hopelessness. Anxiety and depression are widespread and are often accompanied by self-critical thoughts and feelings of worthlessness. Seeking temporary relief that often exacerbates their long-term struggles, some students resort to self-harm as a way to manage their emotional pain. Methods: This study employs an exploratory qualitative design with a phenomenological approach to deeply examine students’ experiences of suffering. Using semi-structured interviews, the study captures detailed narratives from 17 purposely selected students, providing a rich understanding of their lived experiences. Adhering to COREQ guidelines (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies). Results: The analysis identified four main themes: the concept of suffering, its causes, students’ responses, and coping strategies. Eleven sub-themes were identified, highlighting the significant challenges students face, including low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and self-harm. These problems are increased by academic stress and social pressure derived from the intensive use of social networks. The constant social comparison and the search for external validation on social networks generate feelings of inadequacy and emotional exhaustion. Students often lack effective strategies to manage these pressures. In addition, bullying and the absence of meaningful relationships in the academic environment increase their suffering. Conclusions: This study provides a novel contribution by focusing on the lived experiences of nursing students and emphasizing the importance of the compassionate university model as a framework for addressing student suffering. It highlights the urgent need to implement strategies for support and compassion in educational institutions centred on emotional management, presence, listening, and specific mindfulness and stress management programmes. Additionally, fostering healthier and more mindful use of social media is crucial to help students manage their expectations, reduce their suffering, and cultivate self-compassion.
De Novo miRNAs from Anisopteromalus calandrae (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) Conserved in the Order Hymenoptera
Authors: Jiménez-Martínez Mariana Lizbeth , Ramírez-Ahuja María de Lourdes , Saldaña-Torres Daniel Rafael , Martinez-Fierro Margarita L. , Delgado-Enciso Ivan , Flores-Suarez Adriana E. , Reséndez-Pérez Diana , Guzmán-Velasco Antonio , Rodríguez-Sánchez Iram Pablo
Published: December 2024

The parasitoid wasp Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) has the potential for biological control against insect pests in stored grains, mainly of the orders Coleoptera and Lepidoptera. microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA fragments of importance in the regulation of gene translation in most physiological processes, and the study of miRNAs in wasps can be useful for understanding the physiology of these insects. The objective of this study was to evaluate for the first time the miRNomic profile of A. calandrae and to determine its conservation in five species of the order Hymenoptera (Apis mellifera, Dinoponera quadriceps, Nasonia giraulti, N. longicornis and N. vitripennis). Using molecular techniques and bioinformatics tools, a total of 108 miRNAs were identified (75 conserved between species and 34 de novo). These miRNAs were found to be related to embryogenesis, signaling, metabolic, biological and immune functions. The miRNomic signature of A. calandrae is important for the study of the physiology of wasps and the order Hymenoptera.
Advanced Management of Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Treatment for Pulmonary Embolism: Evidence-Based Strategies for Optimized Patient Care
Authors: Costa Francesco , Jurado-Román Alfonso , Carciotto Gabriele , Becerra-Munoz Victor , Márquez Daniel Tébar , Götzinger Felix , Cerrato Enrico , Misra Shantum , Spissu Marco , Pavani Marco , Mennuni Marco , Chinchilla Fernando Carrasco , Dominguez-Franco Antonio , Muñoz-Garcia Antonio , Navarrete Rocio Sanchez , Varbella Ferdinando , Salinas-Sanguino Pablo , Secemsky Eric A. , Mahfoud Felix , Micari Antonio , Alonso-Briales Juan Horacio , Navarro Manuel Jimenez
Published: December 2024

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening medical condition caused by the thrombotic occlusion of one or more branches of the lung vasculature, which represents the third most common cause of cardiovascular mortality after myocardial infarction and stroke. PE treatment requires a tailored approach based on accurate risk stratification and personalized treatment decision-making. Anticoagulation is the cornerstone of PE management, yet patients at higher clinical risk may require more rapid reperfusion therapies. In recent years, transcatheter treatment has emerged as a valuable option for patients with intermediate–high or high-risk PE who have contraindications to systemic thrombolysis. Recent advancements in catheter-directed therapies, such as catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) and catheter-directed mechanical thrombectomy (CDMT), provide minimally invasive options for swift symptom relief and hemodynamic stabilization. This review aims to provide a practical approach for optimal patient selection and management for PE percutaneous therapies, supported by a thorough evaluation of the current evidence base supporting these procedures. A focus on post-procedural management, the prevention of recurrence, and monitoring for long-term complications such as chronic pulmonary hypertension and post-PE syndrome is also specifically tackled.
Validation of the Colombian–Spanish Suicidality Scale for Screening Suicide Risk in Clinical and Community Settings
Authors: Arenas Dávila Ana María , Pastrana Arias Katherine , Castaño Ramírez Óscar Mauricio , Van den Enden Pamela , Castro Navarro Juan Carlos , González Giraldo Santiago , Vera Higuera Doris Mileck , Harris Keith M.
Published: December 2024

Background/Objective: This study aimed to validate the eight-item Suicidality Scale (SS) in Spanish in a Colombian sample to aid in suicide risk assessment, given the pressing need for accurate, accessible tools in resource-strained settings. Methods: A sample of 313 participants, drawn from both clinical and community settings, was used to evaluate the psychometric properties of the SS through tests of internal consistency, item response theory (IRT), and comparisons with clinical risk evaluations. Results: The SS demonstrated strong psychometric properties, with high internal consistency (ω = 0.96) and a significant correlation with clinical risk assessments (r = 0.84). Model fit indices confirmed a unidimensional eight-item structure with low error rates, while item response analysis revealed strong item discrimination. No differential item functioning was observed by gender or psychiatric diagnosis, supporting its consistency across demographics. Items on past suicide attempts and desire to live were excluded as they did not improve scale performance. Variability within risk levels suggests that individual differences may require clinical judgment. Conclusions: The findings validate the Colombian–Spanish SS as a valuable tool for suicide risk assessment, usable in both self-report and clinician-administered formats. Its brief, culturally adapted structure supports its utility in resource-limited environments, providing an accessible option for rapid screening. While the SS effectively categorizes general risk, further longitudinal studies are recommended to enhance its applicability in guiding clinical decisions and long-term risk management.
Hospital-Acquired Bloodstream Infections in Relation to Intensive Care Unit Stays During Hospitalization—A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Gradel Kim Oren , Coia John Eugenio , Chen Ming , Nielsen Stig Lønberg , Jensen Thøger Gorm , Møller Jens Kjølseth , Dessau Ram Benny , Póvoa Pedro
Published: December 2024

Background: Little is known about the clinical characteristics and pathogens causing hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (HA-BSIs) in relation to an intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Methods: Population-based cohort study, comprising 35% of the Danish population, 2009–2016. We derived four patient groups with first-time HA-BSIs: no ICU stay during the admission (non-ICU patients) and HA-BSI acquired before, in, or after an ICU stay (before-ICU, in-ICU, and after-ICU patients). These groups were compared in relation to microbiological and clinical characteristics, including 28- and >28-day mortality. Results: Among 6888 HA-BSI patients, 4017, 792, 1388, and 691 were non-ICU, before-ICU, in-ICU, and after-ICU, respectively. The rates of several microorganisms differed between the patient groups, e.g., Enterococci (9.4% of non-ICU and 32.0% of in-ICU patients). The 28-day mortality was 26.3% in non-ICU, 45.0% in before-ICU, 35.6% in in-ICU, and 19.0% in after-ICU patients. The corresponding adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) were 2.10 (1.85–2.36), 1.67 (1.50–1.87), and 0.76 (0.63–0.91) (reference: non-ICU patients). There were few differences as regards >28-day mortality. Conclusions: We found large differences between common microorganisms and prognosis between the four patient groups. After-ICU patients had the lowest 28-day mortality despite age and comorbidity characteristics similar to the other three groups.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach in Pediatric Pulmonary Abscess: Two Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Costin Mariana , Cinteză Eliza , Marcu Veronica , Pavelescu Mirela Luminița , Cherecheș-Panța Paraschiva , Bălănescu Julia Susanne , Slăvulete Ramona Elena , Roxana Taraș , Ionescu Marcela Daniela
Published: December 2024

Pulmonary abscess is a rare but serious condition in pediatric patients, caused by severe pulmonary infection that leads to tissue destruction and necrosis. It can be classified as primary or secondary depending on the cause. Establishing an etiology in pediatric pulmonary abscesses is challenging, underscoring the essential role of advanced imaging techniques, such as computed tomography, in achieving an accurate diagnosis and differentiating among various conditions that may mimic lung abscess. While conservative management with antibiotics is the first line of treatment, some cases may progress and require surgical intervention. We present two clinical cases of pediatric lung abscesses, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention, accompanied by a brief review of current knowledge that highlights key clinical features, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic approaches in pediatric lung abscess.
Remimazolam Versus Propofol in General Anesthesia of Complex Surgery in Critical and Non-Critical Patients: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: Muñoz-Carrillo José Luis , Rodríguez-Cortes Natalie , Lévano Sandra Trujillo , Moran-Mariños Cristian , Barboza Joshuan J.
Published: December 2024

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of remimazolam with propofol in general anesthesia in adult patients. Methods: A systematic search in Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase was performed. Patients undergoing complex surgery who were critically ill or non-critically ill were included. The risk of bias (RoB) 2.0 tool was applied. Random-effects models using the inverse variance method were applied for all meta-analyses. Results: Nine randomized controlled trials were included (patients taking remimazolam, n = 678; propofol, n = 454). Remimazolam compared to propofol is likely to produce a large decrease in intraoperative hypotension (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.76, I2 = 63%, n = 9, CoE moderate certainty), incidence of respiratory depression (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.09 to 0. 82, I2 = 0%, n = 3; CoE moderate certainty), injection site pain (RR 0.14, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.94, I2 = 21%, n = 4; CoE moderate certainty), and may produce little or no difference in bradycardia (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.06, I2 = 0%, n = 4; CoE moderate certainty). Conclusions: In patients undergoing complex surgery who are critically ill or non-critically ill, remimazolam, compared with propofol, is likely to produce a large decrease in intraoperative hypotension, incidence of respiratory depression, and injection site pain, but little or no difference in bradycardia is possible.
A Tri-Component (Glomerular, Tubular, and Metabolic) Assessment of Renal Function in Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Iwanek Gracjan , Ponikowska Barbara , Salah Husam , Fudim Marat , Guzik Mateusz , Zymliński Robert , Aleksandrowicz Krzysztof , Ponikowska Beata , Biegus Jan
Published: December 2024

Background: Despite the prevalence of impaired renal function in acute heart failure (AHF) patients, the intricate relationship between glomerular, tubular, and metabolic renal function remains unexplored. We aimed to investigate the co-occurrence of glomerular, tubular, and metabolic renal dysfunction in AHF and their impact on prognosis. Methods: eGFR, spot urine sodium, and HCO3− were measured in 243 patients hospitalized for AHF. The population was stratified by the 4-point renal dysfunction score and linked with outcomes. Results: Glomerular dysfunction exhibited an elevated risk of death (HR of 2.04; 95% CI [1.24–3.36]; p = 0.006), combined risk of death, and HF rehospitalization (HR of 2.03; 95% CI [1.34–3.05]; p = 0.005). Similarly, tubular dysfunction correlated with a higher death risk (HR of 1.72; 95% CI [1.04–2.82]; p = 0.03) and a higher combined risk (HR of 1.82; 95% CI [1.21–2.74]; p = 0.004). While renal metabolic dysfunction was linked to increased death risk (HR of 1.82; 95% CI [1.07–3.11]; p = 0.028), it was not associated with composite risk (HR of 1.37; 95% CI [0.88–2.15]; p = 0.174). Multivariate analysis revealed a direct association between the renal dysfunction score and death risk (HR of 1.92 per 1 point; 95% CI [1.47–2.52]; p < 0.0001) and the combined risk of death and HF rehospitalization (HR of 1.78 per 1 point; 95% CI [1.43–2.22]; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Renal dysfunction is common, with varied overlaps. Glomerular, tubular, and metabolic dysfunctions predict adverse outcomes in AHF. The established renal score may aid patient stratification and prognosis.
Effect of Social Vulnerability Index on Betamethasone Timing in Patients at Risk of Preterm Birth
Authors: Comfort Lizelle , Piltch Gillian , Krantz David , Jackson Frank , Blitz Matthew J. , Rochelson Burton
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Several social vulnerability index (SVI) components have been associated with adverse obstetrical outcomes and provider bias. The objective of this study is to assess whether betamethasone administration timing among patients at risk for preterm birth differs by social vulnerability index. Methods: A multicenter retrospective cohort study of pregnant people at a large academic healthcare system between January 2019 and January 2023. Patients with live singleton gestations at risk for preterm birth who received at least one dose of intramuscular betamethasone for fetal lung maturity from 22 to 34 weeks were included. Patients aged less than 18, who received late-preterm corticosteroids and/or had scheduled delivery at 34 weeks were excluded. We analyzed the association between patient SVI quartile and maternal demographic factors on betamethasone timing, with optimal timing defined as the receipt of two doses of betamethasone within 2 to 7 days of delivery. Results: 1686 patients met the inclusion criteria. Only 22.4% of patients had optimally timed betamethasone administration. Among those who did not receive optimal betamethasone timing, 360 patients delivered less than 48 h from the first dose and 948 delivered greater than 7 days from the first dose. Optimal betamethasone timing within 2 to 7 days of delivery was more common in patients with higher SVI values. Patients with lower social vulnerability were more likely to deliver greater than one week from betamethasone administration. Conclusions: Patients in higher SVI quartiles are more likely to have optimally timed betamethasone. This is likely attributed to overtreatment with betamethasone of less socially vulnerable populations.
Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Selective JAK Inhibitors in Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease: A Retrospective, Multicentre Study
Authors: Farkas Bernadett , Bessissow Talat , Limdi Jimmy K. , Sethi-Arora Karishma , Kagramanova Anna , Knyazev Oleg , Bezzio Cristina , Armuzzi Alessandro , Lukas Milan , Michalopoulos George , Chaskova Elena , Savarino Edoardo Vincenzo , Castiglione Fabiana , Rispo Antonio , Schäfer Eszter , Saibeni Simone , Filip Rafal , Attauabi Mohamed , Fousekis Fotios S. , Bacsur Péter , Resál Tamás , Bálint Anita , Ivány Emese , Szepes Zoltán , Bősze Zsófia , Fábián Anna , Bor Renáta , Farkas Klaudia , Lakatos Peter L. , Molnár Tamás
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Data on the real-world effectiveness and safety of selective JAK inhibitors (JAKis) in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) are limited. Methods: We conducted a multicentre, retrospective study to assess clinical, biochemical, and endoscopic outcomes of selective JAKis in bio-experienced UC and CD. Results: A total of 246 patients (mean age: 40.5 ± 14.5 years; 131 UC and 115 CD) were included with a median follow-up of 7.5 months. Among the CD patients receiving upadacitinib (n = 115), 76.2% achieved clinical remission (CR) at week 12. Furthermore, 59.5% of the upadacitinib-treated UC patients (n = 100) experienced CR at week 8. Corticosteroid-free CR (CSFCR) was achieved by 76.9% of the CD patients and 80.6% of the UC patients at week 24, while 50.0% and 36.1% experienced endoscopic remission. At week 52, 66.7% of the CD and 86.2% of the UC patients achieved CSFCR, whereas 54.5% and 52.9% had endoscopic remission. In UC, the effectiveness of upadacitinib was not compromised by prior tofacitinib failure, while the upadacitinib-treated CD patients with stricturing and penetrating disease were less likely to achieve CR by the end of the induction phase (p = 0.04). C-reactive protein (p[CD] < 0.0001; p[UC] < 0.0001) and faecal calprotectin (p[CD] < 0.0001; p[UC] = 0.02) decreased significantly in both patient groups as early as week 2. Among the filgotinib-treated UC patients (n = 31), 28.6% were in CR at week 12. At week 24 and 52, 59.1% and 60% achieved CSFCR, while 0.0% and 20.0% had endoscopic remission. Both C-reactive protein (p = 0.04) and faecal calprotectin (p = 0.04) decreased significantly by week 12. Hyperlipidaemia (9.7–9.8%) was the most common adverse event. Conclusions: Selective JAKis are rapidly effective and safe for treating refractory, moderate-to-severe CD and UC.
Effects of Prone Posture Maneuver to Ameliorate Pusher Behavior in Acute Stroke: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ikeda Mitsuyo , Tashiro Syoichi , Harada Yusuke , Ishita Kohei , Masuda Akifumi , Hirano Teruyuki , Yamada Shin
Published: December 2024

Background: Pusher behavior after stroke is an important sequela that interferes with rehabilitation and independence in activities of daily living. As represented by visual or vestibular feedback, conventional methods require substantial assistance and time commitments, but have limited effectiveness. A recent case series suggests that prone posture may alleviate pusher behavior in patients with acute stroke. This study was conducted to retrospectively investigate the effects of prone posture maneuvers. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a stroke care unit at a university hospital. In total, 37 acute stroke cases presenting with pusher behavior were included from 787 eligible patients. Individuals with pusher behavior were conditioned with prone posturing for 10 min for 2 consecutive days, in addition to regular daily rehabilitation training. The Scale for Contraversive Pushing (SCP) values, Stroke Impairment Assessment Set (SIAS), and functional activities were assessed before, immediately after, and three days after the intervention. Results: The SCP value and the ability to roll over and sit balanced significantly improved compared with the baseline (p < 0.05) and persisted for 3 days after the intervention. Multiple regression analysis identified the SIAS motor score as a determinant of SCP changes. Conclusions: The prone posture maneuver promptly and consistently suppressed pusher behavior, particularly in patients with mild paresis, as indicated by SCP values in acute stroke cases. The uncontrolled, single-site, and retrospective features of the current study require further investigation.
A Feasibility Study of a Controlled Standing Fulcrum Side-Bending Test in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Wong Christian , Koutras Christos , Shayestehpour Hamed , Dahl Benny , Otaduya Miguel A. , Rasmussen John
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Spinal flexibility radiographs are important in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) for clinical decision-making. In this study, we introduce a new method, the ‘quantitatively controlled standing fulcrum side-bending’ test (CSFS test). This is a feasibility study; we aimed to quantify the applied force and track the temporospatial changes in the spine specifically by measuring the continuous change in the Cobb angle (in degrees) during lateral bending. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included patients with AIS. Using a low-dose cinematic fluoroscopic technique, we captured the lateral bending of the thoracolumbar vertebral spine while inducing quantified lateral force on the ribs by a force gauge in a three-point fixation setup of controlled lateral bending. Trial registration number: H-1703423. Results: Twenty-one patients with small-curve AIS were included as subjects. All subjects performed the CSFS test adequately. They had small curves with a mean Cobb angle of 12.0 (range: 0.0–26.0, SD: 7.1). The measured median stiffness was 3.66 N/degrees (°) of the Cobb angle (range: 0.02–11.81) with a median coefficient of determination R2 of 0.58 (range: 0.002–0.92) by regression analyses. When analysed concerning the median-term clinical outcome of either progression/regression or stationary curves, various Cobb angle measurements and the other experimental parameters, there were no significant relationships. Conclusions: The CSFS test is feasible to quantify the force applied and the temporospatial changes in the spine during lateral bending. The CSFS test has been utilised in basic research for mechanical characterisation of the scoliotic spine and has the potential of being implemented directly in patient-specific bracing to estimate the forces needed for brace correction and adjustment so as not to supersede the allowed skin pressure.
Sinking Particle Fluxes at the Jan Mayen Hydrothermal Vent Field Area from Short-Term Sediment Traps
Authors: Klyuvitkin Alexey A. , Kravchishina Marina D. , Starodymova Dina P. , Bulokhov Anton V. , Lein Alla Yu.
Published: December 2024

The mixing of hydrothermal vent fluids with deep ocean water and near-vent pelagic matter results in particle populations with a complex composition consisting of hydrothermally derived, rock-forming, and biogenic particles. This study is the first investigation of deep sediment trap material collected at the Jan Mayen hydrothermal vent field area at 71° N and 6° W of the southernmost Mohns Ridge in the Norwegian–Greenland Sea. This area is characterized by high magmatic activity, axial volcanic ridges, and mafic-hosted volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits. Data on sinking particle fluxes from two hydrothermal settings, the Troll Wall and Soria Moria vent fields, located about 4 km apart, are discussed in the article. In particular, the study emphasize the differences between two hydrothermal settings from each other that demonstrate the geodiversity of hydrothermal processes within the relatively shallow Jan Mayen hydrothermal vent field area affected by the Iceland and Jan Mayen hotspots. The fluxes of sinking hydrothermally derived particles (barite, gypsum, non-crystalline Fe-Si oxyhydroxides, and Fe, Zn, and Cu sulfides) obtained at the Jan Mayen hydrothermal vents made it possible to elucidate the characteristic features of their buoyancy plumes and compare them with similar data reported for other submarine hydrothermal systems. In terms of the composition of the deep-sea hydrothermal particles from buoyant plumes, the studied vent fields are most similar to the Menez Gwen and Lucky Strike vent fields affected by the Azores hotspot. The supply of hydrothermally derived matter is accompanied by normal pelagic/hemipelagic sedimentation, which is dominated by biogenic particles, especially in the upper water layers.
Data-Independent Acquisition-Based Quantitative Proteomics Analysis of Fertile Red Eggs and Spermatozoa in Hermatypic Coral Galaxea fascicularis: Revealing Key Proteins Related to Gamete Maturation and Fertilization
Authors: Zhou Yinyin , Ke Jingzhao , Zheng Lingyu , Mo Shaoyang , Liu Xiangbo , Zhao He , Zhu Wentao , Li Xiubao
Published: December 2024

Sexually propagated scleractinian corals are in high demand for coral reef restoration. However, for threatened reef-building corals, many of the molecular mechanisms related to their reproduction remain largely unknown, which forms a major bottleneck in the large-scale cultivation of sexually reproducing corals. In this study, we analyzed the proteomic signatures of red eggs and spermatozoa from the ecologically significant coral Galaxea fascicularis, using a data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS) method. A total of 7741 and 7279 proteins from mature red eggs and spermatozoa were identified, respectively. Among these proteins, 596 proteins were spermatozoa-specific and 1056 were egg-specific. Additionally, a total of 4413 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were identified, among which 3121 proteins were up-regulated in red eggs and 1292 proteins were up-regulated in spermatozoa. Furthermore, anenrichment analyses showed that DAPs identified in red eggs were mainly involved in the progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation pathway and lectin pathway; and DAPs detected in spermatozoa were mainly involved in the insulin secretion pathway and metabolic pathways for the generation of energy. This result will contribute to the discovery of the intrinsic regulation pathway of gamete maturation and fertilization. Furthermore, at least 57 proteins associated with gamete maturation and reproduction were identified, including the red fluorescent protein (RFP), vitellogenin proteins (VG), the egg protein (EP), the testis-specific serine/threonine-protein kinase family (TSSKs), and the EF-hand Ca2+-binding protein family (EFHC1 and EFHC2). Particularly, the third yolk protein EUPHY was reported for the first time in G. fascicularis. In conclusion, this study unveiled groundbreaking molecular insights into coral sexual reproduction, paving the way for more effective conservation and sustainable development of coral reef ecosystems
Sea State Parameter Prediction Based on Residual Cross-Attention
Authors: Sun Lei , Wang Jun , Li Zi-Hao , Jiao Zi-Lu , Ma Yu-Xiang
Published: December 2024

The combination of onboard estimation and data-driven methods is widely applied for sea state parameter prediction. However, conventional data-driven approaches often exhibit limited adaptability to this task, resulting in suboptimal prediction performance. To enhance prediction accuracy, this study introduces Cross-Attention mechanisms to optimize the task of real-time sea state parameters prediction for maritime operations, innovatively develops a Residual Cross-Attention mechanism, and integrates it into representative networks for sea state parameter prediction. Three benchmark networks were selected, each evaluated under three configurations, without attention, with Cross-Attention, and with Residual Cross-Attention, resulting in a total of nine experimental scenarios for error assessment. The results demonstrate that both Cross-Attention and Residual Cross-Attention reduce prediction error to varying degrees and improve model robustness.
Potential of Streptomyces rochei G-6 for Biocontrol of Cucumber Wilt Disease and Growth Enhancement
Authors: Zhu Chengyu , Li Xin , Gao Yan , Yang Xueying , Gao Yuliang , Li Kuihua
Published: December 2024

Cucumber wilt disease, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum (FOC), is a major threat to cucumber production, especially in greenhouses. This study used a fermentation product derived from a new strain of Streptomyces rochei (G-6) to investigate the potential for biocontrol of cucumber wilt disease and the effect on promoting cucumber growth. In the first experiment, the inhibitory effect of S. rochei G-6 fermentation product (SGFP) on FOC growth was evaluated, then the effect of SGFP on wilt incidence and severity, as well as cucumber growth, antioxidant system, and soil nutrient conversion capacity were investigated. The results showed that SGFP inhibited FOC growth by 85.3% in the antimicrobial experiment. In the potting experiment, the incidence rate in the FOC group reached 88.7%, but it was only 56.0% in the SGFP1 group and 64.7% in the SGFP2 group, indicating the efficient inhibitory effect of SGFP on cucumber wilt, with the biocontrol effect of SGFP1 being higher than that of SGFP2. In addition, the disease index decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in both SGFP treatments, which was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the SGFP1 group than in the SGFP2 group, indicating that pre-treatment was better than post-treatment in reducing the disease severity. In addition, SGFP promoted the growth of cucumber seedlings, as indicated by indicators related to the growth of aboveground and underground parts. Furthermore, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase) in the cucumber seedlings increased after SGFP treatment and the malondialdehyde level was decreased, indicating a reduction in oxidative stress. SGFP also improved the soil nutrient conversion capacity by increasing the activities of urease, phosphatase, and sucrase, which may enhance nutrient uptake by cucumber seedling. The findings of this study suggest that SGFP is an effective biocontrol agent against cucumber wilt and also promotes cucumber growth by regulating the antioxidant system and soil environment, and its application is a promising solution to reduce wilt incidence in cucumber production.
Land Use Challenges in Emerging Economic Corridors of the Global South: A Case Study of the Laos Economic Corridor
Authors: Dong Mingjuan , Wang Xingping , Yan Yiran , Li Dongxue
Published: December 2024

Economic corridors play a crucial role in promoting economic growth and facilitating coordinated regional development. However, land use changes associated with the development of emerging economic corridors have become a prominent source of conflict in regional integration in the Global South. This study takes the Laos Economic Corridor as a case study to explore the characteristics and driving mechanisms of land use changes in emerging economic corridor regions. Using global land cover data from 2000 to 2020 (GlobeLand30) and employing spatial statistical analysis, the Random Forest (RFC) algorithm, and the CA-Markov model, the study follows a Pattern–Process–Mechanism–Trend analytical framework to reveal the spatial distribution characteristics and transformation paths of land use within the corridor. The study results indicate that (1) The land use pattern in the Laos Economic Corridor has gradually shifted from a “single-core radial” structure to a “dumbbell-shaped” structure, promoting coordinated regional economic development. (2) A significant unidirectional flow of land use has been established, with forestland being converted into cultivated land and cultivated land being further converted into artificial surfaces. (3) In addition to the natural geographical constraints, the transport infrastructure and the spatial layout of industries are the main drivers for the expansion of ecological land, agricultural land, and built-up land. (4) Spatial planning interventions are essential and urgent: the establishment of land management rules based on the principles of forest conservation and intensive development can effectively control the uncontrolled expansion of artificial areas, significantly reduce the loss of forestland, and ensure the rational allocation of land resources for long-term development. The findings of this study offer valuable insights and reference points for the Global South, enhancing understanding of the spatial development dynamics of economic corridors, informing the optimization of land-use policies, and supporting efforts to promote regional integration and sustainable development.
Collapse Hotspot Detection in Urban Area Using Sentinel-1 and TerraSAR-X Dataset with SBAS and PSI Techniques
Authors: Alizadeh Niloofar , Maghsoudi Yasser , Managhebi Tayebe , Azadnejad Saeed
Published: December 2024

Urban areas face an imminent risk of collapse due to structural deficiencies and gradual ground subsidence. Therefore, monitoring surface movements is crucial for detecting abnormal behavior, implementing timely preventive measures, and minimizing the detrimental effects of this phenomenon in residential regions. In this context, interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) has emerged as a highly effective technique for monitoring slow and long-term ground hazards and surface motions. The first goal of this study is to explore the potential applications of persistent scatterer interferometry (PSI) and small baseline subset (SBAS) algorithms in collapse hotspot detection, utilizing a dataset consisting of 144 Sentinel-1 images. The experimental results from three areas with a history of collapses demonstrate that the SBAS algorithm outperforms PSI in uncovering behavior patterns indicative of collapse and accurately pinpointing collapse points near real collapse sites. In the second phase, this research incorporated an additional dataset of 36 TerraSAR-X images alongside the Sentinel-1 data to compare results based on radar images with different spatial resolutions in the C and X bands. The findings reveal a strong correlation between the TerraSAR-X and Sentinel-1 time series. Notably, the analysis of the TerraSAR-X time series for one study area identified additional collapse-prone points near the accident site, attributed to the higher spatial resolution of these data. By leveraging the capabilities of InSAR and advanced algorithms, like SBAS, this study highlights the potential to identify areas at risk of collapse, enabling the implementation of preventive measures and reducing potential harm to residential communities.
Accessibility and Equity of Park Green Spaces: Considering Differences in Walking Speeds Across Age Groups
Authors: Luo Weicong , Chen Huan , Yang Zihan , Liu Jinhao
Published: December 2024

Previous studies on measuring the accessibility and equity of park green spaces (PGSs) often overlook differences in walking speeds across age groups, which may lead to research results that deviate from actual conditions. This study expands the current literature by investigating whether ignoring age-related differences in walking speeds affects the measurement of PGS accessibility and equity. The Gaussian Two-Step Floating Catchment Area (G2SFCA) method, along with the Lorenz curve and Gini coefficient are used to measure and evaluate the accessibility and equity of PGSs in Wuhan, China, taking into account both average walking speed and variations in walking speed across different age groups. This empirical study reveals significant spatial disparities in walking speeds across Wuhan’s districts, ranging from 77.2 to 78.55 m per minute (m/min), with urban areas having faster walking speeds than suburban areas. This study finds that ignoring variations in walking speed across age groups leads to an overestimation of PGS accessibility and equity in Wuhan. Furthermore, regardless of whether average walking speeds or age-specific walking speeds are considered, spatial disparities in PGS accessibility remain evident, with urban areas demonstrating significantly better accessibility compared to suburban areas. Additionally, small changes in walking speed differences between age groups (−3% to 3%) have minimal impact on accessibility and equity results, demonstrating low sensitivity to variations in speed differences among groups. Overall, scholars and policymakers should consider differences in walking speeds among various populations when planning public facilities such as PGSs to ensure stronger policy support for vulnerable groups and achieve the goal of social equity.
Dissimilation in Hispano-Romance Diminutive Suffixation
Authors: Lozano Claire Julia , Bradley Travis G.
Published: December 2024

A highly productive derivational process, diminutive suffixation in Spanish (e.g., gatito ~ gatiko/gatico ‘little/well-known/beloved/awful cat’ < gato ‘cat’) has received much attention in the morphology–phonology interface literature. The present study contributes a novel comparative analysis of a dissimilatory alternation between diminutive suffix allomorphs -ito/a and -ico/a (-iko/a) across three Hispano-Romance varieties. In Judeo-Spanish, the voiceless dorsal stop [k] of default -iko/a dissimilates to coronal [t] after any dorsal segment [k, ɡ, ɡʷ, x, w] in the base-final syllable. In Colombian Spanish, the voiceless coronal stop [t] of default -ito/a dissimilates to dorsal [k] after only an identical [t] in the base-final syllable. By contrast, Castilian Spanish -ito/a does not dissimilate, thereby providing a baseline for comparison. All three varieties allow for optional iteration of the suffix, which conveys greater smallness or endearment than the simple diminutive, e.g., Castilian Spanish gatitito ‘little/beloved kitty’, without dissimilation. Iterated diminutives in Colombian Spanish show two patterns of dissimilation, which have not been fully acknowledged in the previous literature. For example, either (i) [it] and [ik] alternate to avoid adjacent identical syllable onsets, e.g., gat[ikitíko], or (ii) [it] is iterated until alternating with word-final [ik], e.g., gat[ititíko]. In all three Hispano-Romance varieties, base-final unstressed vowels are deleted before a vowel-initial diminutive suffix, followed by unstressed -o/a, and stress (indicated by an acute accent) is shifted rightward onto the penultimate syllable of the diminutive word. Vowel deletion and stress shift apply recursively in iterated diminutives. We propose an Optimality Theory analysis of these alternations in terms of suffix allomorphy that is phonologically conditioned by consonantal place dissimilation. The analysis is formalized as an interaction among constraints that enforce prosodic unmarkedness, output–output correspondence, allomorph preference, and similarity avoidance. We consider theoretical alternatives and compare our analysis to other recent proposals.
Cross-Regional Patterns of Obstruent Voicing and Gemination: The Case of Roman and Veneto Italian
Authors: Dian Angelo , Hajek John , Fletcher Janet
Published: December 2024

Italian has a length contrast in its series of voiced and voiceless obstruents while also presenting phonetic differences across regional varieties. Northern varieties of the language, including Veneto Italian (VI), are described as maintaining the voicing contrast but, in some cases, not the length contrast. In central and southern varieties, the opposite trend may occur. For instance, Roman Italian (RI) is reported to optionally pre-voice intervocalic voiceless singleton obstruents whilst also maintaining the length contrast for this consonant class. This study looks at the acoustic realization of selected obstruents in VI and RI and investigates (a) prevoicing patterns and (b) the effects and interactions of regional variety, gemination, and (phonological and phonetic) voicing on consonant (C) and preceding-vowel (V) durations, as well as the ratio between the two (C/V), with a focus on that particular measure. An acoustic phonetic analysis is conducted on 3703 tokens from six speakers from each variety, producing eight repetitions of 40 real CV́C(C)V and CVC(C)V́CV words embedded in carrier sentences, with /p, pp, t, tt, k, kk, b, bb, d, dd, ɡ, ɡɡ, f, ff, v, vv, t∫, tt∫, dʒ, ddʒ/ as the target intervocalic consonants. The results show that both VI and RI speakers produce geminates, yielding high C/V ratios in both varieties, although there are cross-regional differences in the realization of singletons. On the one hand, RI speakers tend to pre-voice voiceless singletons and produce overall shorter C durations and lower C/V ratios for these consonants. On the other hand, VI speakers produce longer C durations and higher C/V ratios for all voiceless singletons, triggering some overlap between the C length categories, which results in partial degemination through singleton lengthening, although only for voiceless obstruents. The implications of a trading relationship between phonetic voicing and duration of obstruents in Italian gemination are discussed.
Design and Comparison of Two Maize Seeders Coupled with an Agricultural Robot
Authors: López-Gómez Jesús A. , Patiño-Espejel Joshua E. , Velázquez-López Noé , Sánchez-Chávez David I. , Van Loon Jelle
Published: December 2024

In recent years, the development of robotic vehicles in agriculture has made it possible to reduce human intervention and fatigue in carrying out arduous or repetitive tasks, as well as helping to promote sustainable agriculture to address climate change. However, the great diversity of agricultural tasks and the varied production systems and crops demand a wide range of solutions that can be adapted to robotic vehicles as a power source. These alternatives must be affordable and user-friendly for some users, although more sophisticated solutions must also be developed for others, depending on their specific needs. For this, the present work focuses on the development of two maize seeders with different metering systems coupled to an agricultural robot. The first seeder has a conventional mechanically driven seed metering system with a drive wheel and chain gear, while the second one has an electronically driven metering system based on a DC motor and a digital encoder controlled by a microcontroller. Both seeders were coupled to a remote-controlled robotic vehicle and evaluated on real farmland. Seed distribution in the seed rows was contrasting; the results indicated that the mechanical system performed better in the field than the electronic system. For both seeders, the working capacity was approximately 0.135 ha/h at an average speed of 2.0 km/h. The proposed robot–seeder assembly could help farmers automate and reduce the workload associated with planting, as well as attract young people to the field.
Improving Medical Image Segmentation Using Test-Time Augmentation with MedSAM
Authors: Nazzal Wasfieh , Thurnhofer-Hemsi Karl , López-Rubio Ezequiel
Published: December 2024

Medical image segmentation is crucial for diagnostics and treatment planning, yet traditional methods often struggle with the variability of real-world clinical data. Deep learning models, like the Segment Anything Model (SAM), have been proposed as a powerful tool that helps to delimit regions using a prompt. This work proposes a methodology to improve the quality of the segmentation by integrating test-time augmentation (TTA) with the SAM for medical applications (MedSAM) by using random circular shifts, addressing challenges such as misalignments and imaging variability. The method generates several input variations during inference that are combined after, improving robustness and segmentation accuracy without requiring retraining. Evaluated across diverse computed tomography (CT) datasets, including Medical Segmentation Decathlon (MSD), KiTS, and COVID-19-20, the proposed method demonstrated consistent improvements in Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) and Normalized Surface Dice (NSD) metrics. The highest performances were 93.6% DSC and 97% NSD. Notably, it achieved superior boundary precision and surface alignment in complex regions like the pancreas and colon, outperforming baseline models, including MedSAM and DeepLabv3+. The approach is computationally feasible, leveraging a balance of augmentation intensity and segmentation accuracy.