bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the Application of Computer-Aided Electronic Music Technology in Folk Music Creation
Authors: Zhang Jue
Published: May 2024

In the current environment of folk music creation, it is found that the incubation rate of excellent music works is gradually decreasing. The introduction of electronic music technology provides a new possibility for the creation of folk music. Through electronic music technology, a new pattern of folk music creation can be established. This mode can not only break through the limitations of traditional creation mode but also greatly improve the efficiency and quality of creation. This paper constructs a folk music creation model based on electronic music technology and tests its functionality. First, choose a music studio as the laboratory, and then select electronic music technology built for audio acquisition and processing. Through integrated algorithms, different types of audio are placed into the system for unordered stacking and reassembly. Finally, the obtained audio combination is output to the audio output device to evaluate the results of the scheme, and the collected data are currently applied to the actual music fundamental frequency. In the evaluation stage, five types were selected and the results expressed in the plan were compared. To further improve the accuracy and reliability of authoring, we have also introduced integrated algorithms into this new authoring mode. By integrating the algorithm, the further creation and optimization of the music score can be realized, thus improving the accuracy and reliability of the creation. In the actual test, it is found that this mode of folk music creation based on electronic music technology is completely feasible. By testing the accuracy of music creation, it is found that this new creation mode can greatly improve the accuracy of music creation. In terms of the rationality of dealing with the complexity pattern of folk music design generation architecture, the music creation mode is significantly higher than the traditional processing mode. The processing of mixed design tasks is also more orderly than the response time of traditional state processing tasks. The overall effect of traditional methods can only reach 0.87, while the optimal effect of using information integration can reach 0.97.
Multimodal Information Fusion Dynamic Target Recognition for Autonomous Driving
Authors: Zhang Mingrong , Peng Qi , Li Min , Shang Yunpeng
Published: May 2024

With the continuous development of autonomous driving technology, realizing high-precision road obstacle detection is crucial to ensure traffic safety and driving experience. However, traditional obstacle detection methods often perform poorly in complex driving scenarios, such as obstacle movement and occlusion. To cope with this problem, this study proposes a road obstacle detection method based on a two-stream convolutional neural network model, aiming to overcome the limitations of traditional methods in capturing spatiotemporal features and handling complex situations. Our research approach is based on the following innovations: First, we introduce a dual-stream convolutional neural network structure, where one stream is used to extract spatial features from the contour information of the obstacle frames, and the other stream extracts temporal features from the temporal stream information. This dual-stream structure can fully capture the appearance and dynamic information of the obstacles, thus improving detection accuracy. Second, we design a feature fusion module to fuse the two features to obtain richer obstacle features. In addition, we propose a new loss function, i.e. clustering loss, for better optimizing the model training process, reducing intra-class variation, and increasing inter-class differences, thus improving the generalization performance of the model. In the experimental section, we conducted extensive experimental analysis using Citycapes and BDD100K datasets. The experimental results show that our model achieves significant performance improvement compared to both the traditional convolutional neural network method and the YOLOv5 method in a variety of scenarios such as obstacle stationary, obstacle moving, and obstacle with occlusion. Specifically, our method improves the recognition rate up to 4.8% to 14.5% on the Citycapes dataset and 6.5% to 12.8% on the BDD100K dataset, respectively, under different scenarios. In addition, our model also exhibits more advantages on small datasets, showing higher generalization ability and robustness.
Deep Learning-Based Segmentation of Lesions from Wide-Field Vitiligo Images
Authors: Fan Zhuangzhuang , Wang Changqing
Published: May 2024

Evaluation of vitiligo relies on accurate segmentation of lesions, and traditional segmentation methods mainly focus on near-field images. This study proposes a deep learning-based model for accurately segmenting lesions in wide-field vitiligo images. In this study, a dataset of 1267 wide-field vitiligo images was established to train and evaluate segmentation models. A Swin R-CNN model, which combined a Swin Transformer tiny network with a watershed algorithm, was proposed for segmenting lesions. The performances of the Swin R-CNN model and five other models were evaluated and compared through visual and quantitative perspectives. Additionally, the Spearman rank correlation test was performed to analyze result consistency between the Swin R-CNN model and dermatologists in measuring lesion area. The Swin R-CNN model accurately segmented lesions in the wide-field vitiligo images, surpassing other models in both visual and quantitative performance, with an average precision of 84.72% and an average recall of 77.81%. The correlation coefficients between the evaluation results of the Swin R-CNN model and three dermatologists were 0.88, 0.94, and 0.91, respectively. The Swin R-CNN model accurately segments lesions in the wide-field vitiligo images and quantifies lesion area at the dermatologist level. The Swin R-CNN model can provide reliable analytical results for the vitiligo evaluation.
A cross-diffusion system modeling rivaling gangs: Global existence of bounded solutions and FCT stabilization for numerical simulation
Authors: Fuest Mario , Heydari Shahin
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we study a gang territorial model consisting of two parabolic and two ordinary differential equations, where a taxis-type mechanism models that the two rivaling gangs are repelled by each other’s graffiti. Our main analytical finding shows the existence of global, bounded classical solutions. By making use of quantitative global estimates, we prove that these solutions converge to homogeneous steady states if the initial data are sufficiently small.

Moreover, we perform numerical experiments which show that for different choices of parameters, the system may become diffusion- or convection-dominated, where in the former case the solutions converge toward constant steady states while in the latter case nontrivial asymptotic behavior such as segregation is observed. In order to perform these experiments, we apply a nonlinear finite element flux-corrected transport method (FEM-FCT) which is positivity-preserving. Then we treat the nonlinearities in both the system and the proposed nonlinear scheme simultaneously using fixed-point iteration.
Noether symmetry analysis in f(T,TG) gravity theory: A study of classical cosmology
Authors: Laya Dipankar , Dutta Sourav , Chakraborty Subenoy
Published: May 2024

This work deals with [Formula: see text] gravity in the background of homogeneous and isotropic flat Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) space-time model. The main aim of this work is to examine whether the model supports the observational data or not. By using the Noether symmetry analysis, not only the symmetry vector is obtained, but also the coupling function [Formula: see text] in the Lagrangian has been determined. Also, the symmetry analysis identifies a transformation from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] in such a way that one of the new variables become cyclic along the direction symmetry vector and as a result the field equations become solvable. Then the solution is analyzed from the observational point of view. Finally, quantum cosmology has been formulated for the present model and the wave function of the universe has been evaluated by solving the Wheeler–DeWitt equation with some assumptions.
Hopf bifurcation and optimal control of a delayed reaction–diffusion brucellosis disease model
Authors: Ma An , Hu Jing , Li Xining , Xu Xinzhong , Zhang Qimin
Published: May 2024

This paper presents a brucellosis disease model with reaction–diffusion and time delay. The model takes into account both the direct and indirect transmission of infected animals and pathogens in the environment. By analyzing the associated characteristic equation, the local stability of the unique positive equilibrium point is established. The existence of Hopf bifurcations at the positive equilibrium point is also examined by considering the discrete time delay as a bifurcation parameter. Additionally, an optimal control analysis is conducted to minimize disease outbreaks and control costs. This includes reducing the exposure of susceptible animals to infected animals, removing infected animals from herds, and reducing emissions of brucella into the environment. By constructing Hamiltonian function and applying Pontryagin’s maximum principle, the necessary conditions for the existence of optimal control are given. Finally, the existence of bifurcation periodic solutions and the effectiveness of control strategies are illustrated through numerical simulations.
A complete analysis of a slow–fast modified Leslie–Gower predator–prey system
Authors: Wen Zhenshu , Shi Tianyu
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we transform a modified Leslie–Gower predator–prey system into the corresponding fast–slow version by assuming that prey reproduces much faster than predator, and then perform a complete analysis about its dynamics. More specifically, we find the necessary and sufficient conditions of the exact number (zero, one or two) of positive equilibria of the slow–fast system and its (or their) location, and then we further fully determine its (or their) dynamics under explicit conditions. Besides, by converting the slow–fast system into its slow–fast normal form, we are able to characterize its rich dynamics completely, including relaxation oscillation, singular Hopf bifurcation, canard explosion, homoclinic orbits, heteroclinic orbits and global attraction of equilibrium. Moreover, the sufficient conditions to guarantee these various rich dynamics are explicitly given, including the explicit conditions to determine whether singular Hopf bifurcation is supercritical or subcritical, which generally cannot be explicitly derived in the existing literatures. Additionally, the cyclicity of diverse canard cycles is found under explicit conditions. Of particular interest is that we show the existence and uniqueness of one canard cycle without head whose cyclicity is at most two under explicit parameters conditions. Our results complement and enrich the previous work (relaxation oscillation, and global attraction of a boundary equilibrium) about this fast–slow system. We also employ numerical simulations to illustrate our theoretical analysis.
On the ideal-based triple zero-divisor graph of commutative ring
Authors: Selvakumar K. , Anusha N.
Published: May 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be a commutative ring with identity and [Formula: see text] be a proper ideal of a commutative ring [Formula: see text]. The ideal-based triple zero-divisor graph of a commutative ring is a graph, denoted by [Formula: see text], with the vertex set [Formula: see text] and two vertices [Formula: see text] are adjacent if and only if there is a [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we discuss the connectedness, diameter, girth of [Formula: see text]. We classify all finite commutative rings for which [Formula: see text] is either complete, unicyclic or split graph. Also, we characterize all finite commutative rings for which [Formula: see text] is perfect. Finally, we classify all finite commutative rings for which [Formula: see text] has genus at most one.
A 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine-Based Noninvasive Model for Early Detection of Colorectal Carcinomas and Advanced Adenomas: The METHOD-2 Study
Authors: Chang Wenju , Zhang Zhou , Jia Baoqing , Ding Kefeng , Pan Zhizhong , Su Guoqiang , Zhang Wei , Liu Tianyu , Zhong Yunshi , He Guodong , Ren Li , Wei Ye , Li Dongdong , Cui Xiaolong , Yang Jun , Shi Yixiang , Bissonnette Marc , He Chuan , Zhang Wei , Fan Jia , Xu Jianmin
Published: May 2024

Purpose:

Detection of colorectal carcinomas at a time when there are more treatment options is associated with better outcomes. This prospective case–control study assessed the 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) biomarkers in circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) for early detection of colorectal carcinoma and advanced adenomas (AA).

Experimental Design:

Plasma cfDNA samples from 2,576 study participants from the multicenter METHOD-2 study (NCT03676075) were collected, comprising patients with newly diagnosed colorectal carcinoma (n = 1,074), AA (n = 356), other solid tumors (n = 80), and non–colorectal carcinoma/AA controls (n = 1,066), followed by genome-wide 5hmC profiling using the 5hmC-Seal technique and the next-generation sequencing. A weighted diagnostic model for colorectal carcinoma (stage I–III) and AA was developed using the elastic net regularization in a discovery set and validated in independent samples.

Results:

Distribution of 5hmC in cfDNA reflected gene regulatory relevance and tissue of origin. Besides being confirmed in internal validation, a 96-gene model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 90.7% for distinguishing stage I–III colorectal carcinoma from controls in 321 samples from multiple centers for external validation, regardless of primary location or mutation status. This model also showed cancer-type specificity as well as high capacity for distinguishing AA from controls with an AUC of 78.6%. Functionally, differential 5hmC features associated with colorectal carcinoma and AA demonstrated relevance to colorectal carcinoma biology, including pathways such as calcium and MAPK signaling.

Conclusions:

Genome-wide mapping of 5hmC in cfDNA shows promise as a highly sensitive and specific noninvasive blood test to be integrated into screening programs for improving early detection of colorectal carcinoma and high-risk AA.
Supplementary Table 1 from Exploring Co-occurring POLE Exonuclease and Non-exonuclease Domain Mutations and Their Impact on Tumor Mutagenicity
Authors: Shah Shreya M. , Demidova Elena V. , Ringenbach Salena , Faezov Bulat , Andrake Mark , Gandhi Arjun , Mur Pilar , Viana-Errasti Julen , Xiu Joanne , Swensen Jeffrey , Valle Laura , Dunbrack Roland L. , Hall Michael J. , Arora Sanjeevani
Published: May 2024

All patient clinical, demographic, and molecular data in this manuscript (de-identified).
Supplementary Data from Exploring Co-occurring POLE Exonuclease and Non-exonuclease Domain Mutations and Their Impact on Tumor Mutagenicity
Authors: Shah Shreya M. , Demidova Elena V. , Ringenbach Salena , Faezov Bulat , Andrake Mark , Gandhi Arjun , Mur Pilar , Viana-Errasti Julen , Xiu Joanne , Swensen Jeffrey , Valle Laura , Dunbrack Roland L. , Hall Michael J. , Arora Sanjeevani
Published: May 2024

All Supplementary_Legends_Figures_and_most Tables
FIGURE 4 from Pan-Cancer Interrogation of B7-H3 (CD276) as an Actionable Therapeutic Target Across Human Malignancies
Authors: Miller Carly D. , Lozada John R. , Zorko Nicholas A. , Elliott Andrew , Makovec Allison , Radovich Milan , Heath Elisabeth I. , Agarwal Neeraj , Mckay Rana R. , Garje Rohan , Bastos Bruno R. , Hoon Dave S.B. , Orme Jacob J. , Sartor Oliver , VanderWalde Ari , Nabhan Chadi , Sledge George , Shenderov Eugene , Dehm Scott M. , Lou Emil , Miller Jeffrey S. , Hwang Justin H. , Antonarakis Emmanuel S.
Published: May 2024

B7-H3 expression and immune cell landscape. Immune cell deconvolution using quanTIseq demonstrates differences in cell fraction of T cells CD8+ (A), macrophage M1 (B), and macrophage M2 (C) across 10 different cancer types with high and low B7-H3 expression. *, q < 0.05; **, q < 0.01; ***, q < 0.001.
Desigualdade entre estados na distribuição da renda no Brasil
Authors: Hoffmann Rodolfo
Published: May 2024

Utilizando dados sobre a distribuição da renda entre pessoas economicamente ativas com rendimento, confirma-se que entre 1970 e 1980 houve substancial redução da desigualdade interestadual no Brasil, como já fora constatado com base em dados sobre o PIB per capita nos estados. Verifica-se, entretanto, que o crescimento da desigualdade da distribuição da renda entre pessoas economicamente ativas dentro dos estados nessa década mais do que compensou a diminuição da desigualdade interestadual. Em 1980, a desigualdade interestadual representa menos de 10% da desigualdade total para a classe de medidas de desigualdade aditivamente decomponíveis que inclui as medidas de desigualdade de Theil. Considerando a população economicamente ativa em 22 Unidades da Federação, verifica-se que a participação da desigualdade interestadual na desigualdade total é bastante estável no período 1984-1993. Em 1995, essa participação aumenta um pouco, tornando-se igual a 7,39% para o T de Theil e igual a 9,29% para o L de Theil.
Gender segregation in the labor market in the States of São Paulo and Pernambuco
Authors: Ometto Ana Maria Holland , Hoffmann Rodolfo , Alves Marcelo Corrêa
Published: May 2024

O presente trabalho, utilizando dados individuais coletados por meio das Pesquisas Nacionais por Amostra de Domicílios (PNAD), analisa a evolução, ao longo do período compreendido entre 1981 e 1990, da segregação ocupacional por gênero e da discriminação que prejudica a mão-de-obra feminina nos Estados de São Paulo e de Pernambuco. O índice de segregação de Duncan revela a existência de considerável segregação ocupacional nos dois Estados. Além disso, verifica-se que, embora essa medida decresça entre o início e o final do período em São Paulo, se eleva substancialmente em Pernambuco. Mediante o ajuste de equações de rendimento, que incluem as informações sobre o gênero e composição por gênero da ocupação na qual o indivíduo se insere no elenco das variáveis consideradas explicativas dos rendimentos individuais, estima-se o efeito da discriminação e da segregação ocupacional nos rendimentos das pessoas ocupadas.
Poverty, inequality and macroeconomic instability
Authors: Barros Ricardo Paes de , Corseuil Carlos , Mendonça Rosane , Reis Mauricio Cortez
Published: May 2024

Nas últimas duas décadas, o Brasil experimentou uma performance macroeconômica muito aquém da registrada para o período imediatamente anterior. A inflação alcançou níveis sem precedentes e o crescimento econômico desacelerou consideravelmente. Neste artigo, usamos séries de tempo mensais para estimar a relação entre a performance macroeconômica e os níveis de pobreza e desigualdade no Brasil. As estimativas usando tanto dados agregados como um pooling de series regionais revelam que a inflação parece estar pouco relacionada com pobreza e desigualdade. No entanto, quando se leva em consideração que a variação na taxa mensal de inflação foi bastante alta, mostra-se que as variações correspondentes nos níveis de pobreza e desigualdade são significativas. Com relação ao desemprego, as estimativas indicam uma tênue relação desta variável com pobreza e desigualdade. Finalmente, quando consideramos a possibilidade destas relações estimadas variarem ao longo do período analisado, foi identificada uma mudança nas estimativas relacionadas ao período mais recente (pós-Real). De fato, a relação entre desemprego e pobreza ou desigualdade se torna bem mais tênue no final do período, o que parece consistente com a queda da pobreza observada a partir de 1995, quando o desemprego assume uma trajetória ascendente. Tambem há evidências de que a relação entre inflação e pobreza ou desigualdade é mais fraca nos períodos de aceleração inflacionária.
Health conditions and health policy in Brazil: an assessment of recent decades
Authors: Baer Werner , Campino Antonio Carlos , Cavalcanti Tiago
Published: May 2024

This article describes the health situation of Brazil's population, the Brazilian health system, and their implication for the development process. Although there were substantial improvements in the last decades, Brazil still has an epidemiological pattern where infectious and parasitic diseases, due to lack of adequate sanitary infrastructure, are still prevalent. This pattern is closely associated with Brazil's highly concentrated income distribution. While the middle and upper income classes can buy health plans and use the type of health care which is similar to that used in advanced industrial countries, the urban poor and the rural population have limited access to public health services, with are mostly quite precarious.
O show de Truman e o ator: uma vida manipulada pela mídia
Authors: Candaten Luana , Veloso Maria Thereza
Published: May 2024

Este trabalho contém uma análise sobre a influência e manipulação midiática na vida das pessoas, buscando identificar como e até que ponto essa manipulação está presente e se repercute na vida de cada um, devido à grande presença dessa força em cada ação que realizamos. Para tanto, os objetos escolhidos para constituírem o arquivo a ser analisado foram o filme “O show de Truman”, de Peter Weir, 1998 e o conto “O ator”, publicado no livro Comédias para se ler na escola, de Luís Fernando Veríssimo, 2001.
The 9th International Conference on Fossil Insects, Arthropods and Amber held in Xi’an, china
Authors: HUANG DI-YING , CAI CHEN-YANG
Published: May 2024

At the 8th International Conference on Fossil Insects, Arthropods and Amber (Fossil×3) held in 2019 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Professor Diying Huang, from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (NIGPAS), won the bid to host the 9th Fossil×3 conference in Xi’an, China. Due to the pandemic, the conference was postponed twice and was finally successfully held in the ancient city of Xi’an from May 18–25, 2024.
Guidelines for Activating Ramp Metering Signals in Response to Non-Recurrent Congestion during Off-Peak Hours Using a Statistical Method
Authors: Kodi John H. , Kidando Emmanuel , Alluri Priyanka , Sando Thobias
Published: May 2024

Ramp metering is a transportation systems management and operations strategy that utilizes signals installed at freeway on-ramps to dynamically manage traffic entering the freeway. Ramp metering signals (RMSs) are usually activated during peak hours to alleviate recurrent congestion. However, recurrent congestion during peak hours constitutes less than half of all congestion. It is the non-recurrent congestion resulting from traffic incidents, work zones, adverse weather conditions, special events, and so forth, that adversely affects the performance of the freeway. Thus, this study used a three-regime model to develop guidelines to activate and deactivate RMSs during off-peak hours in response to non-recurrent congestion caused by incidents. A 10-mi section of I-95 in Miami, Florida, was used as the case study. The findings indicated that the RMS immediately upstream of the incident location might be activated when the average speed on the mainline drops below 45 mph and deactivated when the incident has been cleared and the average mainline speed reaches 45 mph for a consistent 5-min period. The RMS immediately downstream of the incident location may be activated when the average speed on the mainline drops below 35 mph for a consistent 5-min period and deactivated when the incident has been cleared and the average mainline speed reaches 35 mph for a consistent 5-min period. The proposed guidelines will enable transportation agencies to use ramp metering to improve traffic operations and safety during off-peak hours.
Medication-overuse headache: a narrative review
Authors: Gosalia Helin , Moreno-Ajona David , Goadsby Peter J.
Published: May 2024

Medication-overuse headache (MOH), which potentially involves 1–2% of the population, is defined as a headache, on ≥ 15 days a month affected, along with overuse of one or other acute attack medications. MOH presents with significant challenges in the headache community, particularly in clinical settings raising various questions about its pathophysiology. Through a review of the current literature and our clinical experience, we have explored the mechanisms through which MOH may occur, provide an understanding of the current state of treatment and detail some possible views on the understanding and treatment of this condition. We evaluate the variations in treatment methods offered globally and understanding of the disorder. Above all interventions, patient education is crucial, which is underscored by an analysis of the academic publications. Given the condition is preventable, early intervention is imperative and patient awareness is highlighted as key. Globally, there is no uniform treatment methodology, which may be advantageous as approaches need to take local circumstances into account.
MFPINC: prediction of plant ncRNAs based on multi-source feature fusion
Authors: Nie Zhenjun , Gao Mengqing , Jin Xiu , Rao Yuan , Zhang Xiaodan
Published: May 2024

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are recognized as pivotal players in the regulation of essential physiological processes such as nutrient homeostasis, development, and stress responses in plants. Common methods for predicting ncRNAs are susceptible to significant effects of experimental conditions and computational methods, resulting in the need for significant investment of time and resources. Therefore, we constructed an ncRNA predictor(MFPINC), to predict potential ncRNA in plants which is based on the PINC tool proposed by our previous studies. Specifically, sequence features were carefully refined using variance thresholding and F-test methods, while deep features were extracted and feature fusion were performed by applying the GRU model. The comprehensive evaluation of multiple standard datasets shows that MFPINC not only achieves more comprehensive and accurate identification of gene sequences, but also significantly improves the expressive and generalization performance of the model, and MFPINC significantly outperforms the existing competing methods in ncRNA identification. In addition, it is worth mentioning that our tool can also be found on Github (https://github.com/Zhenj-Nie/MFPINC) the data and source code can also be downloaded for free.
Enhancing salt stress tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum) seedlings: insights from trehalose and mannitol
Authors: Alhudhaibi Abdulrahman M. , Ibrahim Mervat A. R. , Abd-Elaziz Seham M. S. , Farag Hanaa R. M. , Elsayed Salwa M. , Ibrahim Hemmat A. , Hossain ABM Sharif , Alharbi Basmah M. , Haouala Faouzi , Elkelish Amr , Srour Hany A. M.
Published: May 2024

Salinity stress, an ever-present challenge in agriculture and environmental sciences, poses a formidable hurdle for plant growth and productivity in saline-prone regions worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effectiveness of trehalose and mannitol induce salt resistance in wheat seedlings. Wheat grains of the commercial variety Sakha 94 were divided into three groups : a group that was pre-soaked in 10 mM trehalose, another group was soaked in 10 mM mannitol, and the last was soaked in distilled water for 1 hour, then the pre soaked grains cultivated in sandy soil, each treatment was divided into two groups, one of which was irrigated with 150 mM NaCl and the other was irrigated with tap water. The results showed that phenols content in wheat seedlings increased and flavonoids reduced due to salt stress. Trehalose and mannitol cause slight increase in total phenols content while total flavonoids were elevated highy in salt-stressed seedlings. Furthermore, Trehalose or mannitol reduced salt-induced lipid peroxidation. Salt stress increases antioxidant enzyme activities of guaiacol peroxidase (G-POX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT) in wheat seedlings, while polyphenol oxidase (PPO) unchanged. Trehalose and mannitol treatments caused an increase in APX, and CAT activities, whereas G-POX not altered but PPO activity were decreased under salt stress conditions. Molecular docking confirmed the interaction of Trehalose or mannitol with peroxidase and ascorbic peroxidase enzymes. Phenyl alanine ammonia layase (PAL) activity was increased in salt-stressed seedlings. We can conclude that pre-soaking of wheat grains in 10 mM trehalose or mannitol improves salinity stress tolerance by enhancing antioxidant defense enzyme and/or phenol biosynthesis, with docking identifying interactions with G-POX, CAT, APX, and PPO.
“We restrict certain things”: a cross-sectional study of health provider adherence to WHO’s recommendation for intrapartum oral intake of fluid and food in Greater Accra, Ghana
Authors: Stephens Benjamin , Nanka-Bruce Pearl , Lashtew Habtamu Fekadu
Published: May 2024

Background

Since 2018, WHO recommends oral fluid and food intake for low-risk women during labor to enhance positive childbirth experience and respect for women’s preferences. This study investigated the current practices related to intrapartum oral intake among maternity care providers and women in public health facilities in Greater Accra, Ghana, and explored barriers and opportunities for adherence to the WHO guidance.

Methods

We used a mixed-method design at five public health facilities in Greater Accra, Ghana, which included structured interviews with 11 facility-level quality improvement staff and 12 maternity care providers; a knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey with the same providers; and a client survey with 56 inpatient postpartum women. We conducted descriptive and inferential statistics, including z-tests to assess independent and dependent variables, and inductive thematic analyses.

Results

Provider adherence to the WHO recommendation varied, with many imposing restrictions on oral intake during labor. Concerns included potential complications like Mendelson’s syndrome, consequently framing oral intake decisions as clinical and leading providers to limit women’s involvement in their care decisions. Within our sample, 54% and 43% women reported their provider counseled them on oral fluid and food intake respectively, while 41% and 34% reported their provider asked them their preference for drinking and eating respectively. Ultimately, 73% drank fluids and 19% ate food during their labor. Counseling significantly correlated with women’s intake practices (p < 0.01) and providers’ inquiry to women’s preferences for drinking and eating (p < 0.001) during labor.

Conclusion

Adherence to evidence-based practices for intrapartum oral intake among low-risk women was inconsistence. Maternity care providers play a vital role in involving women in their care decisions and respecting women’s preferences. Strengthening national-level labor care guidelines and provider quality improvement approaches like in-service training, supportive supervision, and job aides to include the WHO recommendation will help providers adhere to the guidance and contribute to promoting a positive childbirth experience for women.
Psychometrics of the Korean Version of the screen for adult anxiety related disorders (SCAARED)
Authors: Hwang Inae , Chin Sanghoon , Mun Seongjun , You Min Ju , Moon Woori , Lho Silvia Kyungjin
Published: May 2024

Background

For enhanced management of anxiety disorders, early screening and accurate diagnostic differentiation are essential. The Screen for Adult Anxiety Related Disorders (SCAARED) has been developed to identify and categorize anxiety disorders, thereby facilitating timely and appropriate interventions. In line with this, we aimed to translate and validate the Korean version of the SCAARED questionnaire for the Korean population.

Methods

The original SCAARED was translated into Korean and administered to community adult population (N = 119) ages 18–45 years old in South Korea. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the SCAARED were evaluated. In addition, its factor structure was examined using confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis. Concurrent validity was evaluated by comparing SCAARED with the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS), the Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Test-retest reliability was evaluated one week after the first assessment.

Results

The SCAARED showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.945) and test-retest reliability (γ = 0.883). The SCAARED had significant correlation with DASS-21 subscales (γ = 0.655–0.701), BAI (γ = 0.788) and STAI subscales (γ = 0.548–0.736), confirming good concurrent validity. The results of the Exploratory Factor Analysis showed four factors comparable to the original SCAARED (Generalized anxiety, Somatic/Panic/Agoraphobia, Social anxiety, and Separation anxiety). The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic of total and each of the factor scores ranged from 0.724 to 0.942.

Conclusions

The Korean version of the SCAARED is a reliable and valid instrument to screen for anxiety disorders in the Korean adult populations.
The relationship between childhood psychological abuse and depression in college students: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Liu Yang , Shen Qingxin , Duan Liangfan , Xu Lei , Xiao Yongxiang , Zhang Tiancheng
Published: May 2024

Background

Childhood psychological abuse (CPA) are highly correlated with depression among college students, but the underlying mechanisms between variables need further exploration. This study aims to investigate internet addiction as a mediating factor and alexithymia as a moderating factor, in order to further elucidate the potential risk factors between CPA and depression among college students.

Methods

A self-report survey was conducted among 1196 college students from four universities in three provinces in China. The survey included measures of CPA, internet addiction, alexithymia, and depression. Descriptive and correlational analyses were performed on these variables, and a moderated mediation model was constructed.

Results

CPA was positively correlated with depression among college students, as well as internet addiction with alexithymia. Internet addiction partially mediated the relationship between CPA and depression among college students, while alexithymia strengthened the relationships among the paths in the moderated mediation model.

Conclusion

This study provides further insights into the psychological mechanisms underlying the relationship between CPA and depression among college students. Internet addiction serves as a mediating factor in this relationship, while alexithymia may enhance the strength of the relationships among the three variables.
Long-term effects of climate factors on dengue fever over a 40-year period
Authors: Xu Chengdong , Xu Jingyi , Wang Li
Published: May 2024

Background

Dengue fever stands as one of the most extensively disseminated mosquito-borne infectious diseases worldwide. While numerous studies have investigated its influencing factors, a gap remains in long-term analysis, impeding the identification of temporal patterns, periodicity in transmission, and the development of effective prevention and control strategies. Thus, we aim to analyze the periodicity of dengue fever incidence and explore the association between various climate factors and the disease over an extended time series.

Methods

By utilizing monthly dengue fever cases and climate data spanning four decades (1978–2018) in Guangdong province, China, we employed wavelet analysis to detect dengue fever periodicity and analyze the time-lag relationship with climate factors. Additionally, Geodetector q statistic was employed to quantify the explanatory power of each climate factor and assess interaction effects.

Results

Our findings revealed a prolonged transmission period of dengue fever over the 40-year period, transitioning from August to November in the 1970s to nearly year-round in the 2010s. Moreover, we observed lags of 1.5, 3.5, and 3 months between dengue fever and temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation, respectively. The explanatory power of precipitation, temperature, relative humidity, and the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) on dengue fever was determined to be 18.19%, 12.04%, 11.37%, and 5.17%, respectively. Dengue fever exhibited susceptibility to various climate factors, with notable nonlinear enhancement arising from the interaction of any two variables. Notably, the interaction between precipitation and humidity yielded the most significant effect, accounting for an explanatory power of 75.32%.

Conclusions

Consequently, future prevention and control strategies for dengue fever should take into account these climate changes and formulate corresponding measures accordingly. In regions experiencing the onset of high temperatures, humidity, and precipitation, it is imperative to initiate mosquito prevention and control measures within a specific window period of 1.5 months.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward cardiovascular complications among end-stage renal disease patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Li Zhuo , Song Li , Hua Ruifang , Xia Fangxiao , Hu Duanfeng , Luo Zhenghui , Xie Jianteng , Li Sijia , Feng Zhonglin , Liu Shuangxin , Ma Jianchao , Lin Ting , Huang Renwei , Wen Feng , Fu Lei , Li Sheng , Dai Hao , Cui Dongmei , Liang Qizhen , Kang Xiaoli , Liu Minfen , Ye Zhiming
Published: May 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward cardiovascular complications among end-stage renal disease patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.

Methods

This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital between December 2022, and May 2023.

Results

A total of 545 valid questionnaires were collected, with an average age of 57.72 ± 13.47 years. The mean knowledge, attitudes and practices scores were 8.17 ± 2.9 (possible range: 0–24), 37.63 ± 3.80 (possible range: 10–50), 33.07 ± 6.10 (possible range: 10–50) respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patients from non-urban area had lower knowledge compared to those from urban area (odds ratio (OR) = 0.411, 95% CI: 0.262–0.644, P < 0.001). Furthermore, higher levels of education were associated with better knowledge, as indicated by OR for college and above (OR = 4.858, 95% CI: 2.483–9.504), high school/vocational school (OR = 3.457, 95% CI: 1.930–6.192), junior high school (OR = 3.300, 95% CI: 1.945–5.598), with primary school and below as reference group (all P < 0.001). Besides, better knowledge (OR = 1.220, 95% CI: 1.132–1.316, P < 0.001) and higher educational levels were independently associated with positive attitudes. Specifically, individuals with a college degree and above (OR = 2.986, 95% CI: 1.411–6.321, P = 0.004) and those with high school/vocational school education (OR = 2.418, 95% CI: 1.314–4.451, P = 0.005) have more positive attitude, with primary school and below as reference group. Next, better attitude (OR = 1.174, 95% CI: 1.107–1.246, P < 0.001) and higher education were independently associated with proactive practices. Those with college and above (OR = 2.870, 95% CI: 1.359–6.059, P = 0.006), and those with high school/vocational school education (OR = 1.886, 95% CI: 1.032–3.447, P = 0.039) had more proactive practices, with primary school and below as reference group.

Conclusions

End-stage renal disease patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis demonstrated insufficient knowledge, positive attitudes, and moderate practices regarding cardiovascular complications. Targeted interventions should prioritize improving knowledge and attitudes, particularly among patients with lower educational levels and income, to enhance the management of cardiovascular complications in end-stage renal disease.
The key role of major and trace elements in the formation of five common urinary stones
Authors: Tian Yu , Han Guilin , Zhang Shudong , Ding Ziyang , Qu Rui
Published: May 2024

Background

Urolithiasis has emerged as a global affliction, recognized as one of the most excruciating medical issues. The elemental composition of stones provides crucial information, aiding in understanding the causes, mechanisms, and individual variations in stone formation. By understanding the interactions between elements in various types of stones and exploring the key role of elements in stone formation, insights are provided for the prevention and treatment of urinary stone disease.

Methods

This study collected urinary stone samples from 80 patients in Beijing. The chemical compositions of urinary stones were identified using an infrared spectrometer. The concentrations of major and trace elements in the urinary stones were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), respectively. The data were processed using correlation analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) methods.

Results

Urinary stones are categorized into five types: the calcium oxalate (CO) stone, carbonate apatite (CA) stone, uric acid (UA) stone, mixed CO and CA stone, and mixed CO and UA stone. Ca is the predominant element, with an average content ranging from 2.64 to 27.68% across the five stone groups. Based on geochemical analysis, the high-content elements follow this order: Ca > Mg > Na > K > Zn > Sr. Correlation analysis and PCA suggested significant variations in the interactions between elements for different types of urinary stones. Trace elements with charges and ionic structures similar to Ca may substitute for Ca during the process of stone formation, such as Sr and Pb affecting the Ca in most stone types except mixed stone types. Moreover, the Mg, Zn and Ba can substitute for Ca in the mixed stone types, showing element behavior dependents on the stone types.

Conclusion

This study primarily reveals distinct elemental features associated with five types of urinary stones. Additionally, the analysis of these elements indicates that substitutions of trace elements with charges and ion structures similar to Ca (such as Sr and Pb) impact most stone types. This suggests a dependence of stone composition on elemental behavior. The findings of this study will enhance our ability to address the challenges posed by urinary stones to global health and improve the precision of interventions for individuals with different stone compositions.
Clinical, histopathological characteristics and malignant transformation of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia with 36 patients: a retrospective longitudinal study
Authors: Zhang Chang , Lan Qingying , Wei Pan , Gao Yan , Zhang Jianyun , Hua Hong
Published: May 2024

Background

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL), distinguished by its malignant transformation rate of 43.87% to 65.8%, stands as the oral potentially malignant disorder with the highest propensity for malignancy. PVL is marked by distinctive heterogeneity regarding the clinical or histopathological characteristics as well as prognostic factors pertinent to this condition. The purpose of this study is to compile and assess the clinicopathological features, malignant transformation, and associated risk factors in patients diagnosed with PVL.

Methods

This study is a hospital-based retrospective longitudinal study of 36 patients diagnosed with PVL from 2013 to 2023. We conducted complete clinical and histopathological evaluations of the patients.

Results

The cohort comprised 16 males and 20 females, yielding a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.25. The follow-up period ranged from 8 to 125 months, with an average of 47.50 months. The most common clinical type of lesion was the verrucous form (58.33%), and the gingiva was the most common site (44.44%). Each patient had between 2 to 7 lesions, averaging 3.36 per patient. During the follow-up period, twelve patients (33.3%) developed oral cancer, with an average time to malignant transformation of 35.75 months. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated that patients with complaints of pain, roughness, or a rough sensation, with diabetes, and the presence of cytologic atypia histologically showed a higher risk of malignant transformation (p < 0.05). In this study, the rate of malignant transformation in the treatment group (5/23) was lower than that in the untreated group (7/13), however, no statistically significant difference (p = 0.05).

Conclusion

The main complaints of pain, roughness, or foreign body sensation, coupled with cytologic atypia histologically are indicative of an increased risk of malignant transformation in PVL. Further research is needed to elucidate the influence of these clinicopathological parameters on the malignant progression of PVL.
Prevalence and associated factors of depression among women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse in Northwest Ethiopia: cross-sectional study
Authors: Abebe Sileshi Ayele , Gashaw Zelalem Mengistu , Ayichew Zelalem , Angaw Dessie Abebaw , Kindie Endeshaw Asaye
Published: May 2024

Background

Depression is a symptom characterized by sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, feelings of tiredness and poor concentration. One of the most common mental illnesses in the world and a major contributor to morbidity and mortality is depression. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of depression and the risk factors associated with it in women who had advanced pelvic organ prolapse.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted to determine depression among advanced pelvic organ prolapse women at Gondar University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. All women who have advanced pelvic organ prolapse were consecutively included till it reached a total of 367 participants over four months. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain the sociodemographic characteristics, clinical characteristics and depression status of the participants. Depression measures were obtained by using the Patient Health Questionnaire tool, which is validated in the Ethiopian local language for chronic illnesses including pelvic organ prolapse using a cut point of five and above, which is considered to indicate depression. Women who screened positive were linked to a psychiatric clinic for further evaluation and treatment. Data was entered into a computer using Epi Info version 3.5.3 and then exported to STATA version 14 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regressions were fitted and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals with a P value less than 0.05 were used to identify statistically significant factors.

Results

The prevalence of depression was found to be 47.1% (95% CI: 43-52%). Being rural (AOR = 4.8; CI: 1.11–16.32), having a history of divorce because of pelvic organ prolapse (AOR = 5.5; CI: 1.85–16.32) and having a history of urinary symptoms (AOR = 3.1; CI: 1.12–8.59) were found to be independently associated with depression.

Conclusions

The prevalence of depression among women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse in this study is high as compared to other studies. Depression screening strategies should be designed for the early identification and treatment of depression among women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse.