bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspiration thrombectomy with the Penumbra System for patients with stroke and late onset to treatment: a subset analysis of the COMPLETE registry
Authors: Hassan Ameer E. , Fifi Johanna T. , Zaidat Osama O.
Published: September 2023

Background

The purpose of this study was to report the safety and performance of aspiration thrombectomy with the Penumbra System for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) and late onset to treatment.

Methods

This is a retrospective subset analysis of a global prospective multicenter registry (COMPLETE) that enrolled adults with AIS due to LVO and a pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) of 0 or 1 who were treated first-line with aspiration thrombectomy either alone (A Direct Aspiration First Pass Technique [ADAPT]) or in combination with the 3D Revascularization Device (ADAPT + 3D). This subset analysis included all patients in the registry who had anterior circulation LVO, an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score of at least 6, and late onset to treatment (>6 h from stroke onset to puncture).

Results

Of the 650 patients in the COMPLETE registry, 167 were included in this subset analysis. The rate of successful revascularization (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score 2b-3 achieved) at the end of the procedure was 83.2%, the rate of good functional outcome (mRS 0–2) at 90 days was 55.4%, and the all-cause mortality rate at 90 days was 14.4%. No device-related serious adverse events (SAEs) occurred. Procedure-related SAEs occurred in 9 patients (5.4%) within 24 h and in 12 patients (7.2%) overall. The rate of successful revascularization was higher for patients treated first-line with ADAPT (88.0%) than for patients treated first-line with ADAPT + 3D (75.0%; p = 0.035); no significant difference was observed between the ADAPT and ADAPT + 3D groups for any other primary or secondary outcome.

Conclusion

For patients with AIS due to anterior circulation LVO and with late onset to treatment, aspiration thrombectomy with the Penumbra System appears to be safe and effective. The rates of good functional outcome and all-cause mortality from this study compared favorably with those rates from the medical management arms of the DAWN and DEFUSE-3 studies.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03464565.
Molecular landscapes of glioblastoma cell lines revealed a group of patients that do not benefit from WWOX tumor suppressor expression
Authors: Kałuzińska-Kołat Żaneta , Kołat Damian , Kośla Katarzyna , Płuciennik Elżbieta , Bednarek Andrzej K.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Glioblastoma (GBM) is notorious for its clinical and molecular heterogeneity, contributing to therapeutic failure and a grim prognosis. WWOX is one of the tumor suppressor genes important in nervous tissue or related pathologies, which was scarcely investigated in GBM for reliable associations with prognosis or disease progression despite known alterations. Recently, we observed a phenotypic heterogeneity between GBM cell lines (U87MG, T98G, U251MG, DBTRG-05MG), among which the anti-GBM activity of WWOX was generally corresponding, but colony growth and formation were inconsistent in DBTRG-05MG. This prompted us to investigate the molecular landscapes of these cell lines, intending to translate them into the clinical context.

Methods

U87MG/T98G/U251MG/DBTRG-05MG were subjected to high-throughput sequencing, and obtained data were explored via weighted gene co-expression network analysis, differential expression analysis, functional annotation, and network building. Following the identification of the most relevant DBTRG-distinguishing driver genes, data from GBM patients were employed for, e.g., differential expression analysis, survival analysis, and principal component analysis.

Results

Although most driver genes were unique for each cell line, some were inversely regulated in DBTRG-05MG. Alongside driver genes, the differentially-expressed genes were used to build a WWOX-related network depicting protein–protein interactions in U87MG/T98G/U251MG/DBTRG-05MG. This network revealed processes distinctly regulated in DBTRG-05MG, e.g., microglia proliferation or neurofibrillary tangle assembly. POLE4 and HSF2BP were selected as DBTRG-discriminating driver genes based on the gene significance, module membership, and fold-change. Alongside WWOX, POLE4 and HSF2BP expression was used to stratify patients into cell lines-resembling groups that differed in, e.g., prognosis and treatment response. Some differences from a WWOX-related network were certified in patients, revealing genes that clarify clinical outcomes. Presumably, WWOX overexpression in DBTRG-05MG resulted in expression profile change resembling that of patients with inferior prognosis and drug response. Among these patients, WWOX may be inaccessible for its partners and does not manifest its anti-cancer activity, which was proposed in the literature but not regarding glioblastoma or concerning POLE4 and HSF2BP.

Conclusion

Cell lines data enabled the identification of patients among which, despite high expression of WWOX tumor suppressor, no advantageous outcomes were noted due to the cancer-promoting profile ensured by other genes.
The role of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Yu Honglu , Xiong Min , Zhang Zhentao
Published: September 2023

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) pose an increasingly prevalent threat to the well-being and survival of elderly individuals worldwide. NDDs include Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and so on. They are characterized by progressive loss or dysfunction of neurons in the central or peripheral nervous system and share several cellular and molecular mechanisms, including protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, gene mutations, and chronic neuroinflammation. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) is a serine/threonine kinase that is believed to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of NDDs. Here we summarize the structure and physiological functions of GSK3β and explore its involvement in NDDs. We also discussed its potential as a therapeutic target.
The psoas muscle density as a predictor of postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing rectal cancer resection
Authors: Xiao Yun-Zhou , Wen Xiao-Ting , Ying Ying-Ying , Zhang Xiao-Yan , Li Lu-Yao , Wang Zhong-Chu , Su Miao-Guang , Zheng Xiang-Wu , Miao Shou-Liang
Published: September 2023

Background

Muscle depletion that impairs normal physiological function in elderly patients leads to poor prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the association between total abdominal muscle area (TAMA), total psoas area (TPA), psoas muscle density (PMD), and short-term postoperative complications in elderly patients with rectal cancer.

Methods

All elderly patients underwent rectal cancer resection with perioperative abdominal computed tomography (CT). Complications were assessed according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Severe complications were defined as grade III-V following the Clavien-Dindo classification. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors of short-term severe postoperative complications.

Results

The cohort consisted of 191 patients with a mean age of 73.60 ± 8.81 years. Among them, 138 (72.25%) patients had Clavien-Dindo 0- II, 53 (27.75%) patients had severe postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo III-V), and 1(0.52%) patient died within 30 days of surgery. PMD was significantly higher in the Clavien-Dindo 0-II cohort compared to the Clavien-Dindo III-V cohort (p=0.004). Nevertheless, TAMA and TPA failed to exhibit significant differences. Moreover, the multivariate regression analysis implied that advanced age [OR 1.07 95%CI (1.02–1.13) p=0.013], male [OR 5.03 95%CI (1.76-14.41) p=0.003], high charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score [OR 3.60 95%CI (1.44-9.00) p=0.006], and low PMD [OR 0.94 95%CI (0.88-0.99) p=0.04] were independent risk factors of Clavien-Dindo III-V.

Conclusion

Preoperative assessment of the PMD on CT can be a simple and practical method for identifying elderly patients with rectal cancer at risk for severe postoperative complications.
Effectiveness and safety of oral anticoagulants for non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a population-based cohort study in primary healthcare in Catalonia
Authors: Giner-Soriano Maria , Ouchi Dan , Vives Roser , Vilaplana-Carnerero Carles , Molina Andrea , Vallano Antoni , Morros Rosa
Published: September 2023

Objectives: Our objective was to analyse effectiveness and safety of oral anticoagulants (OAC) for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Material and methods: Population-based cohort study including adults initiating oral anticoagulants, either direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) or vitamin K antagonists (VKA), during 2011–2020.

Data source: SIDIAP, capturing information from the electronic health records of Primary Health Care in Catalonia, Spain.

Study outcomes: stroke, cerebral and gastrointestinal (GI) haemorrhage, assessed by patients’ subgroups according to different clinical characteristics.

Results: We included 90,773 patients. Male sex, older than 75, previous event, peripheral artery disease, deep vein thrombosis, or receiving antiplatelets, antidiabetics or proton pump inhibitors (PPI) was associated with higher stroke risk. For DOAC-treated, treatment switch increased stroke risk, while being adherent had a protective effect. Men, antidiabetic treatment or a previous event increased the risk of cerebral bleeding. Receiving direct oral anticoagulants had a protective effect in comparison to vitamin K antagonists. For DOAC-treated, treatment switch increased, and adherence decreased the bleeding risk. Men, people with chronic kidney disease or a previous event posed an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, whereas receiving PPI had a protective effect. For DOAC-treated, switch was associated with a higher bleeding risk.

Conclusion: Being men, a previous event and DOAC-switch posed a higher risk for all study outcomes. direct oral anticoagulants had a protective effect against cerebral bleeding in comparison to vitamin K antagonists. Adherence to direct oral anticoagulants resulted in lower risk of stroke and cerebral bleeding. We found no differences in the risk of stroke and gastrointestinal bleeding when we compared direct oral anticoagulants vs. vitamin K antagonists.
Insights into the involvement of long non-coding RNAs in doxorubicin resistance of cancer
Authors: Zhang Hai-Bo , Hu Yang , Deng Jun-Li , Fang Guo-Ying , Zeng Ying
Published: September 2023

Doxorubicin is one of the most classical chemotherapeutic drugs for the treatment of cancer. However, resistance to the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin in tumor cells remains a major obstacle. Aberrant expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been associated with tumorigenesis and development via regulation of chromatin remodeling, transcription, and post-transcriptional processing. Emerging studies have also revealed that dysregulation of lncRNAs mediates the development of drug resistance through multiple molecules and pathways. In this review, we focus on the role and mechanism of lncRNAs in the progress of doxorubicin resistance in various cancers, which mainly include cellular drug transport, cell cycle disorder, anti-apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cancer stem cells, autophagy, tumor microenvironment, metabolic reprogramming and signaling pathways. This review is aimed to provide potential therapeutic targets for future cancer therapy, especially for the reversal of chemoresistance.
Silibinin alleviates intestinal inflammation via inhibiting JNK signaling in Drosophila
Authors: Yan La , Zhou Juanyu , Yuan Lu , Ye Jinbao , Zhao Xudong , Ren Gang , Chen Haiyang
Published: September 2023

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are characterized by chronic relapsing intestinal inflammation that causes digestive system dysfunction. For years, researchers have been working to find more effective and safer therapeutic strategies to treat these diseases. Silibinin (SIL), a flavonoid compound extracted from the seeds of milk thistle plants, possesses multiple biological activities and is traditionally applied to treat liver diseases. SIL is also widely used in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory diseases attributed to its excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the efficacy of SIL against IBDs and its mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism, we found that SIL can effectively relieve intestinal inflammation caused by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Our results suggested that SIL supplementation can inhibit the overproliferation of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) induced by DSS, protect intestinal barrier function, acid-base balance, and intestinal excretion function, reduce intestinal reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and inflammatory stress, and extend the lifespan of Drosophila. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that SIL ameliorates intestinal inflammation via modulating the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway in Drosophila. Our research aims to provide new insight into the treatment of IBDs.
Temporal and spatial transcriptional regulation of phytohormone metabolism during seed development in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: Tuan Pham Anh , Nguyen Tran-Nguyen , Toora Parneet K. , Ayele Belay T.
Published: September 2023

Plant hormones play important roles in seed development; however, transcriptional regulation of their metabolism and levels of the respective bioactive forms during barley seed development is poorly understood. To this end, this study performed a comprehensive analysis of changes in the expression patterns phytohormone metabolism genes and levels of the respective bioactive forms in the embryo and endosperm tissues. Our study showed the presence of elevated levels of abscisic acid (ABA), bioactive forms of gibberellins (GAs), jasmonate (JA) and cytokinins (CKs), auxin and salicylic acid (SA) in the endosperm and embryo tissues at early stage of seed filling (SF). The levels of all hormones in both tissues, except that of ABA, decreased to low levels during SF. In contrast, embryonic ABA level increased during SF and peaked at physiological maturity (PM) while the endospermic ABA was maintained at a similar level observed during SF. Although its level decreased high amount of ABA was still present in the embryo during post-PM. We detected low levels of ABA in the endosperm and all the other hormones in both tissues during post-PM phase except the relatively higher levels of jasmonoyl-isoleucine and SA detected at late stage of post-PM. Our data also showed that spatiotemporal changes in the levels of plant hormones during barley seed development are mediated by the expression of specific genes involved in their respective metabolic pathways. These results indicate that seed development in barley is mediated by spatiotemporal modulation in the metabolism and levels of plant hormones.
The Policy Cycle: a framework for knowledge management of practitioners' expertise and role in participatory processes
Authors: Edelmann Noella , Albrecht Valerie
Published: September 2023

There is extensive literature on stakeholder theory and knowledge management in the private sector, but less on the public sector, particularly in the context of public participation projects. Public participation initiatives are often designed using a case-by-case approach to identify relevant stakeholder groups, the engagement methods, and the tools to be used. In addition, public sector organizations (PSOs) often rely on participation experts and practitioners' professional knowledge to design successful participation projects. Given that public participation is to enable PSOs access to participants' knowledge, knowledge management is a central issue in public participation projects. In this multi-method, qualitative study we focus on the management of experts' and practitioners' knowledge, and we aim to show how their knowledge contributes to participatory processes and projects, and how the policy cycle can be used as a knowledge management framework to collect and structure their knowledge. We used sequential analysis to study the experiences of 84 practitioners from the public sector collected during a series of workshops. Our findings show the need to locate participation initiatives in the context of the government policy cycle, that the policy cycle can be used for knowledge management in public participation projects and to recognize that practitioners represent a key stakeholder group in public participation.
A German translation and validation of the sense of agency scale
Authors: Bart Victoria K. E. , Wenke Dorit , Rieger Martina
Published: September 2023

Sense of agency refers to the experience of controlling one’s actions and through them events in the outside world. General agency beliefs can be measured with the Sense of Agency Scale (SoAS), which consists of the sense of positive agency subscale (i.e., feeling of being in control over one’s own body, mind, and environment) and the sense of negative agency subscale (i.e., feeling existentially helpless). The aim of the present study was to validate a German version of the SoAS. Using factor analyzes, we replicated the two-factor structure of the original version of the SoAS. Further, the German SoAS showed good model fits, good internal consistency, and moderate test–retest reliability. Construct validity was supported by significant low to moderate correlations of the German SoAS with other conceptually similar, but still distinct constructs such as general self-efficacy. Additionally, the German SoAS has an incremental value in explaining variance in the extent of subclinical symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder that goes beyond variance explained by constructs that are conceptually similar to sense of agency. Taken together, the results indicate that the German SoAS is a valid and suitable instrument to assess one’s general agency beliefs.
The effect of basic psychological needs on the flow experience in a digital gamified learning setting
Authors: Lüking Sarah , Wünsche Sarah , Wilde Matthias
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Digitalization and gamification offer numerous motivation-enhancing opportunities to design biology lessons. For example, digital, gamified learning settings can enhance lessons by offering intense experiences. Such lessons might offer the opportunity to witness flow during the learning activity. For learners, flow can be positively influenced by perceived autonomy, competence, and relatedness. However, previous research on biology lessons has not focused on the impacts of the basic need satisfaction on the flow experience in digital learning settings.

Methods

To address this research gap, using the topic of the locomotion systems of animals, we investigated students’ perceived autonomy, competence, and relatedness as possible predictors of their flow experience while processing a digital, gamified learning environment. The teaching unit was thematically focused on the locomotion system of animals. Our sample consisted of 161 students (46.6% female) from sixth to eighth grade. Students’ perceived satisfaction of their basic needs and their flow experience were evaluated.

Results and Discussion

Results confirmed perceived autonomy and perceived competence as predictors of students’ flow experience. However, perceived relatedness had no impact on the flow experience. Our findings are in line with the current state of research and prove to be mostly consistent with previous results.
Non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal ideation among adolescents: the chain-mediating role of rumination and decentering
Authors: Zheng Yinwei , Wang Jing , Jiang Qin , Liao Meiling , Huang Fajie
Published: September 2023

Objective

To explore the relationship between non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal ideation in adolescents and examine the roles of rumination and decentering in that relationship.

Method

By means of a questionnaire, 175 adolescent patients in a psychiatric hospital in Fujian Province were given the Functional Assessment of Self-Mutilation: Chinese Version, Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation, Ruminative Response Scale: Chinese Version, and Experiences Questionnaire: Decentering Scale.

Results

(1) Adolescent non-suicidal self-injury was significantly positively related to suicidal ideation and rumination and significantly negatively related to decentering. Suicidal ideation was significantly positively related to rumination and significantly negatively related to decentering. Rumination was significantly negatively related to decentering. (2) Rumination and decentering played a complete chain-mediating role between non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal ideation. Non-suicidal self-injury was found to indirectly affect suicidal ideation along three pathways: the independent mediating role of rumination (the mediating effect accounted for 40.166%), independent mediating role of decentering (the mediating effect accounted for 41.274%), and chain-mediating role of rumination and decentering (the mediating effect accounted for 14.958%).

Conclusion

Adolescent non-suicidal self-injury can indirectly affect suicidal ideation through rumination and decentering. In the future, mindfulness and other methods should be used to improve individuals’ levels of decentering and cultivate emotional regulation abilities, so as to reduce the incidence of non-suicidal self-injury and suicide in adolescents.
Correlations between negative life events and suicidal ideation among Chinese adolescents: a meta-analysis
Authors: He Xubin , Yang Ping , Yu Qinyao , Yang Bo
Published: September 2023

Background

Suicide ideation (SI) has become a serious social issue worldwide, and research has found a certain correlation between negative life events (NLE) and SI. Nevertheless, this relationship is still not clear among Chinese adolescents, a special population. Hence, this investigation performed a meta-analysis of observational research on the correlation between NLE and SI among adolescents in China, to further clarify the association.

Methods

We performed an extensive search on seven electronic databases starting from their establishment until March 10, 2023. The research mainly focused on cross-sectional studies conducted on samples of Chinese adolescents. To examine the association between NLE and SI, a meta-analysis model using random effects was utilized. To investigate moderating factors such as age, region, assessment tools for SI, and year of publication, subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed. The AHRQ evaluated the quality of the study. The synthesis of data was conducted utilizing STATA software (version 16).

Results

Ultimately, a total of 30 cross-sectional studies were selected for this analysis, including 39,602 individuals in the participant sample. The results showed that NLE was moderately positively correlated with SI among Chinese adolescents (r = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.26, 0.32). In addition, this relationship was moderated by regional differences and the measurement tool used for SI. Studies conducted in Western China showed a higher correlation coefficient than those conducted in Eastern and Central China. Moreover, research conducted with the SSIOSS demonstrated a stronger correlation coefficient compared to studies utilizing the BSI-CV or other assessment instruments.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis indicates that NLE is linked to SI in Chinese teenagers, especially those residing in Western regions of China. Identifying and intervening in NLE and associated risk factors are crucial to prevent suicide within this demographic.
Influencing factors and risk prediction modeling of maternal postpartum depression: a cross-sectional study in Chinese puerperal women of sitting the month
Authors: Su Xiaojuan , Zhang Yuezhen , Chen Meide , Wang Huifang , Liu Guihua
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study aims to investigate the occurrence of maternal postpartum depression (PPD) during menstruation and analyze the influencing factors and risk prediction modeling of maternal PPD in Chinese puerperal women of sitting the month.

Methods

A total of 286 mothers were selected using convenience sampling, who came for a routine postpartum follow-up visit were surveyed, including face-to-face, telephone, and online. They completed questionnaires including the basic profile questionnaire, Postpartum Partner Support Scale (PPSS), Edinburgh PPD Scale (EPDS), Parenting Self-Efficacy Scale (SICS), and Simple Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), who were advised to complete the survey alone, in private, reducing the impact of husband’s presence on the quality of the questionnaire. Variables showing statistical significance in the one-way analysis were further analyzed using logistic regression analysis. The predictive value of the logistic regression model was analyzed using the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC), and the predictive reliability was expressed as the area under the ROC [Area Under the Curve (AUC)].

Results

The total score of PPD was 7.78 ± 4.57, and 22 people (7.69%) experienced depression during the postpartum period. PPD was found to be correlated with postpartum partner support, positive coping, negative coping, and parenting self-efficacy, with correlation coefficient values of −0.63, 0.62, 0.56, and − 0.70, respectively (all p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that postpartum partner support and parenting self-efficacy were independent factors influencing PPD, with odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 0.76 (0.61 ~ 0.94) and 0.83 (0.75 ~ 0.93), respectively both p < 0.05.The area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity for postpartum partner support and parenting self-efficacy were 1.00 (95% confidence intervals 0.99 ~ 1.00), 99.24, and 90.91%.

Conclusion

Postpartum partner support and parenting self-efficacy independently predict the occurrence of PPD. Healthcare professionals and maternal families should prioritize timely attention to maternal partner support and parenting issues to reduce the occurrence of PPD.
Design and Simulation of a Seven-Degree-of-Freedom Hydraulic Robot Arm
Authors: Zhong Jun , Jiang Wenjun , Zhang Qianzhuang , Zhang Wenhao
Published: September 2023

The current reliance on manual rescue is inefficient, and lightweight, highly flexible, and intelligent robots need to be investigated. Global seismic disasters occur often, and rescue jobs are defined by tight timetables and high functional and intellectual requirements. This study develops a hydraulically powered redundant robotic arm with seven degrees of freedom. To determine the force situation of the robotic arm in various positions, the common digging and handling conditions of the robotic arm are dynamically simulated in ADAMS. A finite element analysis is then performed for the dangerous force situation to confirm the structural strength of the robotic arm. The hydraulic manipulator prototype is manufactured, and stress–strain experiments are conducted on the robotic arm to verify the finite element simulation’s reliability.
A Lightweight Pest Detection Model for Drones Based on Transformer and Super-Resolution Sampling Techniques
Authors: Bai Yuzhe , Hou Fengjun , Fan Xinyuan , Lin Weifan , Lu Jinghan , Zhou Junyu , Fan Dongchen , Li Lin
Published: September 2023

With the widespread application of drone technology, the demand for pest detection and identification from low-resolution and noisy images captured with drones has been steadily increasing. In this study, a lightweight pest identification model based on Transformer and super-resolution sampling techniques is introduced, aiming to enhance identification accuracy under challenging conditions. The Transformer model was found to effectively capture spatial dependencies in images, while the super-resolution sampling technique was employed to restore image details for subsequent identification processes. The experimental results demonstrated that this approach exhibited significant advantages across various pest image datasets, achieving Precision, Recall, mAP, and FPS scores of 0.97, 0.95, 0.95, and 57, respectively. Especially in the presence of low resolution and noise, this method was capable of performing pest identification with high accuracy. Furthermore, an adaptive optimizer was incorporated to enhance model convergence and performance. Overall, this study offers an efficient and accurate method for pest detection and identification in practical applications, holding significant practical value.
Core Collection Formation in Guatemalan Wild Avocado Germplasm with Phenotypic and SSR Data
Authors: Ruiz-Chután José Alejandro , Kalousová Marie , Maňourová Anna , Degu Hewan Demissie , Berdúo-Sandoval Julio Ernesto , Villanueva-González Carlos Enrique , Lojka Bohdan
Published: September 2023

Guatemala’s wild avocado germplasm holds vital genetic value, but lacking conservation strategies imperils it. Studying its diversity is pivotal for conservation and breeding. The study aimed to comprehensively assess the wild avocado germplasm in Guatemala by combining phenotypic and genotypic data and to create a core collection for conservation and future breeding programs. A total of 189 mature avocado trees were sampled across Guatemala’s northern, southern, and western regions. Morphological characteristics were documented, and genetic diversity was assessed using 12 SSR loci. The investigated germplasm revealed three distinct genetic clusters, exhibiting an average gene diversity of 0.796 and a 7.74% molecular variation among them. The samples showed various morphological characteristics that indicate the presence of three avocado races in Guatemala. The weak correlation between phenotypic and genotypic distances highlighted their independence and complementary nature. The joint matrix effectively integrated and captured genotypic and phenotypic data for comprehensive genetic diversity analysis. A core collection comprising 20% of total accessions that captured maximum genetic diversity was formed. This study exposed wild Guatemalan avocados’ genetic diversity, morphological traits, and conservation significance. Integrated data capture via clustering validates holistic genetic insight for conservation and breeding strategies.
A Quantitative Reconstruction of Nutrient Changes of Quaternary Red Soils (Luvisols) Affected by Land-Use Patterns
Authors: Jiang Ying-Ying , Sun Zhong-Xiu , Wang Ruo-Meng , Wang Hong-Ling , Wang Jia-Qing
Published: September 2023

The Quaternary red soil widely distributed in China is an important arable land resource. A quantitative understanding of nutrient changes of Quaternary red soils under different land-use patterns is the necessary premise for effective regulation, management, and sustainable utilization. In this study, five typical Quaternary red soil profiles under different land-use patterns were taken as the research object in Chaoyang City, Liaoning Province, China. The results showed that: (1) Buried Quaternary red soils were minimally affected by external disturbances. The contents of nitrogen (around 0.02%), phosphorus (ranging from 0.06% to 0.07%), and potassium (ranging from 3.12% to 3.50%) were at relatively low levels and homogeneously distributed with depth. (2) The total nitrogen content of red soils under each land-use pattern showed an increasing trend in the upper part of the profile (A and B horizons), and a sequence of woodland (CL-04) > grassland (CL-03) > arable land (CL-05) = sparse forest–grassland (CL-02). The nitrogen content in the lower part of different land-use patterns was about 0.02%. The phosphorus content of the topsoil layer remained unchanged (ranging from 0.05% to 0.06%), while the subsoil phosphorus decreased to varying extents. The potassium experienced leaching in both topsoil and subsoil layers, with the topsoil losses being lower than that in the subsoil. The range of total potassium content in the grassland (CL-03) ranged from 2.64% to 4.21%, from 3.91% to 4.44% for sparse forest–grassland (CL-02), from 2.41% to 2.63% for woodland (CL-04), and 2.85% to 2.92% for arable land (CL-05), respectively. The variation in nutrient content was related to the vegetation type, coverage rate, artificial fertilization method and species, etc. The accumulative mass change in the sparse forest–grassland increased by 384.16 g/100 cm2, and the other land-use patterns showed a decreasing trend of arable land (83.71 g/100 cm2) > woodland (83.71 g/100 cm2) > grassland (83.71 g/100 cm2), with the topsoil leaching losses being smaller than those in the subsoil layer. The characteristics of windbreak, sand fixation, and soil and water conservation of the sparse forest–grassland could well hold the nutrient-rich loess sediments, resulting in increased nutrients in the Quaternary red soil, which is a reasonable land-use pattern for the Chaoyang area.
Defining the Ideal Phenological Stage for Estimating Corn Yield Using Multispectral Images
Authors: Abreu Júnior Carlos Alberto Matias de , Martins George Deroco , Xavier Laura Cristina Moura , Bravo João Vitor Meza , Marques Douglas José , Oliveira Guilherme de
Published: September 2023

Image-based spectral models assist in estimating the yield of maize. During the vegetative and reproductive phenological phases, the corn crop undergoes changes caused by biotic and abiotic stresses. These variations can be quantified using spectral models, which are tools that help producers to manage crops. However, defining the correct time to obtain these images remains a challenge. In this study, the possibility to estimate corn yield using multispectral images is hypothesized, while considering the optimal timing for detecting the differences caused by various phenological stages. Thus, the main objective of this work was to define the ideal phenological stage for taking multispectral images to estimate corn yield. Multispectral bands and vegetation indices derived from the Planet satellite were considered as predictor variables for the input data of the models. We used root mean square error percentage and mean absolute percentage error to evaluate the accuracy and trend of the yield estimates. The reproductive phenological phase R2 was found to be optimal for determining the spectral models based on the images, which obtained the best root mean square error percentage of 9.17% and the second-best mean absolute percentage error of 7.07%. Here, we demonstrate that it is possible to estimate yield in a corn plantation in a stage before the harvest through Planet multispectral satellite images.
Partial Venous Inflow Occlusion under Mild Hypothermia for Membranectomy in a Dog with Cor Triatriatum Dexter
Authors: Moon Chang-Hwan , Kim Kyung-Min , Lee Won-Jong , Kim Woo-Jin , Lee Seok-Min , Choi Ho-Jung , Lee Hae-Beom , Jeong Seong-Mok , Kim Dae-Hyun
Published: September 2023

Cor triatriatum dexter (CTD) is an uncommon congenital cardiac anomaly in dogs. This case report describes successful membranectomy for CTD via partial venous inflow occlusion under mild hypothermia in a dog. A 7-month-old intact male mixed-breed dog weighing 20.5 kg presented with a history of abdominal distention, lethargy, and anorexia. Clinical examination, radiography, echocardiography, microbubble testing, and computed tomography revealed a remnant right atrium membrane obscuring the venous blood inflow from the vena cava. Considering the potential risk of re-stenosis following interventional treatment, curative resection involving surgical membranectomy via venous inflow occlusion was performed. By performing partial venous inflow occlusion under mild hypothermia (34.5 °C), sufficient time was obtained to explore the defect and resect the remnant membrane. The dog recovered without any complications, and the clinical signs were relieved. This case illustrates that partial venous inflow occlusion under mild hypothermia is feasible for achieving curative resection of cor triatriatum dexter in dogs.
Pets, Genuine Tools of Environmental Pollutant Detection
Authors: Hegedus Cristina , Andronie Luisa , Uiuiu Paul , Jurco Eugen , Lazar Eva Andrea , Popescu Silvana
Published: September 2023

In a shared environment, our companion animals became unintended sentinels for pollutant exposure consequences, developing even earlier similar conditions to humans. This review focused on the human–pet cohabitation in an environment we all share. Alongside other species, canine and feline companions are veritable models in human medical research. The latency period for showing chronic exposure effects to pollutants is just a few years in them, compared to considerably more, decades in humans. Comparing the serum values of people and their companion animals can, for example, indicate the degree of poisonous lead load we are exposed to and of other substances as well. We can find 2.4 times higher perfluorochemicals from stain- and grease-proof coatings in canine companions, 23 times higher values of flame retardants in cats, and 5 times more mercury compared to the average levels tested in humans. All these represent early warning signals. Taking these into account, together with the animal welfare orientation of today’s society, finding non-invasive methods to detect the degree of environmental pollution in our animals becomes paramount, alongside the need to raise awareness of the risks carried by certain chemicals we knowingly use.
Text Classification of Patient Experience Comments in Saudi Dialect Using Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Alhazzani Najla Z. , Al-Turaiki Isra M. , Alkhodair Sarah A.
Published: September 2023

Improving the quality of healthcare services is of the utmost importance in healthcare systems. Patient experience is a key aspect that should be gauged and monitored continuously. However, the measurement of such a vital indicator typically cannot be carried out directly, instead being derived from the opinions of patients who usually express their experience in free text. When it comes to patient comments written in the Arabic language, the currently used strategy to classify Arabic comments is totally reliant on human annotation, which is time-consuming and prone to subjectivity and error. Thus, fully using the value of patient feedback in a timely manner is difficult. This paper addresses the problem of classifying patient experience (PX) comments written in Arabic into 25 classes by using deep learning- and BERT-based models. A real-world data set of patient comments is obtained from the Saudi Ministry of Health for this purpose. Features are extracted from the data set, then used to train deep learning-based classifiers—including BiLSTM and BiGRU—for which pre-trained static word embedding and pre-training vector word embeddings are utilized. Furthermore, we utilize several Arabic pre-trained BERT models, in addition to building PX_BERT, a customized BERT model using the PX unlabeled database. From the experimental results for the 28 classifiers built in this study, the best-performing models (based on the F1 score) are found to be PX_BERT and AraBERTv02. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to tackle PX comment classification for the Arabic language.
Extended High Frequency Thresholds and Their Relationship to Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions, Hearing Acuity, Age, Gender, Presence of Spontaneous Otoacoustic Emissions, and Side of Measurement
Authors: Jedrzejczak W. Wiktor , Pilka Edyta , Pastucha Malgorzata , Kochanek Krzysztof , Skarzynski Henryk
Published: September 2023

Hearing is normally evaluated up to 8 kHz, even though testing can easily be performed at higher frequencies (up to 16 or 20 kHz). The range beyond 8 kHz is often referred to as the extended high frequency (EHF) range. This study aimed to explore the relationship between EHF hearing thresholds (HTs) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in adult subjects. Also of interest were the effects of the presence of spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs), gender, ear side, and age. The main finding was that DPOAEs, both within the standard frequency (SF) range (0.125–8 kHz) and the EHF range (10–16 kHz), decrease as thresholds deteriorate. For both ranges, DPOAEs and HTs depend on age, even for those with normal hearing, although EHFs seem to be especially affected by age. The presence of SOAEs was the only other factor that significantly influenced DPOAE level. For both DPOAEs and HTs, only minor and non-significant effects were related to gender and ear side. It was concluded that DPOAEs in the EHF range appear to be good predictors of EHF HTs. Moreover, since DPOAEs and HTs in the EHF range both correlate with age, these two measures may be suitable markers for incipient presbycusis.
A Novel Parameter Estimation Scheme for Vehicle Suspension Systems Based on Response and Test Track Prioritization
Authors: Kanchwala Husain , Ahiska Kenan
Published: September 2023

In this paper, a system identification methodology based on vehicle response and test track prioritization is presented. The proposed method can be used to perform time-domain parameter estimation by simply driving the vehicle on different road profiles, thus eliminating the necessity of having a special test setup or excitation input feed. The method is based on exploiting the dependence of the identifiability of vehicle parameters on vehicle responses and test tracks. To prioritize the test tracks, the responses and test tracks are weighed based on their capabilities to estimate the vehicle parameters, and these weights are obtained in a preliminary analysis of a seven-degree-of-freedom ride model developed in MATLAB® (R2021b). An optimization framework based on a differential evolution scheme with an optional archive scheme (JADE) is used to estimate the twelve vehicle parameters. The proposed system identification scheme is verified on tests using a high-fidelity vehicle model developed in ADAMS® (29.2)using several tracks with different severities. Experimental validation is performed on a test vehicle, and it is demonstrated that the vehicle suspension system parameters can be identified accurately with fast convergence performance.
Game-Based Demand Feedback Reservation Parking Pricing
Authors: Feng Bo , Zheng Mingming , Liu Yan
Published: September 2023

Reservation parking is a new type of parking that allows users to obtain a parking space for an appropriate time slot by reservation. This paper pioneers a high degree-of-freedom reservation strategy and rules for commercial districts in which users can arbitrarily select parking time slots. The nested logit is applied to build a parking revenue model by analyzing the cost, demand, and price factors sequentially according to the user’s choice behavior. The parking lot price game in the region is dissected and a nonlinear pricing model is proposed for maximizing regional returns. A model validation of a parking lot in an actual commercial area shows that compared to the traditional parking method, the parking lot revenue increased by 69.63% upon the application of this reservation strategy and pricing scheme, while the parking lot traffic increased by 22.4%. This model can provide strong support for reservation parking pricing in commercial areas. In the comparison of scenarios, the scientific validity of this model using dynamic pricing and regional game competition is verified. In the application, a reasonable price scheme can be formulated based on the parking lot traffic, cost, and surrounding parking strategies, which can result in higher parking revenue while providing users with great parking convenience.
Developing a Generalized Regression Forecasting Network for the Prediction of Human Body Dimensions
Authors: Bao Chen , Miao Yongwei , Chen Jiazhou , Zhang Xudong
Published: September 2023

With the increasing demand for intelligent custom clothing, the development of highly accurate human body dimension prediction tools using artificial neural network technology has become essential to ensuring high-quality, fashionable, and personalized clothing. Although support vector regression (SVR) networks have demonstrated state-of-the-art (SOTA) performances, they still fall short on prediction accuracy and computation efficiency. We propose a novel generalized regression forecasting network (GRFN) that incorporates kernel ridge regression (KRR) within a multi-strategy multi-subswarm particle swarm optimizer (MMPSO)-SVR nonlinear regression model that applies a residual correction prediction mechanism to enhance prediction accuracy for body dimensions. Importantly, the predictions are generated using only a few basic body size parameters from small-batch samples. The KRR regression model is employed for preliminary residual sequence prediction, and the MMPSO component optimizes the SVR parameters to ensure superior correction of nonlinear relations and noise data, thereby yielding more accurate residual correction value predictions. The GRFN hybrid model is superior to SOTA SVR models and increases the root mean square performance by 91.73–97.12% with a remarkably low mean square error of 0.0054 ± 0.07. This outstanding advancement sets the stage for marketable intelligent apparel design tools for the fast fashion industry.
Sparse-View Computed Tomography Reconstruction Based on a Novel Improved Prior Image Constrained Compressed Sensing Algorithm
Authors: Li Xuru , Sun Xueqin , Li Fuzhong
Published: September 2023

The problem of sparse-view computed tomography (SVCT) reconstruction has become a popular research issue because of its significant capacity for radiation dose reduction. However, the reconstructed images often contain serious artifacts and noise from under-sampled projection data. Although the good results achieved by the prior image constrained compressed sensing (PICCS) method, there may be some unsatisfactory results in the reconstructed images because of the image gradient L1-norm used in the original PICCS model, which leads to the image suffering from step artifacts and over-smoothing of the edge as a result. To address the above-mentioned problem, this paper proposes a novel improved PICCS algorithm (NPICCS) for SVCT reconstruction. The proposed algorithm utilizes the advantages of PICCS, which could recover more details. Moreover, the algorithm introduces the L0-norm of image gradient regularization into the framework, which overcomes the disadvantage of conventional PICCS, and enhances the capability to retain edge and fine image detail. The split Bregman method has been used to resolve the proposed mathematical model. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, a large number of experiments with different angles are conducted. Final experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has advantages in edge preservation, noise suppression, and image detail recovery.