bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oscillatory properties of class C notifiable infectious diseases in China from 2009 to 2021
Authors: Cao Yanxiang , Li Meijia , Haihambo Naem , Zhu Yuyao , Zeng Yimeng , Jin Jianhua , Qiu Jinyi , Li Zhirui , Liu Jiaxin , Teng Jiayi , Li Sixiao , Zhao Yanan , Zhao Xixi , Wang Xuemei , Li Yaqiong , Feng Xiaoyang , Han Chuanliang
Published: August 2022

Background

Epidemics of infectious diseases have a great negative impact on people's daily life. How it changes over time and what kind of laws it obeys are important questions that researchers are always interested in. Among the characteristics of infectious diseases, the phenomenon of recrudescence is undoubtedly of great concern. Understanding the mechanisms of the outbreak cycle of infectious diseases could be conducive for public health policies to the government.

Method

In this study, we collected time-series data for nine class C notifiable infectious diseases from 2009 to 2021 using public datasets from the National Health Commission of China. Oscillatory power of each infectious disease was captured using the method of the power spectrum analysis.

Results

We found that all the nine class C diseases have strong oscillations, which could be divided into three categories according to their oscillatory frequencies each year. Then, we calculated the oscillation power and the average number of infected cases of all nine diseases in the first 6 years (2009–2015) and the next 6 years (2015–2021) since the update of the surveillance system. The change of oscillation power is positively correlated to the change in the number of infected cases. Moreover, the diseases that break out in summer are more selective than those in winter.

Conclusion

Our results enable us to better understand the oscillation characteristics of class C infectious diseases and provide guidance and suggestions for the government's prevention and control policies.
An automated solid waste detection using the optimized YOLO model for riverine management
Authors: Zailan Nur Athirah , Azizan Muhammad Mokhzaini , Hasikin Khairunnisa , Mohd Khairuddin Anis Salwa , Khairuddin Uswah
Published: August 2022

Due to urbanization, solid waste pollution is an increasing concern for rivers, possibly threatening human health, ecological integrity, and ecosystem services. Riverine management in urban landscapes requires best management practices since the river is a vital component in urban ecological civilization, and it is very imperative to synchronize the connection between urban development and river protection. Thus, the implementation of proper and innovative measures is vital to control garbage pollution in the rivers. A robot that cleans the waste autonomously can be a good solution to manage river pollution efficiently. Identifying and obtaining precise positions of garbage are the most crucial parts of the visual system for a cleaning robot. Computer vision has paved a way for computers to understand and interpret the surrounding objects. The development of an accurate computer vision system is a vital step toward a robotic platform since this is the front-end observation system before consequent manipulation and grasping systems. The scope of this work is to acquire visual information about floating garbage on the river, which is vital in building a robotic platform for river cleaning robots. In this paper, an automated detection system based on the improved You Only Look Once (YOLO) model is developed to detect floating garbage under various conditions, such as fluctuating illumination, complex background, and occlusion. The proposed object detection model has been shown to promote rapid convergence which improves the training time duration. In addition, the proposed object detection model has been shown to improve detection accuracy by strengthening the non-linear feature extraction process. The results showed that the proposed model achieved a mean average precision (mAP) value of 89%. Hence, the proposed model is considered feasible for identifying five classes of garbage, such as plastic bottles, aluminum cans, plastic bags, styrofoam, and plastic containers.
Which one? A comparative study of traditional and sports uniforms on academic achievement, cognitive performance, playtime, bullying, and discrimination in adolescents: The Cogni-Action Project
Authors: Cristi-Montero Carlos , Solis-Urra Patricio , Sanchez-Martinez Javier , Olivares-Arancibia Jorge , Hernández-Jaña Sam , Gajardo-Araya Guillermo , Palma-Leal Ximena , Sadarangani Kabir P. , Portela Estinto Matias , Encina Yonatan , Alvarez Cristian , Delgado-Floody Pedro , Aguilar-Farias Nicolas , Ferrari Gerson , Mahecha-Matsudo Sandra , Zavala-Crichton Juan Pablo , Ibarra-Mora Jessica , Parra-Saldías Maribel , Nanjarí-Miranda Rodrigo , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Fernando
Published: August 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare academic achievement, cognitive performance, playtime, bullying, and discrimination in adolescents according to traditional uniforms (TUs) and sports uniforms (SUs) worn at school, while simultaneously exploring the influence of the school vulnerability index.

Methods

A total of 988 Chilean adolescents (52.6% boys) aged 10–14 years participated in this cross-sectional study. Academic achievement was evaluated by the average grade in maths, language, and science grades, while cognitive performance was assessed through eight cognitive tasks. TUs affecting physical activity, playtime, bullying, and discrimination were queried. Mixed model analyses were performed.

Results

No differences were observed in academic achievement (TU: 5.4 ± 0.1 vs. SU: 5.5 ± 0.2, p = 0.785) or in cognitive performance (TU: 99.6 ± 0.8 vs. SU: 98.9 ± 1.8, p= 0.754) according to the school uniformtype. Moreover, 64.1 % of participants declared that wearing TU affects their physical activity (traditional uniforms: + 8 min and sports uniforms: + 20 min), and those who believed so spent more time playing than those who answered negatively (14.5 min, p = 0.012). Finally, adolescents wearing SU displayed a lower feeling of bullying and discrimination; this finding depended mainly on the school's vulnerability.

Conclusion

It is concluded that wearing TU does not show an educational advantage at an academic and cognitive level that justifies its obligation. In addition, it could be suggested that schools consider adolescents' opinions in adopting a more comfortable uniform, such as the SU. This feasible and low-cost measure would help to increase adolescents' physical activity during the school day, and, contrary to belief, it would not be related to increased feelings of bullying and discrimination.
Transmissibility, hospitalization, and intensive care admissions due to omicron compared to delta variants of SARS-CoV-2 in Catalonia: A cohort study and ecological analysis
Authors: Català Martí , Coma Ermengol , Alonso Sergio , Andrés Cristina , Blanco Ignacio , Antón Andrés , Bordoy Antoni E. , Cardona Pere-Joan , Fina Francesc , Martró Elisa , Medina Manuel , Mora Núria , Saludes Verónica , Prats Clara , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel , Alvarez-Lacalle Enrique
Published: August 2022

Purpose

We aim to compare the severity of infections between omicron and delta variants in 609,352 SARS-CoV-2 positive cases using local hospitalization, vaccination, and variants data from the Catalan Health Care System (which covers around 7. 8 million people).

Methods

We performed a substitution model to establish the increase in transmissibility of omicron using variant screening data from primary care practices (PCP) and hospital admissions. In addition, we used this data from PCP to establish the two periods when delta and omicron were, respectively, dominant (above 95% of cases). After that, we performed a population-based cohort analysis to calculate the rates of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions for both periods and to estimate reduction in severity. Rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated and stratified by age and vaccination status. In a second analysis, the differential substitution model in primary care vs. hospitals allowed us to obtain a population-level average change in severity.

Results

We have included 48,874 cases during the delta period and 560,658 during the omicron period. During the delta period, on average, 3.8% of the detected cases required hospitalization for COVID-19. This percentage dropped to 0.9% with omicron [RR of 0.46 (95% CI: 0.43 to 0.49)]. For ICU admissions, it dropped from 0.8 to 0.1% [RR 0.25 (95% CI: 0.21 to 0.28)]. The proportion of cases hospitalized or admitted to ICU was lower in the vaccinated groups, independently of the variant. Omicron was associated with a reduction in risk of admission to hospital and ICU in all age and vaccination status strata. The differential substitution models showed an average RR between 0.19 and 0.50.

Conclusion

Both independent methods consistently show an important decrease in severity for omicron relative to delta. The systematic reduction happens regardless of age. The severity is also reduced for non-vaccinated and vaccinated groups, but it remains always higher in the non-vaccinated population. This suggests an overall reduction in severity, which could be intrinsic to the omicron variant. The fact is that the RR in ICU admission is systematically smaller than in hospitalization points in the same direction.
Imaging of metastatic epidural spinal cord compression
Authors: Bai James , Grant Kinzya , Hussien Amira , Kawakyu-O'Connor Daniel
Published: August 2022

Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression develops in 5–10% of patients with cancer and is becoming more common as advancement in cancer treatment prolongs survival in patients with cancer (1–3). It represents an oncological emergency as metastatic epidural compression in adjacent neural structures, including the spinal cord and cauda equina, and exiting nerve roots may result in irreversible neurological deficits, pain, and spinal instability. Although management of metastatic epidural spinal cord compression remains palliative, early diagnosis and intervention may improve outcomes by preserving neurological function, stabilizing the vertebral column, and achieving localized tumor and pain control. Imaging serves an essential role in early diagnosis of metastatic epidural spinal cord compression, evaluation of the degree of spinal cord compression and extent of tumor burden, and preoperative planning. This review focuses on imaging features and techniques for diagnosing metastatic epidural spinal cord compression, differential diagnosis, and management guidelines.
Prostatic arterial embolization as a micro-invasive treatment option for benign prostatic obstruction: A subtle balance between short-term follow-up patient-reported outcomes and de-obstructive effectiveness
Authors: Bertolo Riccardo , Cipriani Chiara , Giuliani Maria Silvia , Maiorino Francesco , Vittori Matteo , Carilli Marco , Signoretti Marta , Minucci Sergio , Bove Pierluigi
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The study evaluated the effectiveness of prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) in the relief of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) beyond the patient-reported outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective evaluation of patients who underwent PAE (March 2015–December 2019). All patients underwent prostate MRI to assess prostate volume (PVol), uroflowmetry to assess Qmax, and were administered IPSS + QoL. MRI, and IPSS were repeated 3 months postoperatively. Patients were contacted for urological consultation, including uroflowmetry with post-voiding residual volume (PVR), IPSS + QoL. Additionally, patient satisfaction was assessed. Sexual function, including ejaculation and complications, was recorded.

Results

Fifty-two patients were analyzed. At baseline, PVol was 66 ml (IQR 48–67), Qmax 13.5 ml/s (IRQ 11.5–19), IPSS 23 (IQR 18–25), and QoL 4.5 (IQR 4–5). At 3-month follow-up, MRI showed a 27% (IQR 18–36) reduction in PVol (p <0.001). The IPSS decreased by 81% (IQR 58–91, p <0.001). At a median follow-up of 14 months (IQR 10.5–27.5), IPSS decreased by 40% (IQR 26–54, p <0.001) and QoL by 50% (IQR 20–75, p = 0.002) versus baseline. The absolute Qmax was 12.2 ml/s (IQR 9.5–14). Median %variation of Qmax vs baseline was −7.3% (IQR −33.9; +25.5, p = 0.7). All sexually active patients maintained ejaculation. Thirty-eight (73%) were satisfied with the treatment they received. One patient reported post-operative erectile dysfunction. All patients who were counseled for adjuvant endoscopic treatment refused surgery except for one.

Conclusion

In our analysis, PAE provided significant improvement in the short-term follow-up patient-reported outcomes. Most patients were satisfied, and ejaculation was maintained. On the other hand, the effectiveness of PAE on the relief of BPO seemed virtually intangible in most of the cases.
#Lorrydeaths: Structural Topic Modeling of Twitter Users' Attitudes About the Deaths of 39 Vietnamese Migrants to the United Kingdom
Authors: Than Nga , Windel Friederike , Steele Liza G.
Published: August 2022

In this article, we analyze anti- and pro-immigrant attitudes expressed following the Essex Lorry Deaths tragedy in October 2019 in Britain, in which 39 Vietnamese immigrants died in a sealed lorry truck on their way to their destination. We apply Structural Topic Modeling, an automated text analysis method, to a Twitter dataset (N= 4,376), to understand public responses to the Lorry Deaths incident. We find that Twitter users' posts were organized into two themes regarding attitudes toward immigrants: (1) migration narratives, stereotypes, and victim identities, and (2) border control. Within each theme, both pro- and anti-immigration attitudes were expressed. Pro-immigration posts reflected counter-narratives that challenged the mainstream media's coverage of the incident and critiqued the militarization of borders and the criminalization of immigration. Anti-immigration posts ranged from reproducing stereotypes about Vietnamese immigrants to explicitly blaming the victims themselves or their families for the deaths. This study demonstrates the uses and limitations of using Twitter for public opinion research by offering a nuanced analysis of how pro-and anti-immigration attitudes are discussed in response to a tragic event. Our research also contributes to a growing literature on public opinion about an often-forgotten immigrant group in the UK, the Vietnamese.
The role of soaking, steaming, and dehulling on the nutritional quality of Bambara groundnuts (Vigna subterranea (L) Verdc.)
Authors: Yahaya Damba , Seidu Osman Abdulai , Tiesaah Charlotte Hazaala , Iddrisu Musah Baba
Published: August 2022

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L) Verdc.) is a leguminous plant that is widely cultivated in West Africa for its nutritious seeds. However, the hard-to-cook phenomenon of this legume affects its patronage by consumers. The quality and bioavailability of nutrients are affected by processing techniques during cooking. This study evaluated the effects of processing techniques on the nutritional quality of two Bambara groundnut varieties (namely, Simbi-bile and Sinkpili-zee). For this, each variety was subjected to four processing techniques, namely, (i) dehulled and soaked in water, (ii) dehulled and soaked in 1% NaHCO3 + 1% NaCl, (iii) dehulled and steamed, and (iv) Control. After sample processing, the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC) standard protocols were used for chemical analysis. The results on proximate composition, anti-nutritional factors, and seed minerals composition showed significant variations among treatments. The main effects of variety and processing technique markedly influenced the parameters measured. Soaked Bambara groundnut with NaHCO3 reduced anti-nutritional factors. Steamed treatments yielded highest amount of protein (25.87%) while dehulled treated Bambara groundnut produced the highest amount of carbohydrate (42.77%). Calcium, potassium, and iron showed significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) when dehulled. Additional sodium in processing Bambara increased mineral content of the crop. Anti-nutritional factor levels were also reduced significantly in simbi-bile when soaked. Proximate components (crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, carbohydrate, and water) had significant changes in their compositions across all the processing techniques. From the correlation analysis, oxalate and phytate have some levels of effect in all varieties on every nutritional or mineral component. Total ash correlated negatively with crude fat and positively with phytate and oxalate. Dehulled and control did not reduce the anti-nutritional factors compared to NaHCO3 + NaCl. From the results, soaking of Bambara groundnuts in 1% NaHCO3 + 1% NaCl prior to cooking was effective in improving nutritional quality while overcoming the hard-to-cook phenomenon. The findings highlight the need to adopt correct processing techniques that conserve the nutritional benefits of these edible seeds. Soaking Bambara groundnut in NaHCO3 + NaCl as a processing technique increases mineral content while reducing anti-nutritional factors, and hence should be adapted.
Spring-seeded winter rye living mulches enhance crop biodiversity and promote reduced tillage organic soybeans
Authors: Brockmueller Ben , Tautges Nicole E. , Vereecke Léa , Silva Erin M.
Published: August 2022

As recognition increases of the benefits of reducing soil disturbance to preserve soil health, there is mounting interest in developing innovative methods of using cover crops as living mulches to control weeds in organic grain systems. Spring-planted winter cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) interseeded with soybeans (Glycine max. [L.] Merr.) is a promising, yet untested, living mulch system because rye exhibits vigorous growth in the early spring during the critical weed free period, but then dies back as the soybean canopy matures. The objectives of this study were to compare a rye living mulch system with a tilled “organic business-as-usual” control, and to understand the risks and benefits associated with delaying soybean planting date to manage the weed seed bank prior to establishment of rye and soybeans. Three treatments including (1) a June-planted rye and soybean living mulch system, (2) a June planted tilled control, and (3) a May planted tilled control, were compared in terms of weed prevalence and soybean grain yield in a randomized complete block experimental design with four replications implemented across 3 site years from 2019 to 2020. Interseeding rye as a living mulch resulted in consistently higher weed pressure as compared to tilled controls. Increased weed pressure in May- over June-planted controls in 2 of 3 site years indicate planting date influences weed dynamics. Rye biomass was positively correlated with soybean yield (R2 = 0.76, r = 0.87, p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with weed biomass (R2 = 0.63, r = −0.79, p < 0.05). Under optimal conditions where rye biomass was maximized, interseeding rye adequately suppressed weeds without reducing soybean yields as compared to tilled controls. However, under drier conditions with lower rye production, increased weed pressure and reduced yields emphasize the risks associated with living mulch systems.
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography enhanced by virtual reality as a novel tool to improve the understanding of biliary anatomy and the teaching of surgical trainees
Authors: Staubli Sebastian M. , Maloca Peter , Kuemmerli Christoph , Kunz Julia , Dirnberger Amanda S. , Allemann Andreas , Gehweiler Julian , Soysal Savas , Droeser Raoul , Däster Silvio , Hess Gabriel , Raptis Dimitri , Kollmar Otto , von Flüe Markus , Bolli Martin , Cattin Philippe
Published: August 2022

Objective

The novel picture archiving and communication system (PACS), compatible with virtual reality (VR) software, displays cross-sectional images in VR. VR magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) was tested to improve the anatomical understanding and intraoperative performance of minimally invasive cholecystectomy (CHE) in surgical trainees.

Design

We used an immersive VR environment to display volumetric MRCP data (Specto VRTM). First, we evaluated the tolerability and comprehensibility of anatomy with a validated simulator sickness questionnaire (SSQ) and examined anatomical landmarks. Second, we compared conventional MRCP and VR MRCP by matching three-dimensional (3D) printed models and identifying and measuring common bile duct stones (CBDS) using VR MRCP. Third, surgical trainees prepared for CHE with either conventional MRCP or VR MRCP, and we measured perioperative parameters and surgical performance (validated GOALS score).

Setting

The study was conducted out at Clarunis, University Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, Basel, Switzerland.

Participants

For the first and second study step, doctors from all specialties and years of experience could participate. In the third study step, exclusively surgical trainees were included. Of 74 participating clinicians, 34, 27, and 13 contributed data to the first, second, and third study phases, respectively.

Results

All participants determined the relevant biliary structures with VR MRCP. The median SSQ score was 0.75 (IQR: 0, 3.5), indicating good tolerability. Participants selected the corresponding 3D printed model faster and more reliably when previously studying VR MRCP compared to conventional MRCP: We obtained a median of 90 s (IQR: 55, 150) and 72.7% correct answers with VR MRCP versus 150 s (IQR: 100, 208) and 49.6% correct answers with conventional MRCP, respectively (p < 0.001). CBDS was correctly identified in 90.5% of VR MRCP cases. The median GOALS score was higher after preparation with VR MRCP than with conventional MRCP for CHE: 16 (IQR: 13, 22) and 11 (IQR: 11, 18), respectively (p = 0.27).

Conclusions

VR MRCP allows for a faster, more accurate understanding of displayed anatomy than conventional MRCP and potentially leads to improved surgical performance in CHE in surgical trainees.
Analysis of gene expression in monocytes of immunized pigs after infection with homologous or heterologous African swine fever virus
Authors: Kholod Natalia , Koltsov Andrey , Koltsova Galina
Published: August 2022

African swine fever is a deadly disease of pigs caused by the large DNA virus (ASFV). Despite intensive research, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of ASFV pathogenesis. Transcriptome analysis of host and viral genes in infected macrophages revealed changes in expression of genes involved in various biological processes, including immune response, inflammatory response and apoptosis. To understand the mechanisms of virus pathogenesis, we used transcriptome analysis to identify the differences in gene expression between peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) isolated from pigs immunized with attenuated Congo ASFV strain (KK262), and then infected in vitro with virulent homologous Congo strain (K49) or heterologous Mozambique strain (M78). We found that overexpression of IFN-γ was detected only in cells infected with M78, although the expression of interferon-stimulated genes was increased in both types of cells. In addition, up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines was found in PBMCs infected with the heterologous strain M78, in contrast to the cells infected with K49. These data may indicate the beginning of an early immune response in cells infected with a heterologous, but not homologous strain. Transcriptome analysis revealed down-regulation of genes involved in endocytosis and phagocytosis in cells infected with the K49 strain, but not in PBMCs infected with M78. On the contrary, we detected activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress response genes in cells infected with a homologous strain, but not in cells infected with a heterologous strain. This study is the first attempt to determine the differences in the response to ASF infection between homologous and heterologous strains at the cellular level. Our results showed that not only genes of the immune response, but also genes involved in endocytosis and cellular stress response may be important for the formation of cross-protective immunity. This data may be useful for vaccine development or testing of candidate vaccines.
Performance of four equine pain scales and their association to movement asymmetry in horses with induced orthopedic pain
Authors: Ask Katrina , Andersen Pia Haubro , Tamminen Lena-Mari , Rhodin Marie , Hernlund Elin
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study investigated the relationship between orthopedic pain experienced at rest, and degree of movement asymmetry during trot in horses with induced reversible acute arthritis. Orthopedic pain was assessed with the Horse Grimace Scale (HGS), the Equine Utrecht University Scale of Facial Assessment of Pain (EQUUS-FAP), the Equine Pain Scale (EPS), and the Composite Orthopedic Pain Scale (CPS). Reliability and diagnostic accuracy were evaluated with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and area under the curve (AUC).

Study design and animals

Eight healthy horses were included in this experimental study, with each horse acting as its own control.

Methods

Orthopedic pain was induced by intra-articular lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration. Serial pain assessments were performed before induction and during pain progression and regression, where three observers independently and simultaneously assessed pain at rest with the four scales. Movement asymmetry was measured once before induction and a minimum of four times after induction, using objective gait analysis.

Results

On average 6.6 (standard deviation 1.2) objective gait analyses and 12.1 (2.4) pain assessments were performed per horse. The ICC for each scale was 0.75 (CPS), 0.65 (EPS), 0.52 (HGS), and 0.43 (EQUUS-FAP). Total pain scores of all scales were significantly associated with an increase in movement asymmetry (R2values ranging from −0.0649 to 0.493); with CPS pain scores being most closely associated with movement asymmetry. AUC varied between scales and observers, and CPS was the only scale where all observers had a good diagnostic accuracy (AUC > 0.72).

Conclusions and clinical relevance

This study identified significant associations between pain experienced at rest and degree of movement asymmetry for all scales. Pain scores obtained using CPS were most closely associated with movement asymmetry. CPS was also the most accurate and reliable pain scale. All scales had varying linear and non-linear relations between total pain scores and movement asymmetry, illustrating challenges with orthopedic pain assessment during rest in subtly lame horses since movement asymmetry needs to be rather high before total pain score increase.
Metallopeptidades 2 and 9 genes epigenetically modulate equine endometrial fibrosis
Authors: Alpoim-Moreira Joana , Fernandes Carina , Pimenta Jorge , Bliebernicht Miguel , Rebordão Maria Rosa , Castelo-Branco Pedro , Szóstek-Mioduchowska Anna , Skarzynski Dariusz J. , Ferreira-Dias Graça
Published: August 2022

Endometrium type I (COL1) and III (COL3) collagen accumulation, periglandular fibrosis and mare infertility characterize endometrosis. Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) are involved in collagen turnover. Since epigenetic changes may control fibroproliferative diseases, we hypothesized that epigenetic mechanisms could modulate equine endometrosis. Epigenetic changes can be reversed and therefore extremely promising for therapeutic use. Methylation pattern analysis of a particular gene zone is used to detect epigenetic changes. DNA methylation commonly mediates gene repression. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate if the transcription of some genes involved in equine endometrosis was altered with endometrial fibrosis, and if the observed changes were epigenetically modulated, through DNA methylation analysis. Endometrial biopsies collected from cyclic mares were histologically classified (Kenney and Doig category I, n = 6; category IIA, n = 6; category IIB, n = 6 and category III, n = 6). Transcription of COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, MMP2, MMP9, TIMP1, and TIMP2 genes and DNA methylation pattern by pyrosequencing of COL1A1, MMP2, MMP9, TIMP1 genes were evaluated. Both MMP2 and MMP9 transcripts decreased with fibrosis, when compared with healthy endometrium (category I) (P < 0.05). TIMP1 transcripts were higher in category III, when compared to category I endometrium (P < 0.05). No differences were found for COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1 and TIMP2 transcripts between endometrial categories. There were higher methylation levels of (i) COL1A1 in category IIB (P < 0.05) and III (P < 0.01), when compared to category I; (ii) MMP2 in category III, when compared to category I (P < 0.001) and IIA (P < 0.05); and (iii) MMP9 in category III, when compared to category I and IIA (P < 0.05). No differences in TIMP1 methylation levels were observed between endometrial categories. The hypermethylation of MMP2 and MMP9, but not of COL1A1 genes, occurred simultaneously with a decrease in their mRNA levels, with endometrial fibrosis, suggesting that this hypermethylation is responsible for repressing their transcription. Our results show that endometrosis is epigenetically modulated by anti-fibrotic genes (MMP2 and MMP9) inhibition, rather than fibrotic genes activation and therefore, might be promising targets for therapeutic use.
Seasonal variation of endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone concentrations in healthy non-geriatric donkeys in Northern California
Authors: Humphreys Sarah , Kass Philip H. , Magdesian K. Gary , Goodrich Erin , Berryhill Emily
Published: August 2022

Elevated plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is often used to diagnose pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) in horses. The hormone naturally increases in the fall in horses, and donkeys have been found to have higher ACTH concentrations than horses. However, circannual variation of ACTH has not been assessed in donkeys. The objective of the study was to establish seasonal variation of basal plasma ACTH concentrations over the course of a year in clinically healthy, non-geriatric donkeys. It was hypothesized that donkey ACTH concentrations would be higher than those reported in horses without PPID in all seasons, and that, similarly to horses, ACTH concentrations would further increase in the fall months. Twenty-six healthy adult donkeys (10 standards, 16 miniatures), a median (range) of 6 (2–13) years of age, were included. Donkeys were housed at a single location. Serial plasma samples were obtained monthly for 12 months. Plasma ACTH concentrations were determined by immunoassay. Data are presented as median (range), with a P-value < 0.05 considered significant. ACTH concentrations were lowest in the winter and spring [12.8 (5.0–73.6) pg/ml and 12.5 (2.8–62.6) pg/ml, respectively], with an increase in the summer [53.2 (29.7–305.0) pg/ml], and peak in the fall [77.1 (12.4–319.0) pg/ml]. ACTH concentrations were highest in the month of September [122.0 (41.7–319.0) pg/ml]. Donkey ACTH concentrations were higher than equine reference ranges from May through November but showed similar circannual variation with dramatic increases in the fall months. Species-specific reference ranges are necessary for accurate interpretation of endocrinopathy screenings in donkeys.
The Rapid and Accurate Detection of Kidney Bean Seeds Based on a Compressed Yolov3 Model
Authors: Wang Yu , Bai Hongyi , Sun Laijun , Tang Yan , Huo Yonglong , Min Rui
Published: August 2022

Due to their rich nutritional value, kidney beans are considered one of the major products of international agricultural trade. The conventional method used for the manual detection of seeds is inefficient and may damage the test object. To locate and classify different kidney bean seeds rapidly and accurately, the Yolov3 network has been improved to realize seed detection in the current paper. Firstly, a dataset of 10 varieties of kidney bean seeds was produced and 1292 images were collected. Then, the dataset was divided into the training, validation, and test sets with the assigned ratio of 8:1:1. The kidney bean seeds dataset was trained using the Yolov3 model. Additionally, the implemented speed needed to be guaranteed while satisfying the detection accuracy. To meet such detection requirements, the Yolov3 model was pruned using the scaling factors of the batch normalization layer as a measure of channel importance, and finally fine-tuned with the aid of knowledge distillation. Then, the Yolov3, Yolov3-tiny, Yolov4, and the improved Yolov3 were used to detect the images in the test set. Subsequently, the performances of these four networks were compared. The results show that the model pruning method can compress the model to a great extent, and the number of model parameters is reduced by 98%. The detection time is shortened by 59%, and the average accuracy reaches 98.33%. Considering the speed and mAP, the improved Yolov3 detected the best results. The experimental results demonstrate that the method can accomplish the rapid and accurate detection of kidney bean seeds. It can provide a solid foundation for the marketing and planting of kidney bean seeds.
Association of Altitude and Solar Radiation to Understand Coffee Quality
Authors: Soares Ferreira Daniel , Eduardo da Silva Oliveira Matheus , Rodrigues Ribeiro Wilian , Altoé Filete Cristhiane , Toledo Castanheira Dalyse , Cesar Pereira Rocha Brunno , Polonini Moreli Aldemar , Catarina da Silva Oliveira Emanuele , Carvalho Guarçoni Rogério , Partelli Fábio Luiz , Louzada Pereira Lucas
Published: August 2022

The consumer market has a strong tendency to consume specialty coffees, making it essential to understand the influence of environmental conditions, such as solar radiation and altitude, on coffee quality. This study aimed to analyze the physical and sensory quality of Arabica coffee as a function of different altitudes and incident solar radiation on the coffee tree. The study was carried out in the city of Manhuaçu-MG, Brazil. Three altitudes (950, 1050 and 1150 m above mean sea level) and two sides of coffee exposure to solar radiation (east face: morning sun and west face: afternoon sun) were studied in two post-harvest processing (natural and peeled cherry). Sensory attributes, granulometry and occurrence of coffee defects were evaluated, in order to verify if there was variation in the physical and sensorial characteristics of the coffee. It was found that at an altitude of 1150mamsl, on the exposed face of the plant that received the afternoon sun, there was the formation of better-quality coffee, when compared to the face that received the morning sun. On the other hand, at lower altitudes, coffees from the face of the plant exposed to the morning sun showed a greater association with physical and sensory quality parameters.
OkeyDoggy3D: A Mobile Application for Recognizing Stress-Related Behaviors in Companion Dogs Based on Three-Dimensional Pose Estimation through Deep Learning
Authors: Yu Rim , Choi Yongsoon
Published: August 2022

Dogs often express their stress through physical motions that can be recognized by their owners. We propose a mobile application that analyzes companion dog’s behavior and their three-dimensional poses via deep learning. As existing research on pose estimation has focused on humans, obtaining a large dataset comprising images showing animal joint locations is a challenge. Nevertheless, we generated such a dataset and used it to train an AI model. Furthermore, we analyzed circling behavior, which is associated with stress in companion dogs. To this end, we used the VideoPose3D model to estimate the 3D poses of companion dogs from the 2D pose estimation technique derived by the DeepLabCut model and developed a mobile app that provides analytical information on the stress-related behaviors, as well as the walking and isolation times, of companion dogs. Finally, we interviewed five certified experts to evaluate the validity and applicability of the app.
Region-Based Approaches in Robotic Painting
Authors: Gülzow Jörg Marvin , Deussen Oliver
Published: August 2022

An important aspect of robotic painting is replicating human painting techniques on machines, in order to automatically produce artwork or to interact with a human painter. Usually, painterly rendering techniques are transferred to the machine, and strokes are used as the basic building block of an image, as they can easily be mapped to the robot. In contrast, we propose to consider regions as a basic primitive to achieve more human-like results and to make the painting process more modular. We analyze the works of Kadinsky, Mondrian, Delaunay, and van Gogh to show the basis of region-based techniques in the real world and then transfer them to an automatic context. We introduce different types of region primitives and show procedures for how to realize them on our painting machine e-David, capable of painting with visual feedback. Finally, we present machine-created artwork by painting automatically generated sets of shapes in the styles of various artists.
Characterization of a Virally Encoded Flavodoxin That Can Drive Bacterial Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenase Activity
Authors: Lamb David C. , Goldstone Jared V. , Zhao Bin , Lei Li , Mullins Jonathan G. L. , Allen Michael J. , Kelly Steven L. , Stegeman John J.
Published: August 2022

Flavodoxins are small electron transport proteins that are involved in a myriad of photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic metabolic pathways in Bacteria (including cyanobacteria), Archaea and some algae. The sequenced genome of 0305φ8-36, a large bacteriophage that infects the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, was predicted to encode a putative flavodoxin redox protein. Here we confirm that 0305φ8-36 phage encodes a FMN-containing flavodoxin polypeptide and we report the expression, purification and enzymatic characterization of the recombinant protein. Purified 0305φ8-36 flavodoxin has near-identical spectral properties to control, purified Escherichia coli flavodoxin. Using in vitro assays we show that 0305φ8-36 flavodoxin can be reconstituted with E. coli flavodoxin reductase and support regio- and stereospecific cytochrome P450 CYP170A1 allyl-oxidation of epi-isozizaene to the sesquiterpene antibiotic product albaflavenone, found in the soil bacterium Streptomyces coelicolor. In vivo, 0305φ8-36 flavodoxin is predicted to mediate the 2-electron reduction of the β subunit of phage-encoded ribonucleotide reductase to catalyse the conversion of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides during viral replication. Our results demonstrate that this phage flavodoxin has the potential to manipulate and drive bacterial P450 cellular metabolism, which may affect both the host biological fitness and the communal microbiome. Such a scenario may also be applicable in other viral-host symbiotic/parasitic relationships.
Validation of Sputum Biomarker Immunoassays and Cytokine Expression Profiles in COPD
Authors: Mulvanny Alex , Pattwell Caroline , Beech Augusta , Southworth Thomas , Singh Dave
Published: August 2022

Immunoassays are commonly used to assess airway inflammation in sputum samples from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. However, assay performance and validation in this complex matrix is inconsistently reported. The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of various immunoassays for use with sputum samples, followed by use of validated immunoassays to evaluate biomarker levels in COPD patients. Assays were assessed for recombinant reference standard suitability, optimal sample dilution, standard recovery in the biological matrix and reproducibility. Validated assays were used to assess sputum supernatants in Cohort A (n = 30 COPD, n = 10 smokers, n = 10 healthy) and Cohort B (n = 81 COPD, n = 15 smokers, n = 26 healthy). Paired baseline and exacerbation samples from 14 COPD patients were assessed in cohort A, and associations with sputum cell counts and bacterial colonisation investigated in cohort B. 25/32 assays passed validation; the primary reason for validation failure was recombinant reference standard suitability and sample dilution effects. Interleukin (IL-)6 and IL-8 were significantly increased in COPD patients compared to healthy subjects and smokers for both cohorts. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α and IL-1β were higher in COPD compared to smokers using one immunoassay but not another, partly explained by different absolute recovery rates. IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, IL-17A, Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), Interferon (IFN-)γ, Interferon gamma induced protein (IP-)10, Macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, MIP-1β and TNF-α levels correlated with sputum neutrophil percentage in COPD patients. IL-1β, IL-4, IL-8, G-CSF and IFN-γ levels were associated with Haemophilus influenzae colonisation in COPD patients. Current smokers had lower levels of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-8, G-CSF, IFN-γ, IP-10, Monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β and TNF-α. Validated immunoassays applied to sputum supernatants demonstrated differences between COPD patients and controls, the effects of current smoking and associations between Haemophilus influenzae colonisation and higher levels of selected cytokines. Immunoassay validation enabled inflammatory mediators associated with different COPD characteristics to be determined.
Effects of Acidic Solution on the One-Step Electrodeposition of Prussian Blue Nanocrystals on Screen-Printed Carbon Electrodes Modified with Magnetite Nanoparticles
Authors: Tse Man-Mo , Su Ya-Ling , Cheng Shu-Hua
Published: August 2022

This study investigated the electrochemical synthesis of Prussian blue (PB) nanocrystals on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) modified with a thin film of magnetite nanoparticles (nano-Fe3O4) in aqueous mixture solutions of potassium hexacyanoferrate(III) and different kinds of acids. The generated PB nanocrystals exhibited varied voltammetric responses that are highly related to the characteristics and properties of acids in the mixture solution. Interestingly, in the presence of glyphosate as an organic acid, surface magnetite nanoparticles were occluded within electrogenerated Prussian blue nanocubes (PBNC), which are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Furthermore, the possible reaction mechanism for the formation of PBNC is proposed in this study. The obtained PBNC was also evaluated as an electrocatalyst of hydrogen peroxide and applied to the detection of glyphosate.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Children Visiting Emergency Department for Mental Illness: A Multicenter Database Analysis from Korea
Authors: Bae Woori , Choi Arum , Byun Seonjeong , Kim Kyunghoon , Kim Sukil
Published: August 2022

We aimed to identify changes in the proportion of pediatric emergency department (PED) visits due to mental illness during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This was a retrospective observational study of visits to the PED at six university hospitals from January 2017 to December 2020. We included children aged 5–17 years who were diagnosed with a mental illness. We used segmented regression analysis to identify the change in the proportion of patients with mental illness. A total of 845 patients were included in the analysis. After the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Korea, the number of PED visits significantly decreased by 560.8 patients per week (95% confidence interval (CI): −665.3 to −456.3, p < 0.001). However, the proportion of patients with mental illness increased significantly, by 0.37% per week (95% CI: 0.04% to 0.70%, p = 0.03), at this time point. Subgroup analyses revealed that emotional disorders significantly increased by 0.06% per month (95% CI: 0.02% to 0.09%, p < 0.001) during the pandemic. Our study revealed that an increased proportion of patients with mental illness visited the PED during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we identified that the proportion of emotional disorders continues to rise during this pandemic.
Outcome of Open Reduction Alone or with Concomitant Bony Procedures for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)
Authors: Jamil Kamal , Saharuddin Rostam , Abd Rasid Ahmad Fazly , Abd Rashid Abdul Halim , Ibrahim Sharaf
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is commonly managed in a tertiary centre and regularly involves surgical treatment. The aim of this study is to determine the surgical outcome of DDH patient treated with either open reduction alone or combined with bony procedures in our institution. Methods: Medical records of DDH patients treated surgically were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A: underwent open reduction (OR) only; and Group B: underwent open reduction with additional bony procedures (ORB), such as pelvic or femoral osteotomy. Modified McKay classification was used to evaluate the clinical outcome, and Severin classification for the radiological outcome. Presence of avascular necrosis and other post-operative complications were recorded. Results: A total of 66 patients (76 hips) were reviewed with the mean age of 11.9 ± 4.8 years. Mean duration of follow up was 8.6 ± 4.7 years (ranged 2 to 23 years). From our sample, 50/66 patients (75.8%) achieved satisfactory clinical outcome, whereas 48/66 patients (72.7%) had satisfactory radiological outcome. A higher proportion of patients achieved satisfactory outcomes in the OR group compared to the ORB group (p < 0.05), but no difference was seen in terms of radiological outcome (p = 0.80). Overall, 23 hips (34.8%) developed radiographic evidence of avascular necrosis (AVN). Nineteen hips had undergone ORB, although they were mainly (63.2%) Grade I AVN. Incidence of AVN was comparable in both groups (p = 0.63), but presence of AVN led to a higher proportion of unsatisfactory clinical and radiological outcome (p < 0.05). Other complications included redislocation/subluxation (13.6%) and bleeding (0.1%). Conclusions: Good overall outcome of DDH surgery was achieved in our centre. The OR group may produce a better clinical outcome, but with similar radiological results and AVN rate with the ORB group. The presence of AVN is associated with unsatisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes.
Ti:Sa Crystal Geometry Variation vs. Final Amplifiers of CPA Laser Systems Parameters
Authors: Chvykov Vladimir
Published: August 2022

In this paper, the different Ti:Sapphire crystal configurations of the final amplifiers, depending on the Chirped Pulse Amplification laser system parameters, such as the repetition rates and pulse energy, are discussed. Restrictions placed on the final Ti:Sa amplifiers with a high repetition rate are discussed. The repetition rate of these systems is limited due to the crystal overheating, which leads to stress fracturing or significant beam distortion. The heating density threshold leading to stress fracturing was calculated and taken as the limit of the upper level of the possible pump average power. On the basis of these calculations, the highest repetition rates and corresponding thermolens focal distances were estimated for conventional crystal geometry of the most suitable thicknesses. It was demonstrated that conventional crystal shapes, such as a thin disc, can be used for systems with repetition rates below a few hundred Hz if several Joules of the output pulse energy are required. The rectangular thin crystal plate geometry was more suitable for Ti:Sa amplifiers with repetition rates above 1 kHz. Finally, the parameters of rectangular thin crystal plate Ti:Sa laser amplifier with an output energy above 3 J per pulse for a laser system with more than 100 TW pulse power and 1 kHz repetition rates are presented.