bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curative effect analysis of robot-assisted drainage surgery in treatment of spontaneous hypertensive brainstem hemorrhage
Authors: Tang Zhiji , Huang Weilong , Chen Qiqi , Guo Changgui , Zheng Kuan , Wei Wenjin , Jiang Qiuhua , Yang Ruijin
Published: February 2024

Objective

Spontaneous hypertensive brainstem hemorrhage (HBSH) is characterized by sudden onset, rapid progression and poor prognosis. There has been a growing tendency of surgical treatment for HBSH. This study aimed to investigate outcomes and potential factors associated with the prognosis of robot-assisted drainage surgery for HBSH treatment.

Methods

Patients with HBSH from July 2016 to March 2023 at a single neurosurgery center were included and divided into conservative group and surgical groups. Baseline and clinical data, radiographic characteristics, complications, and outcome evaluations were recorded and analyzed.

Results

A total of 125 patients, with 74 in the conservative group and 51 in the surgical group, were enrolled in the study. Mortality at 6 months was 59/74 (79.7%) in the conservative group and 9/51 (17.6%) in the surgical group. Twenty-four patients (47.1%) achieved favorable outcomes in the surgical group, whereas this rate in the conservative group was only 5.4% (4/74). There was a significant difference in NIHSS, GCS, and mRS at 6 months between surviving patients in the conservative and surgical groups. In prognostic analysis in the surgical subgroup, initial GCS score [5 (IQR 4–7) vs. 3 (IQR 3–4), p < 0.001], NIHSS [36 (IQR 32–38) vs. 40 (IQR 38–40), p < 0.001], smoking history [45.8% (11/24) vs. 74.1% (20/27), p = 0.039], hematoma volume [6.9 (IQR 6.2–7.6) vs. 9.6 (IQR 7.3–11.4), p = 0.001], and hemorrhage location (p = 0.001) were potential risk factors for poor 6-month prognosis after robot-assisted surgery for HBSH.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, robot-assisted minimally invasive drainage of brain stem hematoma may significantly reduce mortality and improve prognosis. Surgery should be conducted for selected patients.
Predictive value of volumetric parameters based on 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT for prostate cancer metastasis
Authors: Li Yanmei , Chen Jian , Wang Xiaojuan , Yang Pengfei , Yang Jiqin , Zhao Qian , Li Juan
Published: February 2024

Purpose of the report

To explore the value of 18F-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA-1007) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT), the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the primary tumor, prostate PSMA-tumor volume (PSMA-TVp), and prostate total lesion PSMA (TL-PSMAp) for predicting prostate cancer (PCa) metastasis and follow-up evaluation in primary PCa lesions.

Materials and methods

18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT data of 110 consecutive newly diagnosed PCa patients were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into non-metastatic, oligometastatic, and extensive metastatic groups. The predictive power was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Multi-group one-way analysis of variance and post-hoc tests were used to compare the groups. Patients were monitored post-therapy to evaluate treatment effectiveness.

Results

Among the 110 patients, 66.4% (73) had metastasis (29 oligometastatic, 44 extensive metastasis). AUCs for Gleason score (GS), total prostate-specific antigen(TPSA), SUVmax, TL-PSMAp, and PSMA-TVp were 0.851, 0.916, 0.834, 0.938, and 0.923, respectively. GS, TPSA, SUVmax, TL-PSMAp, and PSMA-TVp were significantly different among the groups. In the post-hoc tests, differences in GS, TPSA, SUVmax, TL-PSMAp, and PSMA-TVp between the non-metastatic and oligometastatic groups and non-metastatic and extensive metastatic groups were significant (P<0.010). Differences in TL-PSMAp and PSMA-TVp between oligometastatic and extensive metastatic groups were significant (P=0.039 and 0.015, respectively), while those among GS, TPSA, and SUVmax were not. TL-PSMAp and PSMA-TVp distinguished between oligometastatic and extensive metastases, but GS, TPSA, and SUVmax did not. In individuals with oligometastasis, the implementation of active treatment for both primary and metastatic lesions may result in a more favorable prognosis.

Conclusions

18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT volumetric parameters PSMA-TVp and TL-PSMAp can predict PCa oligometastasis.
B cell receptor signaling and associated pathways in the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Schmid Vera K. , Hobeika Elias
Published: February 2024

B cell antigen receptor (BCR) signaling is a key driver of growth and survival in both normal and malignant B cells. Several lines of evidence support an important pathogenic role of the BCR in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The significant improvement of CLL patients’ survival with the use of various BCR pathway targeting inhibitors, supports a crucial involvement of BCR signaling in the pathogenesis of CLL. Although the treatment landscape of CLL has significantly evolved in recent years, no agent has clearly demonstrated efficacy in patients with treatment-refractory CLL in the long run. To identify new drug targets and mechanisms of drug action in neoplastic B cells, a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms of leukemic transformation as well as CLL cell survival is required. In the last decades, studies of genetically modified CLL mouse models in line with CLL patient studies provided a variety of exciting data about BCR and BCR-associated kinases in their role in CLL pathogenesis as well as disease progression. BCR surface expression was identified as a particularly important factor regulating CLL cell survival. Also, BCR-associated kinases were shown to provide a crosstalk of the CLL cells with their tumor microenvironment, which highlights the significance of the cells’ milieu in the assessment of disease progression and treatment. In this review, we summarize the major findings of recent CLL mouse as well as patient studies in regard to the BCR signalosome and discuss its relevance in the clinics.
Quantitative proteomics reveals the protective effects of Yinchenzhufu decoction against cholestatic liver fibrosis in mice by inhibiting the PDGFRβ/PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Meng Qian , Zhu Hongwen , Li Yuanyuan , Peng Xiaotian , Wang Tianming , Huang Hui , Zhou Hu , Liu Yuejia , Ru Sujie , Wu Jiasheng , Ma Yueming
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Yinchenzhufu decoction (YCZFD) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula with hepatoprotective effects. In this study, the protective effects of YCZFD against cholestatic liver fibrosis (CLF) and its underlying mechanisms were evaluated.

Methods: A 3, 5-diethoxycarbonyl-1, 4-dihydro-collidine (DDC)-induced cholestatic mouse model was used to investigate the amelioration of YCZFD on CLF. Data-independent acquisition-based mass spectrometry was performed to investigate proteomic changes in the livers of mice in three groups: control, model, and model treated with high-dose YCZFD. The effects of YCZFD on the expression of key proteins were confirmed in mice and cell models.

Results: YCZFD significantly decreased the levels of serum biochemical, liver injury, and fibrosis indicators of cholestatic mice. The proteomics indicated that 460 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified among control, model, and model treated with high-dose YCZFD groups. Enrichment analyses of these DEPs revealed that YCZFD influenced multiple pathways, including PI3K-Akt, focal adhesion, ECM–receptor interaction, glutathione metabolism, and steroid biosynthesis pathways. The expression of platelet derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRβ), a receptor associated with the PI3K/AKT and focal adhesion pathways, was upregulated in the livers of cholestatic mice but downregulated by YCZFD. The effects of YCZFD on the expression of key proteins in the PDGFRβ/PI3K/AKT pathway were further confirmed in mice and transforming growth factor-β-induced hepatic stellate cells. We uncovered seven plant metabolites (chlorogenic acid, scoparone, isoliquiritigenin, glycyrrhetinic acid, formononetin, atractylenolide I, and benzoylaconitine) of YCZFD that may regulate PDGFRβ expression.

Conclusion: YCZFD substantially protects against DDC-induced CLF mainly through regulating the PDGFRβ/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Processing of Reynoutria multiflora: transformation of catechin and gallic acid derivatives and their identification
Authors: Bai Junqi , Zou Qiyu , Su He , Liao Baosheng , Wang Ping , Huang Juan , Zhang Danchun , Gong Lu , Xu Wen , Zhang Jing , Huang Zhihai , Qiu Xiaohui
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The root of Reynoutria multiflora (Thunb.) Moldenke (RM) has been used widely in formulations of herbal medicines in China for centuries. Raw R. multiflora (RRM) should be processed before use to reduce toxicity and increase efficacy. However, detailed regulation of the processing endpoint is lacking, and the duration of processing can vary considerably. We conducted in-depth research on stilbene glycosides in RM at different processing times. Previously, we discovered that 219 stilbene glycosides changed markedly in quantity and content. Therefore, we proposed that processing causes changes in various chemical groups.

Methods: To better explain the mechanism of RM processing for toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement, we used a method of tandem mass spectrometry described previously to research gallic acid based and catechin based metabolites.

Results: A total of 259 metabolites based on gallic acid and 112 metabolites based on catechins were identified. Among these, the peak areas of 157 gallic acid and 81 catechins gradually decreased, those of another 71 gallic acid and 30 catechins first increased and then decreased, those of 14 gallic acid and 1 catechin gradually increased. However, 17 of the gallic acids showed no significant changes. We speculate that many gallic acid metabolites hydrolyze to produce gallic acid; moreover, the dimers/trimers of catechins, after being cleaved into catechins, epicatechin, gallic acid catechins, and epicatechin monomers, are cleaved into gallic acid and protocatechualdehyde under high temperature and high humidity, subsequently participating in the Maillard reaction and browning reactions.

Discussion: We showed that processing led to changes in chemical groups, clarification of the groups of secondary metabolites could provide a basis for research on the pharmacological and toxic mechanisms of RM, as well as the screening of related markers.
Photoplethysmogram beat detection using Symmetric Projection Attractor Reconstruction
Authors: Pettit Callum , Charlton Peter H. , Aston Philip J.
Published: February 2024

Many methods have been proposed to detect beats in photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals. We present a novel method which uses the Symmetric Projection Attractor Reconstruction (SPAR) method to generate an attractor in a two dimensional phase space from the PPG signal. We can then define a line through the origin of this phase space to be a Poincaré section, as is commonly used in dynamical systems. Beats are detected when the attractor trajectory crosses the Poincaré section. By considering baseline drift, we define an optimal Poincaré section to use. The performance of this method was assessed using the WESAD dataset, achieving median F1 scores of 74.3% in the Baseline phase, 63.0% during Stress, 93.6% during Amusement, and 97.7% during Meditation. Performance was better than an earlier version of the method, and comparable to one of the best algorithms identified in a recent benchmarking study of 15 beat detection algorithms. In addition, our method performed better than two others in the accuracy of the inter-beat intervals for two resting subjects.
The physician experience of patient to provider prejudice (PPtP)
Authors: Andreae Doerthe A. , Massand Sameer , Dellasega Cheryl
Published: February 2024

Background

Patients can demonstrate prejudice and bias toward minoritized physicians in a destructive dynamic identified as PPtP (Patient Prejudice toward Providers). These interactions have a negative impact on the physical and mental well-being of both those who are targeted and those who witness such behaviors.

Study purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the PPtP experiences of attending physicians who identify as a minority based on race, ethnicity, citizenship status, or faith preference.

Methods

Qualitative methodology was used to collect data using in-depth interviews. 15 attending physicians (8 male, 7 female, aged 33–55 years) who identified as minorities based on ethnicity, citizenship status, or faith practices were interviewed individually. Interviews were conducted using a guide validated in previous studies and content analysis was performed by two trained researchers to identify themes.

Results

Five themes were identified: A Continuum of Offenses, Professional Growth through Adversity, Organizational Issues, Role of Colleagues, and Consequences for Provision of Care. Findings suggest that although attending physicians learned to cope with PPtP, the experience of being treated with bias negatively impacted their well-being and work performance. Attending physicians also felt that white majority medical students sometimes treated them with prejudice but expressed a commitment to protecting vulnerable trainees from PPtP.

Conclusion

The experience of PPtP occurs consistently throughout a career in medicine, often beginning in the years of training and persisting into the phase of attending status. This makes it imperative to include strategies that address PPtP in order to successfully recruit and retain minoritized physicians.
Disclosing or concealing multiple sclerosis in the workplace: two sides of the same coin—insights from a Swedish population-based survey
Authors: Dervish Jessica , Arfuch Victoria Mailen , Murley Chantelle , McKay Kyla A. , Machado Alejandra , Wennman-Larsen Agneta , Friberg Emilie
Published: February 2024

Background

People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) face health and social challenges of living with a chronic and potentially disabling condition. To disclose or conceal MS at work may critically affect individuals’ work situation, career opportunities, and health. PwMS may experience a dilemma when assessing if the possible benefits of disclosing the diagnosis outweigh the possible risks. However, concealing in the long-term may have health implications and prevent opportunities for support and work adjustments. Few studies have examined what drives PwMS to disclose or conceal MS at work and the consequences of these ways of managing MS.

Objectives

To explore the reasons PwMS report for disclosing and/or concealing their MS diagnosis in the workplace, as well as the consequences they have experienced.

Methods

A web-based survey of PwMS was conducted in 2021. All individuals aged 20–50 listed in the Swedish MS registry were invited to participate. The response rate was 52% and among these participants, 3,810 (86%) completed questions regarding workplace disclosure and/or concealment of MS. Free-text responses on these topics were analyzed using inductive content analysis.

Results

It was common to disclose MS in the workplace (85%). Identified drivers for disclosure and concealment related to four categories: Work-related, Social, Personal and Circumstantial. Work-related drivers focused on employment or protecting one’s career, and changing one’s work situation versus maintaining it. Social drivers included the need for support, addressing or preventing stigma, and being considerate of others. Personal drivers were linked to moral values/personal beliefs and processing of the diagnosis. Circumstantial drivers related to involuntary or unforeseen events, timing factors, one’s medical condition and external opinion/advice. Identified consequences for disclosure and concealment related to three categories: Work-life, Social, and Personal. Work-life consequences included work arrangements, and career opportunities. Social consequences were linked to MS awareness, stigma, interactions and social support, as well as dynamics of work relationships. Personal consequences involved levels of disease acceptance, and attitudes toward managing MS.

Conclusion

PwMS often described the question of disclosure as challenging and navigated it with caution, as both disclosure and concealment can yield favorable and unfavorable outcomes.
Delay in seeking treatment and associated factors among pulmonary tuberculosis patients attending public health facilities in the Metekel zone, Benishangul Gumuz region, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Animut Yaregal , Godno Abera Birhanu , Nigatu Solomon Gedlu , Abiy Saron Abeje
Published: February 2024

Background

Tuberculosis is a major global public health problem and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia. TB prevention and control in low-income countries, such as Ethiopia, face significant challenges, including late detection and treatment initiation. A delay in the initiation of tuberculosis treatment increases the morbidity and mortality of patients and community transmission. Therefore, this study aimed to assess patient delay and associated factors among pulmonary tuberculosis patients attending public health facilities in the Metekel Zone, Benishangul Gumuz Region, Western Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2020 among newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients. All pulmonary tuberculosis patients (416) who came to all public health facilities of the Metekel zone for treatment during the period were included. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured and pretested questionnaire. A multivariable logistic regression was fitted to identify independent factors for delay in seeking treatment among PTB patients. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% CIs were determined, and variables with p values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Nearly three-fourths 302 (72.6, 95% CI: 68.5, 76.7) of the patients were delayed in seeking medical advice, with a median patient delay of 27 days (IQR: 21–31). Age of the patients [above 54 years (AOR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.30, 5.40), 36–54 years (AOR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.14,3.02)], family size of 5 members and above (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.10–3.14), travel time above 60 min (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI: 1.55, 8.60), history of visits to informal care providers (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.11, 3.14), and poor knowledge about PTB (AOR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.04–2.44) were statistically significant factors associated with delays in seeking treatment among PTB patients.

Conclusion

Most pulmonary tuberculosis patients delay seeking medical advice for their illnesses. Delays in seeking treatment were associated with older age, large household size, longer travel time to reach the nearby health facility, visiting informal care providers, and poor knowledge about pulmonary tuberculosis. Hence, it is crucial to consider community screening programs, enhance public awareness, and ensure the accessibility of TB diagnostic and treatment services.
A distance-based kernel for classification via Support Vector Machines
Authors: Amaya-Tejera Nazhir , Gamarra Margarita , Vélez Jorge I. , Zurek Eduardo
Published: February 2024

Support Vector Machines (SVMs) are a type of supervised machine learning algorithm widely used for classification tasks. In contrast to traditional methods that split the data into separate training and testing sets, here we propose an innovative approach where subsets of the original data are randomly selected to train the model multiple times. This iterative training process aims to identify a representative data subset, leading to improved inferences about the population. Additionally, we introduce a novel distance-based kernel specifically designed for binary-type features based on a similarity matrix that efficiently handles both binary and multi-class classification problems. Computational experiments on publicly available datasets of varying sizes demonstrate that our proposed method significantly outperforms existing approaches in terms of classification accuracy. Furthermore, the distance-based kernel achieves superior performance compared to other well-known kernels from the literature and those used in previous studies on the same datasets. These findings validate the effectiveness of our proposed classification method and distance-based kernel for SVMs. By leveraging random subset selection and a unique kernel design, we achieve notable improvements in classification accuracy. These results have significant implications for diverse classification problems in Machine Learning and data analysis.
Safety assessment of equine allogeneic tenogenic primed mesenchymal stem cells in horses with naturally occurring tendon and ligament injuries
Authors: Carlier Stephanie , Depuydt Eva , Van Hecke Lore , Martens Ann , Saunders Jimmy , Spaas Jan H.
Published: February 2024

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells provide a valuable treatment option in orthopedic injuries in horses.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hematological, biochemical, immunological and immunomodulatory parameters following intralesional treatment with tenogenic primed equine allogeneic peripheral blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (tpMSCs) in client-owned horses with naturally occurring superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and suspensory ligament (SL) injuries.

Methods

The immunogenicity and immunomodulatory capacities of tpMSCs were assessed in a modified mixed lymphocyte reaction, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 14 horses with SDFT and SL injuries after treatment with tpMSCs. In a second study, 18 horses with SDFT and SL injuries received either an intralesional injection with tpMSCs (n = 9) or no treatment (n = 9).

Results

The tpMSCs did not provoke a cellular immune response (p < 0.001) and were able to immunomodulate stimulated T lymphocytes (p < 0.001) in vitro. Therapeutic use of tpMSCs did not result in relevant hematologic or biochemical abnormalities.

Main limitations

Both studies had a small sample size. No statistical analyses were performed in the second study. Fibrinogen was only analyzed in a single horse prior to treatment.

Conclusion

Co-incubation of tpMSCs and PBMCs of horses that have been previously exposed to tpMSCs did not elicit a cellular immune response and tpMSCs were able to immunomodulate stimulated T lymphocytes. Intralesional treatment with tpMSCs did not provoke abnormal changes in hematological and biochemical parameters.
YOLOTransfer-DT: An Operational Digital Twin Framework with Deep and Transfer Learning for Collision Detection and Situation Awareness in Urban Aerial Mobility
Authors: Ywet Nan Lao , Maw Aye Aye , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Lee Jae-Woo
Published: February 2024

Urban Air Mobility (UAM) emerges as a transformative approach to address urban congestion and pollution, offering efficient and sustainable transportation for people and goods. Central to UAM is the Operational Digital Twin (ODT), which plays a crucial role in real-time management of air traffic, enhancing safety and efficiency. This study introduces a YOLOTransfer-DT framework specifically designed for Artificial Intelligence (AI) training in simulated environments, focusing on its utility for experiential learning in realistic scenarios. The framework’s objective is to augment AI training, particularly in developing an object detection system that employs visual tasks for proactive conflict identification and mission support, leveraging deep and transfer learning techniques. The proposed methodology combines real-time detection, transfer learning, and a novel mix-up process for environmental data extraction, tested rigorously in realistic simulations. Findings validate the use of existing deep learning models for real-time object recognition in similar conditions. This research underscores the value of the ODT framework in bridging the gap between virtual and actual environments, highlighting the safety and cost-effectiveness of virtual testing. This adaptable framework facilitates extensive experimentation and training, demonstrating its potential as a foundation for advanced detection techniques in UAM.
Optimal Design of Ejector Nozzle Profile with Internal and External Integrated Flow
Authors: He Yihe , Shi Xiaojuan , Ji Honghu
Published: February 2024

Based on the orthogonal experimental method, a simulation case of the flow field of the ejector nozzle was designed to investigate the influence of the structural parameters of the ejector nozzle on the internal and external flow. This study explored the effects of throat area, outlet area, throat position, and ejector nozzle length on the ejector flow rate ratio, thrust coefficient, and net thrust coefficient. Subsequently, flow path geometry optimization was conducted to maximize the thrust coefficient or net thrust coefficient. The results revealed that the throat area ratio and the outlet area of the ejector nozzle are the primary factors affecting the aerodynamic performance. Compared to the baseline ejector nozzle model, the optimal model for thrust coefficient exhibited a 16.333% improvement, while the optimal model for net thrust coefficient demonstrated a significant enhancement of 46.674%.
A Non-Global Traversal Method for Dynamic Load Rapid Localization and Identification
Authors: Li Yixiao , Zhang Fang , Jiang Jinhui
Published: February 2024

Dynamic load localization and identification technology is very important in the structural design and optimization of aircraft. This paper proposes a non-global traversal method (NTM) for the fast positioning and recognition of dynamic loads on continuous beams. This method separates the load’s position and amplitude information in the modal space. Then, it constructs an interpolation function about position information, and converts load positioning to solving the zero point of the interpolation function. After determining the position of the dynamic load, the amplitude of the dynamic load is recognized. This method does not need to traverse all the position points globally, thereby greatly improving the efficiency of load positioning. Numerical simulations and experiments show that compared with the original variable separation fast positioning method (VSRPM), this method improves the calculation efficiency by more than 80% while maintaining the same recognition accuracy. NTM is a new method of great application value.
Research on Intelligent Design of Geometric Factor Encoding for Aircraft Engine Turbine Structures
Authors: Xu Wencong , Lu Hongyi , Zhao Lei , He Borui
Published: February 2024

In recent years, with the rapid development of computer technology and artificial intelligence design technology, multiple possible design solutions can be quickly generated by transforming the experience and knowledge of structural design into computer executable rules and algorithms. To achieve intelligent design of aircraft engines, this paper proposes an encoding model for the turbine rotor structure of aircraft engines using geometric encoding technology. The turbine rotor structure of aircraft engines is divided into several units according to geometric similarity types, these units continue to be divided into attribute sets according to their functional types, connection relationships, and material properties. These attribute sets can be encoded using geometric encoding technology. The experiment simulated that these codes, for the point cloud modeling of turbine rotor structure, can be quickly achieved and they combine various algorithms to display the point cloud model of the turbine rotor in the Microsoft Visual studio MFC class library. The results show that by creating geometric codes for the turbine rotor of aircraft engines, it is possible to quickly create and display point cloud models of the turbine rotor structure, laying the foundation for subsequent application of machine learning to solve and find the optimal design solution.
Glyphosate Pattern Recognition Using Microwave-Interdigitated Sensors and Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Santillán-Rodríguez Carlos R. , Sáenz-Hernández Renee Joselin , Grijalva-Castillo Cristina , Barrientos-Juarez Eutiquio , Elizalde-Galindo José Trinidad , Matutes-Aquino José
Published: February 2024

Glyphosate is an herbicide used worldwide with harmful health effects, and efforts are currently being made to develop sensors capable of detecting its presence. In this work, an array of four interdigitated microwave sensors was used together with the multivariate statistical technique of principal component analysis, which allowed a well-defined pattern to be found that characterized waters for agricultural use extracted from the Bustillos lagoon. The variability due to differences between the samples was explained by the first principal component, amounting to 86.3% of the total variance, while the variability attributed to the measurements and sensors was explained through the second principal component, amounting to 13.2% of the total variance. The time evolution of measurements showed a clustering of data points as time passed, which was related to microwave–sample interaction, varied with the fluctuating dynamical structure of each sample, and tended to have a stable mean value.
Enhancing Faba Bean Yields in Alpine Agricultural Regions: The Impact of Plastic Film Mulching and Phosphorus Fertilization on Soil Dynamics
Authors: Gu Yanjie , Xu Qiuyun , Zhou Weidi , Han Chenglong , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: February 2024

Plastic film mulching is widely used in water and temperature-limited regions to enhance crop yields. Phosphorus (P) fertilization can address deficiencies in soil P availability. In this four-year field experiment conducted in an alpine agricultural area, we explored the effects of nitrogen (N) and P supply imbalance on faba bean cultivation, particularly examining intensified N competition between soil microbes and plants. The randomized block design comprised three film mulching treatments—no film mulching with flat planting (NMF), double ridges and furrows mulched with one plastic film (DRM), and three ridges and furrows mulched with one plastic film (TRM)—and three P levels—P0 (0 kg P ha−1), P1 (9.10 kg P ha−1), and P2 (18.2 kg P ha−1). The results indicated that NMF enhanced soil available N and microbial biomass N (MBN) during early growth stages, consequently improving faba bean yield, nodule weight, total N, and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) compared to DRM and TRM. DRM and TRM exhibited higher soil available N and MBN during later growth stages and higher soil temperature and water content, soil water storage (SWS), soil organic C (SOC), and soil C/N ratio than NMF. In NMF and DRM, P fertilization increased grain yield, nodule weight, SOC, total N, soil C/N ratio, soil available N, and MBC but decreased MBN during early growth stages, and decreased soil water content and SWS. TRM exhibited the opposite trend. P fertilization increased soil total P and available P. Overall, NMF combined with P fertilization (~18.2 kg P ha−1) significantly improved faba bean yield. However, it may also accelerate SOC decomposition, highlighting the need to consider N fertilizer application in this alpine agricultural region.
The Combined Use of Soil Conditioner and Foliar Sulfur Spray Successfully Prevents Dark Pericarp Disease Induced by Manganese Toxicity in Litchi
Authors: Liu Huilin , Bai Cuihua , Guo Yongjun , Yang Zhuo , Luo Xinping , Liu Silin , Huang Yinghui , Yao Lixian
Published: February 2024

Manganese toxicity is a major obstacle to agriculture in acid soils. Dark pericarp disease (DPD) is a newly spread physiological disorder induced by excess Mn in litchi, leading to undesirable fruit appearance and substantial economic loss. In this work, broadcast of alkaline soil conditioner in winter, followed by foliar sprays of ascorbic acid and sulfur solution at fruit development, was adopted to examine the effect of these combinations on DPD alleviation in a litchi orchard, with DPD morbidities of 70~85% in recent ten years. The combination of soil conditioner broadcast and foliar water spray was used as the control. At harvest, DPD incidence was significantly decreased by sulfur spray (3.3 ± 1.0%) and slightly reduced by ascorbic acid spray (10.7 ± 8.0%) compared to the control (12.9 ± 7.6%). Soil pH and available Mn were significantly increased and reduced by the soil conditioner broadcast. Sulfur spray significantly inhibited Mn uptake but enhanced the accumulation of Mg, Ca, sugars and cyanidin-3-rutinoside in the pericarp, leading to improved fruit pigmentation. Antioxidase activities were regulated to resist Mn stress by sulfur spray. The spray of ascorbic acid could not mitigate DPD as expected, probably due to the dose used. Conclusively, this study provides a practicable approach to mitigate Mn phytoavailability in acid soils.
Soil Microbial Biomass and Bacterial Diversity Enhanced through Fallow Cover Cropping in Rice–Fish Coculture
Authors: Cai Shumei , Xu Sixin , Zhang Deshan , Geisen Stefan , Zhu Haitao
Published: February 2024

Traditional rice production is often reliant on the unsustainable practice of utilizing intensive inputs in monoculture cropping systems. Alternatives fallow cover cropping and rice–fish coculture (RFC) offer promising solutions. However, the potential of fallow cover cropping in RFC remains underexplored, and its impact on soil microbes is poorly understood. In this study, assessments of soil–plant–microbe interactions were conducted across three cover cropping systems: Chinese milk vetch (Astragalus sinicus L.) single cropping (CM), Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) single cropping (RP), and a combination of Chinese milk vetch and rapeseed intercropping (CM_RP). These systems were evaluated with and without nitrogen (N) addition, encompassing both the RFC and rice monoculture (RMC) systems. The findings indicate a notable increase in soil microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) with CM. Soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC), influenced more by N-fertilizer than crop species, decreased with N addition. In the RFC system, the soil bacterial co-occurrence network exhibited more connections, yet negative links increased. CM_RP displayed similarities to CM without N but shifted closer to RP with N addition. N addition in intercropping significantly increased the root–shoot ratio (R/S) of A. sinicus, associated with decreased aboveground biomass and total root length. Compared to RMC, RFC with N addition reduced the relative abundance of Anaerolineaceae in CM while increasing Bacillus and Pontibacter across cover cropping systems. Overall, with N addition, both RFC and RMC showed decreased soil bacterial diversity indices. Changes in soil bacterial diversity correlated significantly with soil MBC, MBN, and plant R/S. Continuous fallow cover cropping altered soil microbial biomass and affected cover crop biomass distribution, impacting bacterial composition in paddy soil. These results shed light on how bacterial communities respond to N addition and fallow cover cropping in RFC and RMC systems, offering insights for sustainable nutrient management in paddy systems.
Comparison and Genetic Variation Analysis of Important Fruit Traits in Jujube F1 Hybrids by Different Male Parents
Authors: Luo Yujia , Chen Wannian , Pan Yilin , Ge Lixin , Wu Cuiyun , Wang Jiurui , Liu Mengjun , Yan Fenfen
Published: February 2024

The research on the genetic predisposition of key quality traits of fruit in jujube hybrid populations is a fundamental and crucial aspect in the field of jujube genetic breeding. In this study, the jujube hybridization experiments were conducted with the same female parent and different male parents since 2015, and a total of 238 strains were created in two F1 hybrid populations. The genetic variation of fruit external traits and intrinsic quality was analyzed and compared after the hybrid offspring results were stable in 2022. This study can provide a theoretical basis for selecting hybrid-breeding parents, predicting offspring traits, and innovating excellent germplasm resources by investigating the impact of different male parental configurations on the genetic variation of fruit traits in jujube hybrid offspring and identifying superior germplasm resources. The results showed that the inheritance of fruit shape, fruit size, and fruit-intrinsic nutrition-quality traits were quantitative traits controlled by multiple genes, and the offspring populations conformed to normal distribution or partial normal distribution. The six traits of fruit shape in offspring populations exhibited a segregation from their parents. The coefficients of variation of fruit size and intrinsic nutrition quality values ranged from 6.94% to 35.34%. Five intrinsic nutrition-quality traits exhibited significant separation at the super-parental level. This result indicated a rich genetic diversity in offspring traits in two hybrids offsprings. The fruit shape, fruit size, and titratable acidity of jujube hybrid offspring were mainly influenced by the male parent. It was found that the correlation between the single-fruit weight, length, and diameter, as well as the correlation between the fruit length and fruit transverse diameter, was very stable and significantly positive through the correlation analysis. More attention should be paid to fruit length when studying fruit shape, as a significant correlation was found between fruit length and fruit shape index. Finally, 10 superior hybrids were founded and selected as breeding materials for further breeding. Therefore, this study provides a theoretical basis for the early selection of hybrid breeding and the development and application of jujube germplasm resources.
Strawberry Maturity Recognition Based on Improved YOLOv5
Authors: Tao Zhiqing , Li Ke , Rao Yuan , Li Wei , Zhu Jun
Published: February 2024

Strawberry maturity detection plays an essential role in modern strawberry yield estimation and robot-assisted picking and sorting. Due to the small size and complex growth environment of strawberries, there are still problems with existing recognition systems’ accuracy and maturity classifications. This article proposes a strawberry maturity recognition algorithm based on an improved YOLOv5s model named YOLOv5s-BiCE. This algorithm model is a replacement of the upsampling algorithm with a CARAFE module structure. It is an improvement on the previous model in terms of its content-aware processing; it also widens the field of vision and maintains a high level of efficiency, resulting in improved object detection capabilities. This article also introduces a double attention mechanism named Biformed for small-target detection, optimizing computing allocation, and enhancing content perception flexibility. Via multi-scale feature fusion, we utilized double attention mechanisms to reduce the number of redundant computations. Additionally, the Focal_EIOU optimization method was introduced to improve its accuracy and address issues related to uneven sample classification in the loss function. The YOLOv5s-BiCE algorithm was better at recognizing strawberry maturity compared to the original YOLOv5s model. It achieved a 2.8% increase in the mean average precision and a 7.4% increase in accuracy for the strawberry maturity dataset. The improved algorithm outperformed other networks, like YOLOv4-tiny, YOLOv4-lite-e, YOLOv4-lite-s, YOLOv7, and Fast RCNN, with recognition accuracy improvements of 3.3%, 4.7%, 4.2%, 1.5%, and 2.2%, respectively. In addition, we developed a corresponding detection app and combined the algorithm with DeepSort to apply it to patrol robots. It was found that the detection algorithm exhibits a fast real-time detection speed, can support intelligent estimations of strawberry yield, and can assist picking robots.
Highly Effective Fe-Doped Nano Titanium Oxide for Removal of Acetamiprid and Atrazine under Simulated Sunlight Irradiation
Authors: Liu Zhanpeng , Lin Junjian , Xu Zhimin , Li Fangfang , Wang Siyao , Gao Peng , Xiong Guomei , Peng Hongbo
Published: February 2024

Pesticides are widely detected in large quantities in the environment, posing an ecological threat to the human body and ecology. Semiconductor nanomaterials such as nano-titania (nTiO2) have strong photocatalytic degradation efficiency for pollutants. However, the wide bandgap and limited light absorption range inhibit nano-titania’s practical application. Therefore, nTiO2 was modified by Fe3+ doping using the microwave hydrothermal method to improve its photocatalytic performance in this study. Fe-nTiO2 doped with a 1.0% mass ratio was used due to its high photocatalytic performance. Its maximum degradation efficiencies for ACE and ATZ under a 20 W xenon lamp were 88% and 88.5%, respectively. It was found that Fe3+ doping modification distorted the spatial morphology of nTiO2 and shortened the bandgap to facilitate the photocatalytic reaction. The electron paramagnetic resonance results showed that the reactive radicals (1O2, ·OH) produced by photogenerated electrons (e−) and holes (h+) of Fe-nTiO2 were the main active species in the degradation of ACE and ATZ. Additionally, the application of Fe-nTiO2 significantly enhanced the growth of lettuce under sunlight; the degradation efficiencies of ACE and ATZ in lettuce were 98.5% and 100%, respectively. This work provides new insights into the removal of organic contaminants by photocatalysts under sunlight in agriculture.
Dietary Protein Quality Affects the Interplay between Gut Microbiota and Host Performance in Nile Tilapia
Authors: do Vale Pereira Gabriella , Teixeira Carla , Couto José , Dias Jorge , Rema Paulo , Gonçalves Ana Teresa
Published: February 2024

Dietary protein quality plays a key role in maintaining intestinal mucosal integrity, but also modulates the growth of luminal microorganisms. This work assessed the effect of dietary protein sources on the performance, gut morphology, and microbiome in Nile tilapia. Four isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets comprising equivalent amounts of the protein supply derived from either PLANT, ANIMAL, INSECT, or BACTERIAL (bacterial biomass) sources were fed to triplicate groups of fish (IBW: 12 g) for 46 days. Fish fed the ANIMAL and BACTERIAL diets showed significantly higher weight gains than those fed the PLANT and INSECT diets (p < 0.05). Relative abundance at the phylum level showed that Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, and Proteobacteria were the more abundant phyla in tilapia’s intestine, while Cetobacterium was the most representative genus in all treatments. Interesting patterns were observed in the correlation between amino acid intake and genus and species abundance. Metabolism prediction analysis showed that BACTERIAL amine and polyamine degradation pathways are modulated depending on diets. In conclusion, different protein sources modulate the relationship between bacteria functional pathways and amino acid intake.
Similarity of Microplastic Characteristics between Amphibian Larvae and Their Aquatic Environment
Authors: Szkudlarek Michał , Najbar Bartłomiej , Jankowiak Łukasz
Published: February 2024

Microplastics, pervasive environmental pollutants, are found across various ecosystems, including small inland water bodies. They are reported in different environmental media, yet little is known about the mutual relationships of microplastics’ properties across components of small inland water bodies. Here, having extracted and analyzed these particles from water, sediment, and amphibian larvae from 23 sites, we test within-site similarities regarding shape (morphological type), color, and chemical composition (polymer type). We also provide a brief characterization of the microplastics extracted from water and sediment regarding these parameters. We observed a statistically significant similarity of microplastics’ shapes and colors between those extracted from water and amphibian larvae. Such a similarity, though less pronounced, was also found between amphibian larvae and sediment. However, the chemical composition (polymer type) of the microplastics from water, sediment, and amphibian larvae did not exhibit any similarities beyond what would be expected by chance. The observed congruence in the colors and shapes of microplastics between amphibian larvae and their corresponding aquatic habitats underscores the profound interconnectedness among the constituents of freshwater ecosystems.
Metabolism of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in Different Tissue Parts of Post-Harvest Chive (Allium schoenoprasum L.)
Authors: Dai Xiaomei , Jia Chonglei , Lu Jiaqi , Yu Zhifang
Published: February 2024

Chive (Allium schoenoprasum L.) has a strong antioxidant property as it contains abundant phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid. In the present study, we investigated the metabolism of phenolic compounds and the change in antioxidant activity in different tissue parts of post-harvest chives. The results showed that compared with the bottom white part (BW), the round green part (RG) exhibited significantly higher contents of phenolic compounds, increased enzyme activities and enhanced antioxidant activities, indicating that phenolic compounds were mainly synthesised in RG. The expression levels of genes such as phenylalanine ammonia–lyase, cinnamate 4-hydroxylase and 4-coumaroyl-CoA ligase and their corresponding enzyme activities rapidly decreased in RG, whereas they were maintained in BW, suggesting that senescence occurred more rapidly in RG than in BW. Our study provides a theoretical basis for further research into and development of different parts of Allium plants and offers a basis for consumers’ nutritional considerations.
Calocedrus formosana Essential Oils Induce ROS-Mediated Autophagy and Apoptosis by Targeting SIRT1 in Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Islam Atikul , Chang Yu-Chun , Tsao Nai-Wen , Wang Sheng-Yang , Chueh Pin Ju
Published: February 2024

Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer that affects both sexes and has a poor prognosis due to aggressiveness and chemoresistance. Essential oils isolated from Calocedrus formosana (CF-EOs) have been shown to demonstrate anti-termite, antifungal, anti-mosquito, and anti-microbial activities. However, the anticancer effects of CF-EOs are not yet fully understood. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism underlying CF-EOs-mediated anti-proliferative activity in colon cancer cells. Here, cell impedance measurements showed that CF-EOs inhibit proliferation in colon cancer cells with wild-type or mutant p53. Flow cytometry revealed that CF-EOs at 20, 50 µg/mL significantly induced ROS generation and autophagy in both HCT116 p53-wt and HCT116 p53-null cell lines, whereas pretreatment with the ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) markedly attenuated these changes. CF-EOs also induced apoptosis at 50 µg/mL in both lines, as determined by flow cytometry. Protein analysis showed that CF-EOs markedly induced apoptosis markers, including Trail, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved PARP, as well as autophagy markers, such as the levels of ULK1, Atg5, Atg6, Atg7, and the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II. CF-EOs were further found to inhibit the activity and expression of the NAD+-dependent deacetylase SIRT1 to increase the levels of acetylated p53 (Ac-p53) in p53-wt cells and acetylated c-Myc (Ac-c-Myc) in p53-null cells, ultimately inducing apoptosis in both lines. Interestingly, suppression of SIRT1 by CF-EOs enhanced the acetylation of ULK1, which in turn prompted ROS-dependent autophagy in colon cancer cells. The induction of apoptosis and autophagy by CF-EOs suggests that they may have potential as a promising new approach for treating cancer. Collectively, our results suggest that essential oils isolated from Calocedrus formosana act as a promising anticancer agent against colon cancer cells by targeting SIRT1 to induce ROS-mediated autophagy and apoptosis.