bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant disease detection and classification techniques: a comparative study of the performances
Authors: Demilie Wubetu Barud 
Published: January 2024

AbstractOne of the essential components of human civilization is agriculture. It helps the economy in addition to supplying food. Plant leaves or crops are vulnerable to different diseases during agricultural cultivation. The diseases halt the growth of their respective species. Early and precise detection and classification of the diseases may reduce the chance of additional damage to the plants. The detection and classification of these diseases have become serious problems. Farmers’ typical way of predicting and classifying plant leaf diseases can be boring and erroneous. Problems may arise when attempting to predict the types of diseases manually. The inability to detect and classify plant diseases quickly may result in the destruction of crop plants, resulting in a significant decrease in products. Farmers that use computerized image processing methods in their fields can reduce losses and increase productivity. Numerous techniques have been adopted and applied in the detection and classification of plant diseases based on images of infected leaves or crops. Researchers have made significant progress in the detection and classification of diseases in the past by exploring various techniques. However, improvements are required as a result of reviews, new advancements, and discussions. The use of technology can significantly increase crop production all around the world. Previous research has determined the robustness of deep learning (DL) and machine learning (ML) techniques such as k-means clustering (KMC), naive Bayes (NB), feed-forward neural network (FFNN), support vector machine (SVM), k-nearest neighbor (KNN) classifier, fuzzy logic (FL), genetic algorithm (GA), artificial neural network (ANN), convolutional neural network (CNN), and so on. Here, from the DL and ML techniques that have been included in this particular study, CNNs are often the favored choice for image detection and classification due to their inherent capacity to autonomously acquire pertinent image features and grasp spatial hierarchies. Nevertheless, the selection between conventional ML and DL hinges upon the particular problem, the accessibility of data, and the computational capabilities accessible. Accordingly, in numerous advanced image detection and classification tasks, DL, mainly through CNNs, is preferred when ample data and computational resources are available and show good detection and classification effects on their datasets, but not on other datasets. Finally, in this paper, the author aims to keep future researchers up-to-date with the performances, evaluation metrics, and results of previously used techniques to detect and classify different forms of plant leaf or crop diseases using various image-processing techniques in the artificial intelligence (AI) field.
Can we explain the post-2015 absence of the Chandler wobble?
Authors: Yamaguchi Ryuji , Furuya Masato 
Published: January 2024

AbstractRecent polar motion data do not show a 6-year beat and indicate the absence of the Chandler wobble (CW), whereas we could observe the 6-year beat even in the 1920-40 s when the CW amplitude was known to be smallest. As a free mode, the CW needs excitation one or more sources that were debated decades ago but are now attributed to the atmosphere, ocean, and possibly land water. Here, we show that the anomaly started in 2015, after which two independent estimates of the atmospheric CW excitation became persistently smaller than before. However, the estimates of the oceanic and land–water contributions are too large, suggesting improved estimates are needed. Taking advantage of the recent CW anomaly, we show that the quality factor of CW is not as high as 100 as previously preferred. Although the CW excitation processes have been assumed random, a termination of near-resonant processes would rather be consistent with the present findings.
Graphical Abstract
Enzyme engineering for functional lipids synthesis: recent advance and perspective
Authors: Guan Ailin , Hou Yue , Yang Run , Qin Jiufu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractFunctional lipids, primarily derived through the modification of natural lipids by various processes, are widely acknowledged for their potential to impart health benefits. In contrast to chemical methods for lipid modification, enzymatic catalysis offers distinct advantages, including high selectivity, mild operating conditions, and reduced byproduct formation. Nevertheless, enzymes face challenges in industrial applications, such as low activity, stability, and undesired selectivity. To address these challenges, protein engineering techniques have been implemented to enhance enzyme performance in functional lipid synthesis. This article aims to review recent advances in protein engineering, encompassing approaches from directed evolution to rational design, with the goal of improving the properties of lipid-modifying enzymes. Furthermore, the article explores the future prospects and challenges associated with enzyme-catalyzed functional lipid synthesis.
Nitric oxide mediates red light-induced perylenequinone production in Shiraia mycelium culture
Authors: Wang Wen Juan , Li Xin Ping , Shen Wen Hao , Huang Qun Yan , Cong Rui Peng , Zheng Li Ping , Wang Jian Wen 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPerylenequinones (PQs) from bambusicolous Shiraia fungi serve as excellent photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy. However, the lower yield of PQ production in mycelium cultures is an important bottleneck for their clinical application. Light has long been recognized as a pivotal regulatory signal for fungal secondary metabolite biosynthesis. In this study, we explored the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the growth and PQ biosynthesis in mycelium cultures of Shiraia sp. S9 exposed to red light. The continuous irradiation with red light (627 nm, 200 lx) suppressed fungal conidiation, promoted hyphal branching, and elicited a notable increase in PQ accumulation. Red light exposure induced NO generation, peaking to 81.7 μmol/g FW on day 8 of the culture, with the involvement of nitric oxide synthase (NOS)- or nitrate reductase (NR)-dependent pathways. The application of a NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) restored conidiation of Shiraia sp. S9 under red light and stimulated PQ production, which was mitigated upon the introduction of NO scavenger carboxy-PTIO or soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor NS-2028. These results showed that red light-induced NO, as a signaling molecule, was involved in the regulation of growth and PQ production in Shiraia sp. S9 through the NO-cGMP-PKG signaling pathway. While mycelial H2O2 content exhibited no significant alternations, a transient increase of intracellular Ca2+ and extracellular ATP (eATP) content was detected upon exposure to red light. The generation of NO was found to be interdependent on cytosolic Ca2+ and eATP concentration. These signal molecules cooperated synergistically to enhance membrane permeability and elevate the transcript levels of PQ biosynthetic genes in Shiraia sp. S9. Notably, the combined treatment of red light with 5 μM SNP yielded a synergistic effect, resulting in a substantially higher level of hypocrellin A (HA, 254 mg/L), about 3.0-fold over the dark control. Our findings provide valuable insights into the regulation of NO on fungal secondary metabolite biosynthesis and present a promising strategy involving the combined elicitation with SNP for enhanced production of photoactive PQs and other valuable secondary metabolites in fungi.
Graphical Abstract
Assessing progression limits in different grades of keratoconus from a novel perspective: precision of measurements of the corneal epithelium
Authors: Ning Rui , Wang Yiran , Xu Zhenyu , Gustafsson Ingemar , Li Jiawei , Savini Giacomo , Schiano-Lomoriello Domenico , Xiao Yichen , Chen Aodong , Wang Xiaoying , Zhou Xingtao , Huang Jinhai 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundTo assess repeatability and reproducibility of corneal epithelium thickness (ET) measured by a spectral-domain optical coherence tomographer (SD-OCT)/Placido topographer (MS-39, CSO, Florence, Italy) in keratoconus (KC) population at different stages, as well as to determine the progression limits for evaluating KC progression.MethodsA total of 149 eyes were enrolled in this study, with 29 eyes in the forme fruste keratoconus (FFKC) group, 34 eyes in the mild KC group, 40 eyes in the moderate KC group, and 46 eyes in the severe KC group. Employing the within-subject standard deviation (Sw), test-retest variability (TRT), coefficient of variation (CoV), and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to evaluate intraoperator repeatability and interoperator reproducibility.ResultsThe repeatability and reproducibility of MS-39 in patients with KC were acceptable, according to ICC values ranging from 0.732 to 0.954. However, patients with more severe KC and progressive peripheralization of the measurement points had higher TRTs but a thinning trend. The current study tended to set the cut-off values of mild KC, moderate KC, and severe KC to 4.9 µm, 5.2 µm, and 7.4 µm for thinnest epithelium thickness (TET). When differences between follow-ups are higher than those values, progression of the disease is possible. As for center epithelium thickness (CET), cut-off values for mild KC, moderate KC, and severe KC should be 2.8 µm, 4.4 µm, and 5.3 µm. This might be useful in the follow-up and diagnosis of keratoconus.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that the precision of MS-39 was reduced in measuring more severe KC patients and more peripheral corneal points. In determining disease progression, values should be differentiated between disease-related real changes and measurement inaccuracies. Due to the large difference in ET measured by MS-39 between various stages of disease progression, it is necessary to accurately grade KC patients to avoid errors in KC clinical decision-making.
Anchorage mechanism of bamboo-steel composite rockbolts subjected to the coupled effect of tensile and shear stress
Authors: Ren Feifan , Huang Qiangqiang , Wang Guan , Li Zhuang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Earthen heritage sites have high cultural and scientific value. However, most of earthen heritage sites have been severely damaged and are in urgent need of restoration. To address this issue, a novel rockbolt, bamboo-steel composite rockbolt (BSCR), was proposed and widely employed in earthen site protection. However, the research on the anchorage mechanism of BSCR lags behind engineering practice, particularly with regard to its behavior under the coupled effect of tensile and shear stress.

Case Presentation
In this study, based on centrifugal test results, a numerical model was established and validated and a comparative analysis of the anchorage mechanism between conventional rockbolt (CR) and BSCR was also conducted. Various parameters, including rockbolt diameter, bending stiffness, inclination angle, and length, were systematically investigated to elucidate their influence on protective efficacy.

Conclusion
BSCR has a larger diameter and bending stiffness, and is superior to CR in protecting earthen heritage sites. In addition, reducing the rockbolt inclination angle and increasing the number of rockbolt layers can reduce slope deformation caused by the coupling effect of tensile and shear stress. Increasing the length of BSCR can enhance the stability of the anchored slopes; however, due to the influence of the effective anchorage length of the rockbolt, excessively extending the rockbolt length is inefficient. These research results provide valuable insights into the application of BSCR in earthen site protection and can provide a reference for further research on its anchorage mechanism under complex stress conditions.
Disentangling the effects of PTSD from Gulf War Illness in male veterans via a systems-wide analysis of immune cell, cytokine, and symptom measures
Authors: Sultana Esha , Shastry Nandan , Kasarla Rishabh , Hardy Jacob , Collado Fanny , Aenlle Kristina , Abreu Maria , Sisson Emily , Sullivan Kimberly , Klimas Nancy , Craddock Travis J. A. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
One-third of veterans returning from the 1990–1991 Gulf War reported a myriad of symptoms including cognitive dysfunction, skin rashes, musculoskeletal discomfort, and fatigue. This symptom cluster is now referred to as Gulf War Illness (GWI). As the underlying mechanisms of GWI have yet to be fully elucidated, diagnosis and treatment are based on symptomatic presentation. One confounding factor tied to the illness is the high presence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous research efforts have demonstrated that both GWI and PTSD are associated with immunological dysfunction. As such, this research endeavor aimed to provide insight into the complex relationship between GWI symptoms, cytokine presence, and immune cell populations to pinpoint the impact of PTSD on these measures in GWI.

Methods
Symptom measures were gathered through the Multidimensional fatigue inventory (MFI) and 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) scales and biological measures were obtained through cytokine & cytometry analysis. Subgrouping was conducted using Davidson Trauma Scale scores and the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM)-5, into GWI with high probability of PTSD symptoms (GWIH) and GWI with low probability of PTSD symptoms (GWIL). Data was analyzed using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical analysis along with correlation graph analysis. We mapped correlations between immune cells and cytokine signaling measures, hormones and GWI symptom measures to identify patterns in regulation between the GWIH, GWIL, and healthy control groups.

Results
GWI with comorbid PTSD symptoms resulted in poorer health outcomes compared with both Healthy control (HC) and the GWIL subgroup. Significant differences were found in basophil levels of GWI compared with HC at peak exercise regardless of PTSD symptom comorbidity (ANOVA F = 4.7, P = 0.01,) indicating its potential usage as a biomarker for general GWI from control. While the unique identification of GWI with PTSD symptoms was less clear, the GWIL subgroup was found to be delineated from both GWIH and HC on measures of IL-15 across an exercise challenge (ANOVA F > 3.75, P < 0.03). Additional differences in natural killer (NK) cell numbers and function highlight IL-15 as a potential biomarker of GWI in the absence of PTSD symptoms.

Conclusion
We conclude that disentangling GWI and PTSD by defining trauma-based subgroups may aid in the identification of unique GWI biosignatures that can help to improve diagnosis and target treatment of GWI more effectively.
Health-related quality of life and its associated factors among hemophilia patients: experience from Ethiopian Hemophilia Treatment Centre
Authors: Iyar Sitina , Gebremariam Girma Tekle , Beyene Dessale Abate , Gebremedhin Amha , Tadesse Tamrat Assefa 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Hemophilia is a rare genetic condition that is often overlooked and underdiagnosed, particularly in low-income countries. Long-term spontaneous joint bleeding and soft tissues can have a significant negative impact on a patient’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The objective of this study was to assess HRQoL and its associated factors in Ethiopian patients with hemophilia.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among patients with hemophilia at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Patients were recruited consecutively during follow-up visits. The European Quality of Life Group’s 5-Domain Questionnaires at five levels (EQ-5D-5L) and Euro Quality of Life Group’s Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS) instruments were used to assess HRQoL. The EQ-5D-5L utility score was computed using the disutility coefficients. We applied the Krukal-Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests to determine the differences in EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS utility scores between patient groups. A multivariate Tobit regression model was used to identify factors associated with HRQoL. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA version 14 and statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05.

Results
A total of 105 patients with hemophilia participated in the study, with a mean (standard deviation (SD) age of 21.09 (± 7.37] years. The median (IQR) EQ-5D-5L utility and EQ-VAS scores were 0.86 (0.59–0.91) and 75 (60.0–80.0), respectively. Age was significantly negatively associated with the EQ-5D-5L utility index and EQ-VAS (β = -0.020, 95 CI = -0.034, -0.007) and β = -0.974, 95% CI = -1.72, 0.225), respectively. The duration since hemophilia diagnosis (β-0.011, 95% CI, 0.001–0.023) and living out of Addis Ababa (β = -0.128, 95% CI, -0.248-, -0.007) were also significantly negatively associated with the EQ-5D-5L utility index..

Conclusion
The median EQ-5D-5L utility and EQ-VAS scores of patients with hemophilia were 0.86 (0.59–0.91) and 75 (60.0–80.0), respectively. Older age, living far from the Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC), and longer duration since diagnosis were significantly negatively associated with HRQoL. HRQoL may be improved by providing factor concentrates, decentralizing HTCs in different parts of the country, increasing awareness of bleeding disorders among health professionals, and providing psychosocial support to affected patients.
Occurrence of multiple fistulas decades after ingestion and neglect of numerous thermometers: a case report
Authors: Schulte Katrin , Wolf Henning Wendelin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Ingestion of thermometers is a very rare occurrence and associated with penetrations of hollow organs. An event decades ago can lead to the development of fistulas.

Case presentation
We present a case of a 62-year-old male who swallowed multiple thermometers with a length of up to 22 cm over a period of 40 years. Diagnostic imaging presented a retroperitoneal abscess due to a duodenal perforation of the longest thermometer as well as multiple other thermometers stuck in the small intestine. After all thermometers were removed and the abscess drained, the patient showed a clinical deterioration. In further operations we found a duodeno-sigmoid fistula and a gastro-thoracal fistula, which were not visible in the initial operations and imaging.

Conclusion
We recommend an active search for fistulas especially in the case of long-foregone ingestion.
Effects of vitamin B12 supplementation on oxidative stress markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines during pregnancy and postpartum among Bangladeshi mother–child pairs
Authors: Siddiqua Towfida Jahan , Akhtar Evana , Haq Md. Ahsanul , Shahab-Ferdows Seterah , Hampel Daniela , Islam Sharmin , Ahmed Tahmeed , Allen Lindsay H. , Raqib Rubhana 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
There is limited research to determine whether vitamin B12 (B12) supplementation during pregnancy and lactation is protective against oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines and whether this effect is transferred to breastfed infants via milk. In addition, associations among maternal plasma/ milk and infant B12 status and immune function markers are poorly characterized.

Objectives
To evaluate effects of oral B12 supplementation during pregnancy and postpartum on maternal and infant 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG, an oxidative stress marker) and proinflammatory cytokine levels, and examine associations between maternal plasma, breastmilk and infant B12 status as well as immune function markers.

Method
In a blinded, placebo-controlled trial, Bangladeshi women (n = 68, 18–35 years, hemoglobin < 11 g/dL, gestational weeks 11–14) received either 250 μg/day B12 or placebo throughout pregnancy up to 3-months postpartum. Samples were collected from mothers at baseline and 3-months postpartum and from infants at 3-months to measure B12 status indicators, 8-OH-dG and proinflammatory cytokines.

Results
Maternal postpartum B12 was positively associated with infant plasma B12. Higher milk B12 concentrations were associated with increased infant B12 (beta (β) = 277, 95% confidence interval (CI) = (132, 423), p<0.001) and lower total homocysteine (β = -7.63, 95% CI = (-12.40, -2.86), p = 0.002) levels. Maternal B12 supplementation reduced plasma 8-OH-dG concentrations among postpartum mothers and infants compared to the placebo group. Supplementation increased plasma TNF-α and IL-6 levels among mothers and IL-10 and IFN-γ levels among infants.

Conclusion
Milk and maternal plasma B12 at 3 months were associated with infant B12. Maternal B12 supplementation modulates 8-OH-dG and several cytokines which may protect against immune response-induced oxidative stress.

Trial registration
(clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01795131- 1st posted on 20/02/2013).
Fruits and vegetables intake improves birth outcomes of women with gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Sewor Christian , Obeng Akua A. , Eliason Sebastian , Agbeno Evans K. , Amegah A. Kofi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundDisorders of pregnancy such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have been associated with adverse birth outcomes. However, the ameliorating role of maternal nutrition in the relationship between disorders of pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes has received very little attention. We investigated the relationship between HDP and GDM, and adverse birth outcomes in a Ghanaian population and evaluated the effect modifying role of fruits and vegetables consumption in the relationship.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among 799 mothers who had recently delivered singletons in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. Information on HDP, GDM and birth outcomes were retrieved from the maternal health book of the mothers. A food frequency questionnaire was used to assess fruits and vegetables intake during pregnancy. Modified Poisson regression was used to investigate the association between pregnancy disorders, and preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW). Stratified analysis was used to assess the effect modifying role of fruits and vegetables consumption in the relationship.ResultsThe proportion of mothers with HDP and GDM was 11.3% and 7.5%, respectively. The proportion of the mothers with both conditions was 0.9%. The prevalence of PTB and LBW in the population was 27.9 and 7.3%, respectively. These disorders of pregnancy were associated with increased risk of PTB (Adjusted Prevalence Ration [APR] = 3.02; 95% CI: 2.42, 3.77) and LBW (APR = 5.32; 95% CI: 3.19, 8.88). In the stratified analysis, risk of PTB was higher among mothers classified in tertile I compared to mothers classified in tertiles II and III. For LBW, the risk increased with increasing fruits and vegetables consumption. The interaction p values were 0.0043 and 0.1604 for PTB and LBW, respectively.ConclusionsWe found mothers who were diagnosed with GDM and HDP to have increased risk of delivering a PTB and LBW baby. We also found fruits and vegetables consumption to modify the observed relationship. Mothers diagnosed with GDM and HDP should be advised during antenatal care visits to increase intake of fruits and vegetable consumption to help safeguard their health and that of the developing foetus.