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Influence of Messa di Voce speed on vocal stability of professionally trained singers
Introduction Messa di Voce (MdV) is a challenging task for singers, requiring an even modulation of sound pressure level (SPL) on a stable pitch. This study concentrates on the effects of fast or slow task-speed on voice stability parameters, and the associated laryngeal behavior. The focus is set on professionally trained singers. Material and methods Ten professionally trained, healthy singers (5 female, 5 male) were asked to perform MdV exercises, i.e., a gradual increase and decrease of SPL, on the vowel [i:] on a stable fundamental frequency (fo ≈ 247 Hz for females and fo ≈ 124 Hz for males). First, each phase, i.e., increasing or decreasing SPL, should take 3 s. Second, each phase should take 1 s. The tasks were recorded by high-speed videolaryngoscopy (HSV), electroglottography, and audio signals. The following parameters were calculated and compared to the sound pressure level (SPL) curve: Electroglottographic (EGG) and Glottal Area Waveform (GAW) Open Quotients (OQEGG, OQGAW), Closing Quotient (ClQGAW) relative to start, Relative Average Perturbation (RAPAudio/EGG/GAW), and Sample Entropy (SE EGG). Results In most subjects, no correlation of vibrato and SPL course was detected. Instabilities with higher SEEGG occurred at the start/end of the slow task, but not around the SPL apex. Generally, negative correlations of SPL to OQGAW, ClQGAW and RAPAudio were present. RAPEGG and RAPGAW were not significant. In five subjects the decreasing phase of the slow task was 1–2 s longer. The majority of subjects ended the tasks softer than they had started. Conclusion RAP values and SE suggest high laryngeal stability in professional singers. Vibrato did not play a role in the variation of SPL in the presented cohort. The data suggest that SPL variation is mainly controlled on vocal fold level rather than by vocal tract resonances.
Predictors of neuropsychiatric manifestations in pediatric patients with lupus
Early detection of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) in children remains challenging in clinical settings. This study aims to describe the autoantibodies, organ disorders, the SLEDAI-2K score, and complement levels at the time of diagnosis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as well as investigate the predictors of NPSLE. We reviewed medical records of hospitalized children with SLE (< 18 years old) and extracted information on clinical features, serum autoantibodies, and laboratory test results. Multivariable logistic regression was used to establish the predictors of NPSLE and SLE without neuropsychiatric manifestations. Results revealed that 22.8% of children with NPSLE had higher ANA levels and SLEDAI-2K scores, lower C4 levels, and greater AMA-M2, β2GPI Abs, Anti-Rib-P Ab, ANCA, and LAC positivity at SLE diagnosis. The predictors of NPSLE were β2GPI-Abs (OR = 4.603), anti-Rib-P Ab (OR = 4.153), and SLEDAI-2K score (OR = 1.215). In summary, the findings show that the SLEDAI-2K score, β2GPI-Abs, and anti-Rib-P Ab are predictors of NPSLE.
Polystyrene nanoplastics disrupt the intestinal microenvironment by altering bacteria-host interactions through extracellular vesicle-delivered microRNAs
Community density patterns estimated by species distribution modeling: The case study of an insect virus interaction
We studied the interaction between the invasive potato moth T. solanivora and its granulovirus PhopGV in the northern Andes. Host density was analyzed based on 1206 pheromone trap data from 106 sampled sites in Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela. The prevalence of the virus was assessed at 15 sites in 3 regions in Ecuador and Colombia. Infection status was analyzed for spatial structure at different scales: storage bag, storage room, field, locality, country. Locality and storage bag explained 8% and 26%, respectively of the total variance in infection status in glm analysis. The field versus storeroom effect differed between localities. GLM species distribution models were optimized for bioclimatic variables for both insects and viruses. Predicted virus prevalence was not significantly correlated with predicted host density at sampled virus sites. Over the entire climatic range covered by the study, the correlation was R=-0.053. Of the total population insect in this range, 26% were expected to be infected based on the model. This basic method of using species distribution models to analyze average correlations between species densities can help investigate statistical relationships across a range of trophic models using existing non-sympatric data, with little or no additional sampling effort. It removes confounding time-lag effects and allows the use of data collected separately in the different species. The approach is correlative, and cannot be interpreted in terms of causality or outside the study area.
Quasi-periodic oscillations of GHz-band polarization in a black hole
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vaccinations in United States primary care practices
Background The COVID-19 pandemic caused substantial burdens for patients and our healthcare delivery system. Many patients delayed seeking care for essential medical needs, and providers struggled to deliver services. This study aimed to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on administration of non-COVID-19 vaccinations through primary care practices, using a nationwide sample. Methods In this retrospective cross-sectional study, clinical records from the American Board of Family Medicine’s (ABFM) PRIME Registry for March 15, 2019 through March 14, 2022, were used to calculate monthly visit and vaccination rates among child-adolescents and adults, comparing Pre-Pandemic Year and Pandemic Years 1 and 2. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of patient characteristics with vaccination likelihood. Results The number of vaccinated individuals decreased by 9.6% among children-adolescents and 4.2% among adults in Pandemic Year 1. In the Pandemic Year 2, the decline had worsened as 19.4% for children-adolescents and 14.2% for adults compared to the Pre-Pandemic Year. Despite a partial rebound in visit rates, vaccination rates did not fully recover. Except few months, differences in vaccination rates were worse than those in visit rates throughout the rest of the pandemic. Females, rural residents and individuals living in areas with higher social risk had the lowest likelihood of vaccination and this gap increased during the pandemic. Conclusions The pandemic was associated with a decline in non-COVID-19 vaccinations that persisted through the second year of the pandemic. This decline raises concerns that delayed or missed vaccinations may trigger outbreaks of preventable diseases and the resurgence of diseases that were previously under control.
Iterative transcription factor screening enables rapid generation of microglia-like cells from human iPSC
Impact of multiple consultations and switching in treatment-seeking in tuberculosis: Mathematical modelling and optimal control
Treatment-seeking behaviour significantly contributes to the worldwide tuberculosis (TB) burden, especially in Southeast Asia and African regions. At the onset of symptoms like coughing, fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite, individuals visit various clinics or alternative medicine centres, often switching multiple times before actually reaching a TB DOTS (Directly Observed Therapy Short Courses) centre. This, however, introduces a long delay in proper diagnosis and treatment of TB cases, which increases community transmission and the overall TB burden. By synthesizing data from various empirical studies, we develop an intricate mathematical model of such multiple consultations and aim to quantify the impact of such behavioural interactions on disease burden. Our SIR-based TB transmission framework quantifies the rise in active TB cases due to delays from multiple consultations before diagnosis and treatment at DOTS centres. We found that up to 2-3 consultations before diagnosis can substantially lower the overall TB burden. Using optimal control modelling, we propose targeted interventions – including enhanced TB awareness, early detection, and improved healthcare infrastructure. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and public health organizations to develop effective strategies for TB control in high-prevalent regions.
Retinoic acid breakdown is required for proximodistal positional identity during axolotl limb regeneration
Correction: An integrated approach for advanced vehicle classification
Effect of different levels of Scutellaria baicalensis straw on slaughter performance and rumen microorganisms of rams
The shortage of forage supply has become an issue for the development of high-quality animal husbandry. Utilizing functional diets can mitigate forage shortages while enhancing animal performance and product quality. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of Scutellaria baicalensis straw (SBS) on the slaughter performance, rumen fermentation, and microbial diversity of rams. A single-factor completely randomized experimental design was adopted. Sixty 4- to 5-month-old Bainuburke rams with mean body weight of (27.08 ± 3.12) kg were randomly divided into six groups, with 10 per group. Each group received a balanced total mixed pellet diet with equivalent energy and nitrogen levels containing 0%, 6%, 12%, 18%, 24%, and 30% SBS (dry matter basis). The pre-experimental period was 10 days, followed by a 70 days formal experimental period. The results showed that: (1) Compared with the CON group, the dressing percentage and eye muscle area in the SBS24 group significantly increased (P < 0.05); (2) Compared with the CON group, the butyrate content and total fatty acid content inthe SBS24 group significantly increased (P < 0.05); (3) Compared with the CON group, the Simpson index of the SBS groups significantly increased (P < 0.05), while the Shannon index of the SBS12, SBS18, and SBS24 groups significantly decreased (P < 0.01). At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Halobacteria increased, while the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria decreased. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Prevotella, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, and Succiniclasticum increased. In summary, diets containing 6–30% SBS increased the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Halobacteria, while decreasing the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. This led to higher total volatile fatty acids, which in turn improved the slaughter performance of rams. Based on performance and microbiota composition, it is recommended that rams diets be supplemented with 24% SBS.
Sage extract and ascorbic acid derivative inhibit melanogenesis via downregulating keratinocyte-derived GM-CSF
Salvia officinalis (sage) extract has demonstrated potential as a functional ingredient for skin care application. However, its effect and mechanism in regulating skin pigmentation remain largely unclear. This study investigated the effects of sage ethanol extract (SGE) on melanogenesis and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Treatment with SGE in a human skin equivalent model (3D-skin) suppressed melanin production. To clarify the mechanism of action, the study focused on senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors, which are implicated in age-related pigmentation changes. q-PCR and ELISA analyses showed that SGE inhibits melanogenesis by suppressing the expression of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), a known SASP factor in keratinocytes. Interestingly, a similar effect was observed with L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside (AG), previously identified as a tyrosinase inhibitor. Importantly, p38 and JNK MAP-kinase were identified as upstream regulators of GM-CSF that are suppressed by SGE. These findings provide new insights into how SGE and AG regulate pigmentation via keratinocyte-derived GM-CSF, highlighting their potential in modulating skin tone and pigmentation through cellular signaling pathways.
TBKIN: Threshold-based explicit selection for enhanced cross-modal semantic alignments
Vision-language models aim to seamlessly integrate visual and linguistic information for multi-modal tasks, demanding precise semantic alignments between image-text pairs while minimizing the influence of irrelevant data. While existing methods leverage intra-modal and cross-modal knowledge to enhance alignments, they often fall short in sufficiently reducing interference, which ultimately constrains model performance. To address this gap, we propose a novel vision-language model, the threshold-based knowledge integration network (TBKIN), designed to effectively capture intra-modal and cross-modal knowledge while systematically mitigating the impact of extraneous information. TBKIN employs unified scene graph structures and advanced masking strategies to strengthen semantic alignments and introduces a fine-tuning strategy based on threshold selection to eliminate noise. Comprehensive experimental evaluations demonstrate the efficacy of TBKIN, with our best model achieving state-of-the-art accuracy of 73.90% on the VQA 2.0 dataset and 84.60% on the RefCOCO dataset. Attention visualization and detailed result analysis further validate the robustness of TBKIN in tackling vision-language tasks. The model’s ability to reduce interference while enhancing semantic alignments underscores its potential for advancing multi-modal learning. Extensive experiments across four widely-used benchmark datasets confirm its superior performance on two typical vision-language tasks, offering a practical and effective solution for real-world applications.
Assessing mercury and lead pollution in the Ankobra estuary due to artisanal mining activities: Implications for water quality and aquatic life
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining, “Galamsey” as it is called in Ghana, within the Ankobra estuary has impacted the water quality, fish health and other aquatic organisms. This paper presents a study investigating the concentrations of mercury and lead in water, sediments, gills and liver of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus of the Ankobra estuary. Bimonthly sampling between December 2020 and June 2021 was conducted at nine locations along the estuary. Physicochemical parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and turbidity were determined in situ using the EUTECH Multi-Parameter probe. A total of 36 water samples, 36 sediment samples and 120 fish samples were collected. Mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) concentrations in the samples were measured using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), employing appropriate techniques for each metal. Results showed that the physicochemical parameters of water, except for turbidity, were within the acceptable limits for aquatic life, based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency water quality criteria. Mercury and lead concentrations in water and fish samples exceeded United States Environmental Protection Agency guideline thresholds. In sediments, mercury levels surpassed both average shale values and ecological risk thresholds (ERM = 0.71 mg/kg), indicating high ecological risk, while lead remained below the ERL (46.7 mg/kg), suggesting low risk. Mercury and lead concentration in fish, water and sediments differ significantly (P < 0.05) across locations and between matrices (water, sediment, and fish organs). High bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) were recorded for both metals in fish. The BAF of mercury in fish-to-water samples was greater than in fish-to-sediment samples. In contrast, the bioaccumulation factor of lead was greater than in sediments compared to water. The study revealed that Ankobra estuary is polluted with mercury and lead and all necessary regulations should be enforced on the activities of artisanal miners to curb this menace.
Characterization of the genomic landscape of canine oral osteosarcoma reveals similarities with appendicular osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common bone tumor in both dogs and humans. It predominantly occurs in the appendicular skeleton, with about 25% of cases occurring within the axial skeleton. Progression of local disease is often the life-limiting factor for patients with axial OS, in contrast to appendicular OS, where local disease is addressed surgically, and metastatic disease remains the primary obstacle. While OS is a rare human cancer, limiting the availability of samples, its higher incidence in dogs provides a valuable comparative model for study. Both canines and humans share commonalities in clinical presentation, but dogs have an accelerated progression. Similarly, complex structural genetic changes define appendicular OS in both dogs and people, but it is unclear whether the genomic landscape of axial OS exhibits different alterations that may separate it from appendicular OS. We performed pilot whole genome sequencing of canine primary oral (maxillary or mandibular) OS tumors (n = 8) and matched normal tissue. We found that the genetics of canine oral OS largely parallel the genetics of canine appendicular OS, including an overall low number of recurrent point mutations affecting the same gene (TP53 and SETD2, 3/8 samples). Structural variants dominated the landscape of mutational changes, with recurrent variants in DMD (4/8) and DLG2 (3/8) found at a similar incidence to appendicular OS. This pilot suggests genomic similarities between oral and appendicular OS.
Computational investigation unveils pathogenic LIG3 non-synonymous mutations and therapeutic targets in acute myeloid leukemia
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA repair genes can impair protein structure and function, contributing to disease development, including cancer. Non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) in the LIG3 gene are linked to genomic instability and increased cancer risk, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This study aims to identify the most deleterious nsSNPs in the LIG3 and potential therapeutic targets for DNA repair restoration in AML. We employed different computational approaches to analyze LIG3 nsSNPs and pathogenicity. Subsequently, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation (MDS), gene expression and clinical validation of LIG3 were performed to evaluate ligand-binding affinities, protein stability and to identify discriminatory gene signatures. Out of the 12,191 mapped SNPs, 132 were nsSNPs located in the coding region. Among these, 18 nsSNPs were identified as detrimental including 12 destabilizing and 6 stabilizing nsSNPs. Nine cancer-associated nsSNPs, including L381R and R528C, were predicted due to their structural and functional impacts. Further analysis revealed key phosphorylation and methylation sites, such as 529S and 224R. MDS highlighted stable interactions of compounds AHP-MPC and DM-BFC with wild-type and R528C mutant LIG3 proteins, while R671G and V781M mutants showed instability. Protein-protein interaction networks and functional enrichment linked LIG3 to DNA repair pathways. Kaplan-Meier analysis associated high LIG3 expression with improved survival in breast cancer and AML, suggesting its role as a prognostic biomarker. This study emphasizes the mutation-specific effects of LIG3 nsSNPs on protein stability and ligand interactions. We recommend identifying DM-BFC to advance personalized medicine approaches for targeting deleterious variants, following in-vitro and in-vivo validation for AML treatment.
Before hands disappear: Effect of early warning visual feedback method for hand tracking failures in virtual reality
Virtual hand representation in Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs) offers immersive and intuitive interactions in Virtual Reality (VR). However, current hand tracking algorithms are prone to errors, which can disrupt the user experience and hinder task performance. This paper presents a novel method for providing users with visual feedback when the quality of hand tracking decreases. Our approach employs a notification modal that warns users of potential failures. We identified three common hand tracking failure scenarios and evaluated the effectiveness of our method in two distinct VR tasks: object manipulation and complex assembly tasks. Results show that our early warning system reduces task completion time, lowers hand-tracking failures by up to 83%, decreases errors, improves system usability, and reduces cognitive load. This work contributes to the development of more robust and user-friendly VR HMD applications by enhancing hand tracking reliability, usability, and workload.
Association between non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) in US adults: NHANES 2005–2018
Purpose The ratio of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (NHDL-C) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), referred to as NHHR, is an emerging lipid parameter. The relationship between NHHR and the urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) remains unclear. Therefore, our aim is to explore the potential correlation between NHHR and ACR. Methods Data for this study were sourced from the 2005–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Participants under 20 years, pregnant individuals, and those missing NHHR or ACR data were excluded. NHHR, calculated as the difference between total cholesterol (TC) and HDL-C divided by HDL-C, was assessed. Our analysis of the NHHR-ACR association involved multivariable linear regression, smoothed curve fitting, and subgroup analysis. Results A total of 34,734 participants were included, with a mean age of 49.81 ± 17.66 years. The prevalence of albuminuria was 12.66%. Multivariable regression analysis indicated a significant and independent positive association between NHHR and ACR after fully adjustment [β (95% CI): 7.19 (4.54, 9.85), p < 0.0001], particularly among female participants, individuals aged 60 or older, those of Mexican American or Non-Hispanic Black ethnicity, individuals with obesity, hypertension or diabetes. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate a positive correlation between NHHR and elevated ACR in US adults, implying that lowering NHHR may serve as a preventive and palliative strategy for albuminuria.
The relationship between N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic and coronary artery lesions in Kawasaki disease: A meta-analysis
Background Regarding the value of N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide precursors in evaluating coronary artery lesions (CAL) in Kawasaki disease. Objective To conduct a meta-analysis of relevant literature and explore the value of N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide NT ProBNP in evaluating coronary artery lesions (CAL) in Kawasaki disease. Method Retrieve publicly published literature on the relationship between serum NT ProBNP concentration and coronary artery disease in Kawasaki disease from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, China Biomedical Database, Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and OVID databases, as well as manually search for other resource literature. Use state14 software to evaluate the quality of the included literature, calculate the combined sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic ratio ratio, and compile a comprehensive subject working characteristic curve (SROC) to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidence interval. Result A total of 25 articles were included using a random effects model, with a combined sensitivity of 0.80 [95% CI (0.74, 0.85)], specificity of 0.78 [95% CI (0.75, 0.82)], positive likelihood ratio of 3.94 [95% CI (3.32, 4.69)], negative likelihood ratio of 0.23 [95% CI (0.17, 0.30)], and diagnostic ratio of 17.24 [95% CI (12.0,24.77)]. The area under the SROC curve AUC is 0.87 (0.84–0.90). When the predicted value is 1000ng/L, the combined sensitivity is 0.87 [95% CI (0.80,0.92)], and the specificity is 0.78 [95% CI (0.71,0.84)]. Subgroup analysis revealed that the diagnostic value of NT ProBNP for Kawasaki disease complicated with CAL was higher in the over 3 year old group than in the under 3 year old group. NT ProBNP had higher diagnostic value for Chinese population, but its exclusion value was lower than that of Japanese population. The sensitivity and specificity of using chemiluminescence to detect NT-ProBNP were higher than those of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Conclusion NT-ProBNP has high diagnostic value for coronary artery lesions in Kawasaki disease, and has greater diagnostic value for children over 3 years old, and the use of chemiluminescence.It demonstrates superior diagnostic efficacy for the Chinese population and enhanced exclusionary power for the Japanese population.