Browse Articles

Molecular basis of the urate transporter URAT1 inhibition by gout drugs

Application of ConvNeXt with transfer learning and data augmentation for malaria parasite detection in resource-limited settings using microscopic images

Malaria continues to be a severe health problem across the globe, especially within resource-limited areas which lack both skilled diagnostic personnel and diagnostic equipment. This study investigates the use of deep learning diagnosis for malaria through ConvNeXt models that incorporate transfer learning techniques with data augmentation methods for better model performance and transferability. A total number of 606276 thin blood smear images served as the final augmented dataset after the initial 27558 images underwent augmentation. The ConvNeXt Tiny model, version V1 Tiny, achieved an accuracy of 95.9%.; however, the upgraded V2 Tiny Remod version exceeded this benchmark, reaching 98.1% accuracy. The accuracy rate measured 61.4% for Swin Tiny, ResNet18 reached 62.6%, and ResNet50 obtained 81.4%. The combination of label smoothing with the AdamW optimiser produced a model which exhibited strong robustness as well as generalisability. The enhanced ConvNeXt V2 Tiny model combined with data augmentation, transfer learning techniques and explainability frameworks demonstrate a practical solution for malaria diagnosis that achieves high accuracy despite limitations of access to large datasets and microscopy expertise, often observed in resource-limited regions. The findings highlight the potential for real-time diagnostic applications in remote healthcare facilities and the viability of ConvNeXt models in enhancing malaria diagnosis globally.

Risk attitude and risk perceptions of climate change among Indian cotton farmers

Abstract Indian farmers have been facing significant production risks that have substantially decreased their potential yield. To reduce these risks, farmers employ various tactical strategies. The choice of strategy, however, depends mainly on their risk attitude and perceptions. This study examines the factors influencing farmers’ risk attitude and perceptions based on the survey of 350 cotton farmers from Virudhunagar district in Tamil Nadu, India. Risk attitude is evaluated using a Multiple Price List (MPL) experimental method, while the risk matrix is utilised to measure the risk perception of drought, uneven rainfall distribution, and pests and diseases. Logit model is applied to assess the variables associated with farmers’ risk attitude and perceptions. The findings reveal that 75% of the respondents exhibit risk-averse behaviour, while only 12% display a risk-seeking attitude. The majority of respondents identify drought and rainfall as major risks compared to pests and diseases. Logit model results show that gender, education, organisational membership, irrigation access, farming experience, access to credit, contact with extension personnel, and yield loss negatively influence farmers’ risk attitude. Similarly, organisational membership, a higher share of non-farm income, more farm size, irrigation availability, and credit accessibility reduce the farmers’ risk perceptions. These findings help policymakers understand how local farmers perceive farm risks such as drought, rainfall variations, and pests and diseases and consider these viewpoints when developing sustainable adaptation measures. This study highlights the significance of farmer group organisations, improved extension services, and credit access in shaping farmers’ risk attitude and perceptions, thereby enhancing farm productivity.

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy in thymic epithelial tumors with pleural spread or recurrence: a prospective, single-arm, phase II study

Abstract Pleural spread or recurrence of thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) is a tricky puzzle in the clinic and there is currently no recognized effective treatment. This trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (S-HITOC) for TETs with pleural spread or recurrence. Here, we reported short-term outcomes of enrolled 45 patients receiving S-HITOC with 25 mg/m2 doxorubicin and 50 mg/m2 cisplatin. The pleural tumor index (PTI) has been proposed for evaluating pleural tumor burden. Treatment-related adverse events of grade ≥3 occurred in eight (17.8%) patients. The pain Visual analog scale (VAS) score was 5.4 ± 1.9 on the 1st day after treatment and was similar to that at baseline level on the 7th day after treatment (p = 0.218). There was no significant difference in the quality of life score (p = 0.676) between baseline and the 60th day after treatment. The estimated 2-year PFS and OS rates were 82.8% and 100.0%, respectively. Subgroup analyses revealed that patients with PTI scores >10 had worse PFS than those with PTI scores ≤10 (p < 0.001). S-HITOC had a manageable complication rate. Early clinical outcomes confirmed that S-HITOC offers encouraging oncological benefits for TETs and satisfactory control of myasthenia gravis. Trial number: NCT05446935.

The research on enhancing the strength and durability of pipeline connection ports using arc welding additive manufacturing

In long-distance pipelines, the connection between pipelines is often the weakest link. During the manufacturing process of pipelines, roundness errors or defects are inevitable, and the greater the difference between the maximum and minimum diameters, the greater the impact on the strength of pipeline connections. At present, the main method to improve the pipe end is casting upsetting. However, there are currently no reports on using additive manufacturing technology to optimize pipeline ellipticity and improve pipe end strength and stiffness. This article solves the problem of weak weld strength at the connection end of oil pipelines and proposes for the first time the method of using arc additive manufacturing technology to thicken and reinforce the pipe end. By analyzing the ellipticity of the pipe end, arc based additive manufacturing technology is used to thicken the pipe end, thereby improving the strength and stiffness of the pipeline connection weld. This paper establishes a mathematical model for optimizing the design of pipeline connection ends, with remanufacturing thickness, length, and pipe end radius as design variables and pipe end strength and stiffness as constraints, and obtains the optimal parameter combination. The optimization results show that under typical working conditions, the optimized pipe end strength is significantly improved, the strain is significantly reduced, and the pipeline can withstand higher pressure, thereby improving the overall reliability and safety of the pipeline.

Optimization of deep learning architecture based on multi-path convolutional neural network algorithm

Plasticity of Bi2Te3-family thermoelectric crystals

Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium formula fertilization model of Lonicera japonica Thunb in hilly and gully Loess Plateau of China

Formula fertilization has been shown to effectively increase both yield and economic profit in medicinal plants. Lonicera japonica Thunb (L. japonica) is a significant medicinal plant; however, no studies have yet investigated the impact of formula fertilization on its performance. Therefore, the objective of this study is to establish models for enhancing the yield of L. japonica through formula fertilization using various ratios of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the primary production areas of the hilly and gully Loess Plateau in China. A ‘3414’ formula fertilization trial was conducted, examining different doses and ratios of N, P, and K applied to L. japonica.Fertilizer was applied to a small pit, 30 cm deep, surrounding the root of each tree. The spacing between plants and rows was maintained at 1.0 m x 1.0 m. A fertilizer model was developed by calculating and comparing the yield and economic profit of the plants. The results indicated that the application of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the soil significantly improved yield. Phosphorus (P) was identified as the primary limiting factor affecting yield. The output-to-investment ratio of the N2P2K3 fertilizer was significantly reduced. The fertilizer effect function can be expressed as: Y = 296.66 - 0.81X1 + 11.53X2 + 4.05X3 - 0.051X1² - 0.60X2² - 0.28X3² + 0.13X1×X2 + 0.20X1×X3 - 0.029X2×X3. The recommended doses of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers are 18.25–26.75 g, 6.27–8.73 g, and 10.04–13.96 g per plant, respectively.The application of formula fertilizer in this study resulted in a notable increase in yield and economic benefit, with improvements of 38.18% and an additional 0.3729 USD per plant, respectively. These findings significantly contribute to the production of L. japonica, enhancing both yield and profitability in specific geographical conditions suited for cultivating economic plants.

Exploring the impact of window design and ventilation strategies on air quality and thermal comfort in arid educational buildings

Abstract Natural ventilation plays a vital role in the design of educational buildings, as it directly influences thermal comfort and, consequently, student performance, achievement, and health. This study investigates the impact of window parameters and various ventilation scenarios on indoor natural ventilation, aiming to enhance indoor air quality and thermal comfort in educational facilities in Aswan, Egypt. An experimental case study was conducted using a HOBO MX CO2 data logger to measure air temperature, carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, and relative humidity. These parameters, along with the predicted mean vote (PMV), were analyzed through four distinct classroom scenarios simulated using the Design Builder software. The scenarios included: (1) single-side natural ventilation during air conditioning operation; (2) solely passive ventilation; (3) 20-minute cross-ventilation intervals between lectures; and (4) extended 60-minute cross-ventilation during lecture breaks to minimize disruptions. Results indicate that a window-to-wall ratio (WWR) of 20% with a window aspect ratio of 1:2 significantly improves air quality and thermal comfort. The findings suggest that windows should be opened for at least 60 min in summer and 20 min in winter, resulting in a temperature reduction of 1 to 2 °C and a 36% decrease in CO2 concentrations. Additionally, acceptable PMV values were maintained for 40% of the total classroom hours. This research offers practical recommendations to optimize air quality and thermal comfort in educational buildings, thereby supporting student health and academic success. The study introduces a novel approach by integrating window design and WWR to achieve the balance between improving thermal comfort and enhancing natural ventilation in hot, arid climates.

Consecutive mechanical-force-induced electron transfer for reduction of aryl halides with high reduction potentials

Assessing the relationship between digital technology use and physical health, fitness, and exercise levels among Chinese youth: The moderating effect of parental monitoring

The study investigates how digital media use, parental supervision, and attitudes towards physical activity influence young Chinese individuals’ physical health and exercise levels. Concerns over the health impacts of increasing digital technology use among teenagers have spurred extensive research. However, the specific roles of parental supervision and personal attitudes towards physical activity in mitigating or exacerbating these effects remain unclear. The study sample comprises 827 Chinese youth from diverse geographical locations. Regression analyses highlight significant predictors of physical health and exercise levels, including digital technology use (β = 0.35, p < 0.001), social media use (β = 0.22, p = 0.003), online gaming (β = 0.19, p = 0.011), educational technology use (β = 0.29, p = 0.003), parental monitoring (β = 0.47, p < 0.001), and attitudes towards physical activity (β = 0.50, p < 0.001). Additionally, the result illustrates that attitudes towards physical activity moderate the relationship between digital technology usage and physical health and exercise levels (Indirect Effect = 0.12, p = 0.003). The moderation analysis shows that digital technology use, social media use, online gaming, and educational technology use exhibit significant interactions with parental monitoring, indicating that parental supervision can mitigate the health risks associated with digital device usage.These findings underscore the crucial role of parental involvement in mitigating the health risks associated with adolescent technology use.

The effect of prolonged G-quadruplex stabilization on the functions of human cells

Abstract Guanine-rich DNA sequences have a propensity to form G-quadruplex structures. These structures play several important biological roles and are potential targets for anticancer drugs. However, no G-quadruplex-stabilizing agent has yet been approved for clinical use. Given that G-quadruplex stabilization is quite promising as a mechanism for novel anticancer therapies, it is crucial to elucidate its effects on healthy human cells. In our study, we modeled a potential human treatment using G4 -stabilizing agents and analyzed their effects on genome integrity, transcriptomic changes, and mitochondrial function focusing on non-cancerous cells to predict potential side effects of such treatments. We found that G-quadruplex stabilization does not compromise genome integrity. However, it can induce persistent alterations in the transcriptomic profile of human cells, including genes encoded on the mitochondrial genome. Notably, certain G-quadruplex-stabilizing agents triggered mitophagy in both human cells and Drosophila melanogaster. In summary, our findings indicate that while G-quadruplex stabilization does not cause genome instability, it may pose potential risks due to its long-term effects on transcription and its ability to induce mitophagy. Therefore, we recommend that all potential drug candidates be thoroughly evaluated for their ability to induce mitophagy and to promote cancer formation in animal models prior to clinical trials.

Role of the upper airway microbiota in respiratory virus and bacterial pathobiont dynamics in the first year of life

Abstract The mechanisms by which respiratory viruses predispose to secondary bacterial infections remain poorly characterized. Using 2,409 nasopharyngeal swabs from 300 infants enrolled in a prospective cohort study in Botswana, we perform a detailed analysis of factors that influence the dynamics of bacterial pathobiont colonization during infancy. We quantify the extent to which viruses increase the acquisition of Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. We provide evidence of cooperative interactions between these pathobionts while identifying host characteristics and environmental exposures that influence the odds of pathobiont colonization during early life. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we demonstrate that respiratory viruses result in losses of putatively beneficial Corynebacterium and Streptococcus species that are associated with a lower odds of pathobiont acquisition. These findings provide important insights into viral-bacterial relationships in the upper respiratory tract of direct relevance to respiratory infections and suggest that the bacterial microbiota is a potentially modifiable mechanism by which viruses promote bacterial respiratory infections.

Doe diligence: A regional analysis of antlerless deer harvest regulations in the Midwestern United States of America

Wildlife management in the United States of America (US) is primarily delegated to the individual states wherein state wildlife agencies manage wildlife populations to achieve multiple and sometimes conflicting objectives. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are an important species in the Midwestern US whose populations are primarily managed through recreational hunting. Managers aim to adjust populations by altering the harvest of antlerless (usually female) animals by changing the number of harvest permits available, hunting season lengths, or applying incentive programs like earn-a-buck, where a hunter must harvest an antlerless deer before they may harvest an antlered deer. We estimated the effect on antlerless deer harvest from changes in these regulations and changes in the number of licensed hunters across eight states in the Midwest. We used a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate individual state and regional (i.e., across all states) effects. We found that increasing antlerless harvest permits increased antlerless harvest; however, this effect plateaued as the number of available permits increased. Providing unlimited harvest permits increased harvest, but the same increases were achieved by minimally increasing the number of limited harvest permits. Increasing the length of hunting season had a generally positive effect on antlerless harvest but the effect was non-linear and state dependent. The earn-a-buck incentive program resulted in the largest estimated increase in harvest. Finally, the number of licensed deer hunters in a state had a strong positive effect on the number of antlerless deer harvested. Our findings show that commonly applied changes in harvest regulations have a weak effect on the number of antlerless deer harvested, highlighting the challenges facing deer managers in the Midwestern US.

Serum neutrophil gelatinase associated Lipocalin as a novel biomarker for diagnosing acute pyelonephritis in adults

Abstract To assess the diagnostic value of serum Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) in adult patients with Acute Pyelonephritis. A total of 132 participants divided into two groups as 66 Hospitalized patients aged ≥ 20 years suspected of having acute pyelonephritis and 66 age and sex matched participants don’t have pyelonephritis. Acute Pyelonephritis was diagnosed in patients with fever, chills or the costovertebral angle tenderness, and bacteriuria higher than 105 CFU/mL without any other focus of infection. No statistically significant differences were observed between the pyelonephritis and non-pyelonephritis groups regarding demographic data or comorbidities. However, the pyelonephritis group exhibited statistically significant differences in Serum NGAL levels, abnormal urine analysis findings, total leukocyte count, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, with p-values less than 0.001. This study aims to evaluate the potential of Serum NGAL as an early diagnostic biomarker for pyelonephritis, offering a promising tool for timely and accurate diagnosis.

Control of tissue flows and embryo geometry in avian gastrulation

Abstract Embryonic tissues undergo coordinated flows during avian gastrulation to establish the body plan. Here, we elucidate how the interplay between embryonic and extraembryonic tissues affects the chick embryo’s size and shape. These two distinct geometric changes are each associated with dynamic curves across which trajectories separate (kinematic repellers). Through physical modeling and experimental manipulations of both embryonic and extraembryonic tissues, we selectively eliminate either or both repellers in model and experiments, revealing their mechanistic origins. We find that embryo size is affected by the competition between extraembryonic epiboly and embryonic myosin-driven contraction—which persists when mesoderm induction is blocked. Instead, the characteristic shape change from circular to pear-shaped arises from myosin-driven cell intercalations in the mesendoderm, irrespective of epiboly. These findings elucidate modular mechanisms controlling avian gastrulation flows and provide a mechanistic basis for the independent control of embryo size and shape during development.

Sick building syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity, and related factors: A cross-sectional analysis from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is caused by having unhealthy indoor environments. Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic condition that is potentially triggered by low-level chemical exposure. Demographic factors, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities have been reported as potential risk factors of both conditions; however, studies on these factors involving large populations in Japan are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate whether demographics, lifestyle, and comorbidities were associated with MCS and SBS in a large Japanese population, and whether autistic traits (Japanese version of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient Short Form, AQ-10-J), psychological distress (Japanese version of the Kessler 6-Item Psychological Distress Scale, K6), and serum total and allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were related to the outcomes. The participants included 92,387 pregnant women and 48,451 partners. The outcomes were self-reported physician-diagnosed SBS, MCS, and SBS and/or MCS (combined outcome [CO]). Age-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of total and antigen-specific IgE levels, demographic factors, and lifestyle factors were determined. The proportions of pregnant women with SBS, MCS, and CO were 307 (0.33%), 128 (0.14%), and 415 (0.45%), respectively, while those of their partners were 85 (0.18%), 30 (0.06%), and 112 (0.23%), respectively. Allergic diseases, psychiatric diseases, migraine, and higher psychological distress were associated with significantly higher ORs for SBS, MCS, and CO. Among pregnant women, autoimmune diseases, cancer, kidney diseases, higher physical activity, autistic traits, and total and specific IgE levels were associated with significantly higher ORs for SBS, MCS, and CO. Clinicians should consider common comorbid disorders when treating patients with SBS and MCS, and their protective and deteriorating lifestyles and demographic factors should be clarified.

The role of educational science in environmental management and green technology adoption in rural revitalization through interview-based insights

Efficacy of clindamycin and LACTIN-V for in vitro fertilization patients with vaginal dysbiosis: a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre trial

GPT-4 generates accurate and readable patient education materials aligned with current oncological guidelines: A randomized assessment

Introduction and aim Guideline-based patient educational materials (PEMs) empower patients and reduce misinformation, but require frequent updates and must be adapted to the readability level of patients. The aim is to assess whether generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) can provide readable, accurate, and up-to-date PEMs that can be subsequently translated into multiple languages for broad dissemination. Study design and methods The European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines for prostate, bladder, kidney, and testicular cancer were used as the knowledge base for GPT-4 to generate PEMs. Additionally, the PEMs were translated into five commonly spoken languages within the European Union (EU). The study was conducted through a single-blinded, online randomized assessment survey. After an initial pilot assessment of the GenAI-generated PEMs, thirty-two members of the Young Academic Urologists (YAU) groups evaluated the accuracy, completeness, and clarity of the original versus GPT-generated PEMs. The translation assessment involved two native speakers from different YAU groups for each language: Dutch, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. The primary outcomes were readability, accuracy, completeness, faithfulness, and clarity. Readability was measured using Flesch Kincaid Reading Ease (FKRE), Flesch Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Gunning Fog (GFS) scores and Smog (SI), Coleman Liau (CLI), Automated Readability (ARI) indexes. Accuracy, completeness, faithfulness, and clarity were rated on a 5-item Likert scale. Results The mean time to create layperson PEMs based on the latest guideline by GPT-4 was 52.1 seconds. The readability scores for the 8 original PEMs were lower than for the 8 GPT-4-generated PEMs (Mean FKRE: 43.5 vs. 70.8; p < .001). The required reading education levels were higher for original PEMs compared to GPT-4 generated PEMs (Mean FKGL: 11.6 vs. 6.1; p < .001). For all urological localized cancers, the original PEMs were not significantly different from the GPT-4 generated PEMs in accuracy, completeness, and clarity. Similarly, no differences were observed for metastatic cancers. Translations of GPT-generated PEMs were rated as faithful in 77.5% of cases and clear in 67.5% of cases. Conclusions and relevance GPT-4 generated PEMs have better readability levels compared to original PEMs while maintaining similar accuracy, completeness, and clarity. The use of GenAI’s information extraction and language capabilities, integrated with human oversight, can significantly reduce the workload and ensure up-to-date and accurate PEMs. Patient summary Some cancer facts made for patients can be hard to read or not in the right words for those with prostate, bladder, kidney, or testicular cancer. This study used AI to quickly make short and easy-to-read content from trusted facts. Doctors checked the AI content and found that they were just as accurate, complete, and clear as the original text made for patients. They also worked well in many languages. This AI tool can assist providers in making it easier for patients to understand their cancer and the best care they can get.