Browse Articles

A hybrid parallel convolutional spiking neural network for enhanced skin cancer detection

Abstract The most widespread kind of cancer, affecting millions of lives is skin cancer. When the condition of illness worsens, the chance of survival is reduced, and thus detection of skin cancer is extremely difficult. Hence, this paper introduces a new model, known as Parallel Convolutional Spiking Neural Network (PCSN-Net) for detecting skin cancer. Initially, the input skin cancer image is pre-processed by employing Medav filter to eradicate the noise in image. Next, affected region is segmented by utilizing DeepSegNet, which is formed by integrating SegNet and Deep joint segmentation, where RV coefficient is used to fuse the outputs. Here, the segmented image is then augmented by including process, such as geometric transformation, colorspace transformation, mixing images Pixel averaging (mixup), and overlaying crops (CutMix). Then textural, statistical, Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) based Local Direction Pattern (LDP) with entropy, and Local Normal Derivative Pattern (LNDP) features are mined. Finally, skin cancer detection is executed using PCSN-Net, which is formed by fusing Parallel Convolutional Neural Network (PCNN) and Deep Spiking Neural Network (DSNN). In this work, the suggested PCSN-Net system shows high accuracy and reliability in identifying skin cancer. The experimental findings suggest that PCSN-Net has an accuracy of 95.7%, a sensitivity of 94.7%, and a specificity of 92.6%. These parameters demonstrate the model’s capacity to discriminate among malignant and benign skin lesions properly. Furthermore, the system has a false positive rate (FPR) of 10.7% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 90.8%, demonstrating its capacity to reduce wrong diagnosis while prioritizing true positive instances. PCSN-Net outperforms various complex algorithms, including EfficientNet, DenseNet, and Inception-ResNet-V2, despite preserving effective training and inference times. The results obtained show the feasibility of the model for real-time clinical use, strengthening its capacity for quick and accurate skin cancer detection.

Cancer-associated SF3B1 mutation K700E causes widespread changes in U2/branchpoint recognition without altering splicing

Myelodysplastic syndromes and other cancers are often associated with mutations in the U2 snRNP protein SF3B1. Common SF3B1 mutations, including K700E, disrupt SF3B1 interaction with the protein SUGP1 and induce aberrant activation of alternative 3′ splice sites (ss), presumably resulting from aberrant U2/branch site (BS) recognition by the mutant spliceosome. Here, we apply a method of U2 IP-seq to profile BS binding across the transcriptome of K562 leukemia cells carrying the SF3B1 K700E mutation. For alternative 3′ ss activated by K700E, we identify their associated BSs and show that they are indeed shifted from the WT sites. Unexpectedly, we also identify thousands of additional changes in BS binding in the mutant cells that do not alter splicing. These new BSs are usually very close to the natural sites, occur upstream or downstream, and either exhibit stronger base-pairing potential with U2 snRNA or are adjacent to stronger polypyrimidine tracts than the WT sites. The widespread imprecision in BS recognition induced by K700E with limited changes in 3′ ss selection expands the physiological consequences of this oncogenic mutation.

Artificial intelligence (AI) in nursing administration: Challenges and opportunities

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming nursing administration by enhancing operational efficiency and supporting data-driven decision-making. This study explores registered nurses perceptions of AI in Saudi Arabia, focusing on both challenges and opportunities. A cross-sectional survey of 202 nurses revealed that 93.6% believe AI improves understanding, and 88.1% feel it enhances the quality of learning. Significant correlations were found between years of experience and AI usage (r =  0.342, p <  0.001) and between sources of information and AI perception (r =  0.146, p =  0.039). While 80.7% expressed concern that AI could reduce critical thinking, 76.8% feared job displacement. These findings underscore the need for training, ethical guidelines, and support systems to foster effective AI integration, enhancing nursing practice while addressing concerns around professional roles.

Development and evaluation of Chia seed-based nanofibers and nanoemulsions for Bacillus coagulans Encapsulation

Will I feel better? Raising the bar for quality of life in oncology

Bridging the human–AI knowledge gap through concept discovery and transfer in AlphaZero

AI systems have attained superhuman performance across various domains. If the hidden knowledge encoded in these highly capable systems can be leveraged, human knowledge and performance can be advanced. Yet, this internal knowledge is difficult to extract. Due to the vast space of possible internal representations, searching for meaningful new conceptual knowledge can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Here, we introduce a method that extracts new chess concepts from AlphaZero, an AI system that mastered chess via self-play without human supervision. Our method excavates vectors that represent concepts from AlphaZero’s internal representations using convex optimization, and filters the concepts based on teachability (whether the concept is transferable to another AI agent) and novelty (whether the concept contains information not present in human chess games). These steps ensure that the discovered concepts are useful and meaningful. For the resulting set of concepts, prototypes (chess puzzle–solution pairs) are presented to experts for final validation. In a preliminary human study, four top chess grandmasters (all former or current world chess champions) were evaluated on their ability to solve concept prototype positions. All grandmasters showed improvement after the learning phase, suggesting that the concepts are at the frontier of human understanding. Despite the small scale, our result is a proof of concept demonstrating the possibility of leveraging knowledge from a highly capable AI system to advance the frontier of human knowledge; a development that could bear profound implications and shape how we interact with AI systems across many applications.

Correction: The efficacy of acupuncture in relieving postoperative pain in patients with low simple anal fistula: Protocol of a prospective, randomised, controlled trial

Screening and validation of optimal real-time PCR reference genes for Abelmoschus Manihot

Potassium-sensitive loss of muscle force in the setting of reduced inward rectifier K ⁺ current: Implications for Andersen–Tawil syndrome

Andersen–Tawil syndrome (ATS) is an ion channelopathy with variable penetrance for the triad of periodic paralysis, arrhythmia, and dysmorphia. Dominant-negative mutations of KCNJ2 encoding the Kir2.1 potassium channel subunit are found in 60% of ATS families. As with most channelopathies, episodic attacks in ATS are frequently triggered by environmental stresses: exercise for periodic paralysis or stress with adrenergic stimulation for arrhythmia. Fluctuations in K + , either low or high, are potent triggers for attacks of weakness in other variants of periodic paralysis (hypokalemic periodic paralysis or hyperkalemic periodic paralysis). For ATS, the [K + ] dependence is less clear; with reports describing weakness in high-K + or low-K + . Patient trials with controlled K + challenges are not possible, due to arrhythmias. We have developed two mouse models (genetic and pharmacologic) with reduced Kir currents, to address the question of K + -sensitive loss of force. These animal models and computational simulations both show K + -dependent weakness occurs only when Kir current is <30% of wildtype. As the Kir deficit becomes more severe, the phenotype shifts from high-K + -induced weakness to a combination where either high-K + or low-K + triggers weakness. A K + channel agonist, retigabine, protects muscle from K + -sensitive weakness in our mouse models of the skeletal muscle involvement in ATS.

Cabergoline as a preventive migraine treatment: A randomized clinical pilot trial

Background Beneficial effects of dopamine agonist treatment on migraine have been reported but remain to be properly tested. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of cabergoline as preventive treatment for migraine. Methods In a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, 36 adults with ≥  6 monthly migraine days were enrolled at Aarhus University Hospital. Following a 28-days baseline period, participants were randomized to receive cabergoline 0.5 mg or placebo once weekly for 12 weeks as add-on treatment. An electronic headache diary was completed daily, and headache questionnaires and blood tests were collected at baseline and following the treatment period. Primary outcome was change in monthly migraine days. The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05525611). Results Of 101 assessed participants, 36 were enrolled. Baseline monthly migraine days were 13.6 (4.1) in the cabergoline group and 14.0 (5.3) in the placebo group. No significant overall difference in the reduction of monthly migraine days was observed. However, among participants with episodic migraine (n = 20), the mean (SE) reduction in monthly migraine days from baseline to the last 28 days of the treatment period was -5.4 (1.3) with cabergoline compared to -1.8 (0.9) with placebo (p = 0.04) [odds ratio: 0.79 (95% CI 0.65 – 0.95), p = 0.014]. In participants with chronic migraine (n = 13), the reduction in monthly migraine days was not significantly different in the two groups. Patients’ global impression of change significantly improved after cabergoline treatment as compared to placebo in the entire group of participants (p = 0.006). The number of participants with episodic migraine achieving ≥  50% reduction in monthly migraine days tended to increase after cabergoline (p = 0.07). Adverse effects were reported by seven participants on cabergoline and four on placebo, none of which were serious. Conclusion Cabergoline significantly reduced monthly migraine days in episodic migraine without serious adverse effects, supporting further investigation into the use of cabergoline for migraine prevention.

Signal size and resolution of scanning thermal microscopy in air and vacuum

Abstract We present measurements comparing scanning thermal microscopy in air and vacuum. Signal levels are compared and resolution is probed by scanning over the edge of a nanofabricated Ag square embedded in $$\hbox {SiO}_{2}$$ . Signals measured in air were seen to be 2.5–40 times larger than in vacuum. Furthermore, the air signals were stable while the vacuum signals varied significantly. Edge widths measured in air were approximately 39% larger than those measured in vacuum. Our observations are consistent with the air measurements experiencing heat transfer from the surrounding sample through the air as well as the formation of a water-related meniscus at the tip-sample junction. These results contribute to the understanding of the complex heat exchange effects that can occur in scanning thermal microscopy when it is conducted in an ambient atmosphere.

Actuating superparamagnetic nanoparticle monolayers

Magnetically responsive, mechanically flexible microstructures are desirable for applications ranging from smart sensors to remote-controlled actuation for surgery or robotics. Embedding magnetic nanoparticles into a thin matrix of elastic material enables high flexibility while exploiting the magnetic response of the individual particles. However, in the ultrathin limit of such nanocomposite materials, the particles become too small to sustain a permanent dipole moment. This implies that now large magnetic field gradients are required for actuation, which are difficult to achieve with externally applied fields. Here, we demonstrate through experiment and simulation that monolayer sheets of close-packed paramagnetic nanoparticles in a uniform applied field can generate large local field gradients through particle interactions. As a result, a strong collective magnetization is obtained that leads to large deflections of freestanding sheets already in moderate applied fields. Exploiting the vector nature of the applied field, we furthermore find that it is possible to induce more complex curvature and twist the sheets. Finally, we show that paramagnetic nanoparticle monolayers applied as coatings can generate sufficient force to deflect strips of nonmagnetic material that is several orders of magnitude thicker.

Prevalence of scabies and associated factors among school age children in Qoloji IDP in Babile district, Somali, Eastern Ethiopia

Background Scabies is a contagious ectoparasite of the skin. It is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. Scabies occurs worldwide among people of all ages, races, genders and social classes and has been identified as a neglected tropical infectious disease. In Ethiopia, there is currently social unrest, conflict, and human-made disasters, leading to the displacement of the population from one place to another. Scabies is one of the most common skin diseases among the internally displaced population, where hygiene and sanitation are poor. The aim of the study was to assess prevalence of scabies and associated factors among school age children in Qoloji IDP in Babile District, Somali, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional community-based study design was carried out in 422 among school aged children from June to July 2022. The data was collected by using observation (clinical investigation), structured questionnaires. Data was coded, entered and cleaned using with epi data version 3.1, and exported and analysis was done by using SPSS statistical software package version 22. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with scabies. Findings were presented by using 95% CI of Crude Odds Ratios (COR) and Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR). To declare statistical significance, a p-value of less than 0.05 was used. Results There were 63 cases of scabies with a prevalence of 14.92% CI at 95% (11.7%-18.1%). The multivariable logistic regression shows that age categories with 5-9 [AOR = 2.4 (95% CI: 1.01,6.39)], over-crowding index greater than 1.5 [AOR = 10 (95% CI: (3.6,27.8)] washing clothes infrequently [AOR =  14.7(95% CI: 3.6,25)), history of contact with scabies patients in the past 2 months [AOR =  5(95% CI: (1.2,23.0)], and Family having rash in the past two weeks [AOR = 9.9 (95% CI: 3.7,26)] having poor knowledge about scabies among children’s family [AOR = 8.9 (95% CI: 3.3,24)] were significant variables at p-value less than 0.05. Conclusion There was a higher prevalence of scabies in the study area. Age, overcrowding, washing clothes infrequently, history of contact with scabies patients in the past 2 months, family having a rash in the past two weeks, and poor knowledge about scabies among children’s families were significant factors. Health education on personal hygiene, avoiding sharing clothes with others, avoiding contact, sleeping with scabies-ill people, and sharing beds with others are important measures in reducing these risk factors.

Electrostatic InkJet printed silver grids for non-vacuum processed CIGS solar cells

An atlas of protein phosphorylation dynamics during interferon signaling

Interferons (IFNs, types I-III) have pleiotropic functions in promoting antiviral and antitumor responses, as well as in modulating inflammation. Dissecting the signaling mechanisms elicited by different IFNs is therefore critical to understand their phenotypes. Here, we use mass spectrometry to investigate the early temporal dynamics of cellular protein phosphorylation in a human lung epithelial cell-line as it responds to stimulation with IFNα2, IFNβ, IFNω, IFNγ, or IFNλ1, representing all IFN types. We report an atlas of over 700 common or unique phosphorylation events reprogrammed by these different IFNs, revealing both previously known and uncharacterized modifications. While the proteins differentially phosphorylated following IFN stimulation have diverse roles, there is an enrichment of factors involved in chromatin remodeling, transcription, and RNA splicing. Functional screening and mechanistic studies identify that several proteins modified in response to IFNs contribute to host antiviral responses, either directly or by supporting IFN-stimulated gene or protein production. Among these, phosphorylation of PLEKHG3 at serine-1081 creates a phospho-regulated binding motif for the docking of 14-3-3 proteins, and together these factors contribute to coordinating efficient IFN-stimulated gene expression independent of early Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling. Our findings map the global phosphorylation landscapes regulated by IFN types I, II, and III, and provide a key resource to explore their functional consequences.

Impact of value-based care on quality of life, clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and enhanced financial protection among hypertensive patients in Ghana: A protocol for a mixed method evaluation, 2024

Background Evidence on which hypertensive intervention is cost-effective is essential to inform strategy, policy development, practice, implementation, and resource allocation. Value-Based Care (VBC) is a healthcare delivery model that emphasizes improving patient outcomes while optimizing costs. It shifts the focus from the volume of services provided to the value delivered to patients. We hypothesize that innovative VBC intervention would be more cost-effective compared to standard care among individuals with poorly controlled hypertension. Methods This study in Ghana will employ a mixed-methods evaluation design, a comprehensive and thorough approach that combines quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative component will involve a quasi-experimental study to measure the impact of the VBC intervention on quality of life, improved clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and enhanced financial protection among hypertensive patients registered with the National Health Insurance Authority. We will use a difference-in-difference analytic approach and a generalized estimation equation model with cluster-robust standard errors to quantify the impact of VBC, accounting for potential confounding variables. The qualitative component will involve in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to gather insights into the experiences and perceptions of the patients, caregivers, and policymakers involved in the VBC intervention and the benefits, barriers, costs of treatment, and challenges associated with the VBC intervention. Discussions Despite the availability of safe treatment options for hypertension, most people with hypertension in LMICs do not have it controlled. There is currently a paucity of knowledge about the cost-effectiveness of VBC interventions in developing countries. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap and pave the way for more cost-effective hypertension treatment worldwide. The Ghana VBC intervention described in this paper is a pioneering approach to achieving safer, more consistent, and cost-effective care for hypertensive patients.

Metal surface defect detection using SLF-YOLO enhanced YOLOv8 model

In situ cavitation bubble manometry reveals a lack of light-activated guard cell turgor modulation in bryophytes

Diversification of plant hydraulic architecture and stomatal function coincides with radical changes in the Earth’s atmosphere over the past 400 my. Due to shared stomatal anatomy with the earliest land plants, bryophyte stomatal behavior may provide insights into the evolution of stomatal function, but significant uncertainty remains due to technical limitations of measuring guard cell turgor pressure in situ. Here, we introduce a method for monitoring cell turgor pressure by nucleating microbubbles within the guard cells of intact plant tissue and then examining microbubble growth and dissolution dynamics. First, we show that maximum microbubble radius decreases with increasing pressure as the pressure of the surrounding fluid constrains its growth according to a modified version of the Epstein–Plesset equation. We then apply this method to monitor turgor pressure in dark- vs. light-acclimated guard cells across bryophyte taxa with stomata, where their role in gas-exchange remains ambiguous, and in vascular plants with well-documented light-dependent turgor modulation. Our findings show no light-activated change in turgor in bryophyte guard cells, with pressures not significantly different than neighboring epidermal cells. In contrast, vascular plants show distinct pressure modulation in response to light that drives reversible changes in stomatal aperture. Complete guard cell turgor loss had no effect on bryophyte stomatal aperture but resulted in partial or complete closure in vascular plants. These results suggest that despite conserved stomatal morphology, the sampled bryophytes lack dynamic control over guard cell turgor that is critical for sustaining photosynthesis and inhibiting desiccation.

Correction: Cost-effectiveness of Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) as destination therapy in the UK: An economic modelling study

Comparing the strength of the confidence-accuracy versus response time-accuracy relationship for eyewitness identification

Abstract Research indicates that eyewitness identification (ID) accuracy increases with faster IDs and those supported with immediate high confidence, but it is not clear which measure, confidence or response time, is the better reflector of accuracy. It is also important to know how well these patterns hold up across important factors affecting eyewitness ID accuracy such as memory strength for the perpetrator’s face. We conducted four pre-registered experiments to investigate these issues across different levels of target memory strength (via encoding time or image quality) and ID procedure (showups vs. lineups of different filler quality). Correct IDs were faster than false IDs regardless of memory strength, and this difference was greater for lineups than showups. There was a consistently strong positive CA relationship for those who made an ID, but the RTA relationship was significantly weaker. Both relationships were weaker for those who made a rejection decision, but the CA relationship remained stronger than the RTA relationship. We conclude that immediate confidence may be a more important reflector of accuracy than response time, regardless of the quality of the memory for the perpetrator’s face.