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CATransU-Net: Cross-attention TransU-Net for field rice pest detection

Accurate detection of rice pests in field is a key problem in field pest control. U-Net can effectively extract local image features, and Transformer is good at dealing with long-distance dependencies. A Cross-Attention TransU-Net (CATransU-Net) model is constructed for paddy pest detection by combining U-Net and Transformer. It consists of encoder, decoder, dual Transformer-attention module (DTA) and cross-attention skip-connection (CASC), where dilated residual Inception (DRI) in encoder is adopted to extract the multiscale features, DTA is added into the bottleneck of the model to efficiently learn nonlocal interactions between encoder features, and CASC instead of skip-connection between encoder/decoder is designed to model the multi-resolution feature representation. Compared with U-Net and Transformer, CATransU-Net can extract multiscale features through DRI and DTA, and enhance feature representation to generate high-resolution insect images through CASC and decoder. The experimental results on the large-scale multiclass IP102 and AgriPest benchmark datasets verify that CATransU-Net is effective for rice pest extraction with precision of 93.51%, about 2% more than other methods, especially 9.36% more than U-Net. The proposed method can be applied to the field rice pest detection system. Code is available at https://github.com/chenchenchen23123121da/CATransU-Net.

Correction: The miR-183/96/182 cluster regulates sensory innervation, resident myeloid cells and functions of the cornea through cell type-specific target genes

Correction: Correlation between novel inflammatory markers and carotid atherosclerosis: A retrospective case-control study

Solvent free spray coated n type PEDOT PSS thin film for high performance homojunction diode

Abstract Pristine PEDOT: PSS is a p-type material with salient features. However, studies have revealed that the electrical property of pristine PEDOT: PSS can be switched to n-type by solvent treatment. Notwithstanding that this method is simple, it performs inconsistently and primarily affects the samples’ surfaces due to the migration of the solvent molecules into the polymer network. These solvents are also hazardous and unfavourable to the environment. In this work, we report solvent-free switching electrical characteristics of pristine PEDOT: PSS to n-type using a spray coating technique. The obtained n-PEDOT: PSS exhibits excellent optical and electrical characteristics. In addition, high Seebeck coefficient of – 1320.06 ± 38.42 µVK−1 and power factor of 4.32 ± 0.25 µWm−1K−2 were found. The obtained n-PEDOT: PSS was used in the fabrication of a homojunction diode. The I-V curve showed rectification characteristics with rectification ratio and barrier height of 17.2 and 0.047 eV, respectively, which is one of the best reported values in the literature for all PEDOT: PSS-based diode.

Is AI powering Big Brother? Surveillance research is on the rise

Psychometric properties and factorial structure of the Spanish version of the HLS-EU-Q16 questionary in Venezuelan adults

Health literacy is a variable determined by personal skills and resources for information management and health-related decision making. Studies have shown that it positively influences health maintenance and disease prevention. To contribute to the lack of validated and adapted instruments in Latin America, this study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of the HLS-EU-Q16 questionnaire short version in Spanish, in Venezuelan adult population. A non-probabilistic intentional sample of 972 (mean age 41.55 years, SD = 15.64; 67.5% female) was surveyed using a cross-sectional design. Data analysis included exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), factorial invariance, assessment of internal consistency and group contrasting method according to educational level and economic capacity. The three-factor model showed the best fit to the data (X2/df = 1.52; CFI = .990; TLI = .988; SRMR = .056; RMSEA = .033) and such model remained invariant across sex. The internal consistency was adequate, with Alpha and Omega coefficients for the total scale (α = .88, ω = .88) and three factors: health care (α = .83, ω = .81), disease prevention (α = .73, ω = .73) and health promotion (α = .88, ω = .88). The results indicate that people with postgraduate studies report higher levels of health literacy and people who have borrowed money to buy food or medicines, who have stopped seeing their doctor or taking medicines due to lack of money have low levels of health literacy. The HLS-EU-Q16 questionnaire adapted to Venezuela is reliable, valid and easy to apply. Hence, it will be useful for measuring health literacy and generating preventive programs.

Elevated long-to-very-long-chain ceramide ratio correlates with disease severity in inflammatory bowel disease and primary sclerosing cholangitis

Abstract There is strong evidence that ceramides play a significant role in the pathology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and chronic liver injury. Long-chain (LC) and very long-chain (VLC) ceramides have opposing functions, yet the associations of circulating levels of ceramide species in patients with IBD and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)—as inflammatory biliary-hepatic disease closely linked to IBD— with disease severity remain poorly studied. This study investigates whether serum levels of ceramide (Cer) and hexosylceramide, a glycated ceramide derivative, are associated with disease severity in these conditions. Serum levels of eight ceramide and five hexosylceramide species were measured in 16 healthy controls, 57 patients with IBD, 7 patients with PSC, and 13 patients with PSC-IBD. Lipid levels were determined using direct flow injection analysis with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Patients with IBD exhibited higher levels of Cer 18:1;O2/16:0 and Cer 18:1;O2/18:0 compared to controls. Their LC/VLC ceramide ratio was elevated and positively correlated with C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin. However, ceramide and hexosylceramide levels were not associated with stool consistency, disease localization, or extra-intestinal manifestations. Patients with PSC and PSC-IBD also had increased LC/VLC ceramide ratios, primarily due to a decline in VLC ceramide species. In PSC-IBD, this ratio correlated positively with cholestasis markers. Additionally, serum hexosylceramide 18:1;O2/16:0 and 24:1 levels were specifically elevated in PSC. This study demonstrates that an altered LC/VLC ceramide balance is associated with disease severity in IBD, PSC-IBD, and PSC, highlighting its potential as a biomarker for IBD, PSC-IBD, and PSC. As our PSC cohorts were small, a confirmatory study is required.

Navigating pathways to develop self-compassion in sport, dance, and music: Qualitative insights from volunteer participants on balancing criticism and compassion, the pivotal influence of the social environment and strategies to overcome setbacks

Self-compassion has emerged as a valuable skill for performers, contributing to both their well-being and performance enhancement. However, the question remains: how can it be effectively integrated and cultivated within performers’ daily practice? This study examines the extent to which self-compassion is integrated by performers, its practical application, and the role of the social environment in shaping these skills. A total of 27 performers (athletes, dancers, and musicians), aged 14–27, practicing at a pre-professional level, participated in semi-structured interviews. These interviews explored performers’ responses to challenging situations during practice, the coping strategies employed, the use or non-use of self-compassion, and the influence of their social environment. Through a thematic analysis, six key themes emerged, each comprising subthemes: Explore your inner critic; Balance over-identification; Use strategies to overcome setbacks; Create a virtuous circle; Acknowledge your social environment; and, Learn about yourself. The findings revealed that performers continue to place significant emphasis on self-criticism, often neglecting self-kindness when most needed. Despite this, they recognize the benefits of self-compassion and report various strategies to manage difficulties. Additionally, the importance of the coach’s communication style and the performers’ desire to be better understood by their coach were emphasized. This qualitative study provides deeper insights into the experiences of performers and offers practical guidance on how self-compassion can be more effectively integrated into their daily practice.

Immunomodulation by extracorporeal ozone-based bactericide system in porcine Pseudomonas aeruginosa septic shock

Abstract Sepsis is associated with substantial mortality rates. Traditional treatment strategies often fail to address the underlying dysregulation in immune response, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches. Ozone (O3) is an inorganic molecule with no evident function in the body. We investigated the properties of ozone, using a system of extracorporeal ozone blood treatment in Pseudomonas aeruginosa septic shock. We hypothesized that extracorporeal ozonation would decrease bacteria in blood, have immunomodulating properties, and improve organ function. In this 4-h sepsis model swine were allocated to P. aeruginosa (PA-103, ATCC 29260, CCUG31589) infusion and ozone treatment (n = 7) or P. aeruginosa infusion and no ozone treatment (n = 6). Bacteria were infused in a peripheral vein. Mean (SD) duration of ozone treatment was 134 (67) min. A single pass through the system decreased viable P. aeruginosa by 53%, mean 2193 to 1023 colony forming units/mL, mean of differences -1170 (95% CI − 1689 to − 651, P < 0.0001). No difference in viable bacterial concentration was detected in peripheral venous blood between groups (P = 0.68). IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8 and IFN-γ decreased by ozonation. Classical and alternative complement pathways were not affected. Blood hemoglobin, hematocrit and noradrenaline doses decreased in the treatment group. Breathing frequency and pulmonary peak airway pressure decreased in the ozone treatment group. Median survival in ozone treatment was 134 min and no treatment 159 min, with no statistical difference. Extracorporeal ozone blood treatment modulated the immune response in P. aeruginosa septic shock, which decreased mostly proinflammatory cytokines and was associated with indications of decreased vascular permeability and improved lung function and warrants further investigation for potential use in clinical settings.

Cancer cells get power boost by stealing mitochondria from nerves

Altering gillnet soak duration and timing minimizes bycatch and maintains target catch

Seabirds are one of the most at-risk avian groups worldwide, and incidental catch in fishing practices is one of the top threats for seabirds globally. Seabirds that forage on fish through surface feeding, pursuit-diving, or plunge-diving are particularly vulnerable to bycatch. Bycatch mitigation solutions are therefore a vital component of global seabird conservation, but owing to the episodic nature of bycatch and its involvement of match-mismatch contingencies, results from existing efforts involving gear additions (e.g., lights, flags, or buoys) are highly varied and, at times, reduce target catch. Altering the time during which gear remains in the water and modifying fishing practices based on the activity patterns of target fish and seabirds is a promising option for bycatch mitigation. We experimentally tested best practices for the soak timing and duration of shallow-set gillnets used in the Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) bait fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. We compared catch, bycatch, and seabird activity among control (ca. 24 h) and short (ca. 12 h) set durations that were left to soak overnight or only during daylight hours. Target catch did not differ between control and short overnight sets but was greatly reduced during short daytime sets. Nearly all bycatch, including all seabird bycatch, occurred during the control sets. Seabirds associated with fishing vessels throughout the day. Since the catch of herring in gillnets occurs at night outside of most coastal seabirds’ foraging period, we recommend that fishers continue to haul their nets early every morning to minimize the time where shallow-set nets are filled with prey during daytime hours, thereby limiting seabird bycatch risk.

Unravelling the mechanism by which vildagliptin and linagliptin inhibit pyroptosis in lung injury through the NLRP3 inflammatory pathway in type 1 diabetic rats

Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM) represents a multifactorial condition linked to hyperglycemia, which, can lead to damage across multiple organs, including the lungs. Nod-like receptor protein-3 (NLRP3)- mediated pyroptosis could contribute to the onset of DM consequences. Several approaches have been established aimed to minimizing the complications associated with DM. Among these, linagliptin and vildagliptin, di-peptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, are known to exert not only antihyperglycemic effects but also additional beneficial biological activities. The current study investigated the impact of linagliptin and vildagliptin on pulmonary function, oxidative stress, and NLRP3-induced pyroptosis in rats. Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley rats were given a 7-day acclimatization period. A single intraperitoneal injection of freshly produced STZ (60 mg/kg) was utilized to develop DM type-1 in rats. Following STZ treatment, all rats were given a 5% glucose solution overnight. Blood glucose levels were monitored in overnight fasted rats 72 h later, with a threshold of 250 mg/dL or higher confirming the onset of DM. The diabetic rats were randomly allocated to treated daily with either vildagliptin (5 mg/kg/p.o.) or linagliptin (5 mg/kg/p.o.) for 30 days. Additionally, the typical control group received merely the vehicle. The findings revealed that vildagliptin improves pulmonary dysfunctions associated with DM by restoring glucose homeostasis, insulin, redox marker levels, and inflammatory indices. Additionally, the NLRP3-pyroptosis-mediated IL-1β was suppressed. Vildagliptin has been shown to mitigate the detrimental effects of diabetes mellitus (DM) on the lungs, as evidenced by a reduction in pathological lung alterations and a decrease in Caspase 3 expression, which is indicative of immunohistochemical changes. In conclusion, pyroptosis triggered by the NLRP3 inflammasome possibly exacerbate diabetic pulmonary injury in rats. Vildagliptin is superior to linagliptin in ameliorating diabetes-induced lung injury primarily via targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.

‘Wildest thing’: solar-powered slug steals chloroplasts and stores them for emergencies

Examining associations between medical fear and perceptions of provider trust, provider empathy, and medical mistrust among college-attending young adults

Objective The current study examined associations between various dimensions of medical fear (e.g., blood, mutilation, sharp objects, injection/blood draws, examinations/symptoms) and perceptions of provider trust, provider empathy, healthcare system mistrust, and attitudes toward medical care-seeking. Additionally, we explored the associations between different dimensions of medical fear and medical care engagement. Methods A convenience sample of 479 young adults (18–26 years) attending a large, urban Mid-Atlantic university completed a cross-sectional online survey during the fall of 2022 assessing medical fears, provider trust, perceptions of provider empathy, medical care-seeking attitudes, and medical mistrust. Participants with medical fears (n = 211) answered an additional open-ended question regarding medical care engagement. Multiple regression models were used to examine associations between medical fear dimensions and outcome measures. A binary logistic regression was performed to examine the likelihood of health care engagement based on different medical fear dimensions. Statistical significance was set at p < .05. Results Participants identified as 75.8% female (n = 363), 47.0% White (n = 219), and 25.7% (n = 122) reported having a chronic illness. Increasing levels of mutilation fear were significantly associated with lower ratings of provider trust (β = −.286, p < .001) and empathy (β = −.172, p = .010), as well as more medical mistrust (β = .227, p < .001). None of the five medical fear dimensions were significantly associated with medical engagement. Conclusions Findings highlight the role of mutilation fears in patient-provider relationships and views about the healthcare system in general. While these fears were not associated with medical care avoidance in our study, their association with patient-provider relationships may have implications for adherence to medical recommendations and health outcomes. Patient-centered collaborative care that takes medical fears into consideration may help strengthen patient-provider relationships and mitigate potential negative health outcomes.

Correction: Class I PI3K regulatory subunits control differentiation of dendritic cell subsets and regulate Flt3L mediated signal transduction

Bayesian hierarchical modeling of mucosal immune responses and growth efficiency in young animals: Demonstrating the superiority of data-dependent empirical priors

The transition from milk to solid food during the weaning period exposes young animals to significant dietary and environmental stressors, which can profoundly affect mucosal immune responses and overall growth efficiency. This paper introduces a novel Bayesian hierarchical model to comprehensively assess the complex interactions between diet, environmental factors, intestinal microbiota, and immune markers in young animals’ small intestines. The model integrates data at both individual and group levels, providing a robust framework to understand how these stressors influence immune responses and growth outcomes. This hierarchical Bayesian approach captures individual variability and group-level effects by employing sophisticated interaction terms and data-dependent empirical priors, offering high-resolution uncertainty quantification. The model’s novelty lies in its ability to synthesize multiple sources of variability, offering insights that are not achievable through traditional statistical models.

Halitosis among users of electronic nicotine delivery systems in a multi-center cross-sectional study

Effects of lifestyle on telomere length: A study on the Korean population

Telomere length is a known indicator of biological aging, typically decreasing with age. Biological age is a benchmark for assessing an individual’s health and aging. Correlations between telomere length and lifestyle factors have primarily been investigated from the perspective of a single variable and predominantly examined in postmenopausal women in Korea. This study aimed to analyze the effects of multiple lifestyle factors on telomere length in a diverse Korean population comprising 368 healthy adults (174 men and 194 women). We measured anthropometric and blood-related parameters and collected data on lifestyle-related factors, such as exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep, and stress, using surveys. Telomere length was quantified using monochrome multiplex quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and the relationship between lifestyle factors and telomere length was analyzed using correlation and regression analyses (p-value <0.10). Our findings indicated that telomere age, derived from telomere length, significantly increased with each adverse lifestyle factor. For men, significant contributors included exercise, smoking, and stress, whereas for women, significant contributors were exercise, alcohol consumption, sleep, and stress. The results showed that lifestyle and biological age considerably affected telomere age and accelerated the aging process. These results emphasize the importance of lifestyle in the management of biological aging.

Predicting flexural strength of hybrid FRP-steel reinforced beams using symbolic regression and ML techniques

Abstract Hybrid fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) and steel reinforced concrete (hybrid FRP-steel RC) beams have gained recognition for their exceptional flexural performance, surpassing that of beams reinforced exclusively with FRP bars (FRP-RC). However, current design guidelines, such as ACI 440.11–22, fail to accurately predict the flexural strength of these hybrid systems. This study aims to enhance the predictive accuracy and interpretability of flexural strength models by applying advanced computational approaches—specifically, machine learning (ML) techniques and symbolic regression. A robust dataset of 134 experimental data points was utilized to develop predictive models. The prediction results showed that both ML and symbolic regression models significantly outperformed the ACI 440.11–22 equations, achieving lower errors (MAE, MAPE, RMSE) and higher accuracy (R2). The results demonstrate that the ML models—Gaussian process regression (GPR), NGBoost, and CatBoost—achieved high predictive accuracy, with mean R2 values approaching 1.0 and MAPE% as low as 5.19 (training) and 11.51 (testing) for GPR. Furthermore, symbolic regression yielded a transparent mathematical expression with a mean prediction ratio (µ) of 1.003, a CoV of 0.139, and a MAPE% of 11.08. These findings highlight the practical and technical advantages of symbolic regression in developing reliable, interpretable, and efficient design equations for hybrid FRP-steel RC beams.

The economic effects of federal cuts to US science — in 24 graphs