Browse Articles

Optimizing success rate with Nonlinear Mapping Control in a high-performance raspberry Pi-based light source target tracking system

This study addresses the limitations of linear mapping in two-dimensional gimbal control for moving target tracking, which results in significant control errors and slow response times. To overcome these issues, we propose a nonlinear mapping control method that enhances the success rate of light source target tracking systems. Using Raspberry Pi 4B and OpenCV, the control system performs real-time recognition of rectangular frames and laser spot images. The tracking system, which includes an OpenMV H7 Plus camera, captures and processes the laser spot path. Both systems are connected to an STM32F407ZGT6 microcontroller to drive a 42-step stepper motor with precise control. By adjusting the parameter c of the nonlinear mapping curve, we optimize the system's performance, balancing the response speed and stability. Our results show a significant improvement in control accuracy, with a miss rate of 3.3%, an average error rate of 0.188% at 1.25 m, and a 100% success rate in target tracking. The proposed nonlinear mapping control method offers substantial advancements in real-time tracking and control systems, demonstrating its potential for broader application in intelligent control fields.

Nightmare distress mediated the correlation between autobiographical memory specificity and depression

In this study, we explored whether nightmare distress mediated the correlation between autobiographical memory specificity and depression. 112 participants provided their most recent dreams that happened within one month, and finished some scales that measured depression, autobiographical memory specificity, and nightmare distress. In line with our hypothesis, nightmare distress was the mediator that played a role in the relationship between autobiographical memory specificity and depression. In addition, we found that both nightmare distress and autobiographical memory specificity were correlated with the impact of a dream on one’s life story. By contrast, contrary to our hypothesis, we did not find any correlation between autobiographical memory specificity, or nightmare distress, and dream bizarreness. Potential implications from these results were discussed.

2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND: The American Heart Association (AHA), in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and obesity) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose control, and metabolic syndrome) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The AHA Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, brain health, complications of pregnancy, kidney disease, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, sudden cardiac arrest, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, valvular disease, venous thromboembolism, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs). METHODS: The AHA, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States and globally to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2025 AHA Statistical Update is the product of a full year’s worth of effort in 2024 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and AHA staff members. This year’s edition includes a continued focus on health equity across several key domains and enhanced global data that reflect improved methods and incorporation of ≈3000 new data sources since last year’s Statistical Update. RESULTS: Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics. CONCLUSIONS: The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Effect of rabbit gastrointestinal stasis (RGIS) on the fecal microbiota of pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) gastrointestinal stasis syndrome (RGIS) is defined as reduced motility of any part of the digestive tract that can lead to impaction and death if left untreated. This study aimed to describe the effect of RGIS on the fecal microbiota of client-owned pet rabbits. Fecal samples from healthy rabbits and rabbits displaying RGIS were obtained and the symptomology of the rabbits was recorded along with any medical intervention. The health outcomes were as follows: 1) Healthy rabbits (Healthy, n = 21), and 2) Rabbits that displayed symptoms of RGIS, were treated, and recovered (RGIS, n = 22). The fecal samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to characterize the bacterial and eukaryotic microbial communities, respectively. In the 16S rRNA amplicon dataset, two bacterial genera were found in higher abundance in rabbits with RGIS: Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and an unclassified genus in the Enterobacteriaceae family. Likewise, five genera were found in higher abundance in healthy rabbits. The yeast Cyniclomyces guttulatus dominated the eukaryotic microbiota in all rabbits. RGIS is one of the most common issues in clinical practice. This study is the first to perform detailed characterization of the effects of RGIS on the domestic rabbit’s bacterial and eukaryotic fecal microbiota. The results demonstrate a significant change in the relative abundance of seven bacterial genera associated with RGIS. Future research is necessary to elucidate the potential role of these microorganisms in RGIS. In the long-term, treatments targeting the restoration of the physiological gastrointestinal microbiota should be developed.

Personalized Heart Digital Twins Detect Substrate Abnormalities in Scar-Dependent Ventricular Tachycardia

BACKGROUND: Current outcomes from catheter ablation for scar-dependent ventricular tachycardia (VT) are limited by high recurrence rates and long procedure durations. Personalized heart digital twin technology presents a noninvasive method of predicting critical substrate in VT, and its integration into clinical VT ablation offers a promising solution. The accuracy of the predictions of digital twins to detect invasive substrate abnormalities is unknown. We present the first prospective analysis of digital twin technology in predicting critical substrate abnormalities in VT. METHODS: Heart digital twin models were created from 18 patients with scar-dependent VT undergoing catheter ablation. Contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance images were used to reconstruct finite-element meshes, onto which regional electrophysiological properties were applied. Rapid-pacing protocols were used to induce VTs and to define the VT circuits. Predicted optimum ablation sites to terminate all VTs in the models were identified. Invasive substrate mapping was performed, and the digital twins were merged with the electroanatomical map. Electrogram abnormalities and regions of conduction slowing were compared between digital twin–predicted sites and nonpredicted areas. RESULTS: Electrogram abnormalities were significantly more frequent in digital twin–predicted sites compared with nonpredicted sites (468/1029 [45.5%] versus 519/1611 [32.2%]; P <0.001). Electrogram duration was longer at predicted sites compared with nonpredicted sites (82.0±25.9 milliseconds versus 69.7±22.3 milliseconds; P <0.001). Digital twins correctly identified 21 of 26 (80.8%) deceleration zones seen on isochronal late activation mapping. CONCLUSIONS: Digital twin–predicted sites display a higher prevalence of abnormal and prolonged electrograms compared with nonpredicted sites and accurately identify regions of conduction slowing. Digital twin technology may help improve substrate-based VT ablation. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT04632394.

The ancient and helical architecture of Elasmobranchii’s spermatozoa enables progressive motility in viscous environments

Subclass Elasmobranchii belongs to an old evolutionary class of Chondrichthyes that diverged 450 mya, presenting a wide diversity of reproductive strategies while preserving the ancient mode of internal fertilization. Despite such evolutionary success, many species in this group are at serious risk of extinction. Understanding the principles of sperm progressive motility and physiology of such an ancient group of vertebrates is crucial for advancing future assisted reproductive techniques to safeguard this species and for deepening our understanding of the evolution of reproduction. Elasmobranchii species possess big spermatozoa (compared to bony fishes) with an elongated helical head and tail similar to one currently existing (but later diverged) in birds, reptiles, and amphibians, which can be considered an evolutionary ancient. These structures may be associated with the necessity to penetrate viscous ovarian fluid or the jelly layer of eggs, suggesting environmental viscosity as the driving pressure shaping large-sized sperm heads into helical shapes through evolution. We observed spermatozoa motility with high-speed video microscopy to capture sperm and flagellar motion in three Elasmobranchii species: the freshwater ray Potamotrygon motoro, the marine skate Raja asterias and the shark Scyliorhinus canicula. We investigated the effect of viscosity on spermatozoa motility parameters and its ability to break free from spermatozeugmata, move progressively, and perform directional changes. After 20 min of observation, the spermatozeugmata conserved their structure in a low viscosity media of 1000 mOsm/kg osmolality. In comparison, no remaining structure of spermatozeugmata could be found in high-viscosity media with 2% methylcellulose (MC) in all three species due to progressive spermatozoa motion. We find that spermatozoa’s unique helical head-to-flagellum architecture is specific to promote locomotion in high-viscosity fluid; they cannot move progressively in low viscosity. The highest velocity for shark sperm was observed at 0.75% MC and 1% MC for ray and skate sperm. Viscosity stabilizes the flagellar propagation, producing rotational forces and allowing the helical head to “screw” into the media. Our observations suggest that the surrounding viscosity is critical to allowing spermatozoa progressive motility and enabling spermatozoa to control direction via newly observed head buckling in high viscosity. As such, the viscosity may be a key element controlling and regulating sperm performance and navigation during fertilization in the Elasmobranchii species.

New Stroke Awareness Campaign Focuses on Hispanic and Latino People: Culturally Relevant and Spanish-Language Resources Aim to Improve Health Knowledge and Equity

Sustainable care: How CSR shapes wellbeing in healthcare organizations in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou

This article investigates the link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) perceptions of employees and employee burnout, from a sustainable development point of view, in the healthcare system of China. It fills the void in conventional literature by analyzing the indirect effect of CSR on the health and well-being of health workers aligning with SDGs focused on health and wellbeing. To be able to address the crux of healthcare professionals’ burnout which can have far-reaching negative consequences for individual welfare and healthcare delivery, this research explores the linkages between CSR perceptions, employee burnout, happiness, psychological safety, and altruistic behavior. Data were obtained from 392 health care workers in three Chinese cities through a thrice-administered questionnaire that measures CSR perceptions of employees, burnout levels, happiness, safety perceptions, and altruistic motivations. It is seen that results show a strong link between CSR perceptions of employees and burnout reduction. Furthermore, the happiness and psychological safety of workers were expressed as mediators, with altruism playing the role of moderator. The above points highlight the need to adopt CSR strategies to promote employee well-being and combat burnout in the healthcare sector, which plays a vital role in global initiatives to attain SDGs related to good health and well-being, and sustainable development. Additionally, this research increases the debate on employee burnout based on their organization’s CSR perceptions and positive psychology theory as a lens, bringing up CSR as the key factor in the achievement of sustainable development and the improvement of well-being within healthcare settings.

Malignant ST-Segment–Elevation in a Young Man With Syncope: Important Clues Hidden in Diagnostic Traps

What women want to hear: the helpful and unhelpful comments reported by women struggling with infertility amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction Many women struggling with infertility report that they frequently experience unhelpful social interactions with well-meaning loved ones and healthcare providers, contributing to a reluctance to confide in others about their infertility and emotional distress. However, it remains unclear what interaction content women experience as ‘helpful’ versus ‘unhelpful,’ making it difficult to provide concrete recommendations to the public about how best to support individuals struggling with infertility. Methodology Eighty women from Canada and the United States (ages 20–45 years) whose fertility treatments had been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic were recruited via social media to complete an online survey, which included two open-ended questions about the most helpful and unhelpful social interactions they had had about their infertility. Two independent researchers conducted content analysis to identify categories of helpful and unhelpful social interactions. Results The following six categories were identified by women as helpful: 1) Listening, 2) Fostering hope, 3) Talking to individuals with lived experience, 4) Distraction, 5) Validating emotions, and 6) Tangible support. Responses about unsupportive interactions fell into four categories: 1) Toxic positivity, 2) Advice-giving, 3) Invalidation, and 4) Intruding. Sample quotes from each category are provided. Conclusion These findings provide valuable insights that can be used to develop future educational materials for the general public on how to interact with individuals experiencing infertility.

Correction to: Abstract 4139303: Temporal Trends in Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Cardiovascular Disease among Middle Eastern Immigrants in the National Health Interview Survey 2004-2018

Cardiology involvement and mortality in adult patients with advanced solid cancer complicated by atrial fibrillation

Background The association between comorbid atrial fibrillation (AF) and survival in adult patients with advanced solid cancer, as well as the impact of cardiology involvement in such patients, remains unclear. Methods This retrospective cohort study included adult patients diagnosed with advanced solid cancers. We calculated prevalence of AF in different cancer types and compared all-cause mortality between patients with and without AF. We further examined the association between cardiology involvement and mortality in the subset of participants with AF. Results Among the 1,349 adult patients with advanced solid cancer, 122 (9.0%) had AF. The risk of AF was the highest in lung and mediastinal cancer (15.6%). AF was associated with higher all-cause mortality, which became neutral after adjustment for age, sex, comorbidities, cancer types and cancer treatments (crude hazard ratio [HR] 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–1.75, p =  0.004; adjusted HR 1.08, 95%CI 0.84–1.39, p =  0.552). In those with AF, cardiology involvement was independently associated with lower all-cause mortality (age, sex, comorbidities, cancer types and cancer treatments-adjusted HR 0.50 [95%CI 0.28–0.88], p =  0.017), though the cumulative incidence of neither cardiovascular nor non-cardiovascular death differed significantly between patients who received cardiology care and those who did not. Conclusions In adult patients with advanced solid cancer, AF per se was not independently associated with increased mortality. Cardiology involvement in patients with advanced solid cancer and AF was linked to a better overall survival, but with low certainty that this finding is not attributable to unmeasured confounding.

State of the Heart (and Brain) in 2025

Structure-activity studies of bispyridinium antinicotinics to select candidates to treat soman intoxication as part of a combined therapy

The standard treatment of atropine and oximes is insufficiently effective against all organophosphorus nerve agents. Bispyridinium non-oxime nicotinic antagonists are promising components to add to treatments. One of these, MB327, improves the survival of guinea-pigs after intoxication with tabun, sarin or soman. We extend our previous study of unsubstituted bispyridinium non-oximes with C1 to C10 alkane linkers to analogues having 4-tert-butylpyridinium rings and the same linker range. We report their effects on nicotinic-mediated calcium responses in muscle-derived (CN21) cells where nicotinic responses were inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner. A clear structure-activity relationship resulted: the inhibitory potency increased as the linker lengthened. Previous data showed the inhibition of human acetylcholinesterase in vitro increased similarly and that in general the toxicity to mice increased accordingly. However, the shorter analogues MB327 (4-tert-butyl C3) and MB442 (unsubstituted C5) compared favourably in toxicity to some oximes used to treat nerve agent poisoning. Like MB327, the non-oxime MB442, selected by the process described, improved the survival of guinea-pigs intoxicated with soman when combined with hyoscine and physostigmine or atropine and avizafone. Our research has now afforded two compounds able to protect guinea-pigs against nerve agent toxicity through a mechanism not previously exploited deliberately for this purpose.

CXCL12 Derived From ACKR1 ⁺ Intraplaque Neovessels Mediates CD8 ⁺ T Cell Recruitment in Human Atherosclerosis

Accurate and efficient insulator maintenance: A DETR algorithm for drone imagery

With the increasing demand for electricity, the safety and stability of power grids become paramount, highlighting the critical need for effective maintenance and inspection. Insulators, integral to power grid maintenance as protective devices on outdoor high-altitude conductors, are often subject to suboptimal image quality during drone-based inspections due to adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, fog, and the challenges posed by sunlight, high-speed movement, and long-distance imaging. To address these challenges and achieve a more accurate inspection system, this manuscript introduces an insulator defect detection algorithm tailored for the low-quality images collected by drone-based imaging systems. Utilizing a patch diffusion model, high-quality images are obtained, enhancing the precision of insulator defect detection methods. Furthermore, to improve detection accuracy, we introduce an optimized DETR method that incorporates a Spatial Information Interaction Module to further strengthen the characteristics of minor defects. Additionally, a special convergence network is employed to augment the detection capabilities of the DETR. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed insulator detection technique has achieved a detection accuracy of 95.8%, significantly outperforming existing defect detection methods in complex environments. It overcomes the drawbacks of traditional methods by employing sophisticated computational models, leading to more efficient, economical, and secure maintenance and inspection of power grids.

Correction to: Abstract 4139285: Awareness of Myocardial Infarction and Stroke Symptoms Among Asian American Adults: Insights from the National Health Interview Survey 2014 and 2017

Identifying unmet palliative care needs of nursing home residents: A scoping review

Introduction Many nursing home residents do not receive timely palliative care despite their need and eligibility for such care. Screening tools as well as other methods and guidelines can facilitate early identification of nursing home residents unmet palliative care needs. Aim To map and summarise the evidence on identifying unmet palliative care needs of nursing home residents. Methods Any paper reporting on nursing home residents’ unmet palliative care needs were eligible for inclusion. CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, APA PsycINFO, and APA PsycArticles and grey literature were systematically searched over two months, February and March 2024. Data were extracted using data extraction forms. Data were synthesised using descriptive analysis and basic content analysis. Results Forty six records were included in this review. Nineteen methods, five screening tools, and four guidelines related to identifying residents unmet palliative care needs were identified. Most methods such as the Minimum Data Set and Palliative Care Needs Rounds were implemented as part of an intervention. Limited evidence was identified on what methods healthcare professionals use in daily practice. In total, 117 non-disease specific indicators for identifying residents unmet palliative care needs were identified, with physical indicators such as pain and weight loss being the most represented. Conclusion While developments have been made related to the concept of ‘unmet palliative care needs’, a clear definition is required. Evidence-based standardisation of methods for identifying unmet palliative care needs would ensure timely and equitable access to palliative care for nursing home residents worldwide. Achieving this goal requires incorporating screening for unmet palliative care needs into routine care.

Adapting C ₄ photosynthesis to atmospheric change and increasing productivity by elevating Rubisco content in sorghum and sugarcane

Meta-analyses and theory show that with rising atmospheric [CO 2 ], Rubisco has become the greatest limitation to light-saturated leaf CO 2 assimilation rates ( A sat ) in C 4 crops. So would transgenically increasing Rubisco increase A sat and result in increased productivity in the field? Here, we successfully overexpressed the Rubisco small subunit ( RbcS ) with Rubisco accumulation factor 1 ( Raf1 ) in both sorghum and sugarcane, resulting in significant increases in Rubisco content of 13 to 25% and up to 90% respectively. A sat increased 12 to 15% and Rubisco enzyme activity ~40% in three independent transgenic events of both species. Sorghum plants also showed increased speeds of photosynthetic induction and decreased bundle sheath leakiness. These improvements translated into average increases of 15.5% in biomass in field-grown sorghum and a 37 to 81% increase in greenhouse-grown sugarcane. This suggests a potential opportunity to achieve substantial increases in productivity of this key economically important clade of C 4 crops, future proofing their value under global atmospheric change.

Assessing and Addressing Cardiovascular and Obstetric Risks in Patients Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

The use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) is growing, both to assist individuals with infertility and for fertility preservation. Individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD), or risk factors for CVD, are increasingly using ART. Thus, knowing how to care for patients undergoing ART is important for the cardiovascular clinician. In this scientific statement, we review the ART process and known short-term and long-term risks associated with ART that can adversely affect patients with CVD. We review current knowledge on risks from ART for specific cardiac conditions and provide a suggested approach to evaluating and counseling patients with CVD contemplating ART as well as suggested management before and during the ART process. Individuals with CVD are at increased risk for pregnancy complications, and management of this unique population has been discussed previously. The focus of this scientific statement is on ART. Therefore, discussions on risk assessment, counseling, and management of individuals with CVD during pregnancy are limited, and established guidelines are referenced.