Early Stage Research Articles

Phonetic and Phonological Research in Mai-Ndombe: A Few Preliminary Notes on Rhotics and Double-Articulations

Mai-Ndombe is one of the southwestern provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ecologically, it can be characterised as a transition zone between a moist, broadleaf rainforest ecotone in the north and shrubland/savannah areas in the south. Linguistically, Mai-Ndombe, along with the rest of southwestern Congo all the way down to the border with Angola, is among the least well-surveyed areas of the planet. Within its borders, several different Bantu (Guthrie’s zones B, C, and H) varieties are spoken, near the newly identified West-Coastal Bantu homeland, itself a hot spot of phonological diversity unlike any other in the West-Coastal Bantu domain. Phonetic and phonological accounts of its languages are particularly lacking (apart from impressionistic “grey literature” reports which seldom comply with the standards of present-day phonetic and phonological inquiry). This gap is particularly concerning as Mai-Ndombe is also an area of great anthropological diversity, with numerous hunter-gatherer Twa communities living deep in its eastern and northern forests. Their lects, collectively known as Lotwa, are severely endangered, as they face the threats of social stigma and the growing use of national and regional linguae francae. As part of the author’s doctoral project (still underway), phonetic data were collected in the area between May and July 2021, specifically in Inongo (the provincial capital) and Nioki. The present contribution is intended as a brief note on the relevant results produced so far, mainly bearing on the analysis of some phenomena of interest in the languages of the region, including Sakata rhotics and labial–velars and the presence of unusual trilling/flapping realisations in Lotwa. The picture yielded by this preliminary exploration is one of striking phonetic and phonological variation, possibly pointing to earlier stages of greater linguistic diversity than previously supposed. It is also tentatively proposed that one of the specific characteristics of the phenomena attested in the present contribution is that they tend to affect more than one language at a time, working rather as areal “phonetic possibilities” than language-bound outcomes of traditional sound change rules; in this sense, it is suggested that in-depth documentation and description can help broaden our understanding of how language contact works in highly multilingual contexts.

IStar Goal Model to Z Formal Model Translation and Model Checking of CBTC Moving Block Interlocking System

The reliability and safety of complex software systems are provided by extracting safety requirements from regulations and operational environments and later specifying these requirements precisely. At the early stage, these extracted safety requirements are informal. Typically, they cope with non-functional requirements. Analysis of early requirements using traditional methods is inadequate because these methods only focus on the WHAT dimension but do not address the WHY dimension of requirements engineering. In this article, we are using a goal-oriented modeling method called iStar to confront these issues. To ensure that the software system developed fulfills the requirements specified in the early phase, it is necessary to integrate early-phase requirements with late-phase requirements. To accomplish this task, in this article, we use the Z formal method to integrate early-phase requirements with late-phase requirements. This integration synergistically resolves the above issues. As a case study, we use the CBTC moving block interlocking system to illustrate the synergy of the iStar and Z combination on complex software systems. Finally, we verify the developed formal model against LTL safety properties using the ProZ model checking tool.

Increased connections among soil microbes and microfauna enhances soil multifunctionality along a long‐term restoration chronosequence

Abstract The functional role of soil microbes in the restoration of degraded lands is greatly influenced by interactions within and between microbial communities, as well as by soil organisms at higher trophic levels (microfauna). However, little is known about how changes in connection patterns among soil microbes and their co‐existing microfauna contribute to associated changes in soil function over the ecosystem restoration process. In this study, the effects of afforestation and natural regeneration approaches on connection patterns among soil microbes and their co‐existing microfauna were assessed in ex‐arable lands on the Loess Plateau in China along a 50‐year restoration chronosequence. The relationships between soil network connections, microbial functional associations, and multiple soil functions (e.g. multifunctionality) were assessed quantitatively. Although both afforestation and natural regeneration approaches enhance connections among soil microbes and their co‐existing microfauna compared to recently abandoned sites, connection trends were opposed between these two approaches across the restoration chronosequence. Afforestation resulted in a higher number of soil microbial and microfauna species with a unimodal connection pattern, while natural regeneration resulted in a continuous increase in soil network connections over the progress of succession. These increases in soil network connections, particularly those of soil microfauna‐microbe and microbial inter‐kingdom connections, corresponded to enhanced microbial functional associations. This result is corroborated by significant correlations between microbial functional genes encoding different central functional pathways, which, in turn, were positively correlated with soil multifunctionality. Synthesis and applications. Changes in the connections among soil microbes and their co‐existing microfauna were positively associated with changes in soil multifunctionality, mediated by microbial functional associations. While in the early restoration stages, soil networks following afforestation contained more connections than those following natural regeneration, in later restoration stages, the number of connections of the afforestation network declined and was eventually surpassed by those following natural regeneration. These findings raise concerns about the ecological sustainability of afforestation measures in historic grasslands on the Loess Plateau, suggesting that natural regeneration is the preferred approach to achieve long‐term ecological restoration success.

Uncovering a multitude of stage-specific splice variants and putative protein isoforms generated along mouse spermatogenesis.

Mammalian testis is a highly complex and heterogeneous tissue. This complexity, which mostly derives from spermatogenic cells, is reflected at the transcriptional level, with the largest number of tissue-specific genes and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) compared to other tissues, and one of the highest rates of alternative splicing. Although it is known that adequate alternative-splicing patterns and stage-specific isoforms are critical for successful spermatogenesis, so far only a very limited number of reports have addressed a detailed study of alternative splicing and isoforms along the different spermatogenic stages. In the present work, using highly purified stage-specific testicular cell populations, we detected 33,002 transcripts expressed throughout mouse spermatogenesis not annotated so far. These include both splice variants of already annotated genes, and of hitherto unannotated genes. Using conservative criteria, we uncovered 13,471 spermatogenic lncRNAs, which reflects the still incomplete annotation of lncRNAs. A distinctive feature of lncRNAs was their lower number of splice variants compared to protein-coding ones, adding to the conclusion that lncRNAs are, in general, less complex than mRNAs. Besides, we identified 2,794 unannotated transcripts with high coding potential (including some arising from yet unannotated genes), many of which encode unnoticed putative testis-specific proteins. Some of the most interesting coding splice variants were chosen, and validated through RT-PCR. Remarkably, the largest number of stage-specific unannotated transcripts are expressed during early meiotic prophase stages, whose study has been scarcely addressed in former transcriptomic analyses. We detected a high number of yet unannotated genes and alternatively spliced transcripts along mouse spermatogenesis, hence showing that the transcriptomic diversity of the testis is considerably higher than previously reported. This is especially prominent for specific, underrepresented stages such as those of early meiotic prophase, and its unveiling may constitute a step towards the understanding of their key events.

Identification of candidate RXLR effectors from downy mildew of foxtail millet pathogen Sclerospora graminicola and functional analysis of SG_RXLR41

AbstractDowny mildew caused by Sclerospora graminicola is a systemic disease that affects the yield and quality of foxtail millet. This obligate biotrophic oomycete manipulates host physiology and immune processes through numerous effectors. A thorough comprehension of effector biology is crucial to unravel disease mechanisms and understand host plant resistance. In this study, bioinformatic analyses revealed 498 potentially secreted proteins in S. graminicola, of which 62 were identified as RXLR effectors; 46 RXLR‐encoding genes exhibited upregulated expression during the early stages of infection. To elucidate the functions of these secreted proteins, a heterogeneous expression system was developed using Nicotiana benthamiana. Twenty‐one RXLR effectors secreted by S. graminicola were transiently expressed in N. benthamiana, of which four could suppress INF1‐triggered cell death. Various defence responses in N. benthamiana were attenuated, including inhibition of defence gene expression, reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and diminished callose deposition. The expression of SG_RXLR41 also enhanced the growth of Phytophthora capsici on N. benthamiana leaves. These findings indicate that S. graminicola facilitates infection and expansion through the secretion of multiple RXLR effectors, and SG_RXLR41 is an important virulence‐related effector that is involved in manipulating plant immunity by suppressing cell death.

Prevalence of new-onset diabetes mellitus after kidney transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Post-transplant diabetes is a prevalent and consequential complication following kidney transplantation, which significantly augments the risk of cardiovascular disease, graft loss, infection, and mortality, thereby profoundly impacting both graft and patient survival. However, the early stages of post-transplant diabetes often go unnoticed or receive inadequate management. Consequently, this study systematically assesses the incidence of new-onset diabetes after kidney transplantation with the aim to enhance medical staff awareness regarding post-transplantation diabetes and provide clinical management guidance. We conducted a comprehensive search across multiple databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed until September 21, 2023. Data extraction was performed using standardized tables and meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 16.0 software. A random effects model was employed to estimate the combined prevalence along with its corresponding 95% confidence interval. The source of heterogeneity was explored using subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis, while publication bias was assessed through funnel plot and Egger's test. This study has been registered with PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42023465768. This meta-analysis comprised 39 studies with a total sample size of 16,584 patients. The prevalence of new-onset diabetes after transplantation was found to be 20% [95% CI (18.0, 22.0)]. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on age, gender, body mass index, family history of diabetes, type of kidney donor, immunosuppressive regimen, acute rejection episodes, hepatitis C infection status and cytomegalovirus infection. The incidence of post-kidney transplantation diabetes is substantial, necessitating early implementation of preventive and control measures to mitigate its occurrence, enhance prognosis, and optimize patients' quality of life. PROSPERO: CRD42023465768.

Anticipated and achieved individual mobility amongst Portuguese immigrants in Switzerland: Social identity adjustment and inter-minority relations

Socially mobile minority members (i.e., those who acquire a higher status membership) adjust their social identities, and eventually show negative attitudes towards minorities, as compared to non-mobile members. We examined whether these changes could be understood as the result of individual mobility achievements, or if they already occur at an earlier stage of the mobility process, when individuals are motivated and thus psychologically anticipate achieving mobility. In two studies, we looked at Portuguese immigrants in Switzerland (Ns = 180 and 241) at three mobility stages, that is, (1) Swiss naturalized Portuguese immigrants (socially mobile), (2) non-naturalized Portuguese who strongly wished to be naturalized (high anticipators), and (3) those who wished it less (low anticipators). First, we hypothesized a progressive assimilation to (distancing from) the Swiss (Portuguese) identity and culture (from the low anticipators to the high anticipators to the mobile). As expected, increasing levels of individual mobility were associated with stronger identification with Swiss identity and adoption of the Swiss culture. Conversely, increasing levels of individual mobility were associated with gradual distancing from the Portuguese culture, but against expectations, not with disidentification from the Portuguese identity. Second, we investigated how individual mobility stages were associated with a progressive deterioration of inter-minority relations. Results showed that increasing levels of individual mobility were not associated with more negative attitudes toward immigration (Study 1) but with less collective action intentions (Study 2). We discuss the consequences of anticipated and achieved individual mobility on asymmetric intergroup relations and support for social change.

HER2 and PD-L1 Expression in Gastric and Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer: Insights for Combinatorial Targeting Approaches.

Gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinomas (GA/GEJA) are associated with a poor prognosis, primarily due to late disease diagnosis. Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression are important biomarkers for treatment selection in locally advanced unresectable and metastatic GA/GEJA, and there is increasing interest in their role in earlier stages of disease. In this study, we aimed to evaluate HER2 and PD-L1 expression in a curative-intent GA/GEJA cohort to describe their expression patterns and analyze the association between HER2 expression and clinicopathological features. HER2 expression was evaluated in surgical and endoscopic submucosal dissection tumor samples, and PD-L1 was evaluated in HER2-positive cases. The clinical cohort included 107 patients, with 8.4% testing positive for HER2 (seven of whom also exhibited a PD-L1 combined positive score of ≥1. HER2 status was not significantly associated with survival outcomes. A pathologist-guided, region-specific analysis revealed that PD-L1 expression rarely overlaps with HER2-positive tumor areas. While the therapeutic implications of these observations remain unknown, these findings suggest that combination strategies targeting HER2 and PD-L1 might be directed toward distinct tumor subclones. The herein disclosed region-specific biomarker expression patterns may have important therapeutic and prognostic impacts, warranting further evaluation.

Unveiling synergistic QTLs associated with slow wilting in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.)

Key messageA stable QTL qSW_Gm10 works with a novel locus, qSW_Gm01, in a synergistic manner for controlling slow-wilting traits at the early vegetative stage under drought stress in soybean.Drought is one of the major environmental factors which limits soybean yield. Slow wilting is a promising trait that can enhance drought resilience in soybean without additional production costs. Recently, a Korean soybean cultivar SS2-2 was reported to exhibit slow wilting at the early vegetative stages. To find genetic loci responsible for slow wilting, in this study, quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was conducted using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from crossing between Taekwangkong (fast-wilting) and SS2-2 (slow-wilting). Wilting score and leaf moisture content were evaluated at the early vegetative stages for three years. Using the ICIM-MET module, a novel QTL on Chr01, qSW_Gm01 was identified, together with a previously known QTL, qSW_Gm10. These two QTLs were found to work synergistically for slow wilting of the RILs under the water-restricted condition. Furthermore, the SNP markers from the SoySNP50K dataset, located within these QTLs, were associated with the wilting phenotype in 30 diverse soybean accessions. Two genes encoding protein kinase 1b and multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 were proposed as candidate genes for qSW_Gm01 and qSW_Gm10, respectively, based on a comprehensive examination of sequence variation and gene expression differences in the parental lines under drought conditions. These genes may play a role in slow wilting by optimally regulating stomatal aperture. Our findings provide promising genetic resources for improving drought resilience in soybean and give valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms governing slow wilting.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Diabetic Patients About Symptoms of Hypoglycaemia in Atbara Teaching Hospital, December 2022 – October 2023

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, which can increase the risk of micro and macro vascular complications. Hypoglycemia strongly associated with increase mortality in diabetic patients. The American Diabetes Association defines the hypoglycaemia as “any abnormally low plasma glucose concentration that exposes the subject to potential harm”, and proposes a threshold of <70 mg/dl. Prevention of hypoglycaemia can occur if much efforts spent in patient education regarding risk factors, food & physical activity, warning signs, and treatment of hypoglycaemia at an early stage. Objective: To identify Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Diabetic patients about symptoms of Hypoglycaemia at Atbara teaching hospital. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study done in Atbara teaching hospital, River Nile state, Sudan. From December 2022 – October 2023. The study population were all diabetic patients who presented to the hospital during the period of the study. Exclusion criteria was severely ill patient or those who refuse to participate in the study. With total coverage sample size was 200. The data was collected by interviewing the respondents through close ended questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed by using SPSS. Result: The male to female ratio equal one. With the predominant age between 20 to 35. Most of the participants HBA1c were between 7%-10%. The duration of diabetes was not exceeding 10 years in 44% of the participants. Majority were on oral hypoglycemic drugs with good adherence to it. Tremor is the most reported symptoms of hypoglycemia. With most of the participants deal with the symptoms by them self. Conclusion: Over all the participants show acceptable level of knowledge toward hypoglycemia. Expressed through that most of them deal with the symptoms immediately by them self. Attitude of the participant need to be more investigated in the future with further studies.

Inspiratory muscle endurance is similarly reduced in the early and late stages of chronic Chagas heart disease.

Inspiratory muscle strength (IMS) appears to be reduced in subjects with chronic Chagas heart disease (CHD), especially in the presence of heart failure (HF). However, only one study about IMS and inspiratory muscle endurance (IME) in those with CHD without heart failure is available. This study aimed to compare IMS and IME in subjects with CHD in the presence and absence of HF. This is a cross-sectional study in which 30 CHD adult patients were divided into CHD-CC group (initial phase of CHD, without HF; n = 15) and CHD-HF group (advanced phase of CHD, with HF; n = 15). We assessed IMS by maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and IME by incremental (Pthmax) and constant load (TLim) tests. Reduced IMS and IME were considered by predicted MIP values <70% and Pthmax/MIP <75%, respectively. Inspiratory muscle weakness (IMW) was more frequent in CHD-HF than in CHD-CC (46.7% vs. 13.3%; p = 0.05), and both groups had high frequencies of reduced IME (93.3% CHD-CC vs. 100.0% CHD-HF; p = 0.95). Age-adjusted logistic regression analysis using HF as a dependent variable showed that HF was associated with an increased chance of IMW compared with the CHD-CC group (OR = 7.47; p = 0.03; 95% CI 1.20-46.19). This study suggests that, in patients with CHD, HF is associated with IMW, and that reduction of IME is already present in the initial phase, similar to the advanced phase with HF.

Abstract P407: Decreased Peripheral Mitochondrial Respiration in Pre-Adolescent Hispanic Children With Hepatic Steatosis

Introduction: Mitochondria plays a significant role in the functioning of the liver. Its function and structure have been associated with diseases outside the organelle by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing generalized oxidative stress, improper function to several metabolic pathways, and perpetuating a pro-inflammatory state in conditions like obesity, diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These diseases are on the rise and increase future atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Little is known regarding the pathophysiology of the earliest stages of hepatic steatosis, although mitochondrial dysfunction has been shown in later stages. In young children with and without MASLD, we aimed to measure mitochondrial respiration and compare it to hepatic steatosis and other cardiometabolic parameters. The hypothesis of the sub-study was that children with MASLD will have a decreased mitochondrial function compared with healthy children. Methods: We report data on 9 subjects, (all Latino subjects, mean age of 8.1 years, mean BMIp of 78%) who participated in screening for an ongoing clinical trial (ClinicalTrials No. NCT05292352). After consent and assent, procedures included drawing whole blood and transferring it immediately to the lab. Monocyte isolation was performed using RosetteSep™ Cocktail and measurement of fatty acid oxidation and glycolysis using the Seahorse Bioscience XFp extracellular flux analyzer. We measured the Oxygen Consumption Rate (OCR) as a proxy for mitochondrial respiration. Association with the mitochondrial parameters was evaluated with the percentage of hepatic steatosis (Hepafat), levels of ALT, insulin, and BMI percentile (BMIp). Data were analyzed using the R software program version 4.2.3 Results: Mean hepatic steatosis (HS) was 5.97% with a low of 2.4% and a high of 13%. The mean OCR for the subjects without MASLD (n=4, HS ≤5% by MRI) was 404.64 and the mean for subjects with MASLD (n=5, HS ≥5% by MRI) was 349.88. The mean OCR of subjects with a normal, overweight, and obese BMIp was 441.58, 397.45, 309.08, respectively. We found peripheral mitochondrial respiration tends to decrease as hepatic steatosis, BMIp, ALT and insulin levels increase. Conclusion: Hepatic steatosis is associated with decreased mitochondrial respiration and perhaps perpetuates an inflammatory state at very young ages in this vulnerable population. More subjects from the NAFLD prevention study will increase the significance of the study in the future.

Disruption of Fuz in mouse embryos generates hypoplastic hindbrain development and reduced cranial nerve ganglia.

The brain and spinal cord formation is initiated in the earliest stages of mammalian pregnancy in a highly organized process known as neurulation. Environmental or genetic interferences can impair neurulation, resulting in clinically significant birth defects known collectively as neural tube defects. The Fuz gene encodes a subunit of the CPLANE complex, a macromolecular planar polarity effector required for ciliogenesis. Ablation of Fuz in mouse embryos results in exencephaly and spina bifida, including dysmorphic craniofacial structures due to defective cilia formation and impaired Sonic Hedgehog signaling. We demonstrate that knocking Fuz out during embryonic mouse development results in a hypoplastic hindbrain phenotype, displaying abnormal rhombomeres with reduced length and width. This phenotype is associated with persistent reduction of ventral neuroepithelial stiffness in a notochord adjacent area at the level of the rhombomere 5. The formation of cranial and paravertebral ganglia is also impaired in these embryos. This study reveals that hypoplastic hindbrain development, identified by abnormal rhombomere morphology and persistent loss of ventral neuroepithelial stiffness, precedes exencephaly in Fuz ablated murine mutants, indicating that the gene Fuz has a critical function sustaining normal neural tube development and neuronal differentiation.

Crystallisation of trapped carbonate–silicate melts terminating at the carbonated solidus ledge: a record of carbon immobilisation mechanism in the lithospheric mantle

Orogenic peridotites in the crystalline basement of the northwestern Bohemian Massif contain multiphase solid inclusions (MSI), which are interpreted to be crystallisation products of trapped former carbonate–silicate melts metasomatizing their host rocks. We applied conventional thermobarometry and forward thermodynamic modelling to constrain the P–T evolution ranging from the peak metamorphic conditions of the investigated harzburgite and lherzolite, through entrapment of the melts in the outer parts of garnets, to the (re)-equilibration of the MSI assemblages. The peak conditions of c. 1100 °C/4.5–5.5 GPa are recorded by garnet cores and large pyroxene porphyroclasts. The melt entrapment, during which garnet outer parts grew, was associated with influx of the metasomatizing liquids and probably took place during the early stage of the exhumation. Thermodynamic model of amphibole-free MSI assemblage comprising kinoshitalite/Ba-rich phlogopite (approximated by phlogopite in the model), dolomite, magnesite, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, garnet and chromite provided robust estimate of P and T of its (re)-equilibration, c. 900–1000 °C, 1.8–2.2 GPa. Furthermore, the lack of olivine reflects co-existence of COH fluid with high X(CO2) = CO2/(CO2 + H2O) ≥ 0.6. Models employing identical P–T–X(CO2) parameters successfully reproduced the other two amphibole-bearing assemblages observed. The modelled stability fields show perfect alignment with a characteristic isobaric segment of the solidus curve of carbonated peridotite. This co-incidence implies that the (re)-equilibration corresponds to the termination of the melt crystallisation once the near-isothermal exhumation path intersected the solidus. Decreased solubility of silicates at the carbonated peridotite “solidus ledge”, inferred from the published experimental data, as well as concentric textures of some MSI indicates sequential crystallisation from the early silicates to late dolomite. The carbonated “solidus ledge” is a relatively narrow boundary in the lithospheric mantle capable of an abrupt immobilisation of fluxing or transported carbonated melts. The investigated rocks are estimated to store approximately 0.02 kg C/m3 (or 6 ppm C) occurring as carbonates in the MSI.

Molecular Pathology of Pancreatic Cystic Lesions with a Focus on Malignant Progression.

The malignant progression of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) remains understudied with a knowledge gap, yet its exploration is pivotal for effectively stratifying patient risk and detecting cancer at its earliest stages. Within this review, we delve into the latest discoveries on the molecular level, revealing insights into the IPMN molecular landscape and revised progression model, associated histologic subtypes, and the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis and malignant progression of IPMN. Low-grade PCLs, particularly IPMNs, can develop into high-grade lesions or invasive carcinoma, underscoring the need for long-term surveillance of these lesions if they are not resected. Although KRAS and GNAS remain the primary oncogenic drivers of neoplastic development in IPMNs, additional genes that are important in tumorigenesis have been recently identified by whole exome sequencing. A more complete understanding of the genes involved in the molecular progression of IPMN is critical for effective monitoring to minimize the risk of malignant progression. Complicating these strategies, IPMNs are also frequently multifocal and multiclonal, as demonstrated by comparative molecular analysis. Algorithms for preoperative cyst sampling and improved radiomic techniques are emerging to model this spatial and temporal genetic heterogeneity better. Here, we review the molecular pathology of PCLs, focusing on changes associated with malignant progression. Developing models of molecular risk stratification in PCLs which can complement radiologic and clinical features, facilitate the early detection of pancreatic cancer, and enable the development of more personalized surveillance and management strategies are summarized.

Retinal Disease Classification using Deep Learning

Retinal disease, which consist a varying range of eye disorders, can be a serious and alarming threat to vision and ocular health. Timely diagnosis is the most important as in early stages it is easier to plan the treatment and intervention. In recent years, the involvement of the deep learning methodologies into the field of ophthalmology has been realized through medical imaging that has revolutionized the ophthalmology study. This research investigates the use of deep learning methods that help in classification of retinal diseases through high-resolution cadaver images. The focus of this work is providing an entirely operational and cutting-edge system for retinal disease classification using deep learning covering the main technical challenges and issues on ethics. The made model is a major advancement in the process of detecting retinal diseases with the aim of improving the quality and efficiency of the eye care. The model is also expected to improve patient outcomes. Keywords: Re-winding, health classification, deep learning, RNN.

Current State And Trends In The Incidence Of Chronic Kidney Disease Among Adult Population And Opportunities For Its Prevention And Treatment In Moscow Healthcare Organizations

Introduction. Currently, the incidence of kidney diseases among adult population is growing. It is expected to become the fifth leading cause of death by 2040. Showing no symptoms at early stages, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is closely related to diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity and kidney dysfunction in older age, which requires long-term and expensive treatment. Organization structure and the strategy of medical care provided by Moscow nephrology service is aimed at implementing measures for risk prevention and active early detection of kidney disease, as well as informing general population and medical community about existing diagnostic methods, modern treatment options and schemes.&#x0D; The purpose of the study was to identify trends in CKD prevalence and incidence among able-bodied population in the context of Moscow nephrology service improvement. &#x0D; Materials and Methods. An analysis of disease prevalence and incidence among able-bodied population based on official statistics data of the Russian Research Institute of Health (RIH) of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation and the Centre of Medical Statistics of Moscow Healthcare Department was carried out; indicators of time series and average growth/decrease rates were calculated. In order to identify a long-term trend, least squares method was used. Incidence rates were expressed per 100,000 able-bodied population.&#x0D; Results. In 2022, the overall disease prevalence in Moscow was lower than for the country as a whole (31.3 and 74.2 cases per 100,000 population, respectively), while incidence of the able-bodied population in Moscow was lower than countrywide (2.9 and 11.5 cases per 100,000 population, respectively). The long-term dynamics of CRD prevalence and incidence was generally characterized by an upward trend. Thus, the average annual incidence in Moscow was 9.8% and 6.1%, while in the Russian Federation 7.2% and 5.4%, respectively. On average, 91.3% of able-bodied patients with CKD in Moscow are under follow-up monitoring for a year. The number of dispensary patients with CKD increased by 2.5 times in 2022 in comparison to 2013, from 11.7 to 29.5 per 100,000 population, respectively. Since 2016, patients with newly diagnosed CKD have been provided with 100% coverage of follow-up monitoring.

Prediction of the impact of ecological restoration technology on the restoration of heavy metal pollution in agricultural soil

ABSTRACT Heavy metal in agricultural soils increases its contamination and infertility in a due course of time. The vast expansion of industrialization along the agricultural soils has led to such adverse effects impacting vegetation. Several existing learning techniques are utilized to analyze the contamination in agricultural soil; however, the learning process consumes a high restoration error rate. This article introduces a Concentration-specific Restoration Prediction Technique (CRPT) for heavy metal-exposed agricultural soils. This technique relies on the heavy metal level present in different soil types for assessing its adverse impact. The vegetation failures and infertility progressions are accounted for by the continuous recurrent learning for predicting its restoration age. The restoration procedures preferred in the earlier stages are used for training the recurrent neural network. Based on the more feasible restoration method, the failure and infertility are validated for achieving a maximum prediction value. The learning process accounts for soil type, crop resistance, and climatic factors for holding restoration procedures. Therefore, the learning process performs restoration prediction along with resistance analysis for progressive restoration prediction. The least possible prediction value is validated using different training inputs for matching outputs. This technique is reliable in detecting pollution possibility with maximum restoration prediction (9.41%) and less training error (14.53%).

Double-layer multi-criteria group decision-making approach using neutralized possibility degree-based decision matrix with fuzzy information

Multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) problems are fundamentally characterized by uncertainty and ambiguity. The quantification of such data is vital for determining the most optimal course of action. In this paper, a double-layer possibility degree-based interval-valued q-rung orthopair fuzzy sets (IVq-ROFSs) Vlsekriterijumska Optimizacija i Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) approach is presented. First, the possibility degrees of IVq-ROFSs are calculated and processed to establish a new neutralized decision matrix. Second, the components of the new decision matrix are taken into account for obtaining a new pair of positive and negative ideal solutions. The utility and regret measures in the VIKOR approach are ultimately determined by combining criteria weights and cumulative possibility degrees to rank the alternatives. The results of the study show that the proposed approach contributes to acquiring accurate alternative rankings in situations where traditional approaches have had difficulty generating ranks. Also, by eliminating the early normalization stage, which has a direct impact on the final ranking, the proposed approach concludes a unique ranking for each decision-making problem. Several comparative and sensitivity analysis are also conducted to exhibit robustness and applicability of the proposed approach in real world.

Vegetation response to climate changes in the eastern Arctic during the Middle Gelasian age of the Early Pleistocene

Palynological analysis of sediments from El'gygytgyn Lake document vegetation changes in the Eastern Arctic from early marine isotope stage (MIS) 74 to late MIS 80 (c.2.1–1.9 MA) and close the last remaining gap in the El'gygytgyn pollen record. Cooler climates were characterized by a mix of Larix forest-tundra, shrub Betula tundra, and herb-dominated communities. During interglaciations, Larix forests with tree Betula and Alnus, and perhaps with a minor component of Picea and tree Pinus, characterized areas that today are tundra. These forests included a rich shrub understory of Betula, Duschekia, Salix, and Pinus pumila. Although MIS 77 has been considered a “super” interglaciation, the data do not indicate that this stage was exceptionally warm. Interstadial conditions are denoted by pollen assemblages that indicate the regional vegetation was dominated by Larix forest -tundra and an absence of Pinus pumila. The palynological results from this Early Pleistocene interval demonstrate the need to: 1) modify the El'gygytgyn age model; 2) reevaluate the relationship of sediment facies to climate change; and 3) reconsider the occurrence and/or definition of “super” interglaciations.