Growth Pattern Research Articles

Social determinants of health and somatic growth in preterm infants and children with chronic lung disease.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a common complication of prematurity, is associated with impaired lung function and increased morbidity in childhood. These children display heterogeneous somatic growth patterns which may ultimately impact their risk for later respiratory disease. We aim to understand the relationship between socioenvironmental exposures and growth in this population. A retrospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted using participants (n = 616) enrolled in the Johns Hopkins Outpatient BPD Registry. Growth measurements between 0 and 36 months of age were obtained. Somatic growth measurements, both corrected and uncorrected for gestational age, were converted to z-scores using Center for Disease Control and Prevention normative data. Using a participant's residential zip code, we utilized the 2019 Area Deprivation Index (ADI), the Childhood Opportunity Index (COI) 2.0, and neighborhood food insecurity data from the Maryland Food Bank. Linear regression analysis was performed employing individual socioenvironmental measures as independent variables and growth z-scores as dependent variables in univariate analysis. Univariate analysis was repeated adjusting for gestational age, BPD severity, and the presence of a gastrostomy tube (GT). Of the three measures analyzed, national COI (nCOI) showed a significant association with mean weight z-scores, mean ADI showed some association with mean weight z-scores, and the percentage of a community experiencing food insecurity showed no association with mean weight z-scores. After adjusting for gestational age, BPD severity, and presence of a GT, children living in areas of greater opportunity (higher nCOI values), had significantly lower weight z-scores at 12 months corrected and at 24 and 36 months uncorrected CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the COI 2.0, a multidimensional measure, captures more facets of an individual's social environment, as compared to the singular nature of a measure of food insecurity. There are several potential explanations for the phenomenon seen, and further understanding of this dynamic is crucial for designing effective interventions and policies to better address inequities in outcomes.

Review on Potential Urban Development Site Selection Using Geospatial-Based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) Techniques in the Context of Ethiopia

This review paper provides a comprehensive assessment of the opportunities and challenges in leveraging geospatial-based technologies, particularly Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) techniques, to enhance the effectiveness of urban development site selection in Ethiopia. The overarching findings highlight several critical focus areas for improvement. Firstly, the review emphasizes the need to strengthen the availability, quality, and accessibility of geospatial data through the development of robust data infrastructures and innovative data collection methods. Secondly, it recommends adopting a more inclusive and collaborative approach to stakeholder engagement, coupled with targeted capacity-building initiatives to enhance the technical skills and knowledge of urban planners, GIS experts, and local stakeholders. Thirdly, the paper suggests incorporating advanced spatial modeling and simulation techniques to capture the dynamic nature of urban growth patterns, as well as integrating climate change impact assessments and disaster risk analyses into the decision-making framework. Fourthly, it emphasizes the importance of strengthening institutional and organizational frameworks to promote cross-sectoral collaboration, data sharing, and integrated decision-making processes. Finally, the review underscores the significance of designing user-friendly and customizable Spatial Decision Support Systems (SDSS) that cater to the specific needs and constraints of the Ethiopian urban development context. The review concludes that the use of geospatial-based MCDA approaches holds immense potential in addressing Ethiopia's complex urban development challenges, as it enables a comprehensive evaluation of suitability factors and the exploration of alternative urban development strategies.

The application and effect of presuturing with clips in endoscopic full-thickness resection.

There are few studies on presuturing for full-thickness resection. To explore the effect of using clips as a presuturing technique for endoscopic snare resection with an elastic band (ESR-EB). The clinical data of patients who underwent ESR-EB at Shenzhen Second People's Hospital between May 2023 and May 2024 were collected. The patients were divided into presuture and non-presuture groups according to whether tissues were stitched before resection. The general clinical characteristics, tumor growth position, tumor size, tumor growth pattern, pathological type, operation time, resection time, complication rate, number of clips, and postoperative antibiotic usage rate were compared. A total of 73 patients were enrolled, 55 of whom were included in the presuture group and 18 were included in the non-presuture group. There was no difference in age, sex, tumor position, tumor size, or tumor growth pattern between the 2 groups (P > .05). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of operation time, resection time, pathological diagnosis, number of clips, or complication rate (P > .05). Complete resection was achieved in all of the patients. The perforation diameter in the presuture group was significantly smaller than that in the non-presuture group ([3.20 ± 1.56] vs [4.67 ± 2.79], [P = .006]). Thirty-three (60%) patients in the presuture group and 16 (88.89%) patients in the non-presuture group received postoperative preventive antibiotics, and the difference between the 2 groups was significant (P = .024). Gastric myometrial lesions <10 mm in diameter can be completely removed via ESR-EB. Clips as a means of presuturing can significantly reduce the perforation diameter and the use of postoperative preventive antibiotics. Moreover, clips as a means of presuturing does not increase the total number of clips used for the procedure and therefore should be considered a feasible, safe and effective technique.

Tumor budding and complete epithelial mesenchymal transition correlate with late nodal metastasis in early-stage tongue squamous cell carcinoma

BackgroundLate nodal metastasis is a poor prognostic factor for early-stage tongue squamous cell carcinoma. However, for most early-stage patients, there is a low risk for late nodal metastasis, which currently lacks a diagnostic marker. Tumor budding is a nodal metastasis risk factor in other human cancers. Here, we evaluated tumor budding by partial or complete epithelial-mesenchymal transition and Ovol2 expression, a transcription factor that directly suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition. MethodsSixty-six T1–2N0 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. Tumor expressions of E-cadherin and vimentin (epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers) and Ovol2 were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Tumor histopathological and immunohistochemical features, mode of invasion, and tumor budding were assessed. Correlations between these potential predictive factors and late nodal metastasis were determined statistically. ResultsUnivariate analysis demonstrated lymphoid infiltrate, perineural invasion, infiltrative growth pattern, tumor budding, vimentin positive, and complete epithelial-mesenchymal transition were significant factors of late nodal metastasis (all P < 0.05), observed in 25.8 % of patients. Multivariate analysis identified tumor budding and vimentin positive were independent prognostic factors (both P < 0.025). Ovol2 expression was significantly decreased in partial and complete epithelial-mesenchymal transition cells (both P < 0.01) compared with normal epithelia. Univariate analysis, but not multivariate analysis, showed Ovol2 correlated with depth of invasion and tumor budding (both P < 0.05). ConclusionTumor budding and vimentin expression are risk factors for late nodal metastasis in T1–2N0 tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Ovol2 might be involved in the early stages of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Evaluation of these factors might identify patients susceptible to late nodal metastasis who require elective neck dissection.

Characterization of muscle growth and sarcomere branching in the striated musculature of C. elegans.

Striated muscles are essential for locomotion and survival. Their function and structure are highly conserved across taxa. Muscles are highly plastic. Muscle growth can occur through several distinct processes including developmental, allometric, and hypertrophic growth. Additionally, pathological conditions like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) can lead to abnormal muscle growth. While human muscle studies have revealed complex structural adaptations such as sarcomere branching, these processes remain less explored in model organisms like Caenorhabditis elegans. In this study, we present an anatomical characterization of muscle growth in C. elegans under various conditions that parallel those in mammalian systems. We examined developmental, allometric, and hypertrophic growth, as well as muscle atrophy in a DMD model, dys-1(eg33). We find that C. elegans muscles undergo growth patterns similar to those observed in mammals, with region-specific increases in myocyte size, sarcomere number, and band widths under different conditions. Moreover, we report for the first time the presence of sarcomere branching and splitting in C. elegans muscles, phenomena previously described only in vertebrates and Drosophila. We further report that sarcomere branching is modulated by environmental conditions and pathological states, with increased branching in worms raised swimming and reduced branching in dystrophic muscles. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of muscle adaptation and highlight the potential of C. elegans as a model for studying muscle pathologies like DMD, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

A New Notion of Convergence Defined by The Fibonacci Sequence: A Novel Framework and Its Tauberian Conditions

The Fibonacci sequence has broad applications in mathematics, where its inherent patterns and properties are utilized to solve various problems. The sequence often emerges in areas involving growth patterns, series, and recursive relationships. It is known for its connection to the golden ratio, which appears in numerous natural phenomena and mathematical constructs. In this research paper, we introduce new concepts of convergence and summability for sequences of real and complex numbers by using Fibonacci sequences, called Δ-Fibonacci statistical convergence, strong Δ-Fibonacci summability, and Δ-Fibonacci statistical summability. And, these new concepts are supported by several significant theorems, properties, and relations in the study. Furthermore, for this type of convergence, we introduce one-sided Tauberian conditions for sequences of real numbers and two-sided Tauberian conditions for sequences of complex numbers.

Embryonic, Fetal, and Neonatal Complications in Infants of Diabetic Mothers: Insights from the Cincinnati Diabetes in Pregnancy Program Project Grant.

This study aimed to review how the Cincinnati Diabetes in Pregnancy Program Project Grant (PPG) contributed to the understanding and treatment of neonatal complications in infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs). This is a retrospective review of all PPG work on glycemic control at different pregnancy time points and its association with embryonic, fetal, and neonatal complications, such as congenital malformations (CMs), intrauterine growth restriction, macrosomia, hypoglycemia, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), asphyxia, and polycythemia. We found that maternal vasculopathy and poor glycemic control during embryogenesis, but not frequency of maternal hypoglycemic episodes or insulin therapy, are independent risk factors for major CMs. A suggestive association of major CMs with maternal Magnesium deficiency was also observed. Poor glycemic control during late embryogenesis and early fetal development was associated with an increased risk of minor CMs. We described a biphasic pattern of fetal growth whereby early growth delay was followed by enhanced fetal growth associated with neonatal macrosomia. Macrosomia was associated with poorer glycemic control in the third trimester and an increased risk of birth trauma. Macrosomia was also correlated with animal-origin insulin concentrations in cord blood, demonstrating that insulin bound to antibodies can cross the placenta and may affect the fetus. We also showed that neonatal hypoglycemia was significantly associated with third-trimester glycemic control, in addition to hyperglycemia occurring during labor. With modern management and adequate prenatal care, IDMs are no longer at increased risk for RDS. Perinatal asphyxia was associated with increased proteinuria appearing in pregnancy, maternal hyperglycemia before delivery, and prematurity. Polycythemia in IDMs is prevalent and correlates with proxy measurements of fetal hypoxemia (nucleated red blood cells at delivery) and poorer glycemic control in late pregnancy. The PPG in its various phases revealed the important role of glycemic control at nearly every stage of pregnancy including labor. KEY POINTS: · Poor glycemic control during embryogenesis is a major risk factor for CMs.. · Magnesium deficiency might contribute to major malformations.. · Macrosomia is associated with poor glycemic control in the third trimester.. · Strict glycemic control reduces fetal and neonatal morbidity in pregnancies with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus..

Nutrition, Other Environmental Influences, and Genetics in the Determination of Human Stature.

Linear growth during three distinct stages of life determines attained stature in adulthood: namely, in utero, early postnatal life, and puberty and the adolescent period. Individual host factors, genetics, and the environment, including nutrition, influence attained human stature. Each period of physical growth has its specific biological and environmental considerations. Recent epidemiologic investigations reveal a strong influence of prenatal factors on linear size at birth that in turn influence the postnatal growth trajectory. Although average population height changes have been documented in high-income regions, stature as a complex human trait is not well understood or easily modified. This review summarizes the biology of linear growth and its major drivers including nutrition from a life-course perspective, the genetics of programmed growth patterns or height, and gene-environment interactions that determine human stature in toto over the life span. Implications for public health interventions and knowledge gaps are discussed.

Human-water interactions associated to cercarial emergence pattern and their influences on urinary schistosomiasis transmission in two endemic areas in Mali

BackgroundMali is known to be a schistosomiasis-endemic country with a limited supply of clean water. This has forced many communities to rely on open freshwater bodies for many human-water contact (HWC) activities. However, the relationship between contact with these water systems and the level of schistosome infection is currently receiving limited attention. This study assessed human-water interactions including cercarial emergence pattern and their influences on urinary schistosomiasis transmission in two communities in the Kayes district of Mali.MethodsWe carried out a parasitological study first in children in September 2021, then a cross-sectional study of quantitative observations of human-water contact activities in the population, and finally a study of snail infectivity at contact points in September 2022. The study took place in two communities, Fangouné Bamanan and Diakalèl in the Kayes region of western Mali. The chronobiological study focused on cercarial release from naturally infected snails. Released cercariae were molecularly genotyped by targeting the cox1 region, and the ITS and 18S ribosmal DNA gene (18S rDNA) regions of the DNA. Links between sociodemographic parameters, human water-contact points and hematuria were established using multivariate statistical analysis or the logistic regression model.ResultsThe main factor predisposing the 97 participants to water contact was domestic activity (62.9%). Of the 378 snails collected at 14 sampling sites, 27 (7.1%) excreted schistosome cercariae, with 15.0% (19/126) at Fangouné Bamanan and 3.3% (8/252) at Diakalel. The release of Schistosoma cercariae shows three different patterns in Fangouné Bamanan: (i) an early release peak (6:00–8:00 AM), (ii) a mid-day release peak (10:00 AM–12:00 PM) and (iii) a double peak: (6:00–8:00 AM) and (6:00–8:00 PM) cercariae release; and two release patterns in Diakalel: early release (6:00–8:00 AM) and (ii) mid-day release (12:00–2:00 PM). All cercariae released during early diurnal (6:00–8:00 AM) or nocturnal emission patterns (6:00–8:00 PM) were hybrids parasite having an cox1 S. bovis or S. curassoni associated with an ITS and 18S rDNA of S. haematobium while the cercariae released during diurnal, or mid-day patterns (8:00 AM–6:00 PM) were pure S. haematobium.ConclusionsOur study showed that domestic activity is the main source of exposure in the Kayes region. Two and three cercariae emission patterns were observed at Diakalel and Fangouné Bamanan respectively. These results suggest that the parasite adapts to the human-water contact period in order to increase its infectivity.Graphical

Enhancing Learning Analytics through Learning Management Systems Engagement in African Higher Education

In the African higher education landscape, the pervasive integration of Learning Management Systems (LMS) is reshaping the educational journey, offering both opportunities and challenges. This study delved into the intricate interplay between students’ engagement with LMS and its consequential impact on Learning Analytics (LA), specifically within the unique context of African higher education institutions. Employing the PRISMA systematic review approach, this research aimed to review significant work by researchers towards LMS and LA use in African universities in the form of contributing authors, keywords, citation statistics and growth patterns. The findings highlighted the transformative potential of LA and LMS use, which have the power to enhance both academic performance and the overall learning experience of African students. This research enhances the understanding of the complex relationship between LMS usage and LA in the African context, revealing how digital tools can address unique online learning challenges. As African institutions tackle 21st-century education challenges, this study provides a valuable roadmap for educators, administrators, and policymakers looking to leverage technology for meaningful educational outcomes. By contextualizing the findings within the African higher education landscape, this research contributes to the global discourse on the evolving role of digital platforms in shaping modern education. Keywords: Educational Technology, Digital Learning, Student Engagement, Learning Experience, Technology Integration

Effects of Water and Nitrogen Regulation on Apple Tree Growth, Yield, Quality, and Their Water and Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency.

Apple tree productivity is influenced by the quantity of water and nutrients that are supplied during planting. To enhance resource utilization efficiency and optimize yields, a suitable strategy for supplying water and nitrogen must be established. A field experiment was conducted using a randomized block group design on five-year-old apple trees in Ningxia, with two irrigation lower limit levels (55%FC (W1) and 75%FC (W2)) and four N application levels (0 (N1), 120 (N2), 240 (N3), and 360 (N4) kg·ha-1). Our findings showed that leaf N content increased with a higher irrigation lower limit, but the difference was not statistically significant. However, the leaf N content significantly increased with increasing N application. The growth pattern of new shoots followed logistic curve characteristics, with the maximum new shoot growth rate and time of new shoot growth being delayed under high water and high nitrogen treatments. Apple yield and yield components (weight per fruit and number of fruits per plant) were enhanced under N application compared to no N application. The maximum apple yields were 19,405.3 kg·ha-1 (2022) and 29,607 kg·ha-1 (2023) at the N3 level. A parabolic relationship was observed between apple yield and N application level, with the optimal range of N application being 230-260 kg⸱ha-1. Apple quality indicators were not significantly affected by the irrigation lower limit but were significantly influenced by N application levels. The lower limit of irrigation did not have a significant impact on the quality indicators of the apples. Water and N utilization efficiencies improved with the W2 treatment at the same N application level. A negative relationship was observed between the amount of nitrogen applied and the biased productivity of nitrogen fertilizer. The utilization of nitrogen fertilizer was 127.6 kg·kg-1 (2022) and 200.3 kg·kg-1 (2023) in the W2N2 treatment. The apple yield was sustained, the quality of the fruit improved, and a substantial increase in water productivity was achieved with the W2N3 treatment. The findings of this study can be used as a reference for accurate field irrigation.

Transit-oriented development (TOD) or development-oriented transit (DOT): how does it matter for sustainable urban growth?

ABSTRACT Urban growth patterns occur in various ways with tangible practical consequences. A key dilemma with regard to development and transportation revolves around whether the former follows the latter or vice versa. This study assessed this nexus with transit-oriented development (TOD) and development-oriented development (DOT) cases by using the land use/land cover (LU/LC) classification technique in a developing country example of a city in Turkey. Spatial data included high-resolution Sentinel 2A, Rapid Eye, and two SPOT satellite images and CORONA air photos acquired in 2021, 2013, 2000, 1989, and 1979, respectively, within three buffer zones (500, 750, and 1000 m) for both development forms. While the study acknowledges unorthodox TOD selection criteria and generalizability concerns, the results demonstrate that the TOD drastically reduced green areas (as opposed to ideal TOD requirements), while the DOT excessively grew commercial land uses and street networks. Both developments commonly impaired agricultural, vacant, and water land use. Such transformations direct local governments, transit agencies, and city planners to resolve ideal sustainable urban growth patterns by using remote sensing data and quantitative analysis.

Locally Prepared Therapeutic Food for Treatment of Severely Underweight Children in Rural India: An Interventional Prospective Controlled Community-Based Study with Long Follow-Up:-'SAMMAN' Trial.

Severely underweight (SUW) children contribute significantly to under-five mortality and morbidity. There are WHO guidelines for the management of severe acute malnutrition but no specific guidelines for SUW management. The objectives were to achieve a recovery rate of 30% at 90 days of treatment for severe underweight (SUW) children aged 6-60 months, compare changes in weight-for-age Z (WAZ) scores, growth patterns, and case fatality rates between intervention and reference arms (RA), and reduce the prevalence of SUW in the intervention arm (IA). The target of a 30% recovery rate was achievable and significant based on our past research conducted in similar settings. Design: A prospective controlled community-based, longitudinal, two arms (IA, RA), intervention study with long follow-up was conducted between January 2011 and October 2023. Primary care for participants from 14 villages in rural Melghat, India. The study participants included SUW children aged 6-60 months and age-matched (±2 weeks) normal controls. The SAMMAN (Acronym for SAM-Management) intervention was comprised of local therapeutic food-micronutrient (LTF-MN) therapy for 90 days, intensive behavior change communication, infection treatment, and quarterly anthropometric records. SUW recovery, growth patterns, case fatality rate, prevalence at 90 days of therapy and at 60 months of age, and survival until early adolescence were assessed. ANCOVA analysis was used to obtain changes in Z-scores. In the IA, the recovery rate was 36.8% at 90 days and 78.2% at 60 months of age. The mean difference in change in WAZ scores between the intervention arm and the reference arm was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Growth patterns were similar between the two arms up to early adolescence. The SUW case fatality rate was significantly lower in the IA (0.9%) as compared to 4.62% in the RA at 60 months (p = 0.022). The reduction in SUW prevalence in intervention villages was higher than in the control villages (p < 0.001). The cost of management per SUW child was 3888 INR (47 USD) less than RUTF. The SAMMAN intervention is safe and cost-effective for significantly improving WAZ scores, sustainable, and hence replicable in resource-limited areas.

Semi-supervised lung adenocarcinoma histopathology image classification based on multi-teacher knowledge distillation.

In this study, we propose a semi-supervised learning scheme using a patch-based deep learning framework to tackle the challenge of high-precision classification of seven lung tumor growth patterns, despite having a small amount of labeled data in whole slide images (WSIs). This scheme aims to enhance generalization ability with limited data and reduce dependence on large amounts of labeled data. It effectively addresses the common challenge of high demand for labeled data in medical image analysis.&#xD;&#xD;Approach. To address these challenges, the study employs a semi-supervised learning approach enhanced by a dynamic confidence threshold mechanism. This mechanism adjusts based on the quantity and quality of pseudo labels generated. This dynamic thresholding mechanism helps avoid the imbalance of pseudo-label categories and the low number of pseudo-labels that may result from a higher fixed threshold. Furthermore, the research introduces a multi-teacher knowledge distillation technique. This technique adaptively weights predictions from multiple teacher models to transfer reliable knowledge and safeguard student models from low-quality teacher predictions.&#xD;&#xD;Main results. The framework underwent rigorous training and evaluation using a dataset of 150 WSIs, each representing one of the seven growth patterns. The experimental results demonstrate that the framework is highly accurate in classifying lung tumor growth patterns in histopathology images. Notably, the performance of the framework is comparable to that of fully supervised models and human pathologists. In addition, the framework's evaluation metrics on a publicly available dataset are higher than those of previous studies, indicating good generalizability.&#xD;&#xD;Significance. This research demonstrates that a semi-supervised learning approach can achieve results comparable to fully supervised models and expert pathologists, thus opening new possibilities for efficient and cost-effective medical images analysis. The implementation of dynamic confidence thresholding and multi-teacher knowledge distillation techniques represents a significant advancement in applying deep learning to complex medical image analysis tasks. This advancement could lead to faster and more accurate diagnoses, ultimately improving patient outcomes and fostering the overall progress of healthcare technology.&#xD.

The Legacy Effect of Mountain Pine Beetle Outbreaks on the Chemical and Anatomical Defences of Surviving Lodgepole Pine Trees

The recent mountain pine beetle outbreaks have caused widespread mortality among lodgepole pine trees in western North America, resulting in a reduced population of surviving trees. While previous studies have focused on the cascading impacts of these outbreaks on the physiology and growth of the surviving trees, there remains a need for a comprehensive study into the interactions among various physiological traits and the growth in post-outbreak stands. Specifically, the relationship between chemical (primarily terpenes) and anatomical (mainly resin ducts) defences, as well as the allocation of non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) to support these defence modalities, is poorly understood. To address these gaps, we conducted a field survey of surviving lodgepole pine trees in post-mountain pine beetle outbreak stands in western Canada. Our retrospective analysis aimed at determining correlations between the post-outbreak concentrations of monoterpenes, diterpenes, and NSCs in the phloem and the historical resin duct characteristics and growth traits before and after the outbreak. We detected strong correlations between the post-outbreak concentrations of monoterpenes and historical resin duct characteristics, suggesting a possible link between these two defence modalities. Additionally, we found a positive relationship between the NSCs and the total concentrations of monoterpenes and diterpenes, suggesting that NSCs likely influence the production of these terpenes in lodgepole pine. Furthermore, historical tree growth patterns showed strong positive correlations with many individual monoterpenes and diterpenes. Interestingly, while surviving trees had enhanced anatomical defences after the outbreak, their growth patterns did not vary before and after the outbreak conditions. The complexity of these relationships emphasizes the dynamics of post-outbreak stand dynamics and resource allocations in lodgepole pine forests, highlighting the need for further research. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of conifer defences and their coordinated responses to forest insect outbreaks, with implications for forest management and conservation strategies.

A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis Content Mapping of English Language Teaching as the Second Language in Arab Countries

This bibliometric analysis maps patterns in the literature on English language teaching (ELT) in Arab countries from 2000 to 2024. and provides a quantitative mapping of the research status, trends, and developmental trajectories in this domain. A total of 512 journal articles were analyzed using scientometric techniques. Data across social science, arts, and humanities publications were retrieved from Scopus. The results establish the genesis and growth patterns, collaborative networks, influential contributors, conceptual themes, and knowledge gaps that characterize ELT research in the Arab region. Key findings show: (1) Publications grew by 24% annually, accelerating across three stages: the initial, developmental, and rapid expansion. Research has concentrated on the education and linguistics fields. (2) Saudi Arabia led to productivity, while Lebanon, Yemen, and Morocco achieved the highest citation impact. Cross-country collaboration remains limited, although it has increased in China. The most prolific authors were ELYAS and AL-AHDAL. Core journals included System and Language Learning; (3) Foundational keywords like “English language teaching” persisted prominently, while terms like “Saudi EFL learners” and “EFL writing” gained prominence, signaling rising localization. However, the integration of sociocultural dimensions is limited. This study provides empirical guidance for future research policies and strategies. This study aims to advance impactful ELT scholarship tailored to the Arab context.

A comprehensive approach to lateral ventricular tumor resection: techniques, technologies, and outcomes.

This study reviews lateral ventricular tumors (LVTs), which are rare brain lesions accounting for 0.64-3.5% of brain tumors, and the unique challenges they present due to their location and growth patterns. Once deemed inoperable, advancements in microneurosurgery, imaging, and tumor pathobiology have significantly improved treatment outcomes. This letter summarizes recent studies and key findings in the management of LVTs. Research by S.A. Maryashev et al. identified risk factors for early hemorrhagic complications following the surgical resection of lateral ventricular neoplasms, highlighting the significance of patient characteristics, tumor location, and surgical approach. The study found that factors such as gender, hydrocephalus, tumor blood flow, and Evans index correlate with a higher risk of hemorrhage, with the transcallosal approach having a greater risk compared to the transcortical approach. The utilization of navigation technologies, including fMRI, neuronavigation, and intraoperative brain mapping, has been shown to reduce surgical complications and enhance patient outcomes in the treatment of lateral ventricular meningiomas. Moreover, endoscopic and endoport-assisted endoscopic techniques have proven to be valuable in intraventricular tumor surgery, enabling minimally invasive procedures with better visualization and fewer complications. The integration of advanced surgical techniques, neuroimaging, and neurophysiological monitoring emphasizes the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to optimize patient outcomes. To improve the study's validity and applicability, further research with larger sample sizes and advanced statistical analyses is needed. This letter advocates for the continued exploration of innovative surgical techniques and technologies to enhance the management of lateral ventricular tumors.

VARIABILITY REGULARITIES OF THE CEPHALOMETRICAL PARAMETERS OF THE HUMAN FETAL SKULL

The purpose of the study – to find out the regularities of the age dynamics of cephalometricparameters and critical periods of the development of the skull of human fetuses.Material and methods. 60 preparations of skulls and 63 computer tomograms of theheads of human fetuses aged from 4 to 10 months of intrauterine development werestudied. A complex of morphological research methods was applied, which includedanthropometry, morphometry, three- dimensional reconstruction and statistical analysis.Linear and angular parameters of the skull were measured, and their ratios, characterizingthe constitutional and cephalometric parameters of the individual (cranial and facialindices), were determined. Results. The analysis of absolute cephalometric parameters (longitudinal, transversediameters, skull circumference, height dimensions) demonstrated the predominanceof logarithmic dynamics of their changes in human fetuses, that is explained by theiraccelerated growth during the 4th month of intrauterine development and a slowdownduring the 7th month with subsequent acceleration in the 8th month of prenatal development.A straight trend line is characteristic of the V-S height (distance from the Sella turcica tothe highest point of the skull), which is explained by the accelerated growth of the anteriorand posterior cranial fossae, while the sphenoid bone and the region of anterior fontanelledevelop in a consistent direction and pace. The linear pattern of growth is typical for theforamen magnum, hard palate, length of the orbit, body and ramus of the mandible, aswell as for relative cephalometric parameters that show a wide range of morphometricvariability. Analysis of the scatter diagram using the method of weighted least squaresdistances showed a decrease in the angle of the front part of the cranial base until the5th month of intrauterine development, followed by an increase in the 7th-8th months ofprenatal development. Multivariate regression analysis of the relationship between fetalage, cranial index and the value of the angle of the front part of the cranial base showedpronounced anatomical variability, which depended on the craniotype. Before the end ofintrauterine development, the N-S-Ba angle increases, but at the beginning of the fetal periodof ontogenesis, it decreases. It has the smallest values in dolichocephals compared to othercraniotypes. The largest values of this angle are found in mesocephals at the beginning of thefetal period, and in brachiocephals and mesocephals at the end of intrauterine development.Conclusions. 1. Critical periods of skull development in the fetal period of humanontogenesis are the 4-5th and 7-8th months, during which uneven changes in absoluteand relative craniometric parameters are observed. 2. The value of the angle of the frontpart of the cranial base can be a diagnostic and prognostic indicator in combinationwith the cranial index, which characterize the craniotype of the individual, during themonitoring of the normal development of the skull and brain of the fetus.

Using unmanned aerial vehicle acquired RGB images and Density-Cluster-Count model for tree-level apple flower quantification

Accurate estimation of apple flower quantity is vital for flower thinning strategies, yield prediction, and other aspects related to orchard management. Compared to flower quantity estimation based on partial regions, achieving tree-level flower quantification is more meaningful. To achieve tree-level apple flower cluster counting, an aerial apple tree image-based approach was developed based on density estimation and density peak. Initially, images of apple trees captured by UAV were input into the apple flower density estimation model, which was based on a multi-scale feature fusion network, to obtain a density map of apple flowers. Utilizing the growth patterns and distribution characteristics of apple flowers and clusters, apple flower cluster counting was accomplished through the identification of local density peaks. Following testing, the proposed method achieved a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 5.39 and a Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of 8.10 in apple flower cluster counting. The MAE was decreased by 3.83, 16.22, and 11.13 compared to apple flower cluster counting methods based on YOLOv5s, U-Net, and MCNN, respectively. Additionally, the RMSE was 4.44, 22.13, and 15.79 lower compared to the three aforementioned methods. This research facilitated a relatively accurate counting of apple flower clusters at the tree-level in orchards, offering valuable information for tasks including flowering monitoring, load estimation, and yield forecasting.

Bioorthogonal labeling of chitin in pathogenic Candida species reveals biochemical mechanisms of hyphal growth and homeostasis.

Pathogenic fungi rely on the cell wall component, chitin, for critical structural and immunological functions. Here a chitin labeling method to visualize the hyphal pathogenic response was developed. The data show that filamentous fungi, Candida albicans , transport N -acetylglucosamine (NAG) bio-orthogonal probes and incorporate them into the cell wall, indicating the probes utility for in vivo study of the morphological, pathogenic switch. As yeast reside in complex microenvironments, The data show that the opportunistic microbe C. albicans , has developed processes to utilize surrounding bacterial cell wall fragments to initiate the morphogenic switch. The probes are utilized for visualization of growth patterns of pathogenic fungi, providing insights into novel mechanisms for the development of antifungals. Remodeling chitin in fungi using NAG derivatives will advance yeast pathogenic studies.