Intermediate Stage Research Articles

Outcomes and safety of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: treatment prognosis and comparison with tyrosine kinase inhibitors in a French multicenter matched real-life study.

The combination of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atz/Bev) has radically changed the treatment strategy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but raises questions. Our objectives were to determine survival outcomes and safety in a real-life multicenter French cohort, to investigate the on-treatment prognostic value of the bioinflammatory RECA score, and to perform a matched comparison with patients who previously received tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). A retrospective analysis of 109 consecutive patients enrolled from September 2020 to January 2023 and a post matched comparison with a TKI cohort ( n = 79) by the propensity score matching method. The Atz/Bev population was mainly nonviral disease patients (69%) with Child-Pugh grade A (90%), performance status 0/1 (90%), and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B (38%) or stage C (62%) classification. After a median follow-up of 6.5 months (3.6-11.7), overall survival (OS) was 13.0 (5.1-28.7) months. OS was independently associated with metastasis, increased alkaline phosphatase, and serum bilirubin levels. Treatment-related adverse events were reported in 78% of patients, mostly grade 1 or 2. The RECA score clearly revealed two different prognosis groups after three cycles. No difference in OS was observed after matching between sequential treatment with TKIs and Atz/Bev. This real-life study highlights the importance of liver function when using Atz/Bev combination and the necessity of identifying predictive markers of response to HCC therapies. Our findings suggest a change in practices, with a marked proportion of intermediate stages, and support the on-treatment prognostic value of an inflammatory score.

Characterizing Clinical Progression in Cognitively Unimpaired Older Individuals with Brain Amyloid: Results from the A4 Study

BackgroundClinical Dementia Rating (CDR) global (CDR-G) and sum of box scores (CDR-SB) are commonly used as primary outcome variables to measure progression or treatment effects in symptomatic Alzheimer disease (AD) clinical trials.ObjectivesWe sought to determine whether the CDR is sensitive to change in pre-symptomatic AD and whether there are specific CDR boxes that are dynamic during the multi-year Anti-Amyloid in Asymptomatic Alzheimer’s Disease (A4) secondary prevention study.DesignAll participants entered the study with a CDR-G of 0. Box scores were examined individually and as composites of cognition (memory, orientation and judgment/problem solving) and function (community affairs and home/hobbies). A progression in box score was tabulated only when the change occurred at two consecutive visits.SettingThe A4 study took place at 67 sites in Australia, Canada, Japan and the United States.Participants1,147 individuals, ages 65–85, were randomized to either placebo (n= 583) or solanezumab (n= 564). All participants received a baseline flobetapir PET scan, an annual CDR, and cognitive testing every 6 months with the Primary Alzheimer Cognitive Composite (PACC) over the course of 240 weeks.MeasurementsGeneralized estimating equations and generalized least square models were used to explore the modeled mean progression rate in the CDR-G, CDR-SB, individual CDR boxes, and CDR composite scores in the combined solanezumab and placebo groups. Models were refitted to explore the probability of CDR progression in centiloid tertiles of amyloid at baseline (< 46.1 CL, 46.1 to 77.2 CL, > 77.2 CL). All models included effects for age, education, APOEε4 carrier status, baseline amyloid with flobetapir PET, treatment, and time-by-treatment.ResultsThere were no statistical differences between the placebo or solanezumab groups in CDR-G, CDR-SB, specific CDR boxes or CDR composite scores over the course of the trial. Changes in judgment/problem solving were present at baseline and persisted over time, but progression on the CDR memory box and the CDR cognitive composite quickly predominated. Community affairs and home/hobbies showed little progression. Personal care remained stable. The probability of cognitive and functional progression in CDR boxes began either at the intermediate or advanced amyloid level (46.1 to 77.2 CL, > 77.2 CL), while amyloid at the lowest level (< 46.1 CL) showed relatively little CDR progression.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the CDR memory box and the CDR cognitive composite progressed over 240 weeks and were associated with intermediate and advanced stages of amyloid at baseline. Functional changes in community affairs and home/hobbies were relatively stable. These finding suggest that specific CDR box score changes may help refine our measurement of expected treatment effects in future AD prevention trials.

Large-scale heterogeneity gradient drives the structure and biodiversity of branchiopod (Anostraca, Cladocera) egg-banks in the Nebraska Sandhills wetlands, USA

Abstract Branchiopods use resting eggs to maintain permanent populations in temporally dynamic environments as well as for dispersing to neighboring habitat patches. We used a large-scale longitudinal salinity gradient that overlays the Nebraska Sandhills, USA to determine how changes in metacommunity environmental heterogeneity influences species composition and biodiversity of branchiopod egg banks from freshwater and saline temporary wetlands. We sampled the egg banks of 54 wetlands from three metacommunities across the Nebraska Sandhills (eastern, central, and western) in which the relative abundance and salinity of saline wetlands increased westwards. Salinity had a strong effect on structuring the egg-bank metacommunities with a clear shift in species composition and species richness from the eastern to western metacommunities. Egg-bank alpha richness of the freshwater wetlands and metacommunity gamma richness declined westwards as the abundance of freshwater wetlands decreased relative to the saline wetlands. The low-salinity wetlands represented an intermediate stage between the freshwater and high-salinity wetlands, overlapping in species composition with both habitat types and supporting similar numbers of species as freshwater wetlands. High-salinity wetlands had the lowest alpha richness with only halotolerant and halophilic species.

Quality evaluation of “Gấc” arils and peels according to the maturity and ripeness stages

Two parts (arils and peel) of “Gấc” fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng) were analyzed for their physicochemical properties from the stage when the fruit reached maturity to the next ripening stages. Understanding these characteristics can help identify maturity indicators and use them most effectively. Research results show that “Gấc” fruit reaches maturity at the 7th week (A1) after fruit set (WAFS). At this time, the diameter and weight of the fruit no longer increase. Subsequent changes represent a gradual color change from completely blue (A1) to completely red (A5) and dark red (A6), through three intermediate stages (from A2 to A4). “Gấc” peel synthesizes the highest lycopene content (131.72 µg/g) at stage A5 (11 WAFS) and the highest β-carotene content at both stages A4 and A5 (10 and 11 WAFS) compared to fruit at stage A1 (7 WAFS). Meanwhile, lycopene and β-carotene in arils reached the highest concentrations (1672.04±9.1 μg/g and 582.45±3.4 μg/g, respectively) at stage A5 (11 WAFS). The total polyphenol content (TPC) in “Gấc” fruit arils/peel and total chlorophyll in “Gấc” fruit peel gradually decrease through the ripening stages, the highest value was achieved when the fruit was mature (A1) and the lowest value in fully ripened fruit (A5). Although showing a decrease, “Gấc” fruit still maintained TPC content in arils and peels of 89% and 73%, respectively (stages A4 and A5). The antioxidant activity of both “Gấc” fruit arils and peel also showed similar activity. In addition, “Gấc” arils also contain the highest vitamin C content in the fully ripe fruit stage compared to other stages. Thus, harvesting “Gấc” fruit at stages A4 and A5 will have beneficial ingredients (lycopene, β-carotene, total polyphenol content and vitamin C) that are good for human health.

Unravelling the effects of extrusion and drying temperatures on the radical scavenging capacity of aquafeeds supplemented with mango and pineapple by-products

Antioxidant supplementation of aquafeeds with natural sources is a current research trend within the context of a circular economy. However, natural antioxidants are highly vulnerable to thermal conditions during feed manufacturing, particularly during extrusion and drying. This study examines the impact of extrusion and drying temperatures on the antioxidant properties of aquafeeds supplemented with natural antioxidants from mango and pineapple peels. A control dietary mixture and two dietary mixtures with 2 % inclusion of either mango (M) or pineapple (P) peel flour were subjected to different combinations of extrusion temperatures (110 °C, -H vs 25 °C - C) and drying temperatures (60 °C vs 35 °C). Ingredients, manufacturing process intermediate stages, and final diets were analysed for their natural antioxidant composition (vitamins, carotenoids, free and fibre-bound phenolic compounds) and antioxidant capacity via the DPPH+, ABTS•+ and ORAC assays, the latter of which is the most representative for biological models. Results show that incorporating 2 % of either pineapple or mango peel flour increases the antioxidant content and capacity of aquafeeds compared to a control diet subjected to the same manufacturing conditions. Phenolic compounds were more abundant and resistant to the feed manufacturing process than vitamins and carotenoids. Specifically, ORAC results for free and fibre-bound extracts in diet PH-60 (1674.3 and 1216.2 mg TE 100 g DM−1, respectively) were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than the control CH-60 (694.8 and 422.8, respectively). Moreover, free extracts from diet PC-60 (1312.0 mg TE 100 g DM−1) and fibre-bound extracts from diets MH-60 and PH-35 (719.2 and 871.1 mg TE 100 g DM−1, respectively) were also significantly higher than the control (P < 0.001). A PCA analysis showed that pineapple diets with hot extrusion, as well as the mango diet with hot extrusion and hot drying, are more closely associated with higher antioxidant capacity in both free and bound extracts. Overall, fruit peel flours show promise as antioxidant supplements for mitigating oxidation in aquafeeds.

Effects of riparian vegetation restoration and environmental context on ecosystem functioning in tropical streams of southeastern Brazil

Tropical stream ecosystems are under increasing human pressure, making the development of effective restoration approaches and expanding knowledge in this field urgent. This study evaluated the impact of riparian vegetation restoration and environmental context on stream ecosystem functioning by measuring key ecosystem functions - gross primary production (GPP), ecosystem respiration (ER), and nutrient uptake of ammonium and soluble reactive phosphorus - across ten tropical streams in southeastern Brazil. The streams represented a gradient from clearcut areas (impacted reaches) to relatively pristine conditions (reference reaches), including intermediate stages of vegetation recovery (restored reaches). In the short-term (~15–20 years after restoration), restoration led to reduced GPP akin to reference reaches. Yet, ER did not show the anticipated increase, suggesting a longer timeframe is necessary for restored streams to emulate the functional characteristics of reference reaches. Additionally, the restored reaches did not achieve the nutrient uptake efficiencies observed in both impacted and reference reaches, pointing to a partial recovery of ecosystem function. This study suggests that while riparian vegetation restoration contributes positively to certain aspects of stream function, environmental variables less related to this type of restoration, such as discharge and hydromorphology, significantly influence stream ecosystem functioning, highlighting the importance of considering environmental context in restoration efforts. A more holistic approach, possibly encompassing broader hydromorphological and habitat enhancements, is needed to fully restore ecological processes in these vital ecosystems. These insights are critical for informing future tropical stream restoration projects, advocating the use of ecosystem function metrics as comprehensive indicators of ecological recovery and restoration success.

Digital Documentation and Architectural Heritage Restoration with 3-D Geometry: The Ambulatory of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

ABSTRACT The SFM photogrammetry (Structure from Motion) is a technique developed in the field of computer vision that allows obtaining 3D models from images taken from different angles. Despite its extensive development, this technique faces methodological challenges when applied to complex heritage environments. Typically, heritage restoration documentation focuses on the initial and final stages when works have not yet begun or have already concluded, and the object of study is free of obstacles and workers, with its use in intermediate stages being uncommon. The aim of this article is to present geometric documentation using SFM-MVS photogrammetry across multiple stages of the roof restoration of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela (Spain), showcasing an expert application of this technique in a real working scenario with multiple challenges, adapting to complex scenes without interfering with project timelines and providing high-quality outcomes at a low cost, even in areas temporarily obscured by scaffolding or plastic coverings. It provides essential data for geometric assistance in restoration design, adaptation, and stakeout. Moreover, continuous 3D documentation enables the creation of 3D stop-motion models, offering an innovative perspective for understanding and communicating a wide range of restoration and construction projects.

Evaluating therapeutic potential of NR2E3 doses in the rd7 mouse model of retinal degeneration

Retinitis Pigmentosa is a leading cause of severe vision loss. Retinitis Pigmentosa can present with a broad range of phenotypes impacted by disease age of onset, severity, and progression. This variation is influenced both by different gene mutations as well as unique variants within the same gene. Mutations in the nuclear hormone receptor 2 family e, member 3 are associated with several forms of retinal degeneration, including Retinitis Pigmentosa. In our previous studies we demonstrated that subretinal administration of one Nr2e3 dose attenuated retinal degeneration in rd7 mice for at least 3 months. Here we expand the studies to evaluate the efficacy and longitudinal impact of the NR2E3 therapeutic by examining three different doses administered at early or intermediate stages of retinal degeneration in the rd7 mice. Our study revealed retinal morphology was significantly improved 6 months post for all doses in the early-stage treatment groups and for the low and mid doses in the intermediate stage treatment groups. Similarly, photoreceptor function was significantly improved in the early stage for all doses and intermediate stage low and mid dose groups 6 months post treatment. This study demonstrated efficacy in multiple doses of NR2E3 therapy.

Heat stress reprograms herbivory-induced defense responses in potato plants

Climate change is predicted to increase the occurrence of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, which may thereby impact the outcome of plant-herbivore interactions. While elevated temperature is known to directly affect herbivore growth, it remains largely unclear if it indirectly influences herbivore performance by affecting the host plant they feed on. In this study, we investigated how transient exposure to high temperature influences plant herbivory-induced defenses at the transcript and metabolic level. To this end, we studied the interaction between potato (Solanum tuberosum) plants and the larvae of the potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella) under different temperature regimes. We found that P. operculella larvae grew heavier on leaves co-stressed by high temperature and insect herbivory than on leaves pre-stressed by herbivory alone. We also observed that high temperature treatments altered phylotranscriptomic patterns upon herbivory, which changed from an evolutionary hourglass pattern, in which transcriptomic responses at early and late time points after elicitation are more variable than the ones in the middle, to a vase pattern. Specifically, transcripts of many herbivory-induced genes in the early and late defense stage were suppressed by HT treatment, whereas those in the intermediate stage peaked earlier. Additionally, we observed that high temperature impaired the induction of jasmonates and defense compounds upon herbivory. Moreover, using jasmonate-reduced (JA-reduced, irAOC) and -elevated (JA-Ile-elevated, irCYP94B3s) potato plants, we showed that high temperature suppresses JA signaling mediated plant-induced defense to herbivore attack. Thus, our study provides evidences on how temperature reprograms plant-induced defense to herbivores.

Применение витаминно-минерального комплекса у пациента с промежуточной стадией возрастной макулярной дегенерации и онкологической патологией в анамнезе

The use of the vitamin and mineral complex in a patient with an intermediate stage of age-related macular degeneration and concomitant oncological pathology A.I. Malakhova Smolensk Regional Clinical Hospital, Smolensk, Russian Federation Relevance. As life expectancy increases, the risks of developing age-related retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) increase. Unfortunately, with increasing life expectancy, older patients are increasingly diagnosed with oncology, which is important to consider when managing patients with AMD. Purpose. To present a clinical example of a patient with an intermediate stage of age-related macular degeneration and a history of cancer, taking vitamin and mineral complexes containing lutein, zeaxanthin, antioxidants, and B vitamins in courses for 7 years. Methods. Patient Sh. born 1952 AMD in the intermediate stage of the disease was identified in 2017. There is a history of lung cancer. Results. At the first examination in 2017, «soft» drusen measuring 250–270 µm were detected on horizontal OCT sections. Over 7 years, there was no transition from intermediate to late stage AMD in the presence of high risk. Conclusion. Complex therapy of a patient with AMD and a history of cancer over the past 7 years with the additional recommendation of a course of taking the Visleya dietary supplement helped to stabilize the condition of the retina and the transition from the intermediate stage of AMD to the late stage of the disease, without negatively affecting the general condition of the patient. Key words: age-related macular degeneration, Visleya, vitamin and mineral complex, intermediate stage

Review some engineering methods to facilitate basic mathematical operations

The research reviews the most important engineering methods in basic mathematical calculations. In these methods, we will present several calculations, for example, the multiplication process and the division process between different quantities, to facilitate the arithmetic process for the primary and intermediate stages of school students. These methods are considered applied research to facilitate students’ memorization of multiplication and division tables.

Differentiation of CD166-positive hPSC-derived lung progenitors into airway epithelial cells.

The generation of lung epithelial cells through the directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in vitro provides a platform to model both embryonic lung development and adult airway disease. Here, we describe a robust differentiation protocol that closely recapitulates human embryonic lung development. Differentiating cells progress through obligate intermediate stages, beginning with definitive endoderm formation and then patterning into anterior foregut endoderm that yields lung progenitors (LPs) with extended culture. These LPs can be purified using the cell surface marker CD166 (also known as ALCAM), and further matured into proximal airway epithelial cells including basal cells, secretory cells and multiciliated cells using either an organoid platform or culture at the air-liquid interface (ALI). We additionally demonstrate that these hPSC-derived airway epithelial cells can be used to model Influenza A infection. Collectively, our results underscore the utility of CD166 expression for the efficient enrichment of LPs from heterogenous differentiation cultures and the ability of these isolated cells to mature into more specialized, physiologically relevant proximal lung cell types.

Modeling food web and fisheries dynamics in Lake Baringo, Kenya

AbstractLakes are important in supporting ecosystem services and livelihoods. However, their food webs and ecological functioning are continuously threatened by anthropogenic influences. Food web models have been widely used in studying trophodynamics, fisheries impacts, and ecological functioning of temperate lakes, but less often in Afrotropical lake systems. We used Ecopath mass‐balanced trophic models annually in 1999, 2010, and 2020 to assess trends in ecosystem function, and the impact of fisheries on the Lake Baringo Ecosystem, a shallow freshwater lake in Kenya. Pre‐balance (PREBAL) and Pedigree analyses supplemented Ecopath models. Model input data were from field sampling, published and gray literature. Food web trophic models indicated a bottom‐up grazer and detrital food chains in all 3 years. Odum's ecosystem development indicators (total productivity to total biomass and total respiration ratios; TPP/TB and TPP/TR) showed that the lake was in a low to intermediate developmental stage, with room for bio‐manipulation, and a highly reduced mean transfer efficiency (TE) (6.4%–0.49%) indicated low trophic transfer of internal production. System omnivory (SOI) and connectance (CI) indices that varied among years indicated temporal variation in food web complexity. Indices of system resilience (overhead and ascendency) indicated an increasing potential for the lake to recover from perturbations. The mean trophic level of the catch (MTLc) increased from 1999 to 2010 and decreased in 2020, by fishing down the food chain as fishing pressure increased. Oreochromis niloticus, an endemic cichlid, was the keystone species (KSi &gt;0) controlling community structure, while the lungfish Protopterus aethiopicus, the top predator in the lake, was not a keystone species (KSi &lt;0). We recommend an integrated approach to lake management that incorporates watershed regulations, regulates fishing effort on the keystone species (O. niloticus), and monitors water quality for sustainable management of the Lake Baringo ecosystem.

CircDUSP22 Attenuates the Ferroptosis of Prostate Cancer Cells via miR-18a-5p/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling.

According to current worldwide cancer data, Prostate Cancer (PC) ranks as the second most common type of cancer and is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related mortality among men worldwide. PC in China has the 10th highest number of new cases and the 13th highest fatality rate, both of which show an ongoing annual increase. One of the significant challenges with prostate cancer is the difficulty in early detection, often resulting in diagnosis at intermediate or late stages, complicating treatment. Although hormonal therapy is initially successful in controlling the progression of prostate cancer, almost all tumors that respond to hormones eventually transform into Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC) within 18-24 months of hormonal therapy. This poses clinical difficulties due to an absence of successful therapeutic approaches. Therefore, understanding the fundamental mechanisms of prostate cancer development, identifying effective therapeutic targets, and discovering reliable molecular biomarkers are crucial objectives. CircRNA expression in plasma was assessed in 4 samples obtained from patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), and PC was detected through microarray probes. Statistical analysis of the expression of circDUSP22 and clinicopathological features was conducted. The investigation of target genes was conducted using luciferase reporter assays and bioinformatics analysis. The expression levels of circDUSP22, miR-18a-5p, and Solute Carrier Family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) were assessed using a quantitative Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) assay. Cell invasion, migration, colony formation, and proliferation were evaluated using Transwell, wound healing, colony formation, and CCK-8 assays, respectively. RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to examine the connections among circDUSP22, miR-18a-5p, and SLC7A11. The impact of circDUSP22 on the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins, specifically SLC7A11, as well as its effects on Fe2+ and ROS were also examined. In both plasma samples and PCa cell lines, there was a substantial elevation of circDUSP22 and SLC7A11 expression and a decline in miR-18a-5p expression. Suppression of circDUSP22 significantly impeded the migration, invasion, and proliferation of PC cells in vitro. The target gene of miR-18a-5p, SLC7A11, was found to be upregulated as an effect of circDUSP22's competitive binding to miR-18a-5p. Cellular experiments demonstrated that interference with circDUSP22 expression in DU145 and PC-3 cells led to increased ferroptosis and decreased SLC7A11 expression. The modulation of prostate cancer cell proliferation was reversed by either overexpressing SLC7A11 or inhibiting miR-18a-5p in response to the silencing of circDUSP22. The circDUSP22 has been found to have a substantial effect on the development of ferroptosis in PC. It has been observed to influence the formation and evolution of this disorder by affecting the miR-18a-5p/SLC7A11 signaling pathway.

Regeneration diagnosis for the service lifespans of residential buildings on a circular economy perspective

As urbanized areas progress into the era of stock, an immense number of existing residential buildings (RBs) are destined to undergo replacement and renovation. The irrational decision of urban renewal led to serious economic waste and environmental unsustainability. In this regard, this study proposes and validates a method for regeneration diagnosis and optimal regeneration of RBs based on circular economy (CE) theory. A hybrid diagnostic tool of life cycle cost (LCC)-life cycle assessment (LCA) model to systematically evaluate the economic and environmental impact of RBs throughout the circular lifecycle was proposed. On this basis, with the minimum average annual economic and environmental impact as the objective function, the optimal dynamic regeneration cycle of RBs is obtained using a multi-objective optimization method. The results of the case study show that: (1) The discount rate and deterioration rate changes the development tendency of economic and environmental data, which brings a new regenerating time point, (2) the economic impact of RBs’ regeneration tends to be more pronounced during the intermediate stages, while the environmental impact becomes more significant in the later stages, (3) the environmental benefits of regeneration outweigh the economic benefits, (4) the regeneration of all building elements at the local optimal level leads to enhanced comprehensive benefits compared to multiple regenerations of a single building element. The feasibility of the method employed in this study has been corroborated by practical case studies. This approach transcends the limitations of quantitative analysis in assessing the regeneration of RBs in a circular lifecycle and offers profound implications for the development of urban renewal and sustainable strategies.

Clinicopathological Appearance of Epidermal Growth-Factor-Containing Fibulin-like Extracellular Matrix Protein 1 Deposition in the Lower Gastrointestinal Tract: An Autopsy-Based Study.

This study examined the patterns of epidermal growth-factor-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1) deposition in the small intestine and colon to evaluate the association between the histopathological severity of EFEMP1 deposition and constipation and determine the colocalization of amyloid transthyretin (ATTR) and EFEMP1 deposits. In 40 older cases (≥80 years of age), EFEMP1 deposition in the small intestine initiated in the submucosal and subserous vessels, subserous interstitium, and serosa (early stage), progressing to the muscularis propria and peri-Auerbach plexus area (intermediate stage), and finally spreading diffusely to other areas, excluding the mucosa and muscularis mucosa (advanced stage). The colon had a similar pattern of progression. During the middle-to-advanced stages, amyloid formation was observed in some vascular and serous deposits. A subgroup of cases was identified in which EFEMP1 deposition was the only presumed cause of constipation. Additionally, we demonstrated the colocalization of ATTR and EFEMP1 deposition. Apple-green birefringence was detected under polarized light only in approximately one-half of the cases in the small intestine and one-third of the cases in the colon. These findings strongly suggest that EFEMP1 deposits are correlated with pathological conditions of the lower gastrointestinal tract. As the histopathological diagnosis using Congo red-stained specimens is challenging, the combined use of elastic fiber staining and EFEMP1 immunohistochemistry is recommended to identify EFEMP1 deposition.

WNet: A dual‐encoded multi‐human parsing network

AbstractIn recent years, multi‐human parsing has become a focal point in research, yet prevailing methods often rely on intermediate stages and lacking pixel‐level analysis. Moreover, their high computational demands limit real‐world efficiency. To address these challenges and enable real‐time performance, low‐latency end‐to‐end network is proposed. This approach leverages vision transformer and convolutional neural network in a dual‐encoded network, featuring a lightweight Transformer‐based vision encoder) and a convolution encoder based on Darknet. This combination adeptly captures long‐range dependencies and spatial relationships. Incorporating a fuse block enables the seamless merging of features from the encoders. Residual connections in the decoder design amplify information flow. Experimental validation on crowd instance‐level human parsing and look into person datasets showcases the WNet's effectiveness, achieving high‐speed multi‐human parsing at 26.7 frames per second. Ablation studies further underscore WNet's capabilities, emphasizing its efficiency and accuracy in complex multi‐human parsing tasks.

Fixed temperature polymerization during intermediate stage to synthesize highly crystallized g-C3N4 for photocatalytic hydrogen production

Fixed temperature polymerization during intermediate stage to synthesize highly crystallized g-C3N4 for photocatalytic hydrogen production

Volitional modulation of neuronal activity in the external globus pallidus by engagement of the cortical-basal ganglia circuit.

Volitional modulation of neural activity is not confined to the cortex but extends to various brain regions. Yet, it remains unclear whether neurons in the basal ganglia structure, the external globus pallidus (GPe), can be volitionally controlled. Here, we employed a volitional conditioning task to compare the volitional modulation of GPe and primary motor cortex (M1) neurons as well as the underlying circuits and control mechanisms. The results revealed that the volitional modulation of GPe neuronal activity engaged both M1 and substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) neurons, indicating the involvement of the cortex-GPe-SNr loop. In contrast, the volitional modulation of M1 neurons primarily occurred through the engagement of M1 local circuitry. Furthermore, lesioning M1 neurons did not affect the volitional learning or volitional control signal in GPe, whereas lesioning of GPe neurons impaired the learning process for the volitional modulation of M1 neuronal activity at the intermediate stage. Additionally, lesion of GPe neurons enhanced M1 neuronal activity when performing the volitional control task without reward delivery and a random reward test. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that GPe neurons could be volitionally controlled by engagement of the cortical-basal ganglia circuit and inhibit learning process for the volitional modulation of M1 neuronal activity by regulating M1 neuronal activity. Thus, GPe neurons can be effectively harnessed for independent volitional modulation for neurorehabilitation in patients with cortical damage. KEY POINTS: The cortical-basal ganglia circuit contributes to the volitional modulation of GPe neurons. Volitional modulation of M1 neuronal activity mainly engages M1 local circuitry. Bilateral GPe lesioning impedes volitional learning at the intermediate stages. Lesioning of GPe neurons inhibits volitional learning process by regulating M1 neuronal activity.

Evaluation of Depression Levels in Patients With Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Using the Geriatric Depression Scale.

Introduction Glaucoma is a chronic disease that can lead to severe visual impairment and blindness. Methods The study included 91 primary open-angle glaucoma patients aged 60 years and older (group 1) and 83 healthy controls (group 2) with similar age and gender distribution. The duration of the disease, the number of anti-glaucomatous drops used daily, and visual field parameters were recorded. All participants then underwent a comprehensive mental status examination by a psychiatrist and were administered the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Results In Group 1, the mean duration of glaucoma was 10.2±6.0 years, and the mean number of drops used per day was 2.91±1.47 drops/day. According to visual field (24-2) data, the mean mean deviation (MD) was -7.76±4.78 dB and the mean pattern standard deviation (PSD) was 5.14±2.60 dB. According to the classification based on MD, 33 (36.3%) patients were in the early stage, 36 (39.5%) in the intermediate stage, and 22 (24.2%) in the advanced stage. The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.85±0.38 logMAR in group 1 and 0.34±0.19 logMAR in group 2. The mean GDS scores were 13.7±7.23 points in group 1 and 3.61±1.71 points in group 2. There were statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of BCVA and GDS scores (p=0.039 and p<0.001, respectively). Conclusion In conclusion, it is important that ophthalmologists provide adequate information about glaucoma to prevent the development of depression in patients with glaucoma. This information may protect patients from uncertainty. A multidisciplinary approach in the management of glaucoma, a chronic and vision-threatening disease, can positively affect patients' compliance with follow-up and treatment, increase the quality of healthcare, and improve treatment responses.