Background: Prolonged sitting is a potential risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders in office workers. This study aims to evaluate the effect of active breaks on reducing muscle overload in subjects who sit for long periods using infrared thermography (IRT). Methods: A sample of 57 office workers participated in this study and were divided into two groups: active breaks (ABs) and no active breaks (NABs). The NAB group sat continuously for 90 min without standing up, while the AB group performed stretching and mobility exercises every 30 min. IRT measurements were taken every 30 min before the active breaks. Results: The results highlight that the skin temperature of the back increased significantly in both groups after 30 min of sitting; however, in the subsequent measurements, the AB group showed a decrease in temperature, while the NAB group maintained a high temperature. Exercise and time point of measurement all reported p-values < 0.001; there were no statistically significant differences between the Δ_t0-1 of the NAB and AB groups, while the Δ_t1-2 and Δ_t1-3 of the NAB and AB groups showed statistically significant differences for all back regions. Conclusions: The clinical relevance of this study confirms the negative effects of prolonged sitting on the health of the back, demonstrating that active breaks can reduce back strain, emphasizing the need for workplace interventions. In addition, IRT represents a non-invasive method to assess back muscle overload and monitor the effectiveness of interventions in all categories of workers who maintain a prolonged sitting position. The main limitation of this study is the absence of a questionnaire for the assessment of back pain, which does not allow a direct correlation between temperature changes and back pain outcomes. Full article

Background—This review provides a comprehensive overview of rare anemias, emphasizing their hereditary and acquired causes, diagnostic advancements, and evolving treatment strategies. It outlines the significance of rare anemias within public health, historical challenges in recognition and treatment, and the role of European initiatives like ENERCA and EuroBloodNet in advancing care. Content—This document discusses diagnostic technologies like next-generation sequencing and the impact of artificial intelligence, alongside the promising avenues of gene therapy, targeted drug treatments, and stem cell transplantation. It underscores the importance of a patient-tailored approach, advances in diagnostic tools, and the necessity for continued research, patient advocacy, and international collaboration to improve outcomes for individuals with rare anemias. Full article

Orogen-parallel ductile shear zones are conspicuous structures in the Khondalite Belt, but the timing of shearing remains poorly understood. Here, we present field-based structural and zircon U-Pb geochronological studies on the newly discovered Qianlishan ductile shear zones (QDSZ) in the Khondalite Belt. Our results show that the nearly E-W-trending QDSZ are characterized by steeply S(SW)-dipping mylonitic foliations and mainly display a top-to-N(NE) sense of shearing. Two pre-kinematic intrusions yielded zircon crystallization ages of 2055 ± 17 Ma and 1947 ± 9 Ma, providing the maximum age limit for the QDSZ. Additionally, zircon overgrowth rims from three high-temperature mylonites gave metamorphic ages of 1902 ± 8 Ma, 1902 ± 26 Ma and 1884 ± 12 Ma, interpreted to record the timing of development of the QDSZ. Integrated with previous studies, we propose that the Qianlishan Complex suffered three phases of Orosirian deformation (D1–D3), of which the D3 deformation led to the development of the QDSZ. Deformation events D1, D2 and D3 are considered to have occurred at ca. 1.97–1.93 Ga, 1.93–1.90 Ga and 1.90–1.82 Ga, respectively. These events document that the Khondalite Belt underwent a protracted (>100 Myr) orogenic history in response to the collision between the Yinshan and Ordos blocks. Full article

Wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) is a primary contributor to visual impairment and severe vision loss globally, but the prevailing treatments are often unsatisfactory. The development of conventional treatment strategies has largely been based on the understanding that the angiogenic switch of endothelial cells (ECs) is mainly dictated by angiogenic growth factors. Even though treatments targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), like ranibizumab, are widely administered, more than half of patients still exhibit inadequate or null responses, suggesting the involvement of other pathogenic mechanisms. With advances in research in recent years, it has become well recognized that EC metabolic regulation plays an active rather than merely passive responsive role in angiogenesis. Disturbances of these metabolic pathways may lead to excessive neovascularization in angiogenic diseases such as wet AMD, therefore targeted modulation of EC metabolism represents a promising therapeutic strategy for wet AMD. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the potential applications of EC metabolic regulation in wet AMD treatment from multiple perspectives, including the involvement of ECs in wet AMD pathogenesis, the major endothelial metabolic pathways, and novel therapeutic approaches targeting metabolism for wet AMD. Full article

Rabbit coccidiosis is caused by infection with one or, more commonly, several Eimeria species that parasitize the hepatobiliary ducts or intestinal epithelium of rabbits. Currently, there are eleven internationally recognized species of rabbit coccidia, with the complete mitochondrial (mt) genomes of six species commonly infecting rabbits having been sequenced and annotated. Eimeria kongi was initially discovered in 2011 and prompted a preliminary study on this species. Through traditional morphological analysis, E. kongi was identified as a novel species of rabbit coccidia. To further validate this classification, we sequenced and annotated its mitochondrial genome. The complete mt genome of E. kongi spans 6258 bp and comprises three cytochrome genes (cytb, cox1, cox3), fourteen gene fragments for the large subunit (LSU) rRNA, and nine gene fragments for the small subunit (SSU) rRNA, lacking transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial genome sequence of E. kongi revealed its clustering with six other species of rabbit coccidia into a monophyletic group. Additionally, E. irresidua and E. flavescens were grouped within the lineage lacking oocyst residuum, consistent with their morphological characteristics. Consistent with multiple molecular phylogenies, in this investigation, E. kongi was further confirmed as a new species of rabbit coccidia. Our research findings are of great significance for the classification of coccidia and for coccidiosis prevention and control in rabbits. Full article

A novel method is introduced in this study for producing ceramisite coarse aggregates that are both lightweight and possess high strength. The process involves utilizing fly ash as the primary material, along with coal ash floating beads (CAFBs) that have high softening temperature and a spherical hollow structure serving as the template for forming pores. This study examined the impact of varying particle size and quantity of floating beads on the composition and characteristics of ceramisite aggregates. Results showed that the high softening temperature of floating beads provided stability to the spherical cavity structure throughout the sintering process. Furthermore, the pore structure could be effectively tailored by manipulating the size and quantity of the floating beads in the manufacturing procedure. The obtained ceramisite aggregates feature a compact outer shell and a cellular inner core with uniformly distributed pores that are isolated from each other and mostly spherical in form. They achieve a low density ranging from 723 to 855 kg/m³, a high cylinder compressive strength between 8.7 and 13.5 MPa, and minimal water absorption rates of 3.00 to 4.09%. The performance metrics of these coarse aggregates significantly exceeded the parameters specified in GB/T 17431.1-2010 standards. Full article

Code classification and code clone detection are crucial for understanding and maintaining large software systems. Although deep learning surpasses traditional techniques in capturing the features of source code, existing models suffer from low processing power and high complexity. We propose a novel source code representation method based on the multi-head attention mechanism (SCRMHA). SCRMHA captures the vector representation of entire code segments, enabling it to focus on different positions of the input sequence, capture richer semantic information, and simultaneously process different aspects and relationships of the sequence. Moreover, it can calculate multiple attention heads in parallel, speeding up the computational process. We evaluate SCRMHA on both the standard dataset and an actual industrial dataset, and analyze the differences between these two datasets. Experiment results in code classification and clone detection tasks show that SCRMHA consumes less time and reduces complexity by about one-third compared with traditional source code feature representation methods. The results demonstrate that SCRMHA reduces the computational complexity and time consumption of the model while maintaining accuracy. Full article

The aim of this study was to examine the value of tumor enhancement parameters on dual-phase cone-beam CT (CBCT) in predicting initial response, local progression-free survival (L-PFS) and overall survival (OS) following hepatic artery embolization (HAE). Between Feb 2016 and Feb 2023, 13 patients with 29 hepatic tumors treated with HAE were analyzed. Pre- and post-embolization, subtracted CBCTs were performed, and tumor enhancement parameters were measured, resulting in three parameters: pre-embolization Adjusted Tumor Enhancement (pre-ATE), post-embolization ATE and the difference between pre- and post-ATE (∆ATE). Treatment response was evaluated using the mRECIST criteria at 1 month. Tumors were grouped into complete response (CR) and non-complete response (non-CR) groups. To account for the effect of multiple lesions per patient, a cluster data analytic method was employed. The Kaplan–Meier method was utilized for survival analysis using the lesion with the lowest ∆ATE value in each patient. Seventeen (59%) tumors showed CR and twelve (41%) showed non-CR. Pre-ATE was 38.5 ± 10.6% in the CR group and 30.4 ± 11.0% in the non-CR group (p = 0.023). ∆ATE in the CR group was 39 ± 12 percentage points following embolization, compared with 29 ± 11 in the non-CR group (p = 0.009). Patients with ∆ATE > 33 had a median L-PFS of 13.1 months compared to 5.7 in patients with ∆ATE ≤ 33 (95% CI = 0.038–0.21) (HR, 95% CI = 0.45, 0.20–0.9, p = 0.04). Patients with ∆ATE ≤ 33 had a median OS of 19.7 months (95% CI = 3.77–19.8), while in the ∆ATE > 33 group, median OS was not reached (95% CI = 20.3-NA) (HR, 95% CI = 0.15, 0.018–1.38, p = 0.04). CBCT-derived ATE parameters can predict treatment response, L-PFS and OS following HAE. Full article

Background: this study explored the prefrontal cortex (PFC) hemodynamic variations produced by the association of an Interoceptive Attentiveness (IA) condition with a simple breath, motor, and cognitive synchronization task. Methods: 18 healthy individuals performed different synchronization activities (breath, motor, and cognitive) under both IA and control conditions, while levels of oxygenated (O2Hb) and deoxygenated hemoglobin were measured using functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS). Results: findings revealed higher O2Hb levels in the prefrontal brain region during the experimental condition (IA) in contrast to the control condition. Notably, this difference was particularly evident during the cognitive task as opposed to the other tasks (breath and motor). In contrast, no significant differences were found for the PFC lateralization effect. Conclusions: This evidence holds potential for rehabilitation professionals suggesting that the combination of deliberate attention to the breath and a cognitive synchronization task (such as a vocal exercise executed simultaneously) could boost PFC responsiveness. Full article

Cancer, characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and metastasis, represents a significant challenge to public health. The IGF1/IGF1R axis plays a pivotal role in tumor proliferation and survival, presenting an attractive target for intervention. NT157, a small molecule tyrphostin, has emerged as a promising inhibitor of this axis, displaying potent antineoplastic effects across various cancer types. This review synthesizes the literature on NT157’s mechanism of action and its impact on cellular processes in experimental cancer models. Initially identified for inducing the serine phosphorylation of IRS1 and IRS2, leading to their degradation and inhibiting the IGF1R signaling cascade, subsequent studies revealed additional targets of NT157, including STAT3, STAT5, and AXL, suggesting a multifaceted mechanism. Experimental evidence demonstrates that NT157 effectively suppresses tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis in diverse cancer models. Additionally, NT157 enhances chemotherapy efficacy in combination therapy. Moreover, NT157 impacts not only tumor cells but also the tumor microenvironment, modulating inflammation and immune responses by targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts, myeloid cells, and immune cells, creating a suppressive milieu hindering tumor progression and metastasis. In conclusion, NT157 exhibits remarkable versatility in targeting multiple oncogenic pathways and hallmarks of cancer, underscoring its potential as a promising therapeutic agent. Full article

Scoliosis, characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, is predominantly idiopathic, underscoring the need to delve into its underlying causes for effective treatment and preventive strategies. This study investigates a potential correlation between scoliosis and Schmorl’s nodes (intervertebral disc herniations) influenced by Wolff’s law, which posits that bones adapt to external pressures. We analyzed CT scans from 108 juvenile decedents, including 56 with scoliosis and 52 without. After running multiple statistical tests, there was no significance between the mean bone density when compared to having scoliosis. An independent t-test provided a t-value of 0.041, which, when compared to the original significance level of 0.05, is statistically significant, although weak. When compared to the Bonferroni correction level of 0.008, it throws out the significance to give a result of not being statistically significant. It was the same in the cases of L3 (t = 0.103), L2 (t = 0.084), and L1 (t = 0.053). If compared to the regular significance level of 0.05, T12 (t = 0.012) and T11 (t = 0.042) had weak significance, but that was then excluded when the Bonferroni correction was applied. When looking at any significance of densities in different vertebral regions, the results from a one-way ANOVA (p-value = 0.213) suggest that it is likely that the results are due to random variability or chance, and that there is no statistical significance. With a value of 0.273 from a Chi-squared (χ²)/Fisher’s exact test, it suggests that there is no statistically significant correlation or difference between the variables of scoliosis and Schmorl’s nodes. The general pattern seems to follow that as the spine ascends, the density increases, and this is true in both scoliotic and non-scoliotic individuals. As a whole, it is evident that those with scoliosis have a lower vertebral density than those without, in all of the vertebral regions. There is, however, a weak negative linear relationship between bone density and age in both scoliotic and non-scoliotic individuals. A p-value of −0.229 obtained from a Pearson correlation coefficient analysis in non-scoliotic individuals, as well as a p-value of −0.069 in scoliotic individuals, was obtained. Overall, the findings of this study are comparable to some existing studies on similar topics, but there are few results that hold statistical significance and so this would be interesting to research further, potentially using a different dataset or a larger sample size that is more representative. Full article

Cognitive reserve (CR) seems to be an ability to adapt cognitive processes in response to brain disease and may influence rehabilitation outcomes. This is a secondary analysis of the “Robot-Assisted Gait Training versus conventional therapy on mobility in severely disabled progressive MultiplE sclerosis patients” (RAGTIME) trial to investigate the influence of CR on the outcomes after gait rehabilitation in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). We included 53 PwMS and severe gait disability (EDSS 6–7). The participants were randomized into two groups to receive either robot-assisted gait training or overground walking (three times/week over four weeks). CR was evaluated by the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq), which encompasses three sections (CRI Education, CRI Working Activity, and CRI Leisure Time). We stratified the patients using the 115 cut-off CRIq total score of at least a medium-high CR. The outcome measures were Timed 25-Foot Walk, 6 min walking test, Berg Balance Scale, Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale—29, Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale—12, Patient Health Questionnaire—9, and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). After gait rehabilitation, the FSS was significantly improved in those patients with higher CR compared with the others (F = 4.757, p = 0.015). In our study, CR did not affect the gait, balance, disability perception, and depression. Conversely, it positively influenced the fatigue after gait rehabilitation. Full article

The fourth industrial revolution has transformed the industry, with information technology playing a crucial role in this shift. The increasing digitization of industrial systems demands efficient sensing and control methods, giving rise to soft sensors that have the potential to replace traditional physical sensors in order to reduce costs and enhance efficiency. This study explores the implementation of an artificial neural network (ANN) based soft sensor model in a water supply system to predict flow rates within the system. The soft sensor is centered on a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) artificial neural network model using Monte Carlo dropout to reduce uncertainty and improve estimation performance. Based on the results of this work, it is concluded that the proposed soft sensor (with Monte Carlo dropout) can predict flow rates more precisely, contributing to the reduction in water losses, as well as cost savings. This approach offers a valuable solution for minimizing water losses and ensuring the efficient use of this vital resource. Regarding the use of soft sensors based on LSTM neural networks with a careful choice of Monte Carlo dropout parameters, when compared to the multilayer perceptron model, the LSTM model with Monte Carlo dropout showed better mean absolute error, root mean square error, and coefficient of determination: 0.2450, 0.3121, and 0.996437 versus 0.2556, 0.3522, and 0.9954. Furthermore, this choice of Monte Carlo dropout parameters allowed us to achieve an LSTM network model capable of reducing uncertainty to 1.8290, keeping the error metrics also at low levels. Full article

We present a case of bilateral endogenous endophthalmitis with an extremely rare etiology of Capnocytophaga canimorsus. A 42-year-old asplenic patient with bilateral deterioration of visual acuity presented to the Emergency Department. The sudden deterioration of visual acuity, which prompted the patient to visit the ophthalmologist, was the first sign of the onset of sepsis. The physicians’ attention, in addition to poor visual acuity and intense inflammation on ophthalmologic examination, was drawn to the reported flu-like symptoms. They were accompanied by high C-reactive protein results and abnormalities in echocardiography. A blood culture isolated the bacterium Capnocytophaga canimorsus. Immunocompromised patients are particularly susceptible to C. canimorsus infection. Endophthalmitis of this etiology has a very aggressive course, both ophthalmic and systemic. Therefore, quick diagnosis and initiation of adequate therapy are crucial. Full article

Background and Objective: This study aimed to identify the incidence of sarcopenia and disease risk factors in Korean adults and to provide data for sarcopenia prevention. Materials and Methods: Based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey, 2008–2011, we selected 14,185 adults over the age of 20 who participated in sarcopenia diagnostic tests and health surveys. We analyzed sarcopenia risk factors using complex sample multi-logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of sarcopenia in Korea was 31.3%, with 20.2% in men and 40.4% in women. In men, there was a higher risk of sarcopenia in those of older age, without a spouse, with a low body mass index (BMI), who never engage in resistance exercise, or who do mid-level intensity resistance exercises. In women, sarcopenia risk was higher in those in their 20s compared to those in their 60s, and risk factors included a low BMI, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and waist circumference measurements, alcohol consumption, aerobic exercise, and resistance exercise. Conclusions: Interventions and lifestyle improvements will help prevent the onset of sarcopenia in elderly men and young women with risk factors such as a low BMI. Full article

Background and Objectives: The purpose of the study was to analyze the relationships among several clinical factors and also the tumor topography and surgical strategies used in patients with colorectal cancer. Materials and Methods: We designed an analytical, observational, retrospective study that included patients admitted to our emergency surgical department and diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The study group inclusion criteria were: patients admitted during 2020–2022; patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (including the ileocecal valve); patients who benefited from a surgical procedure, either emergency or elective. Results: In our study group, consisting of 153 patients, we accounted for 56.9% male patients and 43.1% female patients. The most common clinical manifestations were pain (73.2% of the study group), followed by abdominal distension (69.3% of the study group) and absence of intestinal transit (38.6% of the study group). A total of 69 patients had emergency surgery (45.1%), while 84 patients (54.9%) benefited from elective surgery. The most frequent topography of the tumor was the sigmoid colon, with 19.60% of the patients, followed by the colorectal junction, with 15.68% of the patients, and superior rectum and inferior rectum, with 11.11% of the patients in each subcategory. The most frequent type of procedure was right hemicolectomy (21.6% of the study group), followed by rectosigmoid resection (20.9% of the study group). The surgical procedure was finished by performing an anastomosis in 49% of the patients, and an ostomy in 43.1% of the patients, while for 7.8% of the patients, a tumoral biopsy was performed. Conclusions: Colorectal cancer remains one of the most frequent cancers in the world, with a heavy burden that involves high mortality, alterations in the quality of life of patients and their families, and also the financial costs of the medical systems. Full article

Background and Objectives: Heart rate variability (HRV) is defined as a physiological variation in duration between sinus beats. The aim of this study was to research and analyze the HRV between various groups of patients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in an outpatient setting. Patients who had undergone a tilt-table test were selected for this study and were divided into three groups based on their self-reported health anamnesis: group 1 (n = 84, mean age 45.8 ± 17.8) consisted of patients with no known orthostatic intolerance or neurodegenerative disease, group 2 consisted of patients with a known or suspected orthostatic intolerance (n = 50, mean age 46.5 ± 18.6), and group 3 consisted of patients with a known or suspected neurodegenerative disorder (n = 29, mean age 55.6 ± 20.4). During the tilt-table test, HRV frequency-domain parameters—normalized low frequency (LFnu) and high frequency (HFnu), absolute powers—absolute low frequency (LF-RRI), absolute high frequency (HF-RRI), and LF/HF ratio—were recorded during 5 min rest in the supine position. Results: Group 1 had a reduced LFnu at 52.93% (SD: 18.00) compared to group 2 at 58.57% (18.06) and group 3 at 61.80% (SD: 17.74), and group 1 had increased HFnu: group 1—47.08% (SD: 17.97), group 2—41.41% (SD: 18.03), and group 3—38.16% (SD: 14.7). LFnu and HFnu differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). LF-RRI was reported as follows: group 1—531.32 ms² (SD: 578.57), group 2—346.2 ms² (SD: 447.96), and group 3—143.21 ms² (SD: 166.96). HF-RRI was reported as follows: group 1—835.87 ms² (SD: 1625.42), group 2—297.46 ms² (SD: 507.15), and group 3—70.83 ms² (SD: 75.67). LF-RRI and HF-RRI comparisons between groups were statistically significant (p < 0.001). LF/HF ratios were reported as follows: group 1—1.91 (SD: 2.29), group 2—2.43 (SD: 2.33), and group 3–2.54 (SD: 2.17). LF/HF ratio comparisons between groups were statistically significant at p < 0.05. Conclusions: This study shows that patients with known or suspected orthostatic intolerance and neurodegenerative disorders have reduced HRV, possibly caused by reduced parasympathetic modulation. HRV in patients with known or suspected neurodegenerative disorders is reduced more severely than in patients with orthostatic disorders. Other studies in HRV have indicated a possible increase of risk in cardiovascular disorders in patients with reduced HRV, and therefore, HRV analysis could be a potential clinical diagnostic tool. However, the lack of universally agreed upon methodology, reference values, and possible external and internal factor influence hinders the introduction of HRV examinations into wider clinical practice. Full article

Background: Congenital kyphosis is a spinal deformity that arises from the inadequate anterior development or segmentation of the vertebrae in the sagittal plane during the initial embryonic stage. Consequently, this condition triggers atypical spinal growth, leading to the manifestation of deformity. Concurrently, other congenital abnormalities like renal or cardiac defects within the gastrointestinal tract may co-occur with spinal deformities due to their shared formation timeline. In light of the specific characteristics of the deformity, the age range of the patient, deformity sizes, and neurological conditions, surgical intervention emerges as the optimal course of action for such cases. The selection of the appropriate surgical approach is contingent upon the specific characteristics of the anomaly. Case Presentation: This investigation illustrates the utilization of a surgical posterior-only strategy for correcting pediatric congenital kyphoscoliosis through the implementation of a vertebral column resection method along with spine reconstruction employing a mesh cage. The individual in question, a 16-year-old female, exhibited symptoms such as a progressive rib hump, shoulder asymmetry, and back discomfort. Non-invasive interventions like bracing proved ineffective, leading to the progression of the spinal curvature. After the surgical procedure, diagnostic imaging displayed a marked enhancement across all three spatial dimensions. After a postoperative physical assessment, it was noted that the patient experienced significant enhancements in shoulder alignment and rib hump prominence, with no discernible neurological or other adverse effects. Conclusions: Surgical intervention is considered the optimal approach for addressing such congenital anomalies. Typically, timely surgical intervention leads to favorable results and has the potential to halt the advancement of deformity and curvature enlargement. Full article

Nitrogen fertilization can provide greater nutritional support and mitigate salt stress in the millet crop. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological responses and agronomic performance of millet crop subjected to nitrogen fertilization and irrigation water salinity. The study was carried out in a greenhouse, using a completely randomized design in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme, with four replications, with five doses of nitrogen (40; 60; 80; 100 and 120 kg ha⁻¹ of N), and two levels of electrical conductivity for the irrigation water: 0.3 and 4.0 dS m⁻¹. We concluded that salt stress increased leaf sodium levels and had a negative impact on stalk and panicle dry mass, leaf gas exchange, mineral element concentrations (K, P, and Ca), and water use efficiency. The use of lower-salinity water associated with increased nitrogen fertilization provides greater stalk and panicle dry mass, photosynthesis, water use efficiency, chlorophyll index, leaf potassium concentration, and biomass production. The adverse effects of salt stress were evident in decreased transpiration and stomatal conductance, alongside reductions in leaf phosphorus and calcium levels, coupled with elevated leaf sodium concentrations, particularly as nitrogen fertilization rates increased in potted millet plants. These findings offer insights for devising strategies aimed at mitigating the detrimental effects of salt stress on millet plant nutrition through targeted nitrogen fertilization approaches. Full article

The aging population and increasing incidence of trauma among younger age groups have heightened the increasing demand for reliable implant materials. Effective implant materials must demonstrate rapid osseointegration and strong antibacterial properties to ensure optimal patient outcomes and decrease the chance of implant rejection. This study aims to enhance the bone–implant interface by utilizing 45S5 bioglass modified with various concentrations of Fe₃O₄ as a coating material. The effect of the insertion of Fe₃O₄ into the bioglass structure was studied using Raman spectroscopy which shows that with the increase in Fe₃O₄ concentration, new vibration bands associated with Fe-related structural units appeared within the sample. The bioactivity of the prepared glasses was evaluated using immersion tests in simulated body fluid, revealing the formation of a calcium phosphate-rich layer within 24 h on the samples, indicating their potential for enhanced tissue integration. However, the sample modified with 8 mol% of Fe₃O₄ showed low reactivity, developing a calcium phosphate-rich layer within 96 h. All the bioglasses showed antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The modified bioglass did not present significant antibacterial properties compared to the bioglass base. Full article

Plant architecture includes traits such as plant height, stem diameter, and branching pattern, which have significant impacts on yield and fruit quality. Polyploidization can bring changes in plant architectural traits in different crops along with other agronomic and biochemical attributes; however, the specific physiological and biochemical mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we utilized five watermelon lines: ‘91E7’, ‘Zhengzhou No. 3’, ‘Fanzu No. 1’, ‘Shenlong’, and ‘Houlv’, along with their corresponding autopolyploid derivatives (diploid, autotriploid, and autotetraploid) to compare plant architecture differences in different polyploidy watermelon plants. The results showed that the growth habits of diploid, triploid, and tetraploid watermelon plants were noticeably different. Triploid and tetraploid watermelon plants had greater stem diameters and larger leaf sizes. The leaf angle was also larger in polyploid watermelons than in their diploid ancestor lines. Although vine length was significantly higher in diploid watermelon, there was no significant difference in node number, indicating that the short vine length was due to the short internodal length. The major differences between diploid and polyploid watermelon plants were found in the branching pattern, as diploid watermelon lines have more branching compared to their polyploid sister lines. Furthermore, we examined the phytohormone content of diploid, triploid, and tetraploid ‘Fanzu No. 1’. The reasons for the selection of this material are its robust growth and profuse branching habit, which cause visible differences among the ploidy levels. Hormone analysis showed distinct variations in abscisic acid in the nodal and stem regions, gibberellin in the auxiliary bud regions, and brassinosteroids in the apical meristematic regions. The correlation coefficient also strongly correlated these hormones with architecture-related traits. Our findings indicated that gibberellin, ABA, and brassinosteroids might be associated with variations in plant architectural traits like branching, vine length, internodal length, stem thickness, and leaf angle among different ploidy levels of watermelon. The exogenous application of GA₃ showed a positive effect on branching, whereas ABA showed a negative effect on branching. The application of brassinosteroid at the apical meristem demonstrated its effect on leaf angle, leaf size, and internodal length. The results of this study can provide a theoretical reference and valuable insights into the link between plant architecture and ploidy levels. Full article

The capability of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to capture and utilize dynamic object information assumes critical significance for decision making and scene understanding. This paper presents a method for UAV relative positioning and target tracking based on a visual simultaneousocalization and mapping (SLAM) framework. By integrating an object detection neural network into the SLAM framework, this method can detect moving objects and effectively reconstruct the 3D map of the environment from image sequences. For multiple object tracking tasks, we combine the region matching of semantic detection boxes and the point matching of the optical flow method to perform dynamic object association. This joint association strategy can prevent trackingoss due to the small proportion of the object in the whole image sequence. To address the problem ofacking scale information in the visual SLAM system, we recover the altitude data based on a RANSAC-based plane estimation approach. The proposed method is tested on both the self-created UAV dataset and the KITTI dataset to evaluate its performance. The results demonstrate the robustness and effectiveness of the solution in facilitating UAV flights. Full article