As benchmark image datasets expand in sample size and feature complexity, the challenge of managing increased dimensionality becomes apparent. Contrary to the expectation that more features equate to enhanced information and improved outcomes, the curse of dimensionality often hampers performance. This paper reviews existing literature on filter feature selection techniques applied to image features, highlighting when they are applied to both classical and deep-learning-based feature extraction methods. Additionally, this study explores how different feature selection methods behave when applied to image features through big data technologies. Different experiments were performed to compare the results when using feature selection techniques with various reduction percentages. Experimental results demonstrated that an important reduction of the extracted features provides classification results similar to those obtained with the full set of features. Furthermore, applying dimensionality reduction techniques outperforms, in some cases, the results achieved using broad feature vectors.

This research introduces Intelligent Car Learning for Mobile Robot Path Planning (ICLMRPP). The primary objectives of these techniques are to expand the best minimum path distance, minimize energy consumption, ensure a smooth trajectory, minimize task completion time, reduce identification risk, enhance communication reliability, prioritize missions, maximize obstacle avoidance, and improve environmental sensing. The robot operates in both static and dynamic environments, utilizing a grid map. The holonomic and non-holonomic constraints related to car learning mobile robots are considered. The Multi-objective Deep Q Network (MODQN) algorithm is proposed to address the ICLMRPP problem. The obstacle avoidance, implemented using DQN in the proposed MODQN, incorporates nine improvements. The proposed algorithm is compared to the Multi-objective Double Deep Q Networks (MODDQN) technique. Experiments on a car learning mobile robot validate the efficacy of the proposed algorithm techniques. This work demonstrates that the proposed MODQN algorithm, when applied to ICLMRPP problems, generates safe paths with collision avoidance, optimized path distance efficiency, and practical implementability. The simulations of MODQN and MODDQN are deemed acceptable, with simulation and experimental deviations less than 3%, and a path distance error of 1.125%.

Nigeria has seen outbreaks of multiple infectious diseases, a major public health concern, in the past ten years, including the Ebola virus in 2014, monkeypox in 2017, COVID-19 in 2020, Lassa fever in 2022, measles in 2023, diphtheria in 2023, and the current cholera outbreak in 2024. This emphasizes the importance of implementing a robust infectious disease surveillance system for illness response, prevention, and control. This review examines the current status of infectious disease surveillance system in Nigeria and its usefulness in preparing for future outbreaks. A network of laboratories, community health workers, health facilities, and epidemiology units was established during the COVID-19 epidemic by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), which is essential to disease surveillance. One of the surveillance system’s tiers, state epidemiology units, was in charge of overseeing the gathering and reporting of regional data. Community health workers also carried out contact tracing and public health education as a grassroots method of disease surveillance. The NCDC adopted the Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis Systems as a primary digital surveillance platform for implementing the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response system, which is specifically tailored for the surveillance of priority diseases of public health importance in Nigeria. This was done to effectively improve the surveillance capacity and data management. It is critical to enhance the current surveillance system’s ability to monitor, anticipate, and quickly respond to disease outbreaks. The COVID-19 outbreak highlighted the need for surveillance system improvement, particularly gaps that need to be closed to monitor future outbreaks or resurgences. In order to fortify the surveillance system for infectious diseases, it is imperative to continue utilizing the knowledge gained from prior outbreaks, enhance data collection, enhance national and sub-national surveillance systems, and enhance laboratory surveillance systems with precise data gathering and dissemination.

This work sheds lights on the complex gene regulatory networks underlying heat stress response and tolerance in chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) using a transcriptomic approach integrated with key phenotypic traits. Two pairs of Near Isogenic Lines (NILs) derived from a cross between early- (E) and late-flowering (L) genotypes (224E, 224L, 309E and 309L) and a reference cultivar ICC 4958 were subjected to high temperature (38/28 oC (day/night) for 4 days during the pod set) during the seed-filling stage, Heat stress impacted seed yield, revealing significant differences between early and late flowering lines primarily by reducing seed number due to fertilization failure. The ICC 4958 and 224L genotypes were more severely affected than the 309E and L and 224E lines. The differential gene expression profiles highlighted genotype-specific responses to heat stress, with both the 309 lines exhibiting greater heat tolerance and fewer differentially expressed genes compared to 224E, 224L and ICC 4958, indicating their higher resilience to heat stress. Key responses included significant changes in photosynthesis-related genes, alterations in primary and secondary metabolism, and modulation of phytohormone pathways, which collectively contribute to the 309 lines’ ability to cope with and recover from heat stress. The efficient recovery mechanisms observed in early flowering lines, such as rapid re-establishment of photosynthetic functions and effective nutrient redistribution, underline their potential for maintaining yield under heat stress conditions.

Background: Hypertension is the leading cause of preventable deaths globally, yet reports on its burden and risk factors in rural Sub-Saharan Africa have been inconsistent. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, awareness, and factors associated with hypertension among adults in a rural community in southwestern Uganda. Methods: A baseline survey was conducted in Ngango, Mbarara district, involving adults aged 18-79 from eleven villages. Research assistants and community health workers enrolled consenting participants from their homes using the WHO STEPS questionnaire, gathering demographic, behavioral characteristics (e.g., tobacco and alcohol use), and lifestyle factors including dietary habits and physical activity. Blood pressure (BP) readings were taken three times. Hypertension was defined as BP ≥140/90 mmHg or self-reported use of antihypertensive medication. We used logistic regression to identify factors associated with hypertension. Results: A total of 953 adults were enrolled, with a median (IQR) age of 43 (30-57) years, 61.5% female and only 43.5% recalled ever having a BP measure. The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 27.3% with 61.5% unaware of their condition. Only 27.7% receiving treatment and 65.3% had controlled BP. Despite 66.8% reporting good physical activity, 63.7% were overweight. Key factors associated with hypertension included being over 40 years old (OR 2.26), consuming fewer than three servings of fruits or vegetables weekly (OR 1.62), and being overweight or obese (OR 1.57 and OR 2.73, respectively). Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension in rural southwestern Uganda is high, highlighting the need for targeted interventions, particularly in a relatively young and physically active population

Recent studies combining electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) have shown promising results by correlating EEG characteristics with the spatial information provided by fNIRS. The present study aims to analyze the topographical effect of auditory stimulus intensity on cortical activation using fNIRS and to correlate this hemodynamic response with auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) P1, N1, and P2 and their possible habituation. Forty volunteers (13 males, 27 females; mean age = 22.27 ± 3.96 years) participated in this study. The experimental section involved the presentation of complex tones of different intensities (50-, 70-, and 90-dB SPL) including 7 different frequencies (400, 850, 1150, 1650, 1950, 2450, 2750 Hz), in blocks of five stimuli, while EEG and fNIRS signals were recorded. Our results indicate that increasing sound intensity led to amplitude changes in AEPs, and enhanced neural recruitment in auditory and prefrontal cortices, as analyzed by fNIRS. Correlation analyses suggest a prefrontal source for the P2 component. In addition, the observed correlation between the habituation index and specific prefrontal cortex channels in the inferior and superior frontal gyri would suggest the involvement of cognitive resources in the habituation process to block stimuli. These findings provide insight into the relationship between auditory stimulus intensity and neural engagement, with potential implications for understanding auditory perception in both healthy and clinical populations.

1 INTRODUCTIONNeuroblastoma is an embryonic tumor derived from the neural crest with migratory neuroectodermal cells (1). It is one of the most common extracranial solid tumors in infants and children. More than 90% of neuroblastoma cases occur in children under 5 years old (2,3). The clinical signs and symptoms of neuroblastoma are highly dependent on the origin and spread of the tumor (4). Neuroblastoma with a primary lesion in the central nervous system is defined as primary central nervous system neuroblastoma (PCNSN), which is rare and carries a poor prognosis (5). In PCNSN, primary tumors located in the pineal gland are exceedingly rare, and there is no previous report thus far. Here, we report an adult patient diagnosed with primary pineal neuroblastoma who received surgical resection and postoperative radiotherapy.

Background and purpose: Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a novel psychoactive substance that has gained attention due to its psychotropic effects and temporary legal status. It is widely abused in several EU and US countries, where it serves as a legal and easily accessible alternative to ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC). Despite its widespread use, few studies have examined its in vivo effects and safety profile. Experimental approach: This study investigated the pharmacokinetics, systemic toxicity, and acute behavioural effects of HHC in male Wistar rats. A mixture of (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC epimers (in a 1:1 ratio) was administered via intragastric gavage at doses of 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg. Behavioural effects were assessed using the Open field test and the Prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle response. Key results: Two hours after 10 mg/kg administration, concentrations of both HHC epimers peaked in blood serum and brain tissue. According to the OECD 423 toxicity test, HHC was classified as a Category 4 substance, with an estimated lethal dose of 1000 mg/kg. Compared to the control group (administered sunflower oil), the highest dose (10 mg/kg) led to reduced locomotor activity, increased anxiety, and impaired sensorimotor gating. Conclusions & Implications: HHC readily crosses the blood-brain barrier, exhibits mild toxicity, and produces behavioural effects similar to THC-like cannabinoids.

In today's society, women are increasingly vulnerable to sexual violence, whether at home, in the workplace, or in public spaces. This study aims to explore the psychological consequences of sexual violence among women aged 20-30 in northern India, with a focus on fear, stress, and anxiety. A qualitative approach was employed, using semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 20 women. Data were collected through text-based online interviews, and thematic analysis was performed to identify key patterns and insights related to the psychological impact of sexual violence. The findings revealed that the fear of sexual violence led to heightened stress and anxiety, significantly affecting participants' mental well-being. Many women reported behavioural changes such as avoiding certain locations and altering daily routines to stay safe. The study also highlighted the role of societal norms and family pressures in shaping how women deal with these threats. This study highlights the urgent need for mental health support for women coping with the psychological toll of sexual violence. It also calls for societal and policy-level interventions to create safer environments and challenge the patriarchal structures that perpetuate fear and restrict women's freedom.

Agave spirits have gained global recognition and hold a central position within the cultural heritage of Mexico. Traditional distilleries characterized by open fermentations driven by local microbial communities, persist despite the rise of industrial-scale counterparts. In this review, we explore the environmental conditions and production practices that make the must of cooked agave stems a unique habitat for colonizing microorganisms. Additionally, we review selected studies that have characterized yeast species within these communities, with a focus on their metabolic traits and genomic features. Over fifty fungal species, predominantly Saccharomycetales and few Basidiomycetes, along with a similar number of lactic and acetic acid bacteria, have been identified. Despite variations in the chemical composition of the agave substrate and diversity of cultural practices associated with each traditional fermentation process, yeast species such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Torulaspora delbrueckii, and several Pichia species have been consistently isolated across all agave spirit-producing regions. Importantly, cooked agave must is rich in fermentable sugars, yet it also contains inhibitory compounds that influence the proliferation dynamics of the microbial community. We discuss some of the genetic traits that may enable yeasts to flourish in this challenging environment and how human practices may shape microbial diversity by promoting the selection of microbes that are well-adapted to agave fermentation environments. The increasing demand for agave spirits, combined with concerns about the preservation of natural resources and cultural practices associated with their production, underscores the need to deepen our understanding of all key players, including the yeast communities involved.

DNA cytosine deaminase APOBEC3B (A3B) is one of the endogenous sources of somatic mutations in many types of human cancers and is associated with tumor progression rather than tumorigenesis. However, it remains uncertain whether APOBEC3B-induced mutations accelerate tumor progression or not. In this paper, we established a mouse model with A3B overexpression and investigated whether the introduction of A3B overexpression accelerates tumor development in Tp53 hemizygous mice. A3B expression was validated by qPCR, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry in mouse tissues, and in vitro CDA assays revealed that A3B has its CDA activity in mouse tissues. However, we did not observe any difference in tumor development between the mice with or without A3B expression. A3B expression and its CDA activity were confirmed in tumor tissues of mice overexpressing A3B. Therefore, we concluded that the introduction of A3B overexpression did not accelerate tumor development in Tp53 hemizygous mice. Our mouse model with A3B overexpression is well-validated and useful for further research.

Experiments suggest that increasing species’ diversity increases productivity over short observation periods. Theory predicts that diversity may increases productivity at equilibrium, such as in communities of coexisting competitors. In effect, experiment and theory are using different response variables. We illustrate how this gap can obscure some of the mechanisms through which diversity shapes productivity. To do this, we propose a formal link to dynamic models of population growth. Using this link, we show that selection (as it is formally defined in dynamic models) does not affect productivity. Instead, selection changes productivity over time. In contrast, niche complementarity can change productivity directly. We illustrate how to measure each of the terms in competition experiments. These results highlight how the effects of diversity on productivity can be obscured by our choice of response variable.

Animal stoichiometry influences critical processes from organismal physiology to biogeochemical cycles. However, it remains uncertain whether animal stoichiometry follows predictable scaling relationships with body mass and whether adaptation to terrestrial or aquatic environments constrains elemental allocation. We tested both interspecific and intraspecific body-mass scaling relationships for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and N:P content using a subset of the StoichLife database, which includes 9,933 individual animals across 1,543 species spanning 10 orders of magnitude in body mass from terrestrial, freshwater, and marine realms. Our results show that body mass predicts intraspecific stoichiometric variation, accounting for 42-45% of the variation in 27% of vertebrate and 35% of invertebrate species. However, body mass was less effective at explaining interspecific variation, with taxonomic identity emerging as a more significant factor. Differences between aquatic and terrestrial organisms were observed only in invertebrate interspecific %N, suggesting that realm has a relatively minor influence on elemental allocation. Our study, based on the most comprehensive animal stoichiometry database to date, revealed that while body mass is a good predictor of intraspecific elemental content, it is less effective for interspecific patterns. This highlights the importance of evolutionary history and taxonomic identity over general scaling laws in explaining stoichiometric variation.

Aim：This study aims to describe the current global research status, identify the most influential countries, research institutions, researchers and research hotspots through conducting bibliometric analysis on literature related to the correlation between gut microbiota and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) from January 1, 2014, to May 28, 2024, in order to provide insights for future research and development trends. Methods：We searched for all literature related to gut microbiota and TIME published from January 1, 2014, to May 28, 2024, in the Web of Science Core Collection database. Then, we further conducted bibliometric analysis and created visual maps of the published literature on countries, institutions, authors, keywords, references, etc. by using CiteSpace (6.2R6), VOSviewer (1.6.20), and bibliometrics (based on R 4.3.2). Results：491 documents were ultimately included, with a rapid increase in the number of publications starting from 2019. The country with the highest number of publications is China, followed by the United States. And Germany has the highest number of citations of literature. From the centrality perspective, the United States has the highest influence in this field. The institution with the most publications is Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China. However, the institution with the most citations is the NIH National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the United States. As for the author, Professor Giorgio Trinchieri from the National Institutes of Health has produced the most results in this field. And the most citations are FAN XZ. The results of journal publications show that the top three journals with the highest number of published papers are Frontiers in Immunology, Cancers, and Frontiers in Oncology. The top three most frequently occurring keywords are gut microbiota, tumor microenvironment, and immunotherapy. Conclusions: This study systematically elaborates on the research progress related to gut microbiota and TIME over the decade year. Research results indicate that the number of publications has rapidly increased since 2019, with research hotspots including ”gut microbiota”, ”tumor microenvironment” and ”immunotherapy”. Exploring specific gut microbiota or derived metabolites on the behavior of immune cells in the TIME, regulating the secretion of immune molecules, influencing immunotherapy are research hotspots and future research directions.

Lymphoma in horses is uncommon and rarely diagnosed as the cause of ataxia in horses. This case report describes a two-year-old Standardbred cryptorchid colt who presented with acute onset of grade 3.5/5 ataxia. Due to the severity of the ataxia, a full neurologic examination could not be completed, and the colt was humanely euthanized. Post-mortem examination revealed multiple osteochondritis dissecans lesions in the cervical and lumbar spine. Initially this was thought to be the cause of the ataxia, however histopathology revealed multifocal areas where the spinal nerve roots and epidural surface of the dural mater of the meninges were surrounded or covered by plaques of neoplastic round cells which infiltrated the adipose tissue surrounding the spinal tissues. Atypical round cells similar to those observed in the spinal meningeal tissues were also found in the kidneys, lungs, liver, testes and one lymph node. Immunohistochemical staining of meningeal tissue samples revealed moderate to intense cytoplasmic/membranous immunoreactivity for CD20 and a diagnosis of multicentric diffuse large B cell lymphoma was made. Lymphoma should be included in the differential diagnoses for a horse presenting with ataxia and neurologic deficits

Objective: To examine the impact of viral infection and carcinogens on the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and assess whether the immune signature offers valuable clinical insights for immunotherapy. Methods: By integrating the scRNA-seq data of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes (TILs) from both HPV-negative (HPV -) and HPV-positive (HPV +) HNSCC patients from TCGA cohort, a comprehensive map of TIME in HNSCC was created. Results and Conclusions: TILs exhibited distinct cellular composition and gene expression between HPV - and HPV + HNSCC. The remodeling of myeloid cells indicated that activated dendritic cells possess migratory potential in HNSCC. C1QC + tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) displayed an M2 signature in HPV - HNSCC, which may result from the regulation of NR1H3. Further analysis of T cells demonstrated that increased T follicular helper (Tfh) infiltration predicted improved survival in HPV + HNSCC. These data point to an activation-dependent exhaustion expression program, particularly for TIGIT in GZMK + exhausted T cells in HPV - HNSCC. And more robust CCL signaling in HPV + HNSCC provides insights into the molecular basis for precision medicine.

Title PageManuscript type Case Report

Background and Purpose: Preclinical studies suggest that highly selective dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) antagonists or partial agonists hold promise for treating substance use disorders (SUD). However, their limited effectiveness in reducing cocaine self-administration is a major drawback. This study investigated whether cariprazine (a D3R-preferring partial agonist) and its analogs ESG-1-60 and ESG-1-61 have enhanced efficacy in reducing cocaine-taking and -seeking behavior. Experimental Approach: In vitro BRET experiments were used to characterize the functional efficacies of cariprazine and its analogs. Intravenous cocaine self-administration and reinstatement models were used to evaluate efficacy in reducing cocaine-taking and -seeking behavior. Optical intracranial self-stimulation (oICSS) procedures assessed effects on DA-dependent behavior. Open-field locomotion, oral sucrose self-administration, and conditioned place-preference were used to evaluate potential unwanted side effects. Key Results: BRET functional assays indicated that cariprazine and ESG-1-60 are D3R-preferring partial agonists, while ESG-1-61 is a D3R-preferring antagonist/inverse agonist. All three compounds inhibited cocaine self-administration under both fixed-ratio and progressive-ratio reinforcement schedules and reduced cocaine-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior in both male and female rats. The compounds did not alter locomotor behavior but suppressed sucrose intake and DA-dependent oICSS. Cariprazine and ESG-1-61 produced significant place aversion, while ESG-1-60 did not. Chronic administration of ESG-1-60 inhibited cocaine self-administration. Conclusions and Implications: Novel D3R-preferring compounds ESG-1-60 and ESG-1-61 are highly effective in reducing cocaine taking and seeking under various reinforcement conditions. ESG-1-60 warrants further investigation as a new pharmacotherapy for treating cocaine use disorder due to its effectiveness in these models and lack of unwanted behavioral effects.