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Comprehensive Comparison and Validation of Forest Disturbance Monitoring Algorithms Based on Landsat Time Series in China
Get PDFAccurate long-term and high-resolution forest disturbance monitoring are pivotal for forest carbon modeling and forest management. Many algorithms have been developed for this purpose based on the Landsat time series, but their nationwide performance across different regions and disturbance types remains unexplored. Here, we conducted a comprehensive comparison and validation of six widely used forest disturbance- monitoring algorithms using 12,328 reference samples in China. The algorithms included three annual-scale (VCT, LandTrendr, mLandTrendr) and three daily-scale (BFAST, CCDC, COLD) algorithms. Results indicated that COLD achieved the highest accuracy, with F1 and F2 scores of 81.81% and 81.25%, respectively. Among annual-scale algorithms, mLandTrendr exhibited the best performance, with F1 and F2 scores of 73.04% and 72.71%, and even outperformed the daily-scale BFAST algorithm. Across China’s six regions, COLD consistently achieved the highest F1 and F2 scores, showcasing its robustness and adaptability. However, regional variations in accuracy were observed, with the northern region exhibiting the highest accuracy and the southwestern region the lowest. When considering different forest disturbance types, COLD achieved the highest accuracies for Fire, Harvest, and Other disturbances, while CCDC was most accurate for Forestation. These findings highlight the necessity of region-specific calibration and parameter optimization tailored to specific disturbance types to improve forest disturbance monitoring accuracy, and also provide a solid foundation for future studies on algorithm modifications and ensembles
Validation of an Automated High-Throughput Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection of Enteric Protozoa
Get PDFBackground: Microscopy is the conventional method for the identification of gastrointestinal parasitic pathogens in fecal specimens; however, it presents numerous challenges, including high technical expertise burden, multiple staining procedures, and prolonged turnaround time. Molecular methods provide higher throughput and potentially higher sensitivity and specificity. Methods: We validated a commercial, automated DNA extraction platform and multiplex parasitic real-time PCR panel (Seegene AllplexTM GI-Parasite Assay) detecting six protozoal pathogens: Blastocystis hominis (Bh), Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora cayetanensis (Cc), Dientamoeba fragilis (Df), Entamoeba histolytica (Eh), and Giardia lamblia (Gl) in unpreserved fecal specimens submitted for diagnostic parasitology. Microscopy was the reference standard for all organisms, with stool ELISA as an additional reference assay for Eh. Results: Among 461 unpreserved fecal specimens, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive values of the enteric multiplex for fresh specimens were as follows: 93%, 98.3%, 85.1%, 99.3% for Bh; 100% for all measures in Cryptosporidium and Cc; 100%, 99.3%, 88.5%, 100% for Df; 33.3%, 100%, 100%, 99.6% for Eh; and 100%, 98.9%, 68.8%, 100% for Gl, respectively. With the addition of 17 frozen specimens, the sensitivity for Eh increased to 75%. On a per-batch basis, the molecular platform reduced pre-analytical and analytical testing turnaround time by 7 h. Conclusions: The enteric multiplex platform provides a useful diagnostic tool for clinically relevant enteric protozoa, including Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora cayetanensis, Dientamoeba fragilis, and Giardia lamblia. Further evaluation of the assay is required for Entamoeba histolytica prior to clinical use; however, given the widespread availability of confirmatory serology and stool antigen testing for E. histolytica, such performance limitations are of lesser concern
A Review of Ocular and Systemic Side Effects in Glaucoma Pharmacotherapy
Get PDFGlaucoma, the second leading cause of irreversible blindness globally, encompasses a heterogeneous group of ocular disorders characterized by the progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells. Pharmacotherapy remains the cornerstone of treatment, primarily aimed at reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) by decreasing aqueous humor production or enhancing its outflow. The therapeutic classes employed include carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, β-blockers, α-adrenergic agonists, prostaglandin analogs, parasympathomimetics, Rho kinase inhibitors, and hyperosmotic agents. Despite their efficacy, these medications are associated with a range of ocular and systemic side effects, influenced by their mechanisms of action, formulation, and dosage. Ocular adverse effects, such as irritation, dry eye, allergic reactions, and infections, are common, while systemic absorption may lead to more severe outcomes, including organ dysfunction, exacerbation of comorbid conditions, or life-threatening cardiovascular events. Given these potential risks, it is critical for clinicians to understand and monitor these adverse effects as they significantly affect patient adherence, quality of life, and treatment outcomes. Ongoing research is essential to develop novel therapeutic regimens, agents, or delivery methods that minimize side effects and improve compliance. Incorporating patient-reported outcomes in clinical practice may further enhance the assessment of treatment impact, facilitating more tailored and effective management of glaucoma
The Central Mindoro Fault: An Active Sinistral Fault Within the Translational Boundary Between the Palawan Microcontinental Block and the Philippine Mobile Belt
Get PDFThe NNW-trending Central Mindoro Fault (CMF) is an active oblique left-lateral strike-slip fault as determined from offset morphotectonic features such as spurs and streams. Mapping of the trace and determination of the sinistral strike-slip sense of motion of the CMF is essential not only to the assessment of hazards but also to providing a clearer perspective of its role in accommodating deformation resulting from the NW relative motion between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Sunda Plate. Its sense of motion is also kinematically congruent with the NW-SE translation along a transcurrent zone between the Philippine Mobile Belt and the Palawan Microcontinental Block on the western part of the Philippine archipelago. It is also consistent with the left-lateral motion of other structures within the zone, such as the Verde Passage Fault—another structure believed to be accommodating the NW-SE translation. Mapping of the CMF provides a key constraint in identifying the possible mechanism(s) involved in the dextral strike-slip motion of the 1994 Mindoro Earthquake ground rupture, which is subparallel to the CMF
Sex modifies the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and insulin resistance in adults at risk for Alzheimer’s disease
Get PDFThis study examines whether sex modifies the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and insulin resistance in adults at risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study included n = 1,131 (791 females, 340 males; mean age 64.7 years) cognitively unimpaired, nondiabetic participants from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention, a longitudinal observational cohort study enriched with persons with parental history of AD dementia. CRF was estimated using a validated equation, and the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) quantified insulin resistance from blood samples. Cross-sectional linear regression models were assembled in a moderation framework to test the interaction between CRF and sex on HOMA-IR scores. Finally, sex-stratified analyses were performed to test within-group associations of CRF and HOMA-IR. CRF was negatively associated with HOMA-IR (β = -0.504, SE = 0.21, p = 0.018) and the interaction of CRF and sex was likewise significant (β = -0.849, SE = 0.18, pThe presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author
Untargeted Metabolomics and Targeted Phytohormone Profiling of Sweet Aloes (Euphorbia neriifolia) from Guyana: An Assessment of Asthma Therapy Potential in Leaf Extracts and Latex
Get PDFBackground/Objectives: Euphorbia neriifolia is a succulent plant from the therapeutically rich family of Euphorbia comprising 2000 species globally. E. neriifolia is used in Indigenous Guyanese asthma therapy. Methods: To investigate E. neriifolia’s therapeutic potential, traditionally heated leaf, simple leaf, and latex extracts were evaluated for phytohormones and therapeutic compounds. Full scan, data-dependent acquisition, and parallel reaction monitoring modes via liquid chromatography Orbitrap mass spectrometry were used for screening. Results: Pathway analysis of putative features from all extracts revealed a bias towards the phenylpropanoid, terpenoid, and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways. A total of 850 compounds were annotated using various bioinformatics tools, ranging from confidence levels 1 to 3. Lipids and lipid-like molecules (34.35%), benzenoids (10.24%), organic acids and derivatives (12%), organoheterocyclic compounds (12%), and phenylpropanoids and polyketides (10.35%) dominated the contribution of compounds among the 13 superclasses. Semi-targeted screening revealed 14 out of 16 literature-relevant therapeutic metabolites detected, with greater upregulation in traditional heated extracts. Targeted screening of 39 phytohormones resulted in 25 being detected and quantified. Simple leaf extract displayed 4.4 and 45 times greater phytohormone levels than traditional heated leaf and latex extracts, respectively. Simple leaf extracts had the greatest nucleotide and riboside cytokinin and acidic phytohormone levels. In contrast, traditional heated extracts exhibited the highest free base and glucoside cytokinin levels and uniquely contained methylthiolated and aromatic cytokinins while lacking acidic phytohormones. Latex samples had trace gibberellic acid levels, the lowest free base, riboside, and nucleotide levels, with absences of aromatic, glucoside, or methylthiolated cytokinin forms. Conclusions: In addition to metabolites with possible therapeutic value for asthma treatment, we present the first look at cytokinin phytohormones in the species and Euphorbia genus alongside metabolite screening to present a comprehensive assessment of heated leaf extract used in Indigenous Guyanese asthma therapy
Education and Training Needs of Health Care Professionals in the Philippines Encountering Patients with Lung Oligometastatic Cancers
Get PDFThis study aimed to examine the education and training needs of health care practitioners (HCPs) in the Philippines who encounter lung oligometastatic cancer patients. Lung oligometastatic disease is among the most common sites for cancer spread and has the most established practices for treating oligometastases. A modified version of the Hennessy–Hicks Training Needs Assessment Questionnaire was administered online to HCPs working in private and public centers in the Philippines. HCPs were recruited via purposive sampling. Twenty-seven HCPs completed the questionnaire (47% response rate). Respondents were mostly female (59%) and between the ages of 30 and 39 years (70%). Three-quarters (74%) were consultants, and most respondents were radiation oncologists (44%) or medical oncologists (30%). Medical oncologists rated Management/Supervisory Tasks (mean = 1.42) as their highest area of training need while radiation oncologists rated Clinical Tasks (mean = 1.30) as their highest training need. Pulmonologists (mean = 0.60) and other specialists (mean = 1.00) rated Administration tasks as their top area of training need. The clinical task-related category was rated the highest need among the continuing medical education topics. This study provides valuable insights for the implementation and advancement of a comprehensive curriculum in clinical oncology, specifically designed to enhance the administrative, clinical, and research capacities of oncologists who encounter oligometastatic lung disease in the Philippines
Reducing the Regulatory Burden of Plant Biotechnology Regulations in Canada
Get PDFRegulations within the crop agriculture industry exist to ensure that products undergoing risk assessment prior to commercialization are safe for the environment and human consumption. Since 1995, these regulations have provided safe crops and foods for Canadians to consume, as no commercialized innovative product has caused any post-commercialization health or environmental problems. However, Canada suffers from a gap in its innovation pipeline in that far more investments go into the innovation pipeline than products come out. Canada is a global top ten nation in terms of innovation investments yet drops over ten positions when it comes to outputs. Additionally, Canada is one of the lowest ranked on the G30 list of countries in terms of regulatory burden on the economy. This article describes updates to the regulatory framework for plant biotechnology, highlighting recent changes regarding regulation of gene editing technologies and how these changes respond to previously identified innovation barriers.The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author
Gender Diversity in Canadian Surgical Residency
Get PDFBackground: Diversity of gender representation in surgery is known to positively influence patient outcomes and predict career trajectories for female trainees. This study aims to identify the current and recent past state of gender diversity amongst trainees entering Canadian surgical residency programs. Methods: Data were sourced from the Canadian Post-M.D. Education Registry (CAPER) and the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMs) for ten surgical specialties. CAPER data include PGY-1 trainees in all surgical specialties for the academic years 2012–2013 to 2021–2022. CaRMs provided data of total applicants and matched applicants for Canadian Medical Graduates (CMGs) in the match years 2013–2022. Results: From 2012–2022, there were 4011 PGY-1 surgical residents across Canada (50.4% female, 49.6% male). The surgical specialties with the most female representation were obstetrics/gynecology (82.1–91.9%), general surgery (40.2–70.7%), and plastic surgery (33.3–55.6%). The surgical specialties with the least female representation were neurosurgery (18.7–35.3%), urology (11.8–42%), and orthopedic surgery (17.5–38.5%). The number of female applicants to surgical programs has increased since 2013 and outnumbers male applicants each subsequent year. The match rate to surgical programs for female applicants has varied by year, with the highest being 63.9% in 2014 and the lowest in 2018 at 48.8%. Conclusions: Our study shows promising trends that reflect increased representation of female trainees. However, while the number of female trainees in general surgery and obstetrics/gynecology programs matches and even exceeds Canadian demographic proportions, this is not true for most other surgical specialties. This calls for continued efforts to improve and retain gender equity across surgical specialties in Canada
Tuning of Tellurium Particles Derived from the Displacement Reaction of a Tellurourea with a Phosphinidene
Get PDFWhile attempting to prepare a N-heterocyclic carbene-based tellurourea adduct of trifluoromethylphosphinidene, detelluration was observed, forming a carbene-PCF3 adduct alongside nano-/micro-particles of tellurium, which could subsequently have their growth controlled via concentration and substrate changes. Use of steel, copper, silicon, or glass substrates affords different morphologies of particles, while concentration impacts the size, growth, and general distribution of isolated or fused particles.The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author