bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beliefs and strategies about urinary incontinence: a possible moderation role between symptoms and sexual function, and quality of life
Authors: Porto Marta , Marôco João , Mascarenhas Teresa , Pimenta Filipa
Published: December 2023

Background

Urinary Incontinence (UI) has numerous repercussions in women’s lives, and it is underreported/underdiagnosed.

Objective

The present study aimed to understand: (1) the differences between women with and without urine loss regarding Quality of Life (QoL) and Sexual Function (SF); (2) the possible moderation role of UI-related beliefs and strategies on the relationship between UI-symptom severity and SF and QoL, in women with UI.

Methods

Cross-sectional Design. Participants: Primary aim: Overall, 2,578 women aged 40–65 (Mage = 49.94, DPage = 6.76) were collected online. Secondary aim: 1,538 women who self-reported having urine loss occasionally/frequently (Mage = 50.19, DPage = 6.58). All data analyses were done with IBM SPSS Statistics and R statistical system 4.0 through RStudio. Statistical Path analysis was performed with the lavaan package to study the hypothetical association and moderating effects between the variables.

Results

Primary aim: women without UI had a better SF [t(2576) = 3.13, p = 0.002; 95% C.I., 0.18 to 0.80] and QoL [t(2576) = 7.71, p < 0.001; 95% C.I., 3.14 to 5.28] than their counterparts with UI. Secondary aim: UI-related coping strategies attenuated the impact of UI-symptom severity on SF(β = −0.07; p = 0.041); the more dysfunctional the UI-related beliefs were, the poorer QoL was (β = −0.06; p = 0.031); the more frequent the UI-related hiding/defensive strategies were, the poorer QoL was (β = −0.26; p < 0.001).

Discussion

Limitations: online data collection, which thwarted the clarification of participants, if needed; absence of a UI medical diagnosis (only self-reported measures were used). Strengths and practical implications: (i) the crucial role of UI-related beliefs and strategies in the QoL of women with UI; (ii) the impact that UI-concealing/defensive strategies have in attenuating the impact of UI-symptom severity on SF, which might be perceived as a short-term benefit and hence contribute to maintaining the UI condition and constitute a barrier to help-seeking, (iii) impact of UI-symptom severity on QoL and SF (including a comparison group entailing women without UI, which is scarcely used); and (iv) the use of gold-standard and psychometrically robust instruments.

Conclusion

Changing dysfunctional UI-related beliefs and strategies in clinical settings may improve the QoL; UI-concealing strategies may reinforce themselves by immediate effects on SF, but are not functional in the long term.
Themes and ideologies in China’s diplomatic discourse – a corpus-assisted discourse analysis in China’s official speeches
Authors: Liu Mingze , Yan Jiale , Yao Guangyuan
Published: December 2023

Diplomatic discourse is a formalized form of political communication that significantly influences a country’s international perception. However, there is a research gap in the analysis of China’s diplomatic discourse, particularly in relation to the speeches available on the official Chinese Foreign Ministry website. This study aims to address this gap by conducting a quantitative and qualitative analysis of China’s diplomatic speeches. This study utilizes a quantitative corpus-assisted discourse analysis to explore the prevalent themes in China’s official speeches. Additionally, qualitative discourse analysis is employed to examine the ideologies manifested in specific examples from the official speeches. The research combines a corpus-based approach with critical discourse analysis to investigate language use, discourse practices, and social practices. The analysis of China’s diplomatic discourse reveals several key themes related to President Xi Jinping’s leadership, international relations, and future community and economy. The findings provide valuable insights into China’s diplomatic strategies and its international image, emphasizing its commitment to cooperation, development, and peace. This research contributes to a better understanding of China’s diplomatic discourse and its role in shaping international perceptions of the country. By highlighting the prevalent themes and ideologies in China’s official speeches, the study emphasizes China’s commitment to fostering positive international relations. The findings offer valuable insights into China’s diplomatic strategies and its efforts to shape its international image.
Effect of school lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic on screen time among adolescents in Hungary: a longitudinal analysis
Authors: Major David , Fazekas-Pongor Vince , Pártos Katalin , Tabák Adam G. , Ungvari Zoltan I. , Eörsi Dániel , Árva Dorottya , Terebessy András
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Studies indicate that due to school lockdown during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, screen time increased more steeply than pre-pandemic years. The aim of our study was to examine changes in screen time and its components (screen time spent on videos, games, homework, and other activities) of adolescents affected by COVID-19 school closures compared to controls from pre-pandemic years and to assess the effect of family structure and family communication.

Methods

Two sets of ninth-grader boys and girls transitioning into 10th grade were included in the analysis. The ‘pre-COVID classes’ (controls) completed the baseline survey in February 2018 and the follow-up survey in March 2019. ‘COVID classes’ (cases) completed the baseline survey in February 2020 (1 month before the COVID-19-related school lockdowns) and the follow-up survey in March 2021. Linear mixed models stratified by sex were built to assess the change in screen time over one year adjusted for family structure and communication.

Results

Our study population consisted of 227 controls (128 girls, 99 boys) and 240 cases (118 girls, 122 boys). Without COVID-19, overall screen time did not change significantly for boys, but there was a decrease in screen time for gaming by 0.63 h, which was accompanied by an increase of 1.11 h in screen time for other activities (consisting mainly of social media and communication). Because of the pandemic, all components increased by 1.44–2.24 h in boys. Girls’ screen time and its components remained stable without school lockdown, while it increased for videos and homework by 1.66–2.10 h because of school lockdown. Living in a single-parent household was associated with higher, while better family communication resulted in lower screen time.

Discussion

Our results indicate that COVID-19-related school lockdowns modified the age-specific increase in screen time for boys and girls as well. This trend, however, may be counterbalanced by improving communication between family members.
Key parameters linking cyber-physical trust anchors with embedded internet of things systems
Authors: Maasberg Michele , Butler Leslie G. , Taylor Ian
Published: December 2023

Integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the automotive industry has brought benefits as well as security challenges. Significant benefits include enhanced passenger safety and more comprehensive vehicle performance diagnostics. However, current onboard and remote vehicle diagnostics do not include the ability to detect counterfeit parts. A method is needed to verify authentic parts along the automotive supply chain from manufacture through installation and to coordinate part authentication with a secure database. In this study, we develop an architecture for anti-counterfeiting in automotive supply chains. The core of the architecture consists of a cyber-physical trust anchor and authentication mechanisms connected to blockchain-based tracking processes with cloud storage. The key parameters for linking a cyber-physical trust anchor in embedded IoT include identifiers (i.e., serial numbers, special features, hashes), authentication algorithms, blockchain, and sensors. A use case was provided by a two-year long implementation of simple trust anchors and tracking for a coffee supply chain which suggests a low-cost part authentication strategy could be successfully applied to vehicles. The challenge is authenticating parts not normally connected to main vehicle communication networks. Therefore, we advance the coffee bean model with an acoustical sensor to differentiate between authentic and counterfeit tires onboard the vehicle. The workload of secure supply chain development can be shared with the development of the connected autonomous vehicle networks, as the fleet performance is degraded by vehicles with questionable replacement parts of uncertain reliability.
Mixture of fatty alcohols and alkyl polyglucosides stabilizing water-in-water emulsions
Authors: Dari Carolina , Si Yuchen , Douliez Jean-Paul , Tahon Jean-François , Benezech Thierry , Clegg Paul S. , Fameau Anne-Laure
Published: December 2023

The combination of surfactants and fatty alcohols leads to the formation of lamellar gel network (LGNs) which are widely used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Alkyl polyglucosides are known to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and here, we report their use in combination with fatty alcohol for the stabilization of all-aqueous water-in-water (W/W) emulsions based on dextran-in-poly(ethylene glycol). Two different APGs were used: decyl glucoside and lauryl glucoside. We systematically studied the influence of the concentrations of APGs, and the molar ratio between the APGs and decanol as model fatty alcohol on the size and stability of the aqueous emulsion droplets with time. The self-assembled structure formed by decanol/APGs was characterized by using Small Angle X-ray Scattering and confocal microscopy, and shown to be lamellar in the bulk phase and probably also at the surface of dextran-rich droplets. We also demonstrated that the stabilization of W/W emulsions can be extended to other alkyl polyglucoside and to other fatty alcohols. In addition, we reported the production of a foam using such W/W emulsions as the continuous phase. Our results show that it is possible to stabilized W/W emulsions using LGNs based on different APGs and fatty alcohols, which will undoubtedly expand the use of W/W emulsions for various fields.
Social representations of cancer in patients from Medellín, Colombia: a qualitative study
Authors: Higuita-Gutiérrez Luis Felipe , Estrada-Mesa Diego Alejandro , Cardona-Arias Jaiberth Antonio
Published: December 2023

Background

Cancer has different explanatory theories that address its etiology and treatment. It is usually associated with pain and suffering. Recently, new technologies, knowledge, and therapies have been developed, which may have transformed the classic social representations of the disease. This study aimed to understand the social representations (SRs) of cancer in patients from Medellín, Colombia.

Methods

This study used a grounded theory in 16 patients with cancer. The information was collected between June 2020 and May 2021. Information was analyzed following the open, axial, and selective coding stages.

Results

SRs of cancer at the time of diagnosis evoke negative connotations. However, cancer is redefined as a positive event as the clinical course of the disease progresses, and patients interact with health professionals and respond to treatment. The resignification of the disease depends on the etiological models of the patients, which include genetic, socio-anthropological, psychosocial, and psychogenic factors. In line with the SRs of etiology, patients seek out treatments complementary to the biomedical ones that can be socio-anthropological and psychogenic.

Conclusion

In this group negative representations about cancer persist, this way of understanding the disease is determined by the convergence of cultural meanings and personal experiences. The causal representation is connected to the actions and willingness of the patients to face their diagnosis. In this sense, two categories stand out: the first expresses that cancer is the consequence of a body subjected to excessive productivity; the second subsumes a psychogenic predisposition caused by the context where the ideology of happiness appears to be a social norm. This double saturation in which an individual is immersed results in new burdens that are not visible to caregivers and healthcare workers.
Reviving vacuum-dried encapsulated ram spermatozoa via ICSI after 2 years of storage
Authors: Palazzese Luca , Turri Federica , Anzalone Debora Agata , Saragusty Joseph , Bonnet Jacques , Colotte Marthe , Tuffet Sophie , Pizzi Flavia , Luciani Alessia , Matsukawa Kazutsugu , Czernik Marta , Loi Pasqualino
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Freeze-drying techniques give alternative preservation mammalian spermatozoa without liquid nitrogen. However, most of the work has been conducted in the laboratory mouse, while little information has been gathered on large animals that could also benefit from this kind of storage.

Methods

This work adapted a technique known as vacuum-drying encapsulation (VDE), originally developed for nucleic acid conservation in anhydrous state, to ram spermatozoa, and compared it to canonical lyophilization (FD), testing long-term storage at room temperature (RT) and 4°C.

Results and discussion

The results demonstrated better structural stability, namely lipid composition and DNA integrity, in VDE spermatozoa than FD ones, with outcomes at RT storage comparable to 4°C. Likewise, in VDE the embryonic development was higher than in FD samples (12.8% vs. 8.7%, p < 0.001, respectively). Our findings indicated that in large mammals, it is important to consider dehydration-related changes in sperm polyunsaturated fatty acids coupled with DNA alterations, given their crucial role in embryonic development.
The Synergistic Effects of Corbicula fluminea and Sarcodia montagneana on Alleviating Systemic Inflammation and Osteoarthritis Progression
Authors: Huang Tse-Hung , Liu Bang-Hung , Hsu Chia-Hui , Wu Chang-Jer , Liao Kuang-Wen , Lin Chen-Si , Chan Yi-Lin
Published: December 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive disease that causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the affected joints. Currently, there are no effective treatments for preventing the worst outcomes, such as synovitis or cartilage degradation. Sarcodia montagneana and Corbicula fluminea are common species found in the ocean or in freshwater areas. Their extracts are demonstrated to possess both antioxidative and anti-inflammatory functions. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of the extracts of Sarcodia montagneana (SME) and Corbicula fluminea (FCE) on reducing local and systemic inflammation, as well as their efficacy in OA symptom relief. An in vitro monocytic LPS-treated THP-1 cell model and in vivo MIA-induced mouse OA model were applied, and the results showed that the combinatory usage of SME and FCE effectively suppressed IFN-γ and TNF-α production when THP-1 cells were treated with LPS. SME and FCE also significantly decreased the systemic TNF-α level and joint swelling and prevented the loss of proteoglycan in the cartilage within the joints of OA mice. The data shown here provide a potential solution for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
An Effective, Green Synthesis Procedure for Obtaining Coumarin–Hydroxybenzohydrazide Derivatives and Assessment of Their Antioxidant Activity and Redox Status
Authors: Avdović Edina H. , Milanović Žiko , Simijonović Dušica , Antonijević Marko , Milutinović Milena , Nikodijević Danijela , Filipović Nenad , Marković Zoran , Vojinović Radiša
Published: December 2023

In this study, green synthesis of two derivatives of coumarin–hydroxybenzohydrazide, (E)-2,4-dioxo-3-(1-(2-(2,3,4-trihydroxybenzoyl)hydrazyl)ethylidene)-chroman-7-yl acetate (C–HB1), and (E)-2,4-dioxo-3-(1-(2-(3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoyl)hydrazyl)ethylidene)chroman-7-yl acetate (C–HB2) is reported. Using vinegar and ethanol as a catalyst and solvent, the reactions were carried out between 3-acetyl-4-hydroxy-coumarin acetate and corresponding trihydroxybenzoyl hydrazide. The antioxidant potential of these compounds was investigated using the DPPH and ABTS assays, as well as the FRAP test. The obtained results reveal that even at very low concentrations, these compounds show excellent radical scavenging potential. The IC50 values for C-HB1 and C-HB2 in relation to the DPPH radical are 6.4 and 2.5 μM, respectively, while they are 4.5 and 2.0 μM in relation to the ABTS radical. These compounds have antioxidant activity that is comparable to well-known antioxidants such as gallic acid, NDGA, and trolox. These results are in good correlation with theoretical parameters describing these reactions. Moreover, it was found that inhibition of DPPH● follows HAT, while inactivation of ABTS+● follows SET-PT and HAT mechanisms. Additionally, coumarin–hydroxybenzohydrazide derivatives induced moderate cytotoxic activity and show significant potential to modulate redox status in HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells. The cytotoxicity was achieved via their prooxidative activity and ability to induce oxidative stress in cancer cells by increasing O2˙− concentrations, indicated by increased MDA and GSH levels. Thus, ROS manipulation can be a potential target for cancer therapies by coumarins, as cancer cells possess an altered redox balance in comparison to normal cells. According to the ADMET analysis, the compounds investigated show good pharmacokinetic and toxicological profiles similar to vitamin C and gallic acid, which makes them good candidates for application in various fields of industry and medicine.
Lactate: The Fallacy of Oversimplification
Authors: Müller Jiri , Radej Jaroslav , Horak Jan , Karvunidis Thomas , Valesova Lenka , Kriz Miroslav , Matejovic Martin
Published: December 2023

Almost a quarter of a millennium after the discovery of an acidic substance in sour milk by Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele and more than 100 years after the demonstration of a tight connection between this lactic acid and tissue hypoxia in shock, we are still surrounded by false beliefs and misunderstandings regarding this fascinating molecule. Common perceptions of lactate, the conjugate base of lactic acid, as a plain waste product of anaerobic metabolism and a marker of cellular distress could not be further from the truth. Lactate is formed and utilized continuously by our cells, even under fully aerobic conditions, in large quantities, and although marked hyperlactatemia is always a red flag in our patients, not all these conditions are life-threatening and vice versa—not all critically ill patients have hyperlactatemia. Lactate also does not promote acidosis by itself; it is not toxic, nor is it a metabolic renegade. On the contrary, it has many beneficial properties, and an interpretation of hyperlactatemia might be trickier than we tend to think. The aim of this article is to debunk some of the deeply rooted myths regarding this fascinating molecule.
KDF1 Promoted Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells through Activating STAT3 and AKT Pathway
Authors: Guo Yi-Qing , Gan Mei-Fu , Bao Jia-Qian , Zhou Han-Xi , Yang Jing , Dai Chuan-Jing , Zheng Jing-Min
Published: December 2023

KDF1 has been reported to be correlated with carcinogenesis. However, its role and mechanism are far from clear. To explore the possible role and underlying mechanism of KDF1 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), we investigated KDF1 expression in LUAD tissues and the influence of KDF1 in the phenotype of LUAD cells (A549 and PC-9) as well as the underlying mechanism. Compared to non-tumor lung epithelial cells, KDF1 was upregulated in the cancer cells of the majority of LUAD patients, and its expression was correlated with tumor size. Patients with enhanced KDF1 in cancer cells (compared with paired adjacent non-neoplastic lung epithelial cells) had shorter overall survival than patients with no increased KDF1 in cancer cells. Knockdown of KDF1 inhibited the migration, proliferation and invasion of LUAD cells in vitro. And overexpression of KDF1 increased the growth of the subcutaneous tumors in mice. In terms of molecular mechanisms, overexpression of KDF1 induced the expression of AKT, p-AKT and p-STAT3. In KDF1-overexpressing A549 cells, inhibition of the STAT3 pathway decreased the level of AKT and p-AKT, whereas inhibition of the AKT pathway had no effect on the activation of STAT3. Inhibition of STAT3 or AKT pathways reversed the promoting effects of KDF1 overexpression on the LUAD cell phenotype and STAT3 inhibition appeared to have a better effect. Finally, in the cancer cells of LUAD tumor samples, the KDF1 level was observed to correlate positively with the level of p-STAT3. All these findings suggest that KDF1, which activates STAT3 and the downstream AKT pathway in LUAD, acts as a tumor-promoting factor and may represent a therapeutic target.
Association between Serum Free Fatty Acids and Clinical and Laboratory Parameters in Acute Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Klobučar Iva , Hinteregger Helga , Lechleitner Margarete , Trbušić Matias , Pregartner Gudrun , Berghold Andrea , Sattler Wolfgang , Frank Saša , Degoricija Vesna
Published: December 2023

Very little is known about the association between individual serum free fatty acids (FFAs) and clinical and laboratory parameters (indicators of heart failure severity) in acute heart failure (AHF) patients. Here, the baseline serum levels of FFAs, 16:0 (palmitic acid), 16:1 (palmitoleic acid), 18:0 (stearic acid), 18:1 (oleic acid), 18:2 (linoleic acid), 18:3 (alpha-linolenic acid or gamma-linolenic acid), 20:4 (arachidonic acid), 20:5 (eicosapentaenoic acid), and 22:6 (docosahexaenoic acid), were determined in 304 AHF patients (94.7% belonged to New York Heart Association functional class IV) using gas chromatography. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to examine the associations between the individual and total (the sum of all FFAs) FFAs and clinical and laboratory parameters. After applying a Bonferroni correction to correct for multiple testing, the total FFAs, as well as the individual FFAs (except FFAs 18:0, 20:5, and 22:6), were found to be significantly positively correlated with serum albumin. Only a few additional associations were found: FFA 16:0 was significantly negatively correlated with systolic pulmonary artery pressure, FFA 18:3 was significantly negatively correlated with C-reactive protein and body mass index, and FFA 20:4 was significantly negatively correlated with blood urea nitrogen. Based on our results, we conclude that in patients with severe AHF, individual and total serum FFAs are slightly associated with established laboratory and clinical parameters, which are indicators of heart failure severity.
Equilibrium Optimization Algorithm with Deep Learning Enabled Prostate Cancer Detection on MRI Images
Authors: Yang Eunmok , Shankar K. , Kumar Sachin , Seo Changho , Moon Inkyu
Published: December 2023

The enlargement of the prostate gland in the reproductive system of males is considered a form of prostate cancer (PrC). The survival rate is considerably improved with earlier diagnosis of cancer; thus, timely intervention should be administered. In this study, a new automatic approach combining several deep learning (DL) techniques was introduced to detect PrC from MRI and ultrasound (US) images. Furthermore, the presented method describes why a certain decision was made given the input MRI or US images. Many pretrained custom-developed layers were added to the pretrained model and employed in the dataset. The study presents an Equilibrium Optimization Algorithm with Deep Learning-based Prostate Cancer Detection and Classification (EOADL-PCDC) technique on MRIs. The main goal of the EOADL-PCDC method lies in the detection and classification of PrC. To achieve this, the EOADL-PCDC technique applies image preprocessing to improve the image quality. In addition, the EOADL-PCDC technique follows the CapsNet (capsule network) model for the feature extraction model. The EOA is based on hyperparameter tuning used to increase the efficiency of CapsNet. The EOADL-PCDC algorithm makes use of the stacked bidirectional long short-term memory (SBiLSTM) model for prostate cancer classification. A comprehensive set of simulations of the EOADL-PCDC algorithm was tested on the benchmark MRI dataset. The experimental outcome revealed the superior performance of the EOADL-PCDC approach over existing methods in terms of different metrics.
Role of Mangiferin in Management of Cancers through Modulation of Signal Transduction Pathways
Authors: Rahmani Arshad Husain , Almatroudi Ahmad , Allemailem Khaled S. , Alharbi Hajed Obaid A. , Alwanian Wanian M. , Alhunayhani Basmah Awwadh , Algahtani Mohammad , Theyab Abdulrahman , Almansour Nahlah Makki , Algefary Ahmed N. , Aldeghaim Solaiman Saleh Ali , Khan Amjad Ali
Published: December 2023

Cancer is a major public health concern worldwide in terms of mortality. The exact reason behind the development of cancer is not understood clearly, but it is evidenced that alcohol consumption, radiation, and exposure to chemicals are main players in this pathogenesis. The current mode of treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are effective, but, still, cancer is a major problem leading to death and other side effects. However, safer and effective treatment modules are needed to overcome the adverse effects of current treatment modules. In this regard, natural compounds have been recognized to ameliorate diseases by exerting anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-tumor potential through several mechanisms. Mangiferin, a xanthone C-glucoside, is found in several plant species including Mangifera indica (mango), and its role in disease prevention has been confirmed through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, its anti-cancer-potential mechanism has been designated through modulation of cell signaling pathways such as inflammation, angiogenesis, PI3K/AKT, apoptosis, and cell cycle. This article extensively reviews the anticancer potential of mangiferin in different cancers through the modulation of cell signaling pathways. Moreover, the synergistic effects of this compound with some commonly used anti-cancer drugs against different cancer cells are discussed. More clinical trials should be performed to reconnoiter the anti-cancer potential of this compound in human cancer treatment. Further, understanding of mechanisms of action and the safety level of this compound can help to manage diseases, including cancer.
Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Applied to Pediatric Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Simple Cholelithiasis: Feasibility and Teaching Insights
Authors: Pio Luca , Tulelli Berenice , Ali Liza , Carvalho Lucas , Chalhoub Marc , Julien-Marsollier Florence , Bonnard Arnaud
Published: December 2023

Background: Same-day discharge after a cholecystectomy is a common practice in the adult population and has been demonstrated as safe and viable for children as well. However, there is a lack of comprehensive teaching models for pediatric cholecystectomy. Drawing inspiration from standardized outpatient procedures, this study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes and feasibility of teaching programs and an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol following ambulatory laparoscopic cholecystectomy in pediatric patients. Methods: In 2015, an ERAS pathway for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) was implemented, focusing on admission procedures, surgery timing, anesthetic choices, analgesia, postoperative feeding, mobilization, and pain assessment. Day-case surgery was not applicable for acute cholecystitis, choledochal lithiasis, sickle cell disease, and hereditary spherocytosis cases. The protocol was employed for a group of attending surgeons and fellows, as well as a group of residents under the supervision of experienced surgeons. A retrospective analysis was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of ambulatory cholecystectomy in children and its utilization in training pediatric surgical trainees. Results: Between 2015 and 2020, a total of 33 patients were included from a cohort of 162 children who underwent LC, with 15 children operated on by senior surgeons and 18 by young surgeons. The primary diagnoses were symptomatic gallbladder lithiasis (n = 32) and biliary dyskinesia (n = 1). The median age at the time of surgery was 11.3 years (interquartile range (IQR) 4.9–18), and the median duration of surgery was 54 min (IQR 13–145). One intraoperative complication occurred, involving gallbladder rupture and the dissemination of lithiasis into the peritoneal cavity. Three patients (9%) required an overnight stay, while no postoperative complications or readmissions within 30 days were observed. ERAS was successfully implemented in 30 patients (91%). No significant differences in surgical outcomes were noted between senior and young surgeons. At an average follow-up of 55 months, no long-term sequelae were identified. Conclusions: These findings align with the current trend of increasing use of outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy and underscore its feasibility in the pediatric population. The application of a structured ERAS protocol appears viable and practical for training the next generation of pediatric surgeons. Level of Evidence: Level III.
A Comprehensive Survey on Wi-Fi Sensing for Human Identity Recognition
Authors: Duan Pengsong , Diao Xianguang , Cao Yangjie , Zhang Dalong , Zhang Bo , Kong Jinsheng
Published: December 2023

In recent years, Wi-Fi sensing technology has become an emerging research direction of human–computer interaction due to its advantages of low cost, contactless, illumination insensitivity, and privacy preservation. At present, Wi-Fi sensing research has been expanded from target location to action recognition and identity recognition, among others. This paper summarizes and analyzes the research of Wi-Fi sensing technology in human identity recognition. Firstly, we overview the history of Wi-Fi sensing technology, compare it with traditional identity-recognition technologies and other wireless sensing technologies, and highlight its advantages for identity recognition. Secondly, we introduce the steps of the Wi-Fi sensing process in detail, including data acquisition, data pre-processing, feature extraction, and identity classification. After that, we review state-of-the-art approaches using Wi-Fi sensing for single- and multi-target identity recognition. In particular, three kinds of approaches (pattern-based, model-based, and deep learning-based) for single-target identity recognition and two kinds of approaches (direct recognition and separated recognition) for multi-target identity recognition are introduced and analyzed. Finally, future research directions are discussed, which include transfer learning, improved multi-target recognition, and unified dataset construction.
Specific Point in Time Excitation Control Method for Spatial Multi-Degree-of-Freedom Systems under Continuous Operation
Authors: Zhang Shengtao , Qin Yixiao
Published: December 2023

The port container gantry crane studied in this paper is a four-degree-of-freedom spatial continuous system. In actual work, in order to make the container transfer smoothly, the response of the whole system needs to be accurately predicted and timely adjusted. The whole system is divided into rotary mechanism, lifting mechanism, lifting trolley mechanism, and big cart mechanism for detailed analysis. By constructing the field transfer matrix, a one-dimensional wave equation of continuous system and the Lagrange equation with redundant parameters, the response of each subsystem is solved precisely. The results of the study found that in some periods, the swing of the container was too large. In order to improve the safety and stability of transmission, an active control method of specific point in time excitation (SPE) is proposed for the first time. This method predicts the swing amplitude of the container in advance using the response results of the numerical model. When the set response interval is exceeded, the external excitation intervention can effectively inhibit the moving range of the container in the transit process. Finally, the results are compared with the simulation model to achieve the experimental purpose. It is in line with the expected experimental effect.
Research on the Signal Noise Reduction Method of Fish Electrophysiological Behavior Based on CEEMDAN with Improved Wavelet Thresholding
Authors: Meng Jingfei , Cai Weiming , Ou Siyi , Zhao Jian , Fan Shengli , Zheng Bicong
Published: December 2023

Electrophysiological signals are one of the key ways that fish convey information and govern movement. Changes in physiological electrical signals may indirectly reflect changes in fish sensory thresholds and locomotor behavior. The acquisition of physiological electrical signals in fish is more susceptible than in mammals to the effects of surface mucus and water noise, thereby reducing signal quality. In this study, a noise reduction method for electrophysiological behavioral signals in fish was proposed, namely the decomposition of the original EMG signal into multiple intrinsic mode components using CEEMDAN. To choose the signal-dominated IMF, noise-dominated IMF, and pure IMF, mutual correlation function characteristic analysis is done on each IMF and the original signal. The signal-dominated IMF is then filtered using the improved wavelet thresholding approach. Finally, the wavelet threshold filtered signal-dominated IMF with pure IMF was reconstructed into the processed fish EMG signal. It is demonstrated that the algorithm proposed in this paper improves the SNR by 3.1977 dB and reduces the RMSE by 0.0235 when compared to the traditional wavelet threshold denoising. The denoising method proposed in this paper can effectively improve the signal quality and provides an effective tool for the in-depth analysis of fish behavior from the perspective of physiological electrical signals.
Microfibres Release from Textile Industry Wastewater Effluents Are Underestimated: Mitigation Actions That Need to Be Prioritised
Authors: Chan Carmen Ka-Man , Fang James Kar-Hei , Fei Bin , Kan Chi-Wai
Published: December 2023

The release of microfibres (MFs) from textiles has been observed in various environments, pointing towards the impact of human activities on natural systems. Synthetic textile microfibres, a subset of microplastic fibres (MPFs), are reported to be the primary contributor to microplastic pollution. With the forecasted growth in textile production, the problem of MF pollution is expected to worsen and become more challenging to address. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are crucial in managing microfibre pollution as they can act as a sink and source of these pollutants. Studies have shown that textile industrial effluent can contain MFs at a rate of up to a thousand times higher than municipal wastewater. As more garments are made than sold and worn, the impact of industrial MF release could be higher than predicted. The detection and quantification of microfibres released in industrial wastewater effluents do not have a standard test method, and legislation to address this issue is not yet feasible. To tackle this issue, it is crucial to raise awareness in the industry and tackle it using a more holistic approach. With its urgency, but still being an underdeveloped research area, priorities for mitigation actions are examined where efforts are needed to accelerate. These include the need to raise awareness and encourage more investigations from industry and academia. A consistent protocol will help us to compare studies and find solutions of high impact and measure MFs in WWTPs, which can help define the maximum limit for MF releases and support legislation implementation.
Experiences with Gluten-Free Bread: A Qualitative Study Amongst People with Coeliac Disease Participating in a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Garnweidner-Holme Lisa , Hellmann Monica , Henriksen Christine , Austad Elisabeth , Watters Solveig Ivara , Gaundal Line , Lundin Knut E. A. , Myhrstad Mari C. W. , Telle-Hansen Vibeke H.
Published: December 2023

Background: Whole-grain bread can be an important source of fibre for people with coeliac disease (CeD) who must adhere to a gluten-free diet and avoid consuming wheat, rye and barley. Gluten-free bread frequently has a lower nutritional quality and different texture relative to gluten-containing counterparts. Objective: The aim was to investigate experiences with gluten-free bread amongst people with CeD prior to and during a randomised controlled trial (RCT). Design: We conducted individual interviews with 10 people with CeD participating in a RCT that aimed to investigate the effects of fibre-rich gluten-free products on metabolic regulation in people with CeD compared with benchmark gluten-free products. Five participants were in the control group (benchmark gluten-free bread) and five participants in the intervention group (fibre-rich gluten-free bread). The fibre-rich gluten free bread was formulated and prepared by the project group. The benchmark gluten-free bread was commercially available. The RCT lasted for four weeks. Interviews were conducted digitally between October 2021 and January 2022 and were thematically analysed. Results: Participants in both groups appeared to avoid bread prior to the study, primarily due to the poor taste and chewy consistency of the available bread in food stores and bakeries. Participants preferred the fibre-rich intervention bread as opposed to the available bread in the food market. However, participants had to become accustomed to eating the fibre-rich whole-grain bread during the study, since they avoided eating store-bought bread that they experienced chewy and not filling. Conclusions: Participants asked for fibre-rich gluten-free bread products that are satiating and have a good texture. Palatable gluten-free bread products might be an important source of fibre for people with CeD.
Effects of Reducing Sugars on the Structural and Flavor Properties of the Maillard Reaction Products of Lycium barbarum Seed Meal
Authors: Chen Tao , Wei Chao-Kun , Li Tong , Zhang Hui-Lin , Ni Zhi-Jing , Khan Mohammad Rizwan , Wei Zhao-Jun
Published: December 2023

Lycium barbarum seed meal contains a variety of bioactive compounds, but the use of L. barbarum seed meal in the food industry is rare. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of reducing sugars on the structural and flavor properties of the Maillard reaction products (MRPs) of the Lycium barbarum seed meal hydrolysate (LSH). The results showed that the flavors and tastes of the MRPs were affected by reducing sugars. In comparison to oligosaccharides, monosaccharides were more suitable for the development of MRPs with good sensory qualities. The structural characteristics of L. barbarum seed meal precursor MRPs were also affected by reducing sugars. The MRPs produced with the participation of monosaccharides had higher ultraviolet absorption and browning than the MRPs produced with oligosaccharides. The molecular weights of the MRPs were found to be 128–500 Da and 500–1000 Da. Compared to the MRPs made from other sugars, xylose-meridian products (X-MRPs) had a stronger meaty flavor. The mellowness and continuity of the MRPs made from monosaccharides were superior to those made from oligosaccharides. The MRPs formed by L. barbarum seed meal exhibited the characteristics of umami and meat flavor. MRPs with better flavors may be used to develop new types of seasoning salts.
Insights into the Protein Differentiation Mechanism between Jinhua Fatty Ham and Lean Ham through Label-Free Proteomics
Authors: Huang Qicheng , Xie Ruoyu , Wu Xiaoli , Zhao Ke , Li Huanhuan , Tang Honggang , Du Hongying , Peng Xinyan , Chen Lihong , Zhang Jin
Published: December 2023

Jinhua lean ham (LH), a dry-cured ham made from the defatted hind legs of pigs, has become increasingly popular among consumers with health concerns. However, the influence of fat removal on the quality of Jinhua ham is still not fully understood. Therefore, a label-free proteomics strategy was used to explore the protein differential profile between Jinhua fatty ham (FH) and lean ham (LH). Results showed that 179 differential proteins (DPs) were detected, including 82 up-regulated and 97 down-regulated DPs in LH vs. FH, among which actin, myosin, tropomyosin, aspartate aminotransferase, pyruvate carboxylase, and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase were considered the key DPs. GO analysis suggested that DPs were mainly involved in binding, catalytic activity, cellular process, and metabolic process, among which catalytic activity was significantly up-regulated in LH. Moreover, the main KEGG-enriched pathways of FH focused on glycogen metabolism, mainly including the TCA cycle, pyruvate metabolism, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. However, amino acid metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation were the main metabolic pathways in LH. From the protein differentiation perspective, fat removal significantly promoted protein degradation, amino acid metabolism, and the oxidative phosphorylation process. These findings could help us to understand the effects of fat removal on the nutritional metabolism of Jinhua hams and provide theoretical supports for developing healthier low-fat meat products.
Solution-State Studies, X-ray Structure Determination and Luminescence Properties of an Ag(I) Heteroleptic Complex Containing 2,9-Bis(styryl)-1,10-phenanthroline Derivative and Triphenylphosphine
Authors: Glykos Dimitrios , Plakatouras John C. , Malandrinos Gerasimos
Published: December 2023

A novel heteroleptic Ag(I) compound, formulated as [AgL(PPh3)]BF4 (1) (where L represents 2,9-bis((E)-4-methoxystyryl)-1,10-phenanthroline and PPh3 stands for triphenylphosphine), was successfully synthesized and thoroughly characterized. The compound’s stability in solution was confirmed through 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The photo-irradiation of the complex in a CDCl3 solution, utilizing a common portable UV lamp emitting at λ = 365 nm, led to the partial transformation of the E,E-geometric isomer to E,Z, ultimately yielding a 1:1.4 molar ratio of isomers. Its molecular structure was determined via X-ray crystallography, while molecular packing was assessed using Hirshfeld calculations. The most notable interactions (51%) within the cationic inner sphere involved H···H bonds. The photophysical characteristics of the complex and L were evaluated both in the solid state and in solution (dichloromethane). Compound 1 is a weak emitter, with photoluminescence quantum yields of 8.6% and 4.3% in solution and the solid state, respectively.
Two Years of Active Pharmacovigilance Surveillance and Therapeutic Reconciliation in Frail Populations: The MEAP 3.0 Study
Authors: Bombelli Anna , Guarnieri Greta , Lombardi Niccolò , Sullo Maria Giuseppa , Spina Edoardo , Crescioli Giada , Rafaniello Concetta , Cicala Giuseppe , Marangon Veronica , Folchino Rachele , Vecchio Silvia , Mosini Giulia , Radice Sonia , Clementi Emilio ,   MEAP 3.0 Group
Published: December 2023

Awareness related to the risk/benefit profile of therapies used in paediatric and elderly patients is limited. We carried out a study, called the MEAP 3.0 study, to collect and analyse evidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and drug–drug interactions (DDIs) that occurred in frail populations under polypharmacy in a real-world setting. Data were retrieved from reports of ADRs and pharmacological counselling from patients treated in hospitals and territorial health services. We collected 2977 ADRs reports and identified ‘anti-infectives for systemic use’ and ‘cardiovascular system’ as the most frequently implicated pharmacological classes in under-18 and over-65 patients, respectively. We detected 2179 DDIs, of which 10.7% were related to at least one ADR: 22 were classified as ‘contraindicated’ (7 in the paediatric group and 15 in the elderly one), and 61 as ‘major’ (6 in the paediatric patients and 55 in the geriatric ones), while 151 DDIs were classified as ‘moderate’ (10 referred to paediatric population, and 109 to elderly patient) and as ‘minor’ (1 in paediatric patients, and 31 in the elderly ones). The MEAP 3.0 project demonstrates that pharmacovigilance surveillance and therapeutic reconciliation are valid strategies to avoid potential DDIs and the occurrence of ADRs, allowing for personalised medicine.
Pain Coping and Healthcare Use in Patients with Early Knee and/or Hip Osteoarthritis: 10-Year Follow-Up Data from the Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee (CHECK) Study
Authors: van Scherpenseel Meike C. , Kloek Corelien J. J. , Veenhof Cindy , Pisters Martijn F.
Published: December 2023

Background: Knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) among older adults account for substantial disability and extensive healthcare use. Effective pain coping strategies help to deal with OA. This study aims to determine the long-term relationship between pain coping style and the course of healthcare use in patients with knee and/or hip OA over 10 years. Methods: Baseline and 10-year follow-up data of 861 Dutch participants with early knee and/or hip OA from the Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee (CHECK) cohort were used. The amount of healthcare use (HCU) and pain coping style were measured. Generalized Estimating Equations were used, adjusted for relevant confounders. Results: At baseline, 86.5% of the patients had an active pain coping style. Having an active pain coping style was significantly (p = 0.022) associated with an increase of 16.5% (95% CI, 2.0–32.7) in the number of used healthcare services over 10 years. Conclusion: Patients with early knee and/or hip OA with an active pain coping style use significantly more different healthcare services over 10 years, as opposed to those with a passive pain coping style. Further research should focus on altered treatment (e.g., focus on self-management) in patients with an active coping style, to reduce HCU.