bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear Vibrations of the Piezoelectric-Laminated Composite Cantilever Rectangular Plate Subjected to the Transverse and Parametric Excitation
Authors: Guo X. T. , Jiang Y. , Zhang W.
Published: June 2024

The intelligent structure will be the key to the industrial manufacturing field in the future, piezoelectric materials are the most commonly used active materials in many mechatronic and vibration control systems. In this paper, we illustrated the nonlinear vibration behaviors of the piezoelectric-laminated composite cantilever rectangular plate subjected to transverse and parametric excitation. Two piezoelectric layers are attached to the upper and lower surfaces of graphite/epoxy composite laminated plate. The nonlinear dynamic equations are derived via the classical laminated plate theory, von Karman large deformation theory, the constitutive equation of the piezoelectric materials, and the Hamilton principle. Considering the Galerkin method, the nonlinear ordinary differential equations for the two-order vibration mode of the piezoelectric laminated composite cantilever rectangular plate are achieved. The multiple scale method is applied to obtain the average equations to study the nonlinear vibration characteristic of the stable motion. The primary resonance and the 1:1 internal resonance of the piezoelectric laminated composite cantilever rectangular plate are investigated. The amplitude-frequency response curves, force-amplitude response curves, time histories, phase curves, and bifurcation diagrams are given to investigate the nonlinear dynamic characteristic of the piezoelectric laminated composite cantilever rectangular plate. The detailed parametric analyses show that bubble response curves are separated from the amplitude-frequency response curves with the continuous increase of the external excitation due to the internal resonance. In addition, the results reveal the energy transform between the various order vibration modes of the system. This work is expected to provide theoretical guidance for the nonlinear vibration of the smart piezoelectric laminated composite structure.
Simulation of Random Signals in Ghost Polarization
Authors: Liu Pao-Lo
Published: June 2024

In a classical optical ghost information system, broadband, random intensity fluctuations carry the information. A simulation code, from the generation to the correlation of intensity fluctuations, is developed. It is used to study random signals in the ghost polarization communication system. Results indicate that information security is not an intrinsic feature provided by the unique arrangement of components in the system. As long as the adversary can manipulate the signal and measure the intensity correlation without being detected, there is a risk of information leak.
Existence of solutions for the fractional Nirenberg problem with indefinite curvature functions
Authors: An Jiaxing , Dou Jingbo , Hu Yunyun
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we investigate the following fractional Nirenberg problem: [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is fractional order conformal invariant operator and [Formula: see text] is the [Formula: see text]-curvature for [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We show the existence results to the above equation employing the variational method and blowing-up analysis method, when the rotationally symmetric and indefinite curvature function [Formula: see text] satisfies certain flatness conditions.
A Theoretical Solution for Interaction Between Lined Twin Tunnels at Great Depths by a New Alternating Procedure
Authors: Jia X. C , Wang H. N. , Gao X. , Hu T.
Published: June 2024

In designing tunnels, rock-lining interactions are an important issue that needs to be accurately predicted and analyzed. For the closely located twin tunnels, the rock-lining interaction is more complex because of the interaction between tunnels. Based on the classical Schwarz alternating method, a new alternating procedure with fast convergence is presented, which can be used to solve the elastic problems of lined multiple holes. In consideration of the real interaction between tunnels and the interaction between rock and linings, an analytical model for the elastic mechanical responses of lined twin circular tunnels at great depths is proposed using the new analytical procedure. The solutions in all the alternating steps can be superposed to obtain the final solutions that satisfy all the boundary and continuity conditions and the solutions are efficiently calculated because of the analytical expressions. A good agreement between the analytical and numerical results indicates the correctness of the solutions. Based on the analytical model, the influences of the pillar width, relative tunnel radius, the lining stiffnesses and lateral pressure coefficient on the stress and displacement around the tunnels are obtained. The proposed method can be further applied to multiple-lined tunnel problems to quickly predict the supporting force.
Mechanical Properties and Material Characterization of Magneto-Thermal Sensitive Hydrogels
Authors: Sang Hong , Hu Jianying , Carrera Erasmo , Du Jianke
Published: June 2024

When in an alternating magnetic field, magneto-thermal sensitive hydrogels can absorb solvent molecules, causing the gel network to swell several times to its original size. By conducting experiments with magnetic PNIPAm hydrogels (M-PNIPAm), the parameters of the theoretical model for magneto-thermal sensitive hydrogels were experimentally determined. Subsequently, the mechanical behavior of M-PNIPAm hydrogel was studied through finite element analysis and tensile experiments. The numerical calculations based on the thermodynamic model with specific parameters showed consistency with experimental results. The comparison indicated that the proposed theory for magneto-thermal sensitive hydrogels can accurately predict the mechanical property of M-PNIPAm hydrogel, providing theoretical support for investigating large deformation of magneto-thermal sensitive hydrogels. Furthermore, we discovered that the variation of magnetic particle content significantly influence the mechanics properties of hydrogel. Our findings provide valuable insights for the research and application of magneto-thermal sensitive hydrogels.
Viscoelastic Mechanical Signature-Based Machine Learning for Assessment of Liver Fibrosis and Its Regression
Authors: Chang Zhuo , Xu Guang-Kui , Peng Chen-Hao , Chen Kai-Jung , Liu Wenjia
Published: June 2024

Viscoelastic mechanical characteristics of the liver play a crucial role in fibrosis and cancer progression. Despite the evolution of liver fibrosis, as a pivotal step toward cirrhosis and hepatoma, originates from molecular dysfunctions and further extends to cellular and tissue levels, current clinical assessment is still largely based on tissue level stiffness. This study introduces a novel multiscale viscoelastic signature-based machine learning model for liver fibrosis evaluation. Utilizing a hybrid hierarchical theory-microrheology approach, we unveil a universal two-stage power-law rheology capturing dynamic mechanical variations in diverse liver conditions. Our analysis of multiscale viscoelastic disparities through a self-similar hierarchical theoretical framework enhances our understanding of fibrosis evolution. Distinct mechanical signatures observed across liver states provide valuable insights for assessing fibrotic individuals and treatment responses at different spatial scales. Furthermore, we propose a series of threshold values for each marker in the diagnosis of liver fibrosis. Notably, based on these new viscoelastic signatures, we eventually propose a Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) diagnostic model that outperforms conventional stiffness-based classification, offering superior diagnostic precision for fibrotic treatment. This research contributes to the growing knowledge of viscoelastic characteristics in soft tissues and holds promise for innovative diagnostic strategies in various diseases and cancers.
Investigation on Critical Microstructure Size for Numerical Analysis of Metal-Matrix Composites with Network Reinforcement Architecture
Authors: Gao Xiang , Lu Xiaonan , Zhang Xuexi , Qian Mingfang , Li Aibin , Geng Lin , Wang Huan , Liu Cheng , Gong Bowen , Peng Hua-Xin
Published: June 2024

Finite element method (FEM) is a powerful tool to predict the properties and reveal the mechanisms of metal-matrix composites (MMCs) with very complex architectures and novel microstructures. Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of network reinforcement architectures on simultaneous strengthening and toughening. Here, as a key factor in modeling network architecture, the critical microstructure size was studied via FEM. We found that a critical microstructure size of 23 [Formula: see text]m (cell count [Formula: see text]20) existed in the FEM model, beyond which the crack deflection may be feasibly induced from particle-rich to matrix regions, leading to crack propagation in the ductile matrix cells and thus high strength and elongation. While, with cell size 20–23 [Formula: see text]m in SiC/6061Al model, the composite strength and elongation remained intact, implying that the maximal microstructure size is 23 [Formula: see text]m for effective network architecture simulations.
Periodic traveling waves of a SIR model with renewal and delay in one-dimensional lattice
Authors: Yang Lu , Li Yongkun
Published: June 2024

This paper is primarily addressed to the (non)existence and asymptotic behaviors of periodic traveling waves for a SIR model with renewal and delay in one-dimensional lattice, which generalizes the conclusions of SIR models in one-dimensional continuous space. Especially, the challenge of establishing the asymptotic behaviors of periodic traveling waves when periodicity arises is solved by integral and analytic techniques. Moreover, the spreading speed is equal to the minimal wave speed can be obtained by our results.
Model-driven and component-based framework for scientific applications
Authors: Wakrime Abderrahim Ait , Ouhammou Yassine , Bouichou Milouda
Published: June 2024

Interactive scientific visualization applications have been more and more used to observe, analyze and understand the complex phenomena studied in several scientific disciplines such as (nano-sciences, fluid simulations, etc.). To facilitate the coupling of the different computation, visualization and exploration codes, which are often heterogeneous and difficult to cooperate, scientists must be able to use and reuse the different parts of the applications already built in order to interchange and enrich certain parts without being experts. In this context, a middleware called FlowVR has been developed by the scientific community leading to make applications divided into set of components exchanging messages. Moreover, this middleware enables to encapsulate existing codes in components, interconnect them via data links, and deploy them on distributed computing resources. Nevertheless, FlowVR does not offer any capability to check the functional correctness of new developed component-based applications. This paper presents a framework called Model and Component-based framework for Scientific Applications (MCSA) based on a interplay of model-driven and component-based software engineering. On the one hand, we provide a domain specific language dedicated to physics/chemistry scientists in order to built their MCSA applications. This language also allows to capitalize efforts by proposing existing components that have been already developed. On the other hand, we propose a model transformation to check the correctness of instantiated models, for this, we use a new subclass of Petri net called strict Colored FIFO Nets (sCFN). Our approach has been backed by a case study relies on a molecular dynamics application.
Analytic solutions of fractional kinetic equations involving incomplete ℵ-function
Authors: Meena Manisha , Purohit Mridula
Published: June 2024

This paper expressed the fractional kinetic equation (KE) in terms of the incomplete [Formula: see text]-function, I-function, Fox H-function, and Meijer’s G-function. It assesses the importance of fractional KE in diverse scientific and engineering contexts, highlighting its relevance across various scenarios. In this paper, we investigate the results of Katugampola’s kinetic fractional equations with the product of the generalized M-series and incomplete [Formula: see text]-function. The [Formula: see text]-Laplace transform is applied for obtaining the desired results. Utilizing an M-series, the universality of this series is harnessed to deduce solutions for a fractional KE. Furthermore, a graphical representation of the obtained solutions’ behaviors is presented, enhancing the impact of the findings.
On estimation of maximal value of full diffusion time of infused and implanted dopants
Authors: Pankratov E. L.
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we estimate the maximal annealing time of dopant and/or radiation defects during the manufacturing of elements of integrated circuits by dopant diffusion and ion implantation. We introduce an analytical approach to estimate the maximal continuance of the diffusion process. We analyzed the influence of parameters of considered technological processes on the value of their maximal continuance of diffusion process.
Analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic and prediction with numerical methods
Authors: Singh M. M. , Suthar D. L. , Agarwal G. , Purohit S. D.
Published: June 2024

Coronavirus spreads worldwide with various symptoms and strains such as COVID-19, SARS, MERS. Outbreak and prevention of the coronavirus can be studied by many mathematical models like SIR, SEIR and SEIQDR. In this paper, we employed Euler’s method based on the SEIQDR mathematical model of COVID-19. Also, after certain iterations of the population categories, we obtained the solution range of the SEIQDR model. In the end, we studied the impact of [Formula: see text] for integer 1 and fractional order 0.9 and 0.85 on the obtained numerical solutions. The graphical solutions are also analyzed for integer and fractional values of [Formula: see text]. The advantage of this proposed method is that it reduces the mathematical and numerical computations significantly and the proposed method is effective and efficient in extracting the approximate solution of various population categories for COVID-19 mathematical model.
Pseudo-Multispectral Pedestrian Detection with Deep Thermal Feature Guidance
Authors: Chu Fuchen , Pang Yanwei , Sun Xuebin , Cao Jiale , Song Zhanjie
Published: June 2024

With complementary multi-modal information (i.e. visible and thermal), multispectral pedestrian detection is essential for around-the-clock applications, such as autonomous driving, video surveillance, and vicinagearth security. Despite its broad applications, the requirements for expensive thermal device and multi-sensor alignment limit the utilization in real-world applications. In this paper, we propose a pseudo-multispectral pedestrian detection (called PseudoMPD) method, which employs the gray image converted from the RGB image to replace the real thermal image, and learns the pseudo-thermal feature through deep thermal feature guidance (TFG). To achieve this goal, we first introduce an image base-detail decomposition (IBD) module to decompose image information into base and detail parts. Afterwards, we design a base-detail hierarchical feature fusion (BHFF) module to deeply exploit the information between these two parts, and employ a TFG module to guide pseudo-thermal base and detail feature learning. As a result, our proposed method does not require the real thermal image during inference. The comprehensive experiments are performed on two public multispectral pedestrian datasets. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method.
Transferrable Subject-Independent Feature Representation for Discriminating EEG-Based Brain Signals
Authors: Lou Haowei , Ye Zesheng , Yao Lina
Published: June 2024

Subject-independent Electroencephalography (EEG) recognition remains challenging due to inherent variability of brain anatomy across different subjects. Such variability is further complicated by the Volume Conduction Effect (VCE) that introduces channel-interference noise, exacerbating subject-specific biases in the recorded EEG signals. Existing studies, often relying large datasets and entangled spatial-temporal features, struggle to overcome this bias, particularly in scenarios with limited EEG data. To this end, we propose a Temporal-Connective EEG Representation Learning (TCERL) framework that disentangles temporal and spatial feature learning. TCERL first employs an one-dimensional convolutional network to extract channel-specific temporal features, mitigating channel-interference noise caused by VCE. Building upon these temporal features, TCERL then leverages Graph Neural Networks to extract subject-invariant topological features from a functional brain network, constructed using the channel-specific features as nodes and functional connectivity as the adjacency matrix. This approach allows TCERL to capture robust representations of brain activity patterns that generalize well across different subjects. Our empirical experiment demonstrates that TCERL outperforms state-of-the-art across a range of training subjects on four public benchmarks and is less sensitive to subject variability. The performance gain is highlighted when limited subjects are available, suggesting the robustness and transferability of the proposed method. Source code can be found in: https://github.com/haoweilou/TCERL .
A New Layer Structure of Cyber-Physical Systems under the Era of Digital Twin
Authors: Qian Cheng , Guo Yifan , Hussaini Adamu , Musa Abubakar , Sai Akshita , Yu Wei
Published: June 2024

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) are new systems designed to support and synthesize sensing, communication, and computing components that interact with physical objects so that the system can sense, monitor, control, and respond to changes occurring in their operating environments. With developing Internet of Things (IoT), edge/cloud computing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), another new paradigm - Digital Twin (DT), as an enabler for realizing the Metaverse of CPS has emerged recently. The DT provides a virtual replica of the physical world, allowing for real-time monitoring, control, and analysis of safety-critical systems like the CPS. Even though many CPS-related problems can be addressed using DT concepts, it is critical to define DT’s integration clearly to leverage its features to the best possible extent. This paper introduces a new layer called the data layer in the CPS layer architecture to support different DT functionalities. Like the layer and abstract design paradigm of modern operation systems and computer networks, the data layer serves as an abstraction layer, providing immense flexibility and interchangeability of various data sources, supporting applications, and adapting to other components and environments. This also accelerates the growth of smart-world systems and their integration in different application domains (smart grid, smart transportation, smart manufacturing, smart cities, smart healthcare, etc.). To this end, this paper presents a new data layer structure to support CPS applications and the integration of multiple CPS. We propose a hierarchical architecture to synthesize DT techniques as an independent layer in our architecture, deeply integrated into existing CPS. We discuss key issues: leveraging the data layer to support applications in various CPS, incorporating the data layer and physical layer, and building a data layer using distributed computing, naming services, etc. Finally, the paper outlines future research directions based on the presented new data layer architecture for CPS.
Libby-Novick Beta-Liouville Distribution for Enhanced Anomaly Detection in Proportional Data
Authors: Sghaier Oussama , Amayri Manar , Bouguila Nizar
Published: June 2024

We consider the problem of anomaly detection in proportional data by investigating the Libby-Novick Beta-Liouville distribution, a novel distribution merging the salient characteristics of Liouville and Libby-Novick Beta distributions. Its main benefit, compared to the typical distributions dedicated to proportional data such as Dirichlet and Beta-Liouville, is its adaptability and explanatory power when dealing with this kind of data. Our goal is to exploit this appropriateness for modeling proportional data to achieve great performance in the anomaly detection task. First, we develop generative models, namely finite mixture models of Libby-Novick Beta-Liouville distributions. Then, we propose two discriminative techniques: Normality scores based on selecting the given distribution to approximate the softmax output vector of a deep classifier and an improved version of Support Vector Machine (SVM) by suggesting a feature mapping approach. We demonstrate the benefits of the presented approaches through a variety of experiments on both image and non-image datasets. The results demonstrate that the proposed anomaly detectors based on the Libby-Novick Beta-Liouville distribution outperform the classical distributions as well as the baseline techniques.
ForestQB: Enhancing Linked Data Exploration through Graphical and Conversational UIs Integration
Authors: Mussa Omar , Rana Omer , Goossens Benoit , Orozco Ter wengel Pablo , Perera Charith
Published: June 2024

This article introduces the Forest Query Builder (ForestQB), an innovative toolkit designed to enhance the exploration and application of observational Linked Data (LD) within the field of wildlife research and conservation. Addressing the challenges faced by non-experts in navigating Resource Description Framework (RDF) triplestores and executing SPARQL queries, ForestQB employs a novel integrated approach. This approach combines a graphical user interface (GUI) with a conversational user interface (CUI), thereby greatly simplifying the process of query formulation and making observational LD accessible to users without expertise in RDF or SPARQL. Developed through insights derived from a comprehensive ethnographic study involving wildlife researchers, ForestQB is specifically designed to improve the accessibility of SPARQL endpoints and facilitate the exploration of observational LD in wildlife research contexts. To evaluate the effectiveness of our approach, we conducted a user experiment. The results of this evaluation affirm that ForestQB is not only efficient and user-friendly but also plays a crucial role in eliminating barriers for users, facilitating the effective use of observational LD in wildlife conservation and extending its benefits to wider domains. (GitHub Link: github.com/i3omar/ForestQB).
Redzone stream compaction: removing k items from a list in parallel O(k) time
Authors: Bontes Johan , Gain James
Published: June 2024

Stream compaction, the parallel removal of selected items from a list, is a fundamental building block in parallel algorithms. It is extensively used, both in computer graphics, for shading, collision detection, and ray tracing, as well as in general computing, such as for tree traversal and database selection.

In this article, we present Redzone stream compaction, the first parallel stream compaction algorithm to remove
k
items from a list with
n ≥ k
elements in
O(k)
rather than
O(n)
time. Based on our benchmark experiments on both GPU and CPU, if
k
is proportionally small (
k ≪ n
), Redzone outperforms existing parallel stream compaction by orders of magnitude, while if
k
is close to
n
, it underperforms by a constant factor. Redzone removes items in-place and needs only
O(1)
auxiliary space. However, unlike current
O(n)
algorithms, it is unstable (i.e., the order of elements is not preserved) and it needs a list of the items to be removed.
On Video Game Balancing: Joining Player- and Data-Driven Analytics
Authors: Pfau Johannes , Seif El-Nasr Magy
Published: June 2024

Balancing is, especially among players, a highly debated topic of video games. Whether a game is sufficiently balanced greatly influences its reception, player satisfaction, churn rates and success. Yet, conceptions about the definition of balance often differ diverge across industry, academia and players, and different understandings of designing balance can lead to worse player experiences than actual imbalances. This work accumulates concepts of balancing video games from industry and academia and introduces a player-driven approach to optimize player experience and satisfaction. Using survey data from 680 participants and empirically recorded data of over 4 million in-game fights of Guild Wars 2, we aggregate player opinions and requirements, contrast them to the status quo and approach a democratized quantitative technique to approximate closer configurations of balance. We contribute a strategy of refining balancing notions, a methodology of tailoring balance to the actual player base and point to an exemplary artifact that realizes this process.
On Identity, Transaction, and Smart Contract Privacy on Permissioned and Permissionless Blockchain: A Comprehensive Survey
Authors: Liang Wei , Liu Yaqin , Yang Ce , Xie Songyou , Li Kuanching , Susilo Willy
Published: June 2024

Blockchain is a decentralized distributed ledger that combines multiple technologies, including chain data structures, P2P networks, consensus algorithms, cryptography, and smart contracts. This gives the blockchain the characteristics of decentralization, immutability, and traceability. However, blockchain stores smart contracts and transactions in blocks publicly, which poses the risk of data leakage and misuse. For example, by mining and analyzing blockchain transaction information, attackers can correlate transactions with user information, resulting in the disclosure of user privacy. Many current reviews focus on the privacy of permissionless blockchains or cryptocurrencies, requiring more in-depth investigations and detailed categorical analysis. To fill this gap, this work comprehensively reviews the latest and traditional methods related to identity, transaction, and smart contract privacy within permissioned and permissionless blockchains. Additionally, we summarize the existing problems, threats, and challenges of data management in different blockchain architectures. Last, we discuss future research directions for blockchain privacy protection technology, which can offer feasible ideas for researchers to explore further.
The Exact Solutions of a Diffusive SIR Model via Symmetry Groups
Authors: Naz R. , Johnpillai A. G. , Mahomed F. M.
Published: June 2024

The focus of this paper is to investigate the exact solutions of a diffusive susceptible‐infectious‐recovered (SIR) epidemic model, characterized by a nonlinear incidence. A four‐dimensional Lie point symmetry algebra is obtained for this model. We utilize the Lie symmetries to deduce the optimal system of one‐dimensional subalgebras. The reductions and group‐invariant solutions are obtained with the aid of these subalgebras. We also derive new group‐invariant solutions and reductions for the underlying model via subalgebras that are related to the optimal system by adjoint maps. We developed the diffusive susceptible‐infectious‐quarantined (SIQ) model with quarantine‐adjusted incidence function to understand the transmission dynamics of COVID‐19.
Echocardiographic assessment for cardiopulmonary function in patients with congenital heart disease-related pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Yang Lifang , Luo Dongling , Huang Taoran , Li Xiaoshan , Zhang Guolin , Zhang Caojin , Fei Hongwen
Published: June 2024

Background

For patients with congenital heart disease-related pulmonary arterial hypertension (CHD-PAH), cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) can reflect cardiopulmonary reserve function. However, CPET may not be readily accessible for patients with high-risk conditions or limited mobility due to disability. Echocardiography, on the other hand, serves as a widely available diagnostic tool for all CHD-PAH patients. This study was aimed to identify the parameters of echocardiography that could serve as indicators of cardiopulmonary function and exercise capacity.

Methods

A cohort of 70 patients contributed a total of 110 paired echocardiogram and CPET results to this study, with 1 year interval for repeated examinations. Echocardiography and exercise testing were conducted following standardized procedures, and the data were collected together with clinically relevant indicators for subsequent statistical analysis. Demographic comparisons were performed using t-tests and chi-square tests. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify potential predictors of peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) and the carbon dioxide ventilation equivalent slope (VE/VCO2 slope). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the performance of the parameters.

Results

The ratio of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to pulmonary artery systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP) was found to be the only independent indicator significantly associated with both peak VO2 and VE/VCO2 slope (both p < 0.05). Additionally, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and right ventricular fractional area change (FAC) were independently correlated with the VE/VCO2 slope (both p < 0.05). TAPSE/PASP showed the highest area under the ROC curve (AUC) for predicting both a peak VO2 ≤ 15 mL/kg/min and a VE/VCO2 slope ≥ 36 (AUC = 0.91, AUC = 0.90, respectively). The sensitivity and specificity of TAPSE/PASP at the optimal threshold exceeded 0.85 for both parameters.

Conclusions

TAPSE/PASP may be a feasible echocardiographic indicator for evaluating exercise tolerance.
About the Legal Mechanism of a Voluntary Ban on Consumer Credit
Authors: Smirnov E.
Published: June 2024

n April 2024 Russian President Vladimir Putin signed Federal Law No. 31-FZ, which establishes very serious guarantees for protecting citizens from fraudulent actions when issuing loans without the will of the citizens themselves, as well as under the influence of deception or abuse of their trust using social engineering methods.
Efficacy of budesonide/formoterol inhalation powder in treating viral pneumonia in children
Authors: Lin Zi-Liang , Xu Xu , Yang Jiao-Jiao , Lu Li-Qiang , Huang Heng , Hua Xiao-Zhen , Lu Li-Dang
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Respiratory viruses are increasingly detected in children with community-acquired pneumonia. Further strategies to limit antibiotic use in children with viral pneumonia are warranted.

AIM

To explore clinical efficacy of budesonide/formoterol inhalation powder for viral pneumonia in children and its impact on cellular immunity and inflammatory factor production.

METHODS

A total of 60 children with viral pneumonia were recruited: 30 receiving budesonide/formoterol inhalation powder and 30 conventional symptomatic treatment. Outcome measures included peripheral blood levels of inflammatory cytokines, CD4+, CD8+, Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg, clinical efficacy, and incidence of adverse reactions.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the observation group showed a significant reduction in interleukin-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels after treatment. Compared with the control group, the observation group showed a significant increase in CD4+/CD8+ and Th1/Th2 levels, and a decrease in Th17/Treg levels after treatment. The total effective rates in the observation group and the control group were 93.75% and 85.00%, respectively, which was a significant difference (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Budesonide/formoterol inhalation powder significantly improved therapeutic efficacy for viral pneumonia in children. The mechanism of action may be related to downregulation of the inflammatory response and improved cellular immune function.
Clinical efficacy and safety of flexible ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy for large kidney stones: A retrospective comparative study
Authors: Wang Qiu-Lian , Liu Jun-Qiang , Cao Juan , Ding Jun
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Renal stones ranging 20–40 mm are very common in China. Although no large-sample clinical studies have confirmed the clinical efficacy and safety of this method, there is also a lack of comparative data with traditional treatment.

AIM

To investigate the clinical efficacy of flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) by postoperative stone clearance and changes in soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1) and kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) levels in patients with large kidney stones (> 2 cm in diameter).

METHODS

This single-center observational study was performed at a Chinese hospital between January 1, 2021, and October 30, 2023. All 250 enrolled patients were diagnosed with large kidney stones (> 2 cm) and divided into a FURS group (n = 145) and a PCNL group (n = 105) by the surgical method. The FURS group was treated with flexible ureteroscopy and the PCNL group was treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The operation time, time to palinesthesia, intraoperative blood loss, drop in hemoglobin, length of hospital stay, stone clearance rate, and complications were recorded in the two groups. Preoperative and postoperative serum sVCAM-1 levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), urine KIM-1 levels, preoperative and postoperative pain visual analog scale (VAS) and Wisconsin quality of life questionnaire (WISQOL) scores were also documented.

RESULTS

All 250 eligible patients completed the follow-up. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups (P > 0.05). The operation time in the FURS group was significantly greater than that in the PCNL group. The time to ambulation, intraoperative blood loss, decrease in hemoglobin, and length of hospital stay were significantly lower in the FURS group than in the PCNL group. The FURS group also had a significantly higher stone clearance rate and a lower incidence of postoperative complications. There was no significant difference in antibiotic use between the groups. Postoperative serum sVCAM-1 levels, urine KIM-1 levels, and VAS scores were lower in the FURS group than in the PCNL group, but postoperative ESR and WISQOL scores were greater in the FURS group than in the PCNL group.

CONCLUSION

FURS demonstrated superior clinical efficacy in treating large kidney stones (> 2 cm in diameter) compared PCNL. It not only improved the postoperative stone clearance rate and reduced complications and recovery time but also positively affected serum SCM-1, ESR, and urine KIM-1 levels, subsequent improvement of patient quality of life.
Factors influencing further vertebral height loss following percutaneous vertebroplasty in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: A 1-year follow-up study
Authors: Tang Zhong-Qiu , He Shao-Bo , Yu Dong-Yang , Luo Hai-Mao , Xing Xue-Hong , Zhou Yong-Wen
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) contribute to back pain and functional limitations in older individuals, with percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) emerging as a minimally invasive treatment. However, further height loss post-PVP prompts investigation into contributing factors.

AIM

To investigate the factors associated with further height loss following PVP with cement augmentation in OVCF patients.

METHODS

A total of 200 OVCF patients who underwent successful PVP between January 2021 and December 2022 were included in this study. “Further height loss” during 1 year of follow-up in OVCF patients with bone edema was defined as a vertical height loss of ≥ 4 mm. The study population was divided into two groups for analysis: The “No Further Height Loss group (n = 179)” and the “Further Height Loss group (n = 21).”

RESULTS

In comparing two distinct groups of patients, significant differences existed in bone mineral density (BMD), vertebral compression degree, prevalence of intravertebral cleft (IVF), type of bone cement used, and cement distribution patterns. Results from binary univariate regression analysis revealed that lower BMD, the presence of IVF, cleft distribution of bone cement, and higher vertebral compression degree were all significantly associated with further height loss. Notably, the use of mineralized collagen modified-poly(methyl methacrylate) bone cement was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of further height loss. In multivariate regression analysis, lower BMD and the presence of IVF remained significantly associated with further height loss.

CONCLUSION

Further height loss following PVP in OVCF patients is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, especially lower BMD and the presence of IVF. These findings underscore the importance of assessing and managing these factors when addressing height loss following PVP in OVCF patients.
Application value research of swallowing treatment device combined with swallowing rehabilitation training in the treatment of swallowing disorders after stroke
Authors: Xu Huan , Chen Mei , Wu Yu-Li , Lu Ya-Fen , Wang Xin , Jiang Wei , Zhang Yuan-Ying
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a common disabling disease, whether it is ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke, both can result in neuronal damage, leading to various manifestations of neurological dysfunction.

AIM

To explore of the application value of swallowing treatment device combined with swallowing rehabilitation training in the treatment of swallowing disorders after stroke.

METHODS

This study selected 86 patients with swallowing disorders after stroke admitted to our rehabilitation department from February 2022 to December 2023 as research subjects. They were divided into a control group (n = 43) and an observation group (n = 43) according to the treatment. The control group received swallowing rehabilitation training, while the observation group received swallowing treatment device in addition to the training. Both groups underwent continuous intervention for two courses of treatment.

RESULTS

The total effective rate in the observation group (93.02%) was higher than that in the control group (76.74%) (P = 0.035). After intervention, the oral transit time, swallowing response time, pharyngeal transit time, and laryngeal closure time decreased in both groups compared to before intervention. In the observation group, the oral transit time, swallowing response time, and pharyngeal transit time were shorter than those in the control group after intervention. However, the laryngeal closure time after intervention in the observation group was compared with that in the control group (P = 0.142). After intervention, average amplitude value and duration of the genioglossus muscle group during empty swallowing and swallowing 5 mL of water are reduced compared to before intervention in both groups. After intervention, the scores of the chin-tuck swallowing exercise and the Standardized Swallowing Assessment are both reduced compared to pre-intervention levels in both groups. However, the observation group scores lower than the control group after intervention. Additionally, the Functional Oral Intake Scale scores of both groups are increased after intervention compared to pre-intervention levels, with the observation group scoring higher than the control group after intervention (P < 0.001). The cumulative incidence of complications in the observation group is 9.30%, which is lower than the 27.91% in the control group (P = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

The combination of swallowing therapy equipment with swallowing rehabilitation training can improve the muscle movement level of the genioglossus muscle group, enhance swallowing function, and prevent the occurrence of swallowing-related complications after stroke.
Surgical treatment of liver cancer and pancreatic cancer under the China Healthcare Security Diagnosis Related Groups payment system
Authors: Hu Yun-He , Yu Fan , Zhou Yu-Zhuo , Li Ai-Dong
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Data from the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer reported that China had the highest prevalence of cancer and cancer deaths in 2022. Liver and pancreatic cancers accounted for the highest number of new cases. Real-world data (RWD) is now widely preferred to traditional clinical trials in various fields of medicine and healthcare, as the traditional research approach often involves highly selected populations and interventions and controls that are strictly regulated. Additionally, research results from the RWD match global reality better than those from traditional clinical trials.

AIM

To analyze the cost disparity between surgical treatments for liver and pancreatic cancer under various factors.

METHODS

This study analyzed RWD 1137 cases within the HB1 group (patients who underwent pancreatectomy, hepatectomy, and/or shunt surgery) in 2023. It distinguished different expenditure categories, including medical, nursing, technical, management, drug, and consumable costs. Additionally, it assessed the contribution of each expenditure category to total hospital costs and performed cross-group comparisons using the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test. This study used the Steel–Dwass test for post-hoc multiple comparisons and the Spearman correlation coefficient to examine the relationships between variables.

RESULTS

The study found that in HB11 and HB13, the total hospitalization costs were significantly higher for pancreaticoduodenectomy than for pancreatectomy and hepatectomy. Although no significant difference was observed in the length of hospital stay between patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy and pancreatectomy, both were significantly longer than those who underwent liver resection. In HB15, no significant difference was observed in the total cost of hospitalization between pancreaticoduodenectomy and pancreatectomy; however, both were significantly higher than those in hepatectomy. Additionally, the length of hospital stay was significantly longer for patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy than for those who underwent pancreatectomy or liver resection.

CONCLUSION

China Healthcare Security Diagnosis Related Groups payment system positively impacts liver and pancreatic cancer surgeries by improving medical quality and controlling costs. Further research could refine this grouping system and ensure continuous effectiveness and sustainability.
Granulomatous lobular mastitis treated by a combined internal and external treatment of traditional Chinese medicine: A case report
Authors: Meng Tian , Chu Mei-Ling , Wang Bing , Ye Mei-Na , Cheng Yi-Qin , Chen Hong-Feng
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM) is a rare benign inflammatory disease of the breast and is classified under comedo mastitis in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The etiology of this disease is unknown, and it mainly occurs in women of childbearing age. The diagnosis depends on histopathological biopsy. At present, there is no systematic and standardized treatment plan for GLM. In the absence of evidence supporting an infectious etiology, affected patients might continue to receive multiple courses of antibiotics and unnecessary surgery.

CASE SUMMARY

A 37-year-old Chinese woman with a history of coronavirus disease 2019 infection presented with swelling and pain in the left breast. She also had erythema, nodules in the lower extremities, arthritis in both knees, cough, and headache. In the early stage of GLM, the mass was not significantly reduced by conservative treatment with internal application of TCM; hence, surgical treatment was carried out. The aim of postoperative treatment was to drain the pus, eliminate the necrosed tissue, and expand the muscles; fumigation and washing using TCM was applied.

CONCLUSION

Combined internal and external treatment with TCM, following the principle of “Prioritize internal treatment before ulceration and emphasize external treatment after ulceration,” was effective in our patient with GLM. The prognosis was good. We believe that TCM offered valuable therapeutic benefits in this disease.
Paragonimiasis misdiagnosed as liver abscess: A case report
Authors: Zheng Ying-Qi , Guo Gong-Bing , Wang Mei-Fang , Zhu He-Zhong , Zhou Chan , Li Lin-Hong , Zhang Lu , Liu Yu-Quan
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Paragonimiasis is a typical food-borne zoonotic disease. Hosts acquire Paragonimus infection through the ingestion of raw or undercooked crayfish and crab. The clinical manifestations of the disease are varied, and it is often misdiagnosed or missed. The diagnosis of paragonimiasis should be considered comprehensively. Praziquantel is the first choice for treatment, and albendazole can be used in combination with repeated courses in severe cases.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a case of liver paragonimiasis that was misdiagnosed as an abscess. The patient presented with fatigue and poor appetite for 2 months, and was diagnosed with liver abscess in the local hospital. After 6 months, the patient visited our hospital because of recurrent abdominal pain and was diagnosed with liver paragonimiasis based on epidemiological history, clinical presentations, and laboratory findings. He was treated with praziquantel (25 mg/kg) three times a day for 3 days; however, the symptoms still presented after treatment. He was treated with oral praziquantel and albendazole for one further course. Follow-up suggested that the treatment was effective and the symptoms improved.

CONCLUSION

The combination of albendazole and praziquantel may improve the therapeutic efficacy of paragonimiasis.
Low-barrier harm reduction and housing for older people in Vancouver’s opiate crisis: meeting people where they are
Authors: Baines Donna , Braedley Susan , Daly Tamara , Hillier Sean , Cabahug Frances
Published: June 2024

Drawing on recent case-study data, this article explores innovative practices around harm reduction and housing for older people who use drugs. Although right-wing groups call for further criminalisation of drug use, in light of extraordinarily high levels of deaths from opioid overdose in Vancouver, Canada, the provincial government has quietly permitted the development of safe supply, the testing of illegal drugs to avoid poisonings and the provision of low-barrier, inclusive and supportive social housing, including housing specifically for older people. Drawing on crisis theory, the article analyses the provision of low-barrier harm reduction services for this marginalised and highly vulnerable group of older people and reflects on what we can learn about providing supports that are needs based and strengths based and embody meeting people where they are.
Queering the ballot: the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans* and queer vote in troubled times and contexts
Authors: Kamenou Nayia
Published: June 2024

The literature on the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans* and queer (LGBTQ+) vote has established the constitutive role of sexuality and gender identity in vote choice. However, knowledge about how LGBTQ+ people vote in troubled times and contexts and how their voting choices and rationales relate to and affect conceptualisations and enactments of LGBTQ+ politics remains limited. This article addresses these questions based on Cypriot LGBTQ+ participants’ perspectives. The analysis of material from interviews with and questionnaires completed by LGBTQ+ participants identifies two approaches to voting among participants: voting abstention and LGBTQ+ intersectional voting. I argue that these two approaches to voting show that LGBTQ+ people understand and enact themselves as agents of intersectional social justice and radical political change. Therefore, beyond contributing to discussions about the LGBTQ+ vote, the article demonstrates the importance of LGBTQ+ individuals’ perspectives and intersectionality considerations for a well-rounded understanding of the LGBTQ+ vote and the LGBTQ+ community’s political power potential.