bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pendulum between two springs using Ms- DTM
Authors: Florea Olivia A , Shahroor Doaa , Wannan Rania , Asad Jihad
Published: December 2024

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of a pendulum system suspended between two horizontal springs, focusing on its dynamic behavior and the application of advanced mathematical methods. The research begins by formulating the Lagrangian of the system, which serves as the foundation for deriving the equations of motion, offering a rigorous mathematical framework for understanding the system’s dynamics. The nonlinear equations of motion are then solved using the multi-step differential transformation method (Ms-DTM), whose accuracy and effectiveness are evaluated through comparison with the well-established Runge–Kutta method. This comparative analysis highlights the strengths and limitations of each numerical approach in managing the complexity of the system. The study also includes a series of simulated plots that depict the system’s behavior under various initial conditions and parameter settings. These visualizations provide valuable insights into the system’s dynamic responses, revealing phenomena such as chaotic motion and periodic oscillations. The results underscore the utility of sophisticated mathematical methods in addressing complex physical problems and enhancing our understanding of nonlinear dynamic systems.
The influence of selective laser melting (SLM) parameters on physical, and mechanical properties of AlSi10Mg cylindrical specimen
Authors: R Raj Mohan , S Navaneetha Krishnan , B Sakthivel , J Ramya , R Sindhumathi
Published: December 2024

AlSi10Mg cylindrical specimens were fabricated using the Laser-based Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) process, focusing on optimizing scanning speed, hatch spacing, and layer height through the box-behnken design (BBD). The study aimed to minimize surface roughness and maximize relative density. The analysis involved ANOVA, regression analysis, and composite desirability, revealing that hatch spacing and layer height significantly influence relative density and surface roughness. Under optimized conditions (scanning speed: 500 mm s−1, hatch spacing: 100 microns, layer height: 30 microns), the L-PBF specimen achieved a 96.70% relative density, 2.07 microns surface roughness (Ra), and an average microhardness of 124.9 HV0.5 (longitudinal) and 120.5 HV0.5 (transverse).
Chemical reaction and inclined magnetic field effects on tri-hybrid Carreau nanofluid slip flow of blood past a porous inclined stenosed artery with viscous dissipation
Authors: Deshwal Jyoti , Chaudhary Santosh , Kumar Rajesh
Published: December 2024

A steady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) slip flow of blood carrying tri-hybrid nanoparticles via a porous inclined stenosed artery has been considered. Non-Newtonian blood rheology has been incorporated using the Carreau fluid model. Darcy-Forchheimer model has been utilized to predict the fluid flow in the porous medium. An external inclined magnetic field has been applied. Consequences of viscous dissipation, Ohmic heating, and chemical reaction have been studied. Copper (Cu), iron oxide (Fe3O4), and silicon oxide (SiO2) have been considered as nanoparticles. Assumption of mild stenosis has been used to simplify the system of governing equations. Homotopy Perturbation Method (HPM) has been employed to find the series solution for axial velocity, temperature, and concentration. Total entropy generation has been calculated to scrutinize the irreversibility of the system. Proposal has been evaluated based on the axial velocity of flow, thermal, concentration, and entropy profiles of mono, hybrid, and tri-hybrid nanofluids concerning various controlling parameters. Blood flow patterns have been noted by plotting streamlines against various controlling parameters. It has been observed that axial velocity, concentration, and entropy profiles of tri-hybrid nanofluid subdue the other two whereas thermal profiles follow the opposite trend. Viscous dissipation improves the heat transfer by 17% and chemical reaction improves the mass distribution by 8%. Flow disturbance can be minimized by increasing the power-law index number and velocity slip parameter. Accuracy of the outcomes presented in this study has been compared with the previously published data. This rheological model is useful for targeted and controlled drug delivery.
Characteristics of Phase Transitions in Dry Aligning Active Matter
Authors: Yang Bing , Wang Yanting
Published: December 2024

Active matter is a non-equilibrium condensed system consisting of self-propelled particles capable of converting stored or ambient energy into collective motion. Typical active matter systems include cytoskeleton biopolymers, swimming bacteria, artificial swimmers, and animal herds. In contrast to wet active matter, dry active matter is an active system characterized by the absence of significant hydrodynamic interactions and conserved momentum. In dry active matter, the role of surrounding fluids is providing viscous friction at low Reynolds numbers and can be neglected at high Reynolds numbers. This review offers a comprehensive overview of recent experimental, computational, and theoretical advances in understanding phase transitions and critical phenomena in dry aligning active matter, including polar particles, self-propelled rods, active nematics, and their chiral counterparts. Various ways of determining phase transition points as well as non-equilibrium phenomena, such as collective motion, cluster formation, and creation and annihilation of topological defects are reviewed.
The Influence of Conformity on the Evolution of Cooperation in Games with Sampling Rules on Networks
Authors: Wang Xianjia , He Qiaoyu
Published: December 2024

This paper studies the influence of conformity on the evolution of cooperative behavior in games under the learning method of sampling on networks. A strategy update rule based on sampling was introduced into the Stag Hunt game, where agents draw samples from their neighbors and then update their strategies based on conformity or inference according to the situation in the sample. Based on these assumptions, this paper presents the state transition equations in the dynamic evolution of population cooperation, conducts simulation analysis on lattice networks and scale-free networks, and discusses how this mechanism affects the evolution of cooperation and how cooperation evolves under different levels of conformity in the network. The simulation results of this paper show that blindly imitating the strategies of neighbors does not necessarily lead to rapid consensus in the population. Instead, rational inference through samples can better promote the evolution of the same strategy among all agents in the population. Moreover, the simulation results also show that a smaller sample size cannot reflect the true situation of the neighbors, which has a large randomness, and the size of the benefits obtained in cooperation determines the direction of the entire population towards cooperation or defection. This paper incorporates the conforming behavior of agents into the game, uses the method of sampling for strategy updates and enriches the theory of evolutionary games with a more realistic significance.
Observation of Josephson effect in a 23Na spinor Bose-Einstein condensates
Authors: Qin Yong , Wang Xin , Jian Jun , Liu Wenliang , Wu Jizhou , Li Yuqing , Ma Jie , Xiao Liantuan , Jia Suotang
Published: December 2024

The Josephson effect, an important quantum supercurrent phenomenon, has been extensively studied in superconductors and superfluids. In this paper, we investigate the rich physics of one-dimensional Josephson junctions in a red detuned optical lattice with sodium (Na) quantum gas. A one dimensional Josephson array is formed by setting up an optical lattice using a red detuned laser. By characterizing the dependence of Josephson oscillations of the lattice depth, we experimentally demonstrate the Josephson current. The lattice depth is controlled by altering the lattice power, and our observations are consistent with theoretical predictions. These findings offer valuable insights into quantum coherent transport and the intricate dynamics inherent to superfluidity.
Density Distribution of Ground State of One Dimensional Bose Gas with Dipole Interaction
Authors: Hao Shuchang , Hao Yajiang
Published: December 2024

Using the Bose-Fermi mapping method, we obtain the exact ground state wavefunction of one-dimensional Bose gas with the zero-range dipolar interaction in the strongly repulsive contact interaction limit. Its ground state density distributions for both repulsive and attractive dipole interaction are exhibited. It is shown that in the case of the finite dipole interaction the density profile do not change obviously with the increase of dipole interaction and display the typical shell structure of Tonks-Girardeau gases. As the repulsive dipole interaction is greatly strong, the density decrease at the center of the trap and display a sunken valley. As the attractive dipole interaction increase, the density display more oscillations and sharp peaks appear in the strong attraction limit, which mainly origin from the atoms occupying the low single particle levels.
Abundant invariant solutions of (3+1)-dimensional combined pKP-BKP equation
Authors: Hu 胡 Hengchun 恒春 , Xu 徐 Xu 旭
Published: December 2024

Lie symmetry analysis is applied to a (3+1)-dimensional combined potential Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation with B-type Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation (pKP-BKP equation) and the corresponding similarity reduction equations are obtained with the different infinitesimal generators. Invariant solutions with arbitrary functions and constants for the (3+1)-dimensional pKP-BKP equation, including the lump solution, the periodic-lump solution, the two-kink solution, the breather solution and the lump–two-kink solution, have been studied analytically and graphically.
Simulation on atmospheric pressure barrier discharge with varying relative position between two wavy dielectric surfaces
Authors: Li Xue-Chen , Wan Wen-Jie , Liu Xiao-Qian , Chen Mo , Wu Kai-Yue , Ran Jun-Xia , Pang Xue-Xia , Zhang Xue-Xue , Wu Jia-Cun , Jia Peng-Ying , Sun Hui
Published: December 2024

As a popular approach to producing atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasma, dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) has been extensively used in various application fields. In this paper, DBD with wavy dielectric layers is numerically simulated in atmospheric pressure helium mixed with trace nitrogen based on a fluid model. With varying relative position (phase difference (Δφ)) of the wavy surfaces, there is a positive discharge and a negative discharge per voltage cycle, each of which consists of a pulse stage and a hump stage. For the pulse stage, maximal current increases with increasing Δφ. Results show that DBD with the wavy surfaces appears as discrete micro-discharges (MDs), which are self-organized to different patterns with varying Δφ. The MDs are vertical and uniformly-spaced with Δφ=0, which are self-organized in pairs with Δφ=π/4. These MD pairs are merged into some bright wide MDs with Δφ=π/2. In addition, narrow MDs appear between tilted wide MDs with Δφ=3π/4. With Δφ=π, the pattern is composed of wide and narrow MDs, which are vertical and appear alternately. To elucidate the formation mechanism of the patterns with different Δφ, temporal evolutions of electron density and electric field are investigated for the positive discharge. Moreover, surface charge on the wavy dielectric layers has also been compared with different Δφ.
Coordination of natural and built infrastructure to better manage extreme events: a hydro-finance modeling framework
Authors: Gao Hongkai , Dinesh Shah Reepal , Yamazaki Dai , J Bohn Theodore , Low Glen , Louis Sabo John
Published: December 2024

Natural infrastructure offers a promising, soft-path solution to water security challenges; however, the scientific framework for siting and measuring the efficacy of such restoration projects is nascent. In this paper, we developed a hydro-finance modeling framework to analyze the impact of constructed wetlands on streamflow extremes and cash flow compared to a purely built, or hard path, infrastructure project. Wetlands significantly diminished the flood peak but had variable—and often negative effects—on baseflow. By contrast, flood peak reduction volumes by wetlands were of adequate size to offset flood pool requirements in downstream reservoirs and meet low-flow targets to sustain manufacturing during the dry season. Net positive cash flow originating from avoided costs of water tariffs offset or exceeded capital costs of modestly sized wetlands built on low value land leading to water security solutions that generate revenue. Building back nature can be profitable.
Waste Ethiopian human hair in concrete as a fiber reinforcement; an innovative way to solid waste cycling
Authors: Adanu Gashaw Abebaw , Mitikie Bahiru Bewket
Published: December 2024

Recycling waste and reducing environmental pollution are the primary goals of sustainable development in the modern era. Several researchers are developing new approaches and thinking about ways to innovate in concrete technology by reusing waste materials. The purpose of this study is to determine how an Ethiopian human hair (waste material) fibre influences the fresh, physical, and mechanical properties of concrete with 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% of human hair by volume of cement and to develop a sustainable and environmentally friendly construction material for the construction industry. Slump test, compressive and density test, and water absorption test were used to evaluate this. In this respect, 84 concrete cube examples were constructed and cured on the third, seventh, twenty-eighth, and fifty-six days. HHF addition hindered the workability of concrete as the percentage of human hair rose. After 28 days, the compressive strength was increased by 13.03% with the addition of 2% human hair and the addition of 1% HHF improved the split tensile strength by 15.52%. Also, when the content of human hair grows after 28 days, the density of concrete decreases and water absorption increases. Furthermore, after 28 days, the maximum water absorption was 3.85% at 4% and the minimum water absorption was 2.41% at 1%. Utilizing waste Ethiopian human hair waste as a micro fibre in 1–2% can produce good quality concrete.
Structural disaster resistance and bearing performance degradation mechanism of prefabricated reinforced concrete
Authors: Zhang Lujian
Published: December 2024

Currently, the nodes between prefabricated reinforced concrete columns and columns suffer from long construction period as well as improper maintenance leading to connection quality problems. In order to improve construction efficiency, an innovative prefabricated reinforced concrete column has been proposed. This new type of column uses energy absorbing steel plates connected by bolts as new nodes, and compares its seismic resistance and bearing capacity with ordinary cast-in-place columns. Among them, the new node is composed of energy absorbing steel plates connected by bolts, and a clear force transmission path is designed to ensure the transmission of shear and axial forces. The results revealed that the error between the theoretical and experimental values of the designed prefabricated reinforced concrete columns at peak state was 3.73% and 6.42% for tenon lengths of 100 mm and 200 mm respectively. The equivalent viscous damping coefficient of 0.40 for ordinary cast-in-place columns indicated that these columns have lost their energy dissipation capacity when subjected to seismic action and cannot continue to absorb energy efficiently. The designed prefabricated reinforced concrete columns had higher equivalent viscous damping coefficients when subjected to ground shaking, which indicates that the designed columns have better energy dissipation efficiency and are able to protect the structure from seismic damage better. The design has better peak flexural load bearing performance and high seismic resistance. This helps to evaluate and optimize the seismic performance of prefabricated reinforced concrete columns and provides some references and bases for related engineering designs.
Multi-scale seismic impedance inversion based on Transformer model and deep learning
Authors: Lin Yijian
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we delve into the field of improving the accuracy and efficiency of seismic data processing through innovative applications of multiscale seismic impedance inversion techniques, underpinned by the transformative power of Transformer model architectures and the complexity of deep learning approaches. By crafting a deep learning model that seamlessly integrates the Transformer model framework with multi-faceted feature extraction strategies, we have achieved a breakthrough in accurate inversion of seismic wave impedance in complex geological landscapes, marking an important step forward in this field. In the experiments, we used a large dataset containing more than 1000 seismic data samples covering sandstone layers of varying thicknesses (3–15 m). After meticulous training and rigorous testing, our proposed method has surpassed conventional seismic impedance inversion methods, achieving a notable surge in accuracy. Precisely, the average error margin between the retrieved impedance data and the authentic logging data has been trimmed from 15% down to 12%. This improvement is particularly pronounced in the prediction of thin sand bodies with thicknesses ranging from 5 to 10 meters, where accuracy enhancements of up to 25% have been observed. This outcome not only validates the potency of Transformer models and deep learning technologies in tackling intricate seismic data processing challenges but also underscores the pivotal role of multi-scale analysis in elevating inversion precision to new heights. We also evaluated the computational efficiency of the model. Through optimization algorithm and hardware acceleration technology, the method in this paper achieves faster inversion speed while maintaining high accuracy, and the average single inversion time is shortened to 60% of that of the traditional method. This improvement is of great significance to improve the real-time and efficiency of seismic exploration. The multi-scale seismic impedance inversion technology based on Transformer model and deep learning proposed in this paper performs well in data analysis and practical applications, bringing new solutions and technical means to the field of seismic exploration.
microT-CNN: an avant-garde deep convolutional neural network unravels functional miRNA targets beyond canonical sites
Authors: Zacharopoulou Elissavet , Paraskevopoulou Maria D , Tastsoglou Spyros , Alexiou Athanasios , Karavangeli Anna , Pierros Vasilis , Digenis Stefanos , Mavromati Galatea , Hatzigeorgiou Artemis G , Karagkouni Dimitra
Published: December 2024

microRNAs (miRNAs) are central post-transcriptional gene expression regulators in healthy and diseased states. Despite decades of effort, deciphering miRNA targets remains challenging, leading to an incomplete miRNA interactome and partially elucidated miRNA functions. Here, we introduce microT-CNN, an avant-garde deep convolutional neural network model that moves the needle by integrating hundreds of tissue-matched (in-)direct experiments from 26 distinct cell types, corresponding to a unique training and evaluation set of >60 000 miRNA binding events and ~30 000 unique miRNA–gene target pairs. The multilayer sequence-based design enables the prediction of both host and virus-encoded miRNA interactions, providing for the first time up to 67% of direct genuine Epstein–Barr virus– and Kaposi’s sarcoma–associated herpesvirus–derived miRNA–target pairs corresponding to one out of four binding events of virus-encoded miRNAs. microT-CNN fills the existing gap of the miRNA–target prediction by providing functional targets beyond the canonical sites, including 3′ compensatory miRNA pairings, prompting 1.4-fold more validated miRNA binding events compared to other implementations and shedding light on previously unexplored facets of the miRNA interactome.
Effects of diet and ovariectomy on Toxoplasma gondii brain infection: functional alterations and neuronal loss in rats
Authors: Ahidjo Nene , Seke Etet Paul F , Ngarka Leonard , Maidawa Yaya Frederic , Ndianteng Ethel W , Eyenga Nna Aude L , Meka’a Zang Luc Yvan , Kemmo Christelle , Nwasike Caroline N C , Yonkeu Tatchou Floriane G , Njamnshi Wepnyu Y , Nfor Leonard N , Tsouh Fokou Patrick V , Djiogue Sefirin , Fekam Boyom Fabrice , Ngadjui Bonaventure T , Njamnshi Alfred K
Published: December 2024

Epidemiological evidence associates Toxoplasma gondii latent infection with the development of neuropsychiatric disorders, and various immunological and environmental factors play key pathophysiological roles through host immune response alterations. We investigated the cognitive and motor alterations occurring in the terminal stage of T. gondii infection in rats, and whether a low-protein diet, a high-fat diet or ovariectomy may accelerate their development, given the role of malnutrition and menopause on immunity and resistance to infection. In two sets of experiments, 2-month-old (157.5 ± 4.3 g, n = 42) male (n = 18) and female (n = 24) Wistar rats were infected with T. gondii (ATCC 40050). Open-field and elevated plus maze tests were performed in the terminal stage of infection first and then in the early stage in low-protein diet–fed, high-fat diet–fed and ovariectomized infected rats. Late-stage (90 days) infected and early-stage (17 days) low-protein diet–fed groups showed significant decreases in body weight (42.42%↓, P = 0.016 and 57.14%↓, P < 0.001 versus non-infected, respectively), increases in body temperature (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively), decreases in blood glucose levels (P = 0.006 and P = 0.020, respectively), signs of cognitive and motor impairment and lower neuron counts. The alterations observed in high-fat diet–fed and ovariectomized infected animals were milder. Low-protein diet feeding to T. gondii-infected rats accelerated the occurrence of the infection terminal stage. Thus, a diet low in proteins could transform a slow early-stage T. gondii infection into an active neurotoxoplasmosis with neuropsychiatric manifestations and possible neurodegeneration in rats.
Iron, lipid peroxidation, and ferroptosis play pathogenic roles in atherosclerosis
Authors: Jinson Swetha , Zhang Ziyang , Lancaster Graeme I , Murphy Andrew J , Morgan Pooranee K
Published: December 2024

Oxidation of lipids, excessive cell death, and iron deposition are prominent features of human atherosclerotic plaques. While extensive research has established the detrimental roles of lipid oxidation and apoptosis in atherosclerosis development, the involvement of iron in atherogenesis is not yet fully understood. With the emergence of an iron-dependent form of cell death termed ferroptosis, new attention has been brought to the complex inter-play among iron, ferroptosis, and atherosclerosis. Mechanistically, ferroptosis is caused by the lethal accumulation of iron-mediated lipid peroxides. Emerging studies have underscored ferroptosis as a contributor to worsened atherosclerosis. Herein, we review the evidence that oxidative damage and iron overload in the context of atherosclerosis may promote ferroptosis within plaques. Furthermore, we summarize recent findings of lipid peroxidation, thereby potentially ferroptosis, in various plaque cell types—such as endothelial cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells—across different stages of atherosclerosis. Understanding how these processes influence atherosclerotic plaque progression may permit targeting stage-dependent ferroptosis in each cell population and could provide a rationale for developing cell type–specific intervention strategies to mitigate atherogenic ferroptosis effectively.
Construction of Free Curves by Adding Osculating Conics to a Given Cubic Curve
Authors: Dimca Alexandru , Ilardi Giovanna , Malara Grzegorz , Pokora Piotr
Published: December 2024

In the present article we construct new families of free and nearly free curves starting from a plane cubic curve $C$ and adding some of its hyperosculating conics. We present results that involve nodal cubic curves and the Fermat cubic. In addition, we provide new insight into the geometry of the $27$ hyperosculating conics of the Fermat cubic curve using well-chosen group actions.
Insights into adult worker foraging dynamics within a Bombus terrestris (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colony
Authors: Wang Feiran , Dai Jiangrui , Xie Lixing , Chen Xing , Guo Shengnan , Wang Jian , Yao Xudong , Imran Muhammad , Li-Byarlay Hongmei , Luo Shudong
Published: December 2024

Bombus terrestris, an important eusocial insect, plays a vital role in providing pollination services for both wild plants and greenhouse crops. For the development of the colonies, the workers must leave the hives to collect nectar and pollen. However, limited findings about the foraging behavior of B. terrestris workers (e.g., first foraging period, total foraging duration, and daily foraging bouts). Here, radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology was used to monitor the continuously foraging behavior of B. terrestris workers during August and October, 2021 and August, 2023. The findings of our study indicate that the participation rate in the foraging activity among adult workers was 65.07%. In addition, it was observed that adult workers initiate their initial foraging activities on the second day, with the majority commencing their first foraging endeavors between the ages of 3 and 5 days. It is noteworthy that worker bees will remain within the confines of the hive for the entirety of their lifespan, if they do not begin their first foraging within the first 12 days. Our results also revealed that workers were mainly foraged from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 14:00 PM to 17:00 PM in August, while, and predominantly from 12:00 to 15:00 in October. Furthermore, it was shown that foraging efficiency was notably greater during seasons marked by a plentiful availability of flower resources. This was supported by an observed rise in the frequency of daily foraging activities and the overall duration of foraging.
Broad-line active galactic nuclei in the 6dF Galaxy Survey
Authors: Hon Wei Jeat , Webster Rachel L , Wolf Christian
Published: December 2024

The Six-degree Field Galaxy Survey (6dFGS) is a spectroscopic redshift survey of the Southern hemisphere completed in 2006. While it provides 136 304 spectra of mostly low-redshift galaxies, a large and reliable catalogue of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) that are selected based on spectral signatures is still lacking. In this work, we present an extensive list of verified broad emission-line AGNs in the 6dFGS sample. We visually confirm the AGN nature of all spectra, and disentangle fibre cross-talk to remove bogus AGNs. The final catalogue contains 2513 unique broad-line AGNs with a median redshift of 0.207, of which 891 are identified for the first time. A flux-limited subsample contains 665 AGNs to a K-band magnitude of 13. This new sample adds to the list of known low-luminosity AGNs in the Southern hemisphere and thus provides a basis for investigations of low-redshift AGNs with the upcoming Vera C. Rubin Observatory.
Expanding the Range of Epithelial Marker and SMA Staining of Superficial CD34+ Fibroblastic Tumors: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ren Dong , Wei Katherine , Doan Linda
Published: December 2024

Superficial CD34+ fibroblastic tumor (SCD34FT) is a relatively recently described borderline mesenchymal neoplasm. Owing to a relative lack of specificity in clinical presentation, radiopathologic findings, and immunohistochemical staining, the diagnoses of SCD34FT can be challenging. In this study, we present a case of a 55-year-old woman with an indolent painless nodule on the right shin. Histopathologic evaluation of the resected specimen showed a moderately cellular, subcutaneous lesion composed of spindled cells with mild pleomorphism arranged in sheets and fascicles. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated diffuse positivity for CD34. Surprisingly, the tumor also showed diffuse expression of smooth muscle actin (SMA) and more than focal (ranging from subset to diffuse) expression of AE1/AE3 and CAM5.2. DNA and RNA next-generation sequencing revealed a t(X; 11)(q13; q24) MED12::PRDM10 fusion, confirming the diagnosis of SCD34FT. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case highlighting SCD34FT with more extensive immunoreactivity to epithelial markers (AE1/AE3 and CAM5.2) and SMA compared with the focal staining reported in the existing literature. We hope that adding this case to the existing literature will raise awareness among pathologists to recognize the more variable staining pattern of epithelial markers and SMA when considering the diagnosis of SCD34FT.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of OCT measurements in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Bineshfar Niloufar , Changizi Faraz , Farjam Mina , Sharafi Faezeh , Williams Basil K.
Published: December 2024

Purpose:

To assess neurodegeneration and chorioretinal thickness in subjects with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods:

PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase were searched using proper keywords for articles published in the English language from their inception until January 2024. Publications were included if they reported optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements of retinal or choroidal layers in patients with CKD compared to healthy or non-CKD controls. We used a random-effects model to calculate pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:

Twelve studies, with 29,340 patients, were included in quantitative synthesis. In comparison to controls, patients with CKD had a significantly lower value for average retinal thickness (SMD [CI]: –0.35 [–0.58; –0.12], P = 0.028), choroidal thickness (SMD [CI]: –1.84 [–4.17; 0.49], P = 0.122), macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) (SMD [CI]: –0.58 [–0.78; –0.38]], P < 0.001), and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness (SMD [CI]: –0.32 [–0.44; –0.20], P < 0.001). Significant RNFL thinning was observed in both diabetic CKD excluded and not excluded subgroups.

Conclusion:

Compared to controls, the eyes of patients with CKD have significantly thinner retina, GC-IPL, and RNFL.
Neonatal Intensive Care Nurses’ Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Coşkun Adnan Batuhan , Kenner Carole , Elmaoğlu Erhan
Published: December 2024

Objective:

This study aims to examine neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses’ perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, particularly language models, and their impact on nursing practices.

Background:

AI is rapidly spreading in healthcare, transforming nursing practice. Understanding the role of AI in NICUs in the discharge process is crucial for understanding nurses’ perceptions of these technologies.

Methods:

The qualitative, phenomenological study used semi-structured interviews. Data were collected in a public hospital in Gaziantep from January to June 2024. Fifteen NICU nurses participated. Data were analyzed using content analysis.

Results:

Most nurses found AI to be a valuable tool for saving time and simplifying information delivery in clinical processes. However, concerns were raised about AI potentially reducing human interaction and weakening the use of professional judgment. Serious concerns about AI’s reliability and ethical implications were also expressed.

Conclusions:

AI is considered a potentially supportive tool in nursing practice, but its integration must consider the ethical implications and impact on the use of professional judgment. Nursing is based on human interactions and AI should be considered an additive tool to enhance care.

Implications for practice and research:

AI integration in nursing requires careful and balanced implementation. Future research should delve deeper into the ethical dimensions of AI and its long-term effects on nursing practices.
The effect of Wenyang Huoxue decoction combined with Baduanjin exercise on the cardiac function and quality of life of patients with Yang deficiency coronary heart disease complicated with chronic heart failure
Authors: Zhou Miao , Lai Zhi-Kun , Tao Feng , Ni Hao-Xuan , Hu Xiao-Zhen
Published: December 2024

Background:

Heart failure (HF) caused by coronary heart disease (CHD) is becoming increasingly common, and it still has a high morbidity and mortality rate. Previous studies have found that Wenyang Huoxue decoction combined with Baduanjin exercise can improve the cardiopulmonary function of patients with CHD, but it is not clear whether the heart function of patients with CHD complicated with HF can be improved by this treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effect of Wenyang Huoxue decoction combined with Baduanjin exercise on CHD complicated with HF.

Methods:

Patients with HF who received outpatient and inpatient treatment in the Shanghai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between 2019 and 2021 were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomly divided into a control group and a treatment group. N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide, soluble growth stimulating express gene 2, stroke volume index, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire scores, and cardiac ultrasound were observed after 12 weeks of treatment.

Results:

100 patients were included, 3 were lost to follow-up, 49 in the treatment group and 48 in the control group. With a 30% reduction of N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide as the primary endpoint, the effective rate of the treatment group was 57%, while that of the control group was 35%. In the meanwhile, stroke volume index and ejection fractions increased significantly, while soluble growth stimulating express gene 2 and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire scores were significantly decreased in the treatment group after treatment. There was no significant improvement trend in the control group.

Conclusions:

This study confirmed that treatment with Wenyang Huoxue decoction and Baduanjin exercise can improve the cardiac function and quality of life of patients with CHD complicated with HF and that it may have certain advantages in improving ventricular remodeling.
Exploring the causal relationship between gut microbiota and atopic dermatitis: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Wen , Li Aimin
Published: December 2024

Accumulating evidence indicates a correlation between gut microbiota (GM) and atopic dermatitis (AD). Nevertheless, the causal relationship between specific pathogenic bacterial taxa and AD remains uncertain. This investigation utilized a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the causal association between GM and AD, identifying the most influential GM taxa. An MR study was conducted utilizing summary statistics derived from genome-wide association studies encompassing 207 GM taxa and their association with AD risk. The genome-wide association studies summary statistics for 207 GM taxa (from phylum to species level) were generated by the Dutch Microbiome Project. The genetic variants (P < 1 × 10-5) correlated with GM (n = 7738) were identified from this investigation. Additionally, 4 supplementary MR approaches, simple mode, MR-Egger, weighted mode, and weighted median, supported the inverse-variance weighted approach. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses were executed using leave-one-out analysis, Cochran Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier global test, and MR Steiger test. The MR analysis identified 17 distinct bacterial taxa involving 2 orders, 4 families, 5 genera, and 6 species. The inverse-variance weighted method demonstrated that 6 bacterial taxa were positively associated with AD. These taxa included the order Pasteurellales, family Burkholderiales noname, family Pasteurellaceae, genus Burkholderiales noname, species Burkholderiales bacterium_1_1_47, and species Desulfovibrio piger. Eleven bacterial taxa were negatively associated with AD, comprising the order Actinomycetales, family Micrococcaceae, family Oscillospiraceae, genus Rothia, genus Collinsella, genus Oscillibacter, genus Pseudoflavonifractor, species Oscillibacter_unclassified, species Roseburia hominis, species R mucilaginosa, and species Parabacteroides merdae. Moreover, the MR-Egger intercept test and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier global test validated that the MR analysis remained unaffected by horizontal pleiotropy (P > .05). Furthermore, the leave-one-out analysis contributed to validating the robustness of the outcomes. Finally, an MR Steiger directionality test confirmed the assessment of potential causal direction (P < .001). This investigation identified specific intestinal flora causally associated with AD risk, offering novel insights for future investigations and innovative avenues for AD diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and prognostic assessment.
Effects of a 12-week Baduanjin regimen on biomechanical properties of axial muscle fascia in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Xie Yu , Zhang Qiuchi , Xin Dong , Wang Yue
Published: December 2024

Background:

This study aims to evaluate the effects of a 12-week Baduanjin regimen on the biomechanical properties of axial muscle fascia in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) through a randomized controlled trial, and to explore the underlying mechanisms of Baduanjin in AS treatment.

Methods:

Thirty patients with AS were randomly assigned to either the Baduanjin intervention group or the nonintervention group, with 15 patients in each group. The intervention group underwent a 12-week Baduanjin fitness program, while the nonintervention group continued their usual lifestyle and medication. Biomechanical parameters of muscle fascia, including muscle stiffness (N/m), muscle tension (frequency, Hz), and muscle elasticity (logarithmic decrement of oscillation amplitude), were measured at specified spinal locations using the MyotonPRO® soft tissue tester at baseline (week 0) and after 12 weeks (week 12).

Results:

The Baduanjin group exhibited significant improvements in muscle fascia stiffness, tension, and elasticity in the lumbar and cervical spine compared to the nonintervention group, with notable differences in lumbar stiffness and tension (P < .05). Postintervention, lumbar stiffness and tension were significantly reduced, and elasticity increased in the Baduanjin group, indicating beneficial effects on the biomechanical properties of axial muscle fascia in AS patients. No significant changes were observed in the nonintervention group. The Baduanjin group reported only mild muscle pain initially, which resolved with appropriate management, with no serious adverse effects noted.

Conclusion:

The findings suggest that Baduanjin significantly enhances the biomechanical properties of axial muscle fascia in AS patients. By improving these properties, Baduanjin may reduce mechanical stress, alleviate micro-damage and inflammation at attachment points, regulate downstream signaling pathways, and potentially limit new bone formation. This study provides scientific support for the use of Baduanjin in managing AS and offers a foundation for future research.
A single epidural administration of butorphanol combined with patient-controlled intravenous analgesia relieves postpartum contraction pain after cesarean section: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Qiu Ling , Chen Xu-Hui , Fu Jia , Hua Lu , Fan Di , Zhang Ying-Ying , Wang Xiao-Bin
Published: December 2024

Background:

Numerous studies have shown that butorphanol exerts an inhibitory effect on visceral pain. The aim of this study was to observe the effects of a single epidural administration of butorphanol combined with patient-controlled intravenous analgesia on postpartum uterine contraction pain after cesarean section.

Methods:

We randomly allotted 121 women undergoing cesarean section surgery procedure to 3 groups: 31 cases were excluded; and 90 cases were divided into group S (blank control, n = 30), group I (intravenous butorphanol, n = 30), and group E (butorphanol administered into the epidural cavity, n = 30). We then observed changes in the indices of uterine contraction pain and intraoperative stretch pain for the 3 groups.

Results:

(1) In terms of the uterine contraction pain, the visual analog scale scores of group I were lower than those for group S at 10 minutes (P = .001), 20 minutes (P < .001), 30 minutes (P < .001), 1 hour (P < .001), 2 hours (P < .001), and 4 hours (P < .001) after the epidural administration. The visual analog scale scores of group E were lower than those of group I at 10 minutes (P < .001), 20 minutes (P < .001), 30 minutes (P < .001), 1 hour (P < .001), 2 hours (P < .001), 4 hours (P < .001), and 6 hours (P < .001) after the administration. (2) In terms of intraoperative traction reactions, sedation, and comfort during the operation, group E was superior to groups S and I at any time points (all P < .043).

Conclusions:

Butorphanol single epidural administration combined with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia can effectively reduce the pain of uterine contraction and intraoperative traction reaction and improve perioperative comfort of the parturient.
Unlike common pneumonia, COVID-19 is a risk factor for multiple cardiovascular diseases: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Chengjia , Chen Huijun
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the differences between COVID-19 and past common forms of pneumonia and to determine if COVID-19 acts as a contributing factor in various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). We retrieved large-sample genome-wide association study data from the Open GWAS database related to COVID-19, bacterial pneumonia (BP), viral pneumonia (VP), stable angina (SA), unstable angina (UA), heart failure (HF), ischemic heart disease (IHD), atrial fibrillation (AF), and myocardial infarction (MI). We selected single-nucleotide polymorphisms with strong correlations as instrumental variables (P < 5E-06), and set the threshold for the F-statistic to be over 10. Five statistical methods were used for analysis including inverse variance weighted, Mendelian randomization-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode, with inverse variance weighted as the primary method. We assessed the reliability of our results through heterogeneity, pleiotropy, and sensitivity testing; Our analysis probed the relationship between COVID-19, BP, VP, and 6 CVDs. COVID-19 infection was found to enhance the incidence of SA, UA, HF, and MI (SA: odds ratio [OR], 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–1.20; P = .002; UA: OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.01–1.29; P = .041; HF: OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03–1.23; P = .012; MI: OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.02–1.25; P = .032). There was no significant effect on the incidence of AF or IHD (P > .05), and no pleiotropy or sensitivity issues were found in the results. In contrast, neither past common BP nor VP was found to contribute to the progression of these 6 CVDs (P > .05). Unlike past common BP or VP, COVID-19 was found to increase the risks of SA, UA, HF, and MI, with no evidence supporting an increased risk for AF or IHD following COVID-19 infection.
Association between potential factors and dry eye disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Kuiliang , Wu Shangcao , Ke Lan , Zhang Han , Wan Shanshan , Lu Mingzhi , Mao Jiewen , Gao Yuelan , Yang Yanning , Xing Yiqiao , Yang Wanju
Published: December 2024

Background:

The 2017 TFOS DEWS II report provided an overview of the epidemiology of dry eye disease (DED) and identified several potential risk factors. This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis on these potential risk factors.

Methods:

A comprehensive systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to include observational studies. Two researchers independently extracted adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and a random-effects model was used to combine the data. Results were reported using odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% CIs.

Results:

The meta-analysis results showed that the risk factors for DED were smoking (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.07–1.29), alcohol consumption (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.03–1.35), rosacea or acne (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.56–2.45), allergic conjunctivitis (OR 4.59, 95% CI 3.38–6.23), refractive surgery (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.05–3.00), diabetes (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.06–1.22), thyroid disease (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.36–1.82), viral infections (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.33–1.78), anxiety (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.30–4.39), depression (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.39–1.82), post-traumatic stress disorder (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.42–1.45), and stress (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.24–2.05). However, there was no significant association between Hispanic ethnicity, menopause, past smoking, current smoking, multivitamin use, and DED.

Conclusion:

These findings provide valuable insights for further research on the prevention and treatment of dry eye disease.
Hospital frailty risk score and outcomes of chronic mesenteric ischemia revascularization: Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2005–2020 analysis
Authors: Lai Chien-Min , Liu Hui-Pu , Chang Wen-Yen
Published: December 2024

Chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) typically affects older adults, and often requiring revascularization. Frailty, a state of decreased physiological reserve, may impact the outcomes of CMI treatment. The purpose of was to determine the impact of frailty, assessed by the Hospital Frailty Risk Score, on in-hospital outcomes after CMI revascularization. Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2005–2020, were analyzed in this retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were adults ≥20 years old who underwent revascularization for CMI. Patients were categorizing patients into low-, intermediate-, and high-frailty risk groups. Logistic regression analyses, adjusted for confounders, was used to assess associations between frailty risk and outcomes. The study included 4100 patients with a mean age of 71.2 years, of whom 71% were female. Patients in the intermediate and high frailty risk groups had significantly increased odds of in-hospital mortality (intermediate risk: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.07–5.35; high risk: aOR = 3.68, 95% CI: 2.15–6.31), unfavorable discharge (intermediate risk: aOR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.83–2.77; high risk: aOR = 3.77, 95% CI: 2.91–4.88), prolonged hospital stay (intermediate risk: aOR = 2.40; high risk: aOR = 4.85), transfusions (intermediate risk: aOR = 1.97; high risk: aOR = 4.58), and overall complications (intermediate risk: aOR = 3.84; high risk: aOR = 8.74) compared to low-risk patients. Frailty is associated with worse outcomes of patients with CMI undergoing revascularization. Thus, it is important to incorporate frailty assessment in preoperative risk stratification and management of CMI revascularization.