bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal Blood Adipokines and Their Association with Fetal Growth: A Meta-Analysis of the Current Literature
Authors: Sapantzoglou Ioakeim , Vlachos Dimitrios-Efthymios , Papageorgiou Dimitrios , Varthaliti Antonia , Rodolaki Kalliopi , Daskalaki Maria Anastasia , Psarris Alexandros , Pergialiotis Vasilios , Stavros Sofoklis , Daskalakis Georgios , Papapanagiotou Angeliki
Published: March 2024

Background: Assessing fetal growth constitutes a fundamental aim within the realm of prenatal care. Impaired prenatal growth increases the risk of perinatal mortality, morbidity, and poor newborn outcomes. Growth restriction increases the risk of premature birth problems, as well as the risk of poor neurodevelopmental outcomes and future non-communicable disorders such as hypertension and metabolic syndrome as adults. The objective of this systematic review is to accumulate current literature evidence to assess the patterns of serum adipokine levels among women with growth-restricted fetuses and assess their potential alterations in those high-risk pregnancies. Methods: Medline, Scopus, CENTRAL, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched from inception until 31 March 2023. All observational studies reporting serum adipokine values among women with appropriately grown and growth-restricted fetuses were held eligible. Results: The current systematic review encompassed a total of 20 studies, incorporating a patient population of 1850 individuals. Maternal blood leptin emerged as the adipokine most investigated, as evidenced by 13 studies encompassing a collective sample size of 1081 patients, all of which explored its potential correlation with intrauterine growth restriction. Elevated levels of leptin were detected in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction, although the observed difference did not reach statistical significance. Furthermore, regarding adiponectin, the meta-analysis conducted indicated that there were not any statistically significant differences observed in the mean values of adiponectin. The available data on the remaining three adipokines were extremely limited, making it difficult for any solid conclusions to be extracted. Conclusions: Though limited and inconsistent, the existing data suggest that fetal growth restriction is not linked to leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, resistin, or RBP4. More substantial prospective studies are needed to comprehend the importance of established and novel adipokines.
Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in Heart Failure with Malnutrition, Frailty, Sarcopenia, or Cachexia
Authors: Horiuchi Yu , Asami Masahiko , Yahagi Kazuyuki , Oshima Asahi , Gonda Yuki , Yoshiura Daiki , Komiyama Kota , Yuzawa Hitomi , Tanaka Jun , Aoki Jiro , Tanabe Kengo
Published: March 2024

(1) Background: In patients with heart failure (HF) and impaired nutritional status or decreased muscle mass, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) may worsen these conditions and result in poor prognosis, especially worsening of frailty. We aimed to investigate the relationship between SGLT2is and clinical outcomes, including frailty-related events, in patients with HF and malnutrition, frailty, sarcopenia, or cachexia. (2) Methods: In this retrospective observational cohort study, a global federated health research network provided data on patients with HF and malnutrition, frailty, sarcopenia, or cachexia from January 2016 to December 2021. We investigated the incidence of the composite endpoint of death or frailty-related events within one year. (3) Results: Among 214,778 patients included in the analysis, 4715 were treated with SGLT2is. After propensity score matching, 4697 patients in the SGLT2is group were matched with 4697 patients in the non-SGLT2is groups. The incidence of the composite endpoint, mortality, and frailty-related events was lower in the SGLT2is group than in the non-SGLT2is group (composite endpoint, 65.6% versus 77.6%, p < 0.001; mortality, 17.4% vs. 35.5%, p < 0.001; frailty-related events, 59.4% vs. 64.3%, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Patients with HF and malnutrition, frailty, sarcopenia, or cachexia had a high incidence of death and frailty-related events. SGLT2is were associated with a lower incidence of these events.
Systemic Vascular Resistance and Myocardial Work Analysis in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis with Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: de Gregorio Cesare , Trimarchi Giancarlo , Faro Denise Cristiana , Poleggi Cristina , Teresi Lucio , De Gaetano Fabrizio , Zito Concetta , Lofrumento Francesca , Koniari Ioanna , Licordari Roberto , Kounis Nicholas G. , Monte Ines Paola , Di Bella Gianluca
Published: March 2024

Background: The pathophysiological impact of systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and pressure–strain loop-derived global myocardial work index (GWI) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR) has been randomly investigated. Methods: Both SVR and GWI were assessed in outpatients consecutively referred at two Italian cardiology departments for heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), affected by either nonobstructive HCM or wild-type ATTR. Based on relevant cross-tabulations, the patients were gathered into 4 functional classes according to cut-off values of 1440 dyne/s/cm−5 for SVR, and 1576 mm Hg% for GWI, as suggested by previous studies. Results: A total of 60 patients, 30 in each group, aged 61 ± 16 years, with 78% males, were studied. HCM patients were younger than those with ATTR and in a better clinical condition (23% HCM vs. 77% ATTR were NYHA class II-III, p < 0.001). Overall, 51 patients (85%) showed a high SVR, 21/30 HCM (70%), and 30 ATTR (100%) (p < 0.005). Both SVR and GWI (expressions of ventricular–arterial coupling) were impaired in 43% of HCM patients (showing greater LV concentric hypertrophy) and 93% of ATTR patients (in advanced NYHA functional class) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: A substantial percentage of present study population showed impaired SVR and/or GWI, despite preserved LVEF. The proposed classification may shed further light on the pathophysiological and clinical characteristics of such hypertrophic phenotypes.
The RISE Study: Retrospective Registry for the International Safety and Efficacy Results of Patent Foramen Ovale Closure with Figulla Flex Il PFO and UNI Occluders
Authors: Pioch Nicolas , Trabattoni Daniela , Bouvaist Helene , Vautrin Estelle , Teruzzi Giovanni , Dollinger Cecile , Rioufol Gilles , Godart François , Fraisse Alain
Published: March 2024

Background: Transcatheter closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) is performed in cryptogenic stroke and other conditions. Information is lacking for some devices. Methods: We aimed to evaluate the Figulla Flex II PFO Occluder (FFP) and Figulla Flex UNI Occluder (FFU) through a retrospective multi-center registry. Results: 527 patients were included. Mean age was 48.9 (±13.8) years. The procedure was under transthoracic, transesophageal or intracardiac echocardiography in 185 (35.1%), 193 (36.6%) and 149 (28.3%) cases, respectively, and under general anesthesia in 191 patients (36.2%). The FFP and FFU were used in 408 (77.4%) and 119 (22.6%) cases, respectively. The success rate was 99.1%. Median follow-up was 1.1 (0.5–2.5) years. A new atrial fibrillation/flutter within six months occurred in 14 (2.7%) cases, with no difference between devices. One device embolization in the pulmonary artery was identified two years post-procedure. Residual shunts occurred in 18 (6.9%) cases at 1 year, with TIA in three (16.6%) patients. Out of 437 patients with stroke/TIA, 260 (59%) were followed more than one year after closure. Median follow-up was 2.1 (1.17–3.1) years, with four recurrent strokes/TIA. Conclusions: The FFP and FFU devices are safe and effective for PFO closure, with very few atrial fibrillation/flutter and neurologic events, except in cases with a residual shunt.
Are Sleep Aids Associated with the Severity of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Adults Screened for Insomnia? A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gammoh Omar , Alqudah Abdelrahim , Qnais Esam , Aljabali Alaa A. A. , Binsaleh Ammena Y. , Shilbayeh Sireen Abdul Rahim
Published: March 2024

(1) Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-like symptoms and insomnia are closely related. The present study examined whether the use of different sleep aids was related to severe ADHD-like symptoms in Jordanian adults screened for insomnia. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study used predefined inclusion criteria. The severity of ADHD was assessed using the validated Arabic version of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale. (3) Results: Data were analyzed from 244 subjects who met the inclusion criteria for severe insomnia, of which 147 (65.3%) reported not using any sleep aid, 50 (22.3%) reported using homeopathy remedies as sleep aids, and 41 (18.3%) reported using over-the-counter antihistamines as sleep aids. Regression analysis revealed that the use of such sleep aids—namely, “homeopathy herbal remedies” and “over-the-counter antihistamines”—was not associated (p > 0.05) with ADHD-like symptoms. However, “age above 31 years old” was significantly associated (B = −3.95, t = −2.32, p = 0.002) with lower ADHD severity, while the “diagnosis with chronic diseases” was significantly associated (B = 4.15, t = 1.99, p = 0.04) with higher ADHD severity. (4) Conclusions: Sleep aids are not associated with ADHD-like symptoms in adults. More research is required to uncover the risk factors for adult ADHD, especially insomnia.
Hearing Outcomes from Gamma Knife Treatment for Intracanalicular Vestibular Schwannomas with Good Initial Hearing
Authors: Toulemonde Philippine , Reyns Nicolas , Risoud Michael , Lemesre Pierre-Emmanuel , Gabanou Frédéric , Baroncini Marc , Lejeune Jean-Paul , Aboukais Rabih , Vincent Christophe
Published: March 2024

Background: The objective of this study was to describe the long-term hearing outcomes of gamma knife treatment for unilateral progressing vestibular schwannomas (VS) presenting with good initial hearing using audiologic data. Methods: A retrospective review was performed between 2010 and 2020 to select patients with progressing unilateral VS and good hearing (AAO-HNS class A) treated with stereotactic gamma knife surgery (GKS). Their audiograms were analyzed along with treatment metrics and patient data. Results: Hearing outcomes with a median follow-up of 5 years post-treatment showed statistically significant loss of serviceable hearing: 34.1% of patients maintained good hearing (AAO-HNS class A), and 56.1% maintained serviceable hearing (AAO-HNS class A and B). Non-hearing outcomes are favorable with excellent tumor control and low facial nerve morbidity. Conclusions: Hearing declines over time in intracanalicular VS treated with GKS, with a significant loss of serviceable hearing after 5 years. The mean cochlear dose and the presence of cochlear aperture obliteration by the tumor are the main statistically significant factors involved in the hearing outcomes.
Inflammatory Cytokines Associated with Obesity, Type-2 Diabetes, and Hypertension Exacerbate Breast Cancer Risk in Underserved African American and Latin American Women
Authors: Wu Yanyuan , Karapetyan Eduard , Dutta Pranabananda , Shaheen Magda , Vadgama Jaydutt V.
Published: March 2024

Background: Comorbid chronic diseases, such as obesity, Type-2 Diabetes (T2D), and hypertension (HTN), are major public health issues and highly prevalent among underserved African Americans (AA) and Latin Americans (LA). Elevated inflammatory cytokines are underlying processes in comorbidities (obesity, T2D, and HTN) that could contribute to tumorigenesis and adverse cancer outcomes. Methods: A panel of 19 cytokines was measured by Luminex assay from 570 AA and LA women’s serum samples. The comorbidities and breast cancer information were extracted from our existing clinical database. Comorbidity-associated cytokines were identified by linear regression analysis, and the odds ratios of increasing cytokines for breast cancer were evaluated by Logistic regression. Results: Women with obesity, T2D, and HTN elevated specific groups of cytokines. EGF, MCP1, MDC, MIP-1b, and Groα were independent of T2D and HTN significantly associated with obesity. TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 were T2D-associated cytokines, and MIB-1b, TNFα, and VEGFα were HTN-associated cytokines. Among those comorbidity-associated cytokines, CXCL1, CCL4, CXCL10, TNFα, TGFβ1, and TGFβ2 were also significantly associated with breast cancer diagnosed at age < 50. Two or more comorbidities further increased the levels of Groα, MIP-1b, TNFα, and TGFβs. Conclusions: Comorbidity-associate cytokines could augment the risk of breast cancer for AA and LA women.
Intraoperative Hemodynamic Instability and Higher ASA Classification Increase the Risk of Developing Non-Surgical Complications following Orthopedic Surgeries
Authors: Hsu Ting-Jui , Chen Jen-Yu , Wu Yu-Ling , Lo Yu-Han , Hsu Chien-Jen
Published: March 2024

(1) Background: Either pre-operative physical status or unstable hemodynamic changes has been reported to play a potential role in causing vital organ dysfunction. Therefore, we intended to investigate the impact of the American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) classification and intraoperative hemodynamic instability on non-surgical complications following orthopedic surgery. (2) Methods: We collected data on 6478 patients, with a mean age of 57.3 ± 16, who underwent orthopedic surgeries between 2018 and 2020. The ASA classification and hemodynamic data were obtained from an anesthesia database. Non-surgical complications were defined as a dysfunction of the vital organs. (3) Results: ASA III/IV caused significantly higher odds ratios (OR) of 17.49 and 40.96, respectively, than ASA I for developing non-surgical complications (p < 0.001). Non-surgical complications were correlated with a 20% reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP), which was intraoperatively compared to the pre-operative baseline ((OR) = 1.38, p = 0.02). The risk of postoperative complications increased with longer durations of SBP < 100 mmHg, peaking at over 20 min ((OR) = 1.33, p = 0.34). (4) Conclusions: Extended intraoperative hypotension and ASA III/IV caused a significantly higher risk of adverse events occurring within the major organs. The maintenance of hemodynamic stability prevents non-surgical complications after orthopedic surgeries.
COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV in Children and Adults: A Clinical Comparative Study of 12,000 Cases
Authors: Kwon Jae-Hyun , Paek So-Hyun , Park Soo-Hyun , Kim Min-Jung , Byun Young-Hoon , Song Ho-Young
Published: March 2024

(1) Background: Respiratory virus infections, including Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), seasonal influenza (FLU), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as prominent examples, can severely affect both children and adults. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of respiratory viral infections in pediatric and adult populations and to identify determinants influencing patient hospitalization. (2) Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the electronic medical records of patients admitted to a regional hospital’s emergency department from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2022, to investigate the clinical characteristics and hospitalization risk factors associated with these three viruses. (3) Results: Infants aged 1 to 11 months were most affected by COVID-19 and RSV, whereas FLU more commonly infected children aged 3 to 5 years. Key factors influencing hospitalization included age and abnormal chest X-ray findings, with higher risks observed in younger children and adults over 65. Notably, the presence of abnormal chest x-ray findings significantly increased the hospitalization risk by 1.9 times [1.5–2.4] in children and 21.4 times [2.4–189.0] in adults. (4) Conclusions: This analysis underscores the impact of COVID-19, FLU, and RSV on hospitalization risk, offering insights for managing these respiratory viral infections (RVIs). Age-related risk differences highlight the necessity for tailored strategies, improving understanding of and treatment development for RVIs.
Diagnostic Accuracy in Detecting Fungal Infection with Ultra-Low-Dose Computed Tomography (ULD-CT) Using Filtered Back Projection (FBP) Technique in Immunocompromised Patients
Authors: D’Errico Luigia , Ghali Anita , Pakkal Mini , McInnis Micheal , Mehrez Hatem , Schuh Andre C. , Kuruvilla John G. , Minden Mark , Paul Narinder S.
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To compare the accuracy of ultra-low-dose (uLDCT) to standard-of-care low-dose chest CT (LDCT) in the detection of fungal infection in immunocompromised (IC) patients. Method and Materials: One hundred IC patients had paired chest CT scans performed with LDCT followed by uLDCT. The images were independently reviewed by three chest radiologists who assessed the image quality (IQ), diagnostic confidence, and detection of major (macro nodules, halo sign, cavitation, consolidation) and minor (4–10 mm nodules, ground-glass opacity) criteria for fungal disease using a five-point Likert score. Discrepant findings were adjudicated by a fourth chest radiologist. Box–whisker plots were used to analyze IQ and diagnostic confidence. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). The statistical difference between LDCT and uLDCT results was assessed using Wilcoxon paired test. Results: Lung reconstructions had IQ and diagnostic confidence scores (mean ± std) of 4.52 ± 0.47 and 4.63 ± 0.51 for LDCT and 3.85 ± 0.77 and 4.01 ± 0.88 for uLDCT. The images were clinically acceptable except for uLDCT in obese patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), which had an IQ ranking from poor to excellent (scores 1 to 5). The accuracy in detecting major and minor radiological findings with uLDCT was 96% and 84% for all the patients. The inter-rater agreements were either moderate, good, or excellent, with ICC values of 0.51–0.96. There was no significant statistical difference between the uLDCT and LDCT ICC values (p = 0.25). The effective dose for uLDCT was one quarter that of LDCT (CTDIvol = 0.9 mGy vs. 3.7 mGy). Conclusions: Thoracic uLDCT, at a 75% dose reduction, can replace LDCT for the detection of fungal disease in IC patients with BMI < 30.0 kg/m2.
Effect of Sex, Age, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors on Aortoiliac Segment Geometry
Authors: Szőnyi Ádám , Balázs György , Nyárády Balázs Bence , Philippovich Márton , Horváth Tamás , Dósa Edit
Published: March 2024

Background: To investigate the geometry of the aortoiliac (AI) segment and its correlation with sex, age, and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. Methods: Abdominal and pelvic CTA/MRA scans of 204 subjects (120 males; median age: 53 [IQR, 27–75] years) without AI steno-occlusive disease or scoliosis were retrospectively analyzed. The participants were enrolled consecutively, ensuring the representation of each age decade. An in-house written software was developed to assess AI elongation using the tortuosity index (TI) and absolute average curvature (AAC). Aortic bifurcation angle, common iliac artery (CIA) take-off and planarity angles, bifurcation asymmetry, and deviation from optimal bifurcation were calculated and evaluated. Demographic data, CV risk factors, and medical history were collected from electronic health records. Results: The elongation of the iliac arteries was more pronounced in males (TI: left CIA, p = 0.011; left EIA, p < 0.001; right CIA, p = 0.023; right EIA, p < 0.001; AAC: left EIA, p < 0.001; right EIA, p = 0.001). Age significantly influenced TI and AAC in all AI segments (all p < 0.001), but was also positively associated with the aortic bifurcation angle (p < 0.001), both CIA planarities (left, p < 0.001; right, p = 0.002), aortic bifurcation asymmetry (p = 0.001), and radius discrepancy (p < 0.001). Significant positive correlations were found between infrarenal aortic TI/AAC and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (p = 0.027 and p = 0.016), AAC of both CIAs and hypertension (left, p = 0.027; right, p = 0.012), right CIA take-off angle and CKD (p = 0.031), and left CIA planarity and hyperlipidemia (p = 0.006). Conclusion: Sex, age, and CV risk factors have a significant effect on the geometry of the AI segment.
Using Benthic Indices to Assess the Ecological Quality of Sandy Beaches and the Impact of Urbanisation on Sandy Beach Ecosystems
Authors: Liang Jian , Shu Meng-Yuan , Huang Hai-Rui , Ma Chae-Woo , Kim Seon-Kyu
Published: March 2024

As the global population continues to grow, sandy beaches, one of the most valuable ecosystems, have been widely impacted by human activities. Therefore, to develop policies for the conservation and management of sandy beaches, the impact of human activities on sandy beaches must be accurately assessed. We used seven benthic indices to evaluate the ecological quality of sandy beaches in Anmyeon Island, Korea. However, these seven indices were found to either over- or underestimate their ecological quality. Moreover, despite incorporating beach morphodynamics into our study, these indices did not respond to the pressure of urbanisation on beaches. Given the suboptimal performance of benthic indices in reflecting the actual state of Korean beaches, our study indicates that beaches without human interference but with the same morphodynamics must be selected as control groups to further explore the effectiveness of these indices. This is critical for advancing our conservation efforts and managing sandy beach ecosystems under increasing human influence.
Bio-Inspired Cooperative Control Scheme of Obstacle Avoidance for UUV Swarm
Authors: Wang Zhao , Wang Hongjian , Yuan Jianya , Yu Dan , Zhang Kai , Ren Jingfei
Published: March 2024

The complex underwater environment poses significant challenges for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), particularly in terms of communication constraints and the need for precise cooperative obstacle avoidance and trajectory tracking. Addressing these challenges solely through position information is crucial in this field. This study explores the intricate task of managing a group of UUVs as they navigate obstacles and follow a given trajectory, all based on position information. A new dynamic interactive topology framework utilizing sonar technology has been developed for the UUVs. This framework not only provides position information for the UUV swarm but also for the surrounding obstacles, enhancing situational awareness. Additionally, a bio-inspired cooperative control strategy designed for UUV swarms utilizing sonar interaction topology is introduced. This innovative method eliminates the need for velocity data from neighboring UUVs, instead relying solely on position information to achieve swarm cooperative control, obstacle avoidance, and trajectory adherence. The effectiveness of this method is validated through extensive simulations. The results show that the proposed method demonstrates improved sensitivity in obstacle detection, enabling faster trajectory tracking while maintaining a safer distance compared to traditional methods. Ultimately, this innovative strategy not only enhances operational efficiency but also enhances safety measures in UUV swarm operations.
Review on the Hydro- and Thermo-Dynamic Wakes of Underwater Vehicles in Linearly Stratified Fluid
Authors: Cao Liushuai , Pan Yanyan , Gao Gang , Li Linjie , Wan Decheng
Published: March 2024

Wakes produced by underwater vehicles, particularly submarines, in density-stratified fluids play a pivotal role across military, academic, and engineering domains. In comparison to homogeneous fluid environments, wakes in stratified flows exhibit distinctive phenomena, including upstream blocking, pancake eddies, internal waves, and variations in hydrodynamic performance. These phenomena are crucial for optimizing the operation of underwater vehicles. This review critically assesses the hydrodynamic and thermodynamic aspects of these wakes through an integration of theoretical, experimental, and numerical approaches. The hydrodynamic wake evolution, comprising near-wake, non-equilibrium, and quasi-two-dimensional regimes, is scrutinized. The underlying physics, encompassing energy transformation, vertical motion suppression, and momentum dissipation, are analyzed in detail. Special emphasis is placed on numerical methods, encompassing diverse approaches and turbulence models and highlighting their differences in fidelity and computational cost. Numerical simulations not only provide insights into the intricate interplay among various factors but also emerge as a crucial focal point for future research directions. In the realm of thermodynamic wakes, we delve into the thermal wake induced by the discharge of high-temperature cooling water and the cold wake resulting from the stirring of seawater. The generation, evolution, and ascent to the free surface of these wakes are explored. Additionally, this review identifies and analyzes current research shortcomings in each aspect. By systematically addressing existing knowledge gaps, our study contributes novel insights that propel academic progress and bear significant implications for submarine engineering. This work not only enhances our understanding of the intricate dynamics involved but also provides a foundation for future research endeavors in this critical field.
Microfungi Associated with Peach Branch Diseases in China
Authors: Zhou Ying , Manawasinghe Ishara S. , He Zhizheng , Zhang Wei , Liu Mei , Song Jinyan , Li Shifang , Fan Zaifeng , Yan Jiye
Published: March 2024

Peach (Prunus persica L.) is one of the most important and oldest stone fruits grown in China. Even though P. persica is one of the most commonly grown stone fruits in China, little is known about the biodiversity of microfungi associated with peach branch diseases. In the present study, samples were collected from a wide range of peach growing areas in China, and fungal pathogens associated with peach branch diseases were isolated. In total, 85 isolates were obtained and further classified into nine genera and 10 species. Most of the isolates belonged to Botryosphaeriaceae (46), including Botryosphaeria, Diplodia, Neofusicoccum, Phaeobotryon, and Lasiodiplodia species; Ascochyta, Didymella, and Nothophoma species representing Didymellaceae were also identified. Herein, we introduce Ascochyta prunus and Lasiodiplodia pruni as novel species. In addition, we report the first records of Nothophoma pruni, Neofusicoccum occulatum, and Phaeobotryon rhois on peach worldwide, and Didymella glomerata, Nothophoma quercina, and Phaeoacremonium scolyti are the first records from China. This research is the first comprehensive investigation to explore the microfungi associated with peach branch disease in China. Future studies are necessary to understand the pathogenicity and disease epidemiology of these identified species.
Special Issue—Diabetes Mellitus: Current Research and Future Perspectives
Authors: Franceschi Roberto
Published: March 2024

The Special Issue “Diabetes Mellitus: Current Research and Future Perspectives” is focused on the importance of customized medicine in monogenic diabetes of the young (MODY) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) [...]
Investigating the Crash Protection Performance of a Medical Carrier Bag for Drone Transport
Authors: McLeod Fraser , Cherrett Tom , Oakey Andy , Theobald Katherine , Waters Tim , Grote Matt , Armstrong John , Denny Jack , Murray Alex
Published: March 2024

Background: Drone transport regulations in Europe require a crash-protected container (CPC) to be used for the carriage of dangerous goods. With increasing interest in the use of drones for medical logistics, the motivation behind this research was to investigate whether the existing approved medical carriers could also pass as CPCs. To date, there has been little practical experimentation on or theoretical research into the crash protection performance of medical containers. Methods: Addressing this gap, this paper reports findings from a series of drop test experiments to investigate the crashworthiness of a standard medical carrier bag used by the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. Th drop tests were performed from heights of up to 122 m using standard medical carriers containing bags of dyed saline to examine the robustness of the carrier and whether it could contain any leakages, a key requirement for transporting dangerous goods. Results: The tests found that the medical carrier failed on some drops, with the zipped lid being identified as the main weakness. Conclusions: A new understanding of the carrier’s terminal velocity, impact acceleration, and failure mechanisms were gained and subsequent strengthening and waterproofing remedial measures recommended. New insights and practical recommendations are provided relating to performing formal drop tests and how to conduct these using a drone.
Carrying Capacity of Spherical Hydrostatic Bearings including Elastic Deformation
Authors: Zhang Shengdong , Yang Dongjiang , Li Guangming , Cheng Yongchao , Chen Guang , Zhang Zhiming , Li Jichao
Published: March 2024

This paper presents a theoretical model for calculating the carrying capacity of spherical hydrostatic bearings, including the deduction and solution of differential equations for fluid flow in the oil seal and the generation of bearing characteristic parameters. An example is used to verify the accuracy of the proposed calculation model. Additionally, the influence of dynamic pressure on the bearing capacity is investigated under various speed conditions. The results demonstrate that as the minimum width of the oil gap decreases, the maximum dynamic pressure increases non-linearly. Furthermore, the maximum dynamic pressure increases with higher rotational speeds, particularly when the width is smaller.
Vibration Characteristics of Asymmetric Flexible Cantilever Beams Connected to a Central Rigid Body
Authors: Gong Dehuang , Wei Xueqian , Liu Hongli , Li Fengming
Published: March 2024

A satellite with two solar wings can be modeled using a pair of symmetric flexible cantilever beams connected to a central rigid body. Due to certain reasons, the symmetric flexible cantilever beams may be turned into asymmetric ones, which will inevitably influence the vibration properties of the structural system. By changing the structural sizes and adding local mass on one side of the two beams, a structural system with asymmetric mass distribution is obtained and its vibration characteristics are investigated. Hamilton’s principle with the assumed mode method is employed to establish the equation of motion of the asymmetric structural system. The natural frequencies, mode shapes, frequency response curves and displacement time histories of the system are calculated, and they are compared with those of the structural system with a symmetric mass distribution. The correctness and feasibility of the present analytical method are verified by means of the finite element method (FEM) and a vibration experiment. The analytical results show that the mass asymmetry of the two beams leads to the mode localization phenomenon, and the coupling effect between the two beams and the central rigid body is enhanced. The larger the mass asymmetry is and the closer the position of the added local mass to the end of the cantilever beam is, the more obvious of the mode localization phenomenon is and the more obvious of the coupling effect between the two beams and the central rigid body is. The present investigation results are helpful for the dynamic analysis and design of spacecraft structures composed of flexible solar wings and a central rigid body.
GreenNAS: A Green Approach to the Hyperparameters Tuning in Deep Learning
Authors: Franchini Giorgia
Published: March 2024

This paper discusses the challenges of the hyperparameter tuning in deep learning models and proposes a green approach to the neural architecture search process that minimizes its environmental impact. The traditional approach of neural architecture search involves sweeping the entire space of possible architectures, which is computationally expensive and time-consuming. Recently, to address this issue, performance predictors have been proposed to estimate the performance of different architectures, thereby reducing the search space and speeding up the exploration process. The proposed approach aims to develop a performance predictor by training only a small percentage of the possible hyperparameter configurations. The suggested predictor can be queried to find the best configurations without training them on the dataset. Numerical examples of image denoising and classification enable us to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach in terms of performance and time complexity.
Exploring Thermoelastic Effects in Damped Bresse Systems with Distributed Delay
Authors: Choucha Abdelbaki , Ouchenane Djamel , Mirgani Safa M. , Hassan Eltigan I. , Alfedeel A. H. A. , Zennir Khaled
Published: March 2024

In this work, we consider the one-dimensional thermoelastic Bresse system by addressing the aspects of nonlinear damping and distributed delay term acting on the first and the second equations. We prove a stability result without the common assumption regarding wave speeds under Neumann boundary conditions. We discover a new relationship between the decay rate of the solution and the growth of ϖ at infinity. Our results were achieved using the multiplier method and the perturbed modified energy, named Lyapunov functions together with some properties of convex functions.
On Lagrangian Grassmannian Variety and Plücker Matrices
Authors: Carrillo-Pacheco Jesús
Published: March 2024

The Plücker matrix BL(n,E) of the Lagrangian Grassmannian L(n,E), is determined by the linear envelope ⟨L(n,E)⟩ of the Lagrangian Grassmannian. The linear envelope ⟨L(n,E)⟩ is the intersection of linear relations of Plücker of Lagrangian Grassmannian, defined here. The Plücker matrix BL(n,E) is a direct sum of the incidence matrix of the configuration of subsets. These matrices determine the isotropy index rn and rn-atlas which are invariants associated with the symplectic vector space E.
Simple Moment Generating Function Optimisation Technique to Design Optimum Electronic Filter for Underwater Wireless Optical Communication Receiver
Authors: Ramley Intesar F. El , AlZhrani Saleha M. , Bedaiwi Nada M. , Al-Hadeethi Yas , Barasheed Abeer Z.
Published: March 2024

This paper introduces a new simple moment-generating function (MGF) design modelling method to conclude an optimum filter to maximize the Q-factor and increase the link communication span. This approach mitigates the pulse temporal dispersion, particularly the underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) systems. Hence, some form of equalizing filter design is highly desirable. The model solution environment includes a Double Gamma Function (DGF) water channel impulse response, intersymbol interference (ISI), stochastic Poisson process, and additive Gaussian thermal noise (AGTN). The optimal filters exhibit temporal profiles comparable to those derived by published works based on complex Chernoff Bound (CB) and Modified Chernoff Bound (MCB) methods. The results show the impact of the optimum filter at a signal level and optical receiver level utilizing Eye-Diagrams and BER vs. Q-Factor, respectively. The computation involves four different UWOC propagation channel models for Coastal and Harbor waters. One of the main conclusions indicates that the optimum filter manages the temporal dispersion due to the ISI impairment correctly. Also, the proposed optimum filter reduces eye-opening and the corresponding Q-Factor by less than 15% for a five-times increase in pulse width for the same transmitted optical power level.
Best Decision-Making on the Stability of the Smoke Epidemic Model via Z-Numbers and Aggregate Special Maps
Authors: O’Regan Donal , Aderyani Safoura Rezaei , Saadati Reza
Published: March 2024

The present paper considers a fractional-order smoke epidemic model. We apply fuzzy systems and probability theory to make the best decision on the stability of the smoking epidemic model by using a new class of controllers powered by special functions to effectively generalize Ulam-type stability problems. Evaluation of optimal controllability and maximal stability is the new issue. This different concept of stability not only covers the old concepts but also investigates the optimization of the problem. Finally, we apply a new optimal method for the governing model with the Atangana–Baleanu–Caputo fractional derivative to obtain stability results in Banach spaces.
Semi-Supervised Machine Learning Method for Predicting Observed Individual Risk Preference Using Gallup Data
Authors: Ahmed Faroque , Shamsuddin Mrittika , Sultana Tanzila , Shamsuddin Rittika
Published: March 2024

Risk and uncertainty play a vital role in almost every significant economic decision, and an individual’s propensity to make riskier decisions also depends on various circumstances. This article aims to investigate the effects of social and economic covariates on an individual’s willingness to take general risks and extends the scope of existing works by using quantitative measures of risk-taking from the GPS and Gallup datasets (in addition to the qualitative measures used in the literature). Based on the available observed risk-taking data for one year, this article proposes a semi-supervised machine learning-based approach that can efficiently predict the observed risk index for those countries/individuals for years when the observed risk-taking index was not collected. We find that linear models are insufficient to capture certain patterns among risk-taking factors, and non-linear models, such as random forest regression, can obtain better root mean squared values than those reported in past literature. In addition to finding factors that agree with past studies, we also find that subjective well-being influences risk-taking behavior.
Novel [1,3,4]Thiadiazole[3,2-a]pyrimidin-5-ones as Promising Biofilm Dispersal Agents against Relevant Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Pathogens
Authors: Carbone Daniela , Pecoraro Camilla , Scianò Fabio , Catania Valentina , Schillaci Domenico , Manachini Barbara , Cascioferro Stella , Diana Patrizia , Parrino Barbara
Published: March 2024

Biofilm-associated infections pose significant challenges in healthcare settings due to their resistance to conventional antimicrobial therapies. In the last decade, the marine environment has been a precious source of bioactive molecules, including numerous derivatives with antibiofilm activity. In this study, we reported the synthesis and the biological evaluation of a new series of twenty-two thiadiazopyrimidinone derivatives obtained by using a hybridization approach combining relevant chemical features of two important classes of marine compounds: nortopsentin analogues and Essramycin derivatives. The synthesized compounds were in vitro tested for their ability to inhibit biofilm formation and to disrupt mature biofilm in various bacterial strains. Among the tested compounds, derivative 8j exhibited remarkable dispersal activity against preformed biofilms of relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, as well as towards the fungus Candida albicans, showing BIC50 values ranging from 17 to 40 µg/mL. Furthermore, compound 8j was in vivo assayed for its toxicity and the anti-infective effect in a Galleria mellonella model. The results revealed a promising combination of anti-infective properties and a favorable toxicity profile for the treatment of severe chronic biofilm-mediated infections.
MicroRNA Expression in Endometrial Cancer: Current Knowledge and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Iavarone Irene , Molitierno Rossella , Fumiento Pietro , Vastarella Maria Giovanna , Napolitano Stefania , Vietri Maria Teresa , De Franciscis Pasquale , Ronsini Carlo
Published: March 2024

Background and Objectives: An extracellular vesicle is part of a class of submicron particles derived from cells, mediating cellular crosstalk through microRNA (miRNA). MiRNA is a group of RNA molecules, each of which consists of 15–22 nucleotides and post-transcriptionally modulates gene expression. The complementary mRNAs—onto which the miRNAs hybridize—are involved in processes such as implantation, tumor suppression, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis that define the entire tumor microenvironment. The endometrial biopsy is a standard technique used to recognize cellular atypia, but other non-invasive markers may reduce patient discomfort during the use of invasive methods. The present study aims to examine the distribution and the regulation of the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and EV-derived substances in women with endometrial cancer. Materials and Methods: We systematically searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect databases in April 2023, adopted the string “Endometrial Neoplasms AND Exosomes”, and followed the recommendations in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. We selected all the studies that included patients with endometrial cancer and that described the regulation of miRNA molecules in that context. The differences in molecule expression between patients and controls were evaluated as significant when the proteins had a fold change of ±1.5. Results: Seventeen records fulfilled the inclusion criteria: a total of 371 patients and 273 controls were analyzed. The upregulated molecules that had the widest delta between endometrial cancer patients and controls—relative expression ≥ 1 > 3 log2(ratio)—were miR-20b-5p, miR-204-5p, miR-15a-5p, and miR-320a. In particular, miR-20b-5p and miR-204-5p were extracted from both serum and endometrial specimens, whereas miR-15a-5p was only isolated from plasma, and miR-320a was only extracted from the endometrial specimens. In parallel, the most downregulated miRNA in the endometrial cancer patients compared to the healthy subjects was miR-320a, which was found in the endometrial specimens. Conclusions: Although their epigenetic regulation remains unknown, these upregulated molecules derived from EVs are feasible markers for the early detection of endometrial cancer. The modulation of these miRNA molecules should be assessed during different treatments or if recurrence develops in response to a targeted treatment modality.
Laser Surface Transformation Hardening for Automotive Metals: Recent Progress
Authors: Karamimoghadam Mojtaba , Rezayat Mohammad , Moradi Mahmoud , Mateo Antonio , Casalino Giuseppe
Published: March 2024

This article discusses recent advancements in the Laser Surface Transformation Hardening (LSTH) process applied to industrial metals. It focuses on examining the microstructure of the metal surface layer and explores different methods of performing LSTH to evaluate mechanical and surface properties. The study also investigates the utilization of various industrial lasers and simulation software for the LSTH process. The careful analysis of heat transfer and temperature control during LSTH aims to prevent the generation of surface defects like micro-cracks and surface melting. Finite element method (FEM) software effectively simulates the LSTH process. The research provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in LSTH, categorized based on different metals and subsequent testing, highlighting its applications in the automotive industry. Electrochemical, wear, and microhardness tests are investigated to assess the potential applications of automotive metals.
Effect of Deformation Degree on Microstructure and Properties of Ni-Based Alloy Forgings
Authors: Dong Ruifeng , Li Jian , Chen Zishuai , Zhang Wei , Zhou Xing
Published: March 2024

The primary objective of this paper is to investigate the influence of deformation degree on the microstructure and properties of a Ni-based superalloy. An upsetting experiment was conducted using a free-forging hammer to achieve a deformation degree ranging from 60% to 80%. The impact of the forging deformation degree on the hardness and high-temperature erosion performance was evaluated using the Rockwell hardness tester (HRC) and high-temperature erosion tester, respectively. The experimental results indicate that as the deformation degree increased, the hardness of the forged material progressively increased while the rate of high-temperature erosion gradually decreased. In order to comprehensively study the mechanism behind the variations in forging performance, optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed. The findings reveal that as the deformation degree increased, the presence of small-angle grain boundaries and an increase in grain boundary area contributed to enhanced hardness in the alloy forgings. Furthermore, it was discovered that grain boundaries with twin orientation promoted dynamic recrystallization during deformation, specifically through a discontinuous dynamic recrystallization mechanism. Additionally, the precipitated γ′ phase in the alloy exhibited particle sizes ranging from 40 to 100 nm. This particle size range resulted in a higher critical shear stress value and a more pronounced strengthening effect on the alloy.
Antifungal Activity of Phyllospheric Bacteria Isolated from Coffea arabica against Hemileia vastatrix
Authors: Ogata-Gutiérrez Katty , Chumpitaz-Segovia Carolina , Lirio-Paredes Jesus , Zúñiga-Dávila Doris
Published: March 2024

Peru is one of the leading countries that produce and export specialty coffees, favorably positioned in the international markets for its physical and organoleptic cup qualities. In recent years, yellow coffee rust caused by the phytopathogenic fungus Hemileia vastatrix stands out as one of the main phytosanitary diseases that affect coffee culture yields. Many studies have demonstrated bacteria antagonistic activity against a number of phytopathogen fungi. In this context, the aim of this work was to select and characterize phyllospheric bacteria isolated from Coffea arabica with antagonistic features against coffee rust to obtain biocontrollers. For that purpose, a total of 82 phyllospheric bacteria were isolated from two coffee leaf rust-susceptible varieties, typica and caturra roja, and one tolerant variety, catimor. Of all the isolates, 15% were endophytic and 85% were epiphytes. Among all the isolates, 14 were capable of inhibiting the mycelial radial growth of Mycena citricolor, and Colletotrichum sp. 16S rRNA gene sequence-based analysis showed that 9 isolates were related to Achromobacter insuavis, 2 were related to Luteibacter anthropi and 1 was related to Rodococcus ceridiohylli, Achromobacter marplatensis and Pseudomonas parafulva. A total of 7 representative bacteria of each group were selected based on their antagonistic activity and tested in germination inhibition assays of coffee rust uredinospores. The CRRFLT7 and TRFLT8 isolates showed a high inhibition percentage of urediniospores germination (81% and 82%, respectively), similar to that obtained with the chemical control (91%). An experimental field assay showed a good performance of both strains against rust damage too, making them a promising alternative for coffee leaf rust biocontrol.