bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Mortality Associated with Amiodarone Compared to Other Antiarrhythmic Drugs in New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kim Yun Gi , Lee Hyoung Seok , Kim Hoseob , Kim Mina , Jeong Joo Hee , Choi Yun Young , Shim Jaemin , Choi Jong-Il , Kim Young-Hoon
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims: Antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) are the primary treatment for maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). While amiodarone is mainly used in patients with structural heart disease, its effects on all-cause mortality compared to other AADs remain unclear. Methods: This study utilized nationwide healthcare insurance data involving patients with new-onset AF from 2013 to 2019. We identified patients who were prescribed with AADs ≥ six months within the first year of diagnosis (medication possession ratio ≥ 0.5). All-cause mortality was assessed between amiodarone and other AAD users up to three years post-AAD-prescription. Results: Among 770,977 new-onset AF patients, 12,243 were amiodarone users and 33,036 were prescribed with other AADs. Significant differences in mean age and prevalence of medical conditions such as heart failure, myocardial infarction, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and dyslipidemia were noted. After propensity score matching, 12,017 amiodarone users were compared to an equal number of other AAD users with similar baseline characteristics. Multivariate analysis indicated a 2.9-fold increase in all-cause mortality for amiodarone users (hazard ratio = 2.88; 95% confidence interval = 2.64–3.15; p < 0.001). This increased risk was more pronounced among women compared with men (hazard ratio = 3.38 vs. 2.56; p for interaction = 0.004). Amiodarone was associated with increased mortality in AF patients with heart failure and myocardial infarction. Conclusions: Amiodarone, compared with non-amiodarone AADs, was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality in AAD-naive new-onset AF patients. Increased all-cause mortality associated with amiodarone was consistent throughout various subgroups. Significant interaction was observed with the sex category, with women being more vulnerable to amiodarone.
Is There an Association Between Cigarette Smoking and Advanced Liver Fibrosis in Smokers with HIV, Heavy Drinking and High Prevalence of HCV?
Authors: Fuster Daniel , So-Armah Kaku , Cheng Debbie M. , Blokhina Elena , Patts Gregory , Lioznov Dmitry , Gnatienko Natalia , Long Michelle T. , Freiberg Matthew S. , Tindle Hilary , Samet Jeffrey H.
Published: February 2025

Background: Cigarette smoking has been associated with liver fibrosis in the setting of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection but has not been studied among people with HIV (PWH) who consume alcohol. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of PWH with heavy drinking and daily smoking in St. Petersburg, Russia. The primary independent variable was past 30-day cigarettes per day (cpd), and the secondary independent variable was pack-years at study entry. Advanced liver fibrosis was defined as FIB-4 > 3.25. Analyses were adjusted for gender, body mass index (BMI), past 30-day number of heavy drinking days, HCV and CD4 count. Results: Participants (n = 400) were two-thirds male (67.3%), young (median age 38 years), lean (median BMI 22), HCV antibody positive (84.5%) and not severely immune suppressed (median CD4 count 351). The median number of past-month cpd was 20 (IQR: 15–25), and the median pack-years was 24 (IQR: 17–31.8). The prevalence of advanced liver fibrosis was 11.3% (45/400). In the adjusted logistic regression analyses, we did not observe a significant association between cpd [middle (10.1–20 cigarettes) vs. lowest (5–10 cigarettes) category (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] (95% confidence interval [CI]): 1.06 (0.40–2.83), highest (>20.0 cigarettes) vs. lowest category aOR (95% CI): 0.65 (0.21–1.99), global p-value = 0.62]. The secondary analysis with pack-years yielded similar results [middle (20.1–30 pack-years) vs. lowest category (≤20 pack-years) aOR (95% CI): 0.81 (0.33–1.99), highest category (>30 pack-years) vs. lowest category aOR (95% CI): 0.91 (0.38–2.19); global p-value = 0.58]. Conclusions: In this Russian cohort of PWH, we did not detect an association between recent cigarette use or mean pack-years and advanced liver fibrosis.
Modulation of Primary Afferent Nerve Fiber (Ia) Reciprocal Inhibition Under Voluntary and Electrically Stimulated Muscle Conditions: Within-Subject Study Design
Authors: AlAbdulwahab Sami S. , Altwerqi Seraj H. , Mubaraki Adnan A. , Algabbani Maha F.
Published: February 2025

Background: Reciprocal inhibition (RI) is a spinal reflex that controls posture and movement. The modulation of spinal RI represented by the H-reflex has been studied, before and after voluntary contraction and electrical nerve stimulation but not during voluntary, electrically induced muscle contraction or a combination of voluntary and electrically induced muscle contractions. This study investigates the effects of the ongoing voluntary isometric contraction, the electrically induced isometric contraction, and the combination of voluntary with electrically induced isometric contraction of the Tibialis Anterior (TA) muscle on spinal RI represented by Soleus H-reflex. Methods: Eighteen healthy adults participated. Soleus H-reflex and M-response were measured during four different conditions as follows: (1) at rest, (2) electrically induced isometric contraction of the TA, (3) voluntary isometric contraction of the TA with a 1 kg force, and (4) combined voluntary and electrically induced isometric contraction of the TA with a 1 kg force. Results: The ANOVA clearly demonstrated significant differences in Soleus H-reflex amplitude across the four recording conditions (F3,16, 17.28, p < 0.001). The amplitude at rest was significantly higher than during electrically induced isometric contraction, voluntary isometric contraction, and the combined contraction conditions (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the amplitude recorded during the electrically induced isometric contraction condition significantly surpassed that of voluntary isometric contraction and the combined contraction conditions (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was no significant difference between Soleus H-reflex amplitude recorded during voluntary isometric contraction and the combined voluntary isometric contraction and electrically induced isometric contraction (p < 0.87). The combined voluntary isometric contraction and electrically induced isometric contraction condition had a higher inhibitory effect on the Soleus H-reflex with no significant differences from voluntary isometric contraction. Moreover, both were significantly better than electrically induced isometric contraction (p = 0.05). In terms of Soleus H-reflex latency, there was no significant difference among all four conditions (p > 0.05), meaning Soleus H-reflex latency was not influenced by the conditions. Conclusions: RI can be best modulated by combining voluntary with electrically induced isometric muscle contractions.
Suicide in Italy: Epidemiological Trends, Contributing Factors, and the Forensic Pathologist’s Role in Prevention and Investigation
Authors: Gualtieri Saverio , Lombardo Stefano , Sacco Matteo Antonio , Verrina Maria Cristina , Tarallo Alessandro Pasquale , Carbone Angela , Costa Andrea , Aquila Isabella
Published: February 2025

Suicide in Italy represents a serious public health problem, with significant data highlighting the urgency for prevention interventions. According to the epidemiological data, in the two-year period 2020–2021, 7422 suicides were recorded, representing an increase compared to previous years. Suicide is the most extreme self-harm. The contributing factors that surround this event are multiple, typically in conditions of serious distress or psychological distress, in particular in people suffering from serious psychiatric and/or mental disorders, such as depression. The role of the forensic pathologist in the context of suicide is crucial for ascertaining the contributing factors of death and for understanding the circumstances that lead to the suicidal act. Forensic medicine plays a crucial role in the analysis and understanding of suicides, addressing both the legal and medical implications. The aim of this study was to accurately describe the phenomenon of suicide in Italy. The accuracy of the review was very important in paying attention to the large difference in how the phenomenon manifests itself in the male population compared to the female population. The different ages at which suicide is committed were highlighted. The geographical difference between the North and the South and between the more urbanized areas compared to the rural areas where suicide is committed was analyzed. This scientific work also aimed to explore how forensic pathologists contribute to the resolution of complex forensic investigations. Psychological autopsy is an investigative method used primarily in cases of violent or questionable death, with the aim of understanding the psychological and social circumstances that led to an individual’s death. This practice is distinct from forensic autopsy, which focuses on the physical analysis of the body to determine the cause of death. The role of forensic pathologists in investigating suicide cases is crucial, as they not only determine the cause of death but also analyze the psychological implications that may have led to the extreme act. The main objective of a forensic pathologist in these cases is to gather and interpret evidence that can help understand the psychological and social context that influenced the decision to commit suicide, identifying any warning signs and underlying motivations and factors that may have contributed to the suicide. This approach provides valuable information for prevention, enhancing the understanding of the psychological mechanisms behind suicide and supporting targeted interventions in the future. The manuscripts also have an explanatory purpose and may have a therapeutic role in helping surviving relatives understand suicide. Knowledge of the messages contained in suicide notes could be useful for suicide prevention programs.
Interest of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography for Fever and Inflammatory Syndrome of Unknown Origin in Elderly Patients: A Retrospective Real-Life Single-Center Study from a University Referral Hospital
Authors: Greuez Carole , Lorenzo-Villalba Noel , Bessac Darejan Mamulashvili , Vogel Thomas , Blondet Cyrille , Weber Jean-Christophe , Kaltenbach Georges , Imperiale Alessio , Andrès Emmanuel
Published: February 2025

Background: Fever and inflammatory syndrome of unknown origin pose diagnostic challenges, particularly in elderly patients with atypical presentations. 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) has proven useful in these cases, yet its role in geriatric populations remains underexplored. This study evaluates the impact of 18F-FDG PET/CT on the management of these conditions in elderly patients. Methods: A retrospective study of patients aged ≥75 years who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT between 2013 and 2018 for unexplained fever or inflammatory syndrome was conducted. The primary outcome was the impact of 18F-FDG PET/CT on treatment decisions, defined as any change in treatment within 6 months of the scan request. Therapeutic changes included the initiation of new treatments or discontinuation of existing ones, regardless of the diagnosis. Results: Ninety-three patients (mean age: 82.2 years) were included. 18F-FDG PET/CT contributed to a definitive diagnosis in 30.8% of cases, with infections (19.8%), inflammatory diseases (19.8%), and malignancies (14.3%) being the most frequent diagnoses. Of the 61 patients who underwent further testing, 33 (39.3%) had targeted tests based on the 18F-FDG PET/CT findings. Histology was obtained for 28 patients, with 18 targeted biopsies. Therapeutic modifications occurred in 38.8% of cases, with new treatments initiated in 33.3% and treatment discontinued in 10%. False positives occurred in 15.2% of cases. Conclusions: 18F-FDG PET/CT is a valuable tool in managing elderly patients with unexplained fever or inflammatory syndrome, aiding diagnosis and therapeutic decisions. Its use should be considered in the elderly population but must be carefully weighed against the patient’s frailty and the available treatment options.
Part 2—Cardiac Rehabilitation After an Acute Myocardial Infarction: Timing and Gender Differences in Adherence; Where Do We Stand?
Authors: Aleksova Aneta , Fluca Alessandra Lucia , Beltrami Antonio Paolo , Dozio Elena , Sinagra Gianfranco , Marketou Maria , Janjusevic Milijana
Published: February 2025

Cardiac rehabilitation is a beneficial multidisciplinary interventional protocol that improves cardiovascular health and reduces mortality and morbidity rates in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Multiple studies have demonstrated that the implementation of such protocols in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) dramatically improved patients’ outcome. It is unfortunate that in practice, in spite of the advantages of cardiac rehabilitation, this approach is seldom employed. Indeed, only some guidance, such as American College of Cardiology and European Society of Cardiology guidelines, recommends cardiac rehabilitation in their protocols. In particular, the European guideline recommends its early implementation while the patient is still in hospital, whereas the American guideline suggests that it should be approximately three weeks after discharge. In Part 1 of this two-part comprehensive review, we provided a historical overview of cardiac rehabilitation, a detailed examination of each component of the cardiac rehabilitation programme, and its impact on cardiovascular health. In Part 2, the objective was to provide a comprehensive explanation of the optimal timing for the commencement of the cardiac rehabilitation programme, and to elucidate the factors that influence low engagement in such programmes, as well as the gender-based differences in adherence.
Enhancing U-Net Segmentation Accuracy Through Comprehensive Data Preprocessing
Authors: Sarsembayeva Talshyn , Mansurova Madina , Abdildayeva Assel , Serebryakov Stepan
Published: February 2025

The accurate segmentation of lung regions in computed tomography (CT) scans is critical for the automated analysis of lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and COVID-19. This paper focuses on enhancing the accuracy of U-Net segmentation models through a robust preprocessing pipeline. The pipeline includes CT image normalization, binarization to extract lung regions, and morphological operations to remove artifacts. Additionally, the proposed method applies region-of-interest (ROI) filtering to isolate lung areas effectively. The dataset preprocessing significantly improves segmentation quality by providing clean and consistent input data for the U-Net model. Experimental results demonstrate that the Intersection over Union (IoU) and Dice coefficient exceeded 0.95 on training datasets. This work highlights the importance of preprocessing as a standalone step for optimizing deep learning-based medical image analysis.
The Relationship Between Learning Environment Perception, Achievement Goals, and the Undergraduate Deep Learning Approach: A Longitudinal Mediation Model
Authors: Han Tingzhi , Xu Guoxing
Published: February 2025

This study examines the relationship between undergraduates’ learning environment perception, achievement goals, and the deep learning approach in a research-oriented Chinese university with a longitudinal mediation model. A total of 260 undergraduates, including 135 top-notch undergraduates and 125 ordinary undergraduates, participated in all three rounds of investigation across 18 months. The results revealed that (a) mastery-approach goals and mastery-avoidance goals can partially mediate the longitudinal impact of undergraduate students’ perception of the learning environment on their deep learning approaches, while performance-approach goals and performance-avoidance goals do not serve as longitudinal mediators in the influence of undergraduate students’ perception of the learning environment on their deep learning approaches. (b) There are two longitudinal mediating pathways, namely the mastery-approach goals and mastery-avoidance goals, in the influence process of perceived learning environment on deep learning approaches among undergraduates. (c) The mediating effect of mastery-approach goals on the influence of learning environment perception on undergraduates’ deep learning approaches is more significant than mastery-avoidance goals. The findings of this study will contribute new empirical evidence that can inform teaching reform initiatives aimed at enhancing the learning quality of undergraduates.
Buoy and Winch Collaborative Control System Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Gu Yang , Ni Jianjun , Geng Zaiming , Zhao Bing , Yang Haowen
Published: February 2025

The improved control performance of the buoy and winch collaborative control system can enhance the stability of the connection between underwater robots and ground industrial control equipment. To overcome the challenge of mathematical modeling of this control system, this research introduces reinforcement learning and transformer models in the design process. The main contributions include the development of two simulation environments for training DRL agents, designing a reward function to guide the exploration process, proposing a buoy control algorithm based on the discrete soft actor-critic (SAC) algorithm, and proposing a winch cable length prediction algorithm based on a lightweight transformer model. The experiment results demonstrated significant improvements in rewards diagrams, buoy control trajectories, and winch model performance, showcasing the effectiveness of our proposed system. The average error of the buoy tracking trajectories induced by different policies trained in the two environments is less than 0.05, and the evaluation error of the behavior cloning lightweight transformer model is less than 0.03.
Real-Time Mooring Tension Prediction for Semi-Submersible Aquaculture Platforms by an EEMD-TCN-SA Neural Network Approach
Authors: Liu Changfeng , Xin Yu , Zhang Yu , Yang Yutong , Sun Lei , Chen Changping
Published: February 2025

Precise prediction of mooring tension is essential for the safety and operational efficiency of semi-submersible aquaculture platforms. Traditional numerical methods struggle with real-time performance due to the nonlinear and dynamic characteristics of environmental loads. This study proposes a novel neural network approach to enhance real-time forecasting of mooring line responses, combining Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD), Temporal Convolutional Networks (TCNs), and a Self-Attention (SA) mechanism. The training dataset encompasses time-domain analysis results, including mooring tensions, motion responses, and total structural forces. Firstly, Pearson Correlation Analysis (PCA) is utilized to assess the linear relationships among the hydrodynamic variables. Subsequently, EEMD is applied to decompose the mooring tension data, which is then combined with the highly correlated variables to form the input dataset. Finally, the TCN model is trained to predict the time series, while an SA mechanism is integrated to weigh the significance of different moments within the sequence, thereby further enhancing prediction accuracy. The results demonstrate that the evaluation metrics of the EEMD-TCN-SA model outperform those of other neural network models, effectively predicting mooring tension for semi-submersible platforms and significantly reducing prediction errors.
A Novel Approach for the Systematic Evaluation and Optimization of Performance and Emissions in Hybrid Electric Propulsion Systems
Authors: Jung Jayoung , Jeon Hyeonmin , Kim Heemoon , Kim SeongWan
Published: February 2025

In the maritime industry, the adoption of hybrid electric propulsion systems aims to enhance energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. However, this study originates from the fundamental question: ‘Are hybrid systems truly environmentally friendly?’ Ensuring optimal system performance requires accurate load analysis and an effective energy management system. Existing studies have limitations in addressing real-time load variability, long-term load patterns, and scalability across different operational conditions. To address these, this study proposes a standard load analyzer based on main engine power output data to conduct performance analysis. Using MATLAB/Simulink simulations and Excel VBA-based methods, the system evaluates key performance factors under various operational load conditions. Cross-validation between MATLAB and Excel ensured high accuracy, with a relative error rate below 0.01%. The results showed consistent performance indicators, offering reliable insights across vessel types and scenarios. The system’s lightweight design and rapid data acquisition enable effective energy management optimization. However, it has limitations in performing detailed analyses for life cycle assessment, operating expenditures, and capital expenditures. Future advancements in data consolidation and analytical methods will help the tool evolve into a comprehensive tool for multi-dimensional performance evaluation, addressing economic, environmental, and technical aspects.
Establishment of the Unified Maneuvering and Seakeeping Dynamic Model for Submarines Moving in Horizontal Plane near Free Surface
Authors: Cho Aeri , Vu Hoang Thien , Bien Tien Long , Yoon Hyeon Kyu , Vo Anh Khoa , Nguyen Thi Thanh Diep
Published: February 2025

When a submarine moves near the free surface, the lift and drag characteristics that act on it are different compared to when in deep water; for example, waves on the free surface cause submarine motions that are not seen in deep water conditions and lead to changes in speed, fuel efficiency, safety, and maneuverability. To accurately predict the maneuverability of a submarine, it is necessary to consider how both maneuvering and seakeeping performance are affected by free-surface effects during the design stage. In this study, the unified maneuvering and seakeeping dynamic model is proposed. In the maneuvering performance analysis, hydrodynamic forces in the horizontal plane were calculated using STAR-CCM+. In the seakeeping performance analysis, the 6-DOF motions of the submarine and the mean wave drift forces in the horizontal plane were calculated using Ansys AQWA. Since the maneuvering motion component has a relatively long period and the seakeeping motion component has a relatively short period, the unified maneuvering and seakeeping dynamic model for a submarine moving near the surface was established using a two-time-scale approach. Using the established unified maneuvering and seakeeping dynamic model, turning circle simulations were performed in both calm water and in waves. In calm water, there were no significant differences as depth was varied. However, in irregular waves, significant differences were found in the trajectories and motion variables as depth varied. These findings underscore the necessity of accounting for sea surface conditions when operating near the free surface to ensure safety and avoid potentially hazardous scenarios during submarine operations.
Systemic Scytalidium Infection with Hyperbetaglobulinemia in a Giant Schnauzer
Authors: Grassi Andrea , Turba Maria Elena , Pantoli Marianna , Gentilini Fabio , Olivieri Emanuela , Salogni Cristian , Nardoni Simona , Gambini Matteo , Mancianti Francesca
Published: February 2025

Scytalidiosis in humans primarily causes feet and nail infections, with systemic infections rarely reported. In dogs, only one systemic infection of Scytalidium spp. has been reported to date. A 3-year-old giant schnauzer presented with loss of appetite, lethargy, and hind limb lameness. A complete clinical examination was performed, along with hematobiochemical tests, radiography, CT, MRI, and cytological and microbiological analyses of it enlarged lymph nodes. Hyperglobulinemia, vertebral osteolysis, and generalized lymphadenomegaly were diagnosed. Cytopathological and molecular investigations confirmed Scytalidium. Although treated with itraconazole, the dog’s condition worsened after a premature discontinuation of therapy, leading to euthanasia. A post-mortem and histopathological examination revealed widespread infection. This case highlights the need to consider fungal infections in cases of elevated β-2 protein.
Evaluation of Sustainable Development Potential of Railway Station Areas in Guangzhou Metropolitan Area: Based on the Extended “Node–Place–Support” Model
Authors: Li Jiawei , Shen Zhongwei , Ma Jiexi , Hao Yangguang , Zeng Rusi , Lin Ziqi
Published: February 2025

As metropolitan regions expand, railway station areas (RSAs) encounter unprecedented challenges and opportunities regarding sustainability, influenced by transportation, location, and urban factors. However, there is currently a lack of models that assess the sustainable development status of RSAs from a macro perspective of regional integration. This study innovatively incorporates the dimension of city support into the traditional Node–Place (NP) model, constructing the “Node–Place–Support” (NPS) model. This model consists of three dimensions and 21 indicators, utilizing the entropy weight method and AHP methods to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the sustainable development levels of 12 RSAs within the Guangzhou metropolitan area. The results indicate that, compared to the traditional NP model, the NPS model effectively reveals the unique factors influencing the development of RSAs within the metropolitan area, emphasizing the collaborative importance of city support, transportation capacity, and station attractiveness. Furthermore, according to the new classification method of the NPS model, the 12 research samples can be categorized into four categories and seven subcategories. Lastly, optimization strategies should be tailored to the specific development status of RSAs and the characteristics of the city. This study presents a new paradigm for assessing and enhancing RSA sustainability, advocating for strategies tailored to local conditions.
Lung Ultrasound in Hemodialysis Patients—Which Protocol Is More Accurate and Informative in Daily Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review
Authors: Keskinis Christodoulos , Bacharidou Konstantina , Panagoutsos Stylianos , Mitsopoulos Efstathios
Published: February 2025

Lung ultrasound can detect hidden lung congestion in hemodialysis (HD) patients, even though they present no symptoms of hypervolemia. The 28-zone protocol is the one mainly assessed in the majority of studies. However, it is quite time consuming, making its integration into daily clinical practice difficult. Alternative approaches have been proposed that require fewer scanning zones. This systematic review used various combinations of the following keywords: “Lung ultrasound”, “Hemodialysis”, “Scanning protocols”, “Scanning zones”, “28-points”, and “28-zones” via PubMed’s and Google Scholar’s search engines. Six relevant studies were obtained, five of which refer to the adult population and one to children. Initially, the first published study compared the 28-zone protocol to the 8-zone protocol, while three studies compared the 28-zone protocol to the 8-zone, 6-zone, and 4-zone protocols. Another study compared the 16-zone protocol to the 12-zone and 8-zone protocols. Finally, one study compared the 28-zone protocol to the 8-zone protocol in children. There are several alternatives in the literature for applying abbreviated versions of the 28-zone protocol to save time in daily clinical practice. However, none of these protocols provide the same accuracy as the 28-zone protocol. Therefore, it should be preferred when the clinical question regarding pulmonary congestion remains. Further multicenter studies are required to determine whether any shorter version of the 28-zone protocol can sufficiently replace it in daily clinical practice.
Thrombocytopenia in Sepsis
Authors: Setarehaseman Alireza , Mohammadi Abbas , Maitta Robert W.
Published: February 2025

Platelets, traditionally known for their role in hemostasis, have emerged as key players in immune response and inflammation. Sepsis, a life-threatening condition characterized by systemic inflammation, often presents with thrombocytopenia, which at times, can be significant. Platelets contribute to the inflammatory response by interacting with leukocytes, endothelial cells, and the innate immune system. However, excessive platelet activation and consumption can lead to thrombocytopenia and exacerbate the severity of sepsis. Understanding the multifaceted roles of platelets in sepsis is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Targeting platelet-mediated inflammatory responses and promoting platelet production may offer potential avenues for improving outcomes in septic patients with thrombocytopenia. Future research should focus on elucidating the mechanisms underlying platelet dysfunction in sepsis and exploring novel therapeutic approaches to optimize platelet function and mitigate inflammation. This review explores the intricate relationship between platelets, inflammation, and thrombosis in the context of sepsis.
Evaluation of Static and Dynamic Pupil and Light Sensitivity to a Single Drop of Various Concentrations of Low-Dose Atropine (0.01%, 0.025%, and 0.05%)
Authors: Alanazi Muteb K. , Almansour Abdulmalik , Almutairi Sarah S. , Alharbi Ahmad , Alhazmi Mohammed S. , Almustanyir Ali , Altoaimi Basal H. , Almutairi Meznah S. , Alamri Mona M. , Liu Maria
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to evaluate the static and dynamic pupil changes, and light sensitivity following a single dose of low-dose atropine at concentrations of 0.01%, 0.025%, and 0.05% over a 24 h period. Healthy young adults (20–22 years; n = 25) participated in this randomized, double-blind study. Each participant received one of three atropine concentrations in a masked fashion. Baseline mesopic and dynamic pupil sizes were measured at various post-instillation intervals (5 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, and 24 h). A minimum 48 h washout period was observed between treatments. Subjective light sensitivity was assessed using the Visual Light Sensitivity Questionnaire (VLSQ-8) at 24 h. All atropine concentrations caused significant pupil dilation (p < 0.001), with the 0.05% concentration producing the greatest dilation (peak mesopic size: 7.4 mm, p < 0.001) and the slowest recovery at 24 h (6.4 mm, p < 0.001). The dynamic pupil constriction range was most restricted with 0.05% (1.7 mm, p < 0.05), compared to 0.025% (2.2 mm) and 0.01% (2.6 mm). Subjective symptoms, including light sensitivity and glare, followed a dose-dependent pattern (p < 0.05). In 60% participants, 0.05% caused the most symptoms, while in 70% participants, 0.01% caused the least. Despite significant pupil dilation, the pupil center coordinates did not shift significantly along the horizontal or vertical axes (p > 0.05). Low-dose atropine induced dose-dependent pupil dilation and light sensitivity; 0.05% atropine caused the most pronounced effects. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring the atropine dosage to balance its efficacy and tolerability. Further studies are needed to explore the long-term impact of repeated dosing on pupillary behavior and subjective symptoms.
Echocardiographic Findings in Jordanian Atrial Fibrillation Patients: Analysis from Jo-Fib Study
Authors: Abdulelah Zaid A. , Al Balbissi Kais , Al-Dqour Mohammad , Hammoudeh Ayman , Abdulelah Ahmed A.
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF) carries a huge socioeconomic burden as it is the most encountered cardiac arrhythmia with a significant morbidity. Echocardiographic (Echo) imaging is of monumental value in providing insight into assessing the cardiac function and anatomy, etiology, and risk stratification of AF patients, which will ultimately lead to the best management plan. Materials and Methods: A total of 2160 adult patients diagnosed with AF in 18 hospitals and 30 out-patient cardiology clinics in Jordan and 1 hospital in the Palestinian Territories were enrolled in this study from May 2019 to January 2021. Ultimately, 1776 patients were included in the analysis after going through the exclusion criteria. Results: The majority of our participants were found to have normal EF at the time of enrollment, with only 31.6% exhibiting a decreased EF. Only 40% of overall patients had Echo evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). These patients were older (70.27 ± 10.1 vs. 66.0 ± 14.3, p < 0.001), more obese (45.2% vs. 37.3%, p-value < 0.001), and had a more frequent occurrence of HTN (89.0% vs. 65.6%, p < 0.001) and DM (49.2% vs. 40.1%, p < 0.001) when compared to patients without LVH. A proportion of 84.2% of female patients had abnormal left atrial (LA) size (>3.8 cm), in contrast to only 53.4% of males (LA > 4.2 cm). Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was only observed in 27.9% of our patients, and when comparing patients with PH vs. patients without PH, decreased EF (<50%) (36.9% vs. 20.6%, p = 0.001), a higher prevalence of OSA (6.7% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.009), female predominance (60.3% vs. 39.7%, p < 0.001), and older age (70.2 ± 10.7 vs. 66.7 ± 13.6, p < 0.001) were observed in patients with PH. Conclusion: This study provides the first reported insights on the atrial fibrillation-related echocardiographic findings in a Middle Eastern population. Notably, our study demonstrates that the majority of the studied population have no evidence of LVH and have preserved EF on baseline. However, LA enlargement was extremely frequent among females but not in males, warranting further evaluation to determine the factors contributing to such a difference.
Defining and Optimising High-Fidelity Models for Accurate Inherent Strain Calculation in Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Setien Iñaki , Chiumenti Michele , San Sebastian Maria , Caicedo Manuel A. , Moreira Carlos A.
Published: February 2025

Powder Bed Fusion–Laser Beam (PBF-LB) is a leading technique in metal additive manufacturing, yet it continues to face challenges related to residual stresses and distortions. The inherent strain method has emerged as a valuable predictive tool, offering early assessments of part behaviour due to its simplicity and manageable computational demands. However, accurately defining the inherent strain tensor, which is critical for these models, remains a challenge. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the local meso-scale model definition and inherent strain calculation procedure in the PBF-LB process using a multi-scale modelling approach. The primary objective is to guide the definition of local high-fidelity thermo-mechanical models. This research investigates the contributions of thermal, plastic, and activation strains (strains due to Finite Element (FE) activation) to the inherent strain tensor, demonstrating the significant impact of activation strains. A sensitivity analysis identified an optimal control volume size to ensure minimal boundary effects. An optimised local high-fidelity model is proposed to efficiently calculate inherent strain tensor, significantly reducing computational costs without compromising accuracy. The method was validated by applying it to a complex SBA actuator geometry, which showed good agreement between predicted and experimental distortions. The consistency of the proposed method with empirically derived tensors further reinforces its potential to improve predictive capabilities in the PBF-LB process, ultimately enhancing part quality.
Assessing the Impact of Top-Up Powder Reuse Strategy on MS1 Powder Characteristics and L-PBF Printed Part Properties
Authors: Huang Tingting , Sitt Thu Kaung , Zhang Zilu , Che Luming , Xu Peilun , Fuh Jerry Ying Hsi , Lee Heow Pueh
Published: February 2025

In additive manufacturing, particularly with Laser–Powder-Bed Fusion (L-PBF), augmenting recycled powder with virgin powder is common to extend lifespan. This practice complicates tracking recycling cycles, as parts consist of layers from both virgin and recycled powders. The virgin-to-recycled powder ratio significantly influences material properties, though limited research has explored the complexities of combining powders of varying qualities. In this study, we investigate how different ratios of virgin and recycled powders, along with leftover powder in the feed chamber, affect these properties. Using maraging steel powder, the virgin-to-recycled ratios were varied, examining impacts on powder characteristics and printed part quality. Leftover powder was analyzed for changes due to laser spatter and high temperatures, focusing on particle size and agglomeration. The results showed that exposure to laser spatter and heat increased particle size and agglomeration. Higher proportions of sieved powder resulted in larger particle sizes, while densely packed layouts led to oversized agglomerates due to concentrated laser exposure. Although mechanical properties remained stable, tensile strength was higher in parts made from virgin powder, negatively correlating with the reused powder content. Optimizing the virgin-to-recycled powder ratio can enhance sustainability in additive manufacturing without significantly degrading mechanical properties, offering insights critical for refining powder reuse strategies.
Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Resistance of La2O3/A356 Composites Fabricated by Ultrasonic-Assisted Casting
Authors: Wan Hao , Shuai Luming , Ling Lishibao , Hu Zhi , Yan Hong
Published: February 2025

Mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of La2O3/A356 composites with different contents of La2O3 were investigated by optical microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical tests, and immersion corrosion tests. The results show that the addition of La2O3 refined the α-Al phase of the A356 matrix, and the long stripe-like Si phase and β-Al5FeSi phase were transformed into short rod-like forms. The La2O3/A356 composites with 1.0 wt.% La2O3 exhibited the most optimal mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. The yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation of La2O3/A356 composites with 1.0 wt.% La2O3 were higher than those of the matrix. The results of electrochemical experiments and the immersion corrosion test show that the corrosion potential of La2O3/A356 composites with 1.0 wt.% La2O3 was 72 mV higher than that of the matrix, the corrosion current density was 84.8% lower than that of the matrix, and the impedance Z was improved by 59.1% compared to the matrix. The addition of La2O3 improved the mechanical properties of the A356 matrix by refining the grains, inhibiting the nucleation of eutectic Si, and promoting the twinning growth mechanism. Moreover, the effect of La2O3 on the micro-galvanic corrosion behavior of A356 was discussed.
The Bioprospecting of Bixa orellana L. for the Selection of Characters with Biological Activity
Authors: Guerrero-Lagunes Luz A. , Ruiz-Posadas Lucero M. , Cadena-Iñiguez Jorge , Soto-Hernández Ramón Marcos , Avendaño-Arrazate Carlos H. , Aguirre-Medina Juan F. , Soto-Mendoza Celeste , Aguirre-Cadena Juan F.
Published: February 2025

A meta-analysis of 28 sources of information was conducted, considering different variables in Bixa orellana, with the aim of identifying bioprospective variables. Variables were approached, such as the organ of extraction and extraction method, with 63 biochemical classes and 20 for biological activity, and their states were codified. The statistical analysis was developed through a cladistics analysis using the WinClada version1.00.08 84,85 software and the explicative accumulated variance was determined through a descriptive multivariate analysis and multiple correspondence analysis (MCA). The tree obtained showed the phenotype Africa1 as the one closest to the basal state. After Africa1, nine clades are derived and the phenotypes Colombia3 and Colombia5 were the most evolved. The analyses demonstrated that in B. orellana L., the phenotypes from India, Brazil, and Yucatán present anticancer activity against the cell lines U251, MCF-7, HeLa, NCI-H460, PC-3, A549 and HT-29, as well as biological activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, related primarily with biochemical compounds such as geranylgeraniol, ellagic acid, and carotenoids (bixin and norbixin), naringenin and alkaloids. The conditions of reproductive isolation of the phenotypes mentioned before providing the ideal agroclimatic conditions to produce compounds with biological activity.
Differences in the Prevalence and Clinical Correlates Between Early-Onset and Late-Onset Major Depressive Disorder Patients with Comorbid Abnormal Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Huang Xiao , Wu Anshi , Zhang Xiangyang
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: Growing evidence suggested that abnormal lipid metabolism (ALM) was associated with an increased severity of depressive symptoms, but no previous studies have examined the differences in comorbid ALM in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients of different ages of onset. We aim to compare the differences in the prevalence and clinical correlates of ALM between early-onset and late-onset patients with first-episode and drug-naive (FEDN) MDD patients. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we recruited a total of 1718 FEDN MDD outpatients in this study. We used the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17), The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) positive subscale, and Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale (CGI-S) to assess their depression, anxiety, and psychotic symptoms and clinical severity, respectively. Results: There were 349 patients (20.3%) in the early-onset subgroup and 1369 (79.7%) in the late-onset subgroup. In this study, 65.1% (1188/1718) of patients were diagnosed with ALM. The prevalence of ALM in the late-onset group (81.5%, 1116/1369) was significantly higher than that in the early-onset group (20.6%, 72/349) (p = 0.36, OR = 1.147, 95%CI = 0.855–1.537). The HAMD total score (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.18–1.53, p < 0.001) was the only risk factor for ALM in early-onset MDD patients. In late-onset MDD patients, the HAMD total score (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.11–1.28, p < 0.001), TSH (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.16–1.36, p < 0.001), CGI (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.31–2.19, p < 0.001), and anxiety (OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.23–4.02, p = 0.008) were risk factors for ALM. Conclusion and Scientific Significance: Our results suggest that there are significant differences in the prevalence and clinical factors of comorbid ALM between early-onset and late-onset FEND MDD patients.
Vibration Analysis of Al–Al2O3 Micro-Cantilever Sandwich Beams with Porosity in Fluids
Authors: Tang Feixiang , Yuan Xiong , He Siyu , Jiang Jize , Shi Shaonan , Li Yuhan , Liu Wenjin , Zhou Yang , Dong Fang , Liu Sheng
Published: February 2025

The vibration of porous Al–Al2O3 micro-cantilever sandwich beams in fluids was studied utilizing the modified couple stress theory and the scale distribution theory (MCST and SDT). Four types of porosity distributions were defined; the uniform distribution of pores was defined as U-type, while O-type, V-type and X-type represented non-uniform distributions of pores. The material properties of different porous sandwich beams were calculated. The properties of the micro-cantilever sandwich beams were adjusted to account for scale effects according to MCST. With the fluid driving force taken into consideration, the amplitude-frequency response, and resonant frequencies of the FGM sandwich beams in three different fluids were calculated using the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. The computational studies showed that the presence of gradient factor p and the pores in the micro-cantilever sandwich beams affect the temperature field distribution and amplitude-frequency response in fluids. Increasing gradient factor p leads to a more obvious thermal concentration of the one-dimensional temperature field and migrates the resonance peaks to lower frequencies. In contrast to the uniform distribution type, the non-uniformly distributed pores also cause a decrease in the resonance frequency.
Improved Natamycin Production in Streptomyces gilvosporeus Through Mutagenesis and Enhanced Nitrogen Metabolism
Authors: Wang Liang , Xiao Wen , Zhang Hongjian , Zhang Jianhua , Chen Xusheng
Published: February 2025

Natamycin is a polyene macrocyclic antibiotic extensively used in food, medical, and agricultural industries. However, its high production cost and low synthetic efficiency fail to meet the growing market demand. Therefore, enhancing the production of natamycin-producing strains is crucial for achieving its industrial-scale production. This study systematically evaluated 16 mutagenesis methods and identified atmospheric and room temperature plasma mutagenesis combined with 2-deoxyglucose tolerance screening as the optimal strategy for enhancing natamycin production. A high-yield mutant strain, AG-2, was obtained, achieving an 80% increase in natamycin production (1.53 g/L) compared to the original strain. Metabolic analysis revealed that glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway were enhanced in AG-2, while the tricarboxylic acid cycle was weakened, significantly increasing the supply of precursors such as acetyl-CoA, methylmalonyl-CoA, and the reducing power of NADPH. Additionally, overexpression of the nitrogen metabolism regulatory gene glnR promoted the supply of glutamate and glutamine, further increasing natamycin production in AG-2 to 1.85 g/L. In a 5 L fermenter, the engineered strain AG-glnR achieved a final natamycin production of 11.50 g/L, 1.67 times higher than the original strain. This study is the first to combine mutagenesis with nitrogen metabolism regulation, effectively enhancing natamycin production and providing a novel approach for the efficient synthesis of other polyene antibiotics.
Ugd Is Involved in the Synthesis of Glycans of Glycoprotein and LPS and Is Important for Cellulose Degradation in Cytophaga hutchinsonii
Authors: Song Wenxia , Geng Shaoqi , Qi Qingsheng , Lu Xuemei
Published: February 2025

Cytophaga hutchinsonii, a member of the phylum Bacteroidetes, can rapidly degrade crystalline cellulose through direct cell-to-substrate contact. Most of its cellulases are secreted by the Type IX secretion system (T9SS) and anchored to the cell surface. Our previous study proved that the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the T9SS substrate cellulase Cel9A is glycosylated in C. hutchinsonii. However, its glycosylation mechanism has remained elusive. In this study, we found that chu_3394, which encodes UDP-glucose 6-dehydrogenase (Ugd), was important for the glycosylation of large amounts of periplasmic and outer membrane proteins in C. hutchinsonii. The contents of mannose, glucose, galactose, and xylose were detected to be reduced in the glycoproteins of the ∆ugd mutant compared to that of wild-type. They might be essential monosaccharides that contribute to the structure and function of glycans attached to proteins in C. hutchinsonii. The depletion of mannose, glucose, galactose, and xylose indicates a decrease in glycosylation modifications in the ∆ugd mutant strain. Then, we found that the deletion of ugd resulted in weakened glycosylation modification of the recombinant green fluorescent protein-tagged CTD of Cel9A. Additionally, the outer-membrane localization of Cel9A was affected in the mutant. Besides this, Ugd was also important for the synthesis of O-antigen of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Thus, Ugd was involved in the synthesis of glycans in both glycoproteins and LPS in C. hutchinsonii. Moreover, the deletion of ugd affected the cellulose degradation, cell motility, and stress resistance of C. hutchinsonii.