bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food Related Quality of Life in Children with Chronic Gastrointestinal Disorders: Comparative Study be-tween Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Celiac Dis-ease – Reports from a Romanian Center
Authors: Matran Roxana Elena , Diaconu Andra-Mihaela , Vlad Andreea Maria , Pacurar Daniela , Becheanu Cristina Adriana
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Chronic gastrointestinal disorders often involve nutritional management strategies. On the one hand, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition in which most of the patients experience frequent diet manipulation in order to obtain long term remission. On the other hand, for celiac disease (CelD) diet is the only known treatment strategy so far, requiring long-life gluten-free diet. We aimed to evaluate the comparative food-related quality-of-life (FR-QoL) in light of these dietary interventions between these two conditions. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, involving children aged 7-18 years diagnosed with IBD and CelD. Assessment of this aspect was performed using the self-reported FR-QoL 29 questionnaire. For CelD questionnaires were modified with “CelD” instead of “IBD”. Results: Fifty-one patients were included, 17 in each subgroup (Crohn’s disease (CD) ulcerative colitis (UC) and Celd). FR-QoL scores were negatively correlated with age at in-clusion (Spearman’s  = -0.284, p=0.04) and also with age at diagnosis (Spearman’s  = -0.291, p=0.038). The scores were significantly lower in the CD group (64.113.4) compared with CelD patients (78.620.3), p= 0.036 and UC, p= 0.294. For the IBD group, the scores were not influenced by disease activity. Furthermore, we identified a negative significant correlation between anthropometric indices and FR-QoL scores. Conclusions: The burden of dietary in-terventions is highest for the CD patients, regardless their disease activity when compared with UC and CelD patients, most probably because of the unpredictable course and fast re-sponse to dietary changes. Although it requires an incessant vigilant eating behavior, CelD apparently became more “manageable” in the last years.
Recurrence Relations and Characterization of Moments for the Extended Power Lindley Distribution under Progressive First Failure Censoring
Authors: Sharawy Ali M.
Published: December 2024

This study explores the development of recurrence relations (RRs) for single moments (SMs) and product moments (PMs) based on progressive first-failure censored data (PFFCD) using the extended power Lindley distribution (EPLD). These RRs enable efficient computation of key statistical measures, such as means and variances, across varying sample sizes, reducing computational effort. The proposed approach extends existing methodologies and adapts to progressive type-II censoring schemes (PTIICS), broadening its applicability. This advancement enhances analytical frameworks and computational tools for statistical inference in models involving censored data.
Public Support to Flood Risk Management: Insights from an Italian Alpine Survey using Systems Thinking
Authors: Rocco Scolozzi , Scolobig Anna , Borga Marco
Published: December 2024

This paper presents findings from a longitudinal perception survey in the Italian Central Alps (N=1980) and introduces a conceptual model examining public support for flood risk management. The survey period coincided with a significant weather event in Central Europe, Storm “Adrian” (also known as “Vaia”), providing a unique pre- and post-event perspective. Results highlight the critical role of individual knowledge, trust in authorities, and social group dynamics in shaping risk perception processes. The study reveals how major weather events can alter perceptions, sense of security and institutional trust within local communities, and more interestingly, these changes can vary spatially. The findings are summarised using a systems thinking framework, which identifies different possible feedback loops between flood risk management interventions and long-term public support. The study underscores the importance of forward-looking, systems thinking approaches in designing, monitoring, and evaluating flood risk management plans to address often-overlooked dynamics, such as spatially diverse feedback loops and counter-intuitive effects, ultimately enhancing their medium- and long-term effectiveness.
A Note on the Generalized k-Order F&L Hybrinomials
Authors: Aydınyüz Süleyman , Gözeri Gül Karadeniz
Published: December 2024

In this study, we introduce generalized k-order Fibonacci and Lucas (F&L) polynomials that allow the derivation of well-known polynomial and integer sequences such as the sequences of k-order Pell polynomials, k-order Jacobsthal polynomials, k-order Jacobsthal F&L numbers. Within the scope of this research, a generalization of hybrid polynomials is given by moving them to the kth order. Hybrid polynomials defined by this generalization are called as k-order F&L hybrinomials. A key aspect of our research is the establishment of the recurrence relations for generalized k-order F&L hybrinomials. After we give the recurrence relations for these hybrinomials, we obtain the generating functions of hybrinomials shedding light on some of their important properties. Finally, we introduce the matrix representations of the generalized k-order F&L hybrinomials and give some properties about the matrix representations.
Glycemic Impact of Three Snack Bars from the Chilean Market on Healthy Subjects: The Case of the NotProtein Bar
Authors: Batista-Gonzalez Ana , Vivanco Daniela , Llanos Nathalie , Sambra Veronica , Contreras Rodrigo A.
Published: December 2024

Background: The rising popularity of snacks has increased concerns for metabolic health because many of these products—often marketed as healthy—are packed with carbohydrates that cause rapid blood sugar spikes followed by sharp drops. This cycle can lead to unstable energy levels and unhealthy eating habits. Methods: Here, we analyzed the glycemic response to the NotProtein bar, a protein bar formulated with Palatinose, and compared it to two of the top-selling snack bars in Chile. Ten healthy adults participated in the study, and their blood sugar levels were monitored after consuming portions standardized to contain 25 g of available carbohydrates. Results: The findings showed that the NotProtein bar had the most favorable glycemic response, with the lowest glycemic load (4.4). Accordingly, the NotProtein bar had a slower glucose absorption rate and faster clearance, promoting a more stable and sustained blood sugar response. Conclusions: The observed benefits can be attributed to the unique formulation of NotProtein, which combines Palatinose with higher levels of protein and fiber. This study underscores the potential of scientifically crafted snacks to improve metabolic health, offering a promising solution for those seeking balanced energy and better nutritional options in their daily diets.
Deep Learning-Based Gain Estimation for Multi-User Software Defined Radios in Aircraft Communications
Authors: Gajjar Viraj K. , Kosbar Kurt L.
Published: December 2024

It may be helpful to integrate multiple aircraft communication and navigation functions into a single software defined radio (SDR) platform. To transmit these multiple signals, the SDR would first sum the baseband version of the signals. This outgoing composite signal would be passed through a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), before being up-converted and passed through a radio frequency (RF) amplifier. To prevent non-linear distortion in the RF amplifier, it is important to know the peak voltage of the composite. While this is reasonably straightforward when a single modulation is used, it is more challenging when working with composite signals. This paper describes a machine learning solution to this problem. We demonstrate that a generalized gamma distribution (GGD) is a good fit for the distribution of the instantaneous voltage of the composite waveform. A deep neural network was trained to estimate the GGD parameters, based on the parameters of the modulators. This allows the SDR to accurately estimate the peak of the composite voltage, and set the gain of the DAC and RF amplifier, without having to generate or directly observe the composite signal.
Identify Optimal Pedestrian Flow Forecasting Methods in Great Britain Retail Areas: A Comparative Study of Time Series Forecasting on Footfall Dataset
Authors: Murcio Roberto , Wang Yujue
Published: December 2024

The UK retail landscape has undergone significant changes over the past decade, driven by factors such as the rise of online shopping, economic downturns, and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Accurately measuring pedestrian flows in retail areas with high spatial and temporal resolution is essential for selecting the most suitable forecast model for different retail locations. However, several studies have adopted a one-solution-fits-all approach, overseeing important local characteristics only sometimes captured by the best global model. In this work, we investigate the optimal forecasting method to predict pedestrian footfall in diverse retail areas in Great Britain. After reviewing six representative time series forecasting models, our results indicate that the LSTM model outperforms traditional methods in most areas. However, pedestrian counts at certain locations with particular spatial characteristics are better forecasted with other algorithms.
Contributions of Surface and Interface Physical Chemistry to Biology
Authors: Hamraoui Ahmed
Published: December 2024

Understanding and controlling cell-implant interactions is crucial for enhancing biomaterial performance and reducing post-implantation complications. Among the diverse surface properties that influence these interactions, surface wettability has emerged as a critical factor affecting cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. This review emphasizes the strong correlation between wettability and cell behavior on adhesion surfaces, highlighting its potential as an accessible and effective parameter for surface characterization. Wettability experiments are relatively simple to conduct, offering practical entry points for investigating surface properties. However, misinterpretations of these measurements can lead to erroneous conclusions, especially when directly linking cell responses to surface energy without accounting for other influencing factors.

This review aims to bridge the gap between physical chemistry and biological sciences by providing a comprehensive yet accessible resource for biologists and researchers unfamiliar with surface and interface science. By elucidating the principles of wettability, surface energy, and their role in governing cell behavior, we offer insights that help ensure accurate interpretation of experimental results. This understanding prevents oversimplified correlations and fosters more nuanced experimental designs. Additionally, the review outlines key experimental techniques and their relevance to biological responses, enabling researchers to optimize surface properties for biomedical applications.

By integrating interdisciplinary knowledge, we not only clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying cell-surface interactions but also empower biologists to leverage these insights in designing advanced biomaterials and implants. This approach ensures meaningful advancements in biomedical science while avoiding pitfalls from incomplete or incorrect interpretations.
Predictors of Fathers’ Involvement in the Rehabilitation of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Opoku Maxwell Peprah , Mohamed Ahmed , Almarzooqi Shamsa , Cheikhmous Aisha
Published: December 2024

Background: Raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has consistently been found to be challenging for parents. However, available studies have mainly drawn on mothers, raising questions about the extent of involvement of fathers in the raising of children with ASD. Indeed, fathers’ involvement has consistently been reported as fundamental to the development of children with ASD. Thus, it necessitates extensions of western-dominated literature to novel contexts such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The purpose of this study, therefore, was to explore the extent and predictors of fathers’ involvement (attitude, support and participation in training) in the nurturance of children with ASD in the UAE. Methods: One-hundred and seventy-seven (177) fathers raising children with ASD in the UAE completed the revised 27-item Fathers’ Involvement in Development and Rehabilitation Scale. The SPSS was used to compute means and perform a multivariate analysis of variance and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: Fathers rated themselves highly on each of the tenets of involvement: attitude, support and participation in training to assist their children with ASD. Also, support and participation in training made significant contributions to the variance in attitude towards children with ASD. Conclusion: The study concludes on the need for policymakers to capitalise on the gains already made in creating a conducive environment for the development of children with ASD in the UAE. Regular engagement between policymakers and fathers could enhance the quality of their involvement in the raising of children with ASD.
Remarkably High 67.8 Dielectric Constant and 75 fF/μm2 Ni/ZrO2/TiN Capacitance Density Using Sub-Energy Bandgap Nanosecond Laser and Surface Plasma Effect
Authors: Fan Wei Ting , Pooja Pheiroijam , Chin Albert
Published: December 2024

Rapid thermal annealing (RTA) has been widely used in the process of semiconductor devices. However, the rise time of RTA is limited by millisecond (ms) that is not suitable for advanced nanometre scale electron devices. Using sub-energy bandgap (EG) 532 nm ultra-fast 15 nanosecond (ns) pulsed laser annealing, the record highest high dielectric constant (high-κ) of 67.8 and capacitance density of 75 fF/μm2 at -0.2 V were obtained in Ni/ZrO2/TiN capacitors According to the heat source and diffusion equations, the surface temperature of TiN can be as high as 870 °C at a laser energy density of 16.2 J/cm2, which in turn anneals the ZrO2 material. The record-breaking data are achieved by a new annealing method- the surface plasma effect generated on TiN metal. This is because the 2.3 eV (532 nm) pulsed laser energy is far below the 5.0~5.8 eV energy bandgap (EG) of ZrO2, which cannot be absorbed by the ZrO2 dielectric. From X-ray diffraction analysis, the large κ value and capacitance density are attributed the crystallinity of cubic phase ZrO2 that is improved with laser annealing and in turn improves the capacitance density. This technology is crucial for monolithic three-dimensional devices integration on the backend of advanced integrated circuit.
Assessment of the Representativeness and Uncertainties of CTD Temperature Profiles
Authors: Le Menn Marc , Dumas Franck , Calvez Baptiste
Published: December 2024

CTD profilers are used as reference instruments to qualify temperature and salinity data. Their metrological specifications can be controlled in calibration bath and calibration coefficients can be applied to correct the linearity of sensors and the trueness of measured data with a given uncertainty. However, in ocean areas with thermal gradients, the uncertainty of the measured data is questionable due to the thermal inertia of sensors and the movements of the CTD, in relation with the roll or pitch of the boat. In order to evaluate these measurement uncertainties and in order to be able to use the upcast profiles, a double C-T sensors SBE 9 profiler was fixed under a carousel water sampler, the second C-T couple being at the top of the carousel frame. This configuration allows the evaluation of temperature measurement deviations of recorded profiles. In order to quantify the different sources of instrumental uncertainties, the temperature signal has been modelled accounting for the movements induced by the boat. The result allows to quantify what can be called the representativeness of CTD’s temperature measurements. This notion is very useful in data assimilation process. A table quantifying the various sources of uncertainty has been created from profiles obtained during four offshore campaigns. In the future, it could be used to find the representativeness of similar profiles obtained with a single pair of sensors.
Comorbidity Associated with Vitiligo: Results from the EpiChron Cohort
Authors: Clemente Hernández Beatriz , Muelas Rives Itziar , Gracia Cazaña Tamara , Álvarez Salafranca Marcial , Poblador-Plou Beatriz , Laguna-Berna Clara , Moreno Juste Aida , Gimeno-Miguel Antonio , Gilaberte Yolanda
Published: December 2024

Background: Vitiligo is linked to a range of systemic, autoimmune and dermatologic diseases, some of which may not have been described in the literature. Methods: An observational, retrospective study based on the clinical information of the individuals of the EpiChron Cohort (Aragon, Spain; reference population 1.3 million inhabitants) with a diagnosis of vitiligo between 1 January and 31 December 2019 was conducted. The main socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were described, as well as the likelihood of presenting vitiligo based on sex, age, nationality, area of residence and the area's deprivation index. The prevalence of chronic comorbidities was calculated, and logistic regression models were used to obtain the crude and age- and sex-adjusted odds ratios (OR) of each comorbidity (dependent variable) according to the presence or not of vitiligo (independent variable). Results: 218 patients diagnosed with vitiligo were analysed (56.42% women). The mean age was 44.0 years. The diseases associated the most with vitiligo were thyroid disorders (OR 3.01, p<0.000), ocular and hearing anomalies (OR 1.54, p=0.020), inflammatory disorders of the skin (OR 2.21, p<0.000), connective tissue diseases (OR 1.84, p=0.007), lower respiratory diseases (OR 1.78, p=0.014), urinary tract infections (OR 1.69, p=0.032) and cardiac dysrhythmias (OR 1.84, p=0.034). Conclusion: This research highlights the importance of understanding the broader health implications of vitiligo and provides a foundation for further exploration into the complex interplay between this dermatologic condition and a diverse range of comorbidities.
Surface and Tropospheric Column Observations of Combustion Tracers During the 2021 Wildfire Crisis in the Central Mediterranean: Insights from the WMO/Gaw Station of Lamezia Terme in Calabria, Southern Italy
Authors: D’Amico Francesco , De Benedetto Giorgia , Malacaria Luana , Sinopoli Salvatore , Calidonna Claudia Roberta , Gullì Daniel , Ammoscato Ivano , Lo Feudo Teresa
Published: December 2024

The central Mediterranean and nearby regions were affected by extreme wildfires during summer 2021. During the crisis, Türkiye, Greece, Italy and other countries faced numerous challenges ranging from the near complete destruction of landscapes to human losses, and high outputs in emissions which compromised local air quality. In the Mediterranean basin, atmospheric monitoring stations perform continuous measurements of chemical and meteorological parameters meant to track and evaluate greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions in the area. In the case of wildfires, CO (carbon monoxide) and formaldehyde (HCHO) are effective tracers and the integration of satellite data on tropospheric column densities with surface measurements can provide additional insights on the transport of air masses originating from wildfires. At the Lamezia Terme (code: LMT) World Meteorological Organization – Global Atmosphere Watch (WMO/GAW) observation site in Calabria, Southern Italy, a new multiparameter approach combining different methodologies has been used to expand the knowledge the summer 2021 crisis. A previous study focused on wildfires affecting specifically the Aspromonte massif area in Calabria itself: in this study, the integration of surface concentrations, tropospheric columns, and backtrajectories has allowed to pinpoint additional contributions from other southern Italian regions, north Africa and Greece. CO data were available for both surface and column assessments, while HCHO data were only available through satellite. In order to correlate the observed peaks with wildfire phenomena, surface BC (black carbon) was also analyzed. The analysis, which focused on July and August 2021 data, pinpointed case studies highlighting distinct sources of combustion processes during the wildfire crisis of that year. Although wildfires have certain local effects in terms of biomass loss and direct damage to both the environment and human infrastructures, their broad impact on air quality also requires monitoring via the integration of multiple methodologies and the cross-analysis of satellite and surface data.
Mechanical interaction of a projectile body with a bore walls of an electromagnetic accelerator. Parametric study
Authors: Plekhanov Alexander Valentinovich , Ryzhov Sergey Yurievich
Published: December 2024

The vibration of the accelerator rails under the action of electromagnetic forces, the right boundary of which is moving along with the armature along the barrel bore, is considered. The rail accelerator is simply considered as a Bernoulli-Euler beam of finite length, lying on a viscoelastic foundation, with cantilever support from the side of the accelerator breech. The rail vibration is described by a differential equation in partial derivatives of the fourth order in spsce and the second order in time. The equation is solved numerically by combined method: finite differences in time and finite elements in space. The influence of the armature injection velocity and the contact force between the armature and the rails on the rail dynamic behavior, taking into account the friction force, has been studied. It is shown that an increase in the armature injection velocity reduces the time of action of the armature/rail contact area on the surface of the input part of the accelerator channel, shifts the position of the maximum rail deflection towards the muzzle with its amplitude practically unchanged, and when the armature injection velocity exceeds the critical speed, it leads to a significant decrease in the amplitude of vibrations. In this case, the armature overtakes the leading edge of the vibrations throughout the entire acceleration period. Also, with an increase in the armature injection velocity, the amplitude of the required current decreases and the acceleration time is reduced, which can reduce the mass and dimensions of the electric power source and reduce the requirements for the rail materials due to a decrease in the integral of action, which affects the durability of the materials. The contact force coefficient m has a complex effect on the amplitude of rail vibrations due to the fact that both the friction force and the magnitude of the repulsive force depend on it. The latter is responsible for a significant increase in the amplitude of vibrations at m > 1. Taking into account the parameter m did not introduce any special features into the vibration process of the rail, as noted in the literature. This is likely due to the fact that more complex processes reflecting non-uniform current distribution analyzed using 3D finite element method cannot be obtained within the beam model.
An Adaptive Ensemble Approach Using Online Global and Local Models for Pump Pressure Prediction in Well Cementing Operations
Authors: Zhong Yuan , Yang Jianxin , Xian Ming , Zhou Jing , Li Ping
Published: December 2024

In cementing operations, conventional methods for predicting wellhead pump pressure, which rely on empirical and numerical models, often fall short regarding real-time accuracy and adaptability to different geological blocks and cementing techniques. These shortcomings hinder precise control of the wellhead pressure range, impacting operational safety, efficiency, and on-site personnel guidance. Furthermore, traditional offline machine-learning models cannot handle concept drift due to changing downhole fluid conditions during cementing. This paper frames wellhead pump pressure prediction as an online regression forecasting problem that utilizes the strengths of incremental and online ensemble learning with the Hoeffding tree regressor to overcome these challenges. First, data features are partitioned into subsets to create base learners, and then global and local models are deployed to address concept drift. The dynamic integration of these models significantly improves adaptability and performance. Experimental results confirm the superiority of our method over existing approaches. Compared with the suboptimal online models, mean squared error (MSE) is reduced for pump pressure prediction in five cementing data sets by 74.65%, 75.09%, 59.27%, 65.21%, and 70.01%, respectively. Additionally, MSE is reduced by 52.46%, 51.18%, 42.93%, 57.12%, 56.23%, 64.83%, and 79.51%, respectively, in seven open data sets, which showcases the broad applicability of our method to other regression tasks.
Drug development for rare diseases: a case for patient-centricity, equity, and access to clinical trials.
Authors: Bowen Allison E , Nargundkar Satish
Published: December 2024

Purpose For many patients, clinical trials are often their only treatment option. These patients face significant barriers to participation due to cognitive and physical limitations, geographical barriers, misdiagnosis, and socioeconomic disparities, particularly among minority groups. This paper examines the impact of health equity and patient-centricity on access to clinical trials, explores how addressing these factors enhances outcomes in rare disease research, and outlines best practices for integrating patient voices into the drug development process.Method A two-pronged study was conducted. Group A involved a focus group discussion with 19 subject matter experts (SMEs) in regulation and policies, and members of the healthcare community. Group B consisted of 10 individuals with direct ties to rare diseases. Semi-structured interviews were conducted regarding access, equity, and patient centricity. The purpose of these interviews was to delve deeper into their personal experiences, expectations, and concerns related to clinical trials and treatments.Results Three major impediments to appropriate healthcare for the rare disease population were identified: inconsistent government regulations, insufficient support networks (financial, treatment gaps), and lack of information on rare diseases. Inconsistent policies across the USA, compared to standardized healthcare policies in Canada and other nations, lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. While emotional support is available, financial and treatment support gaps persist. Additionally, there is a significant information deficit for both patients and physicians. Participants emphasized the importance of including patients and caregivers early in the drug development process to ensure that developed treatments meet their needs.Conclusion This study highlighted the critical role of patient-centricity and health equity in clinical trials, offering strategic insights for improving health equity and integrating the patient’s voice into the drug development process to enhance research effectiveness and inclusivity.
Rhodiola polysaccharides affect the antioxidant capacity and testosterone secretion of PLCs in hypoxia environment through the metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids and glutathione
Authors: Luo Jinting , Wang Lei , Yao Youli , Luo Xuan , Zhang Jianbo , Luo Dandan , Tian Tian , Wu Guofang
Published: December 2024

Hypoxia induces oxidative stress and cellular dysfunction. Rhodiola polysaccharide (RDP), a distinguished bioactive compound of Rhodiola rosea L., demonstrates strong antioxidant activity. Whether the RDP have protective effect on hypoxia injury of porcine Leydig cells (PLCs) merits further investigation. Our research showed that when RDP was introduced to PLCs under hypoxia condition, both the antioxidant capacity and testosterone (T) secretion of PLCs were enhanced. Notably, this treatment revealed a significant correlation between T levels and specific metabolites, suggesting RDP's role in diminishing reactive oxygen species and fortifying antioxidant defenses. Moreover, RDP promoted the synthesis of antioxidant metabolites and modulated pathways involved in unsaturated fatty acids and glutathione metabolism, mitigating oxidative stress. These results suggested that RDP could improve the cellular antioxidant capacity and stimulate T secretion of PLCs in hypoxia environment through multiple pathways.
Real-time non-invasive monitoring of acute pulmonary embolism based on dynamic EIT technology: A new approach
Authors: Li Junyao , Zhu Mingxu , Guo Yitong , Li Weichen , He Qing , Wang Yu , Liu Yuxuan , Liu Benyuan , Liu Yang , Wang Weice , Ji Zhenyu , Shi Xuetao
Published: December 2024

Background
Acute pulmonary embolism is the third most prevalent cardiovascular pathology, following coronary artery disease and hypertension. It is not only frequently misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed, but also carries an untreated mortality rate of 20–30%. In view of the lack of real-time monitoring technology for acute pulmonary embolism, this study investigates the feasibility of using the newly developed high-performance electrical impedance tomography (EIT) system for the detection and real-time monitoring of acute pulmonary embolism through the acquisition and imaging of pulsed pulmonary blood flow signals.
Methods
A total of 12 domestic pigs (20.75 ± 2.56 kg) were used in a before-and-after self-control experiment. The changes in pulmonary perfusion induced before and after acute pulmonary embolism (artificially induced) were monitored in real time by applying the vascular pulsatility method. The Amplitude, Forward (Negative) Slope, and SARC were extracted from the data for the purpose of assessing the status of local pulmonary perfusion. Furthermore, the degree of ventilation/perfusion matching in the lungs was evaluated concurrently with the analysis of lung ventilation areas. A conventional invasive hypertonic saline (5ml of 10% NaCl) contrast technique was employed for the purpose of control validation.
Results
The perfusion alterations subsequent to embolisation via the vascular pulsatile method exhibited a high degree of consistency with those observed following the administration of hypertonic saline. In particular, the perfusion area on the embolised side was markedly diminished, as were the perfusion indexes, with the most pronounced alterations observed in Amplitude (P < 0.001) and SARC (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the extracted V/Q and other indexes, in conjunction with regional ventilation, demonstrated notable discrepancies. The V/Q match% (P < 0.001) and Dead Space% (P < 0.001) exhibited the greatest sensitivity to alterations in acute. Furthermore, a high degree of concordance was observed between the two methods in the detection of acute pulmonary embolism when compared with the hypertonic saline method (Kappa = 0.75, P < 0.05).
Conclusions
The vascular beat-based EIT imaging method has the potential to reflect changes in pulmonary perfusion status before and after embolisation in real time. This could prove to be an effective non-invasive real-time bedside monitoring method for acute pulmonary embolism.
Breast Cancer Screening Rates and Influencing Factors Among LGBTQ Groups in Japan
Authors: Hara Akemi , Ozaki Akihiko , Murakami Michio , Saito Hiroaki , Nashimoto Mika , Hori Daisuke , Tsubokura Masaharu , Gonda Kenji , Wada Masahiro , Tachibana Kazunoshin , Ohtake Tohru , Tabuchi Takahiro
Published: December 2024

Background
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals face significant health disparities worldwide, particularly in preventive medicine. In Japan, where breast cancer has the highest incidence rate among women, understanding screening behaviors among LGBTQ individuals is crucial for improving public health outcomes.
Objective
This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between LGBTQ status and breast cancer screening behaviors in Japan, identifying factors influencing screening uptake and highlighting challenges in health management for the LGBTQ community.
Methods
Using data from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey (JACSIS), we analyzed breast cancer screening status among 11,056 biological females. Multinomial logistic regression and stratified regression analyzes were employed to examine factors associated with screening behavior, comparing LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ groups.
Results
LGBTQ individuals demonstrated significantly lower odds of undergoing breast cancer screening (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.73-0.91, p<0.001) compared to non-LGBTQ individuals. Key factors influencing lower screening rates among individuals in the survey were primarily linked to LGBTQ identity, followed by higher rates of being uninsured, unmarried status, lower income levels, alcohol consumption. Stratified analysis revealed that uninsured LGBTQ individuals had significantly lower odds of screening (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.08-0.70, p=0.01) compared to those with national health insurance.
Conclusion
This study highlights significant disparities in breast cancer screening behaviors between LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ individuals in Japan. Findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, including improved healthcare access, LGBTQ-friendly medical environments, and awareness campaigns to address these disparities and promote health equity within the LGBTQ community.
Temporal evolution of insecticide resistance and bionomics in Anopheles funestus – a key malaria vector in Uganda reveals intricacies in population structure, resistance phenotypes and genetic markers
Authors: Oruni Ambrose , Tchouakui Magellan , Tagne Carlos S. Djoko , Hearn Jack , Kayondo Jonathan , Wondji Charles S.
Published: December 2024

Insecticide resistance escalation is decreasing the efficacy of vector control tools. Monitoring vector resistance is paramount in order to understand its evolution and devise effective counter-solutions. In this study, we monitored insecticide resistance patterns, vector population bionomics and genetic variants associated with resistance over 3 years from 2021 to 2023 in Uganda. Anopheles funestus s.s was the predominant species in Mayuge but with evidence of hybridization with other species of the An. funestus group. Sporozoite infection rates were relatively very high with a peak of 20.41% in March 2022. Intense pyrethroid resistance was seen against pyrethroids up to 10-times the diagnostic concentration but partial recovery of susceptibility in PBO synergistic assays. Among bednets, only PBO-based nets (PermaNet 3.0 Top and Olyset Plus) and chlorfenapyr-based net (Interceptor G2) had high mortality rates. Mosquitoes were fully susceptible to chlorfenapyr and organophosphates, moderately resistant to clothianidin and resistant to carbamates. The allele frequency of key P450, CYP9K1, resistance marker was constantly very high but that for CYP6P9A/b were very low. Interestingly, we report the first detection of resistance alleles for Ace1 gene (RS = ~ 13%) and Rdl gene (RS = ~ 21%, RR = ~ 4%) in Uganda. The qRT-PCR revealed that Cytochrome P450s CYP9K1, CYP6P9A, CYP6P9b, CYP6P5 and CYP6M7 were consistently upregulated while a glutathione-S-transferase gene (GSTE2) showed low expression. Our study shows the complexity of insecticide resistance patterns and underlying mechanisms, hence constant and consistent spatial and temporal monitoring is crucial to rapidly detect changing resistance profiles which is key in informing deployment of counter interventions.
Multifunctional hydrogel based on Chlorella protein: Structure, performance and application in cherry preservation
Authors: Zhao Yanan , Yu Cailing , Zu Xinyu , Liang Yan , Wang Hua
Published: December 2024

This study presents a novel multifunctional gel prepared using Chlorella protein (CP) to extend the shelf life of perishable fruits like cherries. Structural, rheological, and scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed that CP hydrogels possess excellent solid-like properties and a stable porous structure. The water-holding capacity (WHC) improved significantly from 67.11 ± 0.72% to 96.53 ± 0.61% with increasing CP concentration, indicating enhanced WHC. Additionally, the decomposition temperature at 5% weight loss was 150°C, demonstrating good thermal stability. Due to the ionization of -COOH and -NH2 groups, the CP hydrogel showed excellent pH sensitivity, with low dissolution rates in acidic environments (64.97%) and significantly higher rates in alkaline environments (448.50%). Furthermore, the CP hydrogel inhibited the penetration of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with increased resistance at higher CP concentrations. CP-22.5 reduced bacterial counts from 109 to less than 105 CFU. Its DPPH and ABTS•+ radical scavenging capacities were 74.50% and 97.92%, respectively, indicating strong antioxidant properties. In cherries preservation tests, CP hydrogel extended preservation time to 15 days compared to 5 days in the control group, effectively inhibiting decay, suggesting CP hydrogel is a promising choice for multifunctional fruit preservation.
Changes in fluctuating head asymmetry in natural populations of Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera, Reduviidae): How does a vector control treatment influence the phenotype of nymphs and adults?
Authors: Hernandez Mari­a Laura , Gleiser Raquel Miranda
Published: December 2024

In triatomines, the measurement of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) might help us infer the (non-lethal) effects of insecticides on morphological characters and how these changes can impact activities of utmost importance in vector management. Insects that survive chemical control present morphological alterations that impact their final development. Our work measures for the first time the changes in FA in nymphs and their comparison with the occurrence of these changes in adults before and after a chemical control. We determined the occurrence and quantified the FA of the head as an indicator of stress during development in adults and fifth instar nymphs of Triatoma infestans - one of the main vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi in the southern cone of South America -, to estimate the effect of exposure to insecticide in the different stages. We measured the FA of the heads of peridomestic populations of the Rioja Llanos (Argentina), pre-treatment with insecticide (15 years without chemical treatment) and post-treatment (3–4 months after the application). Our results show lower FA values in nymphs compared with adults. Furthermore, shape FA was higher post-treatment, although with some exceptions depending on sex. According to what was observed, we conclude that the post-treatment population would have differences over the pre-treatment population (FA increases), at least for fifth instar nymphs and adult males. The results are discussed considering the stage of nymphal development where the insecticide was applied, the possible repellence caused by the insecticide, the influence of insects from neighboring habitats, seasonality and the compensatory mechanisms of development, among others. Working with field insects allows us to understand how populations react to an insecticide application, but without leaving aside characteristics of T. infestans populations under natural conditions.
Dynamic Modelling of a Semi-Active Suspension System for a Half-Car Roll Model Utilizing PID Control Techniques
Authors: Ferhath Aadil Arshad , Kasi Kamalakkannan
Published: December 2024

Vehicle suspension systems are essential elements that ensure passenger comfort and handling efficiency. This study examines the dynamic modelling of a semi-active suspension system for a half-car roll model equipped with a passenger seat, utilising Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control techniques. This study employs PID control methodologies within a half-car roll model to determine the optimal control approach for enhanced ride comfort and vehicle handling. The Semi-Active Suspension System utilising PID controller methods is evaluated against passive suspension systems based on peak value, rise time, settling time, overshoot, and RMS parameters concerning sprung mass acceleration, sprung mass displacement, sprung mass velocity, passenger seat acceleration, and passenger seat velocity. The simulation results indicate that the PID-controlled system significantly improves ride comfort and stability, outperforming conventional passive suspension systems regarding settling time and RMS values. The research findings suggest that the PID-CC approach outperformed the PID-ZN and traditional PID methods across all parameters.
Oracle Character Recognition Using Universal Inverted Bottleneck and Inverse Image Frequency
Authors: Zhou Junwei , Tu Qingpeng , Xu Guojun
Published: December 2024

The oracle bone script, one of the most well-known ancient writing systems, plays a key role in the study of ancient Chinese characters. To speed up the digitization of oracle bone documents through automatic recognition, we propose a recognition model called QROB (Quick Response Oracle Bone). Due to the unique characteristics of oracle bone characters, only a small portion has been translated, leading to an imbalance in the sample distribution across different characters. To address this issue, we use the Inverse Image Frequency De-biasing method and incorporate the UIB (Universal Inverted Bottleneck) module into a lightweight model structure to improve training performance. Additionally, the limited number of translated oracle bone samples often results in sparse data in character datasets. To overcome this, we apply the FFD (Free-Form Deformation) method for data augmentation. We also introduce a new dataset, OBC-V, which better integrates oracle bone characters and words compared to existing datasets. Experimental results on three different datasets (OBC-V, HWOBV, and OBC306) demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach. This study advances oracle bone character recognition and contributes to a more efficient and accurate interpretation of ancient scripts. The code has been published at https://github.com/alphazzv/DnUse
Vestibular and balance functions in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome
Authors: Apaydin Zuhal Koç , Soylemez Emre , Demir Nefise
Published: December 2024

Background: In the past, cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were considered similar concepts. However, many differences have recently been identified between the two disorders, and they have been separated from each other. This study aims to investigate balance and vestibular function in individuals at high risk for ADHD and CDS.
Materials and Methods: Sixty university students were included in this study. Adult Concentration Inventory and Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale were administered to the participants. Participants with high and low risk for ADHD and CDS were determined according to the applied indices. Static posturography, cervical vestibular myogenic evoked potentials (cVEMP) and video head impulse test (vHIT) were applied to all participants.
Results: There was no difference in terms of static posturography and cVEMP between individuals with low and high risk for CDS (p>0.05). Similarly, no differences were found in ADHD (p>0.05). While right ear lateral vHIT responses were worse in individuals with high-risk CDS (p>0.05), bilateral posterior vHIT rates were worse in individuals with high-risk ADHD (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The fact that individuals at high risk for CDS and ADHD show different vestibular involvement strengthens the fact that there are different clinical pictures.
SET binding protein 1 (SETBP1) suppresses cell proliferation in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
Authors: Ando Yuki , Masuda Takaaki , Hayashi Naoki , Kosai Keisuke , Shibuta Shohei , Ono Yuya , Ohtsu Hajime , Hisamatsu Yuichi , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Mimori Koshi
Published: December 2024

Background The single nucleotide polymorphism rs6507583 at the promoter of SET binding protein 1 (SETBP1) was implicated in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast carcinogenesis. Here, we evaluated the clinical and biological relevance of SETBP1 expression in ER-positive breast cancer (BC).Methods The associations between SETBP1 expression and clinical outcomes in BC patients were analyzed in independent cohorts. The localizations of SETBP1 expression in BC tissues were observed by immunohistochemical staining. Pathway analyses were conducted using TCGA dataset. An in vitro proliferation assay, protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity assay, and gene expression analysis were performed in SETBP1-knockdown ER-positive BC cells. We investigated the factors influencing SETBP1 mRNA expression using TCGA dataset. rs6507583 presence and SETBP1 mRNA expression in 11 mammary cell lines and 56 BC tissue samples were examined by target sequencing and RT-qPCR, respectively.Results SETBP1 was downregulated in BC cells compared with normal ductal epithelial cells. Low SETBP1 mRNA expression was an independent prognostic factor for poor recurrence-free survival. Pathway analyses revealed an inverse relationship between decreased SETBP1 expression and the expression of E2F, MYC, and G2M checkpoint target genes in BC tissues. SETBP1 knockdown promoted proliferation, inhibition of PP2A activity, and phosphorylation of MAPK in ER-positive BC. Low SETBP1 expression was influenced by high SETBP1 promoter methylation and DNA copy number SETBP1 deletion. SETBP1 expression with rs6507583 was lower than without rs6507583 in BC.Conclusions We demonstrated that low SETBP1 expression could be a poor prognostic biomarker that promotes ER-positive BC proliferation, possibly via phosphorylation of MAPK.
Machine learning method based on radiomics help differentiate posterior pituitary tumors from pituitary adenomas and craniopharyngioma
Authors: Liu Yukun , Zhou Yanpeng , Zhou Chunyao , Wang Zhenmin , Fan Ziwen , Tang Kai , Chen Siyuan
Published: December 2024

Objectives
Posterior pituitary tumors (PPTs) are rare neoplasms, but easily misdiagnosed as pituitary adenoma and craniopharyngioma. This study aimed to differentiate PPTs from pituitary adenoma and craniopharyngioma using a machine learning method based on radiomics.
Design:
Single center cohort study.
Materials and Methods
The cohort used for training and testing contained 33 PPTs and 99 non-posterior pituitary tumors (NPPTs). The validation cohort consisted of prospectively included patients (9 PPTs and 33 NPPTs). Radiomics features based on T1-weighted images and contrast-enhanced (CE) T1-weighted images were extracted, or both. Data of training and testing cohort were input to a nested 10-fold to build models, which were independently validated in the validation cohort. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was used for dimensionality reduction and random forest was used as classifier.
Result
Predictive models were successfully established, and models based on CE features had the best performance with an accuracy of 0.786, precision of 0.929, specificity of 0.778, sensitivity of 0.788, and area under the curve of 0.818 in validation. Nine features selected by more than 75% of the models based on CE features were identified as the most predictive features.
Conclusion
We established a group of machine learning models to noninvasively differentiate PPTs from NPPTs before surgery, which may improve the surgical plan of PPTs to better complete resection of the tumors and protection of important structures around the tumors.