bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI): A New Biomarker for Determining Prognosis in Metastatic Castration-Sensitive Prostate Carcinoma
Authors: Ellez Halil Ibrahim , Keskinkilic Merve , Semiz Hüseyin Salih , Arayici Mehmet Emin , Kısa Erdem , Oztop Ilhan
Published: August 2023

Prognostic nutritional index (PNI), which is calculated using the albumin level reflecting nutritional status and lymphocyte count reflecting immune status, is useful in showing nutritional and immunological status related to survival and prognosis in many cancers. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the biomarker potential and effect of PNI in determining the prognosis of metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC). This retrospective observational study included the complete data of 108 patients with mCPSC who were treated for at least three months between 1 January 2010, and 1 June 2021. The relationships between cancer-specific survival (CSS), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and PNI were evaluated. The Kaplan–Meier method for OS, PFS, and CSS, as well as univariate and multivariate Cox regression models, were used for the statistical analyses. The median age of 108 patients included in the study was 68.54 (61.05–74.19) years. A value of 49.75 was determined to be the best cut-off point for the PNI. OS (months) was found to be significantly lower in patients with low PNI (median: 34.93, 95% CI: 21.52–48.34) than in patients with high PNI (median: 65.60, 95% CI: 39.36–91.83) (p = 0.016). Patients with high PNI (median: 48.20, 95% CI: 34.66–61.73) had significantly better CSS (months) than patients with low PNI (median: 27.86, 95% CI: 24.16–31.57) (p = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in PFS between patients with high PNI values (median: 24.60, 95% CI: 10.15–39.05) and patients with low PNI values (median: 20.03, 95% CI: 11.06–29.03) (p = 0.092). The PNI is a good predictor of OS and CSS in patients with mCSPC. The prediction of PFS, albeit showing a trend towards significance, was not statistically significant, probably due to the small number of cases.
Stratification of Pediatric COVID-19 Cases Using Inflammatory Biomarker Profiling and Machine Learning
Authors: Subramanian Devika , Vittala Aadith , Chen Xinpu , Julien Christopher , Acosta Sebastian , Rusin Craig , Allen Carl , Rider Nicholas , Starosolski Zbigniew , Annapragada Ananth , Devaraj Sridevi
Published: August 2023

While pediatric COVID-19 is rarely severe, a small fraction of children infected with SARS-CoV-2 go on to develop multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), with substantial morbidity. An objective method with high specificity and high sensitivity to identify current or imminent MIS-C in children infected with SARS-CoV-2 is highly desirable. The aim was to learn about an interpretable novel cytokine/chemokine assay panel providing such an objective classification. This retrospective study was conducted on four groups of pediatric patients seen at multiple sites of Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX who consented to provide blood samples to our COVID-19 Biorepository. Standard laboratory markers of inflammation and a novel cytokine/chemokine array were measured in blood samples of all patients. Group 1 consisted of 72 COVID-19, 70 MIS-C and 63 uninfected control patients seen between May 2020 and January 2021 and predominantly infected with pre-alpha variants. Group 2 consisted of 29 COVID-19 and 43 MIS-C patients seen between January and May 2021 infected predominantly with the alpha variant. Group 3 consisted of 30 COVID-19 and 32 MIS-C patients seen between August and October 2021 infected with alpha and/or delta variants. Group 4 consisted of 20 COVID-19 and 46 MIS-C patients seen between October 2021 andJanuary 2022 infected with delta and/or omicron variants. Group 1 was used to train an L1-regularized logistic regression model which was tested using five-fold cross validation, and then separately validated against the remaining naïve groups. The area under receiver operating curve (AUROC) and F1-score were used to quantify the performance of the cytokine/chemokine assay-based classifier. Standard laboratory markers predict MIS-C with a five-fold cross-validated AUROC of 0.86 ± 0.05 and an F1 score of 0.78 ± 0.07, while the cytokine/chemokine panel predicted MIS-C with a five-fold cross-validated AUROC of 0.95 ± 0.02 and an F1 score of 0.91 ± 0.04, with only sixteen of the forty-five cytokines/chemokines sufficient to achieve this performance. Tested on Group 2 the cytokine/chemokine panel yielded AUROC = 0.98 and F1 = 0.93, on Group 3 it yielded AUROC = 0.89 and F1 = 0.89, and on Group 4 AUROC = 0.99 and F1 = 0.97. Adding standard laboratory markers to the cytokine/chemokine panel did not improve performance. A top-10 subset of these 16 cytokines achieves equivalent performance on the validation data sets. Our findings demonstrate that a sixteen-cytokine/chemokine panel as well as the top ten subset provides a highly sensitive, and specific method to identify MIS-C in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 of all the major variants identified to date.
Endoscopic Diagnosis Strategy of Raspberry-Shaped Gastric Lesion in Helicobacter Pylori-Uninfected Patient
Authors: Suzuki Nobuyuki , Ikeda Atsushi , Ueyama Hiroya , Yatagai Noboru , Uemura Yasuko , Yamamoto Momoko , Iwano Tomoyo , Utsunomiya Hisanori , Uchida Ryota , Abe Daiki , Oki Shotaro , Akazawa Yoichi , Takeda Tsutomu , Ueda Kumiko , Hojo Mariko , Yao Takashi , Nagahara Akihito
Published: August 2023

Objectives: We aimed to clarify the endoscopic and clinicopathological features of raspberry-shaped gastric lesions (RSGLs) and to establish an endoscopic diagnostic algorithm for RSGLs. Methods: We collected RSGLs from an endoscopic database at our hospital between May 2009 and August 2021. All RSGLs were histopathologically classified and compared based on their endoscopic and clinicopathological characteristics. Results: Sixty-five RSGLs in 54 patients were classified into five histopathological types: gastric adenocarcinoma of foveolar type (GA-FV, n = 43), gastric adenocarcinoma of fundic-gland type (GA-FG, n = 2), gastric adenocarcinoma of fundic-gland mucosa type (GA-FGM, n = 4), hyperplastic polyp (HP, n = 12), and proton pump inhibitor-related lesion (PPI-L, n = 4). All RSGLs exhibited polygonal or curved marginal crypt epithelium (MCE). GA-FV lesions had homogenously reddish (95%) and an irregular microvascular (MV) pattern (91%). GA-FG lesions were heterogeneously reddish with a submucosal tumor shape (100%) and had a regular MV pattern (50%). GA-FGM lesions were homogen+ously reddish (75%) and occasionally had a submucosal tumor shape (50%) with an irregular MV pattern (75%). HPs and PPI-Ls were homogeneously reddish (93%), with linear or dotted MCE (81%) and a regular MV pattern (100%). Conclusion: Our diagnostic algorithm for RSGLs constructed using endoscopic features might be useful for the endoscopic differential diagnosis of RSGLs.
Reply to Fernandez-Vigo et al. Comment on “Torrellas et al. Effectiveness, Safety and Choroidal Changes of a Fovea-Sparing Technique for the Treatment of Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy with Yellow Subthreshold Laser. J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12, 1127”
Authors: Torrellas Beatriz , Filloy Alejandro , Wu Lihteh , Chhablani Jay , Romero-Aroca Pedro
Published: August 2023

We thank the comment written by Fernández-Vigo et al. [...]
Contemporary Clinical Profile of Left-Sided Native Valve Infective Endocarditis: Influence of the Causative Microorganism
Authors: Cabezón Gonzalo , de Miguel María , López Javier , Vilacosta Isidre , Pulido Paloma , Olmos Carmen , Jerónimo Adrián , Pérez Javier B. , Lozano Adrián , Gómez Itzíar , San Román J. Alberto
Published: August 2023

Studies focused on the clinical profile of native valve endocarditis are scarce and outdated. In addition, none of them analyzed differences depending on the causative microorganism. Our objectives are to describe the clinical profile at admission of patients with left-sided native valve infective endocarditis in a contemporary wide series of patients and to compare them among the most frequent etiologies. To do so, we conducted a prospective, observational cohort study including 569 patients with native left-sided endocarditis enrolled from 2006 to 2019. We describe the modes of presentation and the symptoms and signs at admission of these patients and compare them among the five more frequent microbiological etiologies. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci and Enterococci endocarditis patients were the oldest (71 ± 11 years), and episodes caused by Streptococci viridans were less frequently nosocomial (4%). The neurologic, cutaneous or renal modes of presentation were more typical in Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis (28%, p = 0.002), the wasting syndrome of Streptococcus viridans (49%, p < 0.001), and the cardiac in Coagulase-negative Staphylococci, Enterococci and unidentified microorganism endocarditis (45%, 49% and 56%, p < 0.001). The clinical signs agreed with the mode of presentation. In conclusion, the modes of presentation and the clinical picture at admission were tightly associated with the causative microorganism in patients with left-sided native valve endocarditis.
Comparison of Different Rabbit Anti-Thymocyte Globulin Formulations in the Prophylaxis of Graft-Versus-Host Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dybko Jarosław , Giordano Ugo , Pilch Justyna , Mizera Jakub , Borkowski Artur , Mordak-Domagała Monika
Published: August 2023

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is a potentially curative treatment modality, frequently used for patients suffering from haematological malignancies. In the last two decades, there have been multiple randomised controlled trials (RCTs), review articles, and meta-analyses addressing the efficacy of rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (r-ATG) as a graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis. Nevertheless, only a few aimed to compare the effectiveness of different r-ATG formulations. Since the last article we retrieved comparing different r-ATGs in GvHD prophylaxis dates back to 2017, we performed a systematic literature review of articles published since 2017 to this day, utilising PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and MEDLINE, with the main endpoints being prophylaxis of acute GvHD (aGvHD) and chronic GvHD (cGvHD). We subjected to scrutiny a total of five studies, of which four compared the differences between Thymoglobulin (ATG-T) and Grafalon (ATG-G), and one discussed the impact of ATG-T dose. Overall, cGvHD, aGvHD grades II–IV, TRM, OS, NRM, LFS, relapse, overall infections, and EBV reactivation do not seem to be affected by the type of utilised rATG. However, data on aGvHD grades III–IV, GRFS, moderate–severe cGvHD, and CMV reactivation is conflicting. Through our research, we sought to summarise the most recent findings concerning r-ATGs in allo-HCT, and provide insight into the differences between the targets and origin of various ATG formulations.
Asymmetric/Symmetric Glass-Fibre-Filled Polyamide 66 Gears—A Systematic Fatigue Life Study
Authors: Dhaduti Sandeep C. , Sarganachari S. G. , Patil Arun Y. , Budapanahalli Shridhar H. , Kumar Raman
Published: August 2023

This work aims to determine how the behaviour of symmetry and asymmetry can affect the bending fatigue performance of glass-fibre-filled PA66 gears. Gears with pressure angles ranging from 20° to 35° at increment steps of 5° on the driving side and 20° on the coast side are considered. Temperature in the gear contact region was recorded at various torque levels to examine the effects of increasing torque on different polymer test gears and gear profiles. According to the findings of the fatigue test, the PA66/40GF gear demonstrated a 23% increase in fatigue life when the pressure angle on the drive side was increased from 20° to 35° and a 38% increase when a torque of 0.8 Nm was applied. When put under bending stress levels ranging from 13.11 MPa to 32.76 MPa, the performance of the PA66/40GF gear with a 20–35° gear profile was exceptional. However, for a torque of 2 Nm, this test gear was unable to withstand and cross 106 stress cycles. Along with the inclusion of glass fibre, the increased driving-side pressure angle improved the fatigue performance of polymer test gears. This leads to the conclusion that PA66/40GF is a better material for gears.
Electrochemical Growth and Structural Study of the AlxGa1−xAs Nanowhisker Layer on the GaAs Surface
Authors: Suchikova Yana , Kovachov Sergii , Bohdanov Ihor , Abdikadirova Anar A. , Kenzhina Inesh , Popov Anatoli I.
Published: August 2023

This work presents a novel, cost-effective method for synthesizing AlxGa1−xAs nanowhiskers on a GaAs surface by electrochemical deposition. The process begins with structuring the GaAs surface by electrochemical etching, forming a branched nanowhisker system. Despite the close resemblance of the crystal lattices of AlAs, GaAs, and AlxGa1−xAs, our study highlights the formation of nanowhiskers instead of layer-by-layer film growth. X-ray diffraction analysis and photoluminescence spectrum evaluations confirm the synthesized structure’s crystallinity, uniformity, and bandgap characteristics. The unique morphology of the nanowhiskers offers promising implications for solar cell applications because of the increased light absorption potential and reduced surface recombination energy losses. We conclude by emphasizing the need for further studies on the growth mechanisms of AlxGa1−xAs nanowhiskers, adjustments of the “x” parameter during electrochemical deposition, and detailed light absorption properties of the formed compounds. This research contributes to the field of wideband materials, particularly for solar energy applications, highlighting the potential of electrochemical deposition as a flexible and economical fabrication method.
A First Study on Distribution Characteristics of Common Dolphin in Korean Waters: A Study Using Data Collected during the Past 20 Years
Authors: Yoo Joon-Taek , Park Kyum Joon , Lee Kyunglee , Lee Dasom
Published: August 2023

The common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) is the second-most bycaught species in Korean waters. To provide key information about their habitat boundaries and hotspots for spatial conservation and management, the spatial use of this species was examined using data obtained from sighting and bycatch surveys of cetaceans in the past 20 years. The 95% minimum convex polygon and 95% density contour of fixed-kernel analysis suggested that the boundary of the home range of common dolphins is limited to the coastal region (Busan–Sokcho) of the East Sea/Sea of Japan. From 50% density contours drawn by kernel density estimation, it was suggested that their hotspots are around the coast of Ulsan–Pohang, Doghae, and Sokcho within the home range. Common dolphins were not observed in the Yellow Sea. Hence, shallow waters in the geographic area of the coastal region of the Yellow Sea are likely not a suitable habitat for common dolphins in this region.
A Terbinafine Sensitive Trichophyton indotineae Strain in Italy: The First Clinical Case of tinea corporis and onychomycosis
Authors: Crotti Silvia , Cruciani Deborah , Spina Sara , Piscioneri Vincenzo , Natalini Ylenia , Pezzotti Giovanni , Sabbatucci Michela , Papini Manuela
Published: August 2023

Trichophyton indotineae is an emerging dermatophyte species that plays a relevant role in human healthcare. It has been associated with severe chronic skin infections and a high level of terbinafine resistance. T. indotineae is endemic to India, Iran, and Iraq but several cases have been reported in Europe, recently. In this manuscript, the authors report the first clinical description of a tinea corporis and onychomycosis due to T. indotineae. The patient was a 42-year-old female from India that has lived in Umbria (Central Italy) for the last two years. Firstly, a dermatological examination suggested dermatophytosis: mycology isolation from cultures and macro- and microscopical features identified the colonies as belonging to the T. mentagrophytes/T. interdigitale species complex. Subsequently, ITS1/ITS4 end-point PCR and Sanger sequencing identified the strain as T. indotineae. Lastly, a DermaGenius® Resistance Multiplex real-time PCR assay was carried out, targeting the mutations in the SQLE gene to establish terbinafine resistance or susceptibility of the strain. The melting curve observed was compatible with wild-type positive control, identifying the strain as T. indotineae terbinafine-sensitive. An oral terbinafine treatment was associated with a topical ciclopirox nail solution, resulting in remission in its clinical manifestation. On 3 July 2023, the local Prevention Service notified the case to the Ministry of Health that then reported the information at national and international levels.
Assessment of Fungal Succession in Decomposing Swine Carcasses (Sus scrofa L.) Using DNA Metabarcoding
Authors: Gemmellaro M. Denise , Lorusso Nicholas Steven , Domke Rachel , Kovalska Kristina M. , Hashim Ayesha , Arevalo Mojica Maria , O’Connor Amanda Joy , Patel Urvi , Pate Olivia , Raise Gloria , Shumskaya Maria
Published: August 2023

The decomposition of animal bodies is a process defined by specific stages, described by the state of the body and participation of certain guilds of invertebrates and microorganisms. While the participation of invertebrates in decomposing is well-studied and actively used in crime scene investigations, information on bacteria and fungi from the scene is rarely collected or used in the identification of important factors such as estimated time of death. Modern molecular techniques such as DNA metabarcoding allow the identification and quantification of the composition of microbial communities. In this study, we used DNA metabarcoding to monitor fungal succession during the decomposition of juvenile pigs in grasslands of New Jersey, USA. Our findings show that decomposition stages differ in a diversity of fungal communities. In particular, we noted increased fungal species richness in the more advanced stages of decomposition (e.g., bloat and decay stages), with unique fungal taxa becoming active with the progression of decay. Overall, our findings improve knowledge of how fungi contribute to forensically relevant decomposition and could help with the assessment of crime scenes.
Soluble Transferrin Receptor as Iron Deficiency Biomarker: Impact on Exercise Capacity in Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Ras-Jiménez Maria del Mar , Ramos-Polo Raúl , Francesch Manzano Josep , Corbella Santano Miriam , Morillas Climent Herminio , Jose-Bazán Núria , Jiménez-Marrero Santiago , Garcimartin Cerezo Paloma , Yun Viladomat Sergi , Moliner Borja Pedro , Torres Cardús Blanca , Verdú-Rotellar José Maria , Diez-López Carles , González-Costello José , García-Romero Elena , de Frutos Seminario Fernando , Triguero-Llonch Laura , Enjuanes Grau Cristina , Tajes Orduña Marta , Comin-Colet Josep
Published: August 2023

The soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) is a marker of tissue iron status, which could indicate an increased iron demand at the tissue level. The impact of sTfR levels on functional capacity and quality of life (QoL) in non-anemic heart failure (HF) patients with otherwise normal systemic iron status has not been evaluated. We conducted an observational, prospective, cohort study of 1236 patients with chronic HF. We selected patients with normal hemoglobin levels and normal systemic iron status. Tissue iron deficiency (ID) was defined as levels of sTfR > 75th percentile (1.63 mg per L). The primary endpoints were the distance walked in the 6 min walking test (6MWT) and the overall summary score (OSS) of the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ). The final study cohort consisted of 215 patients. Overall QoL was significantly worse (51 ± 27 vs. 39 ± 20, p-value = 0.006, respectively), and the 6 MWT distance was significantly worse in patients with tissue ID when compared to patients without tissue ID (206 ± 179 m vs. 314 ± 155, p-value < 0.0001, respectively). Higher sTfR levels, indicating increased iron demand, were associated with a shorter distance in the 6 MWT (standardized β = −0.249, p < 0.001) and a higher MLHFQ OSS (standardized β = 0.183, p-value = 0.008). In this study, we show that in patients with normal systemic iron parameters, higher levels of sTfR are strongly associated with an impaired submaximal exercise capacity and with worse QoL.
Urban Regeneration, Rent Regulation and the Private Rental Sector in Portugal: A Case Study on Inner-City Lisbon’s Social Sustainability
Authors: Alves Sónia , Azevedo Alda Botelho , Mendes Luís , Silva Katielle
Published: August 2023

Rent regulation has a significant impact on tenant–landlord relations and the overall functioning of the private rented sector. Different forms of rent regulation—in relation to rent levels, rent increases, security of tenure, etc.—also affect the quality, the social composition and, ultimately, the size of the private rented sector. Together they affect the character of much urban regeneration and renewal. The introduction in Portugal of more flexible rent regimes that aimed to gradually replace open-ended tenancies with freely negotiated contracts led researchers to classify the country as a free market system. In this paper, by using a mixed methods approach that combined desk-based research with census data and in-depth interviews, we test the) classification of Portugal’s rented sector as a free market against empirical evidence and examine the impacts of the main rent regulation regimes on social sustainability-oriented urban regeneration. Our results show that open-ended contracts, which were signed before the 1990s, still account for a significant part of the private rented sector, thus the classification of Portugal’s rent regulation regime as a free-market system does not capture the country’s most significant features. This is particularly evident in inner-city Lisbon, where various extreme rent regimes (in terms of contract duration, tenant security and prices) coexist, giving rise to tensions between housing quality and demographic shifts that threaten the overall social sustainability of the city.
Soil Bulk Density and Matric Potential Regulate Soil CO2 Emissions by Altering Pore Characteristics and Water Content
Authors: Gui Weiyang , You Yongliang , Yang Feng , Zhang Mingjun
Published: August 2023

Soil pore structure and soil water content are critical regulators of microbial activity and associated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This study evaluated the impacts of soil bulk density and matric potential on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions through modifications of total porosity, air-filled porosity, water retention, and gas diffusivity. Soil samples were manipulated into four bulk densities (1.0, 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 Mg m−3) and ten matric potential levels (−1, −2, −3, −4, −5, −6, −7, −8, −9, and −10 kPa) in controlled soil cores. The results showed that lower bulk densities enhanced while higher densities suppressed CO2 emissions. Similarly, wetter matric potentials decreased fluxes, but emission increased with drying. Correlation and regression analyses revealed that total porosity (r = 0.28), and gravimetric water content (r = 0.29) were strongly positively related to CO2 emissions. In contrast, soil bulk density (r= −0.22) and matric potential (r= −0.30) were negatively correlated with emissions. The results highlight that compaction and excessive water content restrict microbial respiration and gas diffusion, reducing CO2 emissions. Proper management of soil structure and water content is therefore essential to support soil ecological functions and associated ecosystem services.
Is There a Place for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in Climate Change Policy and Governance? Learnings from a Brazilian Case
Authors: Iocca Luciana , Fidélis Teresa
Published: August 2023

The specialized literature, leading organizations, and international law, like the Paris Agreement, have increasingly recognized the relevance of Indigenous Peoples’ and Local Communities’ contributions to climate change adaptation. Despite this, few studies have investigated how their rights are considered in relevant public policies and decision-making processes. This article explores how the rights of protection and participation of Traditional Peoples and Communities are incorporated in climate- and environment-related public policy documents and examines how community members perceive their engagement in the drafting of those documents and their implementing agencies. For this purpose, it uses a Brazilian traditional community as a case study and undertakes a content analysis of a set of plans and programs applying to its territory and a series of interviews with local members. The findings reveal that while there are a few references to Traditional Peoples and Communities in the diagnosis parts of the plans and programs, they are scarce in substantive parts like objectives and measures. In addition, those references rarely relate to traditional knowledge. These results are also visible in local plans. Moreover, community members appear to feel poorly protected from climate change impacts, misinformed about these plans and programs, and overlooked when it comes to the insertion of their traditional knowledge of climate action measures into these plans and programs. The poor recognition of the protected status of these peoples and communities in the context of climate change highlights the need for a more sensitive and robust design of climate and environment-related plans and programs, ensuring the incorporation of their valuable contributions and traditional knowledge. Further efforts are required to acknowledge this gap and to better bridge the translation of international law into national and municipal plans, and programs, and effectively involve Traditional Peoples and Communities.
Relationship between Cognitive Impairment and Depressive Symptoms with Somatosensory Functions in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Older Adults and Its Impact on Quality of Life
Authors: Sempere-Bigorra Mar , Julián-Rochina Iván , Pérez-Ros Pilar , Navarro-Flores Emmanuel , Martínez-Arnau Francisco Miguel , Cauli Omar
Published: August 2023

Aging is an inevitable process that impacts the peripheral and central nervous systems and is considered one of the strongest risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, when it also presents with diabetes mellitus, the risk of neurological damage may be further increased. This current study aimed to explore the relationships between peripheral sensory system decline and cognitive functions, the symptoms of depression, and quality of life (QoL) as metrics of central nervous system impairment in institutionalized older adults. A total of 95 individuals participated in this case-control study, which included diabetics and non-diabetics. The superficial sensory pathway was assessed in terms of thermal sensation, nociception, and non-discriminative touch, and the deep sensory pathway was evaluated by assessing vibration and light touch-pressure sensations. To assess function at the intellectual level, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Trail Making Test (TMT) cognitive functional tests were used, while the symptoms of depression and QoL were explored by employing the Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale and EuroQol 5D questionnaire (EQ-5D), respectively. In the overall population analyses, altered thermal sensation was significantly associated with cognitive impairment (CI; p < 0.05). In turn, bivariate analyses and a binary logistic regression showed that the symptoms of depression and QoL were significantly related to altered vibratory sensation when assessed using a medical tuning fork (p < 0.05). In the group of diabetic patients, those with CI also had significantly lower thermal sensation (p < 0.05) and non-discriminative touch sensation, although this was only a trend (p = 0.055). Diabetics with depression had a significantly worse non-discriminative touch (p < 0.05) and vibratory sensation when tested with a tuning fork (p < 0.05). In addition, poorer QoL was associated with reduced sensitivity to heat (p < 0.05), light touch pressure (p < 0.05), and vibrations when assessed either with a tuning fork (p < 0.05) or a biothesiometer (p < 0.05). In contrast, no relationships were found between sensory functions and cognitive assessments in non-diabetic patients. These findings indicate that superficial sensitivity damage was related to CI, while deep sensation alterations were related to depression and poor QoL, with diabetes apparently further strengthening these relationships.
Enhancing Surface Temperature Uniformity in a Liquid Silicone Rubber Injection Mold with Conformal Heating Channels
Authors: Kuo Chil-Chyuan , Tasi Qing-Zhou , Huang Song-Hua , Tseng Shih-Feng
Published: August 2023

To enhance the productivity and quality of optical-grade liquid silicone rubber (LSR) and an optical convex lens simultaneously, uniform vulcanization of the molding material is required. However, little has been reported on the uniform vulcanization of LSR in the heated cavity. This paper presents a conformal heating channel to enhance the temperature uniformity of the mold surface in the LSR injection molding. The curing rate of an optical convex lens was numerically investigated using Moldex3D molding simulation software. Two different sets of soft tooling inserts, injection mold inserts with conventional and conformal heating channels, were fabricated to validate the simulation results. The mold surface temperature uniformity was investigated by both numerical simulation and experiment. In particular, both a thermal camera and thermocouples were employed to measure the mold surface temperature after LSR injecting molding. It was found that the uniformity of the mold surface for LSR injection mold with the conformal heating channel was better. The average temperature of the mold surface could be predicted by the heating oil temperature according to the proposed prediction equation. The experimental results showed that the trend of the average temperature of five sensor modes was consistent with the simulation results. The error rate of the simulation results was about 8.31% based on the experimental result for the LSR injection mold with the conformal heating channel.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Hydrodynamic Retarders with Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process and Improved Radar Chart
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Wei Wei , Chen Xiuqi , Langari Reza , Yan Qingdong
Published: August 2023

The braking performance of hydrodynamic retarders is critical for the safety and economy of heavy-duty vehicles. In order to effectively improve the braking system to meet the needs of the market, an evaluation method for quantifying the performance of hydrodynamic retarders is imperative. In this paper, ten evaluation criteria are put forward according to relevant national standards and market requirements, then the scores corresponding to these criteria are obtained by performance bench test. A fuzzy modification of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method is applied to determine the relative weights of the chosen evaluation criteria, where uncertain and imprecise judgments of decision-makers are translated into fuzzy numbers. Furthermore, the improved radar chart method is used to comprehensively evaluate and rank the braking performance of three types of hydrodynamic retarders as an empirical example. In addition, the weight sensitivity analysis is conducted to examine the robustness of the ranking results. The results show that the proposed method is effective and feasible. It provides a reference for multi-objective optimization control strategies and structure designs of hydrodynamic retarders.
Novel Integer Shmaliy Transform and New Multiparametric Piecewise Linear Chaotic Map for Joint Lossless Compression and Encryption of Medical Images in IoMTs
Authors: Daoui Achraf , Mao Haokun , Yamni Mohamed , Li Qiong , Alfarraj Osama , Abd El-Latif Ahmed A.
Published: August 2023

The discrete Shmaliy moment transform (DST) is a type of discrete orthogonal moment transform that is widely used in signal and image processing. However, DST is not suitable for lossless image applications due to its non-integer reversible nature. To overcome this limitation, we introduce the integer discrete Shmaliy transform (IDST) that performs integer-to-integer encoding, leading to a perfect and unique reconstruction of the input image. Next, a new 1D chaotic system model, the 1D multiparametric piecewise linear chaotic map (M-PWLCM), is presented as an extension of the existing 1D PWLCM. The M-PWLCM includes eight control parameters defined over an unlimited interval. To demonstrate the relevance of IDST and M-PWLCM in reversible image processing applications, they are used in a new scheme for lossless compression and encryption of medical images in the internet of medical things (IoMTs). On the one hand, the simulation results show that our scheme offers a good compression ratio and a higher level of security to resist differential attacks, brute force attacks and statistical attacks. On the other hand, the comparative analysis carried out shows the overall superiority of our scheme over similar state-of-the-art ones, both in achieving a higher compression ratio and better security when communicating medical images over unsecured IoMTs.
Two-Person Stochastic Duel with Energy Fuel Constraint Ammo
Authors: Kim Song-Kyoo (Amang)
Published: August 2023

This paper deals with a novel variation of the versatile stochastic duel game that incorporates an energy fuel constraint into a two-player duel game. The energy fuel not only measures the vitality of players but also determines the power of the shooting projectile. The game requires players to carefully balance their energy usage, while trying to outmaneuver their opponent. This unique theoretical framework for the stochastic game model provides a valuable method for understanding strategic behavior in competitive environments, particularly in decision-making scenarios with fluctuating processes. The proposed game provides players with the challenge of optimizing their energy fuel usage, while managing the risk of losing the game. This novel model has potential for implementation across diverse fields, as it allows for a versatile conception of energy fuel. These energy fuels may encompass conventional forms, such as natural gas, petroleum, and electrical power, and even financial budgets, human capital, and temporal resources. The unique rules and constraints of the game in this research are expected to contribute insights into the decision-making strategies and behaviors of players in a wide range of practical applications. This research primarily focuses on deriving compact closed-form solutions, utilizing transformation and flexible analysis techniques adapted to varying the concept of the energy fuel level. By presenting a comprehensive description of our novel analytical approach and its application to the proposed model, this study aims to elucidate the fundamental principles underlying the energy fuel constraint stochastic duel game model.
DADE-DQN: Dual Action and Dual Environment Deep Q-Network for Enhancing Stock Trading Strategy
Authors: Huang Yuling , Lu Xiaoping , Zhou Chujin , Song Yunlin
Published: August 2023

Deep reinforcement learning (DRL) has attracted strong interest since AlphaGo beat human professionals, and its applications in stock trading are widespread. In this paper, an enhanced stock trading strategy called Dual Action and Dual Environment Deep Q-Network (DADE-DQN) for profit and risk reduction is proposed. Our approach incorporates several key highlights. First, to achieve a better balance between exploration and exploitation, a dual-action selection and dual-environment mechanism are incorporated into our DQN framework. Second, our approach optimizes the utilization of storage transitions by utilizing independent replay memories and performing dual mini-batch updates, leading to faster convergence and more efficient learning. Third, a novel deep network structure that incorporates Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and attention mechanisms is introduced, thereby improving the network’s ability to capture essential features and patterns. In addition, an innovative feature selection method is presented to efficiently enhance the input data by utilizing mutual information to identify and eliminate irrelevant features. Evaluation on six datasets shows that our DADE-DQN algorithm outperforms multiple DRL-based strategies (TDQN, DQN-Pattern, DQN-Vanilla) and traditional strategies (B&H, S&H, MR, TF). For example, on the KS11 dataset, the DADE-DQN strategy has achieved an impressive cumulative return of 79.43% and a Sharpe ratio of 2.21, outperforming all other methods. These experimental results demonstrate the performance of our approach in enhancing stock trading strategies.
Is There an Association between Increased Stress and Smartphone Addiction? Insights from a Study on Medical Students from Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: AlSaif Haytham I. , Alhozaimi Zeyad A. , Alrashed Alhanouf S. , Alanazi Kholoud S. , Alshibani Mohammed G. , Almigbal Turky H. , Alsaad Saad M. , Alrasheed Abdullah A. , Alosaimi Fahad D.
Published: August 2023

Purpose: Smartphone addiction is prevalent among medical students, and there is a concern that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic fueled a rise in smartphone addiction. Earlier studies suggest a link between excessive smartphone usage and negative outcomes such as depression, stress, and reduced academic achievement. However, there is a dearth of both local studies in Saudi Arabia and studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic exploring the prevalence of smartphone addiction and its association with academic performance, depression, and perceived stress, which is the purpose of the current study. Methods: In 2021, a cross-sectional research project took place among medical students at King Saud University and the Vision Colleges located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. An online self-administered questionnaire consisting of demographic variables, grade point average (GPA), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Perceived Stress Scale-4 (PSS-4), and the Smartphone Addiction Scale—Short Version (SAS-SV) was deployed. Results: Three hundred and fifteen students participated. Around 47.9% of students reported smartphone addiction, and the mean SAS-SV score was 32.31 ± 12.01 points. Both PHQ-9 and PSS-4 scores showed a significant positive correlation with the SAS-SV score (r = 0.216, p < 0.001 and r = 247, p < 0.001, respectively), while GPA did not (r = −0.027, p = 0.639). An adjusted analysis showed that the PSS-4 score was positively associated with the SAS-SV score (odds ratio (OR) = 1.206, p < 0.001), while the PHQ-9 score was not (OR = 102, p = 0.285). Conclusions: Smartphone addiction is prevalent among medical students and associated with perceived stress. Additional research is required to gain a deeper comprehension of this issue and to assess the success of intervention initiatives aimed at encouraging healthy smartphone usage, particularly in times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two Cases of Severe Complications Due to an Esophageal Fish Bone Foreign Body
Authors: Han Ji-Hee , Cha Ra-Ri , Kwak Ji-Yoon , Jeon Hankyu , Lee Sang-Soo , Jung Jae Jun , Cho Jin Kyu , Kim Hyun Jin
Published: August 2023

Cases of foreign body ingestion are encountered relatively often in clinical settings; however, serious complications are rare. In such cases, mediastinal abscess due to esophageal perforation can become a life-threatening complication. We encountered two cases of severe complications due to an esophageal fish bone foreign body. The first case was a 40-year-old male with an intramural esophageal abscess due to a fish bone after eating fish five days before visiting the hospital. The patient underwent surgical treatment, but the esophageal abscess did not improve; so, the abscess was drained through endoscopic mucosal dissection, and the abscess improved. In the second case, a 64-year-old male, who had eaten fish three days before visiting the hospital, had esophageal perforation by a fish bone, and abscess formation in the mediastinum and the lesser sac in the abdominal cavity were observed. Although surgical treatment was performed, the intra-abdominal abscess formation was not controlled; so, percutaneous drainage (PCD) was inserted, and the abscess improved. Both patients were discharged without any complications. Here, we report two cases that were improved through surgical treatments and additional treatments such as endoscopic dissection and PCD.
Peripheral Exudative Hemorrhagic Chorioretinopathy (PEHCR): Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges
Authors: Elwood Kevin F. , Richards Paige J. , Schildroth Kathleen R. , Mititelu Mihai
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives: Peripheral exudative hemorrhagic chorioretinopathy (PEHCR) is a peripheral retinal vascular abnormality that is likely underreported. We review the differential diagnoses, etiology, and treatment options for PEHCR. Methods: We present a case of an asymptomatic 72-year-old female referred following left eye fundus photography finding of the peripheral lesion. Results: Fundus photography demonstrated a large temporal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) with adjacent fibrovascular membrane. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) confirmed the PED with trace subretinal fluid. Fluorescein angiography (FA) demonstrated early and late hypofluorescence of the PED with late leakage of the adjacent temporal fibrovascular membrane. Observation was elected, visual acuity remained unaffected, and the PED spontaneously resolved. Conclusions: Due to the peripheral location, patients often present as asymptomatic; however, vision loss can occur due to vitreous hemorrhage or extension of subretinal fluid, hemorrhage, or exudate to the macula. Commonly, these lesions are referred with concern for choroidal melanoma due to their large, dark, elevated presentation in the peripheral retina. Multimodal testing using B-scan, FA, and OCT is important in establishing the proper diagnosis. PEHCR lesions can often be observed without treatment, though intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF is increasingly used to prevent secondary causes of vision loss.
Survey Analysis of Quantitative and Qualitative Menstrual Cycle Tracking Technologies
Authors: Stujenske Theresa M. , Mu Qiyan , Pérez Capotosto Melisssa , Bouchard Thomas P.
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives: Digital health and personalized medicine are advancing at an unprecedented pace. Users can document their menstrual cycle data in a variety of ways, including smartphone applications (apps), temperature tracking devices, and at-home urine hormone tests. Understanding the needs and goals of women using menstrual cycle tracking technologies is the first step to making these technologies more evidence based. The purpose of this study was to examine the current use of these technologies and explore how they are being used within the context of common hormonal and reproductive disorders, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and infertility. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study evaluating menstrual cycle tracking technology use. Participants were recruited in January–March 2023 using social media groups and a Marquette Method instructor email listserv. Data were collected using an electronic survey with Qualtrics. Data collected included participant demographics, menstrual cycle characteristics, reproductive health history, and menstrual cycle tracking behavior. Results: Three-hundred and sixty-eight participants were included in the analysis. Women had various motivations for tracking their menstrual cycles. Most participants (72.8%) selected “to avoid getting pregnant” as the primary motivation. Three hundred and fifty-six participants (96.7%) reported using a fertility awareness-based method to track and interpret their menstrual cycle data. The Marquette Method, which utilizes urine hormone tracking, was the most frequently used method (n = 274, 68.2%). The most frequently used cycle technology was a urine hormone test or monitor (n = 299, 81.3%), followed by a smartphone app (n = 253, 68.8%), and a temperature tracking device (n = 116, 31.5%). Women with PCOS (63.6%), endometriosis (61.8%), and infertility (75%) in our study reported that the use of tracking technologies aided in the diagnosis. Most participants (87.2%) reported a high degree of satisfaction with their use and that they contributed to their reproductive health knowledge (73.9%). Conclusions: Women in our study reported avoiding pregnancy as their primary motivation for using menstrual cycle tracking technologies, with the most frequently used being a urine hormone test or monitor. Our study results emphasize the need to validate these technologies to support their use for family planning. Given that most women in this study reported using a fertility awareness-based method, the results cannot be generalized to all users of menstrual cycle tracking technologies.
Novel Method of Bauxite Treatment Using Electroreductive Bayer Process
Authors: Shoppert Andrei , Valeev Dmitry , Loginova Irina
Published: August 2023

Reductive leaching in the Bayer cycle using iron (2+) allows for Al extraction to be significantly increased through the magnetization of Al-goethite and Al-hematite. However, the use of expensive iron (2+) salts or iron powder as a source of iron (2+) leads to a significant increase in production costs. In this work, the feasibility of a new method, the reductive leaching of bauxite using an electrolysis process, was investigated. The reduction of iron minerals of boehmitic bauxite in both the Bayer solution and purely alkaline solutions was carried out. Experiments were performed using a plate cathode and a bauxite suspension in an alkaline solution, as well as using a bulk cathode with a stainless-steel mesh at the bottom of a cell as the current supply. During the electrolysis process, the potential of the cathode relative to the reference electrode was measured as a function of the current at different concentrations of solid (100–300 g L−1) and suspension temperatures (95–120 °C). It was shown that the current efficiency using the suspension and plate cathode with the predominant deposition of Fe did not exceed 50% even with the addition of magnetite to increase the contact of the solid phase with the current supply. With the use of a bulk cathode, the reduction of iron minerals led predominantly to the formation of magnetite with the efficiency of using the electric current at more than 80%. As a result of the preliminary desilication and electroreduction, it was possible to extract more than 98% of Al from bauxite and to increase the iron content in the bauxite residue to 57–58%.
Multilayered Gel-Spotting Device for In Vitro Reconstruction of Hair Follicle-like Microstructure
Authors: Sugeno Aki , Sumi Takahiro , Sato-Yazawa Hanako , Yazawa Takuya , Inoue Hajime , Miyata Shogo
Published: August 2023

Hair follicles play an important role in hair development. This study aimed to develop a microgel-spotting device to fabricate a multilayered gel bead culture model and to mimic the early development of skin appendages to regenerate hair follicles in vitro. The model consists of an alginate gel layer containing cytokines as the core layer, a collagen gel layer containing mouse embryonic stem cells as the middle layer, and a collagen gel layer containing fetus-derived epidermal cells as the outer layer. A concentration gradient of cytokines is formed, which promotes interactions between epidermal and stem cells. Histological and immunnohistological analyses confirmed the reconstruction of hair follicle structures. As a result, the cell number and gel bead size could be precisely controlled by the developed microgel-spotting device. In the multilayered gel bead, the embryonic and epidermal cells cultured with the cytokine gradient formed cell aggregates with keratinized tissue in the center similar to “native” hair follicle structure. Sweat gland-like luminal tissue and erector pilorum-like structures were also observed around aggregates with concentric structures. In conclusion, the multilayered gel bead culture model demonstrated potential for in vitro hair follicle regeneration. The findings of this study provide insight into the early development of skin appendages.