bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model Predictive Control Used in Passenger Vehicles: An Overview
Authors: Charest-Finn Meaghan , Pejhan Shabnam
Published: November 2024

The following article presents a high-level overview of how Model Predictive Control (MPC) is leveraged in passenger vehicles and their subsystems for improved performance. This overview presents the fundamental concepts of MPC algorithms and their common variants. After building some understanding of MPC methods, the paper discusses state-of-the-art examples of how MPC methods are leveraged to perform low- to high-level tasks within a typical passenger vehicle. This review also aims to provide the reader with intuition in formulating MPC systems based on the strengths and weaknesses of the different formulations of MPC. The paper also highlights active areas of research and development.
Families of Planar Orbits in Polar Coordinates Compatible with Potentials
Authors: Kotoulas Thomas
Published: November 2024

In light of the planar inverse problem of Newtonian Dynamics, we study the monoparametric family of regular orbits f(r,θ)=c in polar coordinates (where c is the parameter varying along the family of orbits), which are generated by planar potentials V=V(r,θ). The corresponding family of orbits can be uniquely represented by the “slope function” γ=fθfr. By using the basic partial differential equation of the planar inverse problem, which combines families of orbits and potentials, we apply a new methodology in order to find specific potentials, e.g., V=A(r)+B(θ) or V=H(γ) and one-dimensional potentials, e.g., V=A(r) or V=G(θ). In order to determine such potentials, differential conditions on the family of orbits f(r,θ) = c are imposed. If these conditions are fulfilled, then we can find a potential of the above form analytically. For the given families of curves, such as ellipses, parabolas, Bernoulli’s lemniscates, etc., we find potentials that produce them. We present suitable examples for all cases and refer to the case of straight lines.
Efficiency Investigation of Langevin Monte Carlo Ray Tracing
Authors: Ershov Sergey , Frolov Vladimir , Nikolaev Alexander , Galaktionov Vladimir , Voloboy Alexey
Published: November 2024

The main computationally expensive task of realistic computer graphics is the calculation of global illumination. Currently, most of the lighting simulation methods are based on various types of Monte Carlo ray tracing. One of them, the Langevin Monte Carlo ray tracing, generates samples using the time series of a system of the Langevin dynamics. The method seems to be very promising for calculating the global illumination. However, it remains poorly studied, while its analysis could significantly speed up the calculations without losing the quality of the result. In our work, we analyzed the most computationally expensive operations of this method and also conducted the computational experiments demonstrating the contribution of a particular operation to the convergence speed. One of our main conclusions is that the computationally expensive drift term can be dropped because it does not improve convergence. Another important conclution is that the preconditioning matrix makes the greatest contribution to the improvement of convergence. At the same time, calculation of this matrix is not so expensive, because it does not require calculating the gradient of the potential. The results of our study allow to significantly speed up the method.
R-DOCO: Resilient Distributed Online Convex Optimization Against Adversarial Attacks
Authors: Kong Zhixiang , Xu Huajian , Pan Chengsheng
Published: November 2024

This paper addresses the problem of distributed constrained optimization in a multi-agent system where some agents may deviate from the prescribed update rules due to failures or malicious adversarial attacks. The objective is to minimize the collective cost of the unattacked agents while respecting the constraint limitations. To tackle this, we propose a resilient distributed projected gradient descent algorithm for online optimization that achieves sublinear individual regret, defined as the difference between the online and offline solutions. Additionally, we extend the cost function from convex combinations to more general distributed optimization scenarios. The proposed algorithm demonstrates resilience under adversarial conditions, allowing it to handle an unknown number of adversarial nodes while maintaining performance. Compared to existing methods, this approach offers a robust solution to adversarial attacks in constrained distributed optimization problems.
Joint Learning of Volume Scheduling and Order Placement Policies for Optimal Order Execution
Authors: Li Siyuan , Niu Hui , Lu Jiani , Liu Peng
Published: November 2024

Order execution is an extremely important problem in the financial domain, and recently, more and more researchers have tried to employ reinforcement learning (RL) techniques to solve this challenging problem. There are a lot of difficulties for conventional RL methods to tackle the order execution problem, such as the large action space including price and quantity, and the long-horizon property. As naturally order execution is composed of a low-frequency volume scheduling stage and a high-frequency order placement stage, most existing RL-based order execution methods treat these stages as two distinct tasks and offer a partial solution by addressing either one individually. However, the current literature fails to model the non-negligible mutual influence between these two tasks, leading to impractical order execution solutions. To address these limitations, we propose a novel automatic order execution approach based on the hierarchical RL framework (OEHRL), which jointly learns the policies for volume scheduling and order placement. OEHRL first extracts the state embeddings at both the macro and micro levels with a sequential variational auto-encoder model. Based on the effective embeddings, OEHRL generates a hindsight expert dataset, which is used to train a hierarchical order execution policy. In the hierarchical structure, the high-level policy is in charge of the target volume and the low-level learns to determine the prices for a series of the allocated sub-orders from the high level. These two levels collaborate seamlessly and contribute to the optimal order execution policy. Extensive experiment results on 200 stocks across the US and China A-share markets validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Heart Rate Estimation Algorithm Integrating Long and Short-Term Temporal Features
Authors: Sun Jie , Zhang Zhanwang , Liu Jiaqi , Zhou Lijian , Hu Songtao
Published: November 2024

Non-contact heart rate monitoring from facial videos utilizing remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) has gained significant traction in remote health monitoring. Given that rPPG captures the dynamic blood flow within the human body and constitutes a time-series signal characterized by periodic properties, this study introduced a three-dimensional convolutional neural network (3D CNN) designed to simultaneously address long-term periodic and short-term temporal characteristics for effective rPPG signal extraction. Firstly, differential operations are employed to preprocess video data, enhancing the face’s dynamic features. Secondly, building upon the 3D CNN framework, multi-scale dilated convolutions and self-attention mechanisms were integrated to enhance the model’s temporal modeling capabilities further. Finally, interpolation techniques are applied to refine the heart rate calculation methodology. The experiments conducted on the UBFC-rPPG dataset indicate that, compared with the existing optimal algorithm, the average absolute error (MAE) and the root mean square error (RMSE) realized significant enhancements of approximately 28% and 35%. Additionally, through comprehensive analyses such as cross-dataset experiments and complexity analyses, the validity and stability of the proposed algorithm in the task of heart rate estimation were manifested.
Mathematical Models for Removal of Pharmaceutical Pollutants in Rehabilitated Treatment Plants
Authors: Meghea Irina
Published: November 2024

This paper aims to investigate appropriate mathematical models devoted to the optimization of some cleaning processes related to pharmaceutical contaminant removal. In our recent works, we found the rehabilitation of the existing cleaning plants as a viable solution for the removal of this type of micropollutants from waters by introducing efficient techniques such as adsorption on granulated active carbon filters and micro-, nano-, or ultrafiltration. To have these processes under better control and to assure the transfer from small- to large-scale treatment stations, specific mathematical models are necessary. Starting from Navier–Stokes equations and imposing proper boundary conditions, some mathematical physics problems are obtained for which adequate solving methods via variational methods and surjectivity results are proposed. The importance of these solution characterizations consists in their continuation in adequate numerical methods and the possibility to visualize the result by using a CFD program.
Numerical Study of Multi-Term Time-Fractional Sub-Diffusion Equation Using Hybrid L1 Scheme with Quintic Hermite Splines
Authors: Priyanka Priyanka , Arora Shelly , Sahani Saroj , Singh Sharandeep
Published: November 2024

Anomalous diffusion of particles has been described by the time-fractional reaction–diffusion equation. A hybrid formulation of numerical technique is proposed to solve the time-fractional-order reaction–diffusion (FRD) equation numerically. The technique comprises the semi-discretization of the time variable using an L1 finite-difference scheme and space discretization using the quintic Hermite spline collocation method. The hybrid technique reduces the problem to an iterative scheme of an algebraic system of equations. The stability analysis of the proposed numerical scheme and the optimal error bounds for the approximate solution are also studied. A comparative study of the obtained results and an error analysis of approximation show the efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness of the technique.
Odd-Numbered Agaro-Oligosaccharides Produced by α-Neoagaro-Oligosaccharide Hydrolase Exert Antioxidant Activity in Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Jo Eunyoung , Gajanayaka Navindu Dinara , Bandara Minthari Sakethanika , Marasinghe Svini Dileepa , Park Gun-Hoo , Lee Su-Jin , Oh Chulhong , Lee Youngdeuk
Published: November 2024

Agarases produce agar oligosaccharides with various structures exhibiting diverse physiological activities. α-Neoagaro-oligosaccharide hydrolase (α-NAOSH) specifically cleaves even-numbered neoagaro-oligosaccharides, producing 3,6-anhydro-l-galactose (l-AHG) and odd-numbered agaro-oligosaccharides (OAOSs). In this study, α-NAOSH from the agar-degrading marine bacterium Gilvimarinus agarilyticus JEA5 (Gaa117) was purified and characterized using an E. coli expression system to produce OAOSs and determine their bioactivity. Recombinant Gaa117 (rGaa117) showed maximum activity at pH 6.0 and 35 °C. rGaa117 retained >80% of its initial activity after 120 min at 30 °C. The activity was enhanced in the presence of Mn2+. Km, Vmax, and Kcat/Km values of the enzyme were 22.64 mM, 246.3 U/mg, and 15 s−1/mM, respectively. rGaa117 hydrolyzed neoagarobiose, neoagarotetraose, and neoagarohexaose, producing OAOSs that commonly contained l-AHG. Neoagarobiose and neoagarotetraose mixtures, designated NAO24, and mixtures of l-AHG and agarotriose, designated AO13, were obtained using recombinant rGaa16B (β-agarase) and rGaa117, respectively, and their antioxidant activities were compared. AO13 showed higher hydrogen peroxide-scavenging activity than NAO24 in human dermal fibroblasts in vitro because of structural differences: AOSs have d-galactose at the non-reducing end, whereas NAOSs have l-AHG. In conclusion, OAOSs exhibited high ROS-scavenging activity in H2O2-induced human dermal fibroblasts. They may be applicable in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals for prevention of skin aging.
Marine-Derived Bioactive Ingredients in Functional Foods for Aging: Nutritional and Therapeutic Perspectives
Authors: Han Youngji , Kim Dong Hyun , Pack Seung Pil
Published: November 2024

Aging is closely linked to various health challenges, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions. This study emphasizes the critical role of bioactive compounds derived from marine sources, such as antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and polysaccharides, in addressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic disorders closely related to aging. Incorporating these materials into functional foods not only provides essential nutrients but also delivers therapeutic effects, thereby promoting healthy aging and mitigating age-related diseases. The growth of the global anti-aging market, particularly in North America, Europe, and Asia, underscores the significance of this study. This review systematically analyzes the current research, identifying key bioactive compounds, their mechanisms of action, and their potential health benefits, thus highlighting the broad applicability of marine-derived bioactive compounds to enhancing healthy aging and improving the quality of life of aging populations.
Extraction Optimization of Polysaccharides from Wet Red Microalga Porphyridium purpureum Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Chen Yi , Li Qianmei , Xu Bingqi , Xiang Wenzhou , Li Aifen , Li Tao
Published: November 2024

Porphyridium is a unicellular marine microalga that is rich in polysaccharides and has excellent biological activities. Optimizing the extraction of polysaccharides can significantly improve the value of Porphyridium biomass. In the present study, response surface methodology was employed to optimize the extraction conditions of polysaccharides, including extraction time, extraction temperature, and biomass-to-water ratio. Furthermore, microwave-assisted extraction was used to improve the yield of polysaccharides further. The results showed that increasing the extraction temperature and extraction time could enhance the yield of polysaccharides. The multiple regression analysis of RSM indicated that the model could be employed to optimize the extraction of polysaccharides. The optimal extraction time, extraction temperature, and biomass-to-water ratio were 45 min, 87 °C, and 1:63 g mL−1, respectively. Under these optimal conditions, the maximum yield of polysaccharides was 23.66% DW, which well matched the predicted yield. The results indicated that the extraction temperature was the most significant condition affecting the yield of polysaccharides. The microwave-assisted extraction could further improve the yield of polysaccharides to 25.48% DW. In conclusion, hot water with microwave-assisted extraction was effective for polysaccharide extraction in P. purpureum.
Successful Delayed Interval Delivery in Twin Pregnancy After Early Premature Rupture of Membranes of a Leading Fetus: A Case Report
Authors: Jang Won-Kyu
Published: November 2024

A 36-year-old primigravida conceived dichorionic diamniotic twins via in vitro fertilization. The first twin experienced premature rupture of membranes at 18 weeks and 5 days of gestation. Despite antibiotic treatment, the first fetus suffered intrauterine fetal death and was delivered three days later at 19 weeks and 1 day. Using ritodrine, the remaining umbilical cord was repositioned, and an emergency cerclage was performed. Ritodrine was continuously administered post-surgery but discontinued at 24 weeks and 3 days due to improved uterine contractions. The patient later delivered a healthy baby via cesarean section at 38 weeks due to decreased fetal movement and breech presentation. This rare case of premature rupture of membranes in one of the twins before the viability term, followed by a successful delayed delivery, is presented here.
The Impact of Heart Failure Chronic Treatment Prior to Cardiac Transplantation on Early Outcomes
Authors: Baba Dragos-Florin , Suciu Horatiu , Avram Calin , Harpa Marius Mihai , Stoian Mircea , Moldovan Diana-Andreea , Huma Laurentiu , Rusu Gabriel , Pal Tunde , Danilesco Alina , Stoian Adina , Sin Anca-Ileana
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: Cardiac transplantation represents the option for patients with end-stage heart failure (HF), providing the best survival rate. However, the postoperative complications of transplant patients remain a challenge for clinicians. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effect of preoperative chronic HF treatment on the occurrence of in-hospital complications. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively included a total of 50 patients who underwent cardiac transplantation between January 2011 and December 2023 from the Emergency Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases and Transplantation of Targu Mures. We correlated the preoperative chronic HF treatment with the postoperative complications by Spearmen’s correlation coefficient, respectively. With logistic regression, the associations between the treatment and specific complications were determined. Results: Significant negative correlations were found between Carvedilol treatment with 2-month mortality (r = −0.30; 95% CI: −0.53–−0.02; p = 0.03), Ramipril with hospital stay (r = −0.38; 95% CI: −0.60–-0.12; p < 0.01) and intensive care unit (ICU) stay (r = −0.37; 95% CI: −0.59–−0.11; p = 0.01), and Spironolactone usage with hospitalization duration (r = −0.28; 95% CI: −0.52–−0.01; p = 0.04). Furthermore, Carvedilol treatment represented a protective factor against early acute kidney injury (AKI) (OR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.05–0.91; p = 0.03). Spironolactone treatment was a protective factor against AGR (OR: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.02–0.66; p = 0.01) treatment, in contrast to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) therapy (OR: 5.30; 95% CI: 1.03–27.17; p = 0.04). Conclusions: Pre-transplant Carvedilol treatment was negatively correlated with the 2-month mortality rate. Ramipril and Spironolactone therapy were negatively correlated with hospitalization duration, and Ramipril was additionally correlated with ICU stay. Moreover, Carvedilol therapy represented a protective factor against early AKI. Pre-transplant Spironolactone was associated with lower event rates of AGR, in contrast to ACEI treatment. Prospective studies with larger cohorts are needed in order to draw drastic conclusions.
Perindopril Ameliorates Sodium Valproate-Induced Rat Model of Autism: Involvement of Sirtuin-1, JAK2/STAT3 Axis, PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β Pathway, and PPAR-Gamma Signaling
Authors: Alnakhli Anwar M. , Saleh Asmaa , Kabel Ahmed M. , Estfanous Remon S. , Borg Hany M. , Alsufyani Khulud M. , Sabry Nesreen M. , Gomaa Fatma Alzahraa M. , Abd Elmaaboud Maaly A.
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: Autism is a developmental disability characterized by impairment of motor functions and social communication together with the development of repetitive or stereotyped behaviors. Neither the exact etiology or the curative treatment of autism are yet completely explored. The goals of this study were to evaluate the possible effects of perindopril on a rat model of autism and to elucidate the possible molecular mechanisms that may contribute to these effects. Materials and Methods: In a rat model of sodium valproate (VPA)-induced autism, the effect of postnatal administration of different doses of perindopril on growth and motor development, social and repetitive behaviors, sirtuin-1, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway, JAK2/STAT3 axis, and PPAR-gamma signaling in the hippocampal tissues were investigated. The histopathological and electron microscopic changes elicited by administration of the different treatments were also investigated. Results: Perindopril dose-dependently combatted the effects of prenatal exposure to VPA on growth and maturation, motor development, and social and repetitive behaviors. In addition, the different doses of perindopril ameliorated the effects of prenatal exposure to VPA on sirtuin-1, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway, JAK2/STAT3 axis, and PPAR-gamma signaling. These effects had a mitigating impact on VPA-induced histopathological and electron microscopic changes in the hippocampal tissues. Conclusions: Perindopril may emerge as a promising agent for amelioration of the pathologic changes of autism spectrum disorders.
Psychometric Properties of the Anxiety Measure: Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 (SAVE-6) for Spanish Medical Students
Authors: Sarhani-Robles Aziz , Guillot-Valdés María , Lendínez-Rodríguez Cristina , Robles-Bello María Auxiliadora , Sánchez-Teruel David , Valencia Naranjo Nieves
Published: November 2024

Backgroud and Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of SAVE-6 in the medical student population and assess its gender invariance. Subjects and Methods: The sample consisted of 320 medical students aged 18–23 years (153 men and 167 women) who completed an anonymous online questionnaire. Data collection took place in June 2024. To assess the scale structure, a descriptive analysis of the items was carried out, followed by a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). To analyze whether there were differences in the invariance of the measure by gender, a multigroup CFA was performed. Results: SAVE-6 showed high internal consistency, α = 0.89 and ω = 0.92, a minimum score of 12, a maximum score of 22, an unifactorial structure, and adequate convergent validity. Specifically, the following were found: the positive and significant relationship with HADS was 0.98 for the full scale, 0.76 for depression, and 0.91 for anxiety, and there was a negative and significant convergent validity with resilience (−0.82) and resilience to suicide attempts (−0.88). Regarding the gender invariance, relevant data is that the factor loadings between each item and the SAVE-6 factor were not the same, so women present a higher level of anxiety than men (Δχ 2 (6) = 42.53). Discussion: The results showed good internal reliability of SAVE-6 and good suitability. Data also revealed that they were not equal in relation to gender. Specifically, the scalar invariance revealed significant differences by items between men and women in anxiety. Conclusions: This scale can be applied to medical students as a reliable and valid instrument to assess the anxiety response to disease contagion in future health professionals.
Murphy’s Law and Aesthetic Surgery: Are Outcomes Worse in Medical Doctor and Very Important Patients?
Authors: Zingaretti Nicola , De Francesco Francesco , Riccio Michele , Robiony Massimo , Tel Alessandro , Sembronio Salvatore , Bucciarelli Lavinia , Parodi Pier Camillo
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: Surgeons have long been aware of Murphy’s Law: “If anything can go wrong, it will”. When applied to surgery, Murphy’s Law suggests that if there is a way that an operation can be set up incorrectly then someday, somewhere, it will be set up incorrectly. This paper focuses on complications in medical doctor (MD) and VIPs during aesthetic surgery. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the clinical results of 368 MDs/VIPs (group 1) and 368 non-MDs/VIPs (group 2) who underwent aesthetic surgery (upper blepharoplasty, facelift, breast augmentation) between January 2010 and September 2021. The minimum follow-up after surgery was 2 years. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of complications between the two groups. Among the treated patients, the percentage of complications was similar to what has been reported in the literature. Interestingly, the time spent in surgery was longer, and there was an increased number of admissions to outpatient clinics in group 1. Conclusions: We suggest changing the current perception of Murphy’s Law regarding complications in MD patients/VIPs undergoing aesthetic surgery.
The Potential Role of the Microbiome in the Pathogenesis of Nasal Tumors: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Loperfido Antonella , Rizzo Davide , Fionda Bruno , Mureddu Luca , Tondo Andrea , Tagliaferri Luca , Bellocchi Gianluca , Delogu Giovanni , Bussu Francesco
Published: November 2024

Cancers of the nose, and especially the nose vestibule, represent a significant challenge for clinicians due to their rarity, the intricate nature of surrounding vital structures, the nonspecific early symptoms, and the etiological factors that are not completely understood. Emerging research suggests that alterations in the nasal microbiome, also known as microbial dysbiosis, may contribute to the pathogenesis of those malignancies through mechanisms involving chronic inflammation, immune modulation, and cellular changes. The aims of this paper are to review the current literature covering the nasal microbiome’s role in carcinogenesis, particularly in the context of squamous cell carcinoma, and to explore how microbial dysbiosis might foster a pro-tumorigenic environment. It further discusses potential future directions for research and therapeutic approaches.
Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging in Various Diseases
Authors: Cergan Romica , Dumitru Mihai , Costache Adrian
Published: November 2024

Diagnostic and interventional imaging is a cornerstone in the management of cases in various medical and surgical domains, such as neonatology, neurology, neurosurgery, otorhinolaryngology, dentistry, gynecology and urology [...]
Comparison of Bone Mineral Density Between Veterans and Non-Veterans and Its Impact on Fracture Risk Assessment
Authors: Deng Ya-Lien , Hsu Chun-Sheng , Chen Yi-Ming , Lin Shih-Yi , Chen Tse-Yu , Li Chi-Ruei , Lee Hsu-Tung , Wu Ying-Chia
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: Osteoporosis poses significant health risks, especially among veterans, due to lifestyle factors. This study compares bone density and fracture risks between male veterans and non-veterans. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1427 veterans from the Taichung Veterans General Hospital osteoporosis database (2010–2022), matched 1:1 by age and gender with non-veterans. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Comorbidities, fracture sites, and mortality data were tracked. Conditional logistic regression was used to identify factors influencing fracture risk. Results: The study found that veterans have a higher fracture risk (univariable OR 1.24, multivariable OR 1.20, p < 0.001). Fracture victims were slightly younger in the veterans group (78.7 ± 10.0 years vs. 80.1 ± 9.2 years, p = 0.010), who also had better T-scores in the lumbar spine and left femoral neck. Veterans showed a higher post-fracture mortality rate (39.9% vs. 31.9%, p = 0.001) and a greater incidence of radial fractures (5.01% vs. 2.96%, p = 0.036). Importantly, veterans exhibited a trend toward more hip fractures compared with non-veterans (27.0% vs. 23.6%, p = 1.017), suggesting a potential difference despite not reaching statistical significance. Conclusions: In the present study, we found that veterans have higher rates of comorbidities, and higher mortality after a fracture event, highlighting the need for targeted medical interventions to address these differences. Further intervention to prevent avoidable fractures and the provision of adequate care for long-term osteoporosis management remain critical issues.
The MARVIN Hypothesis: Linking Unhealthy Lifestyles to Intracranial Aneurysm Rupture Risk and Clinical Prognosis
Authors: Swiatek Vanessa M. , Fischer Igor , Khajuria Rajiv , Amini Amir , Steinkusch Hannah , Rashidi Ali , Stein Klaus-Peter , Dumitru Claudia A. , Sandalcioglu I. Erol , Neyazi Belal
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: The rising incidence of modifiable lifestyle risk factors and cardiovascular diseases, driven by poor diet, inactivity, excessive alcohol use, and smoking, may influence the development and rupture of intracranial aneurysms (IA). This study aimed to examine the impact of lifestyle-related and cardiovascular risk factors on IA rupture and patient outcomes. Materials and Methods: We developed the “MARVIN” (Metabolic and Adverse Risk Factors and Vices Influencing Intracranial Aneurysms) model and conducted a retrospective analysis of 303 patients with 517 IAs, treated between 2007 and 2020. Of these, 225 patients were analyzed for rupture status and 221 for clinical outcomes. The analysis focused on hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, vascular diseases, nicotine and alcohol abuse, obesity, aneurysm rupture status, and clinical outcomes. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the impact of these risk factors. Results: Among those with risk factors, 24.9% (56/225) and 25.3% (56/221) had one, 32.0% (72/225) and 30.8% (68/221) had two, 20.0% (45/225) and 20.4% (45/221) had three, 12.0% (27/225) and 12.2% (27/221) had four, 4.0% (9/225) and 4.1% (9/221) had five, 0.9% (2/225) had six in both groups, and 0.4% (1/225) and 0.5% (1/221) had seven risk factors, respectively. Strong relationships were found between lifestyle-related vascular risk factors, indicating multiple comorbidities in patients with unhealthy habits. Smokers with ruptured aneurysms had higher WFNS (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies) scores, but nicotine abuse did not affect long-term outcomes. The most significant predictors for poor outcomes were WFNS score and age, while age and a history of vascular diseases were protective against rupture. Despite the high prevalence of modifiable risk factors, they did not significantly influence rupture risk. Conclusions: The findings suggest a need for multifactorial risk assessment strategies in managing IA patients. Future studies with larger cohorts are required to confirm these results and better understand IA progression.
Tibial Insufficiency Fracture with Characteristics of an Atypical Fracture: A Rare Case and Literature Review
Authors: Kim Ju-Yeong , Lee Se-Won
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: Osteoporosis is becoming more prevalent with the rise in the aging population, leading to the increased use of bisphosphonates for treatment. While these medications are effective in preventing osteoporotic fractures, long-term use has been associated with atypical insufficiency fractures, primarily in the femur. However, atypical fractures in other weight-bearing bones, such as the tibia, have rarely been reported. This study aims to present a case of an atypical insufficiency fracture of the tibia in an elderly female who has been on long-term bisphosphonate therapy and to review treatment outcomes within the context of the current literature. Patient concerns: A 76-year-old female presented with pain in the proximal right tibia, developing two months prior without trauma. She had been receiving long-term bisphosphonate therapy for osteoporosis, initially taking sodium risedronate orally for 4 years, followed by intravenous ibandronate for 10 years. Physical examination revealed localized tenderness, and radiographs showed cortical thickening and a horizontal fracture line in the proximal right tibia. MRI confirmed these findings, along with surrounding edema. The laboratory results were mostly normal, but the bone formation marker osteocalcin was significantly reduced. The patient had a history of insufficiency fractures in the ipsilateral tibia and contralateral femur, previously treated conservatively with teriparatide. A similar conservative approach was attempted but failed, leading to surgical intervention with intramedullary nailing and supplementary plating. At the 8-month follow-up, the patient showed successful fracture union and resolution of symptoms. Conclusion: Long-term use of bisphosphonates, though effective for osteoporosis, can lead to atypical insufficiency fractures, primarily in the femur but also occasionally in the tibia. Clinicians should consider this possibility when patients present with pain in weight-bearing bones without a history of trauma. Prompt diagnosis through thorough history-taking, physical examination, and appropriate imaging is essential to ensure timely management.
Analysis of Oxide Layer Formation During Oxidation of AISI 4140 Steel at 1000 °C over Exposure Time
Authors: Carvalho Matheus O. , Matlakhova Lioudmila A. , Monteiro Sérgio N. , Manhães Rosane S. T. , Palii Natalia A.
Published: November 2024

The high-temperature shaping of steels is accompanied by the formation of surface scales composed of oxide layers. However, the oxidation kinetics and morphology of these scales remain poorly understood. This study analyses the formation of oxide layers on AISI 4140 steel at varying oxidation times (20, 40 and 60 min) at 1000 °C. The analysis revealed the presence of hematite, magnetite, and transformed wustite in the oxide layers, along with clusters of alloying element oxides, predominantly chromium and iron oxide (FeCr2O4). There was a direct correlation between the duration of the oxidation process and the thickness of the scale and the number of defects observed in the material. The coating layer of alloying element oxides demonstrated insufficient adhesion to the steel substrate. Similarly, the oxides of alloying elements within this layer exhibited low cohesion among themselves. The alloying elements are present in all oxide layers, but in greater quantity in the layer in contact with the steel substrate, where a reduction in their concentrations was observed over time. This indicates that the alloying elements tend to disperse as the thickness of the alloying element oxide layer increases over time.
Effect of Combined Addition of La and Sm on Mechanical Properties, Microstructure Evolution, and Electrochemical Behavior of Mg-3Zn-1Mn/Sn-0.5Ca Alloy
Authors: Hu Ke , Li Shuanghai , Huang Junjie , Guo Xiaoming , Tian Tingting , Liu Xiao , Jia Zheng
Published: November 2024

The effects of the composite addition of La and Sm elements on the microstructural evolution, mechanical properties, and electrochemical behaviors of Mg-3Zn-1Mn/Sn-0.5Ca (wt.%) alloys are systematically investigated. The findings reveal that the Mg-3Zn-1Mn-0.5Ca alloy exhibits excellent ductility, achieving 26% elongation, whereas the Mg-3Zn-1Sn-0.5Ca alloy demonstrates good comprehensive mechanical properties. The addition of La and Sm results in a degree of grain refinement in both alloys and significantly bolsters the strength of the Mg-3Zn-1Mn-0.5Ca alloy, but it has a less pronounced effect on the mechanical properties of the Mg-3Zn-1Sn-0.5Ca alloy. Furthermore, the addition of La-Sm significantly improves the corrosion resistance of both alloys. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis reveals that all four alloys form a double-capacitance loop morphology in 3.5% NaCl, indicating the formation of a protective film during the corrosion process. Among them, the Mg-3Zn-1Mn-0.5Ca-1La-0.5Sm alloy exhibits the largest capacitance loop radius, which is consistent with its polarization curve, indicating the best corrosion resistance. At the corrosion potential of −1.382V, the corrosion current is 8.97 μA·cm−2.
An In Vitro Artificial Wound Slough–Biofilm Model Developed for Evaluating a Novel Antibiofilm Technology
Authors: Chen Rui , Saint Bezard Jeanne , Swann Marcus J. , Watson Fergus , Percival Steven L.
Published: November 2024

Eschar and slough in wounds serve as a reservoir for microorganisms and biofilms, damaged/devitalised cells, and inflammatory chemokines/cytokines, which work to initiate and prolong persistent inflammation and increase the risk of infection. Biofilm-related inflammation and infections are considered to be highly prevalent in acute wounds and chronic wounds. As slough is known to harbour biofilms, measuring the efficacy of antimicrobials in killing microbes both within and under slough is warranted. This highlights the need for more clinically relevant wound biofilm models to address this significant clinical need. Consequently, in this study, we developed an in vitro artificial wound slough (AWS) biofilm model produced by forming a biofilm below a layer of AWS, the latter of which was composed of the main protein components reported in wound eschar and slough, namely collagen, elastin, and fibrin. The model was employed to investigate the antibiofilm and antibacterial efficacy of a new patented smart next-generation antibiofilm technology composed of silver–zinc EDTA complexes and designed as a family of multifunctional metal complexes referred to as MMCs, in a liquid format, and to determine both the performance and penetration through AWS to control and manage biofilms. The results demonstrated the ability of the AWS–biofilm model to be employed for the evaluation of the efficacy of a new antibiofilm and antimicrobial next-generation smart technology. The results also demonstrated the potential for the proprietary EDTA multifunctional metal complexes to be used for the disruption of biofilms, such as those that form in chronic wounds.
Comparison of Carbapenemases and Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases and Resistance Phenotypes in Hospital- and Community-Acquired Isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae from Croatia
Authors: Car Haris , Dobrić Mirela , Pospišil Mladen , Nađ Marina , Luxner Josefa , Zarfel Gernot , Grisold Andrea , Nikić-Hecer Ana , Vraneš Jasmina , Bedenić Branka
Published: November 2024

K. pneumoniae harbors various antibiotic resistance determinants like extended-spectrum and plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamases and carbapenemases. In the last three years, in the period of intense population aging, migrations and climate changes in Europe and Croatia as well, we observed changes in antibiotic resistance patters of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP) isolates obtained routinely in community and inpatient setting. The aim was to compare and subsequently analyze CRKP hospital and community isolates resistance mechanisms, traits and molecular epidemiology, in order to analyze the dynamic of resistance trends, carbapenemase types and plasmid epidemiology. Disk diffusion and broth dilution method were the methods of choice to determine antibiotic susceptibility. β-lactamases were screened by phenotypic methods and confirmed with PCR. In total 113 isolates were analysed. Resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate and ertapenem was confirmed in all strains. High resistance rates (over 90%) were observed for extended-spectrum cephalosporins, and ciprofloxacin. OKNV (OXA-48, KPC, NDM, VIM) testing and PCR detected OXA-48 in 106, NDM in 7 and KPC in only one isolate. ESBLs accompanied carbapenemases in 103 isolates. IncL, associated with OXA-48, was the dominant plasmid type. No significant differences in the resistance profile and resistance determinants were found between hospital and community isolates plasmid type. The predominance of OXA-48 carbapenemase is in line with the reports from the neigbouring countries.
Microbes in Agriculture: Prospects and Constraints to Their Wider Adoption and Utilization in Nutrient-Poor Environments
Authors: Mohammed Mustapha , Dakora Felix D.
Published: November 2024

Microbes such as bacteria and fungi play important roles in nutrient cycling in soils, often leading to the bioavailability of metabolically important mineral elements such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn). Examples of microbes with beneficial traits for plant growth promotion include mycorrhizal fungi, associative diazotrophs, and the N2-fixing rhizobia belonging to the α, β and γ class of Proteobacteria. Mycorrhizal fungi generally contribute to increasing the surface area of soil-root interface for optimum nutrient uptake by plants. However, when transformed into bacteroids inside root nodules, rhizobia also convert N2 gas in air into ammonia for use by the bacteria and their host plant. Thus, nodulated legumes can meet a high proportion of their N requirements from N2 fixation. The percentage of legume N derived from atmospheric N2 fixation varies with crop species and genotype, with reported values ranging from 50–97%, 24–67%, 66–86% 27–92%, 50–92%, and 40–75% for soybean (Gycine max), groundnut (Arachis hypogea), mung bean (Vigna radiata), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), and Kersting’s groundnut (Macrotyloma geocarpum), respectively. This suggests that N2-fixing legumes require little or no N fertilizer for growth and grain yield when grown under field conditions. Even cereals and other species obtain a substantial proportion of their N nutrition from associative and endophytic N2-fixing bacteria. For example, about 12–33% of maize N requirement can be obtained from their association with Pseudomonas, Hebaspirillum, Azospirillum, and Brevundioronas, while cucumber can obtain 12.9–20.9% from its interaction with Paenebacillus beijingensis BJ-18. Exploiting the plant growth-promoting traits of soil microbes for increased crop productivity without any negative impact on the environment is the basis of green agriculture which is done through the use of biofertilizers. Either alone or in combination with other synergistic rhizobacteria, rhizobia and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi have been widely used in agriculture, often increasing crop yields but with occasional failures due to the use of poor-quality inoculants, and wrong application techniques. This review explores the literature regarding the plant growth-promoting traits of soil microbes, and also highlights the bottle-necks in tapping this potential for sustainable agriculture.
Combination Therapy Is Not Associated with Decreased Mortality in Infectious Endocarditis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Farahani Parisa , Ruffin Felicia , Taherahmadi Mohammad , Webster Maren , Korn Rachel E. , Cantrell Sarah , Wahid Lana , Fowler Vance G. , Thaden Joshua T.
Published: November 2024

Untreated infective endocarditis (IE) is uniformly fatal. The practice of combination antibiotic therapy for IE is recommended by treatment guidelines but largely unsupported by high-quality evidence. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of combination antibiotic therapy compared to monotherapy in IE through a systematic review and meta-analysis. We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and CINAHL from inception to 29 July 2024. Studies reporting mortality outcomes of combination therapy versus monotherapy in adult patients with IE were included. Non-English papers and studies with less than 10 patients in the combination therapy group were excluded. Two reviewers independently assessed the studies and extracted relevant data. Summaries of odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were evaluated using random-effects models. Out of 4545 studies identified, 32 studies (involving 2761 patients) met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in the risk of all-cause mortality between the monotherapy and combination therapy groups (OR = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.67–1.20). Similar results were observed in subgroup analyses based on mortality time points, bacterial species, publication date, and type of study. Studies conducted in Europe reported a statistically significant decrease in overall mortality risk with combination therapy (OR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.51–0.89), though this result was driven entirely by a single outlier study. Combination antibiotic therapy in patients with IE was not associated with reduced mortality.
High-Resolution Melting PCR as a Fast and Simple Molecular Biology-Based Method for the Identification of Hypervirulent Clostridioides difficile Strains Directly in Stool Samples
Authors: Bogiel Tomasz , Górniak Robert , Ambroziak Weronika , Zieliński Szymon , Zieja Dominika Anna , Kanarek Piotr
Published: November 2024

Clostridioides difficile became one of the main causes of nosocomial infections in all clinical settings worldwide, especially among patients undergoing antibiotic therapy. The incidence and severity of C. difficile infections, from mild diarrhea to life-threatening pseudomembranous colitis, correlate with the spread of the hypervirulent binary toxin (CDT)-producing strains. The use of the real-time HRM-PCR method enables the identification of hypervirulent C. difficile strains directly in the diarrheal stool samples of patients suspected of being infected with this bacterium. For this purpose, the cdtA and cdtB genes encoding CDT subunits, as well as the species-specific gluD gene, were detected to identify the presence of this bacterium in the tested samples. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) of the established method were also assessed. The obtained results were compared with the results of eazyplex® C. difficile complete test (AmplexDiagnostics GmbH) based on the LAMP method, used in standard microbiological diagnostics. The values of the assessed diagnostic parameters for the detected genes ranged from 58.82% to 98.85%. The lowest value (58.82%) was obtained for the PPV of cdtB and the highest (98.85%) for the NPV of this gene. The real-time HRM-PCR method enables fast and simple detection of the investigated genes of hypervirulent C. difficile strains and, after careful optimization, may demonstrate high potential for usefulness in routine microbiological diagnostics.
One Year of Wastewater Surveillance in South Africa Supporting COVID-19 Clinical Findings Across Two Waves of Infection
Authors: Street Renée , Mathee Angela , Reddy Tarylee , Mahlangeni Nomfundo T. , Mangwana Noluxabiso , Nkambule Sizwe , Webster Candice , Dias Stephanie , Sharma Jyoti Rajan , Ramharack Pritika , Louw Johan , Surujlal-Naicker Swastika , Berkowitz Natacha , Mdhluli Mongezi , Gray Glenda , Muller Christo , Johnson Rabia
Published: November 2024

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has been an important tool for the detection of COVID-19 outbreaks. The retrospective analysis of COVID-19 data is vital to understand the spread and impact of the virus as well as to inform future planning and response efforts. In this study, we evaluated the SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in wastewater from 21 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the City of Cape Town (South Africa) over a period of 12 months and compared the (inactive) SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in wastewater between wave 2 (November 2020 to January 2021) and wave 3 (June 2021 to September 2021). The SARS-CoV-2 RNA expression was quantified in wastewater using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) by targeting the nucleocapsid (N) gene, and the resultant signal was normalized to the WWTP design capacity and catchment size. Our findings show that the maximum SARS-CoV-2 RNA signal was significantly higher in wave 3 than in wave 2 (p < 0.01). The duration of wave 3 (15 weeks) was longer than that of wave 2 (10 weeks), and the wastewater surveillance data supported the clinical findings, as evidenced by the two distinct waves. Furthermore, the data demonstrated the importance of long-term wastewater surveillance as a key indicator of changing trends.