bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleep Disturbances as a Consequence of Long COVID-19: Insights from Actigraphy and Clinimetric Examinations—An Uncontrolled Prospective Observational Pilot Study
Authors: Tański Wojciech , Tomasiewicz Anna , Jankowska-Polańska Beata
Published: February 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic represents a global health and social challenge. However, the impact of a SARS-CoV-2 infection itself on mental health and sleep quality remains poorly understood. The purpose of the present uncontrolled prospective observational pilot study was to evaluate the impact of past COVID-19 disease on the incidence of quantitative and qualitative sleep disturbances. A group of 61 subjects (37 female, 24 male) reported sleep disturbances that had lasted for at least one month and had started after recovery from COVID-19. The study used self-reported instruments: the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), as well as an objective method—actigraphy—for quantitative analysis of sleep architecture. It was shown that sleep disturbances most commonly started after recovery (68.3%, n = 41) and lasted for more than one month (83.6%, n = 51). ESS scores of 7.8 ± 5.0 points indicate moderate daytime sleepiness, and ISI scores of 16.3 ± 5.8 points denote moderate insomnia. ESS scores were negatively correlated with total time in bed (r = −0.3780, p = 0.003), total sleep time (r = −0.2969, p = 0.020), and wakefulness after sleep onset (r = −0.2654, p = 0.039). In addition, ESS scores were correlated negatively with the respondents’ age (B = −0.17, p = 0.000) and time from COVID-19 onset. A positive correlation was found between wakefulness after sleep onset and ESS scores (B = −0.05, p = 0.039). ISI scores were positively correlated with time in bed (r = 0.3275, p = 0.010). Female gender was found to be a significant predictor of insomnia’s severity (B = 2.159, t = 3.04, p = 0.004). In conclusion, patients with a history of COVID-19 report long-lasting sleep disturbances that do not subside spontaneously. In the patient group studied, moderate levels of daytime sleepiness and insomnia were found. The most frequently reported problems included irregular sleep, frequent awakenings, and difficulty maintaining sleep, while normal sleep duration was preserved. These findings underscore the need for continued attention to the long-term consequences of COVID-19 on sleep health and emphasize the importance of targeted interventions to address these enduring sleep disturbances in affected individuals.
Effect of Selective 5-Hydroxytryptamine-3 Receptor and Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists on Hemodynamic Changes and Arrhythmogenic Potential in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: A Retrospective, Observational Study
Authors: Bozbulut Utku Burak , Cengiz Tuğba , Özet Ahmet
Published: February 2024

Background: Prior speculation suggests that selective 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptors and neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists may increase arrhythmia risk and induce electrocardiographic changes. This study examined the effect of anti-emetic medications on arrhythmogenic potential and hemodynamic alterations. Methods: We considered patients aged 18 or above receiving chemotherapy between June 2013 and December 2013. Patients were grouped by anti-emetic medication: intravenous granisetron (Group G), oral aprepitant plus IV granisetron (Group AG), IV palonosetron (Group P), and oral aprepitant plus IV palonosetron (Group AP). We recorded blood pressure and electrocardiography initially and at the thirtieth minute post-medication, focusing on P dispersion, QTc dispersion, and systolic/diastolic blood pressure alterations. Results: The study included 80 patients (20 per group). Baseline systolic/diastolic blood pressure and P dispersion showed no significant variance. However, the baseline QTc dispersion was significantly lower in Groups P and AP than G and AG. The thirtieth-minute systolic/diastolic blood pressures were significantly lower than the baseline for Groups AG and AP, and the heart rates decreased in all groups. Group P showed significantly fewer blood pressure changes. Conclusions: We found no arrhythmogenic potential linked to granisetron, palonosetron, and aprepitant. Hypotension was more frequent at 30 min post-medication in granisetron or aprepitant recipients. Considering no hypotension occurred when using palonosetron alone, this treatment was deemed safer.
Maximum Pain at Rest in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Elective Thoracic Surgery and the Predictors of Moderate-to-Severe Pain—Secondary Data Analysis
Authors: Tomaszek Lucyna , Fenikowski Dariusz , Cież-Piekarczyk Nina , Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska Wioletta
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Pain management among children following thoracic surgery is an area of significant practice variability. Understanding the risk factors of moderate-to-severe pain intensity will allow for adequate pain relief. The aim of the study was to assess the maximum intensity of pain at rest in pediatric patients within 24 h of thoracic surgery and to investigate the prevalence and predictors of moderate-to-severe pain. Methods and findings: This is a prospective cohort study of patients in observational and randomized controlled trials following thoracic surgery. A secondary analysis of data was conducted using data collected from 446 patients aged 7–18 years undergoing thoracic surgery. The primary endpoint was maximum pain intensity (Numerical Rating Scale; NRS; range: 0–10) and the secondary endpoint was the prevalence and predictors of moderate-to-severe pain (NRS > 2/10). The median maximum pain in the cohort was 3 [0; 4]. During the immediate postoperative period, 54% of patients reported a maximum NRS > 2/10. The infusion of morphine by an intravenous route (vs. epidural route) was a protective factor against moderate-to-severe pain. Taking into account the findings related to the type of epidural analgesia (vs. intravenous morphine), it was found that only the administration of 0.25% bupivacaine combined with morphine or fentanyl was a protective factor against moderate-to-severe postoperative pain. Patients aged 14–18 years (vs. aged 7–13 years) had an increased risk of reporting pain as moderate-to-severe. Conclusions: The route of analgesic administration, type of multimodal analgesia, and patients’ age predict moderate-to-severe pain in pediatric patients after thoracic surgery.
Predictive Factors of Cardiac Mortality Following TEER in Patients with Secondary Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Imamura Teruhiko , Tanaka Shuhei , Ushijima Ryuichi , Fukuda Nobuyuki , Ueno Hiroshi , Kinugawa Koichiro , Kubo Shunsuke , Yamamoto Masanori , Saji Mike , Asami Masahiko , Enta Yusuke , Nakashima Masaki , Shirai Shinichi , Izumo Masaki , Mizuno Shingo , Watanabe Yusuke , Amaki Makoto , Kodama Kazuhisa , Yamaguchi Junichi , Nakajima Yoshifumi , Naganuma Toru , Bota Hiroki , Ohno Yohei , Yamawaki Masahiro , Mizutani Kazuki , Otsuka Toshiaki , Hayashida Kentaro ,   on behalf of the OCEAN-Mitral Investigators
Published: February 2024

Background: Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TEER) has emerged as a viable approach to addressing substantial secondary mitral regurgitation. In the contemporary landscape where ultimate heart failure-specific therapies, such as cardiac replacement modalities, are available, prognosticating a high-risk cohort susceptible to early cardiac mortality post-TEER is pivotal for formulating an effective therapeutic regimen. Methods: Our study encompassed individuals with secondary mitral regurgitation and chronic heart failure enlisted in the multi-center (Optimized CathEter vAlvular iNtervention (OCEAN)-Mitral registry. We conducted an assessment of baseline variables associated with cardiac death within one year following TEER. Results: Amongst the 1517 patients (median age: 78 years, 899 males), 101 experienced cardiac mortality during the 1-year observation period after undergoing TEER. Notably, a history of heart failure-related admissions within the preceding year, utilization of intravenous inotropes, and elevated plasma B-type natriuretic peptide levels emerged as independent prognosticators for the primary outcome (p < 0.05 for all). Subsequently, we devised a novel risk-scoring system encompassing these variables, which significantly stratified the cumulative incidence of the 1-year primary outcome (16%, 8%, and 4%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study culminated in the development of a new risk-scoring system aimed at predicting 1-year cardiac mortality post-TEER.
Dental Treatment Needs of Male Inmates in Relation to the Analysis of Medical Databases
Authors: Korkosz Rafał , Trzcionka Agata , Mączkowiak Dagmara , Kiełbratowski Maksymilian , Kuśka-Kiełbratowska Anna , Rahnama Mansur , Tanasiewicz Marta
Published: February 2024

The worldwide incarceration rate per 100,000 people varies from 30 in India, 580 in Europe, to 750 in United States. The health of prisoners is of great concern. Research in many countries has shown poor oral health conditions among prisoners, particularly reflected in the high number of lost and untreated decayed teeth. The aim of our study was to evaluate the quality and range in dental procedures conducted on male prisoners, based on a retrospective analysis of medical history gathered at the Academic Center of Dentistry and Specialistic Medicine of Medical University of Silesia in Bytom for the period 2018–2021, and its correlation with the results obtained from the analysis of the Web of Science (WoS) and SCOPUS medical databases. Our research was carried out on the examined group, 86 men (mean age 31 years old), and a control group, 106 men (mean age 32 years old). The retrospective analysis of the medical history was performed. Results of our own research showed the values for decayed and missing teeth were significantly higher in the examined group while the values for the filled teeth component were significantly higher in the control group. The chance for the occurrence of the radices was 2.5 times higher in the examined group than in the control. The examined group was characterized by 3.6 times higher chance of no root canal treatment than the control group. The number of the endodontically treated teeth was significantly higher in the control group. The examined group was characterized by 4.2 higher probability for periapical lesion occurrence in teeth that were not endodontically treated. The number of teeth qualified for the endodontic treatment was significantly higher in the examined group, while the number of teeth qualified for the reendow treatment was significantly higher in the control group. The probability for the occurrence of both vertical and horizontal atrophy in the alveolar process was twice and three times higher in the examined than in the control group. In conclusion, the oral status of inmates is worse when compared to those who live in freedom, which is why there is a need to prepare a scheme to improve the condition of the stomatognathic system in prisoners.
Critical Care Management of Severe Asthma Exacerbations
Authors: Gayen Shameek , Dachert Stephen , Lashari Bilal , Gordon Matthew , Desai Parag , Criner Gerard , Cardet Juan , Shenoy Kartik
Published: February 2024

Severe asthma exacerbations, including near-fatal asthma (NFA), have high morbidity and mortality. Mechanical ventilation of patients with severe asthma is difficult due to the complex pathophysiology resulting from severe bronchospasm and dynamic hyperinflation. Life-threatening complications of traditional ventilation strategies in asthma exacerbations include the development of systemic hypotension from hyperinflation, air trapping, and pneumothoraces. Optimizing pharmacologic techniques and ventilation strategies is crucial to treat the underlying bronchospasm. Despite optimal pharmacologic management and mechanical ventilation, the mortality rate of patients with severe asthma in intensive care units is 8%, suggesting a need for advanced non-pharmacologic therapies, including extracorporeal life support (ECLS). This review focuses on the pathophysiology of acute asthma exacerbations, ventilation management including non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), the pharmacologic management of acute asthma, and ECLS. This review also explores additional advanced non-pharmacologic techniques and monitoring tools for the safe and effective management of critically ill adult asthmatic patients.
Biliary Anatomy Visualization and Surgeon Satisfaction Using Standard Cholangiography versus Indocyanine Green Fluorescent Cholangiography during Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Symeonidis Savvas , Mantzoros Ioannis , Anestiadou Elissavet , Ioannidis Orestis , Christidis Panagiotis , Bitsianis Stefanos , Zapsalis Konstantinos , Karastergiou Trigona , Athanasiou Dimitra , Apostolidis Stylianos , Angelopoulos Stamatios
Published: February 2024

Background: Intraoperative biliary anatomy recognition is crucial for safety during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, since iatrogenic bile duct injuries represent a fatal complication, occurring in up to 0.9% of patients. Indocyanine green fluorescence cholangiography (ICG-FC) is a safe and cost-effective procedure for achieving a critical view of safety and recognizing early biliary injuries. The aim of this study is to compare the perioperative outcomes, usefulness and safety of standard intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) with ICG-FC with intravenous ICG. Methods: Between 1 June 2021 and 31 December 2022, 160 patients undergoing elective LC were randomized into two equal groups: Group A (standard IOC) and group B (ICG-FC with intravenous ICG). Results: No significant difference was found between the two groups regarding demographics, surgery indication or surgery duration. No significant difference was found regarding the visualization of critical biliary structures. However, the surgeon satisfaction and cholangiography duration presented significant differences in favor of ICG-FC. Regarding the inflammatory response, a significant difference between the two groups was found only in postoperative WBC levels. Hepatic and renal function test results were not significantly different between the two groups on the first postoperative day, except for direct bilirubin. No statistically significant difference was noted regarding 30-day postoperative complications, while none of the complications noted included bile duct injury events. Conclusions: ICG-FC presents equivalent results to IOC regarding extrahepatic biliary visualization and postoperative complications. However, more studies need to be performed in order to standardize the optimal dose, timing and mode of administration.
Effects of the Injection Material and Resin Layer on the Mechanical Properties of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic (CFRTP) Press and Injection Hybrid Molded Parts
Authors: Tanaka Kazuto , Taniguchi Masaki
Published: February 2024

In the press and injection hybrid molded parts of fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (FRTPs), failure at the interface between the surface material (the outer shell) and the ribs (the injection part) or that at the injection part has become an issue. Adding a resin layer to the rib roots at the same time that the ribs are molded through injection has been proposed, which may increase the mechanical properties and reduce the material cost. To prevent failure at the injection part, the use of fiber-reinforced resin as an injection material has been suggested. This approach contributes to a higher bond strength by lowering the molding shrinkage rate. In this study, the hat-shaped parts of carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTPs) with fiber-reinforced and neat resin layers at the rib root were fabricated through press and injection hybrid molding, and their mechanical properties were evaluated through three-point bending tests. The effects of the resin layer at the rib root and the existence or nonexistence of fiber reinforcement on the mechanical properties, as well as the relationship between the material cost and the mechanical properties, were clarified through an experiment and FEM analysis. The bond strength was also evaluated through tensile tests that were undertaken at the rib root. Molded parts with neat PA6 and glass fiber-reinforced PA6 resin layers at the rib roots showed higher bond strength than those without resin layers. In a three-point bending test of a CFRTP hat-shaped part with a resin layer at the rib roots, the use of a 1 mm thick CFRTP laminate for the outer shell and glass fiber-reinforced PA6 resin as the injection material showed the same stiffness as a part that used a 2 mm thick CFRTP laminate for the outer shell. FEM analysis showed that the resin layer prevented the concentration of strain at the rib roots, and the model that used a 1 mm thick CFRTP laminate for the outer shell and glass fiber-reinforced PA6 resin as the injection material showed the best specific stiffness in this study. By adding a resin layer to the rib roots, the fabrication of molded parts with excellent specific stiffness was enabled at a small increase in cost.
LC Tank Oscillator Based on New Negative Resistor in FDSOI Technology
Authors: Mao Yuqing , Charlon Yoann , Leduc Yves , Jacquemod Gilles
Published: February 2024

Although Moore’s Law reaches its limits, it has never applied to analog and RF circuits. For example, due to the short channel effect (SCE), drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL), and sub-threshold slope (SS)…, longer transistors are required to implement analog cells. From 22 nm CMOS technology and beyond, for reasons of variability, the channel of the transistors has no longer been doped. Two technologies then emerged: FinFET transistors for digital applications and UTBB FDSOI transistors, suitable for analog and mixed applications. In a previous paper, a new topology was proposed utilizing some advantages of the FDSOI technology. Thanks to this technology, a novel cross-coupled back-gate (BG) technique was implemented to improve analog and mixed signal cells in order to reduce the surface of the integrated circuit. This technique was applied to a current mirror to reduce the small channel effect and to provide high-output impedance. It was demonstrated that it is possible to overcompensate the SCE and DIBL effects and to create a negative output resistor. This paper presents a new LC tank oscillator based on this current mirror functioning as a negative resistor.
On the Influence of Wave-Shaped Tool Path Strategies on Geometric Accuracy in Incremental Sheet Forming
Authors: Bremen Thomas , Bailly David Benjamin
Published: February 2024

In incremental sheet forming (ISF), the geometrical accuracy is still a challenge that is only solved for specific applications. The underlying mechanisms of geometrical defects in ISF are very complex and still not fully understood. Nevertheless, the process understanding is constantly evolving. Recent work has shown, for example, how bending moments resulting from residual stresses affect geometric accuracy. It has become clear that resulting bending moments with an axis parallel to the main tool path direction are dominant. Based on that, the current paper investigates the hypothesis that linear and parallel tool paths lead to an unfavourable accumulation of residual bending moments along a common axis, and whether this accumulation effect can be reduced by wave-shaped tool paths. Thus, the described research investigates the influence of novel path strategies on the residual bending moments and the resulting geometrical deviations. The path strategies are based on wave-shaped path lines, whereas the curvature is within the sheet plane. The investigations focussed on a rectangular sheet that is clamped at its shortest edges and a part geometry-sensitive to springback. Experimental and numerical investigations show a significantly positive influence of some investigated path strategies on the geometric deviation, compared to a conventional path strategy.
Acoustic Scattering Characteristics and Geometric Parameter Prediction for Underwater Multiple Targets Arranged in a Linear Pattern
Authors: Zhang Peizhen , Yin Xiaofeng , Wang Bin , Feng Ziyi
Published: February 2024

The construction of wind farm pilings, submarine pipelines, and underwater submarines involves multiple cylinders. However, there is currently a lack of economic research on predicting the mechanism and characteristics of mutual coupling of acoustic scattering from multiple cylindrical targets. This study investigates the mechanism and prediction method of acoustic scattering for the structural distribution characteristics of underwater multi-cylindrical targets. A model of a multi-cylindrical target’s two-dimensional acoustic field was established using the finite element method. Numerical calculations were then carried out to elucidate the scattering characteristics of the frequency–angle spectrum in far-field omnidirectional scattering. The simulation of echoes in the time domain explains how echoes propagate and interact with each other, and provides formulas for calculating interference and resonance frequencies. The frequency calculation formula extracts key features from the spectrum, providing a basis for predicting the characteristics of multi-cylindrical targets in terms of scale and spatial position. Measurement experiments were conducted on a double-cylindrical target in a water tank, and the theoretical calculations and experimental data were used to estimate the target’s radius and distance. The actual layout confirms the accuracy of the interference and resonance frequency prediction formulas. This study offers a valuable solution for refined feature extraction and spatial estimation of underwater targets.
A Fault Diagnosis Method for Marine Engine Cross Working Conditions Based on Transfer Learning
Authors: Wang Longde , Cao Hui , Cui Zhichao , Ai Zeren
Published: February 2024

Marine engines confront challenges of varying working conditions and intricate failures. Existing studies have primarily concentrated on fault diagnosis in a single condition, overlooking the adaptability of these methods in diverse working condition. To address the aforementioned issues, we propose a cross working condition fault diagnosis method named the Balanced Adaptation Domain Weighted Adversarial Network (BADWAN). This method combines transfer learning to tackle the challenges of cross working condition diagnosis with limited labels. Specifically tailored for scenarios with incomplete labeling in the target working conditions, we designed an Enhanced Centroid Balance scheme to balance the label space, thereby enhancing the model’s transfer capabilities. Additionally, we designed an Instance Affinity Weighting scheme on the foundation of Class-level Weighting, refining the model to the instance level for effective information interaction. Furthermore, we incorporated the Adaptive Uncertainty Suppression strategy to further boost the model’s classification prowess. Two experimental scenarios were designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model using a Wärtsilä9L34DF dual-fuel engine as an experimental subject. The results demonstrate an over 90% diagnostic accuracy in scenarios with complete target working condition labels and 86% accuracy in scenarios with incomplete labels, outperforming other transfer learning models. The BADWAN model excels in cross-condition fault diagnosis tasks for marine engines with incomplete target working condition labels, offering a novel solution to this field.
Two-Dimensional Wave Interaction with a Rigid Body Floating near the Marginal Ice Zone
Authors: Wan Bingbing , Shi Yuyun , Li Zhifu
Published: February 2024

The interaction problem of waves with a body floating near the marginal ice zone is studied, where the marginal ice zone is modeled as an array of multiple uniformly sized floating ice sheets. The linear velocity potential theory is applied for fluid flow, and the thin elastic plate mode is utilized to describe the ice sheet deflection. A hybrid method is used to solve the disturbed velocity potential; i.e., around the floating body, a boundary integral equation is established, while in the domain covered by ice sheets, the velocity potential is expanded into an eigenfunction series, and in the far-field with a free surface, a similar eigenfunction expansion is used to satisfy the radiation condition. The boundary integral equation and the coefficients of the eigenfunction expansions are solved together based on the continuous conditions of pressure and velocity on the interface between the sub-domains. Extensive results for the equivalent Young’s modulus of the ice sheet array and hydrodynamic force on the body are provided, and the effect of individual ice sheet length as well as wave parameters are investigated in detail.
Secretome Analysis of Thermothelomyces thermophilus LMBC 162 Cultivated with Tamarindus indica Seeds Reveals CAZymes for Degradation of Lignocellulosic Biomass
Authors: Contato Alex Graça , Borelli Tiago Cabral , Buckeridge Marcos Silveira , Rogers Janet , Hartson Steven , Prade Rolf Alexander , Polizeli Maria de Lourdes Teixeira de Moraes
Published: February 2024

The analysis of the secretome allows us to identify the proteins, especially carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), secreted by different microorganisms cultivated under different conditions. The CAZymes are divided into five classes containing different protein families. Thermothelomyces thermophilus is a thermophilic ascomycete, a source of many glycoside hydrolases and oxidative enzymes that aid in the breakdown of lignocellulosic materials. The secretome analysis of T. thermophilus LMBC 162 cultivated with submerged fermentation using tamarind seeds as a carbon source revealed 79 proteins distributed between the five diverse classes of CAZymes: 5.55% auxiliary activity (AAs); 2.58% carbohydrate esterases (CEs); 20.58% polysaccharide lyases (PLs); and 71.29% glycoside hydrolases (GHs). In the identified GH families, 54.97% are cellulolytic, 16.27% are hemicellulolytic, and 0.05 are classified as other. Furthermore, 48.74% of CAZymes have carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs). Observing the relative abundance, it is possible to state that only thirteen proteins comprise 92.19% of the identified proteins secreted and are probably the main proteins responsible for the efficient degradation of the bulk of the biomass: cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin.
Uncovering a Novel cyp51A Mutation and Antifungal Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus through Culture Collection Screening
Authors: Pontes Laís , Arai Teppei , Gualtieri Beraquet Caio Augusto , Giordano Ana Luisa Perini Leme , Reichert-Lima Franqueline , da Luz Edson Aparecido , Fernanda de Sá Camila , Ortolan Levy Larissa , Tararam Cibele Aparecida , Watanabe Akira , Moretti Maria Luiza , Zaninelli Schreiber Angélica
Published: February 2024

Background: Aspergillus fumigatus is an important concern for immunocompromised individuals, often resulting in severe infections. With the emergence of resistance to azoles, which has been the therapeutic choice for Aspergillus infections, monitoring the resistance of these microorganisms becomes important, including the search for mutations in the cyp51A gene, which is the gene responsible for the mechanism of action of azoles. We conducted a retrospective analysis covering 478 A. fumigatus isolates. Methods: This comprehensive dataset comprised 415 clinical isolates and 63 isolates from hospital environmental sources. For clinical isolates, they were evaluated in two different periods, from 1998 to 2004 and 2014 to 2021; for environmental strains, one strain was isolated in 1998, and 62 isolates were evaluated in 2015. Our primary objectives were to assess the epidemiological antifungal susceptibility profile; trace the evolution of resistance to azoles, Amphotericin B (AMB), and echinocandins; and monitor cyp51A mutations in resistant strains. We utilized the broth microdilution assay for susceptibility testing, coupled with cyp51A gene sequencing and microsatellite genotyping to evaluate genetic variability among resistant strains. Results: Our findings reveal a progressive increase in Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) for azoles and AMB over time. Notably, a discernible trend in cyp51A gene mutations emerged in clinical isolates starting in 2014. Moreover, our study marks a significant discovery as we detected, for the first time, an A. fumigatus isolate carrying the recently identified TR46/F495I mutation within a sample obtained from a hospital environment. The observed cyp51A mutations underscore the ongoing necessity for surveillance, particularly as MICs for various antifungal classes continue to rise. Conclusions: By conducting resistance surveillance within our institution’s culture collection, we successfully identified a novel TR46/F495I mutation in an isolate retrieved from the hospital environment which had been preserved since 1998. Moreover, clinical isolates were found to exhibit TR34/L98H/S297T/F495I mutations. In addition, we observed an increase in MIC patterns for Amphotericin B and azoles, signaling a change in the resistance pattern, emphasizing the urgent need for the development of new antifungal drugs. Our study highlights the importance of continued monitoring and research in understanding the evolving challenges in managing A. fumigatus infections.
Convalescing Mandibular Anterior Crowding through Piezocision and the Micro-Osteoperforation Surgical Procedure—A Clinical Comparative Study
Authors: Rao Raghunath Nagasundara , Oommen Karuna Elza , Nagate Raghavendra Reddy , Al-Qarni Mohammed A. , Ahmed Abdul Razzaq , Tikare Shreyas , Gokhale Shankar T. , AlBariqi Ahmed A. , Elagib Mohamed Fadul A. , Chaturvedi Saurabh
Published: February 2024

Background: Minimally invasive periodontic (perio) surgical procedures, piezocision, and micro-osteoperforation are useful techniques for accelerating tooth movement. These techniques also offer advantages in the orthodontic (ortho) and aesthetic domains. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the rates of lower anterior decrowding with piezocision and micro-osteoperforation. Methods: This clinical study included 24 patients requiring fixed orthodontic treatments. Two periodontic techniques (piezocision (PZ) and micro-osteoperforation (MOP)) were considered for the orthodontic treatments. Each patient was randomly allocated to either the piezocision (PZ) group or the micro-osteoperforation (MOP) group. The piezocision group received five radiographically guided incisions on the labial surface of the alveolar bone, whereas the micro-osteoperforation group received one to three MOPs each using a mini-implant drill between the six lower anterior teeth, and later, an initial arch wire was ligated to each bracket. Little’s irregularity index (LII) was calculated using a digital vernier caliper on study models every four weeks until decrowding was achieved. The difference in the rates of lower anterior crowding between the piezocision and micro-osteoperforation groups was analyzed to determine the statistical significance. Results: The rates of irregularity index change during decrowding were 4.38 ± 0.61 in the piezocision group and 3.82 ± 0.47 in the micro-osteoperforation group. Piezocision was found to be 1.2 times faster than micro-osteoperforation in terms of the rate of decrowding. Conclusion: The advanced perio–ortho combination technique was advantageous in accelerated decrowding. In comparison to MOP, there was an increase in the rate of decrowding with PZ. Decrowding can be completed quickly with PZ, and it can thus be used to treat crowding effectively in a limited time frame.
Featured Papers on Network Security and Privacy
Authors: Mongay Batalla Jordi
Published: February 2024

There is an urgent need to introduce security-by-design in networks [...]
Understanding the Housing Preferences of Older Adults: Insights from a Study on Micro-Housing in Salt Lake City, U.S.
Authors: García Ivis
Published: February 2024

The main objective of this research was to investigate what older adults think about the idea of living in micro-housing as an affordable housing option in Salt Lake City. By conducting interviews with 20 individuals over 65 years old, we discovered that they prefer Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and micro apartments. Participants expressed concerns about tiny homes. The participants highlighted the importance of having a sense of community and access to amenities when choosing their housing. Additionally, they still preferred single-family homes because of space and financial factors. These findings offer insights for housing developers, architects, and policymakers who aim to create cities that are both sustainable and livable for people of all age groups.
Spatial Differentiation and Influencing Factors of Tertiary Industry in the Pearl River Delta Urban Agglomeration
Authors: Yuan Xiaodie , Chen Baoyu , He Xiong , Zhang Guojun , Zhou Chunshan
Published: February 2024

The tertiary industry has become the main driving force for China’s economic development, and the adjustment and optimization of its structure are important prerequisites for achieving high-quality economic development. Existing studies have mostly focused on the spatial layout and influencing factors of the tertiary industry, with insufficient exploration of its internal structure. In this study, the PRD urban agglomeration is selected as the study area. On the basis of classifying the tertiary industry, the Dagum Gini coefficient, kernel density estimation, and local spatial autocorrelation are used to explore the spatial differentiation of various tertiary industries. The influencing factors are analyzed using geographical detectors, and suggestions for future development strategies are proposed. The results show that in terms of regional differentiation, the agglomeration of various tertiary industries in Guangzhou and Shenzhen is the most significant, but there is insufficient spillover to surrounding cities. In terms of development structure, the level of agglomeration of the consumptive tertiary industry is higher, the public tertiary industry tends to be more evenly distributed, and the productive tertiary industry is relatively dispersed. In terms of influencing factors, the interaction between population and employment dominates the spatial differentiation and evolution of the tertiary industry in the PRD urban agglomeration. Therefore, in the future, the tertiary industry in PRD urban agglomeration should promote the optimization of industrial structure and regional coordinated development under the guidance of the government.
Soil Loss Estimation by Water Erosion in Agricultural Areas Introducing Artificial Intelligence Geospatial Layers into the RUSLE Model
Authors: Samarinas Nikiforos , Tsakiridis Nikolaos , Kalopesa Eleni , Zalidis George
Published: February 2024

The existing digital soil maps are mainly characterized by coarse spatial resolution and are not up to date; thus, they are unable to support the physical process-based models for improved predictions. The overarching objective of this work is oriented toward a data-driven approach and datacube-based tools (Soil Data Cube), leveraging Sentinel-2 imagery data, open access databases, ground truth soil data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) architectures to provide enhanced geospatial layers into the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model, improving both the reliability and the spatial resolution of the final map. The proposed methodology was implemented in the agricultural area of the Imathia Regional Unit (northern Greece), which consists of both mountainous areas and lowlands. Enhanced soil maps of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) and soil texture were generated at 10 m resolution through a time-series analysis of satellite data and an XGBoost (eXtrene Gradinent Boosting) model. The model was trained by 84 ground truth soil samples (collected from agricultural fields) taking into account also additional environmental covariates (including the digital elevation model and climatic data) and following a Digital Soil Mapping (DSM) approach. The enhanced layers were introduced into the RUSLE’s soil erodibility factor (K-factor), producing a soil erosion layer with high spatial resolution. Notable prediction accuracy was achieved by the AI model with R2 0.61 for SOC and 0.73, 0.67 and 0.63 for clay, sand, and silt, respectively. The average annual soil loss of the unit was found to be 1.76 ton/ha/yr with 6% of the total agricultural area suffering from severe erosion (>11 ton/ha/yr), which was mainly found in the mountainous border regions, showing the strong influence of the mountains in the agricultural fields. The overall methodology could strongly support regional decision making and planning and environmental policies such as the European Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Protection of Property under Human Rights and International Investment Law: A Case-Law Analysis
Authors: Gavriil Eleni
Published: February 2024

The article herein examines the case-law interplay between human rights and international investment law. An example of this interplay is the relation of property rights to protection from expropriation. In this study, a conceptual framework is developed, which represents the various ways of case-law interaction between the two disciplines regarding protection of property. This is achieved by using a cross-reference approach, where it is proven that the two legal fields overlap and share these common principles, albeit with their structural differences. This interplay has various dimensions, and this article aims at analysing them and ultimately illustrating that human rights and international investment law are not independent from each other.
Hyperimmune Plasma and Immunoglobulins against COVID-19: A Narrative Review
Authors: Franchini Massimo , Focosi Daniele
Published: February 2024

Since late 2019, the new SARS-CoV-2 virus belonging to the Coronaviridae family has been responsible for COVID-19 pandemic, a severe acute respiratory syndrome. Several antiviral therapies, mostly derived from previous epidemics, were initially repurposed to fight this not rarely life-threatening respiratory illness. Among them, however, the only specific antibody-based therapy available against SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first year of the pandemic was represented by COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP). CCP, collected from recovered individuals, contains high levels of polyclonal antibodies of different subclasses able to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 infection. Tens of randomized controlled trials have been conducted during the last three years of the pandemic to evaluate the safety and the clinical efficacy of CCP in both hospitalized and ambulatory COVID-19 patients, whose main results will be summarized in this narrative review. In addition, we will present the current knowledge on the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 hyperimmune polyclonal immunoglobulins.
Rutin Linoleate Triggers Oxidative Stress-Mediated Cytoplasmic Vacuolation in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Marcovici Iasmina , Vlad Daliborca , Buzatu Roxana , Popovici Ramona Amina , Cosoroaba Raluca Mioara , Chioibas Raul , Geamantan Andreea , Dehelean Cristina
Published: February 2024

Lung cancer (LC) represents one of the most prevalent health issues globally and is a leading cause of tumor-related mortality. Despite being one the most attractive compounds of plant origin due to its numerous biological properties, the therapeutic applications of rutin (RUT) are limited by its disadvantageous pharmacokinetics. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate in vitro the application of two RUT fatty acids bioconjugates, rutin oleate (RUT-O) and rutin linoleate (RUT-L), as potential improved RUT-based chemotherapeutics in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. The results indicate that both compounds lacked cytotoxic potential in EpiAirway™ tissues at concentrations up to 125 µM. However, only RUT-L exerted anti-tumorigenic activity in NCI-H23 NSCLC cells after 24 h of treatment by reducing cell viability (up to 47%), proliferation, and neutral red uptake, causing cell membrane damage and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, affecting cytoskeletal distribution, inducing cytoplasmic vacuolation, and increasing oxidative stress. The cytopathic effects triggered by RUT-L at 100 and 125 µM are indicators of a non-apoptotic cell death pathway that resembles the characteristics of paraptosis. The novel findings of this study stand as a basis for further investigations on the anti-cancer properties of RUT-L and their underlying mechanisms.
An Integrated Architecture for Robotic Assembly and Inspection of a Composite Fuselage Panel with an Industry 5.0 Perspective
Authors: Lettera Gaetano , Natale Ciro
Published: February 2024

Aeronautical robotic applications use quite large, heavy robots with huge end effectors that are frequently multifunctional. An assembly jig to hold a fuselage panel and two medium-sized six-axis robots fixed on linear axes, referred to as the internal and the external robot with respect to the curvature of the panel, make up the Lean robotized AssemBly and cOntrol of composite aeRostructures (LABOR) work cell. A distributed software architecture is proposed in which individual modules are developed to execute specific subprocesses, each implementing innovative algorithms that solve the main drawbacks of state-of-the-art solutions. Real-time referencing adopts a point-cloud-based strategy to reconstruct and process the part before drilling, avoiding hole positioning errors. Accurate concentric countersink diameters are made possible through the automatic adjustment of the drilling tool with respect to the skin panel, which guarantees its orthogonality, as well as the implementation of process parameter optimization algorithms based on historical results that compensate for the wear of the drilling bits. Automatic sealing and fastening strategies that involve the measurement of the main fastener quality parameters allow for the complete verification of the entire assembly process of each part. Additionally, an advanced multimodal perception system continuously monitors the collaborative workspace to ensure safe human–robot collaboration (HRC) tasks. Through this integrated architecture, LABOR substantially reduces expenses and facilitates maintenance and programming.
Distributed Learning in the IoT–Edge–Cloud Continuum
Authors: Arzovs Audris , Judvaitis Janis , Nesenbergs Krisjanis , Selavo Leo
Published: February 2024

The goal of the IoT–Edge–Cloud Continuum approach is to distribute computation and data loads across multiple types of devices taking advantage of the different strengths of each, such as proximity to the data source, data access, or computing power, while mitigating potential weaknesses. Most current machine learning operations are currently concentrated on remote high-performance computing devices, such as the cloud, which leads to challenges related to latency, privacy, and other inefficiencies. Distributed learning approaches can address these issues by enabling the distribution of machine learning operations throughout the IoT–Edge–Cloud Continuum by incorporating Edge and even IoT layers into machine learning operations more directly. Approaches like transfer learning could help to transfer the knowledge from more performant IoT–Edge–Cloud Continuum layers to more resource-constrained devices, e.g., IoT. The implementation of these methods in machine learning operations, including the related data handling security and privacy approaches, is challenging and actively being researched. In this article the distributed learning and transfer learning domains are researched, focusing on security, robustness, and privacy aspects, and their potential usage in the IoT–Edge–Cloud Continuum, including research on tools to use for implementing these methods. To achieve this, we have reviewed 145 sources and described the relevant methods as well as their relevant attack vectors and provided suggestions on mitigation.
Numerical Investigation of Wind Flow and Speedup Effect at a Towering Peak Extending out of a Steep Mountainside: Implications for Landscape Platforms
Authors: Nabil Mohammed , Guo Fengqi , Jiang Lizhong , Yu Zhiwu , Long Qiuliang
Published: February 2024

Wind flow over complex terrain is strongly influenced by the topographical features of the region, resulting in unpredictable local wind characteristics. This paper employs numerical simulation to study the wind flow at a towering peak extending out of a steep mountainside and the wind-induced effect on onsite landscape platforms. First, the wind flow from seven different directions is explored via 3D numerical simulations, and the wind load distribution on the platforms is highlighted. Second, a 2D numerical simulation is conducted to evaluate the wind speedup effect at the side peak, examining the influence of the side peak height and the mountainside steepness on the wind speedup factor. The numerical simulations presented in this research were validated by replicating a published numerical and experimental study. The results illustrate the amplifying and blocking effects of the surrounding topography, yielding unpredictable and nonuniform wind pressure distribution on the platforms. The presence of the side peak leads to a significant increase in the speedup factor, and the side peak height and the mountainside steepness have a moderate influence on the value of the speedup factor. Additionally, the speedup factor obtained from this study varies significantly, especially near the surface, from the recommendations of several wind load standards. Consequently, the impact of the local terrain and the wind speedup effect must be thoroughly assessed to ensure the structural integrity of structures installed at a similar topography.
Respiratory Muscle Training and Its Impact on Balance and Gait in Patients with Severe COPD
Authors: Florian Crisan Alexandru , Corina Pescaru Camelia , Adelina Maritescu , Vlad Carunta , Cristian Oancea , Emanuela Vastag
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives: Improving extrapulmonary symptoms in COPD through respiratory muscle training can help alleviate the burden of respiratory symptoms, reduce fatigue, and improve exercise capacity in patients with COPD. This, in turn, can enhance physical activity, balance, and gait, ultimately improving the overall quality of life for individuals with COPD. This study aimed to investigate the effects of respiratory muscle training on balance and gait in patients with moderate to severe COPD. Materials and Methods: We included 65 patients with moderate to severe COPD randomly assigned to either the pulmonary rehabilitation protocol group (PR) or the pulmonary rehabilitation and inspiratory muscle training group (PR + IMT) for three weeks. Patients performed a spirometry, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure (MIP/MEP), 6 min walking test (6MWT), activities-specific balance confidence (ABC) scale questionnaire, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), timed up and go test (TUG), and single-leg stance test (SLS). Results: Rehabilitation had a notable impact on MIP in Group 2 (PR + IMT), with a highly significant difference between pre- and post-rehabilitation distributions (p < 0.0001). At the same time, Group 1 (PR-only) showed no significant changes (p = 0.27). In Group 1 (Control), pre- and post-rehabilitation comparisons reveal slight non-significant changes for SLS EO (p = 0.16), ABC (p = 0.07), TUG (p = 0.06), and BBS (p = 0.13). In contrast, in Group 2 (Cases), there are significant improvements in all variables after rehabilitation compared to the pre-rehabilitation values: SLS EO (p < 0.0001), ABC (p < 0.0001), TUG (p < 0.0001), and BBS (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Our research demonstrated that respiratory muscle training significantly positively impacts balance and gait performance among patients with moderate to severe COPD compared to a control group.