bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Etiological analysis of acute respiratory infections in hospitalized children after the relaxation of COVID-19 non-pharmacological interventions in Quzhou, China
Authors: Fu Canya , Zhou Chunting , Zheng Canjie , Li Sheng , Song Wei , Yao Jiaoxian , Fu Chuanxi , Yin Zhiying
Published: March 2024

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) can cause morbidity and mortality in children. This study was to determine the characteristics of pathogens in hospitalized children with ARIs after the relaxation of COVID-19 non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) in Quzhou, China.
Methods: Hospitalized children with ARIs were enrolled between May and October 2023, and thirteen common respiratory pathogens were tested by fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Mono- and co-infections were assessed, and the association between pathogens and age was explored using restricted cubic spline analysis.
Results: A total of 1225 children were included, 820 of them detected one pathogen and 238 of them detected two or more pathogens. Children aged 1-3 years had the highest positive detection rates. The dominant pathogen varied monthly. Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) was the most common pathogen in monoinfection, followed by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human rhinovirus (HRV), while influenza virus was detected at a lower rate. Mp+HRV was the most common combination of coinfections. The detection rates of Mp and HRV were higher in coinfections than in monoinfection, but there was no difference in the detection rate of RSV. In the restricted cubic spline models, a J-shaped association was consistently observed between age and Mp infection, the risk of HRV first increased and then decreased, the risk of RSV was relatively flat until 1.5 years and then decreased raplidly.
Conclusion: Our study revealed the epidemiological characteristics of ARIs pathogens after the relaxation of NPIs. There is still a need to enhanced pathogen surveillance, especially for Mp.
Chinese expert consensus on fetal ultrasound anatomical examination at 11 +0 to 13 +6 gestational weeks: results of the Delphi procedure
Authors: Lyu Guorong , Liao Ruibi , Jiang Qiuxia , Zheng Qingyu , Zhou Qichang , Zhong Xiaohong , Zhang Tieshan , Li Shengli , Chen Qiuyue , Cui Ligang , Cui Xinwu , Guo Jingyi , He Shaozheng , He Xiaoqin , Hou Min , Jiang Lixin , Li Liya , Li Shuiping , Li Hezhou , Liao Jianmei , Lin Lifang , Liu Jinrong , Liu Yanying , Liu Zhonghua , Ren Yunyun , Ruan Junxian , Song Wenling , Weng Zongjie , Wu Xiuming , Yu Hongxia , Yuan Lijun , Zhang Yingchun , Zhao Sheng , Zhao Yanchun
Published: March 2024

Background This study aimed to develop a standardized expert consensus on anatomical examination of first-trimester fetal ultrasound.
Methods Based on the Delphi procedure, 122 experts from 27 grades of medical institutions throughout China answered a two-round questionnaire. Items for which 75% of experts stated that they should be included were designated as recommended items; other items were designated suggested items.
Results Fetal anatomical ultrasound examinations in early pregnancy were divided into basic (class I), detailed (class II), and targeted (class III) categories. Examinations included one measurement project (6 sub-projects) and 10 examination projects (26 sub-projects) containing recommended and suggested contents. Items measured and examined in both the basic and detailed examinations were consistent. However, items such as the anterior palate, kidney, and genital tubercle were included as recommended items in the basic examination, but not in the detailed examination. Eleven planes examined in the targeted fetal CNS examination, including suprathalamic axial view, transsection of thalamus, anteroposterior median sagittal profile, and coronal section of transfrontal lobe, were recommended, whereas the remaining seven were suggested.
Conclusions This expert consensus will help guide medical institutions of different levels and medical work of different qualifications to perform standardized ultrasonic anatomical examination of fetuses in early pregnancy. Furthermore, this expert consensus provides evidence-based medical evidence for the early screening of fetal malformations.
Evaluating barriers to reaching women with public health information in remote communities in Mali
Authors: Jones Robert T. , Spencer Freya I. , Paris Laura A. , Soumaila Diarra , Kamara Nanthilde , Hiscox Alexandra , Logan James G.
Published: March 2024

Telecommunications offers an alternative or supplement to community-based interventions as a means of extending healthcare services and improving health outcomes in remote settings, but can fail to reach target communities if barriers to access are not overcome. We conducted seven focus group discussions and 26 interviews with community health workers, community leaders, and female members of the public who declared that they had or had not previously accessed free audio health messages provided via a mobile platform in two rural communities of Mali, Koulikoro and Bougouni. A content analysis showed that participants accessed and trusted health information from a range of sources, including radio, telephone and television, as well as town criers, local relays and community health centres. Barriers to access faced by women included economic factors, lack of network or electricity, and social factors such as illiteracy, cultural restrictions and being unaware of mobile communication. Through analysis and interpretation of the participants’ responses, we have made recommendations for future campaigns for the dissemination of health-related information for women in remote settings.
Mapping malaria transmission foci in Northeast Thailand from 2011-2021: approaching elimination in a hypoendemic area
Authors: Pongsoipetch Kulchada , Walshe Rebecca , Mukem Suwanna , Kamsri Tanong , Singkham Navarat , Sudathip Prayuth , Kitchakarn Suravadee , Maude Rapeephan Rattanawongnara , Maude Richard James
Published: March 2024

Background
Thailand is approaching local elimination of malaria in the eastern provinces. It has successfully reduced the number of cases over the past decade, but there are persistent transmission hot spots in and around forests. This study aimed to use data from the malaria surveillance system to describe the spatiotemporal trends of malaria in Northeast Thailand and fine-scale patterns in locally transmitted cases between 2011 and 2021.
Methods
Case data was stratified based on likely location of infection and parasite species. Annual Parasite Index per 1000 population (API) was calculated for different categories. Time series decomposition was performed to identify trends and seasonal patterns. Statistically significant clusters of high (hot spots) and low (cold spots) API were identified using the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic. The stability of those hot spots and the absolute change in the proportion of API density from baseline were compared by case type.
Results
The total number of confirmed cases experienced a non-linear decline by 96.6%, from 1,061 in 2011 to 36 in 2021. There has been a decline in both Plasmodium vivax and P. falciparum case numbers, with only 4 confirmed falciparum cases over the last 2 years. API was generally higher in Si Sa Ket province, which had peaks every 2–3 years. There was a large outbreak in Ubon Ratchathani in 2014–2016 which had a high proportion of P. falciparum reported. The proportion of cases classified increased over the study period, and the proportion of cases classed as indigenous to the village of residence increased from 0.2–33.3%. There were stable hot spots of indigenous and imported cases in the south of Si Sa Ket and southeast of Ubon Ratchathani.
Conclusions
There has been a large, non-linear decline in the number of malaria cases reported and an increasing proportion of cases are classed as indigenous to the patient’s village of residence. Stable hot spots of ongoing transmission in the forested border areas were identified, with transmission likely persisting because of remote location and high-risk forest-going behaviours. Future efforts should include cross-border collaboration and continued targeting of high-risk behaviours to reduce the risk of imported cases seeding local transmission.
The adiposity of CRLM before targeted therapy initiation may serve as a marker to distinguish KRAS mutation status：A retrospective study
Authors: Xiao Renzhe , Wang Ning , Xiao Wei , Liu Yulin
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to explore the correlation between MRI-related parameters and the Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS) gene mutation status in colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM) prior to initiating targeted therapy.
METHODS
This retrospective study enrolled 118 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer liver metastases, each presenting up to three lesions of the largest diameter, and all underwent testing for KRAS gene mutations. Patients were categorized into two groups: the KRAS gene mutant (+) group (53 patients, 119 lesions) and the wild-type (-) group (65 patients, 155 lesions). Normality of continuous variables was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, while the Mann-Whitney U test or T test was employed for comparing continuous variables, and the Chi-square test for categorical variables. Variables exhibiting significant differences (p < 0.05) were subjected to multivariate logistic regression to identify independent factors and construct predictive models. Model performance was assessed through the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), with the area under the curve (AUC) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) calculated.
RESULTS
The T2-SImean was higher in the KRAS(+) group compared to the KRAS(-) group (0.91 ± 0.30 vs 0.87 ± 0.39, p < 0.001). Conversely, T2FS-SImean was significantly lower in the KRAS(+) group compared to the KRAS(-) group (0.80 ± 0.27 vs 1.02 ± 0.65, p < 0.001). Additionally, the proportion of lesions with a well-defined boundary was notably higher in the KRAS(+) group compared to the KRAS(-) group (84.9% vs 65.2%, p = 0.011). ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the model (Y = 0.890 + 0.878 * Boundary + 5.955 * T2-SImean − 5.667 * T2FS-SImean) yielded an AUC value of 0.745 (95% CI: 0.688–0.802) for predicting the mutational status of the KRAS gene.
CONCLUSION
In our study, higher T2-SImean, lower T2FS-SImean and clear tumor boundaries in CRLM prior to initiating targeted therapy were associated with KRAS mutations.This implies that the adiposity of CRLM before targeted therapy initiation may serve as a marker to distinguish KRAS mutation status.
The impact of weather on the spread of COVID-19. The case of the two largest cities in Greece
Authors: Tounta Despoina D. , Nastos Panagiotis T. , Paraskevis Dimitrios N. , Sarantopoulos Athanasios D.
Published: March 2024

The new global pandemic of COVID-19 declared on March 11, 2020, by the World Health Organization, has already had an unprecedented impact on health and socioeconomic activities worldwide. The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the United States of America and Europe in late September 2020. Compared with other southern countries, such as Greece, where there was a significant increase in cases at the end of October 2020, Northern European countries (Germany, France, Austria, Finland, and Sweden) experienced this second wave of the pandemic earlier in September 2020. To understand the epidemiological behavior of the virus in Greece, from an environmental point of view, we examined the effects of air temperature, humidity, and wind on the spread of COVID-19. More specifically, we studied whether hot and humid conditions are associated with a decrease in epidemiological indicators of the pandemic and whether cold and dry conditions are associated with an increase in these indicators and therefore contribute positively to the spread of COVID-19. We applied Pearson correlation analysis and generalized linear models (GLM) with confirmed admissions to intensive care units (ICU) with COVID-19 from the National Public Health Organization, as dependent variables and the corresponding air temperature, humidity, and wind speed from the Greek National Meteorological Service, as independent covariates. The analysis concerns Athens and Thessaloniki, the two largest cities in Greece.
Analysis of efficacy factors in unilateral obstructive severe renal insufficiency
Authors: Li Jia , Pang Hua , Li Wenbo
Published: March 2024

Objective
To investigate the predictors of renal function recovery after treatment of severe renal impairment in unilateral upper urinary tract obstruction (UUTO).
Methods
From January 2014 to January 2023, the clinical data of 142 patients with unilateral UUTO severe renal injury who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were collected. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of patients before treatment, GFR value of 99mTc-DTPA dynamic renal scintigraphy before treatment, C-reactive protein before treatment, and body mass index were used as independent variables, a predictive analysis of the change in GFR (GFRd) after treatment. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to predict the GFRd after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant with P < 0.05. At the same time, the categorical variables such as sex, obstruction site and normal renal function were compared with GFRd by two-sample t-test or one-way ANOVA, and the difference was statistically significant with P < 0.05.
Results
The multiple linear regression results showed that the GFR value of the affected kidney obtained by 99mTc-DTPA dynamic renal scintigraphy and C-reactive protein were significantly correlated with the GFRd value women and patients with renal obstruction had a higher mean GFRd than men and patients with ureteral obstruction, but the difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusion
The GFR value of the affected kidney obtained by 99mTc-DTPA dynamic renal scintigraphy and C-reactive protein before treatment are important reference indicators for evaluating the efficacy of patients with severe renal insufficiency caused by unilateral upper urinary tract obstruction. And the role of 99mTc-DTPA dynamic renal scintigraphy was irreplaceable when unilateral renal function was impaired or it was necessary to understand unilateral renal function.
Terminologia Anatomica of the groove for vertebral artery: Pros and Cons
Authors: Xia Yang , Wang Xuemei , Yu Lifeng , Xin Rui , Wang Ping , Ye Zhen , Wei Xuezhi , Cheng Kailiang , Wang Shaoyun , Zhang Xiang
Published: March 2024

Purpose
The groove for vertebral artery (GVA) is an anatomical structure in the posterior arch of the atlas, and the vertebral artery (VA) travels along the GVA. The aim of the present work was to investigate if the terminologia anatomica (TA) of GVA is accurate or not.
Methods
High-resolution head and neck computed tomography angiography (CTA) data from 564 individuals and a designated atlas specimen were used for study. The relationships among the GVA, VA, and the venous plexus (VP) were investigated using CTA image postprocessing techniques. In total, 551 valid participants were used for study.
Results
A prevalence of 13.97% (154/1102) showed bony multiformity in the posterior arch of atlas, and the bony spur and bridge were the most occurred bony structures. And a rate of 42.92% (473/1102) suggested that the VA did not run directly with the GVA. Rich VP drained the venous blood from different layers: the superficial layer (the occipital region, the mastoidal region) and the deep layer (the condylar emissary VP, the VP from the intracranial region, the posterior internal vertebral VP, the vertebral VP, and the deep cervical VP).
Conclusion
The VA does not always run directly contacting the GVA, which some space was left for the condylar emissary VP to pass between the VA and the GVA. We suggest that the TA of vertebral neurovascular groove/canal is better to conclude the structures travelling through the groove, and the TA from present study could give the clinic more thinking to improve the operation techniques.
Predictors for mitral regurgitation improvement in patients with pure severe aortic regurgitation undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Da-wei Lin , Jia-ning Fan , Zi-long Weng , Yi-ming Qi , Yu-liang Long , Wen-zhi Pan , Da-xin Zhou , Jun-bo Ge
Published: March 2024

Objective Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been recognized as a significant treatment for pure severe aortic regurgitation (PSAR). Part of patients with PSAR concurrently suffer from functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). Whether TAVR could improve FMR in patients with PSAR and the predictors have not yet been clarified. This study aims to explore predictors of FMR improvement in patients with PSAR undergoing TAVR and subsequently provide evidence for further clinical therapy.
Method Patients with PSAR and FMR who underwent TAVR at Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated with Fudan University were enrolled from June 2021 to August 2023. Depending on whether FMR improved one month post-TAVR, they were divided into groups with or without FMR improvement. The baseline data, imaging results, and follow-up data of the patients were collected.
Result This study included 75 patients, among whom 38 patients had improved FMR and 37 patients did not. Compared to patients without FMR improvement, more patients in the FMR-improved group were diagnosed with renal insufficiency (10.8% vs. 0%, p = 0.018), left bundle branch block (8.1% vs. 0%, p = 0.037), and less right bundle branch block (0% vs. 10.5%, p = 0.017). The transthoracic ultrasound examination showed that patients with FMR improvement were prone to have lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and larger left ventricle end dimension diastole (LVEDd). A higher proportion of patients in the FMR-improved group were found to have had more moderate to severe FMR (28.9% vs. 2.7%, P = 0.029). In both groups, the degree of aortic regurgitation was significantly improved during the 1-day and 1-month follow-ups post-TAVR (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the incidence of postoperative adverse events between the two groups during the short-term follow-up.
Conclusion FMR improvement is observed in approximately half of PSAR patients undergoing TAVR. A higher FMR degree, lower LVEF, and hypertension before TAVR are independent predictors of FMR improvement.
Patterns of air mass incursions from Southern Ocean play a role on microbial dispersions into West Antarctic Ice Sheet
Authors: Bendia Amanda , Gonçalves Sérgio , Moreira Julio , Romano Renato , Kuhn Emanuele , Ferreira Juliana , Signori Camila , Bergo Natascha , Pereira Egberto , Evangelista Heitor , Pellizari Vivian
Published: March 2024

The cryosphere microbiomes are mostly inoculated by airborne microorganisms, which can accumulate year by year over the accreted snow. The detection of sea salt, pollutants, volcanic glass and other lithogenic materials in the interior of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) is evidence of a continuous inflow of exogenous microparticles to that site. In this work we demonstrate, that, likewise, marine microorganisms follow same pattern and can be long-range transported through the Antarctic troposphere reaching out high latitudes. To evidence it, we constructed an excavated 2m-depth pit named “Criolab’ in the surroundings of the Brazilian Criosfera1 remote laboratory at WAIS to collect snow and firn samples for microbial diversity analysis, together with snow and airborne microparticle composition measurements. Origin of air masses reaching Criosfera 1 were inferred from air masses backward trajectories modelling. We found a discontinuous profile of microbial taxa abundances and diversity, which is likely a result of the air mass back trajectories changes that carried microorganisms from distinct Antarctic sources during an estimated period of 4 years. Our study indicates that different marine groups, such as SAR11, Idiomarina, and Nitrosopumilus, are shared between the WAIS snow and AP seawater communities, suggesting they are long-range transported over Antarctica. Considering their low and interspersed abundances, we postulate a pre- and post-depositional selection in the face of the extreme atmosphere and cryosphere conditions. Our observations have implications for the understanding of the aeolian dispersion patterns over Antarctica, indicating the importance of the marine microbiomes in seeding the interior of the continent.
On Statistical Modeling of Covid-19 Spread Variations
Authors: Ünal Serpil , ÇELİK Elçin , UÇAR Deniz
Published: March 2024

The aim of the study is to predict how the spread model of the Covid-19 epidemic behaves in line with government interventions and to observe how a change in interventions affects the course of the epidemic. For this purpose, in our study we focus on a dynamic SIR model in which the recovery rate γ is fixed at 1/15, but the spread rate β depends on the interventions made rather than being constant. With the Kruskal Wallis test, we can say with %95 confidence that the differences in the estimated spreading rates were due to these interventions. Moreover, with the Dunn's test, it was obtained that there there were significant differences between full closure and partial closure, as well as between full closure and gradual normalization, with %99 confidence. This also shows that there is a significant difference in the number of cases that may occur with full closure compared to the number of cases after partial closure and gradual normalization.
MSC Classification: 65H10 , 92D30 , 92D25 , 34A34 , 62F40 , 62G10
Knowledge, practices, and barriers to access of emergency contraceptive pills in married women and men - a cross-sectional study from outpatient clinics in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Abdullah Muhammad , Ahmed Salaar , Malick Ayesha Ali , Ihsan Muhammad Tayyab , Shah Maliha , Yaseen Ayesha , Zubair Fizza , Iqbal Shahid , Mufarrih Syed Musa , Tariq Talal Bin , Zahid Maheen , Ahmed Warda , Shamsi Uzma
Published: March 2024

Background: Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are significantly underutilized in many parts of the world, especially in South Asia. Within Pakistan, despite the population surge, the utilization of ECPs remains alarmingly low. The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge and practices regarding ECPs amongst married women and men in Karachi, Pakistan and the possible barriers hindering access to and utilization of these contraceptives.
Methodology: A multi-centric cross-sectional study was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan. Interviews were conducted with participants using a validated questionnaire involving different sections regarding demographics, knowledge, practices, and barriers to ECPs. Descriptive analysis was done on categorical variables and were summarized through frequencies and percentages while continuous variables were characterized using mean and standard deviation. A Chi-square test of variance was applied to find out the association between knowledge scores and different categorical values. A P-value of <0.05 at 95% CI was statistically significant.
Results: Over half of the respondents (52.5%) were not using any method of contraception. 11.1% of respondents had used ECP at some point in their life. 337 (85.8%) participants had low knowledge, 55 (14%) had moderate, and only 1 (0.25%) had high knowledge regarding ECPs. There was no significant association between knowledge scores and gender, age, employment status, or parity. However, participants who had received counseling for family planning in the past or had previously used ECPs had significantly higher knowledge regarding ECPs. A majority 58% (221) of the participants expressed concerns about the potential side effects and 128 (33.9%) of them believed that ECPs were in contradiction to their religious and moral values.
Conclusion: Our study in Karachi, Pakistan, highlights critical challenges in ECP awareness, utilization, and family planning. Although the results show improved ECP usage than studies previously done in Pakistan, there is a further need to increase the reach of ECPs through a variety of methods. Persistent myths and misconceptions and a severe lack of awareness further hinder their utilization.
Regulation of Tert methylation alleviates food allergy via regulating the Tert-IL10 signal pathway
Authors: Zeng Haotao , Xu Lingzhi , Liu Jiangqi , Mo Lihua , Li Minyao , Song Shuo , Xu Xuejie , Miao Shihan , Zhao Miao , Yang Pingchang
Published: March 2024

The pathogenesis of food allergy (FA) is still not fully understood. Telomerases are involved in the regulation of immune responses. The aim of this study is to understand the contribution of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) to the pathogenesis of FA. A murine FA model was established with ovalbumin as the specific antigen. This murine model was used to test the role of TERT in the regulation of dendritic cell (DC) immune tolerogenic functions. We observed that the Tert promoter was at demethylation status and the Tert expression was elevated in DCs of FA mice. The FA response was positively correlated with the Tert expression in DCs. Induction of Il10 expression in DCs was hindered by TERT. TERT hindered the immune tolerogenic functions of DCs. The immune tolerogenic functions of DC were restored by CpG by boosting the Tert promoter methylation. Administration of CpG promoted the therapeutic effects of allergen specific immunotherapy in FA mice. In conclusion, low levels of Il10 expression and high levels of Tert expression were observed in intestinal DCs of FA mice. CpG exposure restored the expression of Il10 and increased the therapeutic benefits of allergen-specific immunotherapy.
Impact of changes in serum lactate dehydrogenase levels on pathological response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Dou He , Jia Si yuan , Li Fu cheng , Ba Yu ling , Luo Dan li , Yu Ping yang , Wang You yu , Chen Xing yan , Gao Tian , Li Zhao ting , Wang Jia nan , Xiao Min
Published: March 2024

Purpose Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level is a biomarker associated with the prognosis of breast cancer (BC) patients. However, there are no data on serum LDH levels as a dynamic marker in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for BC. In the present study, we compared serum LDH levels at different periods during NAC. We related them to clinicopathologic characteristics and pathologic complete response (pCR) rates in patients with BC.
Patients and methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological data and pCR rates of 691 non-metastatic BC patients from the Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2019. Categorical data were compared using the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test for multivariate data using Logistic regression models. Any predictor variable with P < 0.05 in the univariate analysis was included in the multivariate regression analysis to study the relationship between different serum LDH level groups and pCR.
Results A total of 557 patients were included in the cohort for the analysis. Before BC patients underwent NAC, a total of 510 (91.6%) patients had serum LDH levels below 230 U/L, and after completing half of the chemotherapy cycles, the number of patients with high expression of serum LDH levels gradually increased to about 37.7%. At the end of the complete cycle of chemotherapy for routine preoperative examination, 246 (44.2%) BC patients were in a state of high serum LDH expression. Patients with high expression of serum LDH levels were more likely to achieve pCR. Serum LDH levels in mid-NAC, clinical T-stage, and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) expression were independent predictors of achieving pCR in patients with BC (P < 0.05).
Conclusion Our findings suggest that serum LDH level is an essential predictor of chemotherapeutic efficacy in BC patients, and we need to pay more attention to this biomarker to individualize treatment, which will help us to treat BC better and provide new targets and blueprints for our clinical treatment.
Hybrid Sparse and Dense Attentions of Similar Regions for Image Denoising
Authors: Chen Daiqiang
Published: March 2024

Self-attention based on dot-product has achieved great success in the field of computer vision. Its effectiveness is owed to the large capacity of capturing long-range dependencies in feature maps. However, its quadratic computational complexity with respect to the image size hinders the further application of the self-attention modules. Therefore, a variety of strategies, which limit the regions of the computation of dot-product, have been proposed to reduce the computational amount. Through analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of these methods, we introduce a hybrid sparse and dense attention module (HSDA) which adopts the dense dot-product attention in most similar regions and the sparse attention in other regions. Numerical experiments on image denoising demonstrate that the designed HSDA module has the advantage of both sparse and local dense attentions, and can obtain similar PSNRs to full attention at lower computational amount. The corresponding network constructed by the HSDA modules can product favorable results compared to many state-of-the-art methods.
YouTube as a Learning Resource for TMJ Arthrocentesis: A Study Aimed to Analyse the Quality of Content
Authors: Amipara Hetal , Choudhary Ganesh , Khismatrao Viraj , Singh Apoorva , Singh Pinky
Published: March 2024

PURPOSE
In the era of digital information, people commonly turn to the internet for knowledge about medical conditions like TMJ arthrocentesis, often utilizing platforms such as YouTube. However, the absence of strict regulations on YouTube questions the reliability of the available content. Hence, the main objective of this study is to evaluate the scientific accuracy of YouTube videos addressing TMJ arthrocentesis.
Top of Form
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study analyzed50 videos related to TMJ arthrocentesis by three Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons. Data on the video source, duration, upload date, time elapsed since upload, total views, likes, dislikes, comments, interaction index, and viewing rate were collected and analyzed. Video quality was assessed using the Global Quality Scale (GQS) and the Quality Criteria for Consumer Health Information (DISCERN).
RESULTS
Out of the 50 videos, 10 used the single-needle technique, while the remaining 40 used the 2-needle technique. Following joint irrigation, medications such as steroids were used in 10 videos, hyaluronic acid in 5, and IPRF in one. The mean total number of video views was 137,419.16, with a mean interaction index of 1.51 and a mean viewing rate of 2,803.28. The mean GQS and DISCERN scores were 2.25, and 1.94 respectively.
CONCLUSION
YouTube can be a valuable resource for learning, it should not replace formal education or hands-on training if you plan to perform TMJ arthrocentesis as a medical professional. Always consult with experts and follow best practices when performing medical procedures.
Parameter study for enhancing the speed of a high-speed craft prototype with adequate maneuverability
Authors: Samaei Seyed Reza , Ghahfarokhi Mohammad Asadian
Published: March 2024

Today, the use of high-speed crafts in small dimensions has rapidly expanded due to their high capabilities in quick and timely responsiveness, considering the strategic situations of countries. They are heavily prioritized in the agendas of research, investigations, and industries across all governments. Achieving the appropriate dimensions, size, and hull form for a high-speed craft exceeding 60 knots requires considerable time and expense. This research aims to identify the influential factors in increasing the speed of a high-speed craft prototype with adequate maneuverability so that desired speeds can be achieved rapidly and cost-effectively through effective modifications to the hull lines, chines positions, hull indentations, propulsion system, initial trim, etc. Initially, the sample craft was scanned, and simulations were conducted using MAXSURF software. The hull of the craft was uniformly adjusted according to the final modifications, and all hydrostatic and hydrodynamic calculations on the modified hull were performed. From the results of this research, it can be noted that to achieve the desired speed of over 60 knots, the initial trim angle must be at least 0.4 degrees on the transom. Achieving this required adjustment of hull lines and equipment placement. Additionally, the desired craft, with a safety factor of 1.25, requires an effective power of approximately 600 horsepower to reach the desired speed.
How effective is proximal fibular osteotomy in redistributing joint pressures? Insights from an HTO comparative in-silico study
Authors: Avalos Jorge Eduardo Morales , Avalos Rodolfo Morales , Guajardo Karla V. Martínez , García Luis Miguel Pacheco , Perelli Simone , Monllau Joan Carles , Egea Antonio José Sánchez , Serrancoli Gil
Published: March 2024

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) represents a widespread degenerative condition among adults that significantly affects quality of life. This study aims to elucidate the biomechanical implications of proximal fibular osteotomy (PFO), a proposed cost-effective and straightforward intervention for KOA, comparing its effects against traditional high tibial osteotomy (HTO) through in-silico analysis.
Methods: Using medical imaging and finite element analysis (FEA), this research quantitatively evaluates the biomechanical outcomes of a simulated PFO procedure in patients with severe medial compartment genu-varum, who 1 have undergone surgical correction with HTO. The study focused on evaluating changes in knee joint contact pressures, stress distribution, and anatomical positioning of the center of pressure (CoP). Three models are generated for each of the five patients investigated in this study, a preoperative original condition model, an in-silico PFO based on the same original condition data, and a reversed-engineered HTO in-silico model.
Results: The novel contribution of this investigation is the quantitative analysis of the impact of PFO on the biomechanics of the knee joint. The results provide mechanical evidence that PFO can effectively redistribute and homogenize joint stresses, while also repositioning the CoP towards the center of the knee, similar to what is observed after HTO. The findings propose PFO as a potentially viable and simpler alternative to conventional surgical methods for managing severe KOA, specifically in subjects with medial compartment genu-varum.
Conclusion: This research also marks the first application of FEA that may support one of the underlying biomechanical theories of PFO, providing a foundation for future clinical and in-silico studies.
Mobility-Aware Intelligent Sampling and Improved African Buffalo Optimization-assisted Offloading in 5G-Fog Environment
Authors: S Balasubramanian , T Meyyappan
Published: March 2024

IoT in healthcare is revolutionizing the industry by providing real-time monitoring, remote patient care, and improved diagnosis and treatment options. Healthcare applications are latency sensitive and have major issues such as real-time response delay, latency and bandwidth overuse. In emergency scenarios, patient status control and monitoring directly impact lives. This research work proposes a novel technique: Rigorous execution of healthcare APplication using grey wolf-Improved african buffalo optimization-based offloading Decision (RAPID) algorithm to reduce the latency in fog environment. The RAPID approach generates the immediate response and forwards it to the caretakers by performing an offloading decision using the proposed Fog manager and a novel hybrid Grey Wolf-Improved African Buffalo Optimization (GW-IABO) algorithm with Intelligent Sampling technique and 5G communication. The proposed algorithm, Grey wolf optimization (GWO), evaluates the fitness of the solution, and Improved African Buffalo (IABO) explores and exploits the solutions by enhancing inertia to find the best solution in the optimal area. Intelligent sampling finds the optimal area to search for optimal solution. The RAPID approach employs Intelligent Sampling to reduce response time significantly and hence improve the efficiency of the proposed hybrid GW-IABO algorithm. Thus, the proposed hybrid algorithm effectively offloads to reduce the response time.
Video Games As Deep Media: Challenges During The Russian-Ukrainian War
Authors: Zinovieva Tetiana
Published: March 2024

Introduction. The concept of “deep media” offers a valuable perspective on understanding modern media, with video games particularly noteworthy for their immersive and interactive nature.
Relevance. Given the growth of the video game industry and its intersection with media, ethical and regulatory inquiries are pertinent, especially in light of events like the russian-Ukrainian war, where military-themed video games play a role of resistance in information wars.
The purpose of the study is to substantiate the role of video games as deep media during the russian-Ukrainian war.
Methodology. Employing scientific literature analysis, terminological scrutiny, comparative and cultural analyses, alongside examination of visual and textual aspects of computer games depicting the war.
Results. The study scrutinizes the concept of deep media and identifies challenges surrounding the use of video games for resistance amidst information warfare due to russian aggression in Ukraine. Video games depicting the invasion serve as platforms for information dissemination and counter-propaganda. Leveraging video games as deep immersive media necessitates careful regulation, given their roles as cultural artifacts, tools of mass influence, and commercial products. Ethical and regulatory frameworks are vital for governing game design in media landscapes.
Conclusions. Video games exhibit characteristics aligning with deep media, capable of captivating audiences, conveying complex narratives, and shaping cultural discourse. The convergence of media and gaming industries underscores the need for regulatory oversight, balancing artistic freedom, commercial interests, and public values.
Three new iron-phosphate minerals from the El Ali iron meteorite, Somalia: Elaliite Fe82+Fe3+(PO4)O8, elkinstantonite Fe4(PO4)2O, and olsenite KFe4(PO4)3
Authors: Herd Christopher D.K. , Ma Chi , Locock Andrew J. , Saini Radhika , Walton Erin L.
Published: March 2024

Petrologic investigation of the El Ali IAB iron meteorite (Somalia) revealed three new minerals: elaliite [Fe82+Fe3+(PO4)O8, IMA 2022-087], elkinstantonite [Fe4(PO4)2O, IMA 2022-088], and olsenite [KFe4(PO4)3, IMA 2022-100]. The name elaliite recognizes the occurrence of this mineral within the El Ali meteorite, originally located at 4° 17′ 17″N, 44° 53′ 54″E. Elkinstantonite is named after Linda (Lindy) Elkins-Tanton (b. 1965), a planetary scientist and professor in the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University. The name olsenite is in honor of Edward J. Olsen (1927–2020), the former Curator of Mineralogy and Meteorites at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago (1960–1991). The new minerals and their names have been approved by the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association. The holotype specimens of elaliite, elkinstantonite, and olsenite consist of the polished block mount with accession number MET11814/2-1/EP1 deposited in the University of Alberta Meteorite Collection. Elaliite, elkinstantonite, and olsenite occur along with wüstite, troilite, sarcopside, and Ca-bearing graftonite within inclusions in the iron-nickel metal (kamacite, 9.4 wt% Ni) that makes up the bulk of the El Ali sample. The empirical formulas determined by electron probe microanalysis for elaliite, elkinstantonite, and olsenite are: (Fe7.9432+Fe1.0203+Cr0.010Ni0.006Ca0.004Mn0.004)Σ8.987(P0.932Si0.077S0.005)Σ1.014O12, (Fe3.9472+Mn0.016Ni0.003Ca0.001Cr0.001)Σ3.968(P1.986Si0.014S0.013)Σ2.013O9, and (K0.820Na0.135Ca0.004)Σ0.959(Fe3.829 Mn0.050)Σ3.879(P2.972S0.058Si0.017)Σ3.047O12, respectively. Electron backscatter diffraction was used to confirm the crystal structures of the three new minerals. Raman spectra for all three minerals are also presented.
Geochemical characteristics of mineral inclusions in the Luobusa chromitite (Southern Tibet): Implications for an intricate geological setting
Authors: Xiong Fahui , Zoheir Basem , Xu Xiangzhen , Guo Guolin , Frische Matthias , Yang Jingsui
Published: March 2024

The Luobusa chromitite and ophiolite present a captivating geological feature marked by peculiar mineralogical and geochemical characteristics. Abundant platinum-group minerals (PGM), base-metal sulfides (BMS), and PGE-sulfides and alloys in the chromitite reveal a multistage genesis, encompassing partial mantle melting, melt-rock interactions, and dynamic shifts in oxygen and sulfur fugacities (fO2, fS2). The geochemical signatures and PGE patterns of these mineral inclusions elucidate the evolutionary process of the Luobusa ophiolite, tracing its transition from a sub-ridge environment to a sub-arc setting. The variable ΣPGE values (40–334 ppb) in chromitite, coupled with notably lower ΣPGE values (10–63 ppb) in dunite imply extensive melt fractionation and melt-rock interactions. Coexisting well-crystallized Os-Ir alloys alongside interstitial BMS likely reflect low fS2 and high temperatures during the early formational stages, whereas abundant anhedral or irregular sulfarsenide and pyrite inclusions in chromite point to lower temperatures and higher fS2 during the late stages. The trace element composition of pyrite inclusions displays some of the characteristics of mid-ocean ridge (MOR) and oceanic island rocks, manifesting the interplay of diverse magmatic sources during the evolution of the Luobusa ophiolite.
Enhancing strategic decision-making: The role of business intelligence tools and organizational ambidexterity
Authors: Khaddam Amineh
Published: March 2024

The study aims to investigate the influence of business intelligence on decision-making quality, considering organizational ambidexterity as a moderating factor. The sample included a broad group of professionals from the high-technology segment, surveying 450 respondents; 254 valid responses were obtained from senior executives, supervisors, and analysts. These respondents were selected as they had a clear ability for a deeper dive into strategic goals and international expansion strategies, effectiveness in capacities, and daily financial management improvement. The results showed that with the use of business intelligence tools, organizations were in a better position to provide a higher quality of strategic decision-making (p < 0.01) as it helped in the functioning of new opportunities to identify and capitalize, while keeping an eye on the current capabilities. The study underscores that organizational ambidexterity is one of the most dominant causes (p < 0.01) for the effective realization of the benefits of business intelligence. Thus, for effective decision-making, it is crucial for organizations to synergize business intelligence tools with their ambidextrous capabilities. This underscores the significant role of organizational ambidexterity as a moderator and further demonstrates its importance in optimizing the use of business intelligence to improve strategic decision-making processes.
Systematic Review of Tropospheric Ozone Modeling Using Community Multiscale Air Quality Model (CMAQ)
Authors: da Costa Thiago , Carvalho Josie , Pedruzzi Rizzieri , Albuquerque Taciana , Martins Eduardo
Published: March 2024

Ozone (O3) is a secondary pollutant, and modeling studies used to assess its behavior play a role in facilitating regulatory and decision-making processes in public policies. Thus, the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ), a chemical transport model, was specifically designed to simulate and forecast O3 concentrations. This critical review includes publications between 2016 and 2023 showing the most used configurations. The research was carried out in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, and the articles were filtered using determined criteria. With this, it was observed that the most used model arrangements are Weather Research and Forecasting as a meteorological model, carbon bond 2005 as the chemical mechanism, 36 × 36 km with 35 vertical layers as grid resolution, CMAQ standard profiles as a boundary condition, Multi-resolution Emission Inventory for China, due to the high number of publications by Chinese researchers, and Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature as inventory and processor of biogenic emissions, respectively. It is concluded that this arrangement of configurations is the most widespread in the literature but shows that nowadays the publications predominantly lie over China and with greater prominence of this country in studies of influence on ozone simulation.
Gliadin Proteins in Muffins with Quinoa Flour
Authors: Gojkovic Cvjetkovic Vesna S. , Skuletic Dragana M. , Marjanovic-Balaban Zeljka R. , Vujadinovic Dragan P. , Rajic Danijela Z. , Tomovic Vladimir M.
Published: March 2024

Partial replacement of wheat flour in foodstuffs is of great importance in the food industry. Muffins are a type of semi-sweet cake that is traditionally made from wheat flour. They are especially favored by children and senior citizens. Muffins have a long shelf life, which also contributes to their popularity. However, gluten, the main protein in wheat flour, is commonly associated with celiac disease. Gluten consists of two fractions: gliadins and glutenins.

In this experiment, the original muffins contained 100% wheat flour. Then, we replaced a portion of wheat flour with 25, 50, and 75% quinoa flour. The samples were stored for 0, 2, and 4 weeks. After that, gliadin proteins were extracted with 70% (v/v) ethanol. We separated gliadin using a high-performance liquid chromatograph (Agilent Technologies 1260 Infinity, USA) and measured the total amount of gliadin protein and the amount of gliadin proteins per fraction. The absorbance tests were conducted at 210 nm.

The gliadin protein content was significantly reduced to the wheat vs. quinoa ratio of 50:50 because quinoa is gluten-free, even though it is rich in protein. During the storage time of 0, 2, and 4 weeks, the protein content fell down in the samples with the wheat vs. quinoa ratios of 100:0, 75:25, and 50:50. However, the muffins with 25% wheat flour and 75% quinoa demonstrated an increase in gliadin content.

The results obtained could be a good starting point for the development of high-fiber, gluten-free, and more nutritionally valuable muffins.