bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of palliative care via video telemedicine for patients with advanced cancer: A non-randomized prospective clinical trial
Authors: Chida Akihiko , Hamamoto Yasuo , Hirata Kenro , Sato Yasunori , So Eiichiro , Kishimoto Shotaro , Noguchi Satoko , Horie Sara , Saito Yuki , Shimozaki Keitaro , Tsugaru Kai , Togasaki Kazuhiro , Kawasaki Kenta , Hayashi Hideyuki , Kanai Takanori
Published: March 2024

Objectives: Palliative care has been shown to be effective for patients with advanced cancer; however, the best approach to this remains undetermined. We hypothesized that a combination of palliative care via video telemedicine and usual outpatient treatment would improve patients’ quality of life (QOL)and ameliorate depression and prognosis.
Methods: Patients with advanced cancer who received best supportive care were enrolled. Patients who could perform videoconferencing were assigned to the telemedicine (TMD) group and those who could not were assigned to the no telemedicine (no TMD; control) group. The primary endpoint was QOL, which was evaluated using the difference in the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General (FACT-G) scores between baseline and 1-month follow-up. Secondary endpoints included depression,measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale, the Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI), overall survival (OS), and patient satisfaction.
Results: Fifty patients were included in this study(25 in each group). FACT-G decreased by 0.21 and 5.96 points in the TMD and no TMD groups, respectively (p= 0.047). TheTMD group maintained better QOL. CES-D increased by 0.92 and 3.50 points in the TMD and no TMD groups, respectively (p = 0.26). Median survival time (MST) was 7.82 (3.30–14.59) and 6.37 (2.33–11.04) months in the TMD and no TMD groups.
Conclusion: Video telemedicine is useful in maintainingthe QOL of patients with advanced cancer. It is desirable to further evaluate the effectiveness of palliative care using video telemedicine and evaluate its clinical applications.
The coagulation status in women of endometriosis with stage IV
Authors: Wang Lu , Ling Jingxian , Zhu Xianghong , Zhang Yan , Li Rong , Huang Jingjing , Huang Doudou , Wu Chan , Zhou Huaijun
Published: March 2024

Background
Endometriosis is considered as a systemic disease with the presence of proinflammatory cytokines in the circulation, which drives hypercoagulable state. Currently, endometriosis is classified into four stages: I (minimal), II (mild), III (moderate) and IV (severe). The aim of this study is to investigate the correlations between inflammatory markers and coagulation factors in patients diagnosed endometriosis with stage IV.
Methods
This retrospective case–control study included 171 endometriosis patients with stage IV and 84 controls. Continuous data were expressed by mean ± standard deviation. Mann–Whitney U and χ2 tests were used to compare the medians and frequencies among the groups. Spearman analysis was conducted to determine the correlation among the measured parameters. The diagnostic values of the parameters differentiating endometriomas were tested by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.
Results
The time of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was decreased and the concentration of fibrinogen (FIB) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were increased in women of endometriosis with stage IV. The APTT were negatively correlated with NLR while the concentrations of FIB were positively correlated with NLR. The ROC analysis showed that the Area under the curve (AUC) of FIB was 0.766 (95% confidence interval:0.717–0.814) with sensitivity and specificity reaching 86.5 and 60.9%, respectively. The AUC of CA125 and CA199 was 0.638 (95% confidence interval: 0.578–0.697), 0.71 (95% confidence interval: 0.656–0.763) with sensitivity and specificity reaching 40.9 and 91.8%, 80.7 and 56.5% respectively. The combination of these factors showed the highest AUC of 0.895 (0.862–0.927) with sensitivity of 88.9% and specificity of 77.7%.
Conclusion
In the present study, we found that inflammatory factors showed significant correlation with APTT or FIB in endometriosis with stage IV. Moreover, we found that inflammatory factors showed significant correlation with APTT or FIB in endometriosis with stage IV.
A novel strategy to facilitate uniform epithelial cell maturation using liquid–liquid interfaces
Authors: Sonoi Rie , Kamihira Masamichi
Published: March 2024

Epithelial tissue forms and maintains a critical barrier function in the body. A novel culture design aimed at promoting uniform maturation of epithelial cells using liquid materials is described. Culturing Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells at the liquid–liquid interface yielded reduced migration and stimulated active cell growth. Similar to solid–liquid interfaces, cells cultured on a fibronectin-coated liquid–liquid interface exhibited active migration and growth, ultimately reaching a confluent state. These cells exhibited reduced stress fiber formation and adopted a cobblestone-like shape, which led to their even distribution in the culture vessel. To inhibit stress fiber formation and apoptosis, the exposure of cells on liquid–liquid interfaces to Y27632, a specific inhibitor of the Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK), facilitated tight junction formation (frequency of ZO-2-positive cells, FZ = 0.73). In Y27632-exposed cells on the liquid–liquid interface, the value obtained by subtracting the standard deviation of the ratio of nucleus densities in each region that compartmentalized a culture vessel from 1, denoted as HLN, was 0.93 0.01, indicated even cell distribution in the culture vessel at t = 72 h. The behavior of epithelial cells on liquid–liquid interfaces contributes to the promotion of their uniform maturation.
Experimental Study on the Evaluation in Thermal-Hydraulic-Mechanical-Chemical Properties of Cement-Stabilized Clay
Authors: Chen Zihan
Published: March 2024

A thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the evolutionary pattern in the thermal-hydraulic-mechanical-chemical (THMC) behavior of cement-stabilized clay is essential for a more reasonable design of improved clay in practical engineering. Sensitive marine clays with low strength, reinforced by various cement contents (0%, 6%, and 12%), were produced as samples to study the evolutionary pattern of the THMC behavior of reinforced clays. Samples with designed curing times (1, 3, 7, 28, and 90 days) will be trimmed to the appropriate size and utilized in a series of mechanical tests. Furthermore, the other portion of the samples, which is pre-installed with sensors, is used to monitor the development in internal temperature, volumetric water content, suction, and electrical conductivity for 90 days. The results showed that the content of cement and curing time have a significant influence on the THMC behavior of reinforced clay. Meanwhile, the results indicate a strong coupling of the THMC behavior of clays reinforced by cement. The results will be of critical assistance in gaining advanced knowledge into the evolutionary pattern in the THMC behavior of reinforced clays as well as making a contribution to optimizing the stability, cost-effectiveness, and durability of the design of reinforced clays.
Determination of the performance of Antarctic Ozone Hole Area using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Ghosh Saumen , (Chakraborty) Himadri Bhattacharyya , Bhattacharya Sonia
Published: March 2024

The stratospheric water vapor was found to increase during the period of last 30 years. This increase is helpful for the depletion as well as production of ozone in stratosphere. Moreover, some sources of nascent chlorine (Cl.) are still present in stratosphere because of their long-life span and over expected emission. The uses of such chemicals were strictly restricted from 1987, the year when Montreal Protocol was signed. Sometimes we found the Antarctic ozone hole area to cross the limit of the threshold value for these reasons. Artificial Neural Network has been applied in the current study. How much time the Antarctic ozone hole area was affected by such greenhouse gas (carbon di oxide, nitrous oxide, methane, CFC-11, water vapor and ozone itself) concentrations in atmosphere as input parameter is shown in the present paper.
GIS-Based Water Budget Estimation in the Pra Basin using Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Ankomahene Bright , Osah Samuel , Asiedu Samuel Boamah
Published: March 2024

Monitoring water demand and water supply is critical for effective and long-term water resource management. In this study, the monthly water budget components for the 2019 and 2022 wet and dry seasons were determined using satellite measurements in the Pra River Basin. The water budget components that were considered include evapotranspiration, rainfall, and water stored on land (terrestrial water storage). Different satellite images, including GRACE, CHIRPS, and AETI from the WaPOR portal, were employed for the study. The result of the study shows that the basin water budget for the 2019 and 2022 dry seasons experienced an increase of 4.973%, while the basin experienced a 39.4522% fall in the 2019 and 2022 wet seasons. The high ET resulted in a negative water budget for the 2019 and 2022 dry and wet seasons. Runoff was calculated as a residual from the water balance equation because it could not be directly determined from remote sensing measurements. Remote sensing datasets can be extremely helpful, especially in areas with limited data, for assessing seasonal and inter-annual changes in water components and river basin management.
EigenFlux: A Radiative Transfer Model for Systems with High Asymmetries
Authors: Johnson Daniel P. , Johnson Matthew S.
Published: March 2024

The study of how light and radiation propagate through various mediums, such as the atmosphere, pigments, or water, is of interest to diverse research communities including atmospheric physics and chemistry, meteorology, climate research, astronomy, remote sensing, material science for painting and coating, oceanography, hydrology, and graphics rendering. Despite its widespread applicability, to the best of our knowledge there is no effective multi-stream algorithm capable of handling strongly backward or forward scattering systems with asymmetries exceeding ±0.95. This paper introduces the EigenFlux system, presenting its derivation and implementation. The system incorporates a Mesh Approximates multistream and eigenvalue decomposition, ensuring numerical stability through a natural reflectance condition. The article concludes with numerical demonstrations showcasing the method’s range and precision.
Long-acting antiretroviral therapy effectiveness and patient satisfaction using patient questionnaires: data from a real-world setting
Authors: Konishi Keiji , Onozuka Daisuke , Ookubo Moeka , Kasamatsu Yu , Shirano Michinori
Published: March 2024

Background
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV infection has evolved substantially. The development of long-acting drugs, such as cabotegravir (CAB) and rilpivirine (RPV) might improve treatment satisfaction among people living with HIV (PLWH). The real-world effectiveness of long-acting ART and its effect on patient satisfaction needs to be assessed. This study investigated antiviral effectiveness and treatment satisfaction in PLWH who switched from conventional to long-acting ART (CAB + RPV).
Methods
This prospective cohort study included PLWH aged 18 years and older who switched to CAB + RPV between June 2022 and May 2023. The eligibility criteria included viral suppression, absence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, and no prior RPV resistance mutations. Clinical data, including renal, lipid, and glucose biomarker levels, were monitored from the baseline to 48 weeks after switching. Treatment satisfaction was assessed using the HIV Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire. A linear mixed-effects model was employed to estimate changes in clinical data from baseline.
Results
Thirty-eight male participants were enrolled. Viral suppression was maintained and no cases of virological failure were observed (estimated value:-10.9, 95%CI: -37.5–15.8]. Renal function improved (estimated value: -0.04, 95%CI: -0.07 – -0.01), lipid and glucose profiles remained stable, and treatment satisfaction increased significantly after switching to CAB + RPV(estimated value: 6.6, 95%CI: 2.2–11.0).
Conclusion
Long-acting ART provides effective viral suppression and enhances treatment satisfaction in PLWH switching from conventional ART. Long-acting ART can improve patient well-being, but patient selection and monitoring to prevent HBV-related complications are important.
Ethics and dissemination:
This study was conducted as a single-center study and was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Review Committee of Osaka City General Hospital (approval number: 2210072).
Development and Validation of Gestational Diabetes Dietary Psychological Evaluations Scale
Authors: Liu Anyi , Wang Junbo , Li Yongjin , Yao Aimin , Zhao Jie , Sun Hongmin , Zhang Yibin , Lv Jinchang , Gao Peng , Chen Dongwan
Published: March 2024

Objective
To develop and validate a dietary psychological evaluation scale for patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) to capture their psychological aspects for individualized interventions.
Methods
A list of 57 questions was generated by combining clinical practice and theory. Content validity was established by 9 experts. Pre-test was conducted (n = 286) for item selection and assess comprehension and readability. Two sample t-test, correlation coefficient and internal consistency analysis were conducted to test the reliability. Pilot test was conducted (n = 312) to assess validity using Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) as the calibration scale. Correlation coefficient and confirmatory factor analysis were used. The scale’s model was established using a 3,300 sample to determine norm values. Two sample t-test and correlation coefficient methods were used to test representativeness and independence of all items.
Results
In the end, 41 items were selected and 4 domains were determined: worry feeling (0.830), positive experience (0.676), negative experience (0.649) and stress (0.560). Cronbach αvalues of each domain (0.560–0.869) were acceptable except for stress domain. The results of factor analysis (χ2/df = 2.36, GFT = 0.908, AGFI = 0.898, NFI = 0.854, RFI = 0.782, CFI = 0.882, RMSEA = 0.059) indicated a good fit of the theoretical model. The norm values of this dietary psychological evaluation were determined.
Conclusion
This scale was designed based on the characteristics of dietary anxiety in the course of GDM. The test results indicated that the scale has good reliability and validity, and could be used to evaluate dietary anxiety in GDM patients.
Collaborating with pharmacists to improve medication use in dementia care: views from healthcare professionals in Sweden
Authors: Carlqvist Catharina , Ekstedt Mirjam , Lehnbom Elin Christina
Published: March 2024

Background
Dementia is a major global public health challenge, and with the growing elderly population, its prevalence is expected to increase in the coming years. In Sweden, municipalities are responsible for providing special housing for the elderly (SÄBO), which offers services and care for older individuals needing specific support. SÄBO is both the person´s home and a care environment and workplace. Polypharmacy in patients with dementia is common and increases the risk of medication interactions. Involving clinical pharmacists in medication reviews has been shown to result in safer medication use and more appropriate prescribing. However, less attention has been given to how other healthcare professionals view the implementation of such pharmacist services. Thus, this study aims to explore their views towards pharmacist-supported medication reviews for people with dementia.
Methods
This descriptive qualitative study used semi-structured interviews and qualitative content analysis to explore healthcare professionals’ views on pharmacist-supported medication reviews for people with dementia. The study was conducted in a southern Swedish special housing and included nurses, assistant nurses, general practitioners (GPs), and a pharmacist. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, interviews were conducted over the phone. The Swedish Ethical Review Authority approved the study.
Results
The analysis revealed three main categories, and eleven subcategories.: 1) Approaches to safe medication use, 2) Approaches to work processes and 3) The role of the pharmacist. Nurses focused on non-pharmacological treatments, while GPs emphasized the importance of medication reviews in assessing the benefits and side-effects of prescribed medication. Pharmacists were valued for their reliable medication expertise, appreciated by GPs for saving time and providing recommendations prior to consultations with individuals with dementia and their next-of-kin. Although medication reviews were considered beneficial, there was skepticism about their ability to solve all medication-related problems associated with dementia care.
Conclusions
The healthcare professionals generally had a positive attitude towards collaborating with pharmacists. The study highlighted the importance of involving healthcare professionals in the implementation of new work processes to ensure employee commitment and successful adoption.
Data-driven Network Connectivity Analysis: An Underestimated Metric
Authors: Xu Junxiang , Nair Divya Jayakumar
Published: March 2024

In network structure analysis, metrics such as Isolated Node Ratio (INR), Network Efficiency (NE), Network Clustering Coefficient (NCC), Betweenness Centrality (BC), and Closeness Centrality (CC) are used as quantitative tools to measure network connectivity. However, there is another metric that is often easily overlooked and underestimated, i.e., the Relative Size of Largest Connected Component (RSLCC), we do not find any literature that analyzed RSLCC in a separate study. However, through the research in this paper, we not only prove that this metric is underestimated, but also design 7 methods to predict the value of this metric, with a Deep Neural Network (DNN) prediction accuracy of more than 99%. This research results can be applied to any network, and in a disaster scenario, whether it is a physical entity network or a virtual abstract network, the approximate network connectivity value can be predicted simply by knowing the number of connected edges in the pre-disaster network and the number of connected edges in the post-disaster network.
Facile fabrication of PPy/MWCNTs composites with tunable dielectric properties and their superior electromagnetic wave absorbing performance
Authors: Zhang Liang , Feng Huixia , Lv Jincheng , Jiang Haijing , Chen Nali , Tan Lin , Qiu Jianhui
Published: March 2024

Enhanced interfacial polarization is one of the most effective methods to achieve efficient electromagnetic wave absorbing (EMA) performance. In this study, we propose a cladding morphology modulation strategy for the preparation of high-performance PPy/MWCNTs(PC) by controlling the polymerization cladding morphology of PPy through acid doping using an in-situ polymerization method. By constructing a 3D network structure with rough surface, a large number of interfaces and pore spaces are generated to increase the multiple reflections and scattering of electromagnetic wave energy, improve the interfacial polarization of the material, and enhance the polarization relaxation process. Meanwhile, the 3D conductive network generated by the cladding provides a channel for electron transfer between MWCNTs and PPy nanoparticles and PC nanorods, which improves the conductivity loss of the material and allows more electromagnetic wave to be dissipated in the form of thermal energy. With the doping acid of p-toluenesulfonic(TsOH), the EMA absorption performance of PC composites can reach a maximum reflection loss(RLmin) of -60.21 dB at the frequency of 8.24 GHz, and the best effective bandwidth (EABmax) of 5.04 GHz for single thickness and 14.08 GHz for full thickness (EABsun), providing excellent EMA performance.
Clinical diagnosis and treatment of 6 cases of acute ovarian torsion causing ovarian necrosis in children
Authors: Xu Youbo , Yang Runpeng , Zhu Junzhao , Zhao Yun , Bi Fang , Shi Lexiang
Published: March 2024

Objective To summarize the clinical experience of acute ovarian torsion in girls and to improve clinicians' understanding of the disease.
Methods Retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 6 cases of acute ovarian torsion resulting in ovarian necrosis in girls admitted to the Red Flag Hospital, from January 1, 2016 to February 1, 2023.
Results The age distribution of the six cases was 7-13 years old, with a median of 11 years old, of which three were children with menarches and three were not. The clinical presentation was mainly left lower abdominal, right lower abdominal and periumbilical pain. 4 cases underwent ultrasound or CT examination after the first visit, 2 cases had left ovarian torsion and 4 cases had right ovarian torsion.
Conclusion When girls approaching puberty present with abdominal pain, parents, teachers and their chaperones should be alert to the possibility of common acute abdominal and paediatric gynaecological disorders in children and they need early consultation and ultrasound or CT examination for definitive diagnosis. Early management of paediatric ovarian torsion is very important for the prognosis of the girls, as the rate of removal of the affected ovary is very high if an untimely diagnosis leads to severe local ischaemia and necrosis. Awareness of gynaecological emergencies, early management and training of paediatric surgeons are important to prevent ovarian torsion leading to ovarian necrosis in children and to improve the potential protection of girls' fertility.
Cervical Epidural Hematoma: A Case Series Highlighting Uncommon Causes
Authors: Lee Wey Ting , Fun Joan , Yeo Yi Wen Mathew
Published: March 2024

Background:
Cervical epidural hematoma (CEH) is a rare but potentially devastating condition, characterized by the accumulation of blood within the epidural space of the cervical spine, leading to spinal cord compression. While trauma and iatrogenic causes are well-documented, cases attributed to neck strain and acupuncture are uncommon. Here, we present two cases of CEH secondary to these unusual aetiologies. Both cases highlight the importance of considering uncommon causes of CEH to ensure early recognition and prompt treatment.
Case Presentations:
Case 1 is an 81-year-old lady who presented with left hemiparesis and paraesthesia following a fall with neck strain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cervical spine revealed left C3-C7 epidural haematoma with severe cord compression. In Case 2, a 35-year-old gentleman experienced sudden onset numbness and weakness in all limbs just 10 minutes after receiving acupuncture. MRI showed an epidural hematoma at the C2-C4 level. Both patients underwent immediate surgical decompression and had significant recovery.
Conclusion:
While CEH is a rare occurrence, it represents a neurosurgical emergency. Physicians must remain cognizant of the diverse aetiologies associated with CEH and the necessity for early recognition and immediate treatment.
The Microbial Communities and Metabolic Profiles of Follicular Fluid in Patients with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Jianhua , Wang Qihang , Zhang Wendan , Wang Ye , Guo Yiming , Cheng Yanbin , Jiang Honghong , Song Chunlan , Liu Yuan , Shang Wei
Published: March 2024

Objective
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a condition characterized by ovarian dysfunction occurring before the age of 40, with a prevalence ranging from 1–4%. The increasing incidence of this disease has a significant impact on women's reproductive health, as well as their metabolic, skeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular systems. The causes of premature ovarian insufficiency are multifactorial, including genetic, immunological, infectious, environmental, and iatrogenic factors, with over half of the cases remaining unexplained. Whether the microbial communities and metabolites in follicular fluid, which is the direct microenvironment for oocyte survival, are related to POI has not been reported.
Methods
This study included 26 patients with premature ovarian insufficiency and 27 controls with a normal ovarian reserve who underwent in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer. Follicular fluid samples were collected and analyzed using 16S rDNA sequencing and nontargeted metabolomics. Correlations between microbial communities and the metabolic profile of follicular fluid were analyzed to identify key microbial communities and metabolites that might be involved in the development and progression of POI.
Results
Patients with POI exhibited significant alterations in microbial richness and diversity and metabolic profiles in their follicular fluid. The downregulation of ABC transporters and upregulation of the citrate cycle (TCA cycle) might be critical for the development and progression of POI. G-Rhodopseudomonas and g-Caulobacter were identified as key microbial genera, while L-aspartic acid, citrate, isoleucine, and cytidine were identified as key metabolites.
Conclusion
This study revealed a distinctive microbial community metabolic profile in the follicular fluid of patients with POI. These findings offer novel insights into the pathogenesis of POI and might pave the way for improved clinical outcomes for individuals suffering from this condition.
Anticipating How Rain-on-Snow Events Will Change through the 21st Century: Lessons from the 1997 New Year’s Flood Event
Authors: Rhoades Alan M. , Zarzycki Colin M. , Hatchett Benjamin J. , Diaz Héctor Inda , Rudisill William , Bass Benjamin , Dennis Eli , Heggli Anne , McCrary Rachel , McGinnis Seth , Ombadi Mohammed , Rahimi-Esfarjani Stefan R. , Slinskey Emily , Srivas Abhishekh K. , Szinai Julia , Ullrich Paul A. , Wehner Michael F. , Yates David , Jones Andrew D.
Published: March 2024

The California-Nevada 1997 New Year’s flood was an atmospheric river (AR)-driven rain-on-snow (RoS) event and remains the costliest in their history. The joint occurrence of saturated soils, rainfall, and snowmelt generated inundation throughout northern California-Nevada. Although AR RoS events are projected to occur more frequently with climate change, the warming sensitivity of their flood drivers across scales remains understudied. We leverage the regionally refined mesh capabilities of the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (RRM-E3SM) to recreate the 1997 New Year’s flood at a horizontal resolution of 3.5km across California, with forecast lead times of 2-4 days, and across six warming levels ranging from pre-industrial conditions to +3.5\degree{}C. We describe the sensitivity of the 1997 flood drivers to warming including AR duration and intensity, precipitation phase, intensity and efficiency, snowpack mass and energy changes, and runoff efficiency. Our findings indicate current levels of climate change negligibly influence the 1997 flood. At warming levels ≥1.7°C, AR hazard potential increases, snowpack nonlinearly decreases, antecedent soil moisture decreases (except where the snowline retreats), and runoff decreases (except in the southern Sierra Nevada where antecedent snowpack persists). Storm total precipitation increases, but at rates below warming-induced increases in saturation-specific humidity. Warming intensifies short-duration, high-intensity rainfall, particularly where snowfall-to-rainfall transitions occur. This study highlights the nonlinear tradeoffs in 21st-century RoS flood hazards with warming and provides water management and infrastructure investment adaptation considerations.
A precise and efficient updated third-order full-discretization approach for chatter stability analysis of the milling process
Authors: Yang Wen-An , Zhou Wei , Yang XueFeng , You Youpeng
Published: March 2024

Stability prediction of milling is of great significance as the regenerative chatter can reduce the machining quality and limit the efficiency of productivity. The stability lobe diagrams (SLDs) are the most popular used prediction approach, which is determined by solving the delay-differential equations (DDEs) describing the milling dynamic system. In this study, a precise and efficient updated third-order full-discretization approach (PE3rdFDM) considering the analytical solution of the free vibration is proposed to determine the SLDs. In each time interval discretized, the state term is defined approximately by the third-order Hermite interpolation polynomial and the derivative values needed to conduct the Hermite interpolation are provided by the original DDEs. To handle the time-delay term, the original integral of the equation obtained by directly integrating the DDE is divided into two parts. For the part with the time delay term, the updated numerical integration formula derived in the past literature is used for approximation. Moreover, the precise integration (PI) algorithm is utilized to calculate the matrix exponentials efficiently and accurately. At last, the transition matrix is established to determine SLDs. To comprehensively appraise the performance of the proposed approach, comparisons between the proposed approach and other prediction approaches are carried out. It includes the analysis of the convergence rate, SLDs obtained by various prediction approaches in different milling conditions, analysis of time cost, the sum of absolute error (SAE), and the arithmetic mean of relative error (AMRE). The above indicators are introduced in the study to estimate the prediction accuracy of the various approaches quantitatively. The results show that the proposed approach not only has high calculation efficiency but also has high prediction accuracy. It is very suitable to carry out the stability prediction in all kinds of milling conditions.
Risk factors and a nomogram model for deep vein thrombosis in critically ill patients with sepsis: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Su Jing , Tie Xin , Zhou Ran , Zou Tongjuan , Hong Maolin , Yang Lyu , Chen Xiao , Liu Xing , Yin Wanhong
Published: March 2024

Background
Sepsis is one of the risk factors for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, studies on risk factors for DVT in critically ill patients with sepsis are limited, and no specific assessment tool is available for evaluating the risk of DVT in this population. We aimed to determine the risk factors of DVT and develop a simple nomogram for this vulnerable population.
Methods
In this retrospective observational study, patients with sepsis using Sepsis-3 criteria, who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of West China Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2015 to May 2022, were enrolled. Patients with a diagnosis of DVT before admitting to ICU, cancer, trauma, pregnancy, surgery more than 45 minutes, or long-term use of glucocorticoids were excluded. Patients were assigned to the DVT group or non-DVT group based on the results of ultrasonography. We generated receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) to calculate the cut-off of the continuous variables. A forest plot and a nomogram were developed by multivariable logistic regression.
Results
A total of 1057 patients were finally included. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age (≥ 48 years old, odds ratio (OR) = 2.99, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.19–4.12, P < 0.001), the use of vasoactive drugs (≥ 336 hours, OR = 5.66, 95%CI: 4.05–7.99, P < 0.001), PaO2/FiO2 (≤ 275, OR = 1.68, 95%CI: 1.24–2.27, P < 0.001), respiratory infection (OR = 1.44, 95%CI: 1.02–2.06, P < 0.05), D-dimer level (OR = 1.59, 95%CI: 1.12–2.26, P < 0.05), fibrinogen level (OR = 1.45, 95%CI: 1.09–1.95, P < 0.05), physical prophylaxis (OR = 0.51, 95%CI: 0.37–0.71, P < 0.001) were independently associated with DVT. There were no significant differences in the insertion of the central venous catheter (CVC) or peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, duration of mechanical ventilation, stay in ICU, and length of hospitalization between the two groups, while the DVT group had a higher proportion of use of pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis (61.8% vs. 47.2%, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
In critically ill patients with sepsis, physical prophylaxis was found as an independent protective factor for DVT. Advanced age, long-term use of vasoactive drugs, elevated D-dimer levels, decreased fibrinogen levels, low oxygenation index, and respiratory infection were independent risk factors for DVT.
Linking Perspectives: A Field Experiment on the Role of Multi-Layer Networks in Refugee Information Sharing
Authors: Clark Aaron Thomas , Larson Jennifer M. , Lewis Janet I.
Published: March 2024

The social networks that interconnect groups of people are often ''multi-layered"-- comprised of a variety of relationships and interaction types. Although researchers increasingly acknowledge the presence of multiple layers and even measure them separately, little is known about whether and how different layers function differently. We conducted a field experiment in twelve villages in rural Uganda that measured real multi-layer social networks and then tracked their use in response to new, discussion-provoking information about refugees. We find that people who received our information treatment discussed refugees with more people, selected discussion partners from neighbors in the multi-layer network, and used most of the layers to do so. Treatment kicked off conversations throughout the villages that also included control respondents; treated and control both selected discussion partners from their networks who shared their attitudes towards refugees and were particularly interested in the subject. Our results point to multi-layer networks of day-to-day interactions as a source of prospective discussion partners when new information arises, especially layers based on shared meals, homestead visits, and money borrowing. Furthermore, the selection of discussion partners from these networks depends less on the particular layer and more on characteristics of the tie relative to the topic at hand.
Improved weighted bidirectional FPN aquatic real-time target detection model based on cross-scale connections
Authors: Jiang Liubing , Mu Yujie , Che Li , Wu Yongman
Published: March 2024

As a pillar industry in coastal areas, aquaculture needs artificial intelligence technology to drive its economic development. This paper proposes a new method of multi-scale feature fusion and integrates it into the YOLOv5 backbone network for automated operations in the aquaculture industry. This model completes the computerized classification and detection of aquatic products, increases the industry's productivity, and fosters economic development. To provide a foundation of data for training the model, this research creates a dataset comprising 15 species of marine products. The data preprocessing section suggests an underwater image enhancement approach to raise the dataset's quality. Mosaic data augmentation is presented to enrich the dataset and bolster its features. A weighted bi-directional feature pyramid network is improved and fused into the necking network to improve the ability of multi-scale feature fusion of the network, significantly strengthening the efficiency of feature extraction of the network. Moreover, the accuracy and speed of model prediction are significantly increased by integrating the SimAM attention mechanism and introducing the FReLU activation function in the network backbone section. The comparison and ablation experiments show the suggested model's superiority and efficacy. The enhanced YOLOv5 target detection model's experimental results, verified by the mAP and FPS evaluation metrics, can achieve 0.953 and 203 frames per second. Compared to the base YOLOv5 network, the evaluation metrics improved by 0.067 and 48 frames per second, respectively. In summary, our method can quickly and accurately identify aquatic products and achieve real-time target detection of marine products, laying the foundation for developing automation systems in the aquaculture industry.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Exosomal miR-125b-5p Suppressed Retinal Microvascular Endothelial Cell Ferroptosis by Targeting P53 in Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Tong Jun , Chen Yueqin , Xiang Jinjin , Yao Genhong , Huang Zhenping , Xie Zhenggao
Published: March 2024

Progressive endothelial cell injury of retinal vascular is a vital factor in diabetic retinopathy (DR) pathogenesis. Mesenchymal stromal cells-derived small extracellular vesicles (MSC-sEVs) showed beneficial effects on DR. However, the effects of MSC-sEVs in endothelial dysfunction of DR and the mechanism is still unclear. In this study, MSC-sEVs mitigated retinal blood-retina barrier(BRB) impairment in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DR by reducing ferroptosis in vivo and in vitro. MSC-sEVs miRNA sequencing analysis revealed that miR-125b-5p may mediate HRMEC ferroptosis and P53 as a downstream target based on dual-luciferase reporter assays. Silencing miR-125b-5p in MSC-sEVs reversed the therapeutic effects of MSC-sEVs on rats with DR and advanced glycation end products (AGE)-treated HRMECs. Additionally, overexpression of miR-125b-5p could diminish ferroptosis in HRMECs, and this effect could be effectively reversed by overexpressing P53. This study indicated the potential therapeutic effect of MSC-sEVs on vascular endothelial function maintenance and that the delivery of sEVs carrying miR-125b-5p could prevent endothelial cell ferroptosis by inhibiting P53, thereby protecting the BRB.
Unveiling the cell dynamics during the final shape formation of the tarsus in Drosophila adult leg by live imaging
Authors: Hiraiwa Shotaro , Takeshita Shumpei , Terano Tensho , Hayashi Ryuhei , Suzuki Koyo , Tajiri Reiko , Kojima Tetsuya
Published: March 2024

Organisms display a remarkable diversity in their shapes. Although substantial progress has been made in unravelling the mechanisms that govern cell fate determination during development, the mechanisms by which fate-determined cells give rise to the final shapes of organisms remain largely unknown. This study describes in detail the process of the final shape formation of the tarsus, which is near the distal tip of the adult leg, during the pupal stage in Drosophila melanogaster. Days-long live imaging revealed unexpectedly complicated cellular dynamics. The epithelial cells transiently form the intriguing structure, which we named the Parthenon-like structure. The basal surface of the epithelial cells and localization of the basement membrane protein initially show a mesh-like structure and rapidly shrink into the membranous structure during the formation and disappearance of the Parthenon-like structure. Furthermore, macrophage-like cells are observed moving around actively in the Parthenon-like structure and engulfing epithelial cells. The findings in this research are expected to significantly contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms involved in shaping the final structure of the adult tarsus.
Analysis of Choroidal Thickness Changes in Recurrent Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
Authors: Chung GyuChul , Lee Soo Jung , Pak Kang Yeun
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To analyze changes in subfoveal choroidal thickness in patients with recurrent rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) before and after surgical intervention.
Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients who underwent surgery for recurrent RRD from November 2019 to March 2023. Choroidal thickness was measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT) at baseline, and then at 2 and 6 months postoperatively. The study analyzed the impact of various factors on choroidal thickness changes.
Results: The study included 33 patients, demonstrating a significant decrease in subfoveal choroidal thickness in the surgical eye compared to the fellow eye over a 6-month period. In the univariate analysis, changes in choroidal thickness were significantly correlated with changes in central retinal thickness (p=0.048) between 0-2 months, and with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) grade between 2-6 months (p=0.009) and 0-6 months(p=0.02). In the multivariate analysis, an association was found between changes in choroidal thickness from 2 to 6 months and PVR grade(p=0.006)
Conclusion: The findings indicate that surgical reattachment in eyes with recurrent RRD leads to a significant reduction in choroidal thickness. The extent of this reduction is influenced by the severity of PVR, highlighting the importance of considering PVR severity when evaluating surgical outcomes in patients with recurrent RRD.
Correlation-assisted decoy state QKD protocol with self-checking mechanism
Authors: Banerjee Supriyo , Maiti Biswajit , Saha Banani
Published: March 2024

Ideal quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols require perfect single photon sources, detectors, and lossless channels. However, the present technology cannot ensure all of the requirements. Among the variants of practical QKD schemes, decoy state QKD in its present form approaches nearly the theoretical security. In any decoy state method, a compromise is made between the security of the key distribution and the rate of key generation by optimizing the two major protocol parameters: the number of decoy states and their relative intensities, and the length of the data string as well. Use of more number of decoy states and higher range of intensities though improve security, their optimization becomes too complex. Therefore, from practical consideration, some restrictions are to be imposed on the choice of decoy states and their intensities. In addition, the treatment of correlations among the laser pulses in security analysis is not fully understood. Normally, lack of correlations or randomness among the signal states is considered to gain security, but, in a different approach, described in the proposed protocol, additional correlation is introduced to improve key generation rate without compromising security. To do that, a one-way function is shared among the legitimate users to provide a semi-random choice of bases depending on the outcome of the receiver’s detector. The initial communication is made through a set of bits with predefined bases and intensity distribution. Then, with the help of the positive outcome of the receiver’s detector, the basis set as well as the length of the bit string for subsequent communications are computed. This results in correlation among the bases and the relative intensities of the signal states and provides a self-checking mechanism to identify eavesdropping. The security analysis of the protocol provides a low error rate and a relatively high key generation rate.
Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on Abdominal Aortic Calcification: NHANES 2013-2014 Study
Authors: wei ran
Published: March 2024

Background and aims:
The interplay between Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and vascular health, notably Abdominal Aortic Calcification (AAC), is pivotal in cardiovascular risk management. This study aimed to elucidate the association between MetS and both the prevalence and severity of AAC within the NHANES 2013–2014 dataset.
Methods
Analysis encompassed 1841 participants, identifying MetS through established criteria and quantifying AAC via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Logistic regression, adjusting for demographic and health-related variables, was utilized to explore the MetS-AAC connection.
Results
The findings indicated that individuals with MetS were significantly more likely to exhibit AAC, with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) demonstrating an enhanced risk for AAC presence and severity in the MetS cohort. Specifically, the likelihood of AAC increased by 1.3 times (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.1–1.5, P = 0.002) in individuals with MetS, and the risk of severe AAC escalated even further (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.2–1.9, P < 0.001), with MetS patients exhibiting higher AAC scores.
Conclusion
The study underscores a significant association between Metabolic Syndrome and increased prevalence and severity of Abdominal Aortic Calcification. The results advocate for rigorous monitoring and management of MetS to potentially alleviate AAC risks. Further investigations are warranted to dissect the underlying mechanisms and tailor interventions effectively.
Recent tendencies of extreme heat events in Italy
Authors: Settanta Giulio , Fraschetti Piero , Lena Francesca , Perconti Walter , Piervitali Emanuela
Published: March 2024

Over the last 20 years, several record-breaking events linked to high temperatures have enhanced the attention over extreme heat phenomena, especially during summer. Both 2022 and 2023 have been exceptional years in this regard. Heat waves, in particular, are a major natural hazard for the most fragile groups of the population. In order to address the points of impact, adaptation and future predictions, a quantitative analysis of all their specific aspects is necessary. These include the monitoring of their changes over time.
This study consists of a comprehensive analysis at national level of several temperature-extremes indices over Italy, including those specifically related to heat waves. The dataset is based upon a set of high quality daily maximum and minimum temperature records, from more than 250 ground-based weather stations. The time frame considered ranges from 1991 to 2020, providing information about the present Italian climate.
Two analysis are reported. One is targeted to find local features and is based on single stations data. The second one looks for a global signal related to heat extremes. The double level of the information (local and global) can be very useful in the comparison of results. The two methods are in agreement in describing an increasing presence of heat extremes, in terms of overall frequency, duration and intensity. Some areas appear as hot spots for the observed tendencies.
Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor with High Sensitivity for Detecting SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Bhatt Shiven , Bose Naina , Shushama Kamrun Nahar , Inum Reefat , Hasan K. B. M Rakib
Published: March 2024

This paper presents a novel surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor based on Kretchmann configuration for detection of SARS-CoV-2. It combines Barium titanate (BaTiO 3 ) dielectric material on top of metal, also 2D material Tungsten Disulfide (WS 2 ) used alongside the traditional prism/metal/sensing layer setup. Sensitivity is enhanced by using BaTiO 3 on silver (Ag) and WS2 on BaTiO3. The integration of these emerging materials into conventional sensor structures has been thoroughly examined to optimize sensor performance. An analysis of key performance parameters has been conducted using the transfer matrix method (TMM) and Fresnel equations, including sensitivity, full width at half-maxima (FWHM), and figure of merit (FOM). The proposed sensor demonstrates an exceptional angular sensitivity of 450°/RIU, with a 3.5° FWHM and a 128.57/RIU FoM. Optimal sensitivity is achieved with a configuration comprising 1 layer of WS2 in addition to the metal layer. Our proposed SPR sensor shows more sensitivity for detecting SARS-CoV-2 than other proposed SPR sensors in literature. We also analyzed the electric field of the proposed biosensor with Finite Element Method based software and showed its future research aspect. SARS-CoV-2 has been successfully detected in patient samples due to the sensor's increased sensitivity at early stage of this disease.