bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between IgE Levels Specific for Ragweed Pollen Extract, Amb a 1 and Cross-Reactive Allergen Molecules
Authors: Zbîrcea Lauriana-Eunice , Buzan Maria-Roxana , Grijincu Manuela , Babaev Elijahu , Stolz Frank , Valenta Rudolf , Păunescu Virgil , Panaitescu Carmen , Chen Kuan-Wei
Published: February 2023

Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) pollen is a major endemic allergen source responsible for severe allergic manifestations in IgE-sensitized allergic patients. It contains the major allergen Amb a 1 and cross-reactive allergen molecules, such as the cytoskeletal protein profilin, Amb a 8 and calcium-binding allergens Amb a 9 and Amb a 10. To assess the importance of Amb a 1, profilin and calcium-binding allergen, the IgE reactivity profiles of clinically well-characterized 150 ragweed pollen-allergic patients were analysed regarding specific IgE levels for Amb a 1 and cross-reactive allergen molecules by quantitative ImmunoCAP measurements, IgE ELISA and by basophil activation experiments. By quantifying allergen-specific IgE levels we found that Amb a 1-specific IgE levels accounted for more than 50% of ragweed pollen-specific IgE in the majority of ragweed pollen-allergic patients. However, approximately 20% of patients were sensitized to profilin and the calcium-binding allergens, Amb a 9 and Amb a 10, respectively. As shown by IgE inhibition experiments, Amb a 8 showed extensive cross-reactivity with profilins from birch (Bet v 2), timothy grass (Phl p 12) and mugwort pollen (Art v 4) and was identified as a highly allergenic molecule by basophil activation testing. Our study indicates that molecular diagnosis performed by the quantification of specific IgE to Amb a 1, Amb a 8, Amb a 9 and Amb a 10 is useful to diagnose genuine sensitization to ragweed pollen and to identify patients who are sensitized to highly cross-reactive allergen molecules present in pollen from unrelated plants, in order to enable precision medicine-based approaches for the treatment and prevention of pollen allergy in areas with complex pollen sensitization.
Genotoxicity of Novel Pyrazolo[4,3-e]tetrazolo[1,5-b][1,2,4]triazine Sulfonamides in Normal and Cancer Cells In Vitro
Authors: Kciuk Mateusz , Mujwar Somdutt , Marciniak Beata , Gielecińska Adrianna , Bukowski Karol , Mojzych Mariusz , Kontek Renata
Published: February 2023

Pyrazolo[4,3-e]tetrazolo[1,5-b][1,2,4]triazine sulfonamides constitute a novel group of heterocyclic compounds with broad biological activities including anticancer properties. The compounds investigated in this study (MM134, -6, -7, and 9) were found to have antiproliferative activity against BxPC-3 and PC-3 cancer cell lines in micromolar concentrations (IC50 0.11–0.33 µM). Here, we studied the genotoxic potential of the tested compounds with alkaline and neutral comet assays, accompanied by immunocytochemical detection of phosphorylated γH2AX. We found that pyrazolo[4,3-e]tetrazolo[1,5-b][1,2,4]triazine sulfonamides induce significant levels of DNA damage in BxPC-3 and PC-3 cells without causing genotoxic effects in normal human lung fibroblasts (WI-38) when used in their respective IC50 concentrations (except for MM134) and showed a dose-dependent increase in DNA damage following 24 h incubation of tested cancer cells with these agents. Furthermore, the influence of MM compounds on DNA damage response (DDR) factors was assessed using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation.
Nanomechanical Signatures in Glioma Cells Depend on CD44 Distribution in IDH1 Wild-Type but Not in IDH1R132H Mutant Early-Passage Cultures
Authors: Shmelev Mikhail E. , Farniev Vladislav M. , Shved Nikita A. , Kumeiko Vadim V.
Published: February 2023

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) recently burst into biomedicine, providing morphological and functional characteristics of cancer cells and their microenvironment responsible for tumor invasion and progression, although the novelty of this assay needs to coordinate the malignant profiles of patients’ specimens to diagnostically valuable criteria. Applying high-resolution semi-contact AFM mapping on an extended number of cells, we analyzed the nanomechanical properties of glioma early-passage cell cultures with a different IDH1 R132H mutation status. Each cell culture was additionally clustered on CD44+/− cells to find possible nanomechanical signatures that differentiate cell phenotypes varying in proliferative activity and the characteristic surface marker. IDH1 R132H mutant cells compared to IDH1 wild-type ones (IDH1wt) characterized by two-fold increased stiffness and 1.5-fold elasticity modulus. CD44+/IDH1wt cells were two-fold more rigid and much stiffer than CD44-/IDH1wt ones. In contrast to IDH1 wild-type cells, CD44+/IDH1 R132H and CD44-/IDH1 R132H did not exhibit nanomechanical signatures providing statistically valuable differentiation of these subpopulations. The median stiffness depends on glioma cell types and decreases according to the following manner: IDH1 R132H mt (4.7 mN/m), CD44+/IDH1wt (3.7 mN/m), CD44-/IDH1wt (2.5 mN/m). This indicates that the quantitative nanomechanical mapping would be a promising assay for the quick cell population analysis suitable for detailed diagnostics and personalized treatment of glioma forms.
Named Entity Recognition Model Based on Feature Fusion
Authors: Sun Zhen , Li Xinfu
Published: February 2023

Named entity recognition can deeply explore semantic features and enhance the ability of vector representation of text data. This paper proposes a named entity recognition method based on multi-head attention to aim at the problem of fuzzy lexical boundary in Chinese named entity recognition. Firstly, Word2vec is used to extract word vectors, HMM is used to extract boundary vectors, ALBERT is used to extract character vectors, the Feedforward-attention mechanism is used to fuse the three vectors, and then the fused vectors representation is used to remove features by BiLSTM. Then multi-head attention is used to mine the potential word information in the text features. Finally, the text label classification results are output after the conditional random field screening. Through the verification of WeiboNER, MSRA, and CLUENER2020 datasets, the results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the performance of named entity recognition.
Stroke Recurrence among Stroke Patients Referred for Driving Assessment and Rehabilitation: A Cohort Study
Authors: Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy , Chan Mei Leng
Published: February 2023

Returning to driving is one of the priorities for stroke survivors. However, the fear of the risk of recurrent stroke has led to concern about allowing driving post-stroke. This study was performed to study the impact of various vascular risk factors on stroke recurrence among drivers referred to our national referral center for Driving Assessment and Rehabilitation Program (DARP). Medical records of subjects who were diagnosed to have a stroke and were referred to DARP were retrospectively reviewed. Data on demographics (age and gender) and vascular risk factors (hypertension—HT, diabetes mellitus—DM, hyperlipidemia—HL, cigarette smoking—SM, previous stroke—PS, and heart disease—HD) were collected. Subjects were contacted and records scrutinized for a report of recurrent stroke. A total of 133 subjects were recruited, median 54 years (range 20–77 years), 95.5% male, 59.4% had HT, 32.3% DM, 65.4% HL, 43.6% SM, 3.8% PS, and 8.3% HD. Over a median follow-up of 30 months (range 1–78 months), the recurrence rate of stroke was 11.3%, 3.69/100 patient-years. On uni-variable analysis, the risk of stroke recurrence rose with age (HR 1.08, 95%CI 1.02–1.15, p = 0.01) and heart disease (HR 5.77, 95%CI 1.46–22.83, p = 0.01). On multivariable analysis, only age remained significant (HR 1.07, 95%CI 1.00–1.13, p = 0.045). Among those aged > 60 years, the HR was 3.88 (95%CI 1.35–11.20, p = 0.012). The risk of stroke recurrence is higher among older drivers and is not influenced by other vascular factors.
Serum Catestatin Concentrations Are Increased in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Katic Josip , Jurisic Zrinka , Kumric Marko , Borovac Josip A. , Anic Ante , Breskovic Toni , Supe-Domic Daniela , Bozic Josko
Published: February 2023

The autonomic nervous system is crucial in initiating and maintaining atrial fibrillation (AF). Catestatin is a multipurpose peptide that regulates cardiovascular systems and reduces harmful, excessive activity of the sympathetic nervous system by blocking the release of catecholamines. We aimed to determine whether serum catestatin concentrations are associated with AF severity, duration indices, and various clinical and laboratory indicators in these individuals to better define the clinical value of catestatin in patients with AF. The present single center study enrolled 73 participants with AF and 72 healthy age-matched controls. Serum catestatin concentrations were markedly higher in AF patients than controls (14.11 (10.21–26.02) ng/mL vs. 10.93 (5.70–20.01) ng/mL, p = 0.013). Furthermore, patients with a more severe form of AF had significantly higher serum catestatin (17.56 (12.80–40.35) vs. 10.98 (8.38–20.91) ng/mL, p = 0.001). Patients with higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores (17.58 (11.89–37.87) vs. 13.02 (8.47–22.75) ng/mL, p = 0.034) and higher NT-proBNP levels (17.58 (IQR 13.91–34.62) vs. 13.23 (IQR 9.04–22.61), p = 0.036) had significantly higher serum catestatin concentrations. Finally, AF duration correlated negatively with serum catestatin levels (r = −0.348, p = 0.003). The results of the present study implicate the promising role of catestatin in the intricate pathophysiology of AF, which should be explored in future research.
Cancer Metabolism: Fasting Reset, the Keto-Paradox and Drugs for Undoing
Authors: Israël Maurice , Berg Eric , Tenenbaum Guy
Published: February 2023

In tumor cells, ketolysis “via” succinyl-CoA: 3-oxoacid-CoAtransferase (SCOT) and acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase 1 (ACAT1) is a major source of mitochondrial acetyl-CoA. Active ACAT1 tetramers stabilize by tyrosine phosphorylation, which facilitates the SCOT reaction and ketolysis. Tyrosine phosphorylation of pyruvate kinase PK M2 has the opposite effect, stabilizing inactive dimers, while pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), which is already inhibited by phosphorylation, is acetylated by ACAT1 and is doubly locked. This closes the glycolytic supply of acetyl-CoA. In addition, since tumor cells must synthesize fatty acids to create new membranes, they automatically turn off the degradation of fatty acids into acetyl-CoA (“via” the malonyl-CoA brake for the fatty acid carnityl transporter). Thus, inhibiting SCOT the specific ketolytic enzyme and ACAT1 should hold back tumor progression. However, tumor cells are still able to take up external acetate and convert it into acetyl-CoA in their cytosol “via” an acetyl-CoA synthetase, which feeds the lipogenic pathway; additionally, inhibiting this enzyme would make it difficult for tumor cells to form new lipid membrane and survive.
Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Supplementation with Standardized Terminalia chebula Fruit Extracts Reduces Facial Sebum Excretion, Erythema, and Wrinkle Severity
Authors: Chakkalakal Mincy , Pan Adrianne , Nadora Dawnica , Gahoonia Nimrit , Chaudhuri Ratan , Burney Waqas , Thacker Shivani , Shakhbazova Anastasia , Subramanyam Chaitra , Chambers Cindy , Sivamani Raja
Published: February 2023

Terminalia chebula (TC) is a medicinal plant that exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties and that is widely used in Ayurveda and herbal formulations. However, the skin effects of TC as an oral supplement have not been studied. The objective of this study is to determine if oral TC fruit extract supplementation can modulate the skin’s sebum production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. A prospective double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted on healthy females aged 25–65. Subjects were supplemented with an oral placebo or Terminalia chebula (250 mg capsule, Synastol TC) capsules twice daily for eight weeks. A facial image collection and analysis system was used to assess the facial appearance of wrinkle severity. Standardized, non-invasive tools were used to measure facial moisture, sebum production, transepidermal water loss, melanin index and erythema index. For those who had a baseline sebum excretion rate >80 ug/cm2, TC supplementation produced a significant decrease in forehead sebum excretion rate compared to the placebo at four weeks (−17 decrease vs. 20% increase, p = 0.07) and at eight weeks (−33% decrease vs. 29% increase, p < 0.01). Cheek erythema decreased by 2.2% at eight weeks, while the placebo treatment increased cheek erythema by 1.5% (p < 0.05). Facial wrinkles decreased by 4.3% in the TC group and increased by 3.9% in the placebo group after eight weeks of supplementation (p < 0.05). TC supplementation reduces facial sebum and improves the appearance of wrinkles. Future studies should consider evaluating oral TC as adjuvant therapy for acne vulgaris.
Differences in Thermo-Rheological Structure between Qiongdongnan Basin and Pearl River Mouth Basin: Implications for the Extension Model in the Northwestern Margin of the South China Sea
Authors: Li Chaoyang , Zhi Pengyao , Ding Renwei , Zhao Lihong , Gong Wei , Li Zhonghua , Ge Jiayu
Published: February 2023

This study combines surface heat flow, multi-channel seismic reflection profiles, and ocean-bottom seismometer (OBS) profiles to determine the thermo-rheological structure of the Qiongdongnan Basin (QDNB) and Pearl River Mouth Basin (PRMB), with the aim of researching the west–east variation of the passive continental margin rifting. Based on the initial lithospheric rheological model of a jelly sandwich-1 (JS-1) regime, the current architecture of the continental margin is identified to be the result of a non-uniform extension. Due to the decoupled crust–mantle relationship caused by the weak lower crust, the non-uniform extension led to the rupture of the mantle lithosphere before the crust. The central Xisha Trough falls into the JS-2 regime with only one brittle load layer, which is close to the rigid oceanic lithosphere of the Northwest Sub-basin (NSB). The high-velocity layers (HVLs) and detachment faults beneath the Xisha Trough are considered to be the result of the cooling of a thinned lower crust with mantle underplating during the middle stage of continental margin rifting. A seaward-increasing trend of lithospheric rheological strength is exhibited across the PRMB, from the crème brûlée-1 (CB-1) regime at the continental shelf to the JS-2 regime at the NSB. Unlike the HVLs of the Xisha Trough, the lower crustal HVLs beneath the eastern PRMB formed during the late stage of continental margin rifting due to the mantle lateral flow. The absence of HVLs beneath the western PRMB may indicate that the mantle lateral flow demonstrates a limited impact.
Fast and Accurate Identification of Candida auris by High Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Jamalian Azadeh , Freeke Joanna , Chowdhary Anuradha , de Hoog G. Sybren , Stielow J. Benjamin , Meis Jacques F.
Published: February 2023

The emerging pathogen Candida auris has been associated with nosocomial outbreaks on six continents. Genetic analysis indicates simultaneous and independent emergence of separate clades of the species in different geographical locations. Both invasive infection and colonization have been observed, warranting attention due to variable antifungal resistance profiles and hospital transmission. MALDI-TOF based identification methods have become routine in hospitals and research institutes. However, identification of the newly emerging lineages of C. auris yet remains a diagnostic challenge. In this study an innovative liquid chromatography (LC)—high resolution OrbitrapTM mass spectrometry method was used for identification of C. auris from axenic microbial cultures. A set of 102 strains from all five clades and different body locations were investigated. The results revealed correct identification of all C. auris strains within the sample cohort, with an identification accuracy of 99.6% from plate culture, in a time-efficient manner. Furthermore, application of the applied mass spectrometry technology provided the species identification down to clade level, thus potentially providing the possibility for epidemiological surveillance to track pathogen spread. Identification beyond species level is required specially to differentiate between nosocomial transmission and repeated introduction to a hospital.
Vacuole Proteins with Optimized Microtubule Assembly Is Required for Fum1 Protein Localization and Fumonisin Biosynthesis in Mycotoxigenic Fungus Fusarium verticillioides
Authors: Yan Huijuan , Zhou Zehua , Zhang Huan , Shim Won Bo
Published: February 2023

Fumonisin contamination of corn caused by Fusarium verticillioides is a major concern worldwide. While key genes involved in fumonisin biosynthesis are known, the location within the fungal cell where this process occurs has yet to be fully characterized. In this study, three key enzymes, i.e., Fum1, Fum8, and Fum6, associated with early steps of fumonisin biosynthesis pathway, were tagged with GFP, and we examined their cellular localization. Results showed that these three proteins co-localized with the vacuole. To further understand the role of the vacuole in fumonisin B1 (FB1) biosynthesis, we disrupted two predicted vacuole associated proteins, FvRab7 and FvVam7, resulting in a significant reduction of FB1 biosynthesis and a lack of Fum1-GFP fluorescence signal. Furthermore, we used the microtubule-targeting drug carbendazim to show that proper microtubule assembly is critical for proper Fum1 protein localization and FB1 biosynthesis. Additionally, we found that α1 tubulin is a negative regulator in FB1 biosynthesis. We concluded that vacuole proteins with optimized microtubule assembly play a crucial role in proper Fum1 protein localization and fumonisin production in F. verticillioides.
The Relationship between Changes in Corporate Governance Characteristics and Intellectual Capital
Authors: Nassirzadeh Farzaneh , Askarany Davood , Arefi-Asl Solmaz
Published: February 2023

The primary goal of this study was to investigate the effects of changes in corporate governance elements on a company’s valuable resources (such as intellectual capital and its components). Previous studies have examined the impacts of some corporate governance characteristics on intellectual capital performance as a whole and they have produced inconclusive and different results. This paper examines the effects of some corporate governance characteristics (i.e., the change in CEO, the evolution of auditor, the change in board independence, and the change in institutional ownership) on intellectual capital and its components (i.e., capital employed, human capital, and structural capital). This research is based on a quantitative study and the selected sample contains 1170 observations from 220 companies listed on the Middle East Stock Exchange from 2011 to 2018. The research findings show a positive and significant relationship between an increase in institutional ownership and intellectual capital and its two components (human capital and structural capital). The results support the relationship between a change in auditor and intellectual capital and human capital efficiency. Further, a positive and significant association was found between an increase in board independence and human capital. However, no relationship was found between a change of CEO and intellectual capital or any of its components. This study extends the research field of corporate governance by studying the effects of changes in corporate governance characteristics on intellectual capital for the first time. Given the significant role of intellectual capital in the performance of firms, this study provides essential information to organisations’ decision makers.
A System Based on Photoplethysmography and Photobiomodulation for Autonomic Nervous System Measurement and Adjustment
Authors: Shan Yi-Chia , Fang Wei , Wu Jih-Huah
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: The imbalance of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is common worldwide. Many people have high tension when the sympathetic nervous system is hyperactive or low attention when the parasympathetic nervous system is hyperactive. To improve autonomic imbalance, a feasible and integrated system was proposed to measure and affect the ANS status. (2) Methods: The proposed system consists of a signal-processing module, an LED stimulation module, a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor and an LCD display. The heart rate variability (HRV) and ANS status can be analyzed from PPG data. To confirm HRV analysis from PPG data, an electrocardiogram (ECG) device was also used to measure HRV. Additionally, photobiomodulation (PBM) was used to affect the ANS status, and two acupuncture points (Neiguan (PC6) and Shenmen (HT7)) were stimulated with different frequencies (10 Hz and 40 Hz) of PBM. (3) Results: Two subjects were tested with the developed system. HRV metrics were discussed in the time domain and frequency domain. HRV metrics have a similar change trend on PPG and ECG signals. In addition, the SDNN was increased, and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS: HF (%)) was enhanced with a 10 Hz pulse rate stimulation at the Neiguan acupoint (PC6). Furthermore, the SDNN was increased, and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS: LF (%)) was enhanced with a 40 Hz pulse rate stimulation at the Shenmen (HT7) acupoint. (4) Conclusion: A prototype to measure and affect the ANS was proposed, and the functions were feasible. The test results show that stimulating the Neiguan (PC6) acupoint can inhibit the SNS. In contrast, stimulating the Shenmen (HT7) acupoint can activate the SNS. However, more experiments must be conducted to confirm the effect by choosing different pulse rates, dosages and acupoints.
Correlation between Cellular Structure Morphology and Anisotropic Yield in Additively Manufactured Stainless Steel 316L
Authors: Kim Dae Woong , Han Soo Bin , Lee Yoon Sun , Park Dong Yong , Lee Ho-Jin , Park Sung Hyuk , Song Hyejin
Published: February 2023

Additively manufactured austenitic stainless steel 316L is composed of a cellular structure, which has a directionality, and is observed with a different morphology depending on the observation direction. The cellular structure morphology that appears with a high probability in grains with a specific grain orientation is determined. Taylor factor, which is calculated by considering grain orientation, is related to cellular structure morphology due to the directional cellular structure in additively manufactured austenitic stainless steel 316L. The Taylor factor affects the mechanical properties. The yield strength of additively manufactured SUS316L can be explained by the correlation between cellular structure morphology, grain orientation, and Taylor factor.
Development of an Innovative Glass/Stainless Steel/Polyamide Commingled Yarn for Fiber–Metal Hybrid Composites
Authors: Abdkader Anwar , Khurshid Muhammad Furqan , Cherif Fathi , Hasan Mir Mohammad Badrul , Cherif Chokri
Published: February 2023

Fiber–metal hybrid composites are widely used in high-tech industries due to their unique combination of mechanical, toughness and ductile properties. Currently, hybrid materials made of metals and high-performance fibers have been limited to layer-by-layer hybridization (fiber–metal laminates). However, layer-by-layer hybridization lacks in fiber to fiber mixing, resulting in poor inter-laminar interfaces. The objective of this paper was to establish the fundamental knowledge and application-related technological principles for the development and fabrication of air-textured commingled yarn composed of glass (GF), stainless steel (SS) and polyamide-6 (PA-6) filaments for fiber–metal hybrid composites. For this purpose, extensive conceptual, design and technological developments were carried out to develop a novel air-texturing nozzle that can produce an innovative metallic commingled yarn. The results show that an innovative metallic commingled yarn was developed using fiber–metal hybrid composites with a composite tensile strength of 700 ± 39 MPa and an E-modulus of 55 ± 7. This shows that the developed metallic commingled yarn is a suitable candidate for producing metal–fiber hybrid composites.
CO2-Switchable Hierarchically Porous Zirconium-Based MOF-Stabilized Pickering Emulsions for Recyclable Efficient Interfacial Catalysis
Authors: Pei Xiaoyan , Liu Jiang , Song Wangyue , Xu Dongli , Wang Zhe , Xie Yanping
Published: February 2023

Stimuli-responsive Pickering emulsions are recently being progressively utilized as advanced catalyzed systems for green and sustainable chemical conversion. Hierarchically porous metal–organic frameworks (H-MOFs) are regarded as promising candidates for the fabrication of Pickering emulsions because of the features of tunable porosity, high specific surface area and structure diversity. However, CO2-switchable Pickering emulsions formed by hierarchically porous zirconium-based MOFs have never been seen. In this work, a novel kind of the amine-functionalized hierarchically porous UiO-66-(OH)2 (H-UiO-66-(OH)2) has been developed using a post-synthetic modification of H-UiO-66-(OH)2 by (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMS), 3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyltrimethoxysilane (AEAPTMS) and 3-[2-(2-aminoethylamino)ethylamino]propyl-trimethoxysilane (AEAEAPTMS), and employed as emulsifiers for the construction of Pickering emulsions. It was found that the functionalized H-UiO-66-(OH)2 could stabilize a mixture of toluene and water to give an emulsion even at 0.25 wt % content. Interestingly, the formed Pickering emulsions could be reversibly transformed between demulsification and re-emulsification with alternate addition or removal of CO2. Spectral investigation indicated that the mechanism of the switching is attributed to the reaction of CO2 with amino silane on the MOF and the generation of hydrophilic salts, leading to a reduction in MOF wettability. Based on this strategy, a highly efficient and controlled Knoevenagel condensation reaction has been gained by using the emulsion as a mini-reactor and the emulsifier as a catalyst, and the coupling of catalysis reaction, product isolation and MOF recyclability has become accessible for a sustainable chemical process.
Phase-Field Simulation of Microstructure Formation in Gas-Atomized Al–Cu–Li–Mg Powders
Authors: Phyu May Pwint , Adjei-Kyeremeh Frank , Suwanpinij Piyada , Raffeis Iris , Apel Markus , Bührig-Polaczek Andreas
Published: February 2023

Al–Cu–Li (2xxx series) powders for additive manufacturing processes are often produced by gas atomization, a rapid solidification process. The microstructural evolution of gas-atomized powder particles during solidification was investigated by phase-field simulations using the software tool MICRESS. The following topics were investigated: (1) the microsegregation of copper and lithium in the particle, and the impact of lithium addition on the formation of secondary phases in Al-2.63Cu and Al-2.63Cu-1.56Li systems, (2) the effect of magnesium on the nucleation and final mass fraction of T1 (Al2CuLi) growing from the melt, and (3) the effect of increased magnesium content on the T1 and Sʹ (AlCu2Mg) phase fractions. It is observed that the addition of lithium into the Al–Cu system leads to a decrease in the solid solubility of copper in the primary matrix; consequently, more copper atoms segregate in the interdendritic regions resulting in a greater mass fraction of secondary precipitates. Our result agrees with findings on the beneficial impact of magnesium on the nucleation and precipitation kinetics of T1 precipitates in the conventional casting process with further thermomechanical heat treatments. Moreover, it is observed that the increase in magnesium from 0.28 wt.% to 0.35 wt.% does not significantly affect the nucleation and the amount of the T1 phase, whereas a decrease in T1 phase fraction and a delay of T1 formation are encountered when magnesium content is further raised to 0.49 wt.%.
ConvLSTM-Att: An Attention-Based Composite Deep Neural Network for Tool Wear Prediction
Authors: Li Renwang , Ye Xiaolei , Yang Fangqing , Du Ke-Lin
Published: February 2023

In order to improve the accuracy of tool wear prediction, an attention-based composite neural network, referred to as the ConvLSTM-Att model (1DCNN-LSTM-Attention), is proposed. Firstly, local multidimensional feature vectors are extracted with the help of a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN), which avoids the loss of wear features caused by manual feature extraction. Then the temporal relationship learning between multidimensional feature vectors is performed by introducing a long short-term memory (LSTM) network to make up for the lack of long-short distance dependence of the captured sequence of the CNN network. Finally, an attention mechanism is applied to strengthen the ability to extract key information from tool-wearing temporal features. The proposed ConvLSTM-Att model is trained with the measured tool wear data and then performs as a tool wear predictor. The model is compared with several state-of-the-art models on the PHM tool wear data sets. It significantly outperforms the other models in terms of prediction accuracy, but with similar computational complexity.
Analysis of Discrete-Time Queues with Branching Arrivals
Authors: Fiems Dieter , Turck Koen De
Published: February 2023

We consider a discrete-time single server queueing system, where arrivals stem from a multi-type Galton–Watson branching process with migration. This branching-type arrival process exhibits intricate correlation, and the performance of the corresponding queueing process can be assessed analytically. We find closed-form expressions for various moments of both the queue content and packet delay. Close inspection of the arrival process at hand, however, reveals that sample paths consist of large independent bursts of arrivals followed by geometrically distributed periods without arrivals. Allowing for non-geometric periods without arrivals, and correlated bursts, we apply π-thinning on the arrival process. As no closed-form expressions can be obtained for the performance of the corresponding queueing system, we focus on approximations of the main performance measures in the light and heavy traffic regimes.
Damping Ratio Prediction for Redundant Cartesian Impedance-Controlled Robots Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Patiño José , Encalada-Dávila Ángel , Sampietro José , Tutivén Christian , Saldarriaga Carlos , Kao Imin
Published: February 2023

Implementing impedance control in Cartesian task space or directly at the joint level is a popular option for achieving desired compliance behavior for robotic manipulators performing tasks. The damping ratio is an important control criterion for modulating the dynamic response; however, tuning or selecting this parameter is not easy, and can be even more complicated in cases where the system cannot be directly solved at the joint space level. Our study proposes a novel methodology for calculating the local optimal damping ratio value and supports it with results obtained from five different scenarios. We carried out 162 different experiments and obtained the values of the inertia, stiffness, and damping matrices for each experiment. Then, data preprocessing was carried out to select the most significant variables using different criteria, reducing the seventeen initial variables to only three. Finally, the damping ratio values were calculated (predicted) using automatic regression tools. In particular, five-fold cross-validation was used to obtain a more generalized model and to assess the forecasting performance. The results show a promising methodology capable of calculating and predicting control parameters for robotic manipulation tasks.
Vaginal Toxicity Management in Patients with Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer following Exclusive Chemoradiation—A Nationwide Survey on Knowledge and Attitudes by the Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO) Gynecology Study Group
Authors: De Felice Francesca , Vicenzi Lisa , Macchia Gabriella , Vavassori Andrea , Perrucci Elisabetta , Cerrotta Annamaria , Lancellotta Valentina , Meregalli Sofia , Draghini Lorena , Augurio Antonietta , De Sanctis Vitaliana
Published: February 2023

Background and Objective: Exclusive radiotherapy, including external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and interventional radiotherapy/brachytherapy (IRT/BT), with concurrent cisplatin-based chemotherapy, represents the standard of care in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). The emerging topic of vaginal toxicity has become a key endpoint in LACC management, although different approaches and non-standardized procedures were available. Our aim was to analyze a nationwide study of the attitudes of Italian gynecological radiation oncology teams in the management of LACC patients’ vaginal toxicities. Methods: A nationwide survey of radiation oncologists specializing in the treatment of gynecological malignancies was performed, using the free SurveyMonkey platform, consisting of 26 items. The questionnaire was proposed by the Italian Association of Radiation Oncologists (AIRO) gynecological working group to all 183 Italian radiation oncology institutions, as per AIRO’s website. Results: Fifty-eight questionnaires (31%) were completed and returned. The assessment of acute and late vaginal toxicities was systematic in 32 (55.2%) and 26 (44.8%) centers, respectively. In the case of EBRT, 70.7% of centers, according to the contouring and treatment plan data, did not contour the vagina as an organ at risk (OAR). Vaginal dose constraints were heterogeneous for both EBRT and IRT/BT. Local treatment to prevent vaginal toxicity was prescribed by 60.3% of radiation oncologists, mostly vaginal hyaluronic acid cream, and one center recommended vaginal estrogen preparations. During follow-up visits, vaginal toxicity was considered an issue to be investigated always (n = 31) or in sexually active women only (n = 11). Conclusions: This survey showed that wide variation exists with regard to recording and treating vaginal toxicity after exclusive chemoradiation for cervical cancer, underscoring the need to develop more comprehensive guidelines for contouring e-dose reporting of the vagina, so as to implement clinical approaches for vaginal toxicity.
Intraoperative Blood Loss at Different Surgical-Procedure Stages during Posterior Spinal Fusion for Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Shirasawa Eiki , Saito Wataru , Miyagi Masayuki , Imura Takayuki , Nakazawa Toshiyuki , Mimura Yusuke , Yokozeki Yuji , Kuroda Akiyoshi , Kawakubo Ayumu , Uchida Kentaro , Akazawa Tsutomu , Takaso Masashi , Inoue Gen
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: Several predictive factors have been reportedly associated with intraoperative total blood loss (TBL) during posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for idiopathic scoliosis (IS). To reduce TBL, preoperative factors and interoperative factors are considered important. However, there are few reports that have evaluated bleeding patterns according to surgical stages. This study aimed to elucidate bleeding patterns at different surgical stages and determine the predictive factors for TBL during PSF surgery in patients with IS. Materials and Methods: Preoperative data, radiographic parameters, and intraoperative data of patients undergoing PSF for IS were retrospectively collected. We divided the patients into six stages: stage 1, exposure; stage 2, implant placement; stage 3, release; stage 4, correction; stage 5, bone grafting; and stage 6, closure; then we reviewed the blood loss and bleeding speed. Multiple-regression analysis was performed to generate a predictive formula for blood loss using preoperative and intraoperative factors, including blood loss at stage 1, as explanatory variables. Results: Forty-five patients (mean age: 17.6 years) were included. The mean operative time and TBL were 287.9 min and 756.5 mL, respectively. Blood loss was the highest at stage 3, followed by stage 4. Bleeding speed was the highest at stage 4, followed by stage 3. Bleeding speeds at stages 3 and 4 were significantly higher than those at stages 1 and 2. Preoperative Cobb angle, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), number of fused vertebrae, and blood loss at stage 1 were significant contributing factors. Conclusions: Blood loss and bleeding speed during the release and correction stages were high. Specifically, bleeding speed significantly increased during and after the release procedure. The preoperative Cobb angle, aPTT, number of fixed vertebrae, and blood-loss volume during PSF were significantly associated with TBL. Our findings would be helpful for reducing TBL in patients undergoing PSF for IS.
Anterior Screw Insertion Results in Greater Tibial Tunnel Enlargement Rates after Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction than Posterior Insertion: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Kong Yangang , Yin Lifeng , Zhang Hua , Yan Wenlong , Chen Jiaxing , Zhou Aiguo , Zhang Jian
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: Tunnel enlargement (TE) is a widely reported phenomenon after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Given the paucity of knowledge in the literature, it remains unclear whether screw position in the tunnel affects TE. This retrospective cohort study evaluated differences in postoperative tunnel enlargement rates (TER) and clinical results between anterior and posterior tibial interference screw insertion during single-bundle ACLR using autologous hamstring grafts. Materials and Methods: A group of consecutive patients that underwent primary arthroscopic single-bundle ACLR in our hospital were screened and divided into two groups based on the position of the tibial interference screw (determined by Computer Tomography within 3 days after surgery): anterior screw position group (A) and posterior screw position group (B). The bone tunnel size was measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed 1 year after surgery. International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were used for clinical results 1 year postoperatively. Results: 87 patients were included. The TER of Group A is higher than that of Group B (43.17% vs. 33.80%, p = 0.024). Group A showed a significant increase (12.1%) in enlargement rates at the joint line level than group B (43.77% vs. 31.67%, p = 0.004). Moreover, KOOS and IKDC scores improved in both groups. There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes between the two groups. Conclusions: One year after ACLR, patients with posterior screw showed significantly lower TE than patients with anterior screw. However, the position of screw did not lead to differences in clinical results over our follow-up period. Posterior screw position in the tibial tunnel maybe a better choice in terms of reducing TE. Whether the different screw positions affect the long-term TE and long-term clinical outcomes needs to be confirmed by further studies.
The Relationship between Exertional Desaturation and Pulmonary Function, Exercise Capacity, or Medical Costs in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients
Authors: Tsai Meng-Lin , Li Chin-Ling , Chang Hui-Chuan , Tsai Yuh-Chyn , Tseng Ching-Wan , Liu Shih-Feng
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: Exertional desaturation (ED) is common and is associated with poorer clinical outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The age, dyspnea, airflow obstruction (ADO) and body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise (BODE) indexes are used to predict the prognosis of COPD patients. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between these indexes, pulmonary function, medical costs, and ED in COPD patients. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from the electronic database of the Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. This retrospective study included 396 patients categorized as either ED (n = 231) or non-ED (n = 165). Variables (including age, smoking history, body mass index (BMI), pulmonary function test, maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), six minutes walking test distance (6MWD), SpO2, COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score, ADO index, BODE index, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and medical costs) were compared between the two groups, and their correlations were assessed. ED was defined as SpO2 less than 90% or SpO2 decrease of more than 4% compared to baseline levels during 6MWT. Results: A significant statistical difference was found regarding a lower score of the ADO index and the BODE index (both p < 0.001), better pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), p < 0.001; FEV1/ forced vital capacity (FVC), p < 0.001; diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO), p < 0.001), and higher minimal oxygen saturation (p < 0.001) in non-ED COPD patients. No difference was found in the distance of the 6MWT (p = 0.825) and respiratory muscle strength (MIP; MEP, p = 0.86; 0.751). However, the adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only SpO2 (minimal) had a significant difference between of the ED and non-ED group (p < 0.001). There was either no difference in the medical expenses between ED and non-ED COPD patients. Conclusions: SpO2 (minimal) during the 6MWT is the independent factor for ED. ED is related to BODE and ADO indices, but is not related to medical expense.
Acupuncture for Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ang Lin , Kim Jung Tae , Kim Kibong , Lee Hye Won , Choi Jun-Yong , Kim Eunseop , Lee Myeong Soo
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, it is uncertain whether the use of acupuncture (AT) in children with ADHD is supported by the current evidence. This review aims to provide updated evidence of the effectiveness of acupuncture in children with ADHD. Methods: Nine databases were searched from their inception to 28 July 2022. Two authors independently screened potentially eligible studies. The quality assessment of the selected studies was performed using Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2). The characteristics of the included studies were presented in a tabular form, and a meta-analysis was performed on the treatment effects of AT on ADHD symptoms. Results: Fourteen studies involving 1185 patients evaluating the efficacy of AT for ADHD treatment were included in this review. Compared to conventional medicine alone, the meta-analysis indicated that AT as an add-on to conventional medicine has a positive effect on improving conduct problems, learning problems, hyperactivity–impulsivity, and hyperactivity symptoms in ADHD patients. Similarly, AT alone was found to improve learning problems, hyperactivity–impulsivity, and hyperactivity symptoms in ADHD patients and exhibited better total treatment efficacy than conventional medicine alone. No major adverse events were reported. The risk of bias of the included studies was generally concerning. Conclusions: Evidence on the effectiveness of AT for ADHD patients is currently too limited to provide recommendations for its usage. More studies with the proper methodology are needed for the validation of AT interventions in treating children with ADHD.
Point-of-Care Ultrasonography Helped to Rapidly Detect Pneumomediastinum in a Vomiting Female
Authors: Chen Yun-Hao , Lin Po-Chen , Chen Yu-Long , Yiang Giou-Teng , Wu Meng-Yu
Published: February 2023

Vomiting-induced pneumomediastinum is a rare presentation and can be a result of alveolar rupture (Mackler effect) or Boerhaave syndrome. Patients diagnosed with Boerhaave syndrome may present with the classic Mackler triad of vomiting, chest pain, and subcutaneous emphysema. However, there exists a large overlap of symptoms accompanying Boerhaave syndrome and the Macklin effect, including retrosternal chest pain, neck discomfort, cough, sore throat, dysphagia, dysphonia, and dyspnea. Boerhaave syndrome is a dangerous condition. Delayed diagnosis of Boerhaave syndrome may worsen sepsis and cause mortality. Therefore, early diagnosis and timely management are important to prevent further complications. Here, we present a case of vomiting-induced pneumomediastinum, which supports the use of bedside ultrasonography to aid in the diagnosis and rapid differentiation of etiology of pneumomediastinum.
A Comprehensive Analysis to Elucidate the Effects of Spraying Mineral Elements on the Accumulation of Flavonoids in Epimedium sagittatum during the Harvesting Period
Authors: Yang Linlin , Zhang Fei , Yan Yueci , Gu Xupeng , Zhou Shengwei , Su Xiuhong , Ji Baoyu , Zhong Hua , Dong Chengming
Published: February 2023

The harvesting period is a critical period for the accumulation of flavonoids in the leaves of the important medicinal plant Epimedium sagittatum. In this study, we conducted an experiment on E. sagittatum leaves sprayed with mineral elements with the aim of improving the quality of the herbal leafage during the harvesting period. We elucidated the changes in flavonoids (icariin, epimedin A, epimedin B, and epimedin C) in E. sagittatum leaves. The sum of main flavonoids content reached a maximum (11.74%) at 20 days after the high-concentration Fe2+ (2500 mg·L−1) treatment. We analyzed the FT-IR spectra characteristics of E. sagittatum leaf samples using the FT-IR technique, and constructed an OPLS-DA model and identified characteristic peaks to achieve differentiated identification of E. sagittatum. Further, widely untargeted metabolomic analysis identified different classes of metabolites. As the most important characteristic flavonoids, the relative contents of icariin, icaritin, icariside I, and icariside II were found to be up-regulated by high-Fe2+ treatment. Our experimental results demonstrate that high-concentration Fe2+ treatment is an effective measure to increase the flavonoids content in E. sagittatum leaves during the harvesting period, which can provide a scientific basis for the improvement of E. sagittatum leaf cultivation agronomic measures.
Metabolic Impact of Frailty Changes Diabetes Trajectory
Authors: Sinclair Alan J. , Abdelhafiz Ahmed H.
Published: February 2023

Diabetes mellitus prevalence increases with increasing age. In older people with diabetes, frailty is a newly emerging and significant complication. Frailty induces body composition changes that influence the metabolic state and affect diabetes trajectory. Frailty appears to have a wide metabolic spectrum, which can present with an anorexic malnourished phenotype and a sarcopenic obese phenotype. The sarcopenic obese phenotype individuals have significant loss of muscle mass and increased visceral fat. This phenotype is characterised by increased insulin resistance and a synergistic increase in the cardiovascular risk more than that induced by obesity or sarcopenia alone. Therefore, in this phenotype, the trajectory of diabetes is accelerated, which needs further intensification of hypoglycaemic therapy and a focus on cardiovascular risk reduction. Anorexic malnourished individuals have significant weight loss and reduced insulin resistance. In this phenotype, the trajectory of diabetes is decelerated, which needs deintensification of hypoglycaemic therapy and a focus on symptom control and quality of life. In the sarcopenic obese phenotype, the early use of sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists is reasonable due to their weight loss and cardio–renal protection properties. In the malnourished anorexic phenotype, the early use of long-acting insulin analogues is reasonable due to their weight gain and anabolic properties, regimen simplicity and the convenience of once-daily administration.