bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of the number of heat illness patients in eight metropolitan prefectures of Japan: Correlation with ambient temperature and computed thermophysiological responses
Authors: Takada Akito , Kodera Sachiko , Suzuki Koji , Nemoto Mio , Egawa Ryusuke , Takizawa Hiroyuki , Hirata Akimasa
Published: February 2023

The number of patients with heat illness transported by ambulance has been gradually increasing due to global warming. In intense heat waves, it is crucial to accurately estimate the number of cases with heat illness for management of medical resources. Ambient temperature is an essential factor with respect to the number of patients with heat illness, although thermophysiological response is a more relevant factor with respect to causing symptoms. In this study, we computed daily maximum core temperature increase and daily total amount of sweating in a test subject using a large-scale, integrated computational method considering the time course of actual ambient conditions as input. The correlation between the number of transported people and their thermophysiological temperature is evaluated in addition to conventional ambient temperature. With the exception of one prefecture, which features a different Köppen climate classification, the number of transported people in the remaining prefectures, with a Köppen climate classification of Cfa, are well estimated using either ambient temperature or computed core temperature increase and daily amount of sweating. For estimation using ambient temperature, an additional two parameters were needed to obtain comparable accuracy. Even using ambient temperature, the number of transported people can be estimated if the parameters are carefully chosen. This finding is practically useful for the management of ambulance allocation on hot days as well as public enlightenment.
Radiographically confirmed community-acquired pneumonia in hospitalized adults due to pneumococcal vaccine serotypes in Sweden, 2016–2018—The ECAPS study
Authors: Hansen Karin , Rünow Elisabeth , Torisson Gustav , Theilacker Christian , Palmborg Andreas , Pan Kaijie , Jiang Qin , Southern Jo , Beavon Rohini , Gessner Bradford D. , Riesbeck Kristian , Ahl Jonas
Published: February 2023

Objectives

In Sweden, pneumococcal serotype distribution in adults with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and potential coverage of currently licensed pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) is unknown.

Methods

During 2016–2018, patients aged ≥18 years hospitalized with radiologically confirmed (RAD+) CAP were enrolled at Skåne University Hospital in a study on the etiology of CAP in Sweden (ECAPS). Urine samples and blood cultures were collected per-protocol. Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) culture isolates were serotyped and urine samples tested for the pan-pneumococcal urinary antigen (PUAT) and multiplex urine antigen detection (UAD) assay, detecting 24 serotypes.

Results

Analyses included 518 participants with RAD+CAP; 67.4% were ≥65 years of age, 73.4% were either immunocompromised or had an underlying chronic medical condition. The proportion of CAP due to Spn identified by any method was 24.3% of which 9.3% was detected by UAD alone. The most frequently identified serotypes were 3 (26 cases, 5.0% of all CAP), and 8, 11A and 19A (10 cases each, 1.9%). In individuals aged 18–64 and ≥65 years, respectively, PCV20 serotypes contributed to 35 of 169 (20.7%) and 53 of 349 cases of all CAP (15.2%), and PCV13 serotypes caused 21 of 169 (12.4%) and 35 of 349 (10.0%) cases. PCV15 coverage was 23 of 169 (13.6%) and 42 of 349 (12.0%) in individuals aged 18–64 and ≥65 years, respectively. Overall, PCV20 increases the coverage of all CAP from 10.8% (PCV13) to 17.0%.

Conclusion

Compared to earlier pneumococcal vaccines, PCV20 expands the coverage of all-cause CAP. Routine diagnostic tests underestimate the proportion of CAP caused by Spn.
Mathematical epidemiological modeling and analysis of monkeypox dynamism with non-pharmaceutical intervention using real data from United Kingdom
Authors: Ngungu Mercy , Addai Emmanuel , Adeniji Adejimi , Adam Umar Muhammad , Oshinubi Kayode
Published: February 2023

In this study, a mathematical model for studying the dynamics of monkeypox virus transmission with non-pharmaceutical intervention is created, examined, and simulated using real-time data. Positiveness, invariance, and boundedness of the solutions are thus examined as fundamental features of mathematical models. The equilibrium points and the prerequisites for their stability are achieved. The basic reproduction number and thus the virus transmission coefficient ℜ0 were determined and quantitatively used to study the global stability of the model's steady state. Furthermore, this study considered the sensitivity analysis of the parameters according to ℜ0. The most sensitive variables that are important for infection control are determined using the normalized forward sensitivity index. Data from the United Kingdom collected between May and August 2022, which also aid in demonstrating the usefulness and practical application of the model to the spread of the disease in the United Kingdom, were used. In addition, using the Caputo–Fabrizio operator, Krasnoselskii's fixed point theorem has been used to analyze the existence and uniqueness of the solutions to the suggested model. The numerical simulations are presented to assess the system dynamic behavior. More vulnerability was observed when monkeypox virus cases first appeared recently as a result of numerical calculations. We advise the policymakers to consider these elements to control monkeypox transmission. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that another control parameter could be the memory index or fractional order.
The perspective of hypertension and salt intake in Chinese population
Authors: Jiang Kexin , He Tingting , Ji Yongzhi , Zhu Tao , Jiang Enshe
Published: February 2023

Salt intake is too high nowadays. It has been widely recognized that there is a close relationship between hypertension (HTN) and dietary salt intake. Investigations reveal that long-term high salt intake, mainly sodium intake, induces a relevant increase in blood pressure in hypertensive and normotensive individuals. According to most scientific evidence, a diet with high salt intake in public increases cardiovascular risk, salted-related HTN, and other HTN-associated outcomes. Given the clinical importance, this review aims to present the prevalence of HTN and trends in salt intake in the Chinese population and will comprehensively discuss the risk factors, causes, and mechanisms of the association between salt intake and HTN. The review also highlights the education of Chinese people regarding salt intake and the cost-effectiveness of salt reduction from a global perspective. Finally, the review will emphasize the need to customize the unique Chinese practices to reduce salt intake and how awareness changes people's eating lifestyle and helps adopt diet salt reduction strategies.
Efficacy, immunogenicity and safety of HPV vaccination in Chinese population: A meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Jianming , Guo Shuyan , Dong Siping
Published: February 2023

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy, immunogenicity and safety of HPV vaccination in Chinese population.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library from inception to November 2022 were searched to collect information on clinical trials of HPV vaccines. Database search strategy used a combination of subject terms and free terms. Studies were first identified by two authors through reading the title, abstract and full texts and, subsequently, based on the inclusion criteria: Chinese population, with at least one of the following outcomes (efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety), and HPV vaccine RCT, those eligible were included in this paper. Efficacy, immunogenicity and safety data, pooled by random effects models, are presented as risk ratios [95% confidence intervals (CI)].

Results

Eleven RCTs and four follow-up studies were included. Meta-analysis showed that HPV vaccine had good profile of efficacy and immunogenicity. The seroconversion rates were significantly higher among the vaccinated, uninfected (initial negative serum antibody) population than the placebo population for both HPV-16 (RR 29.10; 95% CI: 8.40–100.82) and HPV-18 (RR 24.15; 95% CI: 3.82–152.84), respectively. A significant reduction of the incidence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 (CIN1+) (RR 0.05; 95% CI: 0.01–0.23) and CIN2+ (RR 0.09; 95% CI: 0.02–0.40) was also measured. Risk for serious adverse events after HPV vaccination indicated comparable outcomes between vaccination and placebo.

Conclusions

For Chinese populations, HPV vaccines enhance the level of HPV16- and HPV18-specific antibodies and reduce the incidence of CIN1+ and CIN2+ in uninfected population. Also, the risk of serious adverse events in both groups are almost equivalent. More data are needed to establish vaccine efficacy with cervical cancer.
Physical training in adults with asthma: An integrative approach on strategies, mechanisms, and benefits
Authors: de Lima Fabiano Francisco , Pinheiro David Halen Araújo , Carvalho Celso Ricardo Fernandes de
Published: February 2023

Asthma is a chronic airway disease characterized by airflow limitation and respiratory symptoms associated with chronic airway and systemic inflammation, bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR), and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Asthma is a heterogeneous disease classified according to distinct airway and systemic inflammation. Patients commonly present with several comorbidities, including anxiety, depression, poor sleep quality, and reduced physical activity levels. Individuals with moderate to severe asthma often have more symptoms and difficulty achieving adequate clinical control, which is associated with poor quality of life, despite proper pharmacological treatment. Physical training has been proposed as an adjunctive therapy for asthma. Initially, it was suggested that the effect of physical training might be attributed to the improved oxidative capacity and reduced production of exercise metabolites. However, in the last decade, there has been evidence that aerobic physical training promotes anti-inflammatory effects in asthma patients. Physical training improves BHR and EIB, asthma symptoms, clinical control, anxiety, and depression levels, sleep quality, lung function, exercise capacity, and dyspnea perception. Furthermore, physical training reduces medication consumption. The most commonly used exercise strategies are moderate aerobic and breathing exercises; however, other techniques, such as high-intensity interval training, have shown promising effects. In the present study, we reviewed the strategies and beneficial effects of exercise on clinical and pathophysiological asthma outcomes.
Improving satellite-based monitoring of the polar regions: Identification of research and capacity gaps
Authors: Gabarró Carolina , Hughes Nick , Wilkinson Jeremy , Bertino Laurent , Bracher Astrid , Diehl Thomas , Dierking Wolfgang , Gonzalez-Gambau Veronica , Lavergne Thomas , Madurell Teresa , Malnes Eirik , Wagner Penelope Mae
Published: February 2023

We present a comprehensive review of the current status of remotely sensed and in situ sea ice, ocean, and land parameters acquired over the Arctic and Antarctic and identify current data gaps through comparison with the portfolio of products provided by Copernicus services. While we include several land parameters, the focus of our review is on the marine sector. The analysis is facilitated by the outputs of the KEPLER H2020 project. This project developed a road map for Copernicus to deliver an improved European capacity for monitoring and forecasting of the Polar Regions, including recommendations and lessons learnt, and the role citizen science can play in supporting Copernicus’ capabilities and giving users ownership in the system. In addition to summarising this information we also provide an assessment of future satellite missions (in particular the Copernicus Sentinel Expansion Missions), in terms of the potential enhancements they can provide for environmental monitoring and integration/assimilation into modelling/forecast products. We identify possible synergies between parameters obtained from different satellite missions to increase the information content and the robustness of specific data products considering the end-users requirements, in particular maritime safety. We analyse the potential of new variables and new techniques relevant for assimilation into simulations and forecasts of environmental conditions and changes in the Polar Regions at various spatial and temporal scales. This work concludes with several specific recommendations to the EU for improving the satellite-based monitoring of the Polar Regions.
Addressing plastic bags consumption crises through store monetary and non-monetary interventions in South Africa
Authors: Abiola Babatunde Abimbola , Visser Martine , Daniels Reza Che
Published: February 2023

This research analyses the impact of retailer interventions focusing on the promotion of reusable bags to reduce plastic bag consumption. For this purpose, retail outlet data for March 2018–February 2020 was used. The retail outlet data was analyzed using a panel fixed effects model to evaluate the impact of three treatments on plastic and reusable bag consumption in South Africa. Findings revealed that Treatments 1 (a monetary intervention based on giving reusable bags away for free), and 2 (a non-monetary intervention framed around a plastic-free July campaign), significantly increased reusable bag uptake and reduced plastic bag consumption, while Treatment 3 (a monetary intervention involving a subsidy on reusable bags) increased reusable and plastic bag sales. The findings contribute to the literature on the effectiveness of non-monetary nudges (T2). The latter is more efficient than the monetary incentives (T1 and T3). The results also agrees with the literature on the ineffectiveness of subsidies (T3) for the purpose of discouraging the consumption of plastic bags. The results confirmed that plastic bag consumption is habitual in South Africa. Based on these findings, policy recommendations were made that public campaigns and other behavioral nudges should be considered more effective in addressing the consumption of plastic bags than subsidies on reusable bags. In addition, because of the revealed low level of reuse of both plastic and reusable bags, the use of reminders to reuse bags should be considered and researched in order to modify consumer behavior in South Africa.
“Fine synergies” describe motor adaptation in people with drop foot in a way that supplements traditional “coarse synergies”
Authors: Bartsch-Jimenez Angelo , Błażkiewicz Michalina , Azadjou Hesam , Novotny Ryan , Valero-Cuevas Francisco J.
Published: February 2023

Synergy analysis via dimensionality reduction is a standard approach in biomechanics to capture the dominant features of limb kinematics or muscle activation signals, which can be called “coarse synergies.” Here we demonstrate that the less dominant features of these signals, which are often explicitly disregarded or considered noise, can nevertheless exhibit “fine synergies” that reveal subtle, yet functionally important, adaptations. To find the coarse synergies, we applied non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) to unilateral EMG data from eight muscles of the involved leg in ten people with drop-foot (DF), and of the right leg of 16 unimpaired (control) participants. We then extracted the fine synergies for each group by removing the coarse synergies (i.e., first two factors explaining ≥85% of variance) from the data and applying Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to those residuals. Surprisingly, the time histories and structure of the coarse EMG synergies showed few differences between DF and controls—even though the kinematics of drop-foot gait is evidently different from unimpaired gait. In contrast, the structure of the fine EMG synergies (as per their PCA loadings) showed significant differences between groups. In particular, loadings for Tibialis Anterior, Peroneus Longus, Gastrocnemius Lateralis, Biceps and Rectus Femoris, Vastus Medialis and Lateralis muscles differed between groups (p<0.05). We conclude that the multiple differences found in the structure of the fine synergies extracted from EMG in people with drop-foot vs. unimpaired controls—not visible in the coarse synergies—likely reflect differences in their motor strategies. Coarse synergies, in contrast, seem to mostly reflect the gross features of EMG in bipedal gait that must be met by all participants—and thus show few differences between groups. However, drawing insights into the clinical origin of these differences requires well-controlled clinical trials. We propose that fine synergies should not be disregarded in biomechanical analysis, as they may be more informative of the disruption and adaptation of muscle coordination strategies in participants due to drop-foot, age and/or other gait impairments.
Inhibitory effect of Monascus purpureus pigment extracts against fungi and mechanism of action
Authors: Majhi Swapna , Dhale Mohan Appasaheb , Honganoor Puttananjaiah Mohankumari
Published: February 2023

The fungus Monascus produces several secondary metabolites of different pigment hues. These pigments have shown various biological activities. In this study, Monascus purpureus pigment extracts were tested (in vitro) against Penicillium expansum MTCC 4900, Rhizopus stolinfer MTCC 10595, and Aspergillus niger MTCC 8652 for antifungal activity. The UV–visible spectrum of M. purpureus fermented rice extracts showed λmax at 395, 425, and 500 nm. This indicated the solubility of yellow, orange, and red pigments in polar-based solvent extraction. The M. purpureus pigment extracts inhibited the radial growth and conidial germination of the test fungi. The fungi treated with pigment extract stained with DiBAC (a vital stain) emitted green fluorescence under a fluorescent microscope. These results indicated that the pigment extracts have affected the membrane potential of the treated fungi. Hence, the fungicidal activity of the pigment extracts is due to the disruption of the cell membrane. The HPLC analysis of the pigment revealed the presence of two major peaks. The UV–visible spectrum corresponding to the HPLC peak at 12-min retention time revealed the presence of orange pigment rubropunctatin. Apparently the rubropunctatin present in the extracts exhibited fungicidal activity. Further studies are warranted to assess the applications of M. purpureus pigments in preventing and treating fungus-related diseases.
Primary breast angiosarcoma: A case report
Authors: He Yu , Qian Liyuan , Chen Lang , Liu Yang , Wen Yanguang , Cao Peiguo
Published: February 2023

Background

Primary breast angiosarcoma (PBA) is a rare sarcoma, accounting for only 0.04% of all breast malignancies, with a difficult diagnosis and a poor prognosis. Mastectomy is the standard treatment, and the role of adjuvant treatment (chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy following surgery) remains uncertain with very few studies.

Case Presentation

We report the case of a 17-year-old female patient who presented with a right breast lump that had rapidly increased in size and was hemorrhaging. She was diagnosed with breast angiosarcoma by needle biopsy and pathological evaluation. However, the mass showed a quick tendency to bleed during biopsies. After that, we performed angiography and tumor vascular embolization. The patient underwent a mastectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Tumor vascular embolization reduced the surgical risk of PBA with hemorrhage complications. Postoperative therapeutic roles still need further exploration and verification.
Case Report: Ovarian pregnancy, a rare but lethal condition: An analysis of 112 cases
Authors: Shao Mengyuan , Wang Xinyi , Zhou Xin
Published: February 2023

Study Objective

To explore how to improve the treatment, and prognosis of ovarian pregnancy (OP).

Patients

A total of 111 OP patients, one of the patients suffered from OP twice.

Results

In this study, 112 OP cases confirmed by postoperative pathology were retrospectively analyzed. Common risk factors for OP were previous abdominal surgery (39.29%) and intrauterine device use (18.75%). We modified the ultrasonic classification into four types: gestational sac type, hematoma type I, hematoma type II, and intraperitoneal hemorrhage type. Among these four types, the proportion of patients who underwent emergency surgery as initial treatment after admission was 68.75%, 10.00%, 92.00%, and 81.36%, respectively. The treatment for hematoma type I patients was often delayed. The rate of OP rupture was 86.61%. All methotrexate therapy for OP patients failed. All these 112 cases underwent surgery treatment finally. The surgical procedures were pregnancy ectomy and ovarian reconstruction by laparoscopy or laparotomy. No significant differences were observed in the operation time or intraoperative blood loss between laparoscopy and laparotomy. Laparoscopy showed less influence on patients regarding length of hospital stay and postoperative fever than laparotomy. Further, 49 patients who desired fertility were followed up over 3 years. Among them, 24 (48.98%) experienced spontaneous intrauterine pregnancy.

Conclusion

Among the four modified ultrasonic classifications, hematoma type I was associated with more delays in surgical time. Laparoscopic surgery was a better choice for OP treatment. The reproductive prognosis of OP patients was promising.
Is 3D-printed Titanium cage a reliable option for 3-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in treating degenerative cervical spondylosis?
Authors: Wang Shanxi , Fang Xuan , Qu Yunkun , Lu Rui , Yu Xiaojun , Jing Shaoze , Ding Qing , Liu Chaoxu , Wu Hua , Liu Yang
Published: February 2023

Background

To assess the clinical and radiographical outcomes of 3-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with a 3D-printed titanium cage in treating degenerative cervical spondylosis.

Methods

In this study, 25 patients with degenerative cervical spondylosis who underwent 3-level ACDF using a 3D-printed titanium cage from March 2019 to June 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. The patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) for the neck (VAS-neck) and arm pain (VAS-arm), Neck Disability Index (NDI) score, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, SF-12 concise health survey, and the Odom criteria. The radiographical parameters, including C2-C7 lordosis, segmental angle, segmental height, and subsidence, were assessed. The mean duration of follow-up was 25.6 months.

Results

Bony fusion was achieved in all patients (100%). In three patients (12%) mild dysphagia was observed during the follow-up. The VAS-neck, VAS-arm, NDI score, JOA score, SF-12 score, C2-C7 lordosis, and segmental angle improved noticeably at the latest follow-up. Based on the Odom criteria, 22 patients (88%) reported satisfactory (excellent or good). The mean loss of C2-C7 lordosis and segmental angle between the immediate postoperative and the latest follow-up values were 1.6° ± 0.5° and 1.1° ± 0.5°, respectively. The mean subsidence was 0.9 ± 0.6 mm.

Conclusion

In patients with multi-level degenerative cervical spondylosis, 3-level ACDF using the 3D-printed titanium cage can effectively relieve the symptoms, stabilize the spine, and restore segmental height and cervical curvature. It is proven to be a reliable option for patients with 3-level degenerative cervical spondylosis. However, a future comparative study involving a larger population and longer follow-up time may be required to further evaluate the safety, efficacy and outcomes of our preliminary results.
The Submerged Nozzle Damping Characteristics in Solid Rocket Motor
Authors: Li Xiaosi , Pang Kai , Li Xinyan
Published: February 2023

In this paper, the effects of the geometry of a submerged nozzle on the nozzle damping characteristics are studied numerically. Firstly, the numerical method is verified by the previous experimental data. Then, the mesh sensitivity analysis and the monitor position independence analysis are carried out. Thirdly, the effects of nozzle geometry on nozzle damping are systematically studied, and focuses are placed on the cavity size, convergent angle and divergent angle. The pulse decay method is utilized to evaluate the nozzle decay coefficient. Several important results are obtained: the submerged cavity with large volume leads to low frequency acoustic oscillations in the combustion chamber and corresponds to a small nozzle decay coefficient; then, as the nozzle convergent angle is decreased, the nozzle decay coefficient is increased. In addition, the nozzle divergent angle has a trivial effect on the nozzle decay coefficient; and lastly, the effects of the temperature on the nozzle damping capability are conducted. The results show that an increase of the working temperature leads to an increase of the nozzle decay coefficient; therefore, the damping force is increased.
Attitude Dynamics of Spinning Magnetic LEO/VLEO Satellites
Authors: Aslanov Vladimir S. , Sizov Dmitry A.
Published: February 2023

With the growing popularity of small satellites, the interaction with the air in low and especially in very low Earth orbits becomes a significant resource for passive angular stabilisation. However, the possibility of spin motion remains a considerable challenge for missions involving aerodynamically stabilised satellites. The goal of this paper was to investigate the attitude motion of arbitrarily spinning satellites in LEO and VLEO under the action of aerodynamic, gravitational, and magnetic torques, taking into account the aerodynamic damping. Using an umbrella-shaped deployable satellite as an example, the study demonstrated that both regular and chaotic attitude regimes are possible in the attitude motion. The occurrence of chaos was verified by means of Poincaré sections. The results revealed that, to prevent chaotic motion, active attitude control and reliable deployment techniques for aerodynamically stabilised satellites are needed.
Deep Learning for Estimating the Fill-Level of Industrial Waste Containers of Metal Scrap: A Case Study of a Copper Tube Plant
Authors: Alexopoulos Kosmas , Catti Paolo , Kanellopoulos Giannis , Nikolakis Nikolaos , Blatsiotis Athanasios , Christodoulopoulos Konstantinos , Kaimenopoulos Apostolos , Ziata Efstathia
Published: February 2023

Advanced digital solutions are increasingly introduced into manufacturing systems to make them more intelligent. Intelligent Waste Management Systems in industries allow for data collection and analysis to make better-informed decisions, monitor and manage processes remotely, and improve waste management. In many industries, scrap is collected in large waste containers located on the factory floor, usually close to its source. In most cases, monitoring of waste containers’ fill levels is either manually performed by visual inspection by the operators working in close proximity or by employing intrusive mechanical systems such as weight sensors. This work presents a computer vision system that uses Deep Learning (DL) and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for the automated estimation of the fill level in industrial waste containers of metal scrap. The training method and parameters as well as the classification performance of VGG16 CNN that was retrained upon images collected in the field, are presented in detail. The proposed method has been validated upon an industrial case study from the copper tube production industry in which the fill level of two waste containers is estimated. A total of 9772 images were captured for the first container and 11,234 images for the second container. The VGG16 model achieved an accuracy from 77.5% to 95% on the testing dataset. The industrial case study demonstrates that the proposed computer vision system has sufficient accuracy for classifying the fill levels of metal scrap containers which allows for the development of waste management applications in industrial environments.
Enhanced Chimp Optimization-Based Feature Selection with Fuzzy Logic-Based Intrusion Detection System in Cloud Environment
Authors: Alohali Manal Abdullah , Elsadig Muna , Al-Wesabi Fahd N. , Al Duhayyim Mesfer , Mustafa Hilal Anwer , Motwakel Abdelwahed
Published: February 2023

Cloud computing (CC) refers to an Internet-based computing technology in which shared resources, such as storage, software, information, and platform, are offered to users on demand. CC is a technology through which virtualized and dynamically scalable resources are presented to users on the Internet. Security is highly significant in this on-demand CC. Therefore, this paper presents improved metaheuristics with a fuzzy logic-based intrusion detection system for the cloud security (IMFL-IDSCS) technique. The IMFL-IDSCS technique can identify intrusions in the distributed CC platform and secure it from probable threats. An individual sample of IDS is deployed for every client, and it utilizes an individual controller for data management. In addition, the IMFL-IDSCS technique uses an enhanced chimp optimization algorithm-based feature selection (ECOA-FS) method for choosing optimal features, followed by an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) model enforced to recognize intrusions. Finally, the hybrid jaya shark smell optimization (JSSO) algorithm is used to optimize the membership functions (MFs). A widespread simulation analysis is performed to examine the enhanced outcomes of the IMFL-IDSCS technique. The extensive comparison study reported the enhanced outcomes of the IMFL-IDSCS model with maximum detection efficiency with accuracy of 99.31%, precision of 92.03%, recall of 78.25%, and F-score of 81.80%.
Hybrid System Mixed Reality and Marker-Less Motion Tracking for Sports Rehabilitation of Martial Arts Athletes
Authors: Franzò Michela , Pica Andrada , Pascucci Simona , Marinozzi Franco , Bini Fabiano
Published: February 2023

Rehabilitation is a vast field of research. Virtual and Augmented Reality represent rapidly emerging technologies that have the potential to support physicians in several medical activities, e.g., diagnosis, surgical training, and rehabilitation, and can also help sports experts analyze athlete movements and performance. In this study, we present the implementation of a hybrid system for the real-time visualization of 3D virtual models of bone segments and other anatomical components on a subject performing critical karate shots and stances. The project is composed of an economic markerless motion tracking device, Microsoft Kinect Azure, that recognizes the subject movements and the position of anatomical joints; an augmented reality headset, Microsoft HoloLens 2, on which the user can visualize the 3D reconstruction of bones and anatomical information; and a terminal computer with a code implemented in Unity Platform. The 3D reconstructed bones are overlapped with the athlete, tracked by the Kinect in real-time, and correctly displayed on the headset. The findings suggest that this system could be a promising technology to monitor martial arts athletes after injuries to support the restoration of their movements and position to rejoin official competitions.
M-Mode Ultrasound Behavior of Rectus Femoris and Vastus Intermedius during Contraction with Anthropometric Correlations: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Naranjo-Cinto Fermin , Pecos-Martín Daniel , Cuenca-Zaldivar Juan Nicolás , Achalandabaso-Ochoa Alexander , Quintero-Pérez Jessica , Bierge-Sanclemente Pilar , García-Escudero María , Fernández-Carnero Samuel
Published: February 2023

The quadriceps femoris muscle (QF) is of clinical importance since it has been correlated with pathologies at knee level, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, pain processes and complex clinical conditions. Among the variables that have been related to these clinical conditions are anthropometric measurements, architecture and muscular behavior of the QF. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus intermedius (VIM) muscles’ behavior measured by rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) M-mode under maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and anthropometric measurements. This was a cross-sectional, observational study. Sixty-two asymptomatic volunteers were included (20.42 ± 4.97 years, most women 59.7%). RUSI measurements were muscle contraction/rest thickness and contraction/relaxation velocity. Anthropometric measurements were, lower limb length, RF length, QF tendon length, distance between spines, proximal, middle and distal thigh perimeter. Statistically significant correlations (p < 0.05) were found between VIM thickness at rest and contraction with thigh perimetry, RF length and dominant lower limb length. For the RF, a correlation was found between the thickness at rest and the length of this muscle (p = 0.003). There is a correlation between anthropometric variables and muscular behavior measured by RUSI M-mode.
Analysis of Unexpected Leaks in AISI 316L Stainless Steel Pipes Used for Water Conduction in a Port Area
Authors: Arroyo Borja , Lacalle Roberto , Álvarez José A. , Cicero Sergio , Moreno-Ventas Xabier
Published: February 2023

This paper clarifies the causes of a corrosion process observed in austenitic stainless-steel pipes, grade 316L, used for conducting freshwater in a port area. During the pressure test of the installation, before it was put into service, about five months after its construction, a loss of pressure was detected due to leaks of the fluid contained and the presence of corrosion damage on the wall of the tubes, in some cases even passing through the thickness of the tube. An analysis of the chemical composition of the pipe material was carried out, as well as semi-quantitative analysis of the chemical composition of the deposits in the defects, and a culture of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in Kliguer medium of the stagnant waters within the facility. All this makes it possible to conclude that the observed process fits within the so-called microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC), and, in all probability, it can be affirmed that this process is promoted by the presence and proliferation of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB).
A More Accurate Half-Discrete Multidimensional Hilbert-Type Inequality Involving One Multiple Upper Limit Function
Authors: Hong Yong , Zhong Yanru , Yang Bicheng
Published: February 2023

By means of the weight functions, the idea of introduced parameters, using the transfer formula and Hermite–Hadamard’s inequality, a more accurate half-discrete multidimensional Hilbert-type inequality with the homogeneous kernel as 1(x+||k−ξ||α)λ(x,λ>0) involving one multiple upper limit function is given, which is a new application of Hilbert-type inequalities. The equivalent conditions of the best possible constant factor related to several parameters are considered. The equivalent forms the operator expressions and some particular inequalities are obtained.
Flow Modeling over Airfoils and Vertical Axis Wind Turbines Using Fourier Pseudo-Spectral Method and Coupled Immersed Boundary Method
Authors: Monteiro Lucas Marques , Mariano Felipe Pamplona
Published: February 2023

In the present work, verifying the applicability and potentiality of the IMERSPEC methodology for numerical and computational modeling of two-dimensional flows over airfoils and vertical axis wind turbines is proposed. It is a high-order convergence methodology with low computational cost when compared to other high-order methods, resulting from the coupling of the Fourier pseudo-spectral method and the immersed boundary method. To validate the proposed methodology, flow simulations are carried out over an airfoil NACA 0012 for a Reynolds number equal to 1000. From the spatial discretization procedure, there is convergence and good agreement of the lift and drag coefficients and the Strouhal number in relation to reference works. The behavior of the flows over the airfoil, as a function of the angle of attack, is evaluated by pressure and vorticity fields. From the analyzed flows, it is observed that the formation of different wake modes, constituted by swirling structures that vary their characteristic sizes, is influenced by the angle of attack. A case study is proposed based on the analysis of the main fluid dynamic aspects of flows over wind turbines with a vertical axis of three blades for a Reynolds number equal to 100. For this, a mathematical model responsible for the imposition of the rotational movement on the blades is presented in the turbine. Performance parameters, such as the coefficient of tangential force and normal force, and the analysis of velocity fields on the simulated turbine were presented and compared with other numerical methods. The good level of convergence and the accuracy of the obtained results show the promising capacity of the IMERSPEC methodology in solving problems of this nature.
Turbulent Free Convection and Thermal Radiation in an Air-Filled Cabinet with Partition on the Bottom Wall
Authors: Miroshnichenko Igor V. , Sheremet Mikhail A.
Published: February 2023

Computational analysis is performed for turbulent free convection and surface thermal radiation in an air-filled cavity with solid obstacle on the bottom wall. A partition of finite thickness is considered, the position, length, and heat conductivity of which vary for certain values of the Rayleigh number. The coupled heat transmission by thermal radiation, free convection and heat conduction through the solid obstacle and walls is studied. The governing equations are solved by the finite difference method. This work also contains a detailed description of the computational grid thickening procedure. Temperature patterns and airflow field are scrutinized for some specific conditions using streamlines and isotherms. The overall heat transfer within the cavity is analyzed in terms of the mean convective and radiative Nusselt numbers, and many of the data are presented in detail for various partition positions, heat conductivities of the partition and walls of the cavity, and Rayleigh numbers. The results report that the participation of partitions within the cavities in the heat exchange processes decreases the overall heat transfer rate compared to the simpler case of cavities without partitions.
Multilayer In Vitro Human Skin Tissue Platforms for Quantitative Burn Injury Investigation
Authors: Brocklehurst Sean , Ghousifam Neda , Zuniga Kameel , Stolley Danielle , Rylander Marissa
Published: February 2023

This study presents a multilayer in vitro human skin platform to quantitatively relate predicted spatial time–temperature history with measured tissue injury response. This information is needed to elucidate high-temperature, short-duration burn injury kinetics and enables determination of relevant input parameters for computational models to facilitate treatment planning. Multilayer in vitro skin platforms were constructed using human dermal keratinocytes and fibroblasts embedded in collagen I hydrogels. After three seconds of contact with a 50–100 °C burn tip, ablation, cell death, apoptosis, and HSP70 expression were spatially measured using immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. Finite element modeling was performed using the measured thermal characteristics of skin platforms to determine the temperature distribution within platforms over time. The process coefficients for the Arrhenius thermal injury model describing tissue ablation and cell death were determined such that the predictions calculated from the time–temperature histories fit the experimental burn results. The activation energy for thermal collagen ablation and cell death was found to be significantly lower for short-duration, high-temperature burns than those found for long-duration, low-temperature burns. Analysis of results suggests that different injury mechanisms dominate at higher temperatures, necessitating burn research in the temperature ranges of interest and demonstrating the practicality of the proposed skin platform for this purpose.
Identification of Wnt/β-Catenin- and Autophagy-Related lncRNA Signature for Predicting Immune Efficacy in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lyu Hao , Zhang Jiahui , Wei Qian , Huang Yuan , Zhang Rui , Xiao Shuai , Guo Dong , Chen Xing-Zhen , Zhou Cefan , Tang Jingfeng
Published: February 2023

Pancreatic cancer is one of the tumors with a poor prognosis. Therefore, it is significant and urgent to explore effective biomarkers for risk stratification and prognosis prediction to promote individualized treatment and prolong the survival of patients with PAAD. In this study, we identified Wnt/β-catenin- and autophagy-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and demonstrated their role in predicting immune efficacy for PAAD patients. The univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to construct a prognostic risk model based on six autophagy- and Wnt/β-catenin-related lncRNAs (warlncRNAs): LINC01347, CASC8, C8orf31, LINC00612, UCA1, and GUSBP11. The high-risk patients were significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the predictive accuracy of the prognostic risk model. The prediction efficiency was supported by the results of an independent validation cohort. Subsequently, a prognostic nomogram combining warlncRNAs with clinical indicators was constructed and showed a good predictive efficiency for survival risk stratification. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that the signature according to warlncRNAs is closely linked to malignancy-associated immunoregulatory pathways. Correlation analysis uncovered that warlncRNAs’ signature was considerably associated with immunocyte infiltration, immune efficacy, tumor microenvironment score, and drug resistance.
Mitochondrial Neurodegeneration: Lessons from Drosophila melanogaster Models
Authors: Brischigliaro Michele , Fernandez-Vizarra Erika , Viscomi Carlo
Published: February 2023

The fruit fly—i.e., Drosophila melanogaster—has proven to be a very useful model for the understanding of basic physiological processes, such as development or ageing. The availability of straightforward genetic tools that can be used to produce engineered individuals makes this model extremely interesting for the understanding of the mechanisms underlying genetic diseases in physiological models. Mitochondrial diseases are a group of yet-incurable genetic disorders characterized by the malfunction of the oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS), which is the highly conserved energy transformation system present in mitochondria. The generation of D. melanogaster models of mitochondrial disease started relatively recently but has already provided relevant information about the molecular mechanisms and pathological consequences of mitochondrial dysfunction. Here, we provide an overview of such models and highlight the relevance of D. melanogaster as a model to study mitochondrial disorders.
The Role of Inflammation in The Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiopulmonary Complications of Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Gbotosho Oluwabukola T. , Gollamudi Jahnavi , Hyacinth Hyacinth I.
Published: February 2023

Cardiopulmonary complications remain the major cause of mortality despite newer therapies and improvements in the lifespan of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Inflammation has been identified as a major risk modifier in the pathogenesis of SCD-associated cardiopulmonary complications in recent mechanistic and observational studies. In this review, we discuss recent cellular and molecular mechanisms of cardiopulmonary complications in SCD and summarize the most recent evidence from clinical and laboratory studies. We emphasize the role of inflammation in the onset and progression of these complications to better understand the underlying pathobiological processes. We also discuss future basic and translational research in addressing questions about the complex role of inflammation in the development of SCD cardiopulmonary complications, which may lead to promising therapies and reduce morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable population.
Early Use of Corticosteroids following CAR T-Cell Therapy Correlates with Reduced Risk of High-Grade CRS without Negative Impact on Neurotoxicity or Treatment Outcome
Authors: Lakomy Tim , Akhoundova Dilara , Nilius Henning , Kronig Marie-Noëlle , Novak Urban , Daskalakis Michael , Bacher Ulrike , Pabst Thomas
Published: February 2023

Background: Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR T-cell therapy) is associated with potentially life-threatening toxicities, most commonly cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune-effector-cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). These frequent adverse events are managed with the IL-6 receptor antagonist tocilizumab and/or corticosteroids. The prophylactic and early use of corticosteroids for CRS and ICANS have previously been reported, but eventual negative impacts on CAR T-cell efficacy are feared. Methods: Retrospective comparative analysis of two patient cohorts with hematological malignancies treated with CAR T-cell therapy: 43 patients received early administration of 10 mg dexamethasone preceding each dose of tocilizumab (“early corticosteroid/ tocilizumab”, EcsTcz cohort) vs. 40 patients who received tocilizumab alone (“tocilizumab alone”, Tcz cohort) for treatment of low-grade CRS. Results: Despite overall higher CRS incidence (91% vs. 70%; p = 0.0249), no high-grade CRS was observed (0% vs. 10%; p = 0.0497) among patients receiving early corticosteroids in combination with tocilizumab. In terms of neurotoxicity, no worsening regarding incidence of ICANS (30% vs. 33%; p = 0.8177) or high-grade ICANS (20% vs. 14%; p = 0.5624) was observed in the EcsTcz cohort. Moreover, overall response rates (80% vs. 77%; p = 0.7936), complete response rates (50% vs. 44%; p = 0.6628), progression-free survival (p = 0.6345) and overall survival (p = 0.1215) were comparable for both cohorts. Conclusions: Our study suggests that the early use of corticosteroids in combination with the standard tocilizumab schedule for low-grade CRS following CAR T-cell therapy may significantly reduce the risk of high-grade CRS without negative impact on neurotoxicity or treatment outcome.
Contribution of GIP and GLP-1 to the Insulin Response to Oral Administration of Glucose in Female Mice
Authors: Ahrén Bo
Published: February 2023

It has previously been shown that the incretin effect accounts for ≈50% of the insulin response to oral glucose in normal mice. Now, I have proceeded and studied the contribution of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to the insulin response to oral glucose in female mice by using receptor antagonists. A specific GIP receptor antagonist (mGIP(3-30); 50 or 500 nmol/kg), a specific GLP-1 receptor antagonist (exendin(9-39); 3 or 30 nmol/kg), the combination of mGIP (500 nmol/kg) and exendin(9-39) (30 nmol/kg), or saline was given intravenously four minutes after administration of glucose (50 mg) through a gastric tube in anesthetized C57/BL6J mice (n = 95) with samples obtained before glucose administration and after 15, 30 and 60 min. The insulinogenic index, determined as the area under the 60 min curve for insulin (AUCinsulin) divided by the AUCglucose, was used to reflect the insulin response. It was found that the insulinogenic index was reduced by 67 ± 4% by mGIP(3-30) (p < 0.001), by 60 ± 14% by exendin(9-39) (p = 0.007) and by 61 ± 14% by the combination of mGIP(3-30) and exendin(9-39) (p = 0.043), both at their highest doses, compared to animals injected with glucose in the same experimental series. It is concluded that both GIP and GLP-1 are required for a normal incretin effect in female mice, that they contribute similarly to the insulin response, and that it is unlikely that there is another incretin hormone in this species.