bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Peptic Ulcers Are an Infectious Disease Caused by Helicobacter pylori’ Is an Illusion in Medical Research
Authors: Dong Simon Xin Min
Published: October 2023

Currently, peptic ulcers are widely studied as an infectious disease caused by Helicobacter pylori primarily due to 3 supporting evidences, and this etiology may explain the other 3 observations, but cannot confront the challenges of the 15 major characteristics and the other 75 observations/phenomena of peptic ulcers. To address the challenges, a recently published Complex Causal Relationship with its accompanying methodologies was applied to analyze existing data. Peptic ulcers are identified as a psychosomatic disease triggered by psychological stress, where Helicobacter pylori plays a secondary role in only the late phase of ulceration. This new etiology elucidated all the 15 major characteristics and 81 observations/phenomena of peptic ulcers in a series of 6 articles. This sixth article focuses exclusively on the controversies surrounding the role of Helicobacter pylori in peptic ulcers. In-depth analyses find that all the 3 evidences supporting ‘peptic ulcers are an infectious disease caused by Helicobacter pylori’ are deceiving, and 2 of the 3 explainable observations may have been misinterpreted. Meanwhile, the definitions of ‘etiological factor’ and ‘causality’ do not support ‘H. pylori infection is an etiological factor of peptic ulcers’, and existing literatures have presented a controversial view on the role of H. pylori in peptic ulcers. Interestingly, if ‘peptic ulcers are an infectious disease caused by Helicobacter pylori’ is considered an illusion, all the characteristics of the disease, along with all the clinical, epidemiological and laboratory observations/phenomena, can be fully elucidated. Similar illusions may widely exist in modern medical research, resulting in a direct interference with the true understanding of diseases. The overstated role of Helicobacter pylori has misguided peptic ulcer research over the past 36 years, suggesting that keeping the concept of illusion in mind may help remove one of the biggest barriers to medical advances and facilitates the in-depth study of all diseases.
Modeling Dynamics of Laterally Impacted Piles in Gravel Using Erosion Method
Authors: Yosef Tewodros Y. , Faller Ronald K. , Fang Chen , Kim Seunghee
Published: October 2023

Understanding the dynamic interaction between piles and surrounding soil under vehicular impacts is essential for effectively designing and optimizing soil-embedded vehicle barrier systems. The complex behavior of pile-soil systems under impact loading, attributed to the soil’s nonlinear behavior and large deformation experienced by both components, presents significant simulation challenges. Popular computation techniques, such as the Updated Lagrangian Finite Element Method (UL-FEM), encounter difficulties in scenarios marked by large soil deformation, e.g., impacts involving rigid piles. While mesh-free particle and discrete element methods offer another option, their computational demands for field-scale pile-soil impact simulations are considerable. We introduce the erosion method to bridge this gap by integrating UL-FEM with an erosion algorithm designed for simulating large soil deformations during vehicular impacts. Validation against established physical impact tests confirmed the method’s effectiveness for flexible and rigid pile failure mechanisms. Additionally, this method was used to investigate the effects of soil mesh density, soil domain sizes, and boundary conditions on the dynamic impact response of pile-soil systems. Our findings provide guidelines for optimal soil domain size, mesh density, and boundary conditions. This investigation sets the stage for improved, computationally efficient techniques for the pile-soil impact problem, leading to better pile designs for vehicular impacts.
The Role of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography CT Extremity Arthrography in Preoperative Assessment of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Hamard Marion , Sans Merce Marta , Gorican Karel , Poletti Pierre-Alexandre , Neroladaki Angeliki , Boudabbous Sana
Published: October 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent disease and the leading cause of pain, disability, and quality of life deterioration. Our study sought to evaluate the image quality and dose of cone-beam com-puted tomography arthrography (CBCT-A) and compare them to digital radiography (DR) for OA diagnosis. Overall, 32 cases of CBCT-A and DR with OA met inclusion criteria and were prospectively analyzed. The Kellgren and Lawrence classification (KLC) stage, sclerosis, osteo-phytes, erosions, and mean joint width (MJW) were compared between CBCT-A and DR. Image quality was excellent in all CBCT-As, with excellent inter-observer agreement. OA un-der-classification was noticed with DR for MJW (p=0.02), osteophyte detection (<0.0001), and KLC (P<0.0001). The HU values obtained for the CBCT did not correspond to the values for MDCT, with a greater mean deviation obtained with the MDCT HU for MBIR1 than MBIR2. CBCT-A has been found to be more reliable for OA diagnosis than DR as revealed by our results using three-point rating scale for the qualitative image analysis, with higher quality and an ac-ceptable dose. Moreover, the use of this imaging technique permits the preoperative assessment of extremities in OA diagnosis, the upright position and bone microarchitecture analysis being two other advantages of CBCT-A.
A Novel Solar-Assisted Post-Combustion Carbon-Capturing System Retrofitted with Gas Power Plants
Authors: AL-Elanjawya Yasser , Yilmaz Mustafa
Published: October 2023

Keywords: Sustainability, CCGT power plants, Solar-assisted carbon capture, post-combustion,decarbonization.
Gentiopicroside—The Biologically Active Plant Metabolite—An Insight into Its Pharmacological Significance and Future Perspectives
Authors: Antoniadi Lemonia , Bartnik Magdalena , Angelis Apostolis , Wawruszak Anna , Halabalaki Maria , Kukula-Koch Wirginia , Skaltsounis Alexios-Leandros
Published: October 2023

Gentiopicroside (GPS) is a leading component of several plant species from Gentianaceae botanical family. As a compound with plenty biological activities and a component that is often consumed in dietary supplements and herbal drugs, GPS has an important role in the regulation of physiological processes in humans. Recent studies on the type 2 receptors shed new light on GPS applications showing its agonistic properties that could be meaningful in the future therapeutic strategies of Parkinson’s disease, thyroid disorders or cancer states. This review aims to collect previously published reports on the biological properties of GPS as a single compound that were confirmed by in vitro and in vivo studies, and to draw attention at the newly discovered role of this bitter-tasting secoiridoid as a type 2 receptor agonist. Thanks to these properties, the research on this substance could be revisited.
Recent Advancement in Pneumatic Conveying for Application in Feed Industry: A Review
Authors: Xu Feng
Published: October 2023

The transportation of feed pellets via pneumatic conveying plays an improtant role in feed industry. In recent years, many efforts are made both exprimentally and numerically to gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanism for pneumatic conveying. Though few of those research is directly related to feed pellets, it can be beneficial to draw a full picture of rencent development in pneumatic conveying, with emphasis on aspects extendable to feed transportation. This paper reviews first the major factors concerning feed pellets pneumatic conveying, such as particle breakage, pipe wear and electrostatic. Building on that, new advancement including emerging new technologies in experiments and simulations are discussed, with a focus on the experimental measurements and mathematical models, repectively. The needs for future research and the analogy to feed pellets tranportation is given lastly.
Uncovering the Blueprint of Aging: How Aging Causes Late-Life Disease
Authors: Kern Carina
Published: October 2023

The evolutionary theory of aging, particularly antagonistic pleiotropy (AP), provides an account of the ultimate origins of aging. What remains unclear is the nature of the proximate mechanisms by which AP gives rise to diseases of aging, like cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Damage-centric theories focusing on loss of genetic and cellular function have been proposed, as well as programmatic theories focusing on unwanted gene and cellular function. The latter include the hyperfunction and developmental theory that view aging as the futile continuation, or run-on, of growth and developmental programmes into later life - controlled by nutrient-sensitive pathways like the mechanistic Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) and the linked insulin/IGF-1 signalling (IIS) pathway. Yet neither type of theory has performed well in explaining late-life disease aetiology, particularly with respect to disease onset, presentation and progression. What is proposed in this essay is a new programmatic theory of aging. This essay argues that the emergence of many specific diseases may involve quasi-programmes that are not the result of run-on, but rather are triggered by other factors in late life. Such triggers may be non-programmatic (e.g. infection, mechanical injury) or programmatic. Moreover, the consequent pre-pathological and pathological changes may in some cases trigger further changes, leading to futile and destructive cascades of quasi-programmes and pathology. The origins of triggered quasi-programmes can be traced to biological constraint i.e. the inability of organisms to optimise all functions at once. And, to some extent, the new theory presented here revises the understanding of AP. That is, because any gene can be triggered in an erroneous manner, every gene is potentially an AP gene that risks pathology, though level of risk varies according to constraint. To help validate the theory, we test it against several complex diseases of aging. The new model in this essay attempts to provide a blueprint understanding that, to a certain extent, closes the gap in the causal chain of events between evolutionary causes of aging and the aetiology of age-related diseases. It also helps to explain why certain disorders mimic accelerated aging and how interventions, such as the suppression of IIS and mTOR retard many aspects of aging; notably, though, unlike prior programmatic theories, the new theory is not mTOR-centric. Finally, it provides new perspectives on possible treatment of aging.
Gene Therapy for Inherited Hearing Loss: Updates and Chal-lenges
Authors: Hahn Roni , Avraham Karen B.
Published: October 2023

Hearing loss stands as the most prevalent sensory deficit among humans, posing a significant global health challenge. Projections indicate that by 2050, approximately 10% of the world's population will grapple with disabling hearing impairment. While approximately half of these cases have a genetic etiology, traditional interventions such as hearing aids and cochlear implants do not completely restore normal hearing. The absence of biological treatment has prompted significant efforts in recent years, with a strong focus on gene therapy to address hereditary hearing loss. Although several studies have exhibited promising recovery of common forms of genetic deafness in mouse models, existing challenges must be overcome to make gene therapy applicable in the near future. Herein, we summarize the primary gene therapy strategies employed over past years, provide an overview of the recent achievements in the preclinical studies for genetic hearing loss, and outline the current key obstacles to cochlear gene therapy.
Robust Guidance and Precise Spraying of a Four-wheeled Agricultural Robot based on Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Chang Chung-Liang , Chen Hung-Wen
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a deep learning-based multi-guidance line detection approach, enabling an autonomous four-wheeled agricultural robot to navigate strip farmland. The integration of Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) and Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC) systems optimizes the velocity and heading angle of robot, facilitating smooth navigation along identified guidance line. Enhance cornering maneuverability with real-time kinematics (RTK)-assisted Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) (RTK-GNSS) positioning. Additionally, the spraying system combined with deep learning can effectively identify weeds and crop nutrient deficiencies to achieve precise spraying. The guidance system prioritizes irrigation lines for navigation, with additional guidance from crop and furrow lines. Trigonometric analysis determines the angular deviation between the identified guidance line and the vertical line of the top view image. Experiments under diverse weather conditions demonstrate the stable navigation of robot at 12.5 cm/s, achieving up to 90% accuracy in weed and nutrient deficiency identification. The spraying accuracy for weeds and deficiencies averages 87% and 73%, respectively, underscoring the system's contribution to sustainable and precision horticulture practices.
A Data-Centric Approach for Detecting a Neutral Facial Expression using Deep Learning
Authors: Sousa Lúcia , Canedo Daniel , Drummond Miguel , Ferreira João , Neves António
Published: October 2023

Neutral facial expression recognition is of great importance in various domains and applications. This study introduces a data-centric approach for neutral facial expression recognition, presenting a comprehensive study that explores different methodologies, techniques, and challenges in the field to foster a deeper understanding. The results show that data augmentation plays a crucial role in improving dataset performance. Additionally, the study investigates different model architectures and training techniques to identify the most effective approach, with the InceptionV3 model achieving the highest accuracy of 72%. Furthermore, the research examines the influence of preprocessing methods on the performance of both InceptionV3 and a simplified CNN model. Interestingly, the results indicate that preprocessing techniques positively affect the performance of the simpler CNN model but negatively impact the InceptionV3 model. The implemented system, used to evaluate the findings, demonstrates promising results, correctly classifying 77% of neutral expressions. However, there are still areas for improvement. Creating a specialized dataset that includes both neutral and non-neutral expressions would greatly enhance the accuracy of the system. By addressing limitations and implementing suggested improvements, neutral facial expression recognition can be significantly enhanced, leading to more effective and accurate results.
Difference between WMO Climate Normal and Climatology: Insights from a Satellite-Based Global Cloud and Radiation Climate Data Record
Authors: Devasthale Abhay , Karlsson Karl-Göran , Andersson Sandra , Engström Erik
Published: October 2023

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recommends that the most recent 30-year period, i.e. 1991-2020, shall be used to compute climate normals of geophysical variables. A unique aspect this recent 30-year period is that the satellite-based observations of many different essential climate variables are available during this period, thus opening up new possibilities to provide a robust, global basis for the 30-year reference period in order to allow climate monitoring and climate change studies. Here, using the satellite-based climate data record of cloud and radiation properties, CLARA-A3, for the month of January between 1981 to 2020, we illustrate the difference between climate normal, as defined by guidelines from WMO on calculations of 30-yr climate normals, and climatology. It is shown that this difference is strongly dependent on the climate variable in question. We discuss the impacts of the nature and availability of satellite observations, variable definition, retrieval algorithm and programmatic configuration. It is shown that the satellite-based climate data records show enormous promise in providing climate normal for the recent 30-year period (1991-2020) globally. We finally argue that the holistic perspectives from the global satellite community should be increasingly considered while formulating the future WMO guidelines on computing climate normals.
ISGF3 and STAT2/IRF9 Direct Basal and IFN-Induced Transcription through Genome-Wide Binding of Phosphorylated and Unphosphorylated Complexes to Commonly ISRE Containing ISGs
Authors: Nowicka Hanna , Sekrecka Agata , Blaszczyk Katarzyna , Kluzek Katarzyna , Chang Chan-Yu , Wesoly Joanna , Lee Chien-Kuo , Bluyssen Hans A. R.
Published: October 2023

To further understand the role of phosphorylation in ISGF3- and STAT2/IRF9-mediated constitutive and long-term IFN-I-stimulated transcriptional responses, we performed RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq, in combination with phosphorylation inhibition and anti-viral experiments. First, we identified a group of ISRE-containing ISGs that were commonly regulated in IFNα treated WT and STAT1-KO cells. Thus, in 2fTGH and Huh7.5 WT cells IFNα-inducible transcription and anti-viral activity relied on the recruitment of the ISGF3 components STAT1, STAT2 and IRF9 in a phosphorylation- and time-dependent manner. Likewise, in ST2-U3C and Huh-STAT1KO cells lacking STAT1, ISG expression correlated with DNA-binding of phosphorylated STAT2/IRF9. This pointed to a dominant role of classical ISGF3 and STAT2/IRF9, and not U-ISGF3 or U-STAT2/IRF9, in the regulation of early and prolonged ISG expression and viral protection, in WT and STAT1-KO cells. In addition, comparative experiments in U3C (STAT1-KO) cells overexpressing all ISGF3 components (ST1-ST2-IRF9-U3C), revealed a threshold-dependent role of U-ISFG3, and potentially U-STAT2/IRF9, in the regulation of constitutive and possibly long-term IFNα-treated ISG expression and anti-viral activity.
Effect of Pharmacoprophylaxis on Postoperative Outcomes in Adult Elective Colorectal Surgery: A Multi-Center Retrospective Cohort Study within an Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Framework
Authors: Blair William Olin , Ellis Mary Allison , Fada Maria , Wiggins Austin Allen , Wolfe Rachel Stratmen , Patel Gourang P , Brockhaus Kara K , Droege Molly , Ebbitt Laura M , Kramer Brian , Likar Eric , Petrucci Kerilyn , Shah Sapna , Taylor Jerusha , Bignham Paula , Krabacher Samuel , Moon Jin Hyung , Rogoz Monica , Jdean-Jacques Edson , Cleary Robdert K , Eke Ransome , Findley Rachelle , Parrish II Richard H , Comparative Pharmacotherapy Collaborative Enhanced Recovery
Published: October 2023

Background: Application of enhanced recovery after surgery principles decrease postoperative complications (POCs), length of stay (LOS), and readmissions. Pharmacoprophylaxis decreases morbidity, but the effect of specific regimens on clinical outcomes is unclear. Methods and Materials: Records of 476 randomly selected adult patients who underwent elective colorectal surgeries (ECRS) at 10 US hospitals were abstracted. Primary outcomes were surgical site infection (SSI), venous thromboembolism (VTE), postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), pain, and ileus rates. Secondary outcomes included LOS and 7- and 30-day readmission rates. Results: POC rates were SSI (3.4%), VTE (1.5%), PONV (47.9%), pain (58.1%), and ileus (16.1%). Cefazolin 2g/metronidazole 500mg and ertapenem 1g were associated with the shortest LOS; cefotetan 2g and cefoxitin 2g with the longest LOS. No SSI occurred with ertapenem and cefotetan. More Caucasians than Blacks received oral antibiotics before intravenous antibiotics without impact. Enoxaparin 40 mg subcutaneously daily was the most common inpatient and discharge VTE prophylaxis. All in-hospital VTEs occurred with unfractionated heparin. Most received rescue rather than around the clock antiemetics. Scopolamine patch, spinal opioids, and IV lidocaine continuous infusion were associated with lower PONV. Transversus abdominis plane block with long-acting local anesthetics, celecoxib, non-anesthetic ketamine bolus, ketorolac IV, lidocaine IV, and pregabalin were associated with lower in-hospital pain severity rate. Gabapentinoids and alvimopan were associated with lower ileus rate. Acetaminophen, alvimopan, famotidine, and lidocaine patch were associated with shorter LOS. Conclusions: Significant differences in pharmacotherapy regimens that may improve primary and secondary outcomes in ECRS were identified. Future research should identify latent pharmacotherapy variables that impact patient outcomes.
Análise comparativa de classificações de vulnerabilidade para municípios g100
Authors: De Campos Carvalho Carolina , Martins Mônica , Viacava Francisco , Antunes Dantas de Oliveira Ricardo
Published: October 2023

Em 2009, a Frente Nacional de Prefeitos (FNP) denominou g100 um grupo de municípios caracterizados por possuir mais de 80 mil habitantes, baixos níveis de receita pública per capita e alta vulnerabilidade socioeconômica. Este estudo buscou descrever o g100 a partir da posição comparativa segundo três medidas de vulnerabilidade socioeconômica aplicadas aos municípios com mais de 80 mil habitantes, discutindo a pertinência do uso da proposta da FNP como critério de priorização em políticas sociais. Comparou-se a listagem dos 100 primeiros municípios g100 com aquelas do Índice do Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDHM), Índice de Vulnerabilidade Social (IVS) e Índice Brasileiro de Privação (IBP). Identificou-se que 25 municípios classificados como g100 não estavam entre os 100 primeiros nos demais índices; mas 46 municípios g100 encontravam-se entre os mais vulneráveis nas três medidas. Discute-se a necessidade de amplo debate e consenso sobre as medidas de vulnerabilidade socioeconômica empregadas no planejamento e execução de políticas públicas. Esta reflexão está ancorada na defesa de que as ações e políticas públicas sejam intrinsicamente planejadas para garantia de maior equidade geográfica e alocativa em face da efetividade de resposta às demandas da população.
Fuzzy current analysis-based fault diagnostic of induction motor using hardware co-simulation with field programmable gate array
Authors: Aib A. , Khodja D. E. , Chakroune S. , Rahali H.
Published: October 2023

Introduction. Presently, signal analysis of stator current of induction motor has become a popular technique to assess the health state of asynchronous motor in order to avoid failures. The classical implementations of failure detection algorithms for rotating machines, based on microprogrammed sequential systems such as microprocessors and digital signal processing have shown their limitations in terms of speed and real time constraints, which requires the use of new technologies providing more efficient diagnostics such as application specific integrated circuit or field programmable gate array (FPGA). The purpose of this work is to study the contribution of the implementation of fuzzy logic on FPGA programmable logic circuits in the diagnosis of asynchronous machine failures for a phase unbalance and a missing phase faults cases. Methodology. In this work, we propose hardware architecture on FPGA of a failure detection algorithm for asynchronous machine based on fuzzy logic and motor current signal analysis by taking the RMS signal of stator current as a fault indicator signal. Results. The validation of the proposed architecture was carried out by a co-simulation hardware process between the ML402 boards equipped with a Virtex-4 FPGA circuit of the Xilinx type and Xilinx system generator under MATLAB/Simulink. Originality. The present work combined the performance of fuzzy logic techniques, the simplicity of stator current signal analysis algorithms and the execution power of ML402 FPGA board, for the fault diagnosis of induction machine achieving the best ratios speed/performance and simplicity/performance. Practical value. The emergence of this method has improved the performance of fault detection for asynchronous machine, especially in terms of hardware resource consumption, real-time online detection and speed of detection.
Modeling and research of a magnetoelectric converter for hydro and pneumo actuators
Authors: Rymsha V. V. , Radimov I. N. , Gulyy M. V. , Babych I. P. , Kalinichenko A. A. , Demenko N. P.
Published: October 2023

Purpose. Presentation of the results of modeling and practical implementation of a magnetoelectric converter for hydraulics and pneumatics systems of the aerospace industry. Methodology. Calculations of three-dimensional magnetic fields are carried out with the Finite Element Method by JMAG program. The solution of the differential equations connecting the input voltage, current, magnetic flux and torque is performed by numerical integration. Results. As a result of calculations, the converter configuration was obtained. Tests of the prototype model of the converter confirmed the principle workability of the adopted design and design solutions in its development. Practical value. Tests of the converter prototype sample confirmed the fundamental performance of the adopted design and constructive solutions.
Optimal hybrid photovoltaic distributed generation and distribution static synchronous compensators planning to minimize active power losses using adaptive acceleration coefficients particle swarm optimization algorithms
Authors: Labed M. A. , Zellagui M. , Benidir M. , Sekhane H. , Tebbakh N.
Published: October 2023

The paper aims to identify the optimum size and location of photovoltaic distributed generation systems and distribution static synchronous compensators (DSTATCOMs) systems to minimize active power losses in the distribution network and enhance the voltage profile. The methodology employed in this article begins by thoroughly discussing various acceleration algorithms used in Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and their variations with each iteration. Subsequently, a range of PSO algorithms, each incorporating different variations of acceleration coefficients was verified to solve the problem of active power losses and voltage improvement. Simulation results attained on Standard IEEE-33 bus radial distribution network prove the efficiency of acceleration coefficients of PSO; it was evaluated and compared with other methods in the literature for improving the voltage profile and reducing active power. Originality. Consists in determining the most effective method among the various acceleration coefficients of PSO in terms of minimizing active power losses and enhancing the voltage profile, within the power system. Furthermore, demonstrates the superiority of the selected method over others for achieving significant improvements in power system efficiency. Practical value of this study lies on its ability to provide practical solutions for the optimal placement and sizing of distributed generation and DSTATCOMs. The proposed optimization method offers tangible benefits for power system operation and control. These findings have practical implications for power system planners, operators, and policymakers, enabling them to make informed decisions on the effective integration of distributed generation and DSTATCOM technologies.
Pengaruh Penggunaan Mixing Foundation dengan Teknik Bakar Terhadap Kulit Wajah Bekas Jerawat Bopeng
Authors: Putri Deana Annisha Amelya , Lili Faridah Hannum  , Siska Miga Dewi
Published: October 2023

The foundation mixing technique is a development in facial makeup techniques. One technique so that the mixed foundation is evenly mixed is to use the foundation burn technique. This can help maximize foundation mixing and cover problematic parts of the face to make it look more perfect. These two techniques can produce long-lasting and smoother facial makeup results. The aim of this research is to determine the effect and comparison of the results of mixing foundation with the burning technique and the results of mixing foundation without the burning technique. The method used in this research is True Experimental. Data analysis techniques Normality Test, Homogeneity Test, t Test and Duncan Test. The results of the analysis show that there is an effect of using mixed foundation without burning technique on the durability indicator X1 (2.28) which is significantly different from mixing foundation with burning technique X2 (3.85). The results of the analysis of the effect of using mixed foundation without burning techniques on the covering power indicator X1 (2.85) are significantly different from mixing foundations using burning techniques X2 (3.14).
Cervical Myelopathy Caused by a Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt: A Case Report
Authors: Lee Jae Woong , Park Hyung Ki
Published: October 2023

Intracranial hypotension is a rare cause of cervical myelopathy. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt surgery, which belongs to the broader category of ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery, is commonly chosen as the primary treatment option for hydrocephalus. However, such surgery can potentially lead to CSF overdrainage, resulting in the occurrence of intracranial hypotension. In the present case, spinal surgery was performed twice for cervical myelopathy; however, there was no improvement in symptoms such as gait disturbance. After the readjustment of the shunt valve pressure, the symptoms improved.
The Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Technique for Treatment of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Early Surgical Results
Authors: Kang Joonseo , Kwon Young-Joon
Published: October 2023

Objective: Minimally invasive (MI) surgery for the treatment of spinal stenosis is currently a topic of substantial interest. One such technique is the unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) method, becoming popular among spine surgeons as a MI alternative to decompressive lumbar laminectomy without fusion. The purpose of this study was to present a description of the surgical technique and early clinical and radiological outcomes following the author's adoption of the UBE surgical technique for decompression of spinal stenosis.Methods: Between 2019 and 2021, surgery was performed on 47 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Clinical and radiological data were retrospectively analyzed through electronic medical records and imaging software reviews. Questionnaires and radiologic images were prospectively collected at scheduled times. The surgical technique used two corridors: one for endoscopic viewing and the other for handling surgical instruments during the procedure. Clinical outcomes were measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), while radiological outcomes were evaluated using X-rays to assess instability. Outcomes after UBE surgery were evaluated in terms of changes in clinical and radiological parameters from the baseline. A mixed-effects model with random effects for patients and surgical levels was used to test for differences in repeatedly measured clinical and radiological parameters.Results: During the early postoperative period, there were few complications, and all patients had a smooth recovery. Patients reported minimal postoperative wound discomfort. Back and leg VAS scores improved significantly in the early postoperative period (at 3, 6, and 12 months) compared to the baseline preoperative scores (p<0.001). The ODI also showed significant improvement post-operatively (p<0.001). The X-ray parameters were well maintained and did not show any progression of instability during the follow-up period.Conclusion: UBE surgery is a safe and effective MI technique for treating lumbar stenosis, with good early results and few complications during the early learning curve period.
Outcome of Decompressive Laminectomy with or without Posterior Screw Fixation for Thoracic Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum with Disc Degeneration
Authors: Kim Jae Woong , Hong Jong-Hwan , Han Moon-Soo , Lee Jung-Kil
Published: October 2023

Objective: Thoracic myelopathy caused by the ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) is commonly treated with surgical decompression. This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of surgical decompression without posterior screw fixation (decompressive laminectomy [DL] group) and with posterior screw fixation (laminectomy with screw fixation [LSF] group) for thoracic myelopathy due to OLF with disc degeneration.Methods: A retrospective review of 35 patients (DL group, n = 19; LSF group, n = 16) was conducted. Clinical variables (Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores) and radiological variables (including sagittal vertical axis, pelvic tilt, thoracic kyphosis, sacral slope, lumbar lordosis (LL), segmental Cobb’s angle, dynamic Cobb’s angle, and dynamic thoracolumbar junction [dTLJ] at the operated level) were measured preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively.Results: Both groups exhibited significant improvements in clinical characteristics postoperatively. LL significantly increased at 1 year postoperatively in both groups. Other sagittal alignment parameters did not change significantly. The dTLJ did not differ significantly between the groups preoperatively; however, the dTLJ of the DL group was larger than that of the LSF group at 1 year postoperatively. There was no significant difference between the groups’ dynamic Cobb’s angles or risk of complications.Conclusion: Decompression surgery for OLF resulted in clinical improvement regardless of whether posterior fixation was performed. Decompression without posterior fixation could allow thoracolumbar motion preservation and might be an effective approach for thoracic OLF with disc degeneration.
Complications Following Spinal Surgery in Patients Aged 85 Years and Older
Authors: Kim Dong Wook , Oh Byeong Ho , Min Kyung Soo , Lee Mou Seop , Lee Jong Beom
Published: October 2023

Objective: Surgery is increasingly being performed in elderly patients owing to the aging society and the desire for an improved quality of life. We aimed to examine the perioperative complications of spinal surgery in such patients.Methods: This study analyzed the surgical details and perioperative complications in 36 patients aged >85 years who underwent spinal surgery at a single tertiary medical center based on a review of a prospective database. Pre-existing medical illnesses were evaluated using the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status class, and age and surgical parameters were analyzed as factors potentially predictive of complications. Ambulatory function was rated on a 4-point Likert scale.Results: During the study, 36 patients (mean age, 87 years) with a mean the ASA class of 2.31 ± 0.47 were enrolled. The mean number of levels treated was 2.06 ± 1.35, and 66% underwent minimally invasive surgery. The mean operative time was 144 ± 70.4 min. Ambulatory function improved significantly by 0.72 ± 0.97 points and visual analog scale scores by 1.88 ± 0.76 points. Twenty-two complications (19 of which were temporary, and one was permanent) occurred in 20 patients. Patient age, operation time, the ASA class, number of treated patients, and minimally invasive surgery were not significantly associated with complications.Conclusion: Spine surgery in patients 85 and older can be accomplished safely if careful attention is paid to preoperative patient selection.
Effects of health facility level factors on accessing normal delivery services in hospitals in Bangladesh: evidence from linked population and health facility survey data
Authors: Fatima Kaniz , Khanam Shimlin Jahan , Rahman Md Mostafizur , Khan Md Nuruzzaman
Published: October 2023

Background:Home delivery without assistance from medically trained providers is common in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), including Bangladesh, and is associated with adverse maternal and child health outcomes, including mortality. The government of Bangladesh is focusing on increasing hospitalized deliveries to improve outcomes, but the majority of hospital deliveries are caesarean sections, placing an additional burden on the healthcare system. This study aimed to assess the effects of health facility-level factors on hospitalized normal delivery in Bangladesh.
Methods:This study used linked data from the 2017/18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey and the 2017 Bangladesh Health Facility Survey. The outcome variable was hospitalized normal delivery (yes or no), and health facility-level factors were major explanatory variables. These factors included general health facility readiness (management and infrastructure), the degree of availability of normal delivery healthcare services at the nearest healthcare facility, readiness of the nearest healthcare facility to provide normal delivery care, and average distance from mothers’ homes to the nearest healthcare facility where normal delivery care is available. Multi-level logistic regression models were used to assess the effects of health facility-level factors on hospitalized normal delivery, adjusted for potential confounders at the individual, household, and community-level.
Results:The study found that the likelihood of hospitalized normal delivery increased with higher scores for management (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.24; 95% CI, 1.01-1.62) and infrastructure (aOR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.01-1.60) of the nearest healthcare facility to mothers’ homes. Furthermore, a one-unit increase in the availability and readiness of the nearest healthcare facility to provide normal delivery care was associated with 2.10 (95% CI, 1.14- 3.12) and 3.15 (95% CI, 1.16-5.11) times higher likelihoods of hospitalized normal delivery, respectively. The study also found that the likelihood of hospitalized normal delivery decreased by 20% for every kilometer increase in the distance from mothers’ homes to the nearest healthcare facility.
Conclusion: The study suggests that the availability and readiness of healthcare facilities to provide normal delivery care services are significant factors in performing hospitalized normal deliveries in Bangladesh. It highlights the need for policies and programs to increase healthcare facility capacity to provide normal delivery healthcare services.
Optimization of unmanned aerial vehicle application for measuring in complex urban green space
Authors: Jin Rongye , Huang Jinyi , Wang Xudong , Jiang Jiayi , Xiao Xiangdong , Xu Yanjie
Published: October 2023

The main tree biometric variables of urban green space can derive indicators of multiple ecological benefit values. Compared with plantations and natural forests, urban green space is usually featured with higher tree richness, more complex landscape design, and a higher degree of spatial heterogeneity. Appropriate designs for flight variable settings in complex urban space can significantly improve the quality of data, and bring large differences in economic and time costs in practical applications. However, current studies have a limited understanding of flight variables setting for UAV applications in complex urban green spaces. We carried out rigorous and practical designs for flight variable settings with high-frequency UAV oblique image measurements. We tested and quantified the effect of the settings of main flight variables (i.e., flight altitude, image overlap, gimbal pitch and solar elevation) on the process data and final data quality in a representative complex urban green space. In the limited range of flight variable settings, the data accuracy is significantly different in the complex urban green space. We found that solar elevation is the most important factor affecting the data quality. Specifically, flight operations with a lower solar elevation provided a higher measurement accuracy and outstanding cost-effectiveness which is significantly different from the solar elevation setting for measuring in plantations. Our results (which are different from the previous study on homogenous green spaces) also suggested to avoid strong sunlight during flight operations and to ensure that the flight altitude is three to four times higher than the tallest tree at least to improve data quality. The settings of the image overlap and the gimbal pitch should take more time cost and economic benefits into consideration. This study demonstrated the feasibility of UAV applications in complex urban green spaces, and the impact and importance of each flight variable on the dataset quality. The systematic analysis, quantitative results, and exact visualizations can facilitate a wider application space (i.e., urban forestry, landscape ecology, urban planning and urban design) and higher application quality of UAV oblique in urban green space.
A machine learning model to predict privacy fatigued users from social media personalized advertisements
Authors: Alwafi Ghadeer , Fakieh Bahjat
Published: October 2023

The increasing use of social media platforms as personalized advertising channels is a double-edged sword. A high level of personalization on these platforms increases users’ sense of losing control over personal data: This could trigger the privacy fatigue phenomenon manifested in emotional exhaustion and cynicism toward privacy, which leads to a lack of privacy-protective behavior. Machine learning has shown its effectiveness in the early prediction of people’s psychological state to avoid such consequences. Therefore, this study aims to classify users with low and medium-to-high levels of privacy fatigue, based on their information privacy awareness and big-five personality traits. A dataset was collected from 538 participants via an online questionnaire. The prediction models were built using the Support Vector Machine, Naïve Bayes, K-Nearest Neighbors, Decision Tree, and Random Forest classifiers based on the literature. The results showed that awareness and conscientiousness trait have a significant relationship with privacy fatigue. Support Vector Machine and Naïve Bayes classifiers outperformed the other classifiers by attaining a classification accuracy of 78%, F1 of 87%, recall of 100% and 98%, and precision of 78% and 79% respectively, using 5-fold cross-validation.
WITHDRAWN: Evaluation Method for Information VisualizationProducts Based on Nielsen’s Ten Principles ofUsability and Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: liu zhiping
Published: October 2023

The evaluation of information visualization products was crucial for their innovation and development. Thus, the purpose ofstudy was to establish a practical subjective evaluation system for information visualization products. We used the ten usabilityprinciples of interaction design expert Nielsen as usability evaluation indicators and employed the Analytic Hierarchy Process toconstruct an overall information visualization product evaluation system. We then selected some electrocardiogram products inthe category of medical devices as experimental samples and verified the reliability and effectiveness of the overall informationvisualization product subjective evaluation system through a quantitative questionnaire method. Therefore, the subjectiveevaluation system for information visualization products based on Nielsen’s ten usability principles and the Analytic HierarchyProcess had both reliability and validity. It could be used for the subjective evaluation of information visualization products,determining the popularity ranking of information visualization products, and was effectively applied to problems that weredifficult to solve with quantitative methods. It was a novel method for evaluating information visualization products.
Cas12a Ultra enables efficient genome editing in human multipotent and pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Hamad Ruba , Alzubi Jamal , Rhiel Manuel , Chmielewski Kay Ole , Mosti Laura , Rositzka Julia , Heugel Marcel , Lawrenz Jan , Pennucci Valentina , Gläser Birgitta , Fischer Judith , Schambach Axel , Moritz Thomas , Lachmann Nico , Cornu Tatjana , Mussolino Claudio , Schäfer Richard , Cathomen Toni
Published: October 2023

Background The development of the CRISPR-Cas12a platform has generated considerable interest in the genome editing community. Due to its AT-rich protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM, 5’-TTTV), Cas12a increased the potential number of targetable sites for gene editing beyond that of the prototypicalStreptococcus pyogenesCRISPR-Cas9 system. Moreover, evaluation of the off-target activity of CRISPR-Cas12a nucleases suggested high specificity of the platform. Broad application of the CRISPR-Cas12a platform in primary human cells was recently enabled by the development of a re-engineered version of the naturalAcidaminococcusCas12a, called Cas12a Ultra. Methods We transferred the CRISPR-Cas12a Ultra system in the form of ribonucleoprotein complexes into clinically relevant human cells, including T cells, multipotent hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Allelic gene editing frequencies were determined at various target sites using standard genotyping and next-generation sequencing. Furthermore, we evaluated targeted integration of transgenes into theAAVS1safe harbor site and theCSF2RAlocus of patient-derived iPSCs. Results We achieved allelic gene disruption frequencies of over 90% at various target sites in multiple primary human cell types. In addition, we demonstrated efficient knock-in of a GFP marker gene into theAAVS1locus, and achieved targeted integration of a therapeutic DNA template into 90% ofCSF2RAalleles in iPSCs without selection. Clonal analysis revealed bi-allelic integration in > 50% of the screened iPSC clones without compromising their pluripotency and genome integrity. Conclusions Herein, we demonstrate that the CRISPR-Cas12a Ultra system provides a highly efficient genome editing platform for human stem cell applications, expanding the toolbox for clinical applications.
Optimization and experimental study on cathode structure of electrochemical machining Titanium alloy inner helix
Authors: Tang Lin , Ma Yuanchao , Xue Runrong , Bo Youfeng , Zhang Jingjing , Zhang Jun
Published: October 2023

In order to solve the problem of gap flow field divergence and poor forming accuracy in the electrochemical machining (ECM) titanium alloy inner helix. The pull reverse flow and pull downstream cathode physical models as well as the simulation models of machining gap flow field are established respectively in this paper. Different inclination angles of the liquid supply hole effected on the pull downstream cathode rotational flow field uniformity was explored. The results showed that the gap flow field distribution of the pull downstream cathode is better than pull reverse flow cathode, and the distribution of the rotational flow field formed when the inclination angle of the liquid supply hole achieves 40° is relatively uniform. Under the condition of voltage 12 V, cathode feed speed 15 mm/min, composite electrolyte 3%NaCl+10%NaNO3+6%NaClO3, temperature 30 °C, and electrolyte inlet pressure 2 MPa, the 800 mm length of titanium alloy inner helix sample was machined stably and reliably by the pull downstream cathode structure, which surface roughness is Ra0.8μm.