bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the impact of perceived stress, anxiety, and resilience on depression among medical staff after COVID-19 quarantine: a chain mediation analysis
Authors: Chen Dongyang , Ni Yi , Lu Jiani , Wang Yiwen , Qi Qi , Zhai Hua
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent quarantine measures have led to a significant impact on mental health worldwide. Medical staff, in particular, have been exposed to high levels of stress due to their frontline work during the crisis. However, there is still limited research on the psychological mechanism among medical staff after quarantine.

Methods

In this cross-sectional observational study, 150 medical staff from Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital, Shanghai, China, were enrolled in October 2022. SPSS 26.0 and PROCESS 4.0 model 6 were used to analyze the chain mediating effect of perceived stress, anxiety, resilience and depression among medical staff after quarantine. Anxiety and depression were compared during and after the quarantine. All scales have high validity and reliability in a Chinese population.

Results

Our findings revealed a positive correlation between perceived stress and anxiety (r = 0.60, p < 0.001) and depression (r = 0.60, p < 0.001) levels among medical staff. Conversely, resilience was found to have a negative correlation with perceived stress (r = −0.67, p < 0.001), anxiety (r = −0.57, p < 0.001) and depression (r = −0.61, p < 0.001). The score of depression during the quarantine was higher than the score after the quarantine, but the p-value is only marginally significant (p = 0.067). The score of anxiety during the quarantine was significantly higher than the score after the quarantine (p < 0.05). Moreover, the chain mediation model suggested that anxiety and resilience could mediate the association between perceived stress and depression among medical staff following quarantine. Specifically, perceived stress had no direct effect on depression (β = 0.025, t = 0.548, p = 0.59) but positively predicted anxiety (β = 0.381, t = 8.817, p < 0.001) and resilience (β = −1.302, t = −6.781, p < 0.001), which influenced depression levels indirectly through multiple pathways. The three indirect paths: the mediating role of anxiety, the mediating role of resilience, and the chain mediating role of both anxiety and resilience.

Discussion

This study emphasizes the importance of psychological interventions aimed at protecting medical staff’s psychological resilience and promoting coping mechanisms to manage stress during and after crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, our findings suggest that both anxiety and resilience play critical roles in mitigating the detrimental effects of perceived stress on mental health and further highlight the need for continued research to better understand the complex interplay of these factors.
Enhancing multi-sectoral collaboration in health: the open arena for public health as a model for bridging the knowledge-translation gap
Authors: Pradier Christian , Balinska Marta A. , Bailly Laurent
Published: September 2023

Effective public health interventions at local level must involve communities and stakeholders beyond the health services spectrum. A dedicated venue for structured discussion will ensure ongoing multi-sectoral collaboration more effectively than convening ad hoc meetings. Such a venue can be created using existing resources, at minimal extra cost. The University Hospital in Nice (France) has established an Open Arena for Public Health which can serve as a model for promoting collaborative partnerships at local level. The Arena has been successful in implementing sustainable interventions thanks to a set of principles, including: non-hierarchical governance and operating, fair representation of stakeholders, consensus as to best available evidence internationally and locally, policy dialogues: open, free-flowing discussions without preconceived solutions, and an experimental approach to interventions.
Measuring the healthcare spatial deprivation in multiple perspectives: a case study of Ningbo city
Authors: Qian Yue , Qiao Guanmin , Li Tonglu , Ma Renfeng
Published: September 2023

Background

Equalization of medical services is fundamental to the development of people-centered urbanization in Chinese-style modernization. In the past few decades, the achievements of the Chinese economy have remarkably increased the quantity and quality of healthcare services. Under rapid urbanization, large-scale population floating has led to a mismatch between supply and demand for healthcare services and raised the tension between spatial demographic reorganization and the relative stability of public healthcare service facilities. The current studies of healthcare spatial deprivation (HSD) mainly are focus on either supply, or demand, or accessibility based on census data. Therefore, it is necessary to build a multiple index that could give a physical result by using ordinary indices and mixing them together by relative methods to overcome this problem.

Measure

We chose Ningbo city, Zhejiang province, located in the eastern coastal region of China, as the study area. Moreover, from 2000 to 2020, the urbanization rate of Ningbo rapidly increased from 55.75 to 78.0%. In order to show the HSD in a rapidly urbanizing city, we first consider the subdistrict as the scale, innovatively absolve the medical accessibility to the IRD (Index of Relative Disadvantage), and construct the Index of Healthcare Relative Spatial Deprivation (IHRSD) framework. Based on the seventh national census data, we apply an IHRSD with Entropy Weight Method, 2SFCA (Two-step Floating Catchment Area Method) and GDM (Geographical Detector Model) to measure where and who are vulnerable to deprive in healthcare.

Result

Measured by IHRSD, (1) There is stronger healthcare spatial deprivation in peri-urban and developed-town in Ningbo; (2) Young childhood and fertile-women are vulnerable to healthcare spatial deprivation, in fact, they are spatially deprived in healthcare; (3) The socio-demographic attribute is a significant factor in healthcare spatial deprivation, especially the level of aging and population clustering; and (4) The relationship between healthcare spatial deprivation and accessibility shows an inverted U-shaped structure.

Conclusion

Our experiments show that the problems of HSD are mainly from the characteristics of the population, the layout of healthcare service institutions, the accessibility of the traffic system and the natural conditions. Although the constructions of equalization of primary medical and health services, hierarchical diagnosis, and treatment, and the “healthcare complex” are currently trying to reduce the phenomenon of HSD. Faced with groups and location, the acquisition of the accurately healthcare service supply is the key to realizing healthcare spatial equity.
Successful CAR-T cell therapy in a refractory MCL patient with bacterial, fungal and COVID-19 infection: a case report
Authors: Radici Vera , Giagulli Cinzia , Accorsi Buttini Eugenia , Farina Mirko , Polverelli Nicola , Brugnoni Duilio , Chiarini Marco , Galvagni Anna , Almici Camillo , Ferrari Emilio , Bianchetti Andrea , Masneri Stefania , Leoni Alessandro , Re Federica , Bernardi Simona , Malagola Michele , Re Alessandro , Caruso Arnaldo , Russo Domenico
Published: September 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the management and care of onco-hematological patients, particularly those with lymphoproliferative disorders who are at higher risk for COVID-19 associated bacterial and fungal superinfections.

Case presentation

We present the successful treatment of a 44-year-old male patient with refractory mantle cell lymphoma treated with chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy, despite concurrent COVID-19 infection. The patient developed grade II cytokine release syndrome, requiring admission to the intensive care unit. The CAR-T cells expanded effectively, and the patient achieved complete metabolic remission. During the treatment course, the patient experienced complications including COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis and a co-infection with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant. Prompt antifungal and antibacterial therapy, along with appropriate COVID-19 treatment, led to the resolution of these infections. Dexamethasone was also administered to reduce inflammation and aid hematologic recovery. Despite the presence of multiple infections, the patient achieved complete remission of lymphoma, highlighting the effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy in this high-risk patient.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges posed by concurrent infections, the decision to proceed with CAR-T cell therapy in this patient proved to be successful, resulting in complete remission of lymphoma. Early initiation of supportive therapies and the use of dexamethasone contributed to the resolution of complications. This case underscores the importance of individualized decision-making and the potential benefits of CAR-T cell therapy in similar high-risk patients.
A clinical prediction model for predicting the surgical site infection after an open reduction and internal fixation procedure considering the NHSN/SIR risk model: a multicenter case–control study
Authors: Taherpour Niloufar , Mehrabi Yadollah , Seifi Arash , Hashemi Nazari Seyed Saeed
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common surgical-related complications worldwide, particularly in developing countries. SSI is responsible for mortality, long hospitalization period, and a high economic burden.

Method

This hospital-based case–control study was conducted in six educational hospitals in Tehran, Iran. A total of 244 patients at the age of 18–85 years who had undergone open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery were included in this study. Among the 244 patients, 122 patients who developed SSIs were selected to be compared with 122 non-infected patients used as controls. At the second stage, all patients (n = 350) who underwent ORIF surgery in a hospital were selected for an estimation of the standardized infection ratio (SIR). A logistic regression model was used for predicting the most important factors associated with the occurrence of SSIs. Finally, the performance of the ORIF prediction model was evaluated using discrimination and calibration indices. Data were analyzed using R.3.6.2 and STATA.14 software.

Results

Klebsiella (14.75%) was the most frequently detected bacterium in SSIs following ORIF surgery. The results revealed that the most important factors associated with SSI following an ORIF procedure were found to be elder age, elective surgery, prolonged operation time, American Society of Anesthesiologists score of ≥2, class 3 and 4 wound, and preoperative blood glucose levels of >200 mg/dl; while preoperative higher hemoglobin level (g/dl) was found to be a protective factor. The evidence for the interaction effect between age and gender, body mass index and gender, and age and elective surgery were also observed. After assessing the internal validity of the model, the overall performance of the models was found to be good with an area under the curve of 95%. The SIR of SSI for ORIF surgery in the selected hospital was 0.66 among the patients aged 18–85 years old.

Conclusion

New risk prediction models can help in detecting high-risk patients and monitoring the infection rate in hospitals based on their infection prevention and control programs. Physicians using prediction models can identify high-risk patients with these factors prior to ORIF procedure.
Endometrial scratching during hysteroscopy in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Papanikolaou Evangelos , Peitsidis Nikolaos , Tsakiridis Ioannis , Michos Georgios , Skalias Antonios , Patoulias Dimitrios , Poutoglidis Alexandros , Mamopoulos Apostolos , Athanasiadis Apostolos , Grimpizis Grigorios , Najdecki Robert
Published: September 2023

Objective

Endometrial scratching (ES) during hysteroscopy before embryotransfer (ET) remains doubtable on whether it benefits the reproductive outcomes. The optimal technique is not clear and repeated implantation failure as a challenging field in in vitro fertilization (IVF) seems to be the springboard for clinicians to test its effectiveness.

Methods

Medline, PMC, ScienceDirect, Scopus, CENTRAL, Google Scholar were searched from their inception up to April 2023 for studies to evaluate the effectiveness of adding endometrial scratching during hysteroscopy before ET.

Results

The initial search yielded 959 references, while 12 eligible studies were included in the analyses, involving 2,213 patients. We found that hysteroscopy and concurrent ES before ET resulted in a statistically significant improvement in clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) [RR = 1.50, (95% CI 1.30–1.74), p < 0.0001] and live birth rate (LBR) [RR = 1.67, (95% CI 1.30–2.15), p < 0.0001] with no statistically significant difference on miscarriage rate [RR = 0.80 (95% CI 0.52–1.22), p = 0.30]

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis suggests that hysteroscopy with concurrent ES may be offered in IVF before ET as a potentially improving manipulation. Future randomized trials comparing different patient groups would also provide more precise data on that issue, to clarify specific criteria in the selection of patients.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO (CRD42023414117)
Teaching clinical hematology and leukocyte differentiation in veterinary medicine using virtual patients
Authors: Marahrens Hannah , Wagener Matthias Gerhard , Schaper Elisabeth , Zintl Jana , Kiene Frederik , Ganter Martin
Published: September 2023

Due to contact restrictions imposed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we created a novel digital course on the Moodle learning platform for winter term in 2020. In the clinical pathology course (CPC) with hematological content, third-year students were able to work independently on 10 extra digital cases of internal medicine involving eight different animal species as a compensation for the reduction in traditional microscopy exercises. Each case presented was initiated using an anamnesis, also the participants to generate a differential blood count based on digitized leukocytes, previously been photographed using a microscope camera. The cases were successive and increased in complexity, for example through the increase in the number of different cell types to be differentiated. The participants had the opportunity to evaluate the course through a final module to rate user-friendliness and acceptance. The total results of the participants in 2021 were analyzed descriptively, focusing on success rates, time spent on the tasks, and number of attempts. A total of 237 (= 96%) of 247 students completed all cases, each assessing 1033 photographed blood cells in sum. The mean processing time was 22.48 min for a differentiation and the students spent an average of 1.48 attempts on it. A voluntary feedback form was completed by 192 (= 78%) students, with more than 95% rating the course positively in 12 evaluation questions, and 29 of 33 comments (= 87.88%) providing positive statements in a comment box. Suggestions for improvement primarily included more explanations on erythrocyte morphologies, followed by adjusting the difficulty level and improving the presentational set-up. Slight improvements in results, time spent on processing the tasks, and the number of attempts indicated an achievement of routine and confidence during the course and were associated with an increase of competency. The positive feedback showed a high acceptance of the digital format and students evaluated the course as improving the quality of teaching when combined with practical exercises.
Case report: First isolation of Exophiala dermatitidis from subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis in a cat
Authors: Osada Hironari , Nagashima-Fukui Maiko , Okazawa Taiga , Omura Miki , Makimura Koichi , Ohmori Keitaro
Published: September 2023

Phaeohyphomycosis, which is caused by the opportunistic black yeast-like fungus Exophiala dermatitidis, has been reported in humans and dogs. However, no previous studies describing E. dermatitidis infections in cats have been published. Herein, we report a case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by E. dermatitidis. A 12-year-old, castrated male Japanese domestic short-haired cat presented with a solitary subcutaneous abscess on the left side of the neck, where an esophageal tube for force-feeding had been placed previously. The cat was diagnosed with hepatitis and was treated with prednisolone. The subcutaneous abscess was incised using a scalpel blade and the pus was excreted. The cytology of the pus revealed hyphae with neutrophil and macrophage infiltration. Although the cat was treated with oral itraconazole or an infusion of topical ketoconazole cream applied to the lesion, it died. The fungal culture of the pus specimen developed dark-green, waxy, smooth, yeast-like colonies. Sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer 1–4 regions of the ribosomal DNA of the pus specimen showed 100% identity with that of the standard strains of E. dermatitidis. Based on these results, the cat was diagnosed with subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by E. dermatitidis. The antifungal susceptibility test revealed that the fungus showed low or moderate susceptibility to the antifungal drugs examined, except for amphotericin B, which exhibited high in vitro antifungal activity. This is the first case report to provide definitive evidence of E. dermatitidis infection in cats and antifungal susceptibility test results against clinically isolated E. dermatitidis.
Modelling the Unidentified Abortion Burden from Four Infectious Pathogenic Microorganisms (Leptospira interrogans, Brucella abortus, Brucella ovis, and Chlamydia abortus) in Ewes Based on Artificial Neural Networks Approach: The Epidemiological Basis for a Control Policy
Authors: Arteaga-Troncoso Gabriel , Luna-Alvarez Miguel , Hernández-Andrade Laura , Jiménez-Estrada Juan Manuel , Sánchez-Cordero Víctor , Botello Francisco , Montes de Oca-Jiménez Roberto , López-Hurtado Marcela , Guerra-Infante Fernando M.
Published: September 2023

Unidentified abortion, of which leptospirosis, brucellosis, and ovine enzootic abortion are important factors, is the main cause of disease spread between animals and humans in all agricultural systems in most developing countries. Although there are well-defined risk factors for these diseases, these characteristics do not represent the prevalence of the disease in different regions. This study predicts the unidentified abortion burden from multi-microorganisms in ewes based on an artificial neural networks approach and the GLM. Methods: A two-stage cluster survey design was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of abortifacient microorganisms and to identify putative factors of infectious abortion. Results: The overall seroprevalence of Brucella was 70.7%, while Leptospira spp. was 55.2%, C. abortus was 21.9%, and B. ovis was 7.4%. Serological detection with four abortion-causing microorganisms was determined only in 0.87% of sheep sampled. The best GLM is integrated via serological detection of serovar Hardjo and Brucella ovis in animals of the slopes with elevation between 2600 and 2800 meters above sea level from the municipality of Xalatlaco. Other covariates included in the GLM, such as the sheep pen built with materials of metal grids and untreated wood, dirt and concrete floors, bed of straw, and the well water supply were also remained independently associated with infectious abortion. Approximately 80% of those respondents did not wear gloves or masks to prevent the transmission of the abortifacient zoonotic microorganisms. Conclusions: Sensitizing stakeholders on good agricultural practices could improve public health surveillance. Further studies on the effect of animal–human transmission in such a setting is worthwhile to further support the One Health initiative.
Establishment and Characterization of a Spermatogonial Stem Cell Line from Tiger Puffer Fish (Takifugu rubripes)
Authors: Tan Leilei , Liu Qian , He Yangbin , Zhang Jingjing , Hou Jilun , Ren Yuqin , Ma Wenxiu , Wang Qian , Shao Changwei
Published: September 2023

Tiger puffer fish (Takifugu rubripes) has become the main fish species cultured in China since the last century because of its high economic value. Male and female tiger puffer fish need 2 and 3 years each to reach sexual maturity, which limits the development of breeding research for this species. In recent years, in vitro culture of fish spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) have shown potential in aquaculture. In the present study, we established a spermatogenic stem cell line from T. rubripes (TrSSCs). TrSSCs were characterized by polygonal morphology, predominantly retained 44 chromosomes, and grew rapidly at 26 °C and in L-15. TrSSCs were still able to grow stably after more than one year of in vitro culture. TrSSCs showed positive alkaline phosphatase staining. TrSSCs expressed germ cell-associated genes, including dnd, ddx4, piwil, gfra1b, sox2, myca, nanog, ly75, and dazl, as determined by semiquantitative assays, and almost all cells were found to express the germ cell genes ddx4 and gfra1b in a fluorescence in situ hybridization assay. In vitro, induction experiments demonstrated the TrSSCs possessed the ability to differentiate into other types of cells. Our research has enriched the fish spermatogonial stem cell resource bank, which will provide an efficient research model for sex determination and sex control breeding in fish, establishing a foundation for subsequent breeding research.
Parasitic Arthropods of Soricinae Shrews in North-Eastern Poland
Authors: Karbowiak Grzegorz , Stanko Michal , Smahol Katerina , Werszko Joanna , Rychlik Leszek
Published: September 2023

The study of the ectoparasite fauna of the insectivores—Sorex araneus, Sorex minutus, Neomys fodiens, and Neomys anomalus (subfamily Soricinae)—was carried out in three locations in Poland: Białowieża National Park, Kosewo Górne in the Masurian Lake District, and in vicinity of Warsaw. Three species of Ixodidae ticks, eleven species of fleas, and four species of mites from the order Mesostigmata were noted. The most numerous ectoparasites are ticks Ixodes ricinus (larvae), Dermacentor reticulatus (nymphs), and fleas Palaeopsylla soricis, Megabothris walkeri, and Hystrichopsylla orientalis. These species show the highest prevalence and show the highest dominance index. The parasitofauna of S. araneus is much richer in species than other shrew species. The structure and dominance of parasite assemblages differ between locations.
Urinary Tract Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns: 5-Year Experience in a Tertiary Pediatric Nephrology Center in the Southwestern Region of Poland
Authors: Kawalec Anna , Józefiak Justyna , Kiliś-Pstrusińska Katarzyna
Published: September 2023

(1) Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections in the pediatric population. This study aimed to analyze the urine culture results and antimicrobial patterns over the last 5 years in children diagnosed with UTI. (2) Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records of 242 patients hospitalized in the Pediatric Nephrology Department diagnosed with a UTI in the years 2018–2022. (3) Results: The most common causative agent was E. coli, responsible for 64% of UTIs, followed by Klebsiella spp. (16%), Pseudomonas spp. (6%), Enterobacter spp. (4%), Proteus spp. (4%), and Enterococcus spp. (3%). Non-E. coli UTIs were significantly more frequently observed in patients with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract or neurogenic bladder and patients receiving antibiotic prophylaxis. For the whole study period, 32% of E. coli were resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, 23.3% to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, 12.2% to ciprofloxacin, and 4.4% to nitrofurantoin. During 2018–2022, the prevalence of E. coli resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid varied from 16.7% to 41.2%, and resistance to cefuroxime increased four times (from 4% in 2018 to 16.7% in 2022). Starting in 2021, all isolated E. coli strains were classified as susceptible-increased exposure or resistant to cefuroxime. (4) Conclusion: Managing pediatric UTIs remains challenging in clinical practice. The choice of optimal empiric treatment should be considered following local recommendations and individual risk factors assessment and require careful dosage adjustment. Observed changes in antimicrobial resistance indicated the need for frequent updating of local recommendations for the management of pediatric patients with UTIs.
Oleacein and Oleocanthal: Key Metabolites in the Stability of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Authors: Olmo-Cunillera Alexandra , Pérez Maria , López-Yerena Anallely , Abuhabib Mohamed M. , Ninot Antònia , Romero-Aroca Agustí , Vallverdú-Queralt Anna , Lamuela-Raventós Rosa Maria
Published: September 2023

The oxidative stability of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) depends on its composition, primarily, phenolic compounds and tocopherols, which are strong antioxidants, but also carotenoids, squalene, and fatty acids contribute. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of malaxation conditions and olive storage on the composition of ‘Corbella’ EVOO produced in an industrial mill to determine which parameters and compounds could give more stable oils. Although a longer malaxation time at a higher temperature and olive storage had a negative effect on the content of α-tocopherol, squalene, flavonoids, lignans, phenolic acids, and phenolic alcohols, the antioxidant capacity and oxidative stability of the oil were improved because of an increase in the concentration of oleacein (56–71%) and oleocanthal (42–67%). Therefore, these two secoiridoids could be crucial for better stability and a longer shelf life of EVOOs, and their enhancement should be promoted. A synergistic effect between secoiridoids and carotenoids could also contribute to EVOO stability. Additionally, ‘Corbella’ cultivar seems to be a promising candidate for the production of EVOOs with a high oleic/linoleic ratio. These findings signify a notable advancement and hold substantial utility and significance in addressing and enhancing EVOO stability.
Dynamic Analysis of Train–Bridge Coupling System for a Long-Span Railway Suspension Bridge Subjected to Strike–Slip Fault
Authors: Chen Sijie , Kang Wei , Yang Jian , Dai Shengyong , Zheng Shixiong , Jia Hongyu
Published: September 2023

Long-span railway bridges crossing active faults are more vulnerable owing to the joint combination of pulse ground motions and surface dislocation. To study the dynamic effects resulting from the coupling of long-span railway suspension bridges crossing strike–slip fault and trains, a nonlinear model in which wheel–rail contact was established based on Hertz’s nonlinear theory and Kalker creep theory. To generate the ground motions across strike–slip fault, an artificial synthetic method, which considers both the fling-step effect with a single pulse and the directivity effect with multiple pulses, is employed. The effects of fault-crossing angles (FCAs) and permanent ground rupture displacements (PGRDs) are systematically investigated based on wheel–rail dynamic (derailment coefficient, lateral wheel–rail force, and wheel–load reduction rate). Conclusions are drawn and can be applied in the practical seismic design and train running safety assessment of long-span railway suspension bridges crossing strike–slip fault.
Multi-Objective Routing Optimization in Electric and Flying Vehicles: A Genetic Algorithm Perspective
Authors: Alolaiwy Muhammad , Hawsawi Tarik , Zohdy Mohamed , Kaur Amanpreet , Louis Steven
Published: September 2023

The advent of electric and flying vehicles (EnFVs) has brought significant advancements to the transportation industry, offering improved sustainability, reduced congestion, and enhanced mobility. However, the efficient routing of messages in EnFVs presents unique challenges that demand specialized algorithms to address their specific constraints and objectives. This study analyzes several case studies that investigate the effectiveness of genetic algorithms (GAs) in optimizing routing for EnFVs. The major contributions of this research lie in demonstrating the capability of GAs to handle complex optimization problems with multiple objectives, enabling the simultaneous consideration of factors like energy efficiency, travel time, and vehicle utilization. Moreover, GAs offer a flexible and adaptive approach to finding near-optimal solutions in dynamic transportation systems, making them suitable for real-world EnFV networks. While GAs show promise, there are also limitations, such as computational complexity, difficulty in capturing real-world constraints, and potential sub-optimal solutions. Addressing these challenges, the study highlights several future research directions, including the integration of real-time data and dynamic routing updates, hybrid approaches with other optimization techniques, consideration of uncertainty and risk management, scalability for large-scale routing problems, and enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability in routing. By exploring these avenues, researchers can further improve the efficiency and effectiveness of routing algorithms for EnFVs, paving the way for their seamless integration into modern transportation systems.
Polarization Sensitivity in Scattering-Type Scanning Near-Field Optical Microscopy—Towards Nanoellipsometry
Authors: Kaps Felix G. , Kehr Susanne C. , Eng Lukas M.
Published: September 2023

Electric field enhancement mediated through sharp tips in scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) enables optical material analysis down to the 10-nm length scale and even below. Nevertheless, the out-of-plane electric field component is primarily considered here due to the lightning rod effect of the elongated s-SNOM tip being orders of magnitude stronger than any in-plane field component. Nonetheless, the fundamental understanding of resonantly excited near-field coupled systems clearly allows us to take profit from all vectorial components, especially from the in-plane ones. In this paper, we theoretically and experimentally explore how the linear polarization control of both near-field illumination and detection can constructively be implemented to (non-)resonantly couple to selected sample permittivity tensor components, e.g., explicitly to the in-plane directions as well. When applying the point-dipole model, we show that resonantly excited samples respond with a strong near-field signal to all linear polarization angles. We then experimentally investigate the polarization-dependent responses for both non-resonant (Au) and phonon-resonant (3C-SiC) sample excitations at a 10.6 µm and 10.7 µm incident wavelength using a tabletop CO2 laser. Varying the illumination polarization angle thus allows one to quantitatively compare the scattered near-field signatures for the two wavelengths. Finally, we compare our experimental data to simulation results and thus gain a fundamental understanding of the polarization’s influence on the near-field interaction. As a result, the near-field components parallel and perpendicular to the sample surface can be easily disentangled and quantified through their polarization signatures, connecting them directly to the sample’s local permittivity.
Ct Value from RT-qPCR Can Predict SARS-CoV-2 Virus Assembly and Lineage Assignment Success
Authors: Hadzega Dominik , Babisová Klaudia , Hyblová Michaela , Janostiaková Nikola , Sabaka Peter , Janega Pavol , Minarik Gabriel
Published: September 2023

During the recent pandemics of COVID-19, sequencing technics became a powerful tool for gaining information about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and using this knowledge to our advantage. Thanks to this advantage, scientists all over the world were able to search for emerging variations, watching the virus evolve in real time. Assembly of the virus genomes is a crucial part of obtaining this kind of useful information. In our study, we sequenced 79 samples from nasopharyngeal swabs of COVID-19 patients. Positivity to disease was evaluated using RT-qPCR. In this work, we described the relationship between RT-qPCR Ct value and genome construction success (plus genome lineage assignment). The specific value of this study is that this relationship was described for data from metatranscriptomic sequencing of human tissue, while there was no step of viral RNA isolation (usual for genome assembly procedure). RT-qPCR Ct value and assembly quality metric NG50 were correlated. We observed that the RT-qPCR Ct value threshold of the certain success of genome assembly (Ct value < 25) and certain failure (Ct value > 30) could be drawn, while results varied for values between (with completed, completed with lower quality, and failed assemblies).
The Accuracy Assessment of Lithospheric Density Models
Authors: Tenzer Robert , Chen Wenjin
Published: September 2023

The Earth’s synthetic gravitational and density models can be used to validate numerical procedures applied for global (or large-scale regional) gravimetric forward and inverse modeling. Since the Earth’s lithospheric structure is better constrained by tomographic surveys than a deep mantle, most existing 3D density models describe only a lithospheric density structure, while 1D density models are typically used to describe a deep mantle density structure below the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary. The accuracy of currently available lithospheric density models is examined in this study. The error analysis is established to assess the accuracy of modeling the sub-lithospheric mantle geoid while focusing on the largest errors (according to our estimates) that are attributed to lithospheric thickness and lithospheric mantle density uncertainties. Since a forward modeling of the sub-lithospheric mantle geoid also comprises numerical procedures of adding and subtracting gravitational contributions of similar density structures, the error propagation is derived for actual rather than random errors (that are described by the Gauss’ error propagation law). Possible systematic errors then either lessen or sum up after applying particular corrections to a geoidal geometry that are attributed to individual lithospheric density structures (such as sediments) or density interfaces (such as a Moho density contrast). The analysis indicates that errors in modeling of the sub-lithospheric mantle geoid attributed to lithospheric thickness and lithospheric mantle density uncertainties could reach several hundreds of meters, particularly at locations with the largest lithospheric thickness under cratonic formations. This numerical finding is important for the calibration and further development of synthetic density models of which mass equals the Earth’s total mass (excluding the atmosphere). Consequently, the (long-to-medium wavelength) gravitational field generated by a synthetic density model should closely agree with the Earth’s gravitational field.
PBA-YOLOv7: An Object Detection Method Based on an Improved YOLOv7 Network
Authors: Sun Yang , Li Yi , Li Song , Duan Zehao , Ning Haonan , Zhang Yuhang
Published: September 2023

Deep learning-based object detection methods address the problem of how to trade off the object detection accuracy and detection speed of the model. This paper proposes the PBA-YOLOv7 network algorithm, which is based on the YOLOv7 network, and first introduces the PConv, which lightens the ELAN module in the backbone network structure and reduces the number of parameters to improve the detection speed of the network and then designs and introduces the BiFusionNet network, which better aggregates the high-level semantic features and the low-level semantic features; and finally, on this basis, the coordinate attention mechanism is introduced to make the network focus on more critical features without increasing the model complexity. The coordinate attention mechanism is introduced to make the network focus more on important feature information and improve the feature expression ability of the network without increasing the model complexity. Experiments on the publicly available KITTI’s dataset show that the PBA-YOLOv7 network model significantly improves both detection accuracy and detection speed compared to the original YOLOv7 model, with 4% and 7.8% improvement in mAP0.5 and mAP0.5:0.95, respectively, and six frames improvement in FPS. The improved algorithm in this paper weighs the model’s detection accuracy and detection speed in the detection task. It performs well compared to other algorithms, such as YOLOv7 and YOLOv5l.
Self-adaptive Artificial Bee Colony with a Candidate Strategy Pool
Authors: Huang Yingui , Yu Ying , Guo Jinglei , Wu Yong
Published: September 2023

As a newly developed metaheuristic algorithm, the artificial bee colony (ABC) has garnered a lot of interest because of its strong exploration ability and easy implementation. However, its exploitation ability is poor and dramatically deteriorates for high-dimension and/or non-separable functions. To fix this defect, a self-adaptive ABC with a candidate strategy pool (SAABC-CS) is proposed. First, several search strategies with different features are assembled in the strategy pool. The top 10% of the bees make up the elite bee group. Then, we choose an appropriate strategy and implement this strategy for the present population according to the success rate learning information. Finally, we simultaneously implement some improved neighborhood search strategies in the scout bee phase. A total of 22 basic benchmark functions and the CEC2013 set of tests were employed to prove the usefulness of SAABC-CS. The impact of combining the five methods and the self-adaptive mechanism inside the SAABC-CS framework was examined in an experiment with 22 fundamental benchmark problems. In the CEC2013 set of tests, the comparison of SAABC-CS with a number of state-of-the-art algorithms showed that SAABC-CS outperformed these widely-used algorithms. Moreover, despite the increasing dimensions of CEC2013, SAABC-CS was robust and offered a higher solution quality.
Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration of the Pockmark Field in the Gulf of Patras: New Insights on Formation, Growth and Activity
Authors: Christodoulou Dimitris , Papatheodorou George , Geraga Maria , Etiope Giuseppe , Giannopoulos Nikos , Kokkalas Sotiris , Dimas Xenophon , Fakiris Elias , Sergiou Spyros , Georgiou Nikos , Sokos Efthimios , Ferentinos George
Published: September 2023

The Patras Gulf Pockmark field is located in shallow waters offshore Patras City (Greece) and is considered one of the most spectacular and best-documented fluid seepage activities in the Ionian Sea. The field has been under investigation since 1996, though surveying was partially sparse and fragmentary. This paper provides a complete mapping of the field and generates new knowledge regarding the fluid escape structures, the fluid pathways, their origin and the link with seismic activity. For this, data sets were acquired utilising high-resolution marine remote sensing techniques, including multibeam echosounders, side-scan sonars, sub-bottom profilers and remotely operated vehicles, and laboratory techniques focusing on the chemical composition of the escaping fluids. The examined morphometric parameters and spatial distribution patterns of the pockmarks are directly linked to tectonic structures. Acoustic anomalies related to the presence of gas in sediments and in the water column document the activity of the field at present and in the past. Methane is the main component of the fluids and is of microbial origin. Regional and local tectonism, together with the Holocene sedimentary deposits, appear to be the main contributors to the growth of the field. The field preserves evidence that earthquake activity prompts the activation of the field.
Vectorial EM Propagation Governed by the 3D Stochastic Maxwell Vector Wave Equation in Stratified Layers
Authors: Barclay Bryce M. , Kostelich Eric J. , Mahalov Alex
Published: September 2023

The modeling and processing of vectorial electromagnetic (EM) waves in inhomogeneous media are important problems in physics and engineering, and new methods need to be developed to incorporate novel vector sensor technology. Vectorial phenomena of EM waves in stratified atmospheric layers can be incorporated into governing equations by retaining the gradient of the refractive index when deriving the Maxwell Vector Wave Equation (MVWE) from Maxwell’s equations. The MVWE, as opposed to the scalar wave, Helmholtz, and paraxial equations, couples the EM field components in inhomogeneous media and thus captures important physics phenomena such as depolarization. Here, recent developments are reviewed on using sensor time series data to reconstruct electromagnetic waves that propagate through stratified media. In modern applications, often many sensors can be deployed simultaneously to observe electromagnetic waves. These networks of sensors can be used to improve the quality of the reconstructed EM wave fields and cross-validate the observed sensor time series. Lastly, the effects of noisy current densities on sensor time series are considered. Generally, as the sensor observes for longer periods of time, the variance of estimates of the wave field obtained from sensor time series data increases. As a result, longer sensor observation times do not always result in better estimates of the EM wave fields, and an optimal observation time can be obtained.
Spatial and Temporal Evolution Characteristics of Water Conservation in the Three-Rivers Headwater Region and the Driving Factors over the Past 30 Years
Authors: Pan Yao , Yin Yunhe
Published: September 2023

The Three-Rivers Headwater Region (TRHR), located in the hinterland of the Tibetan Plateau, serves as the “Water Tower of China”, providing vital water conservation (WC) services. Understanding the variations in WC is crucial for locally tailored efforts to adapt to climate change. This study improves the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) water yield model by integrating long-term time series of vegetation data, emphasizing the role of interannual vegetation variation. This study also analyzes the influences of various factors on WC variations. The results show a significant increase in WC from 1991 to 2020 (1.4 mm/yr, p < 0.05), with 78.17% of the TRHR showing improvement. Precipitation is the primary factor driving the interannual variations in WC. Moreover, distinct interactions play dominant roles in WC across different eco-geographical regions. In the north-central and western areas, the interaction between annual precipitation and potential evapotranspiration has the highest influence. Conversely, the interaction between annual precipitation and vegetation has the greatest impact in the eastern and central-southern areas. This study provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between the land and atmosphere of the TRHR, which are crucial for enhancing the stability of the ecosystem.
Self-Reported Hearing Aid Use in Russian Adults According to a National Survey
Authors: Chibisova Svetlana , Tsigankova Evgenia , Tavartkiladze George
Published: September 2023

Background: Hearing loss is a significant public problem affecting 466 million people worldwide. Hearing-impaired persons benefit from the use of hearing aids, but the need is unmet in 85% of the global population. For the Russian population, no data have been found on this issue. The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of hearing aid use in the Russian adult population. Methods: data on hearing aid use and self-reported trouble with hearing were obtained from the open access database of the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey—Higher School of Economics (RLMS-HSE) for the years 1994–2021. Results: the prevalence of hearing aid use in Russian adults ranged from 4.3 per 1000 (95% CI 3.2–5.9) to 8.8 per 1000 (95% CI 7.5–10.2). The mean rate of self-reported trouble with hearing was 22.2% (SD 0.8); of them, 2.2% (SD 0.2) used hearing aids, and it strongly correlated with older age (r = 0.889) and more severe hearing issues (r = 0.938). Conclusions: The overall prevalence of hearing aid use in Russian adults is very low with unmet needs in 98% of the cases of self-reported trouble with hearing, which is worse than in other populational studies and global estimates. The RLMS-HSE can be used for the monitoring of the national hearing health care system.
Recent Advancements in Glaucoma Surgery—A Review
Authors: Ang Bryan Chin Hou , Lim Sheng Yang , Betzler Bjorn Kaijun , Wong Hon Jen , Stewart Michael W. , Dorairaj Syril
Published: September 2023

Surgery has long been an important treatment for limiting optic nerve damage and minimising visual loss in patients with glaucoma. Numerous improvements, modifications, and innovations in glaucoma surgery over recent decades have improved surgical safety, and have led to earlier and more frequent surgical intervention in glaucoma patients at risk of vision loss. This review summarises the latest advancements in trabeculectomy surgery, glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases, alongside subsequent hand searches—limited to the past 10 years for trabeculectomy and GDDs, and the past 5 years for MIGS—yielded 2283 results, 58 of which were included in the final review (8 trabeculectomy, 27 GDD, and 23 MIGS). Advancements in trabeculectomy are described in terms of adjunctive incisions, Tenon’s layer management, and novel suturing techniques. Advancements in GDD implantation pertain to modifications of surgical techniques and devices, novel methods to deal with postoperative complications and surgical failure, and the invention of new GDDs. Finally, the popularity of MIGS has recently promoted modifications to current surgical techniques and the development of novel MIGS devices.
Multi-Omics Analyses Reveal Mitochondrial Dysfunction Contributing to Temozolomide Resistance in Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Zhang Huaijin , Chen Yuling , Liu Xiaohui , Deng Haiteng
Published: September 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive malignant brain tumor with poor prognosis. Temozolomide (TMZ) is the standard chemotherapy for glioblastoma treatment, but TMZ resistance significantly compromises its efficacy. In the present study, we generated a TMZ-resistant cell line and identified that mitochondrial dysfunction was a novel factor contributing to TMZ resistance though multi-omics analyses and energy metabolism analysis. Furthermore, we found that rotenone treatment induced TMZ resistance to a certain level in glioblastoma cells. Notably, we further demonstrated that elevated Ca2+ levels and JNK–STAT3 pathway activation contributed to TMZ resistance and that inhibiting JNK or STAT3 increases susceptibility to TMZ. Taken together, our results indicate that co-administering TMZ with a JNK or STAT3 inhibitor holds promise as a potentially effective treatment for glioblastoma.