bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Secure ISAC MIMO systems: exploiting interference with Bayesian Cramér–Rao bound optimization
Authors: Su Nanchi , Liu Fan , Masouros Christos , Alexandropoulos George C. , Xiong Yifeng , Zhang Qinyu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In this paper, we present a signaling design for secure integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) systems comprising a dual-functional multi-input multi-output base station that simultaneously communicates with multiple users while detecting targets present in their vicinity, which are regarded as potential eavesdroppers. In particular, assuming that the distribution of each parameter to be estimated is known a priori, we focus on optimizing the targets’ sensing performance. To this end, we derive and minimize the Bayesian Cramér–Rao bound, while ensuring certain communication quality of service by exploiting constructive interference. The latter scheme enforces that the received signals at the eavesdropping targets fall into the destructive region of the signal constellation, to deteriorate their decoding probability, thus enhancing the ISAC’s system physical layer security capability. To tackle the nonconvexity of the formulated problem, a tailored successive convex approximation method is proposed for its efficient solution. Our extensive numerical results verify the effectiveness of the proposed secure ISAC design showing that the proposed algorithm outperforms block-level precoding techniques.
LSM tree read-deletion operations optimization through the implementation of cuckoo filters
Authors: Valverde Humberto Cesar Villalta , Kim KwangSik , Kim Kisu , Kwon Jinman , Lim Jaechoon , Jun Yongjoo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study aims to develop an LSM tree that uses two different kinds of probabilistic data structures (PDS). These two data structures are the Bloom Filters and the state-of-the-art Cuckoo Filter released in 2014 by Fan. Cuckoo filters are a perfect choice for saving space and also for deleting keys that are not needed in the algorithm so the filters are synchronized with the keys of all the SSTables. The implementation in this study of Cuckoo filters showed three main advantages (1) Keys that are deleted in the SSTables are immediately reflected in the Cuckoo Filters (2) When SSTables are merged, Cuckoo Filters are also merged by measuring its load factor for availability (3) The performance of Cuckoo Filters compared to Bloom filters after deleting and query shows better performance despite that cuckoo filters are also being updated. This approach is expected to reduce storage space and the amount of time for queries and deletions on the overall data structure. This new optimized LSM tree is expected to be implemented in HBase as future work to check its performance with a real-world database for more empirical results.
Development of modified multi-parametric CT algorithms for diagnosing clear-cell renal cell carcinoma in small solid renal masses
Authors: Jin Pengfei , Zhang Linghui , Yang Hong , Jiang Tingting , Xu Chenyang , Huang Jiehui , Zhang Zhongyu , Shi Lei , Wang Xu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective
To refine the existing CT algorithm to enhance inter-reader agreement and improve the diagnostic performance for clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) in solid renal masses less than 4 cm.

Methods
A retrospective collection of 331 patients with pathologically confirmed renal masses were enrolled in this study. Two radiologists independently assessed the CT images: in addition to heterogeneity score (HS) and mass-to-cortex corticomedullary attenuation ratio (MCAR), measured parameters included ratio of major diameter to minor diameter at the maximum axial section (Major axis / Minor axis), tumor-renal interface, standardized heterogeneity ratio (SHR), and standardized nephrographic reduction rate (SNRR). Spearman's correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between SHR and HS. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify independent risk factors and then CT-score was adjusted by those indicators. The diagnostic efficacy of the modified CT-scores was evaluated using ROC curve analysis.

Results
The SHR and heterogeneity grade (HG) of mass were correlated positively with the HS (R = 0.749, 0.730, all P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis determined that the Major axis / Minor axis (> 1.16), the tumor-renal interface (> 22.3 mm), and the SNRR (> 0.16) as additional independent risk factors to combine with HS and MCAR. Compared to the original CT-score, the two CT algorithms combined tumor-renal interface and SNRR showed significantly improved diagnostic efficacy for ccRCC (AUC: 0.770 vs. 0.861 and 0.862, all P < 0.001). The inter-observer agreement for HG was higher than that for HS (weighted Kappa coefficient: 0.797 vs. 0.722). The consistency of modified CT-score was also superior to original CT-score (weighted Kappa coefficient: 0.935 vs. 0.878).

Conclusion
The modified CT algorithms not only enhanced inter-reader consistency but also improved the diagnostic capability for ccRCC in small renal masses.
Potential of Garra rufa as a novel high-temperature resistant model fish: a review on current and future approaches
Authors: Shimada Yasuhito , Aydın Baki , Kon-Nanjo Koto , Handayani Kiki Syaputri , Gultom Victor David Nico , Simakov Oleg , Fahrurrozi  , Kon Tetsuo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Garra rufa, commonly known as the “doctor fish”, is a freshwater cyprinid native to warm regions of the Middle East. Since the late twentieth century, it has been widely utilized in spas for alternative therapeutics and fish pedicures (or manicures) for dermatological diseases such as psoriasis and eczema. Owing to its unique characteristics, there is growing interest in exploring various applications of G. rufa. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the phylogenetic position, ecology, biological characteristics, and breeding methods of G. rufa, and provides insights into its use as a therapeutic fish. Notably, the ability of G. rufa to thrive in high-temperature environments exceeding 37 °C distinguishes it from other cyprinids and suggests its potential as a model for human diseases, such as human infectious diseases, and in use in cancer xenograft models for high-throughput drug screening. The ongoing genome sequencing project for G. rufa aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its high-temperature tolerance and offers valuable genomic resources. These efforts have resulted in significant advances in fish aquaculture, species conservation, and biomedical research.
Cauda equina syndrome: real emergency or a misnomer—prospective observational study in a tertiary care centre
Authors: Fayaz Mohsin , Chibber Sarabjit Singh , Venishetty Nagaraju , Khursheed Aizul , Chaurasia Bipin , Naseer Malik 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Introduction
Cauda equina syndrome has a devastating effect on quality of life. Early diagnosis and intervention is the current practice, for better outcomes. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the influence of the timing of surgery in cauda equina syndrome outcomes.

Materials and methods
We conducted a prospective study of a cohort of patients presented with cauda equina syndrome. Based on the durations of symptoms, patients were divided into three groups less than 24 h, 24–48 h and more than 48 h. Outcomes in the form of sensations, motor power and bladder control improvements were observed at 6 months postoperatively. Statistical analysis is made in the form of percentage or Fischer’s exact p-value whichever is suitable.

Results
A total of 46 patients were included in the study. All patients have bladder symptoms at presentation. At the end of 6 months, we found that the timing of surgery or duration of symptoms does not have any correlation with outcomes.

Conclusion
Even though early surgical intervention is consensus in cauda equina syndrome, we suggest surgery as soon as pragmatically feasible but not at the expense of patient safety.
Novel synergistic antibacterial activity of meloxicam-curcumin and diclofenac-curcumin combinations against methicillin-sensitive S. aureus and E. faecium
Authors: M. Karajeh Asem , N. Alkaraki Rawan , Gaber Yasser 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been shown to have antibacterial activities in different experimental settings. In the current study, the antibacterial activities of meloxicam and diclofenac were evaluated when combined with curcumin, a polyphenolic compound, against clinically relevant bacteria. The aim was to determine whether these combinations could provide a novel, synergistic approach to combat pathogenic bacteria.

Results
The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of curcumin (CCM), meloxicam (MXM), and diclofenac (DC), alone or in combination, were determined using the microdilution broth method. The CCM/MXM combination exhibited synergistic activity against a methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) strain which is resistant to chloramphenicol and clindamycin. It reduced MICs up to 32-fold and achieved a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of 0.28 (FICI < 0.5 indicates synergy). Synergy was also observed against a levofloxacin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (FICI = 0.5). Growth kinetics experiments confirmed these findings, with significant reductions in MSSA and E. faecium growth rates (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). Additionally, the biofilm inhibition activity was evaluated.

Conclusion
These findings suggest that curcumin combined with meloxicam could offer a good antibacterial combination specifically for Gram-positive bacteria. This is a promising approach for topical antibacterial preparations, where high local concentrations can be achieved to combat clinical pathogenic bacteria. Further research on these combinations may support their potential as adjunct therapies for managing bacterial infections or cases of topical infection with concurrent inflammatory disorders.
Coblation-assisted endoscopic management of post-radiation choanal stenosis in cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Agarwal Anushka , Marfatia Hetal , Sahai Anoushka , Choudhary Rekha , Mohapatra Prateek , Jain Anushka 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
This study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of coblation in stenosis release for rehabilitation of patients post-radiotherapy, as literature on the topic is sparse.

Materials and methods
Nine patients who underwent intensity-modulated radiotherapy for stage III–IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma and developed choanal stenosis were included. The stenosis was released using coblation and was combined with posterior septectomy followed by stenting.

Results
The use of coblation resulted in minimal intraoperative bleeding, better visualization, and minimal post-op scarring. Posterior septectomy along with stent placement helped in the maintenance of a patent nasal airway in 88.8% of patients with only one needing revision surgery. Postoperatively, patients were followed up for 1 year, and significant improvement in SNOT 22 scores was seen using the Wilcoxon sign test (p = 0.008).

Conclusion
Coblation-assisted choanal stenosis release with stenting is effective and offers better symptomatic relief, thus improving quality of life and assisting in rehabilitation.
Fat Oxidation Rates during Exercise in Pre-Pubertal Children: The Role of Obesity, Fitness and Lean Mass
Authors: Rodríguez-Gómez Irene , Martín-García María , Alegre Luis M. , García-Cuartero Beatriz , González-Vergaz Amparo , Carcavilla Atilano , Aragonés Ángel , Ara Ignacio 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Purpose
To determine fat oxidation values during a graded cyclo-ergometer exercise in pre-pubertal children considering cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and body size based on obesity status and sex. Moreover, to elucidate whether body mass index (BMI) or fat accumulation mediate the relationship between CRF and fat oxidation.

Methods
We evaluated 118 pre-pubertal children (59 girls) aged 11.5 ± 2.0 yr (Tanner ≤II). Body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and anthropometry, CRF (peak oxygen uptake -VO2peak) and fat oxidation rates were determined during a graded cycling test.

Results
In absolute values, obese pre-pubertal children displayed higher maximal fat oxidation (MFO) compared to overweight and normal-weight counterparts (p = 0.006). However, after adjusting by CRF the difference in MFO disappeared (p = 0.104). When MFO was expressed with respect to body size and adjusted by CRF, it was significantly greater in normal-weight children (p = <0.001). Similar results were found in boys and girls. Furthermore, fat accumulation and BMI acted as mediators in the relationship between CRF and fat oxidation, explained a 38% of the variance.

Conclusions
Fat oxidation levels are comparable among pre-pubertal children, regardless of obesity status, upon CRF adjustment. Nevertheless, when contextualized within body size, obese and overweight children demonstrated reduced fat oxidation capacity compared to their normal-weight peers during exercise and with no sex-related differences. Furthermore, fat mass seems to be a mediator factor between CRF and fat oxidation.
Better Regularization for Sequential Decision Spaces: Fast Convergence Rates for Nash, Correlated, and Team Equilibria
Authors: Farina Gabriele , Kroer Christian , Sandholm Tuomas 
Published: February 2025

The paper studies the application of first-order methods to the problem of computing equilibria of large-scale extensive-form games. It introduces a new weighted entropy-based distance-generating function for instantiating first-order methods. The new function achieves significantly better strong-convexity properties than existing weight schemes for the dilated entropy while maintaining the same easily implemented closed-form proximal mapping as the prior state of the art. The paper then generalizes our new entropy distance function, as well as the whole class of dilated distance functions, to the scaled extension operator. This yields the first efficiently computable distance-generating function for the decision polytopes capturing correlated and team solution concepts for extensive-form games. By instantiating first-order methods with these regularizers, several new results are achieved, such as the first method for computing ex ante correlated team equilibria with a guaranteed 1/T rate of convergence and efficient proximal updates.
An unrecognized threat: An evaluation of exposure to air pollutants during smoke-generating endoscopy procedures
Authors: Walradt Trent , Szvarca Daniel , Hart Jaime , Adamkiewicz Gary , Nie Qiyue , Wissoker Madeleine , Desai Khushi , Wang Yuzhu , Aihara Hiroyuki , Thompson Christopher C 
Published: February 2025

INTRODUCTION:
To characterize the smoke generated during several endoscopic procedures and evaluate the efficacy of a smoke evacuation system as a preventative measure.

METHODS:
Monitoring devices in closure proximity to patients measured particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during endoscopic procedures. The impact of a smoke evacuator system was also assessed.

RESULTS:
PM and VOC levels were significantly elevated during all procedures. The smoke evacuator reduced exposure.

DISCUSSION:
Smoke produced during endoscopy is a potential health risk for endoscopy staff. Protective measures and further research on long-term exposure effects are warranted.
Dry suction versus wet suction of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy for diagnosis of solid pancreatic lesions:a multicenter randomized controlled non-inferiority trial
Authors: Xu Shenglin , Guo Jianian , Qin Mengbin , Meng Yiteng , Xie Fang , Qiao Weiguang , Hu Haiyan , Peng Peng , Rownoak Jahan , Heng Socheat , Ung Finang , Ye Yaping , Wang Jing , Li Weixin , Zou Yingying , Zou Li , Huang Shaohui , Liu Side , Wang Junfen , Yao Jun , Li Yue 
Published: February 2025

Background and aims:
Conclusions regarding the suction techniques of EUS-FNB remain controversial. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the dry suction versus wet suction technique in solid pancreatic lesions (SPLs) and determine the optimal number of passes for EUS-FNB.

Methods:
This investigation was conducted as a multicenter, randomized, controlled, non-inferiority trial. Patients with SPLs were randomly allocated to receive either the dry or wet suction technique. The primary outcome was diagnostic accuracy. The secondary outcomes included sensitivity, specificity, optimal number of needle passes, specimen quality, procedure time, and adverse events.

Results:
Of the 200 patients, 193 were included in the final analysis, with 96 in the dry suction group and 97 in the wet suction group. The diagnostic accuracies were 97.92% and 96.91% in the dry and wet groups, respectively, with a 1.01% difference between the study groups (two-sided 95% CI, -3.47% to 5.48%, P=0.659). The overall adverse event rate was 2.6%. No significant differences were observed in sample adequacy (98.9% vs. 98.9%, P = 1) or blood contamination (P = 0.796). Regarding procedure time, there was no statistical difference (18.68±8.03 min vs. 19.36±8.89 min, P=0.626); however, more procedural steps were required in the wet suction technique. No significant difference was found between the cumulative diagnostic accuracy of each needle (1st pass 93.78% vs. 2nd pass 95.34% vs. 3rd pass 97.41%, P = 0.225).

Disscussion:
The dry suction technique is non-inferior to the wet suction technique for EUS-FNB in SPLs. In the absence of rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE), only one pass was required to achieve more than 90% diagnostic accuracy. (ClinicalTrial.gov number NCT05549856.)
Hubungan Kandungan Fosfat dan Parameter Lingkungan di Muara Sungai Mrican, Pekalongan
Authors: Pratiwi Nadien , Handoyo Gentur , Indrayanti Elis 
Published: February 2025

Muara sungai merupakan perairan yang kompleks dimana terjadi pertemuan antara air sungai dan air laut. Masukan air sungai ke laut membawa sumber zat hara yang dapat meningkatkan produktivitas perairan. Muara Sungai Mrican, Pekalongan menjadi salah satu tempat mengalirnya limbah yang berasal dari berbagai kegiatan manusia dan industri yang diduga mengandung unsur fosfat. Fosfat adalah salah satu unsur hara yang berperan penting dalam ekosistem perairan, namun konsentrasi yang tinggi dapat menyebabkan eutrofikasi dan mengganggu keseimbangan ekosistem perairan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi hubungan antara kandungan fosfat dan parameter lingkungan (suhu, salinitas, pH dan DO) di Muara Sungai Mrican, Pekalongan. Pengambilan sampel dilaksanakan pada 30 Mei 2024 di 28 titik yang mewakili daerah sungai, muara dan sekitar pantai. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kandungan fosfat di Muara Sungai Mrican. Pekalongan berkisar antara 0,002 – 0,817 µmol/L; yang membentuk pola konvergen di beberapa titik stasiun, dengan nilai yang cenderung tinggi pada daerah muara, dan menurun pada perairan pantai menuju laut. Korelasi fosfat menunjukkan hubungan positif dengan suhu (r = 0,433) yang menunjukkan bahwa semakin tinggi kandungan fosfat, semakin tinggi pula suhu air, namun berhubungan sebaliknya dengan salinitas (r = -0,819); pH (r = -0,715); dan DO (r = -0,022).
Hubungan ASI Eksklusif dengan Kejadian Diare pada Bayi Usia di Bawah 6 Bulan Tahun 2017 (Analisis Data SDKI 2017)
Authors: Rusyda Fikriya 
Published: February 2025

Background: Diarrhea is the main cause of malnutrition in underfive children. One of the efforts to prevent diarrhea in infants is exclusive breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding is infant that receives only breast milk without any additional consumption from 0 to 6 months. Under six months infant who are not exclusively breastfed have a higher risk of developing diarrhea than those who are exclusively breastfed.Methods: This study aims to determine the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and the incidence of diarrhea in under six months infants in Indonesia. This study analyze secondary data from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey. The sample in this study consist of all live infants aged 0-6 months born to women aged 15-49 years in Indonesia who were successfully interviewed and had a complete answer (no answer missing). After weighting, 1898 samples were obtained.Result: The result found that the proportion of diarrhea incidence in Indonesia is 9.1%. Meanwhile of all infants, 36% were not exclusively breastfed. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between infants who were not exclusively breastfed and diarrhea incidence in Indonesia after adjusted by mother's education level, maternal employment status, mother’s economic level, area of residence, and latrine ownership (PR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.46-3.07).Conclusion : Infants who were not exclusively breastfed increase the risk for diarrhea. Therefore it is necessary to have a program to increase the coverage of exclusive breastfeeding. The program can take the form of counseling by health workers in health services.
Faktor–Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Gangguan Perkembangan Motorik Kasar
Authors: Virmandiani Virmandiani , Adisasmita Asri C. 
Published: February 2025

Background: Gross motor skills are very important for functional independence and others developmental milestone. Delays in this domain are more pronounced than in other domains in early age, for healthy developmental trajectories, so very early detection is imperative for every parent with a newborn. This study identify risk factors that affect gross motor development in children aged 1 to 3 years.Methods: This retrospective cohort study involved 139 subjects, rehabilitation outpatient clinic. Gross motor delay was assessed using CDC (Milestone Developmental) and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) for patient with Cerebral Palsy. Potential risk factors included: prematurity status, asphyxia, epilepsy, and parent's education.Results: 63 (45.32%) children had delays in gross motor skills, with a mean age of 27±7 months. Cox regression showed asphyxia RR=1.72; [95% CI, 1.49-1.99]; p=0.018. Epilepsy RR=1.50; [95% CI, 1.18-1.92]; p=0.004 was a factor associated with a higher risk ratio in children with gross motor delay. Prematurity was not statistically significant, which may be due to the very small number of subjects with prematurity (less than 5%). Younger children were more at risk of developing symptoms of delayed motor development. Parental education was not associated with the risk of delay.Conclusion: This study demonstrated children with asphyxia or epilepsy have higher risk of being gross motor delay. Therefore, early screening is very important in this population at risk, in order to identify potential delays so that these patients receive appropriate intervention immediately.