bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trajectory Optimization of UAV-IRS Assisted 6G THz Network Using Deep Reinforcement Learning Approach
Authors: Saleh Amany M. , OMAR SHEREEN S. , EL-HALEEM AHMED M. ABD , Ibrahim Ibrahim I. , Abdelhakam Mostafa M. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Terahertz (THz) wireless communication is a promising technology that will enable ultra-high data rate, and very low latency for future wireless communications. Intelligent Reconfigurable Surfaces (IRS) aiding Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) are two essential technologies play a pivotal role in balancing the demands of Sixth-Generation (6G) wireless networks. In practical scenarios, mission completion time and energy consumption serve as crucial benchmarks for assessing the efficiency of UAV-IRS enabled THz communication. Achieving a swift mission completion requires UAV-IRS to fly at maximum speed above the ground users it serves. However, this results in higher energy consumption. To address the challenge, this paper studies UAV-IRS trajectory planning problems in THz networks. The problem is formulated as an optimization problem aiming to minimize UAVs-IRS mission completion time by optimizing the UAV-IRS trajectory, considering the energy consumption constraint for UAVs-IRS. Proposed optimization algorithm, with low complexity, is well-suited for applications in THz communication networks. This problem is non-convex, optimization problem that is NP-hard and presents challenges for conventional optimization techniques. To overcome this, we proposed Deep Q-Network (DQN) reinforcement learning algorithm to enhance performance. Simulation results show that our proposed algorithm achieves performance compared to benchmark schemes.
Evaluation of antimicrobial effect of green synthesized silver nanoparticles from Sapindus mukorossi pericarp extract
Authors: Sharma Vivek , Thakur Sapna , Sharma Sneh 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The present study is focused on the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles derived from Sapindus mukorossi pericarp extract. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized successfully by employing biological methods of synthesis. In this research, silver nitrate was used as a precursor and Sapindus mukorossi pericarp extract was used as a reducing agent for synthesis. The obtained silver nanoparticles were characterized by using UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform electron microscopy (FTIR) and High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The UV-Vis spectra and visual observation showed that the color of pericarp extract of Sapindus mukorossi turned from golden yellow to dark brown after the addition of AgNO3 precursor and showed the highest absorption peak at 410 nm. In addition, XRD pattern revealed the face-centered cubic structure of silver nanoparticles. The FTIR measurements confirmed the presence of different functional groups within the extract that were directly involved in the reduction and stability of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles. HR-TEM images revealed the particles to be nearly spherical with a few irregular shapes and particles size ranging from 5 to 50 nm. The study highlights the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles that were tested against gram negative bacterium viz., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis. The results confirmed that the prepared silver nanoparticles showed good antimicrobial potential against all the tested microorganisms. The antioxidant potential of aqueous extract and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles was evaluated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method and revealed that both aqueous extract and obtained silver nanoparticles exhibit maximum antioxidant activity.
Global burden of Klebsiella pneumoniae infections and antimicrobial resistance in 2019
Authors: Song Hui-Wen , Wan Tu-Er , Fu Bin-Hong , Yang Gui-Hua , Jiang Mei-Ting , Pan Jin-Shui 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose: To better target interventions against Klebsiella pneumoniae(KP) infections and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), we analyzed the global burden of KP using 2019 worldwide, regional and national data.
Methods: The methodology employed in this study involved collecting data on KP infections and AMR from two reputable sources: the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019 and the Global Burden of Antimicrobial Resistance 2019 study. The analysis was based on a vast compilation of 471 million records, which informed eight distinct modeling components.
Results: KP infections have resulted in approximately 800,000 deaths worldwide, 80% of which were attributed to AMR. Notably, lower respiratory tract infections, bloodstream infections, and intra-abdominal infections were identified as the primary infectious syndromes caused by KP, accounting for nearly 90% of KP-related deaths and exhibiting the highest age-standardized mortality rates. South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa showed the greatest incidence of fatalities linked to KP infections, with the latter region additionally displaying the highest number and rate of deaths associated with KP-AMR. The mortality attributed to AMR in KP patients was predominantly caused by resistance to carbapenems and third-generation cephalosporins, accounting for more than fifty percent of the reported deaths.
Conclusions: KP has emerged as a significant concern within the realm of public health, particularly in areas characterized by limited financial resources. To adequately confront this escalating predicament, it is imperative to execute specific interventions.
Contrast-enhanced mammography in the management of breast architectural distortions and avoidance of unnecessary biopsies.
Authors: Bellini Chiara , Pugliese Francesca , Bicchierai Giulia , Amato Francesco , de Benedetto Diego , Naro Federica di , Boeri Cecilia , Vanzi Ermanno , Migliaro Giuliano , Incardona Ludovica , Tommasi Cinzia , Orzalesi Lorenzo , Miele Vittorio , Cucchiari Jacopo Nori 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objectives: to assess the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) in the management of breast architectural distortions (AD) classified as BI-RADS3 in digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT).
Materials & methods: we retrospectively reviewed 328 women with 332 ADs detected on DBT from January 2017 to October 2021 and selected those classified as BI-RADS3 receiving CEM as problem solving. In CEM recombined images we evaluated the contrast enhancement (CE) of AD according to its presence/absence, type according to CEM BI-RADS lexicon, and size (<10 mm or ≥10 mm). AD with enhancement underwent breast biopsy by core needle biopsy or vacuum-assisted biopsy while AD without enhancement underwent imaging follow-up or biopsy if detected in high- or intermediate-risk women.
Results: AD with enhancement were 174 (52.4%): 72 (41.4%) were malignant lesions, 102 (59.6%) false positive results: 28 (16%) B3 lesions and 74 (42.5%) benign lesions. AD without enhancement were 158 (47.6%): 26 (16.5%) were subjected to biopsy (1 malignant lesion and 25 benign lesions) while the other 132 cases were sent to imaging follow-up, still negative after two years. The sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) and accuracy of CEM were 98.63%, 60.62%, 41.38%, 99.37% and 68.98%. The area under the curve determined by ROC for CEM was 0.796 (95% CI, 0.749–0.844).
Conclusion: CEM has shown a high sensitivity and NPV in the evaluation of BI-RADS3 AD. We showed promising results in favor of CEM as a complementary tool in assessing AD lesions to avoid unnecessary biopsies without compromising cancer detection.
Clinical relevance statement: our findings are encouraging towards the utility of CEM as a valuable complementary tool for the evaluation of BI-RADS 3 AD, to reduce unnecessary biopsies for its high NPV, without compromising the effectiveness of cancer detection.
The gender distribution and association between sociodemographic factors and self- injury: analysis from the Discharge Injury Patient Survey, South Korea
Authors: Sung Meekang , Kim Rockli , Subramanian S V 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Research gaps persist in understanding the underlying sociodemographic patterning of self-injury (SI). Despite its strong connection to high suicide rates in South Korea, SI in the country remains underexplored.
Methods
The study utilized the Discharge Injury Patient survey, an annual national survey spanning from 2004 to 2021. The study sample consisted of injury patients within the dataset. SI served as the primary outcome. Sociodemographic variables included gender, age, survey year, and state. The trends of SI prevalence over age groups and its gender distribution were examined. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to understand the association between gender and SI. The change in the association over time was explored through stratified regression on age groups and year groups.
Results
The study encompassed 497,882 injury patients, with 13,139 SI patients. The prevalence of SI was higher in women (2.4%) than in men (1.5%) and peaked across ages 21–50 (2.4–2.5%). Prevalence exhibited a decline from 2004 to 2017 but experienced an upswing in 2019 to 2021, primarily attributed to the increased prevalence of SI among women. Gender gaps showed a decreasing trend over time, except for the period in 2019–2021. The higher burden of SI in women was more pronounced in younger age groups, particularly those aged ≤ 20. Regression models confirmed these patterns.
Conclusion
Women are more likely to experience SI in South Korea. The gender patterning varies across age groups and has undergone changes over time. Further research is imperative to delve into the root causes of these disparities.
The Carbohydrate-to-fiber ratio (CFR) is a useful marker of central obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jing Cuiqi , Zhang Haimeng , Zhang Fan , xu Xiaoyu , Ren Jiajia , Ji Xiaomei , Xie Hong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
(1) Background: The carbohydrate-to-fiber ratio (CFR) is an important indicator of dietary carbohydrate quality. However, few studies have focused on obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between the CFR and central obesity in type 2 diabetic patients in the community.
(2) Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. A general demographic information questionnaire and a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire were used to investigate the demographic characteristics and dietary intake information of type 2 diabetic patients in the community, and the daily amounts of carbohydrates and dietary fiber were obtained by calculating the carbohydrate-to-fiber ratio (CFR) using Nutrition Calculator (v2.7.3k) software. Participants' CFR was categorized into Q1, Q2, and Q3 groups from high to low. Central obesity was defined as a waist circumference ≥90 cm for men and ≥85 cm for women.
(3) Results: The prevalence of central obesity in community-dwelling type 2 diabetic patients was 66.77%. The CFR was associated with waist circumference (r=0.153, p=0.008), insulin (r=0.118, p=0.040), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r=-0.126, p=0.028), and diabetes distress (r=0.197, p=0.001). With Q1 as a reference, the CFR was still significantly associated with central obesity in the Q3 after adjusting for variables (OR=2.166, 95% CI: 1.083-4.334). Carbohydrate intake was not associated with central obesity (OR=1.003, 95% CI: 0.998-1.007). The CFR is a stronger protective factor against central obesity than either fiber or carbohydrate alone.
(4) Conclusions: A higher CFR leads to increased central obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes. Diets with a low CFR can be recommended for the dietary management of patients with type 2 diabetes.
Numerical Heat Transfer on Sutterby Tetra Hybrid nanofluid for Biomedical Application
Authors: R REVATHI , Poornima T. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This study investigates the thermal behaviour and heat transfer characteristics of Sutterby tetra Hybrid nanofluids, comprising copper (Cu), silver (Ag), iron oxide (), and zinc (Zn) nanoparticles dispersed in ethanol, using the Boundary Value Problem Fourth Order ODE Solver (BVP4C) method. The research aims to elucidate the potential applications of Tetra Hybrid nanofluids in improving heat transfer efficiency in engineering systems. By analyzing the thermal conductivity and heat transfer coefficients of these nanofluids, insights are provide into their suitability for various technological domains. The findings suggest that Tetra Hybrid nanofluids exhibit significant enhancements in thermal properties, making them promising candidates for enhancing heat transfer in heat exchangers, electronics cooling, and renewable energy systems. Mass diffusion are discussed in relation to lowering Schmidt number, rising chemical reaction, and increasing Sherwood number while discussing the thickness of the boundary layer in. Porosity limitation causes a downward shift in the tetra nanofluid, velocity curve, also skin drag increases.
Rupture of the cardiac free wall after infarction confirmed by aortic CTA
Authors: Liu Jie , Chen Weiqing , Li Zihan , Liu Nan , Mao Cuiying 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background Free wall rupture is a rare complication of myocardial infarction, occurring as early as a few hours after myocardial infarction. It usually happens after transmural myocardial infarction and has a very high mortality rate. The diagnosis of free wall rupture requires echocardiographic evidence of pericardial leakage or pericardial tamponade. The patient's cause of death is often attributed to other causes such as cardiac arrhythmia unless determined by open heart surgery or autopsy. Diagnostic tools for post-infarction cardiac free wall rupture are limited to date.Case presentation We report a patient with myocardial infarction who presented with atypical chest pain. Subsequent coronary angiography suggested small vessel disease, but the patient's severe clinical presentation was not consistent with small vessel disease. Considering the patient's non-excluded aortic coarctation and the small size of the vascular lesion, no intervention was performed for the time being. Next, to further clarify the diagnosis, the patient underwent an aortic computed tomography angiography (CTA). In the aortic CTA a rupture of the free wall of the heart was detected and a large amount of bloody pericardial effusion was found. Unfortunately, the patient did not have a successful puncture and drainage, and died after resuscitation.Conclusions The diagnosis of cardiac rupture is a challenge. We need to be alert to the possibility of cardiac rupture even in small vascular lesions. When patients present with more severe clinical manifestations that are not consistent with myocardial infarction, it is important to be alert to the possibility of cardiac rupture in addition to identifying the possibility of aortic coarctation. Aortic CTA may be able to confirm the diagnosis when neither echocardiography nor coronary angiography is used to detect such occurrences of cardiac rupture.
Root Canal Treatment Rate in Deciduous Teeth Among 6-Year-Olds in the Era of Discontinuing Water Fluoridation - Historical Cohort Study
Authors: Zielonka Chana Shalev , Findler Mordechai , Chackartchi Tali , Mann Jonathan , Haim Doron , Tobias Guy 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background:
Fluoride protects teeth by replacing the hydroxyl group in hydroxyapatite, creating fluoroapatite that is more resistant to acids from food and bacteria. In this way fluoride helps prevent tooth decay.
Untreated caries may progress to the nerve of the tooth located in the pulp chamber and canals in the root, and then the tooth will require root canal treatment.
In 1998, Israel mandated fluoridation in cities with a population of over 5,000. However, in 2014, a new directive, banned the fluoridation of drinking water.
This study aimed to explore the impact of community water fluoridation on socio-economic disparities by examining the differences in the prevalence of root canal treatments in deciduous teeth among 6-year-old children with and without community water fluoridation.
Methods: For this retrospective study, computerized dental treatment codes were collected for checkups and root canal treatments in deciduous teeth between 2014-2015 and between 2016-2022 in 6-year-old children. Statistical significance was set as p<0.05.
Results: Children with a low socio-economic status tended to undergo more root canal treatments on deciduous teeth than those with higher socio-economic status. This discrepancy was more prominent in areas without fluoride i.e. the population most affected by the absence of community water fluoridation had a lower socio-economic level. Those with higher economic status had relatively stable rates of root canal treatments regardless of fluoridation. Moreover, across all socio-economic levels, males had more root canal treatments than females.
Conclusion: Water fluoridation is important to reduce caries incidence and the need for root canal treatment and has the potential to reduce the disparity between different socio-economic levels.
Exploring the Hidden Dangers: Unrevealing the lack of awareness and its causes regarding conception and pregnancy in patients with established Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD).
Authors: Naz Shakeela , Khan Naveed Ullah , Raza Fizza Zehra , Khawaja Rizwan Ali , Qadir Faisal , Akhtar Parveen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD), a significant public health concern, is a major contributor to maternal mortality globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Among its numerous complications, RHD poses unique challenges for women of childbearing age.
Objective:
The aim of the study was to assess the level of awareness regarding conception counseling and the impact of RHD on maternal cardiovascular health in pregnancy in female patients of reproductive age with diagnosed Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) coming to the outpatient department of National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD).
Methods:
This is a cross-sectional descriptive study carried in the outpatient department of NICVD. The study population was women with RHD in the fertile age group. The sampling technique was non-probability, consecutive sampling. Analysis of data were performed with the help of IBM SPSS version 21.Statistical techniques used for the comparison were Chi-square test, Fisher’s Exact Test, or independent sample t-test, appropriately, with <0.05 level of significance.
Results:
320 female patients with RHD (diagnosed on the basis of echocardiography) were a part of the survey conducted in the outpatient department. Out of these 320 patients, only 217 women of childbearing age with mean age of 33.5 ± 7.5 were interviewed. A staggeringly high percentage (80.6%) of women of childbearing age between 19 to 49 years had no awareness regarding the impact of RHD on maternofetal health in pregnancy and had received no conception counseling whereas only 19.4% of the women showed some level of awareness regarding it.
Conclusion:
Level of knowledge and awareness of the impact of RHD on maternofetal health in pregnancy and counseling regarding conception in females of childbearing age with established RHD is alarmingly low. It is ideal for these women to be counseled before conception and risk-stratified according to their clinical state and pathology.
Ameliorative potentials of ethanol extract of Alchornea cordifolia on some biochemical and physiological parameters in high-fat diet-induced obese Wistar rats
Authors: Ekeleme Chinedum Martins , Odey Diana Ochuole , Ibeneme Chidinma Emmanuel , David-Oku Esien , Eyong Eyong Ubana , Atangwho Item Justin , Egbung Godwin Eneji , Asanga Edet Effiong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of ethanol extract of A. cordifolia leaves on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and its associated metabolic abnormalities in rats. Thirty male rats were randomly divided into five groups (Six rats each)- Normal control, Obese control, Orlistat group, A.cordifolia groups (500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight). Dietary intake, anthropometric indices, lipid profile, atherogenic indices, blood glucose, hepatic and cardiac function, HMG CoA reductase activity and antioxidative properties were investigated. Intake of HFD led to significant increases in bodyweight, BMI, Lee's index, waist-circumference, liver, adipose tissue, heart weight and lipids, T.cholesterol, triglycerides, atherogenic index, and LDL-c, while decreasing HDL-c. Additionally, HFD consumption increased fasting and serum blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, amylase, and lipase activity, while SOD, GPx, and GSH levels were reduced, and MDA increased. Moreover, HFD increased ALT, ALP, AST, LDH and creatine kinase levels. Furthermore, HMG-CoA reductase activity decreased, and histological analysis revealed inflammation, fat accumulation, and distortion in adipose tissue architecture in the liver and adipose tissue of obese rats. A.cordifolia supplementation effectively reversed HFD-induced alterations, demonstrating weight-reducing, anti-hyperlipidemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, A.cordifolia possesses anti-obesity potential and may be used as a possible therapeutic alternative for obesity and its associated pathologies.
Novel DPY19L2 mutation locus causes globozoospermia
Authors: Li Hongjing , He Jun , Chen Chaojun , Zhang Yong , Tan Zongjian , Chen Weiming 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Spermatozoa acrosome abnormalities are a rare and severe form of male infertility caused by structural abnormalities of the sperm acrosome or acrosomal enzyme abnormalities, which usually present as round-headed spermatozoa with loss of sperm insemination. Variation in the DPY19L2 gene is highly correlated with known cases of conchoidal spermatidosis, and there is extensive evidence that heterozygous variants cause spermatozoa abnormalities, although fewer cases have been reported for purely homozygous variants of the locus. In our study, we identified and clinically confirmed a single spermatozoa cytoplasmic injection combined with calcium carrier-assisted oocyte activation pregnancy in a patient with congenital spermatidosis, resulting in a live birth and transposition of the great arteries. Whole-exome testing identified and reported for the first time the DPY19L2c.63dupG (p.Arg22Alafs*66) mutant locus, which was confirmed by combining the family history of consanguineous marriages with the family lineage of exomes. a pure mutation in the DPY19L2 gene and caused sterility in all of his siblings. In summary, our study identified DPY19L2c.63dupG(p.Arg22Alafs*66) as the causative mutation site for structural abnormalities in the acrosome and may lead to severe offspring disease.