Browse publications by year: 2024

  1. Yu S, Fan D, Ge M, Chen Z
    PLoS One, 2024;19(12):e0314242.
    PMID: 39680565 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0314242
    The article examines the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of traditional Tibetan "Bengke" residential architecture in Luhuo County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The study utilizes spatial statistical methods, including Average Nearest Neighbor Analysis, Getis-Ord Gi*, and Kernel Density Estimation, to identify significant clustering patterns of Bengke architecture. Spatial autocorrelation was tested using Moran's Index, with results indicating no significant spatial autocorrelation, suggesting that the distribution mechanisms are complex and influenced by multiple factors. Additionally, exploratory data analysis (EDA), the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and regression methods such as Lasso and Elastic Net were used to identify and validate key factors influencing the distribution of these buildings. The analysis reveals that road density, population density, economic development quality, and industrial structure are the most significant factors. The study also highlights that these factors vary in impact between high-density and low-density areas, depending on the regional environment. These findings offer a comprehensive understanding of the spatial patterns of Bengke architecture and provide valuable insights for the preservation and sustainable development of this cultural heritage.
    MeSH terms: Architecture as Topic; China; Housing; Humans; Population Density; Spatial Analysis*
  2. Campo-Tena L, Farzana A, Burnes D, Chan TA, Choo WY, Couture M, et al.
    Lancet Healthy Longev, 2024 Dec;5(12):100647.
    PMID: 39681125 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanhl.2024.100647
    Globally, abuse of older people (AOP) affects one in six individuals aged 60 years and older every year. Despite the widespread prevalence of AOP, evidence-based interventions for preventing and responding to this issue are insufficient. To address this gap, WHO proposed an initiative to accelerate the development of effective interventions for AOP across all country income levels. In the first phase, the initiative identified 89 promising interventions across a total of 101 evaluations or descriptions, which led to the creation of a public database. Most interventions targeted physical, psychological, and financial abuse and neglect, were implemented in the USA, and focused on victims or potential victims. These interventions were primarily delivered by social workers and nurses, usually in health-care facilities and community centres. Face-to-face delivery was common. Additionally, 28 (28%) of the 101 evaluations used randomised controlled trial designs. The results of this Review can be used to identify interventions that are ready for a rigorous outcome evaluation.
    MeSH terms: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Humans; Middle Aged
  3. Balavaishnavi B, Kamaraj M, Nithya TG, Sathish S, Madhavan T, Mahajan M, et al.
    Luminescence, 2024 Dec;39(12):e70051.
    PMID: 39681523 DOI: 10.1002/bio.70051
    The study aims to elucidate the pharmacological mechanism of Rauvolfia tetraphylla against breast cancer through a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach. This includes molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and experimental validation. Initial screening via ADME analysis and network pharmacology identified key compounds and potential targets. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis pinpointed Yes-associated protein-1 (YAP) as a crucial target. Molecular docking revealed that three compounds-ajmaline, reserpine, and serpentine-exhibited strong binding affinities with YAP, with scores of -6.5 to -6.7 kcal/mol. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to assess the stability of these interactions further. Experimental validation showed R. tetraphylla inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation, with an IC50 of 348.69 μg/mL, while demonstrating cytoprotective effects on Vero cells (IC50: 1056.23 μg/mL). Migration assays indicated an 88.5% reduction in cell migration, and increased ROS levels signaled elevated stress in cancer cells. Apoptosis was confirmed by AO/EtBr staining. In vivo validation in a DMBA-induced mouse model confirmed significant tumor growth inhibition, supported by changes in YAP expression and histopathological analysis. These findings highlight R. tetraphylla as a promising therapeutic candidate against breast cancer, offering insights into its mechanisms and potential for future drug development and clinical applications.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology; Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry; Cell Movement/drug effects; Cercopithecus aethiops; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Female; Humans; Transcription Factors/antagonists & inhibitors; Transcription Factors/metabolism; Vero Cells; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/antagonists & inhibitors; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism; Mice; Molecular Dynamics Simulation*; Molecular Docking Simulation
  4. Elkelawy M, El Shenawy EA, Bastawissi HA, Shams MM, P V E, Balasubramanian D, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2024 Dec 16;14(1):30474.
    PMID: 39681575 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-77234-8
    Due to the restrictions of the diesel engine emissions and the massive demand of energy, the fossil diesel fuel has been consumed quickly and the resources cannot suffice the demand. Alternative fuels that include bio alcohols, hydrogen and biodiesel can make up the diesel fuel depletion. Biodiesel is convenient for diesel engine operation due to its properties like fossil diesel properties. Response surface methodology is a statistical approach for responses prediction and optimization using definite number of experiments to provide time and cost. This study aims to predict and optimize the performance and emission attributes; of diesel engine has single cylinder and operates at 1400 rpm constant speed fuelled with pure diesel fuel or diesel fuel blended with waste cooked oil (WCO) biodiesel at different blending ratio by using response surface methodology (RSM). The influences of the independent variables that are WCO biodiesel blend percentages and the diesel engine load values on the responses that are predicted and optimized. The WCO biodiesel/ diesel fuel blend percentages are pure diesel fuel without biodiesel (B0), 40% WCO biodiesel with 60% diesel fuel (B40) and 80% WCO biodiesel with 20% diesel fuel (B80). The experiments are performed using diesel engine runs at 1400 rpm constant speed, at varying diesel engine loads are zero, 4 and 8 kW. The design of experiments (DOE) is attempted using central composite design (CCD). The RSM model is a nonlinear model developed according to the independent variables and the responses. The homogeneity between the independent variables is studied to predict and optimize their influences on the diesel engine performance and emission attributes. The RSM model is validated according to the coefficients of regression are R2, R2 adjusted and the R2 predicted that prove the satisfaction of the results. From the experiments it is observed that diesel engine performance and emissions attributes are enhanced by increasing the diesel engine load value and increasing the percentage of WCO biodiesel blending ratio compared to pure diesel only like NOx emissions which reduced from 1200 ppm to 900 ppm at the same engine load due to the reduced combustion temperatures using WCO biodiesel. According to the response optimizer tool, the optimal responses are 17.11% for the BTE, 658.9 ppm for the NOx emissions and 1.93% for CO2 emission at independent variables are 2.6667 kW diesel engine load and 100% pure diesel fuel.
  5. Zhan Y, Wang P, Zhan Y, Lu Z, Guo Y, Ahmad NA, et al.
    BMC Glob Public Health, 2024 Apr 12;2(1):24.
    PMID: 39681898 DOI: 10.1186/s44263-024-00055-4
    BACKGROUND: Prior research has reaffirmed lifestyle risk behaviors to cluster among adolescents. However, the lifestyle cluster effect on suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) was unclear among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). No comparison of such associations was conducted across nations.

    METHODS: Data from 45 LMICs were obtained from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) between 2009 and 2019. Lifestyle behavior factors were collected through a structured questionnaire. Suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt were ascertained by three single-item questions. Lifestyle risk scores were calculated via a sufficient dimension reduction technique, and lifestyle risk clusters were constructed using a latent class analysis. Generalized linear mixed models with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the lifestyle-STB associations.

    RESULTS: A total of 229,041 adolescents were included in the final analysis. The weighted prevalence of suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt was 7.37%, 5.81%, and 4.59%, respectively. Compared with the favorable lifestyle group, the unfavorable group had 1.48-, 1.53-, and 3.11-fold greater odds of suicidal ideation (OR = 1.48, 95%CI: 1.30-1.69), plan (OR = 1.53, 95%CI 1.34-1.75), and attempt (OR = 3.11, 95%CI 2.64-3.65). Four clusters of lifestyle risk behaviors were identified, namely healthy lifestyles (H-L), insufficient intake of vegetables and fruit (V-F), frequent consumption of soft drinks and fast food (D-F), and tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking (S-A) clusters. Compared with H-L cluster, V-F cluster was associated with 43% and 42% higher odds of suicidal ideation and plan, followed by S-A cluster (26% for ideation and 20% for plan), but not significant in D-F cluster (P > 0.05). D-F cluster was associated with 2.85-fold increased odds of suicidal attempt, followed by V-F cluster (2.43-fold) and S-A cluster (1.18-fold).

    CONCLUSIONS: Clustering of lifestyle risk behaviors is informative for risk stratification of STBs in resource-poor settings. Lifestyle-oriented suicide prevention efforts should be initiated among school-attending adolescents in LMICs.

  6. Yoong J, Schnecke V, Aekplakorn W, Bandgar T, Butt JR, Romano JGU, et al.
    BMC Glob Public Health, 2024 Oct 08;2(1):68.
    PMID: 39681944 DOI: 10.1186/s44263-024-00094-x
    BACKGROUND: The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region includes a significant proportion of the global population currently living with overweight and obesity. This modelling analysis was conducted to quantify the incidence of obesity-related comorbidities and change in obesity-related costs over 10 years with a hypothetical 10% weight loss in Australia, South Korea, Thailand, and India.

    METHODS: An epidemiological-economic model was used to describe current prevalence and direct medical costs of ten obesity-related comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes and hypertension, in adults aged 20-69 years living with obesity, and estimate incidence and costs over 10 years. Incidence reduction and the associated savings by 2032 were then estimated for a 10% weight-loss scenario.

    RESULTS: The total estimated medical costs for the ten obesity-related comorbidities in 2022 were 2.9, 7.5, 10.2, and 23.3 billion USD in Australia, South Korea, Thailand, and India, respectively. Costs increase to 6.9, 18.4, 23.5, and 44.3 billion USD in 2032, if insufficient action is taken. A 10% weight reduction would result in estimated savings of 0.3, 1.2, 2.2, and 3.0 billion USD in Australia, South Korea, Thailand, and India, respectively, in 2032, with cumulative savings over the 10-year period of 1.8, 7.0, 13.0, and 17.4 billion USD. Incidence of comorbidities were estimated to rise less in the weight-loss scenario.

    CONCLUSIONS: The financial, societal, and health benefits of a substantial but achievable 10% weight loss in adults living with obesity, and the consequences of insufficient action, are pronounced in the APAC region. To achieve sustained weight loss in the real world, policy actions for addressing barriers to obesity management are required.

  7. Chaiyakunapruk N, Lee SWH, Kulchaitanaroaj P, Rayanakorn A, Lee H, Looker KJ, et al.
    BMC Glob Public Health, 2024 Jul 02;2(1):42.
    PMID: 39681948 DOI: 10.1186/s44263-024-00053-6
    BACKGROUND: Globally, herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2 and -1 infections contribute to a large disease burden, but their full economic consequences remain unclear. This study aims to estimate the global economic impact of genital HSV-2 and HSV-1 infection and its consequences for people with genital ulcer disease, neonatal herpes, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection attributable to HSV-2.

    METHODS: Using a societal perspective, the economic burden was calculated at the country level and presented by World Health Organization (WHO) regions and World-Bank income levels. The disease burden was obtained from previously published global disease burden studies in 2016 and disaggregated for 194 countries. Estimates of healthcare resource utilisation were sourced from a literature review, and online interviews were conducted with 20 experts from all 6 WHO regions. Relevant costs were obtained from the literature and estimated in 2016 international dollars (I$).

    RESULTS: Both genital HSV-2 (I$31·2 billion) and HSV-1 (I$4·0 billion) infections and their consequences were estimated to cost I$35·3 billion globally in 2016. The major economic burden was from the Americas and Western Pacific regions combined, accounting for almost two-thirds of the global burden (I$20·8 billion). High- and upper-middle-income countries bore a large proportion of the economic burden (76·6% or I$27·0 billion). Costs were driven by the large number of HSV-2 recurrences; however, even assuming conservatively that people with symptomatic herpes have on average only one episode a year, global costs were estimated at I$16·5 billion.

    CONCLUSIONS: The global costs of genital HSV infection and its consequences are substantial. HSV prevention interventions have the potential to avert a large economic burden in addition to disease burden; thus, efforts to accelerate HSV vaccine development are crucial.

  8. Dafur GS, Harun A, Kub TNT, Bakar RA, Harun A
    J Microbiol Biotechnol, 2024 Nov 15;35:e2408028.
    PMID: 39682008 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2408.08028
    Andrographolide, a bioactive compound from Andrographis paniculata, has gained attention for its antimicrobial properties, which include antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiprotozoal effects. As an herbal extract used in traditional medicines, andrographolide also shows promise for developing new antimicrobial agents, especially in the fight against rising antimicrobial resistance. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 16 peer-reviewed studies published from 2010 to 2024 and focusing on andrographolide's effects on bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa were reviewed. The quality and bias risk of these studies were assessed using the In Vitro Quality Evaluation Instrument to ensure methodological rigor. The findings demonstrate that andrographolide is effective against bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus. However, its antifungal efficacy is limited, as it was ineffective against Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but effective against Alternaria solani. It exhibited strong antiviral activity against 2019-nCoV, Dengue virus, and Enterovirus D68, and showed antiprotozoal effects against Plasmodium falciparum and Setaria cervi. Nonetheless, variations in its efficacy across different microorganisms were observed. The quality assessment revealed low bias risk in 11 out of 16 studies (78.57% to 92.86%), while the remaining five had medium bias risk (57.14% to 64.29%), indicating an overall acceptable quality of the studies. Information on andrographolide's potential and effectiveness across various microorganisms is crucial. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to synthesize the existing data on andrographolide's antimicrobial activity and assess its potential in combating antimicrobial resistance. This review highlights the need for further research on andrographolide's antifungal activity, mechanisms of action, clinical safety, toxicity, and potential applications in antimicrobial resistance strategies.
    MeSH terms: Antiviral Agents/pharmacology; Bacteria/drug effects; Fungi/drug effects; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Viruses/drug effects; Andrographis/chemistry
  9. Kandane-Rathnayake R, Golder V, Louthrenoo W, Chen YH, Cho J, Lateef A, et al.
    Rheumatology (Oxford), 2024 Dec 04.
    PMID: 39656834 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keae631
    OBJECTIVE: High disease activity status (HDAS) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with adverse long-term outcomes. We examined the frequency of lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) and remission (REM) attainment in HDAS patients and whether their attainment was associated with improved patient outcomes.

    METHODS: Demographic, clinical and outcomes data, collected prospectively from a multinational cohort between 2013 and 2020, were analysed. Disease activity was assessed using SLEDAI-2K. HDAS was defined as SLEDAI-2K ≥ 10. Patients' first visit with SLEDAI-2K ≥ 10 was assigned as baseline. Survival analyses were performed to examine the associations between cumulative and sustained LLDAS and REM attainment in HDAS patients and subsequent organ damage accrual and flare.

    RESULTS: 1,029 HDAS patients with a median study duration of 2.7 years [IQR: 1.0, 4.8] were studied. LLDAS and REM were attained at least once by 71% (LLDAS-ever, n = 726) and 41% (REM-ever, n = 418) of patients. Approximately one-fifth of patients attained ≥50% cumulative time in LLDAS or REM. 37% (n = 385) of patients attained ≥3months of sustained LLDAS, with progressively lower proportions of patients attaining longer periods of sustained LLDAS. Lower proportions of patients attained sustained REM. Attainment of cumulative and sustained LLDAS or REM provided significant protection against damage accrual and flare in HDAS patients. Sustained periods of LLDAS and REM were difficult to achieve and therefore a more stringent target, but provided the most protection against damage accrual or flare.

    CONCLUSION: LLDAS and REM were achievable targets in HDAS patients, and provided significant protection against adverse outcomes.

  10. Syed Mohamad SNA, Khatib A, Mat So'ad SZ, Ahmed QU, Ibrahim Z, Saiman MZ, et al.
    Nat Prod Res, 2024 Dec 14.
    PMID: 39673736 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2440789
    Our earlier research demonstrated α-glucosidase inhibitory (AGI) and antioxidant activities of the optimised extract of Psychotria malayana leaves. It was reported having numerous compounds, although it was unclear which compounds exhibit the bioactivities as well as their binding interaction to the enzyme. This study aimed to identify the compounds possessing AGI and antioxidant activities in the extract utilising GC-MS-based metabolomics, and to analyse the ligand-enzyme binding interactions via in-silico molecular docking. A partial least square was employed to correlate the metabolite profile and bioactivities. The loading plot reveals the bioactive compounds in this extract. The AGI activity of 1-cyclohexene-1-carboxylic, propanoic, butanedioic and D-gluconic acid together with the antioxidant activity of some compounds were reported for the first time through this study. The docking study reveals that all compounds, except for 1-cyclohexene-1-carboxylic acid, exhibit binding to the enzyme's catalytic site. This discovery demonstrates the potential of this plant for diabetes therapy.
  11. Alrajeh S, Naveed Khan M, Irhash Putra A, Al-Ugaili DN, Alobaidi KH, Al Dossary O, et al.
    J Genet Eng Biotechnol, 2024 Dec;22(4):100432.
    PMID: 39674646 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgeb.2024.100432
    Exposure to saline environments significantly hampers the growth and productivity of oil crops, harmfully affecting their nutritional quality and suitability for biofuel production. This presents a critical challenge, as understanding salt tolerance mechanisms in crops is key to improving their performance in coastal and high-salinity regions. Our content might be read more properly: This review assembles current knowledge on protein-level changes related to salinity resistance in oil crops. From an extensive analysis of proteomic research, featured here are key genes and cellular pathways which react to salt stress. The literature evinces that cutting-edge proteomic approaches - such as 2D-DIGE, IF-MS/MS, and iTRAQ - have been required to reveal protein expression patterns in oil crops under salt conditions. These studies consistently uncover dramatic shifts in protein abundance associated with important physiological activities including antioxidant defence, stress-related signalling pathways, ion homeostasis, and osmotic regulation. Notably, proteins like ion channels (SOS1, NHX), osmolytes (proline, glycine betaine), antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT), and stress-related proteins (HSPs, LEA) play central roles in maintaining cellular balance and reducing oxidative stress. These findings underline the complex regulatory networks that govern oil crop salt tolerance. The application of this proteomic information can inform breeding and genetic engineering strategies to enhance salt resistance. Future research should aim to integrate multiple omics data to gain a comprehensive view of salinity responses and identify potential markers for crop improvement.
  12. Fayou S, Ngo HC, Sek YW, Meng Z
    Sci Rep, 2024 May 24;14(1):11879.
    PMID: 38789489 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60832-x
    It is essential to delve into the strategy of multimodal model pre-training, which is an obvious impact on downstream tasks. Currently, clustering learning has achieved noteworthy benefits in multiple methods. However, due to the availability of open image-text pairs, it is challenging for multimodal with clustering learning. In this paper, we propose an approach that utilizes clustering swap prediction strategy to learn image-text clustering embedding space by interaction prediction between image and text features. Unlike existing models with clustering learning, our method (Clus) allows for an open number of clusters for web-scale alt-text data. Furthermore, in order to train the image and text encoders efficiently, we introduce distillation learning approach and evaluate the performance of the image-encoder in downstream visual tasks. In addition, Clus is pre-trained end-to-end by using large-scale image-text pairs. Specifically, both text and image serve as ground truth for swap prediction, enabling effective representation learning. Concurrently, extensive experiments demonstrate that Clus achieves state-of-the-art performance on multiple downstream fine-tuning and zero-shot tasks (i.e., Image-Text Retrieval, VQA, NLVR2, Image Captioning, Object Detection, and Semantic Segmentation).
  13. Fakhri MA, Salim ET, Ketab MR, Jabbar HD, Ibrahim OA, Azzahrani AS, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2024 Jun 04;14(1):12841.
    PMID: 38834703 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63197-3
    Organic-inorganic hybrid light-emitting devices have garnered significant attention in the last few years due to their potential. These devices integrate the superior electron mobility of inorganic semiconductors with the remarkable optoelectronic characteristics of organic semiconductors. The inquiry focused on analyzing the optical and electrical properties of a light-emitting heterojunction that combines p-type GaN with organic materials (PEDOT, PSS, and PMMA). This heterojunction is an organic-inorganic hybrid. The procedure entailed utilizing a spin-coating technique to apply a layer of either poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) or a mixture of PMMA and poly(3,4ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) onto an indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate. Subsequently, different Nd:YAG laser pulses (200, 250, and 300 pulses) were used to administer a GaN inorganic layer onto the prepared organic layer using a pulsed laser deposition approach. Subsequently, the thermal evaporation technique was employed to deposit an aluminum electrode on the top of the organic and inorganic layers, while laser pulses were fine-tuned for optimal performance. The Hall effect investigation verifies the p-type conductivity of the GaN material. The electroluminescence studies confirmed the production of blue light by the GaN-based devices throughout a range of voltage situations, spanning from 45 to 72 V.
  14. Kow CS, Ramachandram DS, Hasan SS
    Can J Hosp Pharm, 2024;77(2):e3493.
    PMID: 38868321 DOI: 10.4212/cjhp.3493
    BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology of COVID-19 involves a signalling pathway based on the Janus kinases (JAKs) and the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of proteins. As such, there has been growing interest in exploring JAK inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents for this disease.

    OBJECTIVE: To provide a comprehensive summary of the efficacy of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of COVID-19 through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

    DATA SOURCES: A systematic literature search was conducted in multiple electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and preprint repositories, without language restrictions, to identify relevant studies published up to December 31, 2023.

    STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: The primary outcome of interest was all-cause mortality. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the administration of JAK inhibitors in patients with COVID-19 were included.

    DATA SYNTHESIS: Through the systematic literature search, a total of 20 RCTs meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. A random-effects model was employed to estimate the pooled odds ratio for death with administration of a JAK inhibitor relative to non-administration of such an agent, with 95% confidence interval. Meta-analysis of these trials revealed a significant reduction in mortality among patients with COVID-19 who received JAK inhibitors relative to those who did not receive these agents (pooled odds ratio 0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.58-0.84).

    CONCLUSIONS: The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that JAK inhibitors, specifically baricitinib, may address the urgent need for effective treatments in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by reducing the risk of death among affected patients. However, further research, including larger-scale RCTs, is needed to establish the efficacy and safety of other JAK inhibitors in the treatment of COVID-19 and to generate more robust evidence regarding their use in this specific patient population.

  15. Bouguerra A, Badoud AE, Mekhilef S, Kanouni B, Bajaj M, Zaitsev I
    Sci Rep, 2024 Jun 17;14(1):13946.
    PMID: 38886499 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64915-7
    This study looks into how to make proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells work more efficiently in environments that change over time using new Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) methods. We evaluate the efficacy of Flying Squirrel Search Optimization (FSSO) and Cuckoo Search (CS) algorithms in adapting to varying conditions, including fluctuations in pressure and temperature. Through meticulous simulations and analyses, the study explores the collaborative integration of these techniques with boost converters to enhance reliability and productivity. It was found that FSSO consistently works better than CS, achieving an average increase of 12.5% in power extraction from PEM fuel cells in a variety of operational situations. Additionally, FSSO exhibits superior adaptability and convergence speed, achieving the maximum power point (MPP) 25% faster than CS. These findings underscore the substantial potential of FSSO as a robust and efficient MPPT method for optimizing PEM fuel cell systems. The study contributes quantitative insights into advancing green energy solutions and suggests avenues for future exploration of hybrid optimization methods.
  16. Kow CS, Ramachandram DS, Hasan SS, Thiruchelvam K
    J Thromb Thrombolysis, 2024 Dec;57(8):1363-1364.
    PMID: 39187623 DOI: 10.1007/s11239-024-03031-9
  17. Chen JM, Su YC, Cheng CY, Chang CJ, Hsu LM, Shin SD, et al.
    J Neurotrauma, 2024 Dec;41(23-24):2590-2601.
    PMID: 39264870 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2023.0392
    The optimal prehospital blood pressure in patients following traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains controversial. We aimed to assess the association between the systolic blood pressure (SBP) at emergency department triage and patient outcomes following isolated moderate-to-severe TBI. We conducted a cross-national multicenter retrospective cohort study using the Pan-Asia Trauma Outcomes Study database from January 1, 2016, to November 30, 2018. The enrollees were adult patients with isolated moderate-to-severe TBI defined by the International Classification of Diseases code, a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) <13 at triage, and a nonhead Abbreviated Injury Scale ≤3. The studied variables were SBPs at triage categorized into different ranges. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality, and the secondary outcome was poor functional status at hospital discharge defined by the modified Rankin Scale ≥4. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to adjust for confounders including country, sex, age, mechanism of injury, prehospital vascular access, respiratory rate, GCS, oxygen saturation, intubation, Injury Severity Score, head surgery, intensive care unit admission, and length of hospital stay. Subgroup analyses were performed on different severity of TBI. A total of 785 patients (median age, 42 years; male patients 77.5%; mean SBP at triage, 136.3 ± 33.1 mmHg) were included in the primary analysis. The lowest 30-day mortality rate existed in patients with SBP of 100-119 mmHg. Taking it as baseline, the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of SBP <100 mmHg, 120-139 mmHg, 140-159 mmHg, and ≥160 mmHg were 7.05 (2.51-19.78), 3.14 (1.14-8.65), 2.91 (1.04-8.17), and 3.28 (1.14-9.42). As for the secondary outcome, the aORs and 95% CIs were 1.36 (0.68-2.68) of <100 mmHg, 0.99 (0.57-1.70) of 120-139 mmHg, 1.23 (0.67-2.25) of 140-159 mmHg, and 1.52 (0.78-2.95) of ≥160 mmHg. Subgroup analyses revealed trends of the best outcomes in both moderate and severe TBI patients with SBP 100-119 mmHg, whereas statistical significance appeared only in patients with severe TBI. SBP of 110-119 mmHg at triage is associated with the lowest 30-day mortality in patients following isolated moderate-to-severe TBI and possibly related to a better functional outcome.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Admission/trends; Retrospective Studies; Triage/methods; Cohort Studies
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