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22 pages, 5949 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deduplication-Aware Healthcare Data Distribution in IoMT

by Saleh M. Altowaijri

Mathematics 2024, 12(16), 2482; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12162482 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2024

As medical sensors undergo expeditious advancements, there is rising interest in the realm of healthcare applications within the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) because of its broad applicability in monitoring the health of patients. IoMT proves beneficial in monitoring, disease diagnosis, and better [...] Read more.

As medical sensors undergo expeditious advancements, there is rising interest in the realm of healthcare applications within the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) because of its broad applicability in monitoring the health of patients. IoMT proves beneficial in monitoring, disease diagnosis, and better treatment recommendations. This emerging technology aggregates real-time patient health data from sensors deployed on their bodies. This data collection mechanism consumes excessive power due to the transmission of data of similar types. It necessitates a deduplication mechanism, but this is complicated by the variable sizes of the data chunks, which may be either very small or larger in size. This reduces the likelihood of efficient chunking and, hence, deduplication. In this study, a deduplication-based data aggregation scheme was presented. It includes a Delimiter-Based Incremental Chunking Algorithm (DICA), which recognizes the breakpoint among two frames. The scheme includes static as well as variable-length windows. The proposed algorithm identifies a variable-length chunk using a terminator that optimizes the windows that are variable in size, with a threshold limit for the window size. To validate the scheme, a simulation was performed by utilizing NS-2.35 with the C language in the Ubuntu operating system. The TCL language was employed to set up networks, as well as for messaging purposes. The results demonstrate that the rise in the number of windows of variable size amounts to 62%, 66.7%, 68%, and 72.1% for DSW, RAM, CWCA, and DICA, respectively. The proposed scheme exhibits superior performance in terms of the probability of the false recognition of breakpoints, the static and dynamic sizes of chunks, the average sizes of chunks, the total attained chunks, and energy utilization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things for Intelligent Systems)

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15 pages, 16997 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Active and Passive Filling Stir Repairing of AISI 304 Alloy

by Vincenzo Lunetto, Dario Basile, Valentino Razza and Pasquale Russo Spena

Metals 2024, 14(8), 911; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14080911 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2024

Abstract

This study investigates active filling friction stir repair (AF-FSR) and passive filling friction stir repair (PF-FSR) for repairing AISI 304 stainless steel sheets, focusing on addressing the challenges posed by high melting point metals. The research involved repairing overlapping 2 mm thick sheets [...] Read more.

This study investigates active filling friction stir repair (AF-FSR) and passive filling friction stir repair (PF-FSR) for repairing AISI 304 stainless steel sheets, focusing on addressing the challenges posed by high melting point metals. The research involved repairing overlapping 2 mm thick sheets with pre-drilled holes of 2, 4, and 6 mm diameters, simulating broken components. Various process parameters, including rotational speed, dwell time, and the use of metal fillers, were tested to evaluate their impact on repair quality. The results demonstrated that PF-FSR provided superior mechanical strength to AF-FSR, particularly for larger pre-hole diameters. PF-FSR achieved higher shear tension strength due to better defect filling and reduced void formation, with shear tension strengths exceeding 25 kN for larger pre-holes and lower variability in strength measurements. AF-FSR was less effective for larger pre-holes, resulting in significant voids and reduced strength. Microstructural analysis revealed that PF-FSR facilitated more efficient material mixing and filling, minimizing unrepaired regions. However, excessive rotational speeds and dwell times in PF-FSR led to deformation and flash formation, highlighting the need for optimal parameter selection. Although further studies are needed, this study confirms the feasibility of FSR techniques for repairing small defects in AISI 304 steels, offering valuable insights for sustainable manufacturing practices in industries such as automotive and aerospace, where efficient and reliable repair methods are critical. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Welding and Mechanical Joining of Metals)

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16 pages, 4607 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Low-Temperature Stress on Physiological Characteristics and Microstructure of Stems and Leaves of Pinus massoniana L

by Hu Chen, Xingxing Liang and Zhangqi Yang

Plants 2024, 13(16), 2229; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13162229 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2024

Abstract

Pinus massoniana L. is one of the most important conifer species in southern China and is the mainstay of the forest ecosystem and timber production, yet low temperatures limit its growth and geographical distribution. This study used 30-day-old seedlings from families of varying [...] Read more.

Pinus massoniana L. is one of the most important conifer species in southern China and is the mainstay of the forest ecosystem and timber production, yet low temperatures limit its growth and geographical distribution. This study used 30-day-old seedlings from families of varying cold-tolerance to examine the morphological traits of needles and stems, chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics, protective enzymes, and changes in starch and lignin under different low-temperature stresses in an artificial climate chamber. The results showed that the seedlings of Pinus massoniana exhibited changes in phenotypic morphology and tissue structure under low-temperature stress. Physiological and biochemical indexes such as protective enzymes, osmoregulatory substances, starch, and lignin responded to low-temperature stress. The cold-tolerant family increased soluble sugars, starch grain, and lignin content as well as peroxidase activity, and decreased malondialdehyde content by increasing the levels of actual photochemical efficiency (ΦPSII), electron transport rate (ETR), and photochemical quenching (qP) to improve the cold tolerance ability. This study provides a reference for the selection and breeding of cold-tolerant genetic resources of Pinus massoniana and the mechanism of cold-tolerance, as well as the analysis of the mechanism of adaptation of Pinus massoniana in different climatic regions of China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms of Rare Tree Species Response to Abiotic Stress)

19 pages, 1493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Degradation Induced by Total Ionizing Dose and Hot Carrier Injection in SOI FinFET Devices

by Hao Yu, Wei Zhou, Hongxia Liu, Shulong Wang, Shupeng Chen and Chang Liu

Micromachines 2024, 15(8), 1026; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15081026 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2024

Abstract

The working environment of electronic devices in the aerospace field is harsh. In order to ensure the reliable application of the SOI FinFET, the total ionizing dose (TID) and hot carrier injecting (HCI) reliability of an SOI FinFET were investigated in this study. [...] Read more.

The working environment of electronic devices in the aerospace field is harsh. In order to ensure the reliable application of the SOI FinFET, the total ionizing dose (TID) and hot carrier injecting (HCI) reliability of an SOI FinFET were investigated in this study. First, the influence of TID on the device was simulated. The results show that TID causes the threshold voltage to decrease and the off-state current and subthreshold swing to increase. TID causes more damage to the device at high temperature and also reduces the saturation drain current of the device. HCI causes the device threshold voltage to increase and the saturation drain current to decrease. The HCI is more severe at high temperatures. Finally, the coupling effects of the two were simulated, and the results show that the two effects cancel each other out, and the degradation of various electrical characteristic parameters is different under different coupling modes. Full article

20 pages, 4533 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical, Cortical, Subcortical, and White Matter Features of Right Temporal Variant FTD

by Jana Kleinerova, Mary Clare McKenna, Martha Finnegan, Asya Tacheva, Angela Garcia-Gallardo, Rayan Mohammed, Ee Ling Tan, Foteini Christidi, Orla Hardiman, Siobhan Hutchinson and Peter Bede

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(8), 806; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14080806 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2024

Abstract

The distinct clinical and radiological characteristics of right temporal variant FTD have only been recently recognized. Methods: Eight patients with right temporal variant FTD were prospectively recruited and underwent a standardised neuropsychological assessment, clinical MRI, and quantitative neuroimaging. Results: Our voxelwise grey analyses [...] Read more.

The distinct clinical and radiological characteristics of right temporal variant FTD have only been recently recognized. Methods: Eight patients with right temporal variant FTD were prospectively recruited and underwent a standardised neuropsychological assessment, clinical MRI, and quantitative neuroimaging. Results: Our voxelwise grey analyses captured bilateral anterior and mesial temporal grey matter atrophy with a clear right-sided predominance. Bilateral hippocampal involvement was also observed, as well as disease burden in the right insular and opercula regions. White matter integrity alterations were also bilateral in anterior temporal and sub-insular regions with a clear right-hemispheric predominance. Extra-temporal white matter alterations have also been observed in orbitofrontal and parietal regions. Significant bilateral but right-predominant thalamus, putamen, hippocampus, and amygdala atrophy was identified based on subcortical segmentation. The clinical profile of our patients was dominated by progressive indifference, decline in motivation, loss of interest in previously cherished activities, incremental social withdrawal, difficulty recognising people, progressive language deficits, increasingly rigid routines, and repetitive behaviours. Conclusions: Right temporal variant FTD has an insidious onset and may be mistaken for depression at symptom onset. It manifests in a combination of apathy, language, and behavioural features. Quantitative MR imaging captures a characteristic bilateral but right-predominant temporal imaging signature with extra-temporal frontal and parietal involvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Recent Considerations for Diagnosis, Pathogenesis and Therapy)

11 pages, 1205 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Infratubercle Anterior Closing Wedge Osteotomy Corrects Sagittal Alignment without Affecting Coronal Alignment or Patellar Height

by Shintaro Onishi, Youngji Kim, Hiroshi Nakayama, Alfred A. Mansour Ⅲ, Walter R. Lowe and Matthieu Ollivier

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(16), 4715; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13164715 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2024

Abstract

Background: Excessive posterior tibial slope (PTS) has been associated with a higher risk of graft failure after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Although anterior closing wedge osteotomy (ACWO) can reduce the PTS, it may also change the coronal alignment and patellar height. Purpose: [...] Read more.

Background: Excessive posterior tibial slope (PTS) has been associated with a higher risk of graft failure after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Although anterior closing wedge osteotomy (ACWO) can reduce the PTS, it may also change the coronal alignment and patellar height. Purpose: To elucidate the radiological outcomes after infratubercle ACWO, specifically to evaluate its influence on perioperative changes in patellar height. Methods: Patients who underwent infratubercle ACWO with combined ACLR with a minimum follow-up of 3 months were included. Surgery was indicated when the PTS was greater than 12°. Radiological evaluation included measurements of the hip–knee–ankle angle (HKA), PTS, femoral patellar height index (FPHI), and Caton–Deschamps index (CDI) preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. Patellar height was classified as patella baja, normal, or alta based on CDI values. Knee recurvatum was measured preoperatively and at final follow-up. Results: A total of 21 patients with a mean age of 21.6 ± 3.0 years were included. Although HKA did not significantly change, significant corrections were achieved in the PTS from 14.5° ± 1.6° to 5.7° ± 1.0° (p < 0.001). No significant change in FPHI was found (preoperative: 1.33 ± 0.11 vs postoperative: 1.30 ± 0.09). Patellar height categories showed no significant differences pre- and postoperatively, while three patients (14.3%) changed their patellar height category (all moved up one category). Knee recurvatum increased significantly from 4.9° ± 2.9° preoperatively to 7.8° ± 3.1° at the final follow-up (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Precise sagittal correction was achieved after infratubercle ACWO without altering the coronal alignment and patella height. Level of Evidence: IV, Case series. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: From Diagnosis to the Return-to-Sports)

12 pages, 1455 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of High Hydrostatic Pressures and Refrigerated Storage on the Content of Resistant Starch in Selected Legume Seeds

by Adrianna Bojarczuk, Joanna Le-Thanh-Blicharz, Dorota Michałowska, Danuta Kotyrba and Krystian Marszałek

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(16), 7049; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14167049 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2024

Abstract

Resistant starch (RS) is a fraction of starch not digested and absorbed in the small intestine, and it is fermented by the intestinal microbiota in the colon, thereby influencing many health benefits. Legumes such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas are rich in fermentable [...] Read more.

Resistant starch (RS) is a fraction of starch not digested and absorbed in the small intestine, and it is fermented by the intestinal microbiota in the colon, thereby influencing many health benefits. Legumes such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas are rich in fermentable dietary fiber, and RS can be included in this fiber group. These legumes are not considered a “typical” source of starch and have not been extensively studied as a source of RS. There are still insufficient data on modern non-thermal methods like high-pressure processing (HPP) and combining this method with refrigerated storage. The study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of HPP and HPP combined with refrigerated storage on the RS content of legumes, particularly white beans, green lentils, and chickpeas. Different pressure levels and processing times were used to evaluate changes in RS content and to assess the total fiber content and fiber fraction of the tested legumes. Our study showed that the increase in pressure and pressurization time affected changes in the RS content of the examined legumes. Furthermore, the cooling process of previously pressurized samples resulted in a significant increase in RS content. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Food Science and Technology)

25 pages, 7897 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fufang Muji Granules Ameliorate Liver Fibrosis by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation, Inhibiting Apoptosis, and Modulating Overall Metabolism

by Lei Men, Zhihong Gu, Enhua Wang, Jiwen Li, Zhongyu Li, Keke Li, Chunbin Li and Xiaojie Gong

Metabolites 2024, 14(8), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14080446 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2024

Abstract

Fufang Muji granules (FMGs) are a prominent modern prescription Chinese patent formulation derived from the Muji decoction. Utilized in clinical practice for nearly four decades, FMGs have demonstrated efficacy in treating liver diseases. However, the precise mechanism of action remains unclear. This study [...] Read more.

Fufang Muji granules (FMGs) are a prominent modern prescription Chinese patent formulation derived from the Muji decoction. Utilized in clinical practice for nearly four decades, FMGs have demonstrated efficacy in treating liver diseases. However, the precise mechanism of action remains unclear. This study investigates the hepatoprotective effects of FMGs against liver fibrosis in rats based on untargeted metabolomics and elucidates their underlying mechanisms. A comprehensive model of liver fibrosis was established with 30% CCl₄ (2 mL/kg) injected intraperitoneally, and a fat and sugar diet combined with high temperatures and humidity. Rats were orally administered FMGs (3.12 g/kg/d) once daily for six weeks. FMG administration resulted in improved liver fibrosis and attenuated hepatic oxidative stress and apoptosis. Furthermore, FMGs inhibited hepatic stellate cell activation and modulated transforming growth factor β1/Smad signaling. Additionally, FMG treatment influenced the expression levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and tumour necrosis factor alpha in the injured liver. Metabolic pathways involving taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, as well as primary bile acid biosynthesis, were identified as mechanisms of action for FMGs. Immunohistochemistry, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and quantitative analysis also revealed that FMGs regulated taurine and hypotaurine metabolism and bile acid metabolism. These findings provide a valuable understanding of the role of FMGs in liver fibrosis management. Full article

18 pages, 355 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Critical Permeability from Resummation

by Simon Gluzman

Axioms 2024, 13(8), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms13080547 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2024

Abstract

Special calculation methods are presented for critical indices and amplitudes for the permeability of thin wavy channels dependent on the waviness. The effective permeability and wetted perimeter of the two-dimensional random percolating media are considered as well. A special mathematical framework is developed [...] Read more.

Special calculation methods are presented for critical indices and amplitudes for the permeability of thin wavy channels dependent on the waviness. The effective permeability and wetted perimeter of the two-dimensional random percolating media are considered as well. A special mathematical framework is developed to characterize the dependencies on porosities, critical points, and indices. Various approximation techniques are applied without involving popular lubrication approximation in any sense. In particular, the Borel summation technique is applied to the effective polynomial approximations with or without optimization. Minimal difference and minimal derivative optimal conditions are adapted to calculations of critical indices and amplitudes for the effective permeability of thin wavy channels. Critical indices, amplitudes, and thresholds are obtained for the effective permeability and wetted perimeter of the two-dimensional percolating random media. Closed-form expressions for all porosities, critical points, and indices are calculated from the polynomial approximations for the first time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational and Mathematical Methods in Science and Engineering II)

22 pages, 771 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Using K-Means Clustering to Explore High-Risk Products with Ethylene Oxide Residues and Their Manufacturers in Taiwan

by Li-Ya Wu, Fang-Ming Liu, Wen-Chou Lin, Jing-Ting Qiu, Hsu-Yang Lin and King-Fu Lin

Foods 2024, 13(16), 2510; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13162510 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2024

Abstract

Abstract: Considering the frequency of ethylene oxide (EtO) residues found in food, the health effects of EtO have become a concern. Between 2022 and 2023, 489 products were inspected using the purposive sampling method in Taiwan, and nine unqualified products were found to [...] Read more.

Abstract: Considering the frequency of ethylene oxide (EtO) residues found in food, the health effects of EtO have become a concern. Between 2022 and 2023, 489 products were inspected using the purposive sampling method in Taiwan, and nine unqualified products were found to have been imported; subsequently, border control measures were enhanced. To ensure the safety of all imported foods, the current study used the K-means clustering method for identifying EtO residues in food. Data on finished products and raw materials with EtO residues from international public opinion bulletins were collected for analysis. After matching them with the Taiwan Food Cloud, 90 high-risk food items with EtO residues and 1388 manufacturers were screened. The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration set up border controls and grouped the manufacturers using K-means clustering in the unsupervised learning algorithm. For this study, 37 manufacturers with priority inspections and 52 high-risk finished products and raw materials with residual EtO were selected for inspection. While EtO was not detected, the study concluded the following: 1. Using international food safety alerts to strengthen border control can effectively ensure domestic food safety; 2. K-means clustering can validate the risk-based purposive sampling results to ensure food safety and reduce costs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Food Quality and Safety)

11 pages, 411 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Virtual Reality Cognitive Stimulation Program as an Effective Tool Against Residual/Prodromal Depressive Symptoms in Bipolar Disorders

by Mauro Giovanni Carta, Peter K. Kurotschka, Sergio Machado, Andreas Erfurth, Federica Sancassiani, Alessandra Perra, Massimo Tusconi, Giulia Cossu, Cesar Ivan Aviles Gonzalez and Diego Primavera

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(16), 4714; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13164714 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2024

Abstract

Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe psychiatric illness characterized by a chronic course and recurrent episodes, including residual depressive symptoms even during euthymic phases. These symptoms, although not meeting criteria for a depressive episode, are linked to relapse risk and impaired social [...] Read more.

Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe psychiatric illness characterized by a chronic course and recurrent episodes, including residual depressive symptoms even during euthymic phases. These symptoms, although not meeting criteria for a depressive episode, are linked to relapse risk and impaired social functioning. This study aims to assess whether Virtual Reality Cognitive Remediation Training reduces depressive symptoms below the clinical threshold in individuals with BD. Methods: This post hoc analysis focuses on the secondary outcome (PHQ9) of a randomized–controlled trial. Participants were recruited from the Center of Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatics in Italy. The experimental group received Virtual Reality Cognitive Remediation, while the control group received standard treatment Results: Data from 39 individuals in the experimental group and 25 in the control group were analyzed. A greater reduction in PHQ-9 scores (>9) was observed in the experimental group (71.8% to 48.7%) compared to the control group. Significant improvements in total PHQ-9 scores and specific symptoms were noted in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusions: The study highlights the significant impact of virtual reality intervention on reducing depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder. This promising outcome underscores the potential preventive role of cognitive stimulation in relapse prevention. The intervention could offer valuable benefits for both treatment and prevention strategies in bipolar disorder. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stress, Rhythms Dysregulation and Bipolar Spectrum)

14 pages, 1592 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bentonite Clays Related to Volcanosedimentary Formations in Southeastern Spain: Mineralogical, Chemical and Pozzolanic Characteristics

by Elena Crespo, Domingo A. Martín and Jorge L. Costafreda

Minerals 2024, 14(8), 814; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14080814 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2024

Abstract

The volcanism that took place during the Neogene in the southeastern Iberian Peninsula caused a large accumulation of volcanosedimentary materials, which were subsequently altered and transformed into bentonite deposits. The mineral composition and technical quality of these deposits have been demonstrated and established [...] Read more.

The volcanism that took place during the Neogene in the southeastern Iberian Peninsula caused a large accumulation of volcanosedimentary materials, which were subsequently altered and transformed into bentonite deposits. The mineral composition and technical quality of these deposits have been demonstrated and established in this work. The main object of this research is the mineral, chemical and thermal characterization of the bentonites that lie in the southeastern region of Spain and to demonstrate their technical capabilities to be used as pozzolans. The first phase of characterization of the samples was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), oriented aggregates (OAs), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In the second phase, a chemical‒technical quality test (CTQT) was carried out, aimed at determining reactive SiO₂ and reactive CaO, whereas in the third phase, a chemical pozzolanicity test (CPT) was carried out to establish the pozzolanic behavior of the samples over two test periods: 8 and 15 days. The XRD and OA analyses showed that the bentonite samples are made up of a main phase formed by montmorillonite, quartz, plagioclase-albite and chabazite‒Ca. The results obtained by XRF on the bentonite samples indicated that the SiO₂ contents are high and vary between 43.33 and 64.71%, while Al₂O₃ ranges between 15.81% and 17.49%. The CTQT established that more than 80% of the SiO₂ and CaO present in the samples are reactive, which was confirmed by the results of the chemical pozzolanicity test (CPT). The results obtained show that the bentonites in this study present technical qualities that are undoubtedly reinforced by their mineral constitution and chemical composition. These tests could become a practical guide for the selection of eco-efficient materials in the production of pozzolanic cements and environmentally friendly ceramic products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Clays and Other Industrial Mineral Materials)

27 pages, 5779 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PolyDexFrame: Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Pick-and-Place of Objects in Clutter

by Muhammad Babar Imtiaz, Yuansong Qiao and Brian Lee

Machines 2024, 12(8), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines12080547 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2024

Abstract

This research study represents a polydexterous deep reinforcement learning-based pick-and-place framework for industrial clutter scenarios. In the proposed framework, the agent tends to learn the pick-and-place of regularly and irregularly shaped objects in clutter by using the sequential combination of prehensile and non-prehensile [...] Read more.

This research study represents a polydexterous deep reinforcement learning-based pick-and-place framework for industrial clutter scenarios. In the proposed framework, the agent tends to learn the pick-and-place of regularly and irregularly shaped objects in clutter by using the sequential combination of prehensile and non-prehensile robotic manipulations involving different robotic grippers in a completely self-supervised manner. The problem was tackled as a reinforcement learning problem; after the Markov decision process (MDP) was designed, the off-policy model-free Q-learning algorithm was deployed using deep Q-networks as a Q-function approximator. Four distinct robotic manipulations, i.e., grasp from the prehensile manipulation category and inward slide, outward slide, and suction grip from the non-prehensile manipulation category were considered as actions. The Q-function comprised four fully convolutional networks (FCN) corresponding to each action based on memory-efficient DenseNet-121 variants outputting pixel-wise maps of action-values jointly trained via the pixel-wise parametrization technique. Rewards were awarded according to the status of the action performed, and backpropagation was conducted accordingly for the FCN generating the maximum Q-value. The results showed that the agent learned the sequential combination of the polydexterous prehensile and non-prehensile manipulations, where the non-prehensile manipulations increased the possibility of prehensile manipulations. We achieved promising results in comparison to the baselines, differently designed variants, and density-based testing clutter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Robotics, Factory Automation and Intelligent Networked Systems)

12 pages, 353 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Anxiety/Depressive Symptoms with Psychotic-like Experiences: The Moderation Effect of Sex and Resilience

by Manling Long, Peiyu Zhang and Jingyu Shi

Children 2024, 11(8), 969; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11080969 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2024

Abstract

Background: Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) are a part of the continuum of psychosis and are common in the general population. While most of these experiences are transient, they are strongly correlated with an increased risk of various adverse psychological outcomes. Anxiety and depressive symptoms [...] Read more.

Background: Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) are a part of the continuum of psychosis and are common in the general population. While most of these experiences are transient, they are strongly correlated with an increased risk of various adverse psychological outcomes. Anxiety and depressive symptoms also occur frequently in the adolescent population. Much research has previously demonstrated a correlation between these two symptoms and PLEs. However, few investigations have examined what influences this association, and sex and resilience may be important moderators. Methods: This study selected a sample of first-year students from a university in Shanghai. A total of 2970 adolescents completed questionnaires measuring sociodemographic characteristics, anxiety/depressive symptoms by SCL-90, resilience by CD-RISC, and self-reported PLEs by PQ-16. Results: The findings indicated that PLEs were prevalent in the sample, with at least one PQ-16 item present in 42.5% of individuals. Anxiety/depressive symptoms were significantly associated with PLEs, and there was a sex difference in this association (p < 0.001). What is more, this relationship was stronger in males than in females. Additionally, we found a significant interaction (p < 0.001) between resilience and anxiety/depressive symptoms when looking at the correlates of PLEs. Those with stronger resilience showed a considerably weaker connection between PLEs and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Conclusion: These findings can potentially inform the development of targeted new clinical interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Mental Health)

10 pages, 1016 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inhibitory Effect of Dipeptides Containing Acidic Amino Acid Residue on Degranulation of RBL-2H3 Cells

by Kosuke Nishi, Taiki Hirakawa, Mitsumasa Izumi, Naoki Kageyama, Senri Yurue, Akari Ozaki, Yuki Toga, Momoko Ishida and Takuya Sugahara

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(16), 7048; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14167048 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2024

Abstract

Upon degranulation, basophils and mast cells secrete an array of inflammatory mediators, including histamine, which leads to not only allergic inflammation but also other inflammatory diseases. We previously reported that an aqueous extract from enzyme-treated, dried sardine inhibits the degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells [...] Read more.

Upon degranulation, basophils and mast cells secrete an array of inflammatory mediators, including histamine, which leads to not only allergic inflammation but also other inflammatory diseases. We previously reported that an aqueous extract from enzyme-treated, dried sardine inhibits the degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells and attenuates the symptoms of Japanese cedar pollinosis in mice. This study evaluated an antiallergic effect of dipeptides containing acidic amino acid residue in an antigen-induced degranulation assay using RBL-2H3 cells. The result showed that acidic amino acid residue-containing dipeptides inhibit the degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells without cytotoxicity. Additionally, L-histidyl-L-glutamic acid (His-Glu), one of the acidic amino acid residue-containing dipeptides tested in this study, inhibited calcium ionophore-induced degranulation. We also found that His-Glu suppressed microtubule reorganization in RBL-2H3 cells after antigen stimulation. His-Glu slightly, but not significantly, suppressed the elevation of cytosolic calcium ion concentration leading to degranulation. Immunoblot analysis revealed that His-Glu significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase and Akt, but not that of Syk or phospholipase Cγ. Overall results suggest that acidic amino acid residue-containing dipeptides can be used as food ingredients with an antiallergic effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 5th Anniversary of ‘Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering’ Section—Recent Advances in the Biochemistry of Inflammation)

25 pages, 9682 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Effective and Lightweight Full-Scale Target Detection Network for UAV Images Based on Deformable Convolutions and Multi-Scale Contextual Feature Optimization

by Wanwan Yu, Junping Zhang, Dongyang Liu, Yunqiao Xi and Yinhu Wu

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(16), 2944; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16162944 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2024

Abstract

Currently, target detection on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images is a research hotspot. Due to the significant scale variability of targets and the interference of complex backgrounds, current target detection models face challenges when applied to UAV images. To address these issues, we [...] Read more.

Currently, target detection on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images is a research hotspot. Due to the significant scale variability of targets and the interference of complex backgrounds, current target detection models face challenges when applied to UAV images. To address these issues, we designed an effective and lightweight full-scale target detection network, FSTD-Net. The design of FSTD-Net is based on three principal aspects. Firstly, to optimize the extracted target features at different scales while minimizing background noise and sparse feature representations, a multi-scale contextual information extraction module (MSCIEM) is developed. The multi-scale information extraction module (MSIEM) in MSCIEM can better capture multi-scale features, and the contextual information extraction module (CIEM) in MSCIEM is designed to capture long-range contextual information. Secondly, to better adapt to various target shapes at different scales in UAV images, we propose the feature extraction module fitting different shapes (FEMFDS), based on deformable convolutions. Finally, considering low-level features contain rich details, a low-level feature enhancement branch (LLFEB) is designed. The experiments demonstrate that, compared to the second-best model, the proposed FSTD-Net achieves improvements of 3.8%, 2.4%, and 2.0% in AP₅₀, AP, and AP₇₅ on the VisDrone2019, respectively. Additionally, FSTD-Net achieves enhancements of 3.4%, 1.7%, and 1% on the UAVDT dataset. Our proposed FSTD-Net has better detection performance compared to state-of-the-art detection models. The experimental results indicate the effectiveness of the FSTD-Net for target detection in UAV images. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Computer Vision and Image Processing, 2nd Edition)

21 pages, 3932 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Blockchain-Based Cold Chain Traceability with NR-PBFT and IoV-IMS for Marine Fishery Vessels

by Zheng Zhang, Haonan Zhu and Hejun Liang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(8), 1371; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12081371 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2024

Abstract

Due to limited communication, computing resources, and unstable environments, traditional cold chain traceability systems are difficult to apply directly to marine cold chain traceability scenarios. Motivated by these challenges, we construct an improved blockchain-based cold chain traceability system for marine fishery vessels. Firstly, [...] Read more.

Due to limited communication, computing resources, and unstable environments, traditional cold chain traceability systems are difficult to apply directly to marine cold chain traceability scenarios. Motivated by these challenges, we construct an improved blockchain-based cold chain traceability system for marine fishery vessels. Firstly, an Internet of Vessels system based on the Iridium Satellites (IoV-IMS) is proposed for marine cold chain monitoring. Aiming at the problems of low throughput, long transaction latency, and high communication overhead in traditional cold chain traceability systems, based on the Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT) consensus algorithm, a Node-grouped and Reputation-evaluated PBFT (NR-PBFT) is proposed to improve the reliability and robustness of blockchain system. In NR-PBFT, an improved node grouping scheme is designed, which introduces a consistent hashing algorithm to divide nodes into consensus and candidate sets, reducing the number of nodes participating in the consensus process, to lower communication overhead and transaction latency. Then, a reputation evaluation model is proposed to improve the node selection mechanism of NR-PBFT. It enhances the enthusiasm of nodes to participate in consensus, which considers the distance between fishery vessels, data size, and refrigeration temperature factors of nodes to increase throughput. Finally, we carried out experiments on marine fishery vessels, and the effectiveness of the cold chain traceability system and NR-PBFT were verified. Compared with PBFT, the transaction latency of NR-PBFT shortened by 81.92%, the throughput increased by 84.21%, and the communication overhead decreased by 89.4%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)

16 pages, 2414 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Extracted Sugars from Spoiled Date Fruits as a Sustainable Feedstock for Ethanol Production by New Yeast Isolates

by Georgia Antonopoulou, Maria Kamilari, Dimitra Georgopoulou and Ioanna Ntaikou

Molecules 2024, 29(16), 3816; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29163816 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2024

Abstract

This study focuses on investigating sugar recovery from spoiled date fruits (SDF) for sustainable ethanol production using newly isolated yeasts. Upon their isolation from different food products, yeast strains were identified through PCR amplification of the D1/D2 region and subsequent comparison with the [...] Read more.

This study focuses on investigating sugar recovery from spoiled date fruits (SDF) for sustainable ethanol production using newly isolated yeasts. Upon their isolation from different food products, yeast strains were identified through PCR amplification of the D1/D2 region and subsequent comparison with the GenBank database, confirming isolates KKU30, KKU32, and KKU33 as Saccharomyces cerevisiae; KKU21 as Zygosaccharomyces rouxii; and KKU35m as Meyerozyma guilliermondii. Optimization of sugar extraction from SDF pulp employed response surface methodology (RSM), varying solid loading (20–40%), temperature (20–40 °C), and extraction time (10–30 min). Linear models for sugar concentration (R1) and extraction efficiency (R2) showed relatively high R² values, indicating a good model fit. Statistical analysis revealed significant effects of temperature and extraction time on extraction efficiency. The results of batch ethanol production from SDF extracts using mono-cultures indicated varying consumption rates of sugars, biomass production, and ethanol yields among strains. Notably, S. cerevisiae strains exhibited rapid sugar consumption and high ethanol productivity, outperforming Z. rouxii and M. guilliermondii, and they were selected for scaling up the process at fed-batch mode in a co-culture. Co-cultivation resulted in complete sugar consumption and higher ethanol yields compared to mono-cultures, whereas the ethanol titer reached 46.8 ± 0.2 g/L. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Biochemical Processes for Treatment and Valorization of Wastes and Biomass)

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Maximum likelihood (ML) dendrogram based on the D1/D2 region of the 26S ribosomal DNA for the five samples of this study highlighted in magenta (KKU21, KKU30, KKU32, KKU33, and KKU35) and 13 yeast sequences downloaded from GenBank with their accession numbers. In blue are the samples analyzed in Ntaikou et al. [<a href="#B17-molecules-29-03816" class="html-bibr">17</a>]. Bootstrap support values over 75% are shown. Full article ">Figure 2
The normal plot of residuals for both responses (sugar concentration, R1; extraction efficiency, R2). Full article ">Figure 3
Responses R1 (sugar concentration) and R2 (extraction efficiency) for temperature and organic loading at given specific extraction time. Full article ">Figure 4
Consumption of sugars (a,d,g,j,m), microbial growth (b,e,h,k,n), and ethanol evolution (c,f,i,l,o) during alcoholic fermentation of SDF extracts (L, low concentration; H, high concentration) using the isolates KKU21, KKU30, KKU32, KKU33, and KKU35 in batch mode. Full article ">Figure 5
Changes of the pH values of the fermentation broth during alcoholic fermentation of SDF extracts (L, low concentration; H, high concentration) using the isolates KKU21 (a), KKU30 (b), KKU32 (c), KKU33 (d), and KKU35 (e), respectively, in batch mode. Full article ">Figure 6
Comparative overall sugar consumption (a) and maximum ethanol yields (YEtOH) (b) estimated during alcoholic fermentation of SDF extracts (L, low concentration; H, high concentration) using the isolates KKU21, KKU30, KKU32, KKU33, and KKU35, respectively, in batch mode. Full article ">Figure 7
Sugar consumption and ethanol production (a) as well as pH change (b) during alcoholic fermentation of SDF extract using the co-culture of strains KKU30 and KKU33 in fed-batch mode. Full article ">

18 pages, 2811 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptive Control for a Two-Axis Semi-Strapdown Stabilized Platform Based on Disturbance Transformation and LWOA-PID

by Qixuan Huang, Jiaxing Zhou, Xiang Chen, Qing Li and Runjing Chen

Sensors 2024, 24(16), 5198; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24165198 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2024

Abstract

A two-axis semi-strapdown stabilized platform is a device designed to eliminate aircraft disturbances and ensure the stability of the sensor’s orientation. A traditional two-axis semi-strapdown stabilization platform for aircraft can effectively control disturbance in pitch and yaw channel, but it cannot achieve ideal [...] Read more.

A two-axis semi-strapdown stabilized platform is a device designed to eliminate aircraft disturbances and ensure the stability of the sensor’s orientation. A traditional two-axis semi-strapdown stabilization platform for aircraft can effectively control disturbance in pitch and yaw channel, but it cannot achieve ideal disturbance control in the roll channel. In order to solve this problem, an adaptive control method based on disturbance transformation and LWOA-PID is proposed. Disturbance transformation is the process of integrating the angular position disturbance of the roll from the previous moment into the combined disturbance of the pitch and yaw at the current moment. This is followed by decoupling the combined disturbance of the pitch and yaw at the current moment, thereby eliminating the disturbance caused by the roll from the previous moment. This process is repeated to achieve the goal of eliminating roll channel disturbances. To ensure the line of sight (LOS) pointing accuracy stability in the two-axis semi-strapdown stabilized platform system for aircraft, a whale optimization adaptive proportional–integral–derivative (LWOA-PID) controller based on Latin hypercube sampling is designed. It is then compared with the classical PID controller in Matlab/Simulink. The simulation results indicate that the disturbance conversion module proposed in this paper can eliminate the impact of roll axis disturbances on the LOS pointing accuracy of the two-axis semi-strapdown stabilized platform for aircraft. Compared to the classical PID controller, the LWOA-PID controller reduces tracking errors for step and sinusoidal signals by 50% and 75%, respectively. It also shortens optimization time by 37.5% compared to the WOA-PID while maintaining the same level of accuracy. Furthermore, when combined with the conversion module, the tracking error is reduced by an additional order of magnitude. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Navigation and Positioning)

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14 pages, 2296 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Three–Year Comparison of Fluctuations in the Occurrence of the Giant Jellyfish (Nemopilema nomurai)

by Sunyoung Oh, Kyoungyeon Kim, Seokhyun Youn, Sara Lee, Geunchang Park, Wooseok Oh and Kyounghoon Lee

Water 2024, 16(16), 2265; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16162265 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2024

Abstract

In this study, acoustic, sighting, trawl, and marine environmental surveys were used to determine the vertical distribution and density of giant jellyfish that have been observed in Korean waters over the past 3 years. From 2020 to 2022, annual surveys were conducted in [...] Read more.

In this study, acoustic, sighting, trawl, and marine environmental surveys were used to determine the vertical distribution and density of giant jellyfish that have been observed in Korean waters over the past 3 years. From 2020 to 2022, annual surveys were conducted in May and July in the East China Sea and waters adjacent to South Korea. The acoustic data were processed by identifying and eliminating all signals considered as noise while excluding those suspected to be jellyfish signals. Subsequently, a single target detection method was employed. Giant jellyfish are distributed mostly in the middle and low layers. In May 2021, the average population density of giant jellyfish was recorded as 11.6 (ind./ha), which was the highest density. In July 2022, this value decreased to 1.7 (ind./ha), marking the lowest density. The sighting survey, which allows for the identification of jellyfish distributed in the surface layer, exhibited a difference of approximately 0.13 times compared to the acoustic survey conducted in the middle and low layers in 2020. In 2021 and 2022, this difference was approximately 0.11 times and 0.24 times, respectively. The average of this difference was 0.16 times or greater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity and Functionality of Aquatic Ecosystems)

31 pages, 4871 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Dimensional Global Temporal Predictive Model for Multi-State Prediction of Marine Diesel Engines

by Liyong Ma, Siqi Chen, Shuli Jia, Yong Zhang and Hai Du

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(8), 1370; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12081370 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2024

Abstract

The reliability and stability of marine diesel engines are pivotal to the safety and economy of maritime operations. Accurate and efficient prediction of the states of these engines is essential for performance evaluation and operational continuity. This paper introduces a novel hybrid deep [...] Read more.

The reliability and stability of marine diesel engines are pivotal to the safety and economy of maritime operations. Accurate and efficient prediction of the states of these engines is essential for performance evaluation and operational continuity. This paper introduces a novel hybrid deep learning model, the multi-dimensional global temporal predictive (MDGTP) model, designed for synchronous multi-state prediction of marine diesel engines. The model incorporates parallel multi-head attention mechanisms, an enhanced long short-term memory (LSTM) with interleaved residual connections, and gated recurrent units (GRUs). Additionally, we propose a dynamic arithmetic tuna optimization algorithm, which synergizes tuna swarm optimization (TSO), and the arithmetic optimization algorithm (AOA) for hyperparameter optimization, thereby enhancing prediction accuracy. Comparative experiments using actual marine diesel engine data demonstrate that our model outperforms the LSTM, GRU, LSTM–GRU, support vector regression (SVR), random forest (RF), Gaussian process regression (GPR), and back propagation (BP) models, achieving the lowest root mean squared error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE), as well as the highest Pearson correlation coefficient across three sampling periods. Ablation studies confirm the significance of each component in improving prediction accuracy. Our findings validate the efficacy of the proposed MDGTP model for predicting the multi-dimensional operating states of marine diesel engines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Condition Monitoring and Intelligent Operation & Maintenance Technologies in Ships and Offshore Facilities)

26 pages, 3408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use & Abuse of Personal Information, Part II: Robust Generation of Fake IDs for Privacy Experimentation

by Jack Kolenbrander, Ethan Husmann, Christopher Henshaw, Elliott Rheault, Madison Boswell and Alan J. Michaels

J. Cybersecur. Priv. 2024, 4(3), 546-571; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcp4030026 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2024

Abstract

When personal information is shared across the Internet, we have limited confidence that the designated second party will safeguard it as we would prefer. Privacy policies offer insight into the best practices and intent of the organization, yet most are written so loosely [...] Read more.

When personal information is shared across the Internet, we have limited confidence that the designated second party will safeguard it as we would prefer. Privacy policies offer insight into the best practices and intent of the organization, yet most are written so loosely that sharing with undefined third parties is to be anticipated. Tracking these sharing behaviors and identifying the source of unwanted content is exceedingly difficult when personal information is shared with multiple such second parties. This paper formulates a model for realistic fake identities, constructs a robust fake identity generator, and outlines management methods targeted towards online transactions (email, phone, text) that pass both cursory machine and human examination for use in personal privacy experimentation. This fake ID generator, combined with a custom account signup engine, are the core front-end components of our larger Use and Abuse of Personal Information system that performs one-time transactions that, similar to a cryptographic one-time pad, ensure that we can attribute the sharing back to the single one-time transaction and/or specific second party. The flexibility and richness of the fake IDs also serve as a foundational set of control variables for a wide range of social science research questions revolving around personal information. Collectively, these fake identity models address multiple inter-disciplinary areas of common interest and serve as a foundation for eliciting and quantifying personal information-sharing behaviors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Community of Good Practice in Cybersecurity)

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An example of default characteristics for a single fake identity, Bella Tessier . The front of the identification card provides a visual representation of the personal identification characteristics that would be found on a typical identification card. The rear of the identification card provides further characteristics of identity, such as gender, race, employment, security questions, education, etc. Full article ">Figure 2
Top-level process for generation of fake IDs. Full article ">Figure 3
An image of address validation API with different levels of validation shown. Full article ">Figure 4
Image of an example ID with its attributes listed. All of the attributes listed are default for all IDs. If an ID needs an additional attribute, the title is placed in the additionalFieldHeaders section and the associated value is placed in the additionalFields section. If an attribute was used for the signup, then the corresponding index number will be set to True in the prngUsed section. If an attribute needs to be changed in any manner for the signup, then the prngNotes will reflect all changes made by listing the attribute and the value it was changed to for all applicable attributes. Additionally, the dateUsed and researchQuestion attributes are set upon signup completion. Full article ">Figure 5
Overview of fake ID generation flow. Full article ">Figure 6
Method calls that enable access to the collection of fake identities. Full article ">Figure 7
Histogram of the Income attribute of all 100K IDs plotted in Matlab. Full article ">

22 pages, 2824 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Experimental Study of a Cleaning Device for Edible Sunflower Harvesting

by Xingyu Yang, Xiaoxiao Sun, Bin Li, Yang Liu, Shiguo Wang, Xiaolong Gao and Yuncheng Dong

Agriculture 2024, 14(8), 1344; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14081344 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2024

Abstract

Existing cleaning devices for edible sunflower have a low cleaning efficiency, high cleaning loss rate, and high impurity rate; therefore, a wind-sieve-type cleaning device for edible sunflower harvesting was designed. According to the characteristics of dislodged objects, a vibrating screen for the device [...] Read more.

Existing cleaning devices for edible sunflower have a low cleaning efficiency, high cleaning loss rate, and high impurity rate; therefore, a wind-sieve-type cleaning device for edible sunflower harvesting was designed. According to the characteristics of dislodged objects, a vibrating screen for the device was designed, and the dislodged edible sunflower objects in the device were used for a mechanical analysis of the force conditions to determine the displacement of the different edible sunflower objects dislodged by the action of airflow. Using FLUENT-DEM gas–solid coupling simulation technology, the velocity of the flow field, the velocity vector, and the trajectory of the dislodged objects inside the cleaning device were analyzed, and the law of motion applied to the airflow and the dislodged objects inside the device was clarified. According to the results of the coupled simulation analysis, the key factors affecting the operation of the cleaning device were wind speed, vibration frequency, and amplitude. Based on the key factors of wind speed, vibration frequency, and amplitude, an orthogonal rotary combination test was carried out with the loss rate and impurity rate of cleaned grains as the evaluation indexes, and the test parameters were optimized to obtain the optimal combination of operating parameters of the device, which were as follows: wind speed: 30 m·s⁻¹; vibration frequency: 8.44 Hz; and amplitude: 41.35 mm. With this combination of parameters, the seed loss rate and impurity rate reached 3.47% and 6.17%, respectively. Based on the optimal combination of operating parameters, a validation test was performed, and the results of this test were compared with the results of the test bench using this combination of parameters. The results show that the relative errors of the loss rate and impurity rate between the bench test and the simulation test were 3.45% and 3.07%, respectively, which are less than 5%, proving the reliability of the simulation analysis and the reasonableness of the design of the test bench. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Planting to Harvesting: The Role of Agricultural Machinery in Crop Cultivation)

19 pages, 537 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Local Control, Survival, and Toxicity Outcomes with High-Dose-Rate Peri-Operative Interventional Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy) in Head and Neck Cancers: A Systematic Review

by Warren Bacorro, Bruno Fionda, Tamer Soror, Francesco Bussu, György Kovács and Luca Tagliaferri

J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(8), 853; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14080853 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2024

Abstract

Background. Peri-operative interventional radiotherapy (POIRT) entails tumor resection, catheter implantation in the same surgery, and irradiation within the peri-operative period. It allows for maximal tumor burden reduction, better tumor bed identification, more flexible implant geometry, highly conformal irradiation, and treatment delay minimization. We [...] Read more.

Background. Peri-operative interventional radiotherapy (POIRT) entails tumor resection, catheter implantation in the same surgery, and irradiation within the peri-operative period. It allows for maximal tumor burden reduction, better tumor bed identification, more flexible implant geometry, highly conformal irradiation, and treatment delay minimization. We reviewed the published local control, survival, toxicity, and quality of life (QOL) outcomes with POIRT for head and neck cancers (HNCs) in primary and re-irradiation settings. Materials and Methods. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and other databases, supplemented by bibliography scanning and hand-searching, yielded 107 titles. Fifteen unique articles were eligible, five of which were merged with more updated studies. Of the ten remaining studies, four reported on primary POIRT, and seven reported on reirradiation POIRT. Given data heterogeneity, only qualitative synthesis was performed. Results. Primary POIRT in early tongue cancer results in 6-year recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) of 92% for both; in advanced HNCs, the 9-year RFS and OS rates are 52% and 55%. Grade 1–2 toxicity is very common; grade 3–4 toxicity is rare, but grade 5 toxicity has been reported. POIRT re-irradiation for recurrent HNCs results in 5y RFS and OS rates of 37–55% and 17–50%; better outcomes are achieved with gross total resection (GTR). QOL data are lacking. Conclusions. Primary POIRT is safe and effective in early tongue cancers; its use in other HNC sites, especially in advanced disease, requires careful consideration. Re-irradiation POIRT is most effective and safe when combined with GTR; toxicity is significant and may be limited by careful case selection, implant planning and execution, use of smaller fraction sizes, and adherence to homogeneity constraints. Study Registration Number. PROSPERO Registry Number CRD42024548294. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Brachytherapy in Clinical Practice: 2nd Edition)

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