Search Results (158)

With the development of a quantum computer in the near future, classical public-key cryptography will face the challenge of being vulnerable to quantum algorithms, such as Shor’s algorithm. As communication technology advances rapidly, a great deal of personal information is being transmitted over the Internet. Based on our observation that the Kyber algorithm exhibits a significant number of idle cycles during execution when implemented following the conventional software procedure, this paper proposes a high-throughput scheduling for Kyber by parallelizing the SHA-3 function, the sampling algorithm, and the NTT computations to improve hardware utilization and reduce latency. We also introduce the 8-stage pipelined SHA-3 architecture and multi-mode polynomial arithmetic module to increase area efficiency. By also optimizing the hardware architecture of the various computational modules used by Kyber, according to the implementation result, an aggregate throughput of 877.192 kOPS in Kyber KEM can be achieved on TSMC 40 nm. In addition, our design not only achieves the highest throughput among existing studies but also improves the area and power efficiencies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Albumin supplementation is widely used for hypoalbuminemia treatment in patients with critical illness, especially those with cirrhosis. However, studies have demonstrated that routine albumin administration is not always advantageous. We examined how albumin supplementation affects survival outcomes in patients with sepsis with hypoalbuminemia. Methods: This study was conducted by researchers in Taiwan using data from the TriNetX research platform, covering the period from 1 April 2014 to 30 April 2024. This platform aggregates real-world data from healthcare organizations worldwide. From this dataset, 1,147,433 patients who developed sepsis and hypoalbuminemia with albumin levels <3.5 g/dL were identified. The study population was stratified into two groups on the basis of whether they received albumin infusion or not. To compare outcomes, hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated between propensity-score-matched patients who did and did not receive albumin supplementation. Subgroup analysis by albumin levels was conducted. Results: Albumin infusion was linked to increased risks of 30-day mortality (HR [95% CI] = 1.800 [1.774–1.827], p < 0.05), shock (HR [95% CI] = 1.436 [1.409–1.465], p < 0.05), septic shock (HR [95% CI] = 1.384 [1.355–1.415], p < 0.05), hypovolemic shock (HR [95% CI] = 1.496 [1.391–1.608], p < 0.05), cardiogenic shock (HR [95% CI] = 1.553 [1.473–1.637], p < 0.05), heart failure (HR [95% CI] = 1.098 [1.080–1.116], p < 0.05), and pulmonary edema (HR [95% CI] = 1.479 [1.438–1.520], p < 0.05). The subgroup analysis by albumin levels revealed a trend of increased mortality risk with albumin supplementation in patients with high baseline albumin levels. Conclusions: Patients with sepsis with hypoalbuminemia who received albumin supplementation exhibited high 30-day mortality rates and increased risks of shock, heart failure, and pulmonary edema compared with those who did not. These findings indicate that routine albumin administration may be linked with unfavorable outcomes in these patients. Full article

Objectives: Modern lifestyles factors such as digital overload, aging, and poor sleep hygiene have led to increasing cases of sleep disturbances and inflammation-related disorders. These conditions are often associated with oxidative stress and immune dysregulation. Longan flower extract (LFE), traditionally used in East Asian medicine, has shown potential health benefits but remains scientifically underexplored. This study aims to investigate the chemical composition and bioactive effects of LFE on inflammation, oxidative stress, and melatonin biosynthesis in relevant cellular models. Methods: LFE was prepared using ethanol extraction and characterized for its total polyphenols, flavonoids, oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), and corilagin content via HPLC. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroregulatory activities were assessed in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and BV-2 microglial cells. Key assays included quantification of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), detection of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and measurement of antioxidant enzyme activities (GPx, SOD). Gene expression of melatonin biosynthesis enzymes was evaluated using quantitative PCR. Results: LFE treatment significantly reduced LPS-induced TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and ROS production in both cell models. It enhanced GPx and SOD activity and increased intracellular glutathione levels. Moreover, LFE upregulated the expression of TPH1, DDC, AANAT, and ASMT, genes involved in melatonin biosynthesis, and promoted serotonin secretion. Conclusions: These findings suggest that LFE holds significant potential as a natural therapeutic supplement, particularly for alleviating sleep disturbances, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating inflammatory responses associated with modern lifestyle-related health conditions. Full article

In conventional hydrology, a short-duration design rainstorm is typically used to estimate the design discharge in urban sewer systems. The reason for using a short duration is that engineers believe the time of concentration in urban watersheds is relatively small. The short-duration hyetograph is supposed to generate a flow hydrograph that accurately reflects the rainfall-runoff processes. In this study, we developed a street-sewer runoff model for an urban district of 2470 hectares. Detailed field flooding records were utilized to verify the stormwater model’s capability for inundation simulations. Subsequently, different rainfall series extracted from the recorded rainstorm data were used to investigate the causes of flooding corresponding to different durations of rainstorms. The results indicate that a 90 min main concentrated rainstorm causes small-scale flooding only; however, a 24 h rainfall series results in an extensive range of inundations. We further conducted similar short- and long-duration hyetograph tests in 16 urban drainage partitions (ranging from 2.3 to 193.5 hectares) to confirm the above findings. The results indicate that the maximum discharge in most partitions can only be found when the hyetograph duration exceeds 1080 min, which essentially contradicts previous engineering designs in urban watersheds in Taiwan. Full article

Background/Objectives: Emerging evidence suggests an association between glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors with altered risk of damage in the inner ear system. However, limited research exists on the relationship between these medications and subsequent irreversible hearing loss. We conducted this network meta-analysis (NMA) to evaluate the comparative risk of hearing loss associated with such medications. Methods: In this NMA, we used a confirmatory approach to specifically focus on particular adverse effects of interest (i.e., incidence of hearing loss here) based on the Cochrane recommendation. A Bayesian-based NMA of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of GLP-1 receptor agonists or SGLT2 inhibitors was conducted. The primary outcome was the hearing loss events. Results: Our NMA of 29 RCTs with 145,895 participants found that only two exendin-4 derivatives—lixisenatide and high-dose efpeglenatide (i.e., 6 mg/week)—showed increased hearing loss events compared to controls. No other GLP-1 receptor agonists or SGLT2 inhibitors demonstrated significantly elevated hearing loss risk. Lixisenatide ranked highest in risk among all investigated regimens. Conclusions: This comprehensive NMA identifies a significant association between exendin-4 derivatives (lixisenatide and efpeglenatide) and potential ototoxicity. Clinicians should carefully consider this potential ototoxicity when prescribing exendin-4 derivatives, particularly in patients with pre-existing hearing loss risk factors. Full article

Computer vision applications require high-quality reproductions of original images, typically demanding complex models with many trainable parameters and floating-point operations. This increases computational load and restricts deployment on resource-constrained devices. Therefore, we designed a new dilation depthwise super-resolution (DDSR) model that is composed of dilation convolution, depthwise separable convolution, and residual connection, to overcome the predicaments. Compared with the well-known model, fast super-resolution convolutional neural network (FSRCNN), the developed DDSR shows better performance in evaluations and You Only Look Once (YOLO v8) confidence scores. Most importantly, the architecture of the developed DDSR has 55% trainable parameters, 19% floating-point operations per second (FLOPs) of one-channel FSRCNN, 27% of the trainable parameters, and 8% of the FLOPs of three-channel FSRCNN. Full article

Background: Invasive coronary angiography is the gold standard for assessing in-stent restenosis (ISR) in patients with coronary artery disease. However, the predictive value of non-invasive Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) to evaluate patients with ISR has not been studied extensively. Methods: A total of 41 patients (19 with acute myocardial infarction and 22 with stable angina pectoris) who received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were enrolled in the study. Time-to-peak velocities (TpV) of 12 non-apical segments of the left ventricle, by pulse wave TDI echocardiography, were obtained within two days prior to the PCI and six months later. Results: A 12-segmental mean TpV ≥ 279.6 ms at six months after PCI was able to detect ISR (odds ratio: 2.09, 95% CI 1.004–4.352, p = 0.049). Moreover, a significant decrease in the standard deviation of TpV was demonstrated in patients without ISR (85.8 ± 44.8 vs. 60.3 ± 31.7 ms, p = 0.001), but not in patients with ISR (97.7 ± 53.3 vs. 91.2 ± 52.6 ms, p = 0.57). Conclusions: Pulse-wave TDI echocardiography is a promising tool in the detection of ISR six months after PCI in patients with coronary artery disease. Full article

A 3-year-old, 10.2 kg, spayed, female mixed-breed dog was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus. The patient was administered intravenous methylprednisolone at a dose of 2 mg/kg twice daily. Over the next 24 h, the dog’s heart rate dropped to 42–48 bpm, while other vital signs remained stable. A 12-lead electrocardiogram revealed sinus bradycardia without any other arrhythmia. Notably, the dog was not receiving any beta-blockers or undergoing other therapies commonly associated with sinus bradycardia. After tapering the corticosteroid dose, no further episodes of bradycardia were observed. Herein, we report the first case of sinus bradycardia in a dog following intravenous methylprednisolone therapy to improve veterinarians’ understanding of corticosteroid-induced cardiac arrhythmias. Full article

Background: Increasing evidence shows that Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) largely affects colorectal cancer (CRC) growth and progression; therefore, the inhibition of intratumoral F. nucleatum may be one realistic approach to combat CRC. Although antibiotics are helpful in eliminating bacteria, the major problem remains the rise of potential antibiotic-resistant strains and antibiotic-associated adverse effects. Currently, bacteriophage therapy has gained interest because of its high selectivity to bacterial hosts and may become a realistic approach in treating bacteria-associated cancers. Methods: In this study, a new F. nucleatum bacteriophage, ØTCUFN3, was isolated and its biological characteristics were identified. In vitro and in vivo studies were performed to investigate the effect of ØTCUFN3 in combating F. nucleatum-induced CRC growth. Results: By applying ØTCUFN3 to F. nucleatum-induced CRC cell lines, p53^+/+, and p53^−/− isogenic HCT116 cells, our results revealed an inhibition of CRC proliferation and the expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. ØTCUFN3 injection also reduced the growth of F. nucleatum-induced mouse xenografts. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated the use of F. nucleatum bacteriophage against CRC, laying the foundation for the future usage of bacteriophage in cancer treatment. Full article

Low-color-temperature candlelight organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) offer a healthier lighting alternative by minimizing blue light exposure, which is known to disrupt circadian rhythms, suppress melatonin, and potentially harm the retina with prolonged use. In this study, we explore the integration of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), specifically molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) and tungsten disulfide (WS₂), into the hole injection layers (HILs) of OLEDs to enhance their performance. The TMDs, which are known for their superior carrier mobility, optical properties, and 2D layered structure, were doped at levels of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% in PEDOT:PSS-based HILs. Our findings reveal that OLEDs doped with 10% MoS₂ exhibit notable enhancements in power efficacy (PE), current efficacy (CE), and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of approximately 39%, 21%, and 40%, respectively. In comparison, OLEDs incorporating 10% of WS₂ achieve a PE of 28%, a CE of 20%, and an EQE of 35%. The enhanced performance of the MoS₂-doped devices is attributed to their superior hole injection and balanced carrier transport properties, resulting in more efficient operation. These results highlight the potential of incorporating 2D TMDs, especially MoS₂, into OLED technology as a promising strategy to enhance energy efficiency. This approach aligns with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals by emphasizing reduced environmental impact and promoting ethical practices in technology development. The improved performance metrics of these TMD-doped OLEDs suggest a viable path towards creating more energy-efficient and health-conscious lighting solutions. Full article

Objective: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have demonstrated protective effects in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients receiving antidepressant treatment. However, there have been a few double-blind randomized controlled trials focused on n-3 PUFAs as monotherapy in MDD, and the outcomes have been mixed. This study aimed to assess the clinical effects of n-3 PUFAs monotherapy in patients with MDD. Methods: A total of 60 patients with MDD participated in this 12-week double-blind randomized controlled trial. They were randomized to either the n-3 PUFAs group (n = 30; 3.2 g of eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA and docosahexaenoic acid, DHA per day) or the placebo group (n = 30; 3.2 g of soybean oil per day). The severity of depression was evaluated using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD). Results: The n-3 PUFAs group had a significantly lower HRSD score compared with the placebo group at week 4 (p = 0.004), week 6 (p = 0.006), week 8 (p = 0.004), and week 12 (p = 0.01). The n-3 PUFAs group showed slightly higher rates for both remission (26.7% vs. 10%, p = 0.095) and response (23.3% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.145) compared with the placebo group at week 12, but these differences did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: These findings suggested that monotherapy of n-3 PUFAs could improve depression and potentially serve as an alternative option for MDD patients. Full article

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a prevalent mental health condition with a complex pathophysiology involving neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and disruptions in neuronal and glial cell function. Microglia, the innate immune cells of the central nervous system, release inflammatory cytokines in response to pathological changes associated with MDD. Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) act as alarms, triggering microglial activation and subsequent inflammatory cytokine release. This review examines the cellular mechanisms underlying MDD pathophysiology, focusing on the lipid-mediated modulation of neuroinflammation. We explore the intricate roles of microglia and astrocytes in propagating inflammatory cascades and discuss how these processes affect neuronal integrity at the cellular level. Central to our analysis are three key molecules: High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) and S100 Calcium Binding Protein β (S100β) as alarmins, and Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE) as an indicator of neuronal stress. We present evidence from in vitro and ex vivo studies demonstrating how these molecules reflect and contribute to the neuroinflammatory milieu characteristic of MDD. The review then explores the potential of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) as neuroinflammation modulators, examining their effects on microglial activation, cytokine production, and neuronal resilience in cellular models of depression. We critically analyze experimental data on how ω-3 PUFA supplementation influences the expression and release of HMGB1, S100β, and NSE in neuronal and glial cultures. By integrating findings from lipidomic and cellular neurobiology, this review aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which ω-3 PUFAs may exert their antidepressant effects through modulation of neuroinflammatory markers. These insights contribute to our understanding of lipid-mediated neuroprotection in MDD and may inform the development of targeted, lipid-based therapies for both depression and neurodegenerative disorders. Full article

The ISARIC 4C Mortality score was developed to predict mortality risk among patients with COVID-19. Its performance among vaccinated individuals is understudied. This is a retrospective study of all patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore, from January-2020 to December-2021. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were extracted, and multiple logistic regression (MLR) models were developed to predict the relationship between ISARIC score, vaccination status, anti-S antibody titre, and severe COVID-19. A total of 6377 patients were identified, of which 5329 met the study eligibility criteria. The median age of the patients was 47 years (IQR 35–71), 1264 (23.7%) were female, and 1239 (25.7%) were vaccinated. Severe disease occurred in 499 (9.4%) patients, including 133 (2.5%) deaths. After stratification, 3.0% of patients with low (0–4), 17.8% of patients with moderate (5–9), and 36.2% of patients with high (≥10) ISARIC scores developed severe COVID-19. Vaccination was associated with a reduced risk of progression to severe COVID-19 in the MLR model: aOR 0.88 (95% CI: 0.86–0.90), and the risk of severe COVID-19 decreased inversely to anti-S antibody titres. The anti-S antibody titre should be further investigated as an adjunct to the ISARIC score to triage COVID-19 patients for hospital admission and antiviral therapy. Full article

This study conducted adsorption experiments using Europium (Eu(III)) on geological materials collected from Taiwan. Batch tests on argillite, basalt, granite, and biotite showed that argillite and basalt exhibited strong adsorption reactions with Eu. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis also clearly indicated differences before and after adsorption. By combining X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES), extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), and wavelet transform (WT) analyses, we observed that the Fe₂O₃ content significantly affects the Eu-Fe distance in the inner-sphere layer during the Eu adsorption process. The wavelet transform analysis for two-dimensional information helps differentiate two distances of Eu-O, which are difficult to analyze, with hydrated outer-sphere Eu-O distances ranging from 2.42 to 2.52 Å and inner-sphere Eu-O distances from 2.27 to 2.32 Å. The EXAFS results for Fe₂O₃ and SiO₂ in argillite and basalt reveal different adsorption mechanisms. Fe₂O₃ exhibits inner-sphere surface complexation in the order of basalt, argillite, and granite, while SiO₂ forms outer-sphere ion exchange with basalt and argillite. Wavelet transform analysis also highlights the differences among these materials. Full article

Soils are the largest reservoir of microplastics (MPs) on earth. Since MPs can remain in soils for a very long time, their effects are magnified. In this study, different concentrations of polyethylene (PE) MPs derived from commercial resins (0%, 1%, 7%, and 14%, represented as MP_0, MP_1, MP_7, and MP_14) were added to soils to assess the changes in the soils’ chemical properties, enzyme activities, and bacterial communities during a 70-day incubation period. The results show that PE MP treatments with low concentrations differed from other treatments in terms of exchangeable Ca and Mg, whereas at high concentrations, the pH and availability of phosphate ions differed. Fluorescein diacetate (FDA), acid phosphatase (ACP), and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) enzyme activities exhibited a dose-related trend with the addition of the PE MPs; however, the average FDA and ACP activities were significantly affected only by MP_14. Changes in the microbial communities were observed at both the phylum and family levels with all PE MP treatments. It was revealed that even a low dosage of PE MPs in soils can affect the functional microbes, and a greater impact is observed on those that can survive in polluted environments with limited resources. Full article