bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Prognosis in Glioblastoma with Radiomics Features extracted by Synthetic MR Image using Cycle-consistent GAN
Authors: yoshimura hisanori , kawahara daisuke , ozawa shuichi , saito akito , nagata yasushi
Published: July 2023

Purpose
To propose a style transfer model for multi-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images with a cycle-consistent generative adversarial network (CycleGAN) and evaluate the image quality and prognosis prediction performance for glioblastoma (GBM) patients from the extracted radiomics features.
Methods
Style transfer models of T1 weighted MRI image (T1w) to T2 weighted MRI image (T2w) and T2w to T1w with CycleGAN were constructed using the BraTS dataset. The style transfer model was validated with the Cancer Genome Atlas Glioblastoma Multiforme (TCGA-GBM) dataset. Moreover, imaging features were extracted from real and synthesized images. These features were transformed to rad-scores by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)-Cox regression. The prognosis performance was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method.
Results
For the accuracy of the image quality of the real and synthesized MRI images, the MI, RMSE, PSNR, and SSIM were 0.991 ± 2.10, 2.79 ± 0.16, 40.16 ± 0.38, and 0.995 ± 2.11, for T2w, and .992 ± 2.63, 2.49 ± 6.89, 40.51 ± 0.22, and 0.993 ± 3.40 for T1w, respectively. The survival time had a significant difference between good and poor prognosis groups for both real and synthesized T2w (p<0.05). However, the survival time had no significant difference between good and poor prognosis groups for both real and synthesized T1w. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the real and synthesized T2w in both good and poor prognoses. The results of T1w were similar in the point that there was no significant difference between the real and synthesized T1w.
Conclusions
It was found that the synthesized image could be used for prognosis prediction. The proposed prognostic model using CycleGAN could reduce the cost and time of image scanning, leading to a promotion to build the patient’s outcome prediction with multi-contrast images.
Load Frequency control in interconnected Microgrids using Hybrid PSO-GWO based PI-PD controller
Authors: Ray Pravat Kumar , PUHAN PRATAP SEKHAR , Bartwal Akash
Published: July 2023

In multi microgrid systems, frequency deviation in islanding condition is one of the major issues. Frequency deviation is not only due to the load changing conditions but also due to the present of different renewable energy sources in the micro grid and system disturbances. In such system, it is very difficult to achieve the satisfactory operating condition with the existing conventional PI/PID controllers. In this paper, new controllers are suggested to improve the deviation of frequency as well as to maintain the power flow in tie-line in island condition in microgrid system. The suggested controller uses the combination of PSO-GWO algorithm and hence known as hybrid technique, this technique is implemented in the work to obtain the optimal parameter of both PID and PI-PD controllers. To verify the effectiveness of the hybrid techniques, a microgrid system with different conditions is developed with the help of MATLAB/SIMULINK software and finally the implementation of the controller is carried out with help of this technique, the obtained results prove the ability of the techniques as it is successfully achieving the desired outputs.
The application value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in community-acquired purulent meningitis after antibiotics intervention
Authors: SHANGGUAN Lijuan , XUE Lanping , SHANG Jing , WANG Hailong
Published: July 2023

Background
Bacteria account for nearly one-third of the causes of community-acquired central nervous system infections, and the traditional diagnostic methods of such diseases rely on culture results, which is time-consuming, low detection rate and delayed diagnosis and treatment. Since metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has the advantages of high timeliness and only detecting microbial trace gene fragments, it has been more widely used in recent years. Based on this, we explored whether the application of cerebrospinal fluid next-generation sequencing is advantageous in patients with community-acquired purulent meningitis, especially in people who have already used antibiotics.
Methods
This was a retrospective analysis of 63 patients with community-acquired purulent meningitis admitted to the neurology Department of Shanxi Bethune Hospital from March 2018 to November 2022. Data were systematically collected and sorted into CSF culture group, blood culture group and CSF mNGS group according to different detection methods, and the total detection rate of each detection method was calculated. Each group of patients was divided into two subgroups according to whether antibiotics were used before sampling, and whether there was a difference in detection rate between and within the three groups, so as to explore whether mNGS had advantages over traditional detection methods.
Results
Among the 63 patients, CSF culture, blood culture and CSF mNGS cases were 56, 46, 44, respectively. The total detection rates of the three methods were 17.86%, 36.96%, 81.82%, respectively, suggesting that the detection rate of mNGS was better than CSF culture and blood culture, and the detection rate of blood culture better than that of CSF culture. Further according to whether antibiotics were used before sampling, it was found that without antibiotics, the detection rates of CSF culture, blood culture and CSF mNGS were 28.57%, 56.25% and 88.89%, respectively, and the detection rate of CSF mNGS was better than that of CSF culture, but there was no statistical difference between CSF and blood culture. The detection rates of antibiotics used in the three groups were 14.29%, 26.67% and 80.00%, respectively, and the detection rate of CSF mNGS was still higher than that in CSF culture and blood culture. However, the detection rate of CSF mNGS also decreased after antibiotics were used for more than3 days.
Conclusions
The detection rate of CSF mNGS in patients with purulent meningitis is better than traditional methods, especially for patients who have been given antibiotics, but the detection rate will decrease with the extension of antibiotic use time.
A Mist Under Woods Lamp: fungal infection covered by eyedrops
Authors: Sun Xiaoyu , Ma Yangyang , Hu Wen-ting
Published: July 2023

None.
Insight into adsorbents for surfactants removal: A review
Authors: He Zhiqin , Qi Benkun , Li Yun , Dai Chang , Li Zhitao
Published: July 2023

Wastewater treatment has an important responsibility to react to changing consumer and industrial-produced wastes that pose environmental challenges. Surfactants are one of these emerging contaminants. They are of interest because of their increasingly ubiquitous domestic and industrial use and the difficulty their presence causes traditional treatment. Compared with other treatment technologies, adsorption is a promising approach due to its low cost and environmental friendliness. This paper reviews the hazards of surfactants, the removal effect and mechanism of surfactants by conventional activated carbon, mineral materials, Chitosan-based materials, carbon materials and agricultural waste, and also summarizes the classification of adsorbent regeneration. Finally, future perspectives on surfactants removal and exploitation of adsorbent are presented. Through a comprehensive review, we expect that this review will help the reader to more rationally select the appropriate adsorbent based on the removal mechanism.
Revisiting the volcanic forcing of high-latitude Northern
Hemisphere eruptions
Authors: Fuglestvedt Herman , Zhuo Zhihong , Toohey Matthew , Krüger Kirstin
Published: July 2023

High-latitude explosive volcanic eruptions can cause substantial cooling on a hemispheric scale. However, our current understanding of these events remains limited. In this study, we employ a whole atmosphere chemistry-climate model with prognostic stratospheric aerosols to simulate Northern Hemisphere (NH) high-latitude explosive volcanic eruptions of similar magnitude to the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Our simulations reveal that the lifetime of sulphur dioxide and the growth of volcanic sulphate aerosols are strongly influenced by the initial state of the NH polar vortex. The stability of the polar vortex during the first weeks after an eruption determines the latitudinal dispersion of the injected gases within the stratosphere. Consequently, interannual variability of the polar vortex stability introduces a variability in the modelled cumulative radiative forcing of more than 20 %. We also test the aerosol evolution’s sensitivity to co-injection of sulphur and halogens, injection season, and injection altitude, and show how processes related to aerosol formation, lifetime, and growth impact the resulting radiative forcing. Notably, several of the sensitivities are of similar magnitude to the variability stemming from initial conditions, highlighting the significant influence of atmospheric variability. Finally, we compare the modelled volcanic sulphate deposition over the Greenland ice sheet with the relationship assumed in reconstructions of past NH extratropical eruptions. Our analysis yields an estimated Greenland transfer function for NH extratropical eruptions of 0.44 × 10⁹ km² . If applied to ice core data, this value would produce volcanic stratospheric sulphur injections from NH extratopical eruptions 23 % smaller than in currently used volcanic forcing reconstructions. Furthermore, the uncertainty attached to the Greenland transfer function for NH extratropical eruptions, which propagates into the estimate of volcanic stratospheric sulphur injection, needs to be at least doubled to account for both atmospheric variability and unknown eruption source parameters. Our results offer insights into the complex dynamics shaping the impacts of both historical and future NH high-latitude eruptions. Furthermore, they underscore the need for more accurate representation of these events in existing volcanic forcing reconstructions, with the aim of improving our understanding of their climatic impacts.
Provision of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services to Health Workers and Community Members in Conflict-affected Northwest Syria: A Mixed-Methods study
Authors: Bou-Orm Ibrahim R. , Moussallem Marianne , Karam Joelle , deLara Manuel , Varma Vinod , Diaconu Karin , Apaydin Murat Can Birand , Bergh Rafael Van den , Ager Alastair , Witter Sophie
Published: July 2023

Background
Northwest Syria (NWS) is a conflict area with challenging political, economic, demographic and social dynamics. The region has a high number of internally displaced persons with increasingly disrupted delivery of basic services, including healthcare. Mental health needs have been increasing in the region while the infrastructure and capacity of the health sector has been negatively affected by the conflict. This study aimed to explore the provision of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services to communities in NWS (including healthcare workers) and to assess the experiences of beneficiaries with MHPSS services.
Methods
The study followed a mixed-methods research design that included qualitative and participatory methods (44 semi-structured interviews and a group model building workshop with 15 participants) as well as a survey with 462 beneficiaries.
Results
Findings suggested an improvement of MHPSS services in the region over the last few years due to the creation of a specific Technical Working Group (TWG) for MHPSS that contributed to assessment of community needs and support of the MHPSS response. The key elements of this response were: (1) training non-specialized health workers to address the shortage in specialized providers; (2) securing funding and coordination of services between different organizations; and (3) addressing gaps in the availability and geographical distribution of other needed resources, such as medicines. While those elements contributed to improving access to services and the quality of services – especially among health workers seeking MHPSS services - findings suggested gaps in the sustainability of services and a need to scale up those interventions in an integrated approach.
Conclusion
The study findings add to the evidence base on the challenges in scaling up MHPSS interventions and their long-term sustainability concerns. Priority actions should address the intermittent funding of the MHPSS response, incorporate MHPSS outputs and outcomes in the reimbursement of routine services, improve coordination between health partners and non-health actors in order to expand the scope of MHPSS response, and address the inequitable availability of resources in the region.
Acute amnesic symptoms due to bilateral fornix column infarction: a Case Report
Authors: Abe Takafumi , Nezu Tomohisa , Aoki Shiro , Maruyama Hirofumi
Published: July 2023

Introduction: The fornix is a part of the Papez circuit and is associated with memory formation. Pure fornix infarction is a very rare type of stroke that causes symptoms such as transient global amnesia (TGA), but the degree of memory impairment varies. The cause of fornix infarction is often unknown.
Case Presentation: A right-handed 51-year-old female patient with a current smoking habit and a history of hypertension had an acute onset of anterograde amnesia marked by repetitive questions; this episode, which persisted for 24 hours, appeared to be TGA. Diffusion-weighted imaging showed acute bilateral fornix column infarction. Fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (FIESTA) revealed that the subcallosal artery (ScA) was responsible for the fornix column infarction. The etiology of the stroke remained indeterminate despite the comprehensive stroke workup, hence, this case was classified as an embolic stroke of undetermined source. ScA is the perforating branch from the anterior communicating artery. In general, minute perforating branches are not detected by ordinary MRI, but FIESTA may be useful to detect the ScA. In the present case, FIESTA showed a relatively large ScA, which might indicate a microembolic etiology. Although we evaluated our patient’s embolic source, it remained indeterminate.
Conclusion: Acute amnesic symptoms occasionally occur as a result of bilateral fornix column infarction, and the resulting memory dysfunction sometimes persists. FIESTA may be useful for imaging the ScA to identify the etiology of stroke.
Learner Satisfaction with Synchronous and Asynchronous Virtual Learning Systems during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Tehran University of Medical Sciences: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Dargahi Hossein , Mireshghollah Masoumeh , Kooshkebaghi Mahdi
Published: July 2023

Background:
The need for electronic learning and its systems, especially during specific circumstances and crises, is crucial and fundamental for users in universities. However, what is even more important is the awareness and familiarity of learners with different systems and their appropriate use in e-learning. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the satisfaction of learners with synchronous and asynchronous electronic learning systems during the COVID-19 period at Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
Methods:
The present study was a descriptive-analytical study conducted cross-sectionally from the first semester of 2019-2020 academic year until the end of the second semester of 2021-2022 academic year, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample size was determined to be 370 students and 650 staff members using the Krejcie and Morgan table. The face validity and reliability of the research tool, which was a researcher-made questionnaire, was confirmed. Considering a response rate of 75%, 280 completed questionnaires were received from students, and 500 completed questionnaires were collected from employees. For data analysis, absolute and relative frequencies, as well as independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Post Hoc tests in the SPSS software were utilized.
Results:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, both students and staff members at Tehran University of Medical Sciences showed a relatively decreasing level of satisfaction with electronic learning. There was a significant difference in satisfaction between these two groups of learners regarding electronic learning (P=0/031). Learners were relatively more satisfied with the offline system called "Navid" compared to online learning systems. Among the online systems, the highest level of satisfaction was observed with the Skype platform.
Conclusion:
Although learners expressed relative satisfaction with electronic learning during the COVID-19 period, it is necessary to strengthen infrastructure and provide support services, technical assistance, and continuous updates for electronic learning platforms. This can contribute to more effective and efficient utilization of electronic learning, especially during particular circumstances and crises, or in hybrid models combining online and face to face education and training.
Vaginal microflora following the usage of disposable home-use vaginal device, and commercially available ring pessary for pelvic organ prolapse management: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ziv Elan , Keller Nathan , Erlich Tsvia
Published: July 2023

Purpose
To investigate whether ProVate™, a novel, disposable, self-inserted vaginal device for pelvic organ prolapse management, clinically affects the vaginal microflora, as compared with a commercially available ring pessary, in order to assess its microbiological safety.
Methods
This interventional, prospective, multi-center, open-label, randomized, controlled, statistically powered (non-inferiority), home-use, cross-over study was conducted at seven sites. Participants were randomized into either group A (using ProVate™ and then a new reusable commercially available ring pessary [control]) or B (using control device and then ProVate™) with a 1:1 ratio. Primary endpoint was based on meeting one of the failure criteria: significant change in Lactobacillus spp., Gardnerella vaginalis, Candida morphotypes, or Staphylococcus aureus levels compared to the baseline (significant change: Nugent score ≥ 7 or > 1 scale unit increase in S. aureus or Candida morphotype), bothersome vaginal symptoms, or symptoms requiring treatment.
Results
The study included 58 participants (mean age: 64.5 years, 91.4% post-menopausal). The failure rate was 15.5% for ProVate™ and control groups while using 383 ProVate™ devices over 1,647 days or one control device throughout the study. Two patients had bothersome vaginal complaints and one had vaginal infection in the control group, but no such cases were observed in the ProVate™ group.
Conclusion
The primary endpoint of possible vaginal microbial changes, bothersome vaginal symptoms, or treatment-requiring vaginal complaints while using ProVate™ was successfully met. Our findings show that the vaginal microflora is comparable when using either ProVate™ or commercially available ring pessary (control) with a relatively low rate of vaginal infections.
Trial registration details
ClinicalTrials.gov;
Ovarian Recurrence risk Assessment using Clinical and serum protein LEvels (ORACLE): A Machine Learning Risk Score to Predict Survival in High Grade Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Mysona David P. , Purohit Sharad , Richardson Katherine P. , Suhner Jessa , Brzezinska Bogna , Rungruang Bunja , Hopkins Diane , Bearden Gregory , Higgins Robert , Johnson Marian , Satter Khaled Bin , McIndoe Richard , Ghamande Sharad
Published: July 2023

In ovarian cancer, there is no current method to accurately predict recurrence after a complete response to chemotherapy. Here, we develop a machine learning risk score using serum proteomics for prediction of early recurrence of ovarian cancer after initial treatment. The developed risk score was validated in an independent cohort who had serum collected prospectively during the remission time period. In the discovery cohort, patients scored as low risk had a median time to recurrence (TTR) that was not reached at 10 years compared to 10.5 months (HR 4.66, p < 0.001) in high risk patients. In the validation cohort, low risk patients had a median TTR which was not reached compared to 4.7 months in high risk patients (HR 4.67, p = 0.009). In advanced stage patients with a CA125 < 10, low risk patients had a median TTR of 68 months compared to 6 months in high risk patients (HR 2.91, p = 0.02). The developed risk score was capable of distinguishing the duration of remission in ovarian cancer patients. This score may help guide maintenance therapy and develop innovative treatments in patients at risk at high risk of recurrence.
Human language evolution: clustering of fifteen language comprehension abilities in 55558 individuals suggests three-step-wise language comprehension acquisition
Authors: Vyshedskiy Andrey , Venkatesh Rohan , Khokhlovich Edward
Published: July 2023

There is an opposition between saltationist and gradualist hypotheses of human language comprehension evolution. The saltationist hypothesis argues for an abrupt step-like transition from non-recursive to recursive language sometime around 100,000 years ago. The gradualist scenario conjectures a much slower acquisition of grammatical and syntactic abilities over several million years. The former hypothesis expects a uniquely-human neurological mechanism made possible by a single mutation that resulted in simultaneous acquisition of a whole range of uniquely-human linguistic abilities, while the latter believes that many different mutations enabled various uniquely human neurological mechanisms that underlie human linguistic abilities. Studying co-acquisition of various linguistic abilities in modern humans can help resolve the two competing scenarios. The saltationist single-neurological-mechanism hypothesis predicts a two-cluster solution (one cluster of individuals who acquired that mechanism and another cluster of individuals who did not), while the gradualist scenario predicts the solution with many smaller clusters. Accordingly, we investigated co-acquisition of fifteen language comprehension abilities in 55,558 individuals using data-driven clustering analysis. Multiple clustering methods resulted in a robust three-cluster solution suggesting a three-step-wise language comprehension acquisition.
Sustainable Seismic Design of Structures
Authors: Targhi Marzie Ansari , Grigorian Mark , Targhi Razie Ansari
Published: July 2023

The main purpose of Sustainable seismic design (SSD) is to ensure the functionality of structural systems after severe earthquakes. SSD compares and analyses current and projected states of response for changing natural conditions. It has been devised to control seismic behavior, repairs and replacement of existing parts, optimization of shapes, sizes and energy dissipation as planned. If nature were to design an earthquake resistant structure (ERS) it would probably resort to SSD and Performance Control (PC) rather than conventional methods of approach. Unlike conventional methodologies, SSD also addresses the possibilities of post-earthquake realignment and repairs (PERR) of purpose specific ERSs. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that resilient ERSs can be materialized, through emulation of SSD without resorting to untenable costs and technologies. In the interim a number of relatively new ideas including Structures of Uniform construction, Multifunction detailing, and the Fail-safe (FS) concept have also been introduced.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Hand Hygiene among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in referral hospitals: A case study from Southern Iran
Authors: Esfandiari Atefeh , Mahmoodi Marzieh , Seddigh Asma , Salari Hedayat
Published: July 2023

Background: Hand hygiene compliance is the simplest, the most important, and the most cost-effective way to prevent and reduce healthcare-associated infections. Its implementation requires adequate knowledge and awareness. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of hand hygiene among healthcare workers in referral hospitals of Bushehr province, southern Iran, in 2021.
Method: This is a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical survey of 205 medical staff. A stratified sampling technique was used to select the respondents. They completed the questionnaire, which included demographic information (age, gender, education, etc.) and questions in three sections to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical staff.
Results: The results showed that the mean age of the population studied was 34.18 ± 7.15 years. Of these, 63.9% were female, most of the participants (80.0%) were married, nurses (66.8%), had a bachelor's degree (70.2%), and worked in the COVID-19 wards (51.7%). The mean scores for staff knowledge, attitude, and practice of hand hygiene among the staff were 7.7 ± 2.4 (from 0-12), 69.7 ± 7.1 (from 19-95) and 56.8 ± 9.1 (from 14-70), respectively, indicating relatively adequate knowledge among medical staff. In the non-COVID-19 wards, staff compliance with hand hygiene was higher than in the COVID-19 wards (P<0.001).
There was a direct relationship between hand hygiene knowledge, attitude, and practice scores and education, gender, occupation, and type of employment (P value <0.05).
Conclusion: Due to staff shortages in hospitals and overcrowding in emergency departments and wards such as COVID-19, hand hygiene is usually not practiced because staff believe that their duties of caring for patients are more important than cleaning their hands, or that wearing gloves instead of washing their hands is sufficient. Ongoing infection control education programs for healthcare workers, especially medical staff, are essential.
Gait characteristics during dual task walking in elderly subjects of different age
Authors: Nedovic Nenad , Eminović Fadilj , Marković Vladana , Stanković Iva , Radovanovic Sasa
Published: July 2023

Purpose: In older age walking ability gradually decreases due to factors including impaired balance, reduced muscle strength, and impaired vision and proprioception. Further, cognitive functions play a great role during walking and with age cognitive functions gradually decline. There is a greater variability when the demands during walking increase, in dual and multiple task situations.
The aim was to analyze gait parameters while performing demanding cognitive and motor dual task in the different age-related healthy elderly subjects.
Method: Total of 132 healthy individuals (54 males, 78 females) were divided in three groups –55 to 65 years, 66 and 75 and 76 to 85 years. Subjects performed a basic walking task, a dual-motor task, a dual-mental task, and a combined motor and mental task while walking. Gait parameters as cycle time, stride length, swing time and double support time were noted, as well as variability of those parameters.
Results: Cycle time was was increased and stride length was shorter in the group >76 years in comparison to the group 51-65 years in all test conditions. A comparison of all three groups did not show significant difference in swing time, while double support time was increased in the same group.
Conclusions: Changes are observed when gait is performed simultaneously with additional motor or cognitive task. Early detection of gait disorders can help identify elderly people at increased risk of falls. Employing dual task paradigm during gait assessment in healthy elderly may help identify cognitive impairment early in the disturbances course.
Histone demethylase KDM4B epigenetically controls NLRP3 expression
to enhance inflammatory responses
Authors: Zhao Wei , Tong Li , Song Hui , Qin Danhui , Li Qi , Fu Yue , Zhao Chunyuan , Gao Chengjiang , Qin Ying
Published: July 2023

NLRP3 inflammasome, as the archetypical molecular driver of inflammatory response, plays crucial roles in host defense and the maintenance of cell homeostasis. The demethylation of trimethylation of lysine 9 at histone 3 (H3K9me3, the repressive mark for euchromatic genes) is a prerequisite for the transcription of most genes. However, whether H3K9 demethylation is required for the induction of proinflammatory cytokines remains unknown. Here, we show that histone demethylase lysine-specific demethylase 4B (KDM4B) mediates demethylation of H3K9me3 at the Nlrp3 promoter to induce NLRP3 expression. It therefore selectively enhances NLRP3 inflammasome activation without affecting NF-κB activation. Concordantly, Kdm4b deficiency and the selective KDM4 inhibitor ML324 both inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation and ameliorate NLRP3-dependent inflammatory diseases in vivo. Moreover, high glucose upregulates KDM4B to promote NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-1β secretion, and therefore aggravates viral infection-induced aberrant inflammation. Therefore, we determine the role of H3K9me3 demethylation in initiating inflammation, identify KDM4B as an epigenetic enhancer of NLRP3, and suggest modulating H3K9me3 might be an anti-inflammatory strategy with better selectivity.
Corticobasal syndrome presenting Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome with suggested 4-repeat tauopathy by tau PET
Authors: Nakamura Kosei , Kuroha Yasuko , Hatakeyama Masahiro , Kimura Atsushi Michael , Nakamura Yukimi , Murakami Yoshihiro , Watanabe Masaki , Igarashi Hironaka , Takahashi Tetsuya , Shimada Hitoshi
Published: July 2023

Background: Corticobasal syndrome (CBS) is a neurodegenerative disease diagnosed based on clinical manifestations such as asymmetrical parkinsonism, limb apraxia, and speech and language impairment. Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome (FCMS) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by bilateral impairment of voluntary movement in the facial, pharyngeal, lingual, and masticatory muscles, leading to apraxia of speech. FCMS is commonly attributable to stroke. Transactive response DNA binding protein of 43 kD (TDP-43) proteinopathy is also known as the pathological background of FCMS, while the pathological background of the majority of CBS cases are diverse tauopathies instead of TDP-43 proteinopathy. In this report, we describe a case of FCMS that finally received a diagnosis of CBS with suggested 4-repeat tauopathy.Case presentation: A 68-year-old female started experiencing difficulty speaking followed by difficulty writing, especially texting difficulty, several years before her visit. Her impairment had been gradually worsening, and she came to our hospital. On neurological examination, she demonstrated the facial apraxia, frontal lobe dysfunction, and upper motor neuron signs. Based on her clinical features, she was diagnosed with FCMS. Her symptoms exhibited rapid progression and myoclonus, parkinsonism, and left-side dominant cortical sensory deficit occurred, resulting in the fulfillment of diagnostic criteria for CBS after 9 months. Tau PET imaging displayed notable ligand uptake in the brainstem, subthalamic nuclei, basal ganglia, and bilateral subcortical frontal lobe, suggesting her pathological background was 4-repeat tauopathy. As a result of the progressive dysphagia, she became unable to eat and passed away at 12 months.Conclusion: We hereby present an atypical case of CBS presenting with rapidly progressive FCMS. TDP-43 proteinopathy was suspected based on the clinical symptoms in the early stages of the disease; however, tau PET suggested that her pathological background was 4-repeat tauopathy.
Current Spectral Norm and Phase Variation Based Fault Region Identification for Active Distribution Network
Authors: Chen Jie , Li Yong , Zeng Rong , Wang Caiqiang , Liang Caiyuan , Hou Liang , Zhao Long , Shahidehpour Mohammad
Published: July 2023

The paper presents a fault region identification method for the active distribution network (ADN) with limited PMU. First, PMU configuration and region partition are developed based on the network topology. Next, the difference in three-phase current variations between the normal and fault areas of the ADN is analyzed. A multi-dimensional state monitoring matrix is built using the measured current data. The spectral norm ratio coefficient is constructed based on the 2-norm to lower the complexity of the multi-dimensional state monitoring matrix and quantify the difference in state changes before and after the fault occurs in each region. Then, the fault region is identified by combining each region’s spectral norm ratio coefficient and the change of the current phase. Finally, an IEEE 33-node simulation model is created to simulate faults under different working conditions. According to the simulation results, the suggested approach is less impacted by fault type, neutral point grounding mode, and transition resistance. Furthermore, even if the communication does not match the rigorous synchronization requirements, the suggested technique can still complete the fault identification of the distribution network correctly and has high robustness.
From Platform to Knowledge Graph: Distributed Self-Driving Laboratories
Authors: Kraft Markus , Bai Jiaru , Mosbach Sebastian , Taylor Connor , Karan Dogancan , Lee Kok Foong , Rihm Simon , Akroyd Jethro , Lapkin Alexei
Published: July 2023

The ability to integrate resources and share knowledge across organisations empowers scientists to expedite the scientific discovery process. This is especially crucial in addressing emerging global challenges that require global solutions. In this work, we develop an architecture to enable distributed self-driving laboratories as part of The World Avatar project, which seeks to demonstrate how to create an all-encompassing digital twin based on a dynamic knowledge graph. Our approach utilises ontologies to capture the data and material flows involved in design-make-test-analyse cycles, and employs autonomous agents as executable knowledge components to carry out the experimentation workflow. All data provenance is recorded following the FAIR principles, ensuring its accessibility and interoperability. We demonstrate the practical application of our framework by linking two robots in Cambridge and Singapore to achieve a collaborative closed-loop optimisation for a pharmaceutically-relevant aldol condensation reaction in real time. The knowledge graph evolves autonomously while progressing towards the research goals set by the scientist. The two robots effectively produced a Pareto front for the cost-yield optimisation problem over the course of three days of operation.
Low profile posterior lumbar-sacral interbody fusion for lumbosacral degenerative diseases: A technical note
Authors: Cheng Fengqi , Ding Zihao , Pan Aixing , Liu Yuzeng , Hai Yong
Published: July 2023

Background: The purpose of this study was to report our surgical experience in patients with lumbosacral degenerative diseases who underwent low-profile posterior lumbosacral interbody fusion (LP-PLSIF) and analyze surgery-related indicators and postoperative outcomes.
Methods: This study included nine patients with lumbosacral degenerative diseases who underwent LP-PLSIF between March 2021 and March 2022. Perioperative clinical presentations, operative variables, and perioperative complications were recorded.
Results: Complete and authentic clinical data, including satisfactory surgical efficacy, short hospitalization time, and low estimated blood loss were obtained. The condition and muscle strength along with preoperative neurological deficits improved in all the patients, and no postoperative neurological complications occurred. The mean operation time was 156 min (range, 120–220 min), and the average wound length was 5.9 cm (range, 5–9 cm). There were no postoperative complications, such as nerve root compression, dural tears, or wound infection. All patients showed an improvement of approximately four points on the visual analog scale after surgery. The mean Oswestry Disability Index after 6-month follow-up (19.7%) was significantly lower than that at the preoperative follow-up (62.8%). In addition, the mean Japanese Orthopedic Association score was 12.4 before surgery and improved to 22.7 after surgery.
Conclusions: LP-PLSIF may be effective in protecting the soft tissue, paravertebral muscle, and superior facet joint along with maintaining stress balance in the lumbosacral region. In conclusion, LP-PLSIF was efficient in enhancing the fusion rates and eventually provided a minimally invasive, effective, and safe spinal fusion surgery for patients with osteoporosis.
Single-cell transcriptome and TCR profiling revealed the immunosuppression caused by Macrophages and T cells in the chemoresistant oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Song Dandan , Sun Yang , Wu Xingwen , Zhou Qianrong , Bi Wei , Sun Jian , Yang Fei , Yu Youcheng
Published: July 2023

Background
After surgical treatment, chemotherapy is one of the most common strategies for advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The majority of patients, especially those with advanced OSCC of the tongue, are refractory to chemotherapy or have acquired resistance, and the underlying mechanism remains unknown.
Methods
The transcriptomes of 62,375 single cells from 15 samples (14 primary OTSCC (PT, n = 13), recurrent OTSCC (RT, n = 1), and normal tongue tissue (NT, n = 1) were analyzed. The recurrent OTSCC tissue was obtained from the patient who has received a combination of chemotherapeutic drugs for the past four years since the initial surgery in 2018. Additionally, TCR sequencing was undertaken on three samples (RT, PT, and NT; n = 1 each). The composition, purpose, and lineage relationship of macrophage and T lymphocytes within three different groups were then determined using an integrative analysis.
Results
We observed a greater infiltration of immune cells in recurrent OTSCC than in primary OTSCC, as indicated by the accumulation of dysfunctional cytotoxic CD8 + T cells and macrophages. As indicated by the distinct distribution and functions of C1Qs + and SPP1 + tumor-associated macrophages, respectively, macrophages in PT exhibited pro-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects, whereas macrophages in RT showed greater non-polarization. In addition, we identified a substantial population of CD8 + T cells in RT patients that exhibited a continuous transition from regulatory to cytotoxic T cells. In addition, we identified two clusters of substantially increased cytotoxic CD8 + T cells and regulatory CD4 + T cells in RT patients. The interaction between macrophages and T cells was evaluated lastly. We found that SPP1 and MIF may be responsible for immunosuppression in the microenvironment of OTSCC tumors following long-term chemotherapy.
Conclusion
Long-term chemotherapy induced distinct OTSCC tumor microenvironment transcriptomes, particularly immunosuppression in recurrent tumors, which may correlate with tumor chemoresistance.
Rapid detection of Human T-cell leukemia virus-1 in blood donors by a real time loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay
Authors: wang ziqiang , Lin Huiyan , Pu Fei , Wu Yonglun , Li Qiao , Ge Feng , Ou Hengyi , Liao Tingyan , Peng Rui , Cai Zhicheng
Published: July 2023

It is essential to detect Human T-cell Leukemia Virus-1 (HTLV-1) accurately and quickly in order to develop prevention strategies to reduce its transmission rates. However, the development of HTLV-1 testing in blood centers (stations) laboratories faces two challenges, including expensive reagents and labor-intensive processes .Thus, for the first time, a rapid real time loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) was operated to detect HTLV-1 in blood donors. Methods: As a first step, we combined the hybridization of fluorescent dye with the powerful amplification of LAMP to detect the presence of HTLV-1 plasmids containing PX gene. After that, we validated the method by performing gene test verification on blood samples and attempted to achieve one-step DNA extraction. The method was finally applied to the testing of blood donors for the presence of the HTLV-1 virus. Results: It was successful to construct an RT-LAMP to detect HTLV-1, and the level of sensitivity was as low as 34 copies of the DNA from an HTLV-1-infected blood sample, which is sufficient for a primary blood screening. It was possible to achieve high specificity in detecting HTLV-1 virus in blood donor. With simply processed blood samples, it has shown good performance in helping establish negative donor pools in areas with high rates of HTLV-1. Conclusion: With the above method, crudely treated blood samples can be detected in one step, are fluorescent, specific and sensitive, showing great potential for use in hematology and POCT.
The relationship between vitamin D nutritional status and ultrasound classifications of thyroid nodules in young and middle-aged euthyroid male petroleum workers
Authors: Wang Deping , Luo Dongdong , Leng Song , Gao Bingrui , Hu Jialin , Zhang Chenxi , Chen Zhaoying , Li Bojuan , Shan Zhongyan , Teng Weiping , Li Jing
Published: July 2023

Background
Previous studies on the relationship between Thyroid Nodules(TNs) and Vitamin D (VD) have produced conflicting results. These discrepancies may be attributed to variations in the study populations, different methods of VD measurement, unclear thyroid function status, and the potential confounding effects of VD2 and VD3. This study was aimed to analyze the relationship between VD2 and VD3 nutritional status and the occurrence risk of TNs in young and middle-aged euthyroid male (YMAEM) petroleum workers without thyroid autoimmunity (TAI).
Methods
The health check-up database of 2037 YMAEM petroleum workers between the ages of 30 and 60 without TAI was retrospectively analyzed. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)VD], 25(OH)VD3 and 25(OH)VD2 levels were assayed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The participants were classified into different groups according to their ultrasound images of TNs based on Chinese-Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (C-TRIADS). C-TRIADS consist of 6 grades, and the upper three indicate TNs with potential malignancy.
Results
No C-TRIADS 5 or 6 nodules were found in these participants. The serum 25(OH)VD level in the C-TIRADS 4 TN group was significantly lower than that in the C-TIRADS 1, C-TIRADS 2, and C-TIRADS 3 groups. The overall prevalence of TNs was similar among the VD-deficient, insufficient, and sufficient groups. However, the prevalence of patients with C-TIRADS 4 TNs was markedly higher in the VD-deficient group (18.5%) than in the insufficient (5.5%, P.adj < .05) and sufficient groups (4.1%, P.adj < .05). Identical findings were observed among the groups with low, medium, and high serum 25(OH)VD3 levels, but not among those with different serum 25(OH)VD2 levels. A binary logistic regression analysis indicated that, compared to the VD-sufficiency group, the VD-deficiency group [OR = 5.02 (95% CI: 3.08–8.17; P < .001)] significantly increased the risk of developing C-TIRADS 4 TNs.
Conclusions
VD deficiency [25(OH)VD < 20.00 ng/mL] was an independent risk factor for the development of TNs with malignant ultrasound characteristics in YMAEM petroleum workers without TAI. Low levels of VD3, rather than VD2, may increase the prevalence of C-TIRADS 4 TNs in YMAEM petroleum workers.
Factors associated with high HIV infection among adolescents and young adults in Mozambique: Sub-Analysis of Immunization, Malaria and HIV/AIDS Indicators Survey in Mozambique-IMASIDA 2015
Authors: Chicanequisso Eduardo Mangue , Sabonete Acácio , Sacarlal Jahit , Rossetto Erika Valeska , Baltazar Cynthia Sema
Published: July 2023

Background
HIV infection is of concern, especially in Eastern and Southern Africa, which contains 54.5% of the total number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the world. In Southern Africa, Mozambique ranks second, with about 2.2 million PLHIV. Adolescents and youth not only have a high prevalence, but also represent priority groups due to their high vulnerability to HIV. We set out to assess factors associated with HIV infection among adolescents and young adults which are priority groups for HIV prevention, due to their increased vulnerability to infection.
Methods
The 2015 Immunization, Malaria and HIV/AIDS Indicators Survey in Mozambique was used to identify factors associated with HIV infection among 4,247 adolescents and young adult participants aged 15–24 years. In bivariate analyses, these variables were included in multiple logistic regression models that were run separately for men and women. Modeled adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported for variables independently associated with HIV infection.
Results
In 2015, 295/4,247 (6.9%) of adolescents and young adults were HIV-positive (females, 237/2,427 [9.8%]). Factors associated with HIV-infection in males was being a widower (AOR = 52.69, 95%CI: 2.07-1340.33, p = 0.02). To live in Niassa and Sofala is protective factor. In females were being aged 20–24 years (AOR = 2.06, 95%CI: 1.41-3.00, p < 0.001), being a widow (AOR = 15.59, 95%CI: 3.99–60.77, p < 0.001) or separated (OR = 2.11, 95%CI: 1.09–4.08, p = 0.03), age of first cohabitation below 18 years (AOR = 1.71, 95%1.14–2.59, p = 0.01), residing in Zambézia (AOR = 3.52, 95%CI:1.06–11.65, p = 0.04) and being richer (AOR = 2.20, 95%CI: 1.11–4.36, p = 0.02). Having studied at a higher school is a protective factor (AOR = 0.07, 95%CI:0.01–0.58, p = 0.02).
Conclusion and recommendations:
The factors associated with HIV in women are biological and sociocultural. Strategies tailored to girls and young women with the aim of reducing gender inequalities, combating harmful traditional practices and increasing educational opportunities are needed.
Full-Spectrum Neuronal Diversity and Stereotypy through Whole Brain Morphometry
Authors: Peng Hanchuan , Liu Yufeng , Jiang Shengdian , Li Yingxin , Zhao Sujun , Yun Zhixi , Zhao Zuo-Han , Zhang Lingli , Wang Gaoyu , Chen Xin , Manubens-Gil Linus , Hang Yuning , Garcia-forn Marta , Wang Wei , De Rubeis Silvia , Wu Zhuhao , Osten Pavel , Gong Hui , Hawrylycz Michael , Mitra Partha , Dong Hong-Wei , Luo Qingming , Ascoli Giorgio , Zeng Hongkui , Liu Lijuan
Published: July 2023

We conducted a large-scale study of whole-brain morphometry, analyzing 3.7 peta-voxels of mouse brain images at the single-cell resolution, producing one of the largest multi-morphometry databases of mammalian brains to date. We spatially registered 205 mouse brains and associated data from six Brain Initiative Cell Census Network (BICCN) data sources covering three major imaging modalities from five collaborative projects to the Allen Common Coordinate Framework (CCF) atlas, annotated 3D locations of cell bodies of 227,581 neurons, modeled 15,441 dendritic microenvironments, characterized the full morphology of 1,891 neurons along with their axonal motifs, and detected 2.58 million putative synaptic boutons. Our analysis covers six levels of information related to neuronal populations, dendritic microenvironments, single-cell full morphology, sub-neuronal dendritic and axonal arborization, axonal boutons, and structural motifs, along with a quantitative characterization of the diversity and stereotypy of patterns at each level. We identified 16 modules consisting of highly intercorrelated brain regions in 13 functional brain areas corresponding to 314 anatomical regions in CCF. Our analysis revealed the dendritic microenvironment as a powerful method for delineating brain regions of cell types and potential subtypes. We also found that full neuronal morphologies can be categorized into four distinct classes based on spatially tuned morphological features, with substantial cross-areal diversity in apical dendrites, basal dendrites, and axonal arbors, along with quantified stereotypy within cortical, thalamic and striatal regions. The lamination of somas was found to be more effective in differentiating neuron arbors within the cortex. Further analysis of diverging and converging projections of individual neurons in 25 regions throughout the brain reveals branching preferences in the brain-wide and local distributions of axonal boutons. Overall, our study provides a comprehensive description of key anatomical structures of neurons and their types, covering a wide range of scales and features, and contributes to our understanding of neuronal diversity and its function in the mammalian brain.