bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical management of large lower cranial nerves schwannomas: long term results of a less aggressive resection strategy
Authors: TROUDE Lucas , Ogando Yamaurys Esther , Balossier Anne , Baucher Guillaume , Régis Jean , Roche Pierre-Hugues
Published: January 2024

Background
In an effort to reduce the high morbidity and life-threatening complications after radical resection in large schwannoma surgery, alternative strategies of nontotal resections have emerged.
Objectives
To evaluate the long term clinical and oncological outcome after lower cranial nerves (LCN) schwannoma surgery operated on with a cranial nerve-sparing technique.
Methods
Single center retrospective cohort study of 8 consecutive patients harboring LCN schwannomas operated on between March 2005 and October 2021.
Results
The mean LCN schwannoma diameter was 33mm (range 26–51). Seven patients (87,5%) underwent a modified retrosigmoid approach. Three patients underwent gross total resection (37,5%), 3 had received neartotal resection (mean tumor residue 0,25cc) and subtotal resection in 2 patients who presented with an extracranial extension of the tumor (mean tumor residue 2,44cc). Both patients had received upfront additional GKRS. The three patients who presented with preoperative CN IX & X injuries recovered within 6 months after surgery. All of the five patients freed from any preoperative CNs IX & X symptoms experienced transient (80%) or definitive (one patient) disturbances after surgery. They all improved within 6 months but one who required long term gastrostomy feeding tube. This patient harbored a schwannoma originating from the glossopharyngeal nerve, which could not be anatomically preserved during surgery. Tumor control was achieved in 100% of cases with a mean follow-up of 91 months.
Conclusion
LCN schwannomas could be surgically removed through a less aggressive non-radical resection strategy with acceptable functional results and excellent tumor control.
Performance Evaluation of Modified Rapid Gravity Filter by Using Sand and Crushed Overburnt Brick Separated by Geotextile
Authors: Acharya Yubaraj , Parajuli Arun Prasad
Published: January 2024

The effectiveness of slow sand filters in accomplishing future water demand is becoming less, along with that, improvement in filtration efficiency of rapid gravity filter is under research. This study aimed to access the effectiveness of using novel filter media composed of crushed overburnt brick and sand separated by geotextile in rapid gravity filtration. The experiment was conducted with four rapid gravity filters by maintaining the constant influent and effluent discharge of 2.5 m3/m2/h. The experiment was repeated seven times with varied influent turbidites by resuming the filtration process after backwashing with the backwash velocity of 21 m3/m2/h, when terminal head loss exhausted 155 cm. Turbidity removal efficiency of RGF with novel media was observed to be improved by 2.07% as compared to conventional sand filter. Further, improvement in UFRV was by 49.89%, backwash water consumption was by 58.32%, backwash time was by 3.68%. The filter run length was reached up to about 1.5 times more than that of conventional sand filter. This study suggests that, substituting sand media with innovative media, which has a filter media thickness of 75% compared to sand media, can perform effectively. Additionally, it was observed that novel media with a filter media thickness of 50% as compared to sand media can efficiently operate when influent turbidity is below 100 NTU.
Seismic response analysis of jointed rock slope under pulse-like ground motions
Authors: Jia Xijun , Zhang Yu , Zhang Ziyi
Published: January 2024

Because of the directional effect, energy concentration and hanging wall effect of pulse-like ground motions, it is easy to cause rock fall, collapse, and landslide of jointed rock slope. To reveal the deformation law and failure model of jointed rock slope under pulse-like ground motions, a discrete element numerical model of jointed rock slope in the northern Yunnan province was established to study the acceleration, dynamic displacement, and slope failure modes of jointed rock slope under bi-directional pulse-like ground motions. The results show that the period of the pulse signal extracted from the RSN147 seismic wave is 2.03s, and the energy ratio is 70.3%. Under the action of RSN147, the time of peak acceleration and peak displacement of the slope are consistent with the peak pulse velocity, and the predominant frequency is also the same. The low-frequency component of ground motion causes the global displacement of the slope. The peak dynamic displacement of the slope is about 5~6cm, but the maximum residual displacement is only 11.3% of the peak dynamic displacement, so the slope is stable. The strength reduction method was used to analyze the overall stability of the slope. The slope displacement first appears at the slope toe. With the continuous development of deformation, the slope is in a critical state, and the strong weathering rock mass slides along the fractures. The research results can provide support for the construction of jointed rock slopes in strong weathered areas.
An Online Training and Feedback Module Enhances the Musculoskeletal Examination Performance of Medical Interns
Authors: Arteaga Matías , Vidal Catalina , Ruz Cristián , Zilleruelo Raúl , Pino Ernesto , Dauvergne Javier , Besa Pablo , Irarrázaval Sebastián
Published: January 2024

Background
Pathologies of the locomotor system are frequent and can cause disability and impact the quality of life of the people affected. In recent years, online training and feedback have emerged as learning tools in many fields of medicine.
Objective
This study aims to evaluate medical interns’ musculoskeletal examination performance after completing an online training and feedback module.
Methods
This study employed a quasi-experimental design. Medical interns were invited to complete a 4-week musculoskeletal physical examination training and feedback module via an e-learning platform. Before and after completing the module, their ability to perform the physical examination was evaluated using an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) with simulated patients. A control group of experts was assessed using the OSCE, and their performance was compared to that of the interns before and after the training. At the end of the module, a satisfaction survey was administered.
Results
A total of 35 subjects were assessed using the OSCE, including 29 interns and 6 experts. At the beginning of the training module, the group of interns obtained an average score of 50.6 ± 15.1. At the end of the module, 18 interns retook the OSCE, and their performance increased significantly to an average of 76.6 ± 12.8 (p < 0.001). Prior to the training, the experts performed significantly better than the interns (71.2 vs. 50.6; p = 0.006). After the interns received the training and feedback, there were no significant differences between the two groups (71.2 vs. 76.6; p = 0.43). The satisfaction survey showed that 100% of the study participants would recommend the training module to a colleague or peer.
Conclusion
The online training and feedback module enhances the musculoskeletal examination performance of medical interns.
Recurrent Cutaneous Manifestation in Multiple Myeloma: A Case Report and Management Approach
Authors: Naviwala Mohammad Saad Salim , Hina Mariam , Moosajee Munira , Ali Nasir
Published: January 2024

Background
Cutaneous involvement in multiple myeloma (MM) is an uncommonly encountered manifestation, more commonly observed in patients with aggressive subtypes, and often resistant to conventional therapies. Owing to its infrequency, reported clinical characteristics have been diverse and relatively nonspecific. Particularly uncommon is lower extremity involvement, where cutaneous MM is found.
Case presentation
In this report, we present a unique case of a middle age lady with refractory IgG lambda MM, who subsequently developed recurrent cutaneous plasmacytoma in the lower leg, while being on systemic therapy. Initially, the lesion resembled squamous cell carcinoma, posing a diagnostic challenge. Through meticulous histopathological and immunohistochemical studies, cutaneous involvement by multiple myeloma was conclusively confirmed.
Conclusion
This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high clinical suspicion for cutaneous MM in patients with MM who present with new skin lesions, as early diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management.
Phages modulate bacterial communities in the human gut following fecal microbiota transplantation
Authors: Zuppi Michele , Vatanen Tommi , Wilson Brooke C. , Golovina Evgeniia , Cutfield Wayne S. , Vickers Mark H. , O’Sullivan Justin M.
Published: January 2024

Background: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a therapeutic intervention used to treat diseases associated with the gut microbiome. In the human gut microbiome, phages have been implicated in influencing human health, with successful engraftment of donor phages correlated with FMT treatment efficacy. The impact that gastrointestinal phages exert on human health has primarily been connected to their ability to modulate the bacterial communities in the gut. Nonetheless, how FMT affects recipients’ phage populations, and in turn, how this influences the gut environment, is not yet fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of FMT on the phageome composition of participants within the Gut Bugs Trial (GBT), a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial that investigated the efficacy of FMT in treating obesity and comorbidities in adolescents. Stool samples collected from donors at the time of treatment and recipients at four time points (i.e., baseline and 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 26 weeks post intervention), underwent shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Phage sequences were identified and characterized in silico to examine evidence of phage engraftment and to assess the extent of FMT-induced alterations in the recipients’ phageome composition.
Results: Donor phages engrafted stably in recipients following FMT, composing a significant proportion of their phageome for the entire course of the study (33.8 ± 1.2% in females and 33.9 ± 3.7% in males). Phage engraftment varied between donors and donor engraftment efficacy was positively correlated with their phageome alpha diversity. FMT caused a shift in recipients’ phageome toward the donors’ composition and increased phageome alpha diversity and variability over time.
Conclusions: FMT significantly altered recipients' phage and, overall, microbial populations. The increase in microbial diversity and variability is consistent with a shift in microbial population dynamics. This proposes that phages play a critical role in modulating the gut environment and suggests novel approaches to understand the efficacy of FMT in altering the recipient's microbiome.
Trial registration: The Gut Bugs Trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTR N12615001351505).
Trial protocol: The trial protocol is available at https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/9/4/e026174.
Machine Learning-Based Prediction Model for Patients with Recurrent Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia
Authors: Li Yuan , Song Shuang , Zhu Liying , Zhang Xiaorun , Mou Yijiao , Lei Maoxing , WANG Wenjing , Tao Zhen
Published: January 2024

Objectives Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) remains a significant contributor to both community-acquired and healthcare-associated bloodstream infections. SAB exhibits a high recurrence rate and mortality rate, leading to numerous clinical treatment challenges. Particularly, since the outbreak of COVID-19, there has been a gradual increase in SAB patients, with a growing proportion of (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)MRSA infections. Therefore, we have constructed and validated a pediction model for recurrent Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia using machine learning. This model aids physicians in promptly assessing the condition and intervening proactively.Methods The patients data is sourced from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database version 2.2. The patients were divided into training and testing datasets using a 7:3 random sampling ratio. The process of feature selection employed two methods: Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO). Prediction models were built using Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost),Random Forest (RF),Logistic Regression (LR),Support Vector Machine (SVM),and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). Model validation encompassed Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis and Decision Curve Analysis (DCA). We utilized SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) values to demonstrate the significance of each feature.Results After screening, MRSA, PTT, RBC, RDW, Neutrophils_abs, Sodium, Calcium, Vancomycin concentration, MCHC, MCV, and Prognostic Nutritional Index(PNI) were selected as features for constructing the model. Through combined evaluation using ROC and DCA analyses, XGBoost demonstrated the best predictive performance, achieving an AUC value of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.66–0.85). Building a website based on the Xgboost model.The SHAP plot depicted the importance of each feature within the model.Conclusions The adoption of XGBoost for model development holds widespread acceptance in the medical domain. The prediction model for recurrent Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia readmission, developed by our team, aids physicians in timely diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Robust Multi-Party Computation in Critical Infrastructure Protection using Hybrid RSA-AES Algorithm for Enhanced Security
Authors: Iqbal kashif , jatoi Muhammad Uzair , Sulaman Muhammad , Abid Muhammad Shoaib
Published: January 2024

Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) systems, which are reliant on the energy, transportation, and communication sectors, are similarly vulnerable to cyberattacks. In order to increase the security of CIP systems, secure multi-party computing (SMPC) enables many parties to jointly calculate results without disclosing their private data. The requirement for strong encryption techniques makes it difficult to achieve efficient and safe SMPC in CIP systems. For secure SMPC in CIP systems, we provide a hybrid RSA-AES technique in this study. The algorithm strikes a balance between security and efficiency by combining the advantages of RSA and AES encryption techniques. While AES is used for effective data encryption and decryption throughout the calculation process, RSA is used for secure key exchange and authentication. We give a thorough explanation of the proposed algorithm, outlining the procedures involved in key creation, encryption, decryption, and calculation. We also examine the algorithm's resistance to typical assaults and show that it offers SMPC in CIP systems with a high level of security. The effectiveness of the suggested algorithm is also evaluated in terms of calculation time and communication overhead, and it is compared to alternative encryption techniques. Our findings demonstrate that the hybrid RSA-AES algorithm successfully strikes a balance between security and efficiency, making it appropriate for safe SMPC in CIP systems. This algorithm can improve the security of CIP systems and help protect critical infrastructure from online dangers. The algorithm can be improved, and its viability in actual CIP systems can be investigated through additional study and development.
Assessment of wind-energy potential along the Egyptian Mediterranean Coast
Authors: Tonbol Kareem M. , Elbessa Mohamed , Ibrahim Omneya , El-Geziry Tarek M.
Published: January 2024

There is now no wind park operating along the Egyptian Mediterranean Coast, hence the goal of this study is to find some ideal circumstances for such projects. In order to fulfill this aim, wind data from five coastal meteorological stations were used for the evaluation. These are, respectively from west to east, Mersa Matruh (MM), Ras El-Tin (RE), Abu Qir (AQ), Port Said (PS) and Arish (Ar). The wind regime data (speed and direction) at 10-m height extended over 16 years from January 2007 to December 2022, with 0% missing record. The Weibull distribution function with its different parameters was used to characterise the wind energy along the Egyptian Mediterranean coast. Results revealed that the dominant wind direction along the Egyptian Mediterranean coast is the NNW to N wind, except at PS where the dominant wind is S. The wind seeped range 4–6 m/s dominated the entire coast except at Ar, where it is reduced to 2–4 m/s range. The analysis of wind power density revealed significant insights into the potential for wind energy generation in the region. The overall analysis showed that MM, AQ and PS are potentially the most suitable locations for wind energy projects. However, the high variability at AQ site requires robust system designs to manage the fluctuating wind conditions. MM and PS might be more suitable for projects prioritizing stability and consistency over maximum energy output. Arish, having the lowest wind power density might be less suitable for large-scale wind energy projects but could still be considered for smaller installations or in combination with other renewable energy sources.
Robust Watermarking with PSO and DnCNN
Authors: Amiri Ali , Kimiaghalam Bahram
Published: January 2024

The NC value obtained for our scheme is very good against jpeg attacks and the results are much better than the compared articles. Also, the NC value obtained for the salt and pepper attack is better than the compared articles. In this paper, an algorithm for multiple watermarking in gray scale images based on contourlet and SVD transforms is presented. Placing a watermark on the S component of the SVD transform of host image is associated with a false positive problem. Different solutions have been proposed, but these solutions themselves face problems such as determining the amount of scaling factor for different images, the undesirable values ​​obtained for robustness to attacks, and most importantly, the low quality of the watermarked image. In the proposed scheme, to solve these problems in the embedding stage, we multiply the Δ value by the host image and multiply the component S obtained from the SVD transform and the SVD is taken from it again using the analysis of the host image by the contourlet and taking the SVD transform from it, and with the help of the PSO transform to find the scaling factor. In the extraction section, contourlet transform is taken from both the host and watermark images and the results are expressed with and without DnCNN. Attack robustness has also been compared with other articles using different images and applying different attacks. The values ​​obtained for false positive in the results section show that this scheme does not have such a problem and is also robust to various attacks.
Quantitative and qualitative analysis of medical students’ symptoms and feelings during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Felix Soraia Nogueira , Costa Anna Paula Lima , Andrade Juliana Matsumoto , Ballester Denise , Tempski Patrícia Zen , Kobayasi Renata , Garcia Maria Lúcia Bueno , Costa Fernanda Magalhães Arantes , Freitas Lucas Rodrigues Silva , Correia Aristides Tadeu , Tibério Iolanda de Fátima Lopes Calvo , Romanholo Beatriz Mangueira Saraiva , Martins Milton de Arruda
Published: January 2024

Background
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional face-to-face teaching was disrupted, leading to a transition to online activities. Social restrictions and isolation during this period may have contributed to various physical and emotional disorders, such as anxiety, depression, reduced perception of happiness, and a decline in overall quality of life. The objective of our study was to assess the perceptions of medical students regarding their emotions, anxiety and depression symptoms, and daily experiences during the pandemic.
Methods
We conducted a prospective study with both quantitative and qualitative components involving students in their 1st to 4th year of medicine at a private university in São Paulo, Brazil in 2020 and 2021. Participants completed online questionnaires, including the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ), and Medical Student Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (VERAS-Q). Additionally, they engaged in online focus group discussions.
Results
A total of 313 students completed the questionnaires, and 200 participated in the focus group. Women exhibited higher scores for anxiety (p = 0.002) and depression (p = 0.007), while men demonstrated better quality of life (p = 0.042). The students aged 18 to 24 years (p = 0.048) presented better quality of life and lower trait anxiety (p = 0.001). Both trait and state anxiety were strongly associated with depression (p < 0.01) and inversely related to quality of life, showing a moderate association with happiness (p < 0.01). Depression was strongly linked to both trait and state anxiety (p < 0.01) and moderately negatively correlated with happiness and quality of life (p < 0.01). The focus groups revealed recurring negative feelings among students, such as anxiety, depression, tiredness, discouragement, loneliness, difficulty managing time, poor sleep quality, exacerbation of harmful habits, and challenges in relationships, resulting in reduced mental and physical health during the pandemic. Coping strategies were discussed, including the adoption of new healthy habits, religious practices, and reconnection with family.
Conclusion
Depression and anxiety symptoms were more prevalent among females, while quality of life improved for younger and male students. The qualitative analysis enhanced our understanding of the determinants and consequences of students' recurring negative feelings, and also showed positive aspects like greater proximity to family and religiosity.
Daughters, Savings and Household Finances
Authors: Wen Xin , Cheng Zhiming , Tani Massimiliano
Published: January 2024

We explore the link between child gender and household financial decisions within a cultural environment that strongly favours having a son. Using data from the China Household Finance Survey (CHFS), we find that the presence of a daughter is associated with a lower saving rate. This is consistent with the hypothesis that such families, facing a less competitive marriage market thanks to the relative under-supply of unmarried women, have lower incentives to raise their female heirs’ marital prospects by accumulating bigger asset pools. The negative correlation becomes more pronounced as the firstborn child and daughter approach marriageable age. Additionally, home-buying intention and daily necessities consumption are the channels through which the daughters influence the saving rate of families with a child of marriageable age. This study expands existing research by examining the impact of child gender on financial decisions while controlling for unobserved time-invariant heterogeneity thanks to the panel nature of the CHFS.
JEL: D14, G11, G51, J12
Prevalence and associated factors of undernutrition among under five children in the conflict-affected Northwest Region of Cameroon: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Ndohtabi Jerry Eyong , Navti Lifoter Kenneth , Atanga Mary Bi Suh , Nji Kah Emmanuel , Meriki Henry Dilonga
Published: January 2024

Background
Undernutrition poses a significant public health threat, particularly in conflict-affected regions such as the Northwest Region of Cameroon. Recent data on this disease burden are sparse. Updated data are valuable for informing targeted interventions and improving child health outcomes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of undernutrition.
Methods
This community-based cross-sectional analysis included 1279 children (aged 6–59 months) from six health districts. Anthropometric measurements were carried out, and other data were collected through interviews. Z scores of anthropometric variables were calculated using WHO Anthro software, and the proportion of undernourished children was determined. Associations between variables were tested using the chi-square test and logistic regression at p < 0.05.
Results
The prevalence of undernutrition was 36.1% (95% CI: 33.5–38.8). These included stunting (31.2%), underweight (6.3%) and wasting (5.1%). Male children were nearly twice as likely as female children to be undernourished (OR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.47–2.52), and children aged 6–11 months had the highest risk (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.78–3.45) compared to their counterparts. The independent factors associated with an increased risk of undernutrition in children included higher birth order from third or later born (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.42–2.68), non-enrollment in school (OR: 2.62, 95% CI: 1.56–4.41), incomplete vaccination (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.17–2.50), history of worm infections (OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.65–3.18), recent antibiotic use (OR: 3.31, 95% CI: 1.90–5.76), recent diarrhea (OR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.20–5.18) and recent vomiting (OR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.20–5.18).
Conclusions
The prevalence of undernutrition was 36.1%. The risk factors identified were the sex of the child, age group, birth order, school enrollment, incomplete vaccination status, history of worm infections, antibiotic use, recent diarrhea and recent vomiting. This information can be used to develop context-specific strategies and interventions that are required to improve the nutritional status of children.
Digital Advance Care Planning with Severe Mental Illness: A retrospective observational cohort analysis of the use of an Electronic Palliative Care Coordination System
Authors: Gill Rea Kaur , Droney Joanne , Owen Gareth , Riley Julia , Stephenson Lucy
Published: January 2024

Background
People living with severe mental illness (SMI) face significant health inequalities, including in palliative care. Advance Care Planning (ACP) is widely recommended by palliative care experts and could reduce inequalities. However, implementing ACP with this group is challenging. Electronic Palliative Care Coordination Systems such as Coordinate my Care (CMC) have been introduced to support documentation and sharing of ACP records with relevant healthcare providers. This study explores the use of CMC amongst those with SMI and aims to describe how those with a primary diagnosis of SMI who have used CMC for ACP, and makes recommendations for future research and policy.
Method
A retrospective observational cohort analysis was completed of CMC records created 01/01/2010 - 31/09/2021 where the service user had a primary diagnosis of SMI, with no exclusions based on comorbidities. Descriptive statistics were used to report on characteristics including: age, diagnosis, individual prognosis and resuscitation status. Thematic analysis was used to report on the content of patients’ statements of preference.
Results
1826 records were identified. Of this sample most (60.1%) had capacity to make treatment decisions, 47.8% were aged under 70, 86.7% were given a prognosis of ‘years’ and most (63.1%) remained for full cardio-pulmonary resuscitation in the event of cardio-pulmonary arrest.. Records with completed statements of preferences (20.3%) contained information about preferences for physical and mental health treatment care as well as information about patient presentation and capacity, although most were brief and lacked expression of patient voice.
Discussion
Compared to usual CMC users, the cohort of interest are relatively able, younger people using CMC to make long-term plans for active physical and mental health treatment. ADM is a service user-driven process, and so it was expected that authentic patient voice would be expressed within statements of preference, however this was mostly not achieved.
Conclusions
This digital tool is being used by people with SMI but to plan for more than palliative care. This cohort and supporting professionals have used CMC to plan for longer term physical and mental healthcare. Future research and policy should focus on development of tailored digital tools for people with SMI to plan for palliative, physical and mental healthcare and support expression of patient voice.
Bacteriorhodopsin Homolog Identified in Priestia Megaterium DSM319 Genome using Bioinformatics
Authors: Rafique Beenish , Sufian Muhammad , Munsif Kinza , Khalid Kayinaat
Published: January 2024

Background
Priestia genus is an industrially important bacteria used in a variety of procedures. With several patents and industrial applications, P. megaterium (or Bacillus megaterium) is a potent cell factory for biotechnology. P. megaterium strain DSM319 has a genome size of 5.1 Mb and 4,955 proteins in NCBI database.
Objectives
The current research was focused on finding an unknown homolog of beta-carotene 15, 15’-monoxygenase (BCMO), a light-driven proton pump (bacteriorhodopsin), within the genome of P. megaterium strain DSM319.
Methods
Bioinformatics based methods involved in the identification of hypothetical protein (HP) of BCMO on the basis of sequence similarity were performed followed by its gene mapping, finding residues and checking its similarity with other proteins, prediction of secondary structure, transmembrane helices, and subcellular localization.
Results
The HP (NCBI WP_013084145.1) was the homolog of BCMO (NCBI WP_251445845.1) of P. megaterium that shared percent identity of 98%. Gene mapping showed that both BCMO and HP align at nucleotide position of 3344166–3345227 with different similarity scores. Secondary structure prediction of BCMO and HP revealed sharing of majority of alpha-helices and beta-sheets. Transmembrane helices prediction showed that HP contains 7 TMHs. The HP protein was predicted to be localized in the cell membrane by CELLO and PSORTb.
Conclusion
The HP of P. megaterium DSM319 was predicted to be having the function of BCMO. BCMOs are involved in conversion of beta-carotene to retinal and further to retinoid. Retinoids are used as medications for treating skin infections and as cosmetic agents.
New chemically modified electrode obtained from the interaction of the biosurfactant saponin from Glycyrrhiza glabra with graphene oxide matrix
Authors: Jesus Rodrigo Sá , Oliveira Alan Santos , Santos Antônio Santana , Santos Natália Ferreira , Salay Luiz Carlos
Published: January 2024

This work aimed by employing cyclic voltammetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to study the interactions of the biosurfactant saponin glycyrrhizin (SAP) with graphene oxide (GO) to the development of hybrid nanomaterials. Chemically Modified Electrodes (CMEs) based on carbon paste were developed. First, the electrochemical behavior of GO on the surface of the carbon paste electrode (CPE) was studied, resulting in the CME called (CPE/GO), this system showed good electrochemical characteristics such as: formal potential (Eo) of 300 mV, separation peak (DE) of 170 mV vs Ag/AgCl operating in 0.5 mol/L KCl solution and applied potential sweep speed of 20 mV vs Ag/AgCl. The second CME called carbon paste electrode modified with saponin (CPE/SAP) presented a formal potential (Eo) of 250 mV, peak separation (DE) of 100 mV vs Ag/AgCl operating under the same conditions as above. Finally, the carbon-based CME containing SAP associated with graphene oxide was named (CPE/GO/SAP). This system presented excellent characteristics when operated under the same conditions, with a current gain of 1.74 and 2.16 times greater compared to CPE/GO and CPE/SAP respectively. High stability of SAP was also observed when associated with GO in the carbon paste matrix, maintaining a high response rate, with a drop of only 2% of current after 5 hours, evidencing a favorable interaction and resulting in a hybrid nanomatrix with improvements in the redox process. FTIR spectroscopy also showed that there is a positive interaction of SAP when associated with GO, promoted from functional groups present in both systems.
PROOF OF THE HOPF CONJECTURE
Authors: Niang Athoumane , Seck Thierno , Thiandoum Adama
Published: January 2024

The aim of this note is to show that a metric induced by $\mathbb{R}^{6+k}$ on the graph of k-smooth functions on $S2 × S2$ does not have a positive sectional curvature. According to the remark of O. Perdomo in [11], this result solves the Hopf Conjecture.
Mathematics Subject Classification 2010: 53A10, 53C42, 53C50.
Water availability and proximity to natural areas influence terrestrial plant and macroinvertebrate communities in urban stormwater infrastructures
Authors: Petit-Prost Matisse , Poulin Monique , Desrochers André , Lavoie Isabelle
Published: January 2024

Stormwater infrastructures are primarily used for managing water runoff, but these environments can also foster biodiversity. Despite extensive literature about certain taxa found in these human-made environments, the terrestrial plants and macroinvertebrates present there remain understudied. Here, we compared alpha and beta diversity of plant and macroinvertebrate communities and assessed the influence of landscape characteristics on their composition in different types of urban stormwater infrastructures. Plants and macroinvertebrates were identified at the bottom and on the banks of 54 infrastructures (dry basins, wet basins with and without a water channel and retention ponds) in Quebec City and Trois-Rivieres, in Eastern Canada. Results showed poor and homogenous plant and macroinvertebrate communities in dry basins. Wet basins had the highest plant diversity, with more facultative wetland species. Wet basins with and without water channel had similar plant and macroinvertebrate composition, with the most heterogeneous communities. Retention ponds (with permanent water) had distinct communities with fewer plant species than wet basins. Macroinvertebrate and plant diversity decreased when excluding data from the banks of retention ponds from the analyses. The presence of natural areas around the infrastructures significantly influenced communities within a 2000 m and 500 m radius for plant and macroinvertebrate communities, respectively. Wetland plant species were generally found in infrastructures close to natural areas, whereas generalist species were associated with disturbed environments. Our results suggest that enhancing diversity of the stormwater infrastructure types at the regional and local (microhabitat) scales will maximize diversity of plants and macroinvertebrates.
High-precision position tracking control for permanent magnet linear servo system
Authors: Jin Hongyan , Ran Teng , Zhao Ximei
Published: January 2024

Aiming at the uncertainties existing in the permanent magnet linear servo system, an intelligent second-order sliding mode control (ISOSMC) method is proposed to achieve high precision and strong robustness. First, the dynamic model of PMLSM with uncertainties is established. To conquer the uncertainties, a second-order sliding mode control (SOSMC) method based on the PID sliding surface is designed. Additionally, to further reduce chattering caused by sign function, a sinusoidal saturation function is applied in the control law of SOSMC. Due to the value of the uncertainties is difficult to obtain, a recurrent radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) uncertainty estimator is introduced to estimate the uncertainties and a robust compensator (RC) is developed to reduce the approximation error of recurrent RBFNN. To guarantee the performance of the ISOSMC system, Lyapunov function is employed to prove the stability. Experimental results demonstrate ISOSMC possesses favorable tracking performance and strong robustness against the parameter variations and load disturbances.
Mobile Based Indoor Hospital Navigation System for Tertiary Care Setup: A Scoping Review
Authors: Gupta Prakamya , Sharma Vishu , Gairolla Jitender , Thakur Uttam , Pandey Navin , Khurana Dheeraj , Ramavat Anurag Snehi
Published: January 2024

Background: Mobile navigation applications have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly for outdoor positioning and routing. Indoor positioning systems (IPS) have gained interest as they provide users with real-time location information inside buildings. This scoping review aims to explore the existing literature on mobile-based indoor hospital navigation systems for tertiary care setups. Specifically, the review aims to identify the effectiveness of such systems in improving indoor hospital navigation for patients and visitors and the factors that contribute to the successful implementation of these systems in tertiary care settings. The scoping review also seeks to identify any gaps in the current literature and suggest directions for future research in this area.
Methodology: A systematic literature was undertaken from the following electronic databases using the following keywords “indoor hospital navigation”, “mobile navigation”, “patient navigation” and “hospital wayfinding” from January 2010 till March 2023. Data charting was done using a structured format as per the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews.
Results and discussion: A total of 15 studies reported on developing and implementing indoor navigation apps for timely access to medical services. The studies were conducted in a range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics and long-term healthcare facilities. The studies reported improving patient navigation within the hospital premises and reducing wait times, especially during emergencies.
Conclusion: The indoor hospital navigation applications provide improved patient satisfaction and outcomes, increased efficiency of healthcare delivery, and enhanced safety for patients and healthcare providers.
RETRACTED: Quantum-Resistance Meets White-BoxCryptography: How to Implement Hash-BasedSignatures against White-Box Attackers?
Authors: Bicakci Kemal , Ulker Kemal , Uzunay Yusuf , Şahin Halis Taha , Gündoğan Muhammed Said
Published: January 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Effectiveness of conservative treatment for upper gastrointestinal perforation in older patients aged >70 years: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Sanmoto Yohei , Hasegawa Makoto , Kinuta Shunji
Published: January 2024

Background Upper gastrointestinal perforation, primarily caused by peptic ulcers, remains a life-threatening condition associated with a high mortality rate. While surgical intervention has been the traditional first line of treatment, the establishment of various guidelines has prompted a shift in treatment strategies, particularly in cases of patients with mild symptoms of peritonitis who are aged < 70 years. The effectiveness of conservative treatment for upper gastrointestinal perforation in older patients remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of conservative treatment by comparing it with that of surgical treatment in patients of the same age.Methods This retrospective study examined patients aged > 70 years with upper gastrointestinal perforation at Takeda General Hospital from April 2013 to March 2023. We focused on evaluating key factors such as duration of antibiotic use, blood transfusion requirements, fasting periods, length of hospital stay, discharge conditions, and mortality rates at 30- and 90-days post-treatment.Results The study included 31 patients (11 underwent conservative treatment and 20 underwent surgery). More patients had generalized peritonitis in the surgical group than in the conservative treatment group (p = 0.023). Regarding the course after intervention, the fasting period was slightly longer in the conservative treatment group than in the surgical group (p = 0.0064); however, no 30-day deaths were noted overall, with no significant difference in 90-day mortality between the two groups.Conclusions Conservative treatment for upper gastrointestinal perforation in older patients aged > 70 years, when appropriately selected, demonstrated outcomes equivalent to those of surgical intervention. Conservative treatment appears to be effective in cases of localized peritonitis, potentially avoiding unnecessary surgery. Further accumulation of case studies is desirable for establishment of clear criteria for conservative treatment indications in the older patients.
On directionally nonexpansive mappings
Authors: Llorens-Fuster Enrique
Published: January 2024

In 2000, W.A. Kirk introduced the concept of directionally nonexpansive mapping. Here, we present a more comprehensive study of this class of mappings, including a fixed-point result for them. We further present a class of mappings, properly containing the directionally nonexpansive ones, for which Kirk's theorem still holds.
Epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance and risk factors of infection among liver transplant patients in East China: a retrospective study 2010 to 2023
Authors: Wang Pusen , Jiang Zhongyi , Liao Huanjin , Zhang Shubin , Que Weitao , Wang Chunguang , Huang Yiming , Zhang Yi , Zhao Dong , Yu Yang , Zhong Lin
Published: January 2024

Background
Liver transplantation (LT) recipients exhibit heightened susceptibility to infection and sepsis, which have emerged as the most prevalent and life-threatening complications significantly impacting prognosis. The etiological spectrum of organisms following LT has undergone substantial changes over recent decades.
Methods
This retrospective monocentric study included a consecutive cohort of 776 LT patients from 2010 to 2023, in contrast to our previous study conducted from 2007 to 2010. Infection was diagnosed as per the established definition, and sepsis was diagnosed based on the sepsis-3 criteria. Infection was diagnosed as per the established definition, and sepsis was diagnosed based on the sepsis-3 criteria. Samples were collected from infection sites, cultured, and isolated for further analysis.
Results
A total of 207 pathogens were isolated from 180 infection sites of 156 (20.1%) patients, comprising of 82 (39.6%) gram-positive bacteria, 90 (43.5%) gram-negative bacteria, and 35 (16.9%) fungi. Among the gram-positive bacteria, we identified Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in 18 cases, Methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCNS) in 25 cases, and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) in 1 case. In terms of gram-negative bacteria, Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) was found in 8 cases (7 Klebsiella pneumoniae and 1 Escherichia coli), Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs)-producing bacteria were detected in 7 cases (5 Escherichia coli and 2 Enterobacter cloacae), Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) was found in 14 cases, and 2 cases had Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA). Advanced age, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and extended ICU stay were significantly associated with increased susceptibility to post-LT infections. Infected patients with bilirubin levels exceeding 90 μmol/L (OR 3.46, 95% CI 1.46-8.24; P = 0.005) as well as drug-resistance bacterial infections (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.07-5.15; P = 0.033) were more likely to develop sepsis.
Conclusions
More than 45% of bacterial infections were caused by drug-resistant pathogens, with over 30% of gram-negative bacteria exhibiting carbapenem resistance. Implementation of strategies aimed at reducing the duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay may effectively decrease the incidence of post-liver transplantation infection. Furthermore, pre-transplant interventions targeting reduction in jaundice could potentially mitigate the risk of post-transplant sepsis.
Green landscape and macrophyte cover influence macroinvertebrate taxonomic and functional composition in urban waterbodies at multiple spatial scales
Authors: Robert Audrey , Pinel-Alloul Bernadette , Taranu Zofia E. , Harvey Eric
Published: January 2024

Urban waterbodies provide important services to humans and play a considerable role in biodiversity conservation. Yet, we still know very little about how urban pond ecosystems may respond to ongoing and future stresses operating at multiple spatial scales. Here we examined the littoral macroinvertebrates in 20 urban waterbodies as an indicator community to assess how local waterbody condition and urban land use affected their taxonomic and functional composition. Although macroinvertebrates were diverse (total richness of 60 taxa ranging from 10 to 41), they were dominated by two major taxonomic groups, the Diptera Chironomidae (36%) and the Annelida Oligochaeta (22%), which largely represented the dominant functional group of the Collectors-Gatherers (63%). Fuzzy clustering identified four different types of communities based on taxonomic and functional groups. These reflected inversed gradients in the dominance of Collectors-Gatherers versus ponds with higher abundances of Herbivores (Gastropoda Pulmonata, Hemiptera, Trichoptera), Collectors-Filterers (Gastropoda Prosobranchia, Crustacea Ostracoda), Predators (Odonata), and Parasites (Nematoda, Hydracarina). Distance-based redundancy analysis identified macrophyte cover and green landscape (parks and buildings with yards) within a 100 m radius as the best drivers of macroinvertebrate taxonomic and functional composition. We also noted a comparable variance explained by models that included parks within a 500 m radius or buildings with yards within a 2000 m radius. Our results have implications for urban landscape management as it suggests that human alteration in the urban landscape can be transmitted at least up to 2000 m from ponds.
Fertility-sparing uterine displacement for pelvic malignancies: surgical options and radiotherapy dosimetry on a human cadaver
Authors: Pavone Matteo , Waeldin Laure , Seeliger Barbara , Bizzarri Nicolò , Mutter Didier , Jarnet Delphine , Forgione Antonello , Georges Noel , Akladios Cherif , Scambia Giovanni , Marescaux Jacques , Lecointre Lise , Querleu Denis
Published: January 2024

Background
Radio(chemo)therapy is often required in pelvic malignancies (cancer of the anus, rectum, cervix). Direct irradiation adversely affects ovarian and endometrial function, compromising the fertility of women. While ovarian transposition is an established method to move the ovaries away from the radiation field, surgical procedures to displace the uterus are investigational. This study demonstrates the surgical options for uterine displacement in relation to the radiation dose received.
Methods
The uterine displacement techniques were carried out sequentially in a human female cadaver to demonstrate each procedure step by step and assess the uterine positions with dosimetric CT scans in a hybrid operating room. Two treatment plans (anal and rectal cancer) were simulated on each of the four dosimetric scans (1. anatomical position, 2. uterine suspension of the round ligaments to the abdominal wall 3. ventrofixation of the uterine fundus at the umbilical level, 4. uterine transposition). Treatments were planned on Eclipse® System (Varian Medical Systems®,USA) using Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy. Data about maximum (Dmax) and mean (Dmean) radiation dose received and the volume receiving 14Gy (V14Gy) were collected.
Results
All procedures were completed without technical complications. In the rectal cancer simulation with delivery of 50Gy to the tumor, Dmax, Dmean and V14Gy to the uterus were respectively 52,8Gy, 34,3Gy and 30,5cc (1), 31,8Gy, 20,2Gy and 22.0cc (2), 24,4Gy, 6,8Gy and 5,5cc (3), 1,8Gy, 0,6Gy and 0,0cc (4). For anal cancer, delivering 64Gy to the tumor respectively 46,7Gy, 34,8Gy and 31,3cc (1), 34,3Gy, 20,0Gy and 21,5cc (2), 21,8Gy, 5,9Gy and 2,6cc (3), 1,4Gy, 0,7Gy and 0,0cc (4).
Conclusions
The feasibility of several uterine displacement procedures was safely demonstrated. Increasing distance to the radiation field requires more complex surgical interventions to minimize radiation exposure. Surgical strategy needs to be tailored to the multidisciplinary treatment plan, and uterine transposition is the most technically complex with the least dose received.