bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Brain Tissue Identification Using Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering Spectroscopy and Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy for Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
Authors: Jerczyński Sébastien , Quémener Mireille , Noël Valérie Pineau , Rousseau Antoine , Parham Elahe , Bédard Alexandre , Masoumi Shadi , Charland Thomas , Drouin Anthony , Roussel Jonathan , Dionne Valérie , Shooner Thomas , Parrot Anaïs , Takech Mohamad , Philippe Éric , DePaoli Damon , Cantin Léo , Parent Martin , Côté Daniel
Published: November 2023

We assess the feasibility of using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering spectroscopy (CARS) as optical tools for human brain tissue identification during deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode insertion, thereby providing a promising avenue for additional real-time neurosurgical guidance.
DRS and CARS spectra were acquired using a custom-built optical probe integrated in a commercial DBS lead. The electrode was inserted to target 3 specific regions in each of the brain hemispheres of a human cadaver, for a total of 6 insertions. DRS and CARS spectra were acquired during the lead insertion at constant position increments. Spectra were analyzed using a dimensionality-reduction technique, principal component analysis (PCA), and the k-means clustering method to classify each spectrum as being either white matter or gray matter for each trajectory. The results were compared to visual tissue classifications performed on histological brain sections and classifications based on a preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
DRS and CARS spectra obtained using the optical probe can identify white and gray matter during DBS lead insertion. In addition, the tissue composition along the trajectory toward a specific target is unique and can be differentiated by the optical probe. Moreover, the results obtained with PCA results suggest that DRS might be able to detect the presence of blood in front of the optical probe due to the strong optical absorption of hemoglobin in this wavelength range.
It is possible to use optical measurements from the DBS lead during surgery to identify white and gray matter, and possibly the presence of blood in human brain tissue. This information could provide better guidance in real time and prevent hemorrhages without disrupting the normal surgical workflow. Further developments are required to fully integrate these tools into standard clinical procedures.
Survival impact of sequential chemotherapy following pembrolizumab for recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Iwaki Sho , Kadowaki Shigenori , Honda Kazunori , Narita Yukiya , Masuishi Toshiki , Taniguchi Hiroya , Ando Masashi , Muro Kei , Sawabe Michi , Suzuki Hidenori , Nishikawa Daisuke , Beppu Shintaro , Terada Hoshino , Kishikawa Toshihiro , Kawakita Daisuke , Hanai Nobuhiro
Published: November 2023

Background
Pembrolizumab alone or combined with chemotherapy is the standard of care for first-line treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) with positive programmed death-ligand 1 combined positive scores. However, data on second-line chemotherapy following pembrolizumab are scarce.
Methods
A single-center, retrospective study was conducted to determine the efficacies of pembrolizumab and pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy as first-line treatments and the efficacy of second-line chemotherapy for patients with R/M HNSCC who were refractory or intolerant to first-line treatment.
Results
Fifty-four patients were treated with pembrolizumab, and 29 patients received second-line therapy. The median progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and PFS on next-line therapy for first-line treatment were 4.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1–8.7), 22.1 (95% CI, 12.6–not reached), and 15.6 months (95% CI, 9.7–not reached) in the pembrolizumab group and 5.4 (95% CI, 3.3–6.8), 15.8 (95% CI, 8.6–not reached), and 13.7 months (95% CI, 8.1–not reached) in the pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy group, respectively. The overall response rate and median PFS for second-line treatment were 48.3% (95% CI, 30.4–67.0) and 6.1 months (95% CI, 2.30–8.84). The median OS for patients who received second-line treatment was 18.4 months, which was superior to the median OS of 6.0 months for patients who received the best supportive care (log-rank p = 0.10).
Conclusion
The results of this study indicate that second-line chemotherapy can improve outcomes in patients with R/M HNSCC, even after failure, or intolerance to first-line therapy.
Study on the Dynamic Response Characteristics of Lining Structures in Large-section Tunnel Blasting Using JH-2 Model Analysis
Authors: Li Fengting , Wu Ke , Li Shengrui , Wang Cao , Liu Yajun , Dou Zhongyu
Published: November 2023

The lining structures of tunnels are typically constructed using sprayed or cast concrete materials, and their performance and quality during tunnel excavation and blasting are crucial for the stability and safety of tunnels. Therefore, the safe distance between the lining structure and blasting source should be determined to avoid concrete damage caused by blasting vibrations. In this study, using the Danshan large-section underground station tunnel in Qingdao as an example, the Johnson–Holmquist-2 (JH-2) model parameters of the local surrounding rock were obtained experimentally. Using numerical simulations and theoretical validation of the JH-2 model, this research focused on the safe distance for the lining structure concrete under various safety criteria. The results indicate that the JH-2 model can effectively simulate the propagation of stress waves under different media conditions, and the closer the strength parameters and pressure constant of the lining structure are to those of the surrounding rock, the safer the concrete–roc-k bonding interface. During tunnel blasting construction using the ring blasting method, the peak particle velocity (PPV) of the lining structure increases with an increase in the arch angle. Based on the numerical simulation results, we recommend that concrete lining be constructed at a distance of at least 62 m from the blasting source to avoid damage caused by vibrations. The effect of concrete tensile failure caused by longitudinal stress is much smaller than the damage to the bonding interface caused by the PPV and can be neglected.
Comparative Analysis of Absorption Resonances between Carbynes and Cyclo[n]carbons
Authors: Payod Renebeth , Pushkarchuk Aliaxandr , Michels Dominik , Lyakhov Dmitry , Saroka Vasil
Published: November 2023

We present here two approaches to analyze the absorption resonances between carbynes and cyclo[n]carbons, namely the analytical tight-binding model to calculate the optical selection rules of cumulenic atomic rings and chains and the numerical time-dependent density functional theory for the optical investigation of polyynic carbon ring and chains. The optical absorption spectra of the carbon ring match that of the finite chain when their eigenenergies align following the Nring = 2Nchain+2 rule, which states that the number of atoms in an atomic ring Nring is twice the number of atoms on a finite chain Nchain with two additional atoms. We chose two representative atomic chains for our numerical calculations, specifically carbynes with N = 7 and 8 carbon atoms as a possible optical resonance spectra match to a recently synthesized carbon ring called cyclo[18]carbon. Despite the mismatch in resonance peaks, molecular orbital transitions of both carbynes N = 7 and 8 and cyclo[18]carbon reveal a wave function symmetry change from inversion to reflection and vice versa for allowed molecular orbital transitions which results in electron density redistribution along the polyynic carbyne axis or the cyclo[18]carbon circumference.
Controlling Surface Morphology of Ag-doped ZnO as a Buffer Layer by Dispersion Engineering in Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Bagha Ghazaleh , Samavati katayoon , Naffakh-Moosavy Homam , Matin Laleh Farhang
Published: November 2023

In recent years, the power conversion efficiency (PCE (%)) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has improved to over 26%. For improving the photovoltaic properties of PSCs, several materials for the electron transport layer (ETL) have been investigated. Zinc oxide (ZnO) has been a significant material studied as an ETL due to its high electron mobility and optical transparency in PSCs. With different deposition methods, ZnO ETL can be processed at low temperatures. Based on several studies, metal-doped ZnO can facilitate electron transfer, thereby improving the performance of un-doped ZnO ETL-based PSCs. Here, to improve the PCE (%) and long-term stability of un-doped ZnO ETL-PSCs, silver (Ag)-doped ZnO 1wt.% as a buffer layer is examined. In this paper, with the addition of an organic solvent (ethanol) to the dispersion of Ag-doped ZnO 1 wt.% nanoparticles (NPs) in deionized (DI) water, the morphology of the buffer layer (Ag-doped ZnO 1 wt.%) can be controlled. This approach focuses on reducing the wettability of the ETL and enhancing the stability of un-doped ZnO ETL-PSCs. According to the results, the preparation of Ag-doped ZnO 1wt.% film as a buffer layer by NPs dispersing in H2O-ethanol mixtures leads to the formation of high-quality perovskite with low defect levels, reducing the recombination rate, and long-term stability of un-doped ZnO ETL-PSCs in ambient conditions. Corresponding author: k_samavati@iau-tnb.ac.ir (Katayoon Samavati).
A Stackelberg Game Approach to Pricing and Benefit Optimization for Secure Transactions of Service Resources based on Blockchain
Authors: Liu Wei , Feng Wenlong , Huang Mengxing , Li Chaoyang
Published: November 2023

The challenges in service transactions include mutual distrust, difficulties in quantifying and accurately evaluating the value of services. There is an urgent need for a technological solution to foster collaboration between service providers and consumers, and enabling the optimization of benefits and market share through scientifically rational pricing strategies.Firstly, this paper introduces ServiceChain, a peer-to-peer distributed service management and trading system that utilizes consortium blockchain technology to effectively address issues of data privacy, security, and mutual distrust in traditional service transaction systems. Secondly, a Stackelberg pricing mechanism and benefit strategy model for service resources in a distributed environment is presented, encompassing models for optimal pricing and maximizing benefits, with the goal of maximizing interests for service providers, consumers, and the overall system. Thirdly, the security analysis and simulation experiments validate the efficacy of ServiceChain in providing secure service transactions management and trading, ensuring transaction data security and user privacy.Additionally, the positive effects of the Stackelberg pricing mechanism and profit strategy model in balancing service supply and demand, enhancing price flexibility, maximizing benefits, and ensuring security are demonstrated. In summary, these findings propose a viable solution for service resource trading and offer insights for optimizing the operation of the service market.
Investigation of periodontitis, halitosis, xerostomia, and hematological characteristics of patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and identification of new biomarkers
Authors: Lee Yeon-Hee , Hong Seung-Jae , Lee Gi-Ja , Shin Seung-Il , Hong Ji-Youn , Chung Sang Wan , Lee Yeon-Ah
Published: November 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are two different types of arthritis. These two diseases share similar clinical characteristics; however, each has a different etiology and requires different treatment. Thus, the accurate diagnosis and development of reliable biomarkers for diagnosing these two diseases is important. This study investigated and compared the distribution of salivary flow rate, xerostomia, halitosis, and periodontitis in patients with RA and OA to clarify the differences from healthy controls. In addition, we investigated the hematological characteristics of the patients, the factors that distinguished patients with RA from those with OA, and the main factors that differentiated between seronegative RA (snRA) and seropositive RA (spRA) patients. A total of 161 participants (mean age: 52.52 ± 14.57 years, 32 males and 129 females) were enrolled in this study and categorized as: normal (n = 33), OA (n = 31), and RA (n = 97). Patients with RA were divided into the following two subtypes: snRA (n = 18) and spRA (n = 79). Demographics, oral health, and hematological characteristics of these patients were compared. The prevalence of periodontal diseases was significantly higher in patients with OA (100%) and RA (92.8%) than in healthy controls (0.0%). Xerostomia occurred more frequently in patients with RA (84.5%) than in patients with OA (3.2%) and healthy controls (0.0%) (all p < 0.001). ROC analysis revealed that periodontal disease was a very strong predictor in the diagnosis of OA compared to healthy controls, with an AUC value of 1.00 (p < 0.001). Additionally, halitosis (AUC = 0.746, 95% CI: 0.621–0.871, p < 0.001) and female sex (AUC = 0.663, 95% CI: 0.529–0.797, p < 0.05) were also significant predictors of OA. The strongest predictors of RA diagnosis compared to healthy controls were periodontal diseases (AUC = 0.964), followed by xerostomia (AUC = 0.923), age (AUC = 0.923), female sex (AUC = 0.660), and halitosis (AUC = 0.615) (all p < 0.05). Significant hematological predictors of RA were anti-CCP Ab (AUC = 0.808), and RF (AUC = 0.746) (all p < 0.05). When diagnosing spRA compared to snRA, anti-CCP Ab (AUC = 1.000, p < 0.001) and RF (AUC = 0.910, 95%CI: 0.854–0.967, p < 0.001) had outstanding predictive performances. Periodontal diseases were present in majority of patients with OA and RA, and were not used as a distinguishing factor between these two diseases. However, xerostomia was overwhelmingly prevalent in patients with RA and had a predictive performance comparable to that of anti-CCP Ab in predicting RA. Therefore, clinicians and researchers should carefully examine the oral status of patients with OA and RA and consider it as a predictor.
Malignant Myoepithelioma of the External Auditory Canal – a Rare Case Report with Literature Review and Clinical Importance of Foramen of Huschke
Authors: Mateášiková Zuzana , Salzman Richard , Michálek Jaroslav
Published: November 2023

Background: Myoepitheliomas are rare tumors, mostly arising from the salivary glands. Malignant myoepitheliomas of the ear have rarely been reported. This manuscript reports myoepithelial carcinoma of the external ear canal (EAC) spreading to the infratemporal fossa. A clinician must also be aware of anatomical variation of the bony EAC wall, such as the foramen of Huschke. This rare defect may be a pathway for spreading pathologies between these two anatomical regions.
Case report: We present a case of osteoma-like stenosis of the EAC, which turned out to be an extremely rare malignant tumor. The preoperative MRI and PET/CT revealed that two parts of the tumor communicated through a defect in the antero-inferior portion of the bony ear canal. No distant metastases were detected. Subsequently, the tumor was resected from the ear canal and from the infratemporal fossa en bloc. Perioperatively the defect in the EAC wall was suspected of the foramen of Huschke. After the surgery, the older scans of the patient from the past showed no presence of a congenital EAC wall defect. Therefore, the authors concluded that the tumor aggressively grew through the bone due to its biological nature. This case report is aimed to improve the clinical knowledge of possible unusual communication between EAC and infratemporal fossa.
Conclusion
This is only the fourth reported case describing malignant myoepithelioma of the ear, to date.
The purpose of this article is to point out the clinical importance of proper diagnostic management of ear canal masses, considering their location and possible invasion of adjacent structures. The manuscript also highlights the clinical importance and development of the foramen of Huschke.
Transcriptome analysis of apical meristem enriched bud samples for size dependent flowering commitment in Crocus sativus reveal role of sugar and auxin signalling
Authors: Chaudhary Anjali , Singh Kunal
Published: November 2023

Background
Cultivation of Crocus sativus (saffron) face challenges due to inconsistent flowering patterns and variations in yield. Flowering take place in a graded way with smaller corms being unable to produce flowers. Enhancing the productivity requires a comprehensive understanding of the underlying genetic mechanisms that govern this size based flowering initiation and commitment. Therefore, samples enriched with non-flowering and flowering apical buds from small (> 6g) and large (< 15g) corms were sequenced.
Methods and Results
Apical bud enriched samples from small and large corms were collected immediately after break of dormancy in month of July and performed RNA-sequencing on Illumina platform. De-novo transcriptome assembly and analysis using flowering committed buds from large corms at post-dormancy and their comparison with vegetative shoot primordia from small corms pointed out major role of Auxin and ABA hormonal regulation. Many genes with known dual response in flowering development and circadian rhythm like Flowering locus T and Cryptochrome 1 along with a transcript showing homology with small auxin upregulated RNA (SAUR) exhibited induced expression in flowering buds. Thorough prediction of Crocus sativus non-coding RNA repertoire has been carried out for the first time. Enolase was found to be acting as a major hub with protein-protein interaction analysis using Arabidopsis counterparts.
Conclusion
Transcripts belong to key pathways including phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, hormone signaling including and carbon metabolism were found significantly modulated. KEGG assessment and protein-protein interaction analysis conform the expression data. Findings unravel the genetic determinants driving the size-based flowering in Crocus sativus.
May Be A Threshold Value For Differantial Renal Function In Pediatrics With Poor Renal Function?
Authors: Baturu Muharrem , Öztürk Mehmet , Şen Haluk , Durna Görkem , Bayrak Ömer
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors, especially differential renal function (DRF), affecting surgical success in patients with poor renal function associated with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO).
MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data of forty-five pediatric patients who underwent pyeloplasty due to a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 15 ml/min or lower secondary to UPJO between 2015 and 2022 were analyzed. The procedures were performed by a single surgeon using the Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty technique. The patients’ age, UPJO laterality, anteroposterior diameter (APD) of the renal pelvis, renal parenchymal thickness (PT), and preoperative and postoperative DRF and GFRs were recorded. In addition, the effects of the renal pelvis APD/PT ratio, renal pelvis APD/US length ratio, and preoperative DRF levels on the procedure's success were evaluated.
RESULTS: The data of 29 patients who met the study inclusion criteria were examined. The mean age of the study patients was 48.79 months (5–180 months). The mean GFR and DRF values were 13.44±1.52 ml/min and 28.69%±9.32 in the preoperative period and increased to 23.35±10.52 ml/min and 35.71%±15.04 at postoperative 6th-months and 24.35±10.8 ml/min and 35.27%±14.57 at postoperative 12th-months, respectively (p<0.001, p<0.001). A preoperative DRF greater than 18 was identified as a factor affecting success of the surgery (p=0.006).
CONCLUSION: Different from other studies, the cut-off point for DRF was found to be 18 in patients with a GFR of 15 ml/min or lower and diminished renal functions, supporting the notion that pyeloplasty should be preferred in such patients.
Emergent self-adaptation in an integrated photonic neural network for backpropagation-free learning
Authors: Lugnan Alessio , Aggarwal Samarth , Brückerhoff-Plückelmann Frank , Wright C David , Pernice Wolfram , Bhaskaran Harish , Bienstman Peter
Published: November 2023

Plastic self-adaptation, nonlinear recurrent dynamics and multi-scale memory are desired features in hardware implementations of neural networks, because they enable them to learn, adapt and process information similarly to the way biological brains do. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate these properties occurring in arrays of photonic neurons. Importantly, this is realised autonomously in an emergent fashion, without the need for an external controller setting weights and without explicit feedback of a global reward signal. Using a hierarchy of such arrays coupled to a backpropagation-free training algorithm based on simple logistic regression, we are able to achieve a performance of 98.2% on the MNIST task, a popular benchmark task looking at classification of written digits. The plastic nodes consist of silicon photonics microring resonators covered by a patch of phase-change material that implements nonvolatile memory. The system is compact, robust, and straightforward to scale up through the use of multiple wavelengths. Moreover, it constitutes a unique platform to test and efficiently implement biologically plausible learning schemes at a high processing speed.
Opinion of young Poles on futile therapy based on a survey among university students
Authors: Damps Maria , Gajda Maksymilian , Wiktor Łukasz , Lipina Julia , Paprocka-Lipińska Anna
Published: November 2023

Futile therapy concerns the clinical aspects of the end-of-life period, as well as the purposefulness of therapy in the context of the quality of life of a patient with an incurable disease in its final stage. The study was an anonymous survey conducted in electronic versions among young Poles university students. The views of these young people will influence health policy in the coming decades. An analysis of the collected data was carried out using the methods of descriptive and analytical statistics. The respondents were divided into two groups according to favulty and gender. A total of 161 students participated in the study, the decision to discontinue therapy in adult patients should first be made by the patients themselves (83.2%), the therapeutic team (72.6%), the patient's family (47.2%), and only 14.9% of the respondents indicated the court decision. In the case of children, as many as 80.1% of the respondents indicated that the patient's family and doctors should make a joint decision. Students of medical universities and other faculties who took part in the study demonstrated good knowledge of issues related to the concept of futile therapy, which is a good prognosis for the future in terms of the level of public awareness. It is also positive that they are aware of the existence of various solutions regarding the possibility of expressing the patient's autonomous decision at every stage of the therapeutic procedure.
Difficult extubation caused by knotting of an epidural catheter：a case report
Authors: Den Nianhua , Chen Xiaocong , Quan Shoubo
Published: November 2023

Background
Combined spinal-epidural (CSE) anaesthesia is the preferred anesthesia method for cesarean delivery. However, it is very rare in knotting of epidural catheters that most require surgery to remove the catheter.
Case presentation:
A 30-year-old parturient with a difficulty in epidural catheter extraction after cesarean section. CT scan revealed that the catheter had formed a tight knot in the epidural space. We reviewed relevant case reports and summarized the latest research progress, We removed the catheter by non-invasive means of opening the joint to the maximum extent possible.
Conclusion
This case suggests that in cases of difficulty in catheter removal, immediate use of imaging techniques such as CT scan should be recommended to assess the catheter's positioning and trajectory. Demonstrate our method is a simple, cost-effective treatment that clinicians can implementeasily and quickly into routine practice.
Surgical Management of Evans-Jensen Type IV Femoral Intertrochanteric Fractures in Elderly Patients Aged 65 and Above: A Comparative Study of THA and PFNA
Authors: Sun Ming , Zhang He , Bai Tong , Xu Rong-Da , Duan Si-Yu , Liang Hai-Rui , Cai Zhen-Cun
Published: November 2023

Background The optimal surgical approach for Evans-Jensen IV type intertrochanteric fractures in individuals aged 65 and above remains unclear. This study aimed to retrospectively compare early limb function and quality of life in patients treated with total hip arthroplasty (THA) versus proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA). We hypothesized no significant differences in complications and postoperative outcomes between the two procedures. Methods A retrospective analysis included patients aged 65 and above with Evans-Jensen IV fractures treated between 2020 and 2023. Patients were categorized into PFNA and THA groups, and various parameters were recorded, including surgery duration, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative ambulation, partial weight-bearing time, Harris hip scores, SF-36 scale scores, and complications. Results Forty patients (20 PFNA, 20 THA) were analyzed. THA had longer surgery duration and greater blood loss (both p < 0.001). THA demonstrated earlier postoperative ambulation and partial weight-bearing (both p < 0.001) and higher Harris hip and SF-36 scores at 1, 3, and 6 months (all p < 0.05). Overall complication rates did not significantly differ (p = 0.41). Conclusion For Evans-Jensen IV fractures in individuals aged 65 and above, THA is recommended, enabling earlier rehabilitation, faster recovery, and improved postoperative quality of life.
Application of machine learning methods for predicting under-5 mortality determinants in Bangladesh: evidence from the 2017-18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Naznin Shayla , Uddin Md Jamal , Kabir Ahmad
Published: November 2023

Background: Under-5 mortality is a vital social indicator of a country's development and long-term economic viability. The most underlying factors contributing under-5 mortality is a concern in developing countries like Bangladesh. There has been extensive research conducted on under-5 mortality. The prevailing approach employed thus far primarily relies on traditional logistic regression analysis, which have demonstrated limited predictive effectiveness. Advance Machine Learning (AML) methods provide accurate prediction of under-5 mortalities. This study utilized Machine Learning techniques to forecast the mortality rate among children under the age of five in Bangladesh.
Methods: The data for the study were drawn from the Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey 2017–18 data. Python version 3.0 software was utilized to implement and evaluate various Machine Learning (ML) techniques, including Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Logistic Regression (LR), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). Boruta algorithm for selecting best features by using Boruta packages of R programming language. Furthermore, the SPSS Version 17 was used for analyzing conventional methods. Various matrices, like confusion matrix, accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score and the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUROC) was utilized as a metric to assess the effectiveness or performance of predictive models.
Results: We opted for t2xhe Random Forest (RF) model is the best predictive model of under-5 mortality in Bangladesh with accuracy (95.97%), recall (11%), precision (40%), F1 score (18%), and AUROC (75%). Our predictive models showed that Currently breastfeeding, Wealth index, Religion, Birth order number, Number of household members, Place of delivery, Type of toilet facility, Type of cooking fuel are the 8 top determinants of under-5 mortality in Bangladesh.
Conclusions: Machine Learning methods were utilized to create the most optimal predictive model enabling the classification of hidden information that remained undetectable through traditional statistical methods. In our Study the Random Forest model was the best models for predicting under-5 mortality in Bangladesh.
Inversion of the Frequencies of Autosomal Recessive and X-Linked Dominant Forms of Alport Syndrome in the Tunisian Population
Authors: Mariem El Younsi , Achour Ahlem , Kraoua Lilia , Mezzi Nesrine , Zanati Amira , Sayari Taha , Mkaouar Rahma , Goucha Rim , Abderrahim Ezzeddine , Laabidi Jannet , Zouaghi Mohamed Karim , Kharrat Maher , Maazoul Faouzi , Gargah Tahar , Trabelsi Mediha , M'rad Ridha
Published: November 2023

Background:
Alport syndrome is defined by the co-occurrence of hematuria, renal failure, and a family history of renal failure or hematuria. Pathogenic variants in COL4A3, COL4A4, and COL4A5 cause this phenotype. These genes code for the α3, α4, and α5 chains of collagen IV found in the kidneys, eyes, and cochlea. This explains the frequent association of extra-renal signs, such as bilateral sensorineural deafness and ocular abnormalities. Different modes of transmission have been reported. X-linked transmission is attributed to the pathogenic variants of COL4A5, while homozygous pathogenic variants of COL4A3 or COL4A4 lead to autosomal recessive inheritance. The digenic form occurs when a pathological variation in both COL4A3 and COL4A4coexist. Additionally, autosomal dominant inheritance can occur due to heterozygous pathogenic variants in COL4A3or COL4A4.
In this study, we investigated 45 patients with Alport syndrome from 11 Tunisian families to establish their clinical and genetic characteristics.
Methods:
Clinical data were collected retrospectively, and molecular analysis of COL4A3, A4,andA5 was performed. Among the 45 patients, whole-exome sequencing was performed on 11 individuals, with one patient selected from each family. All candidate pathogenic variations were validated by Sanger sequencing. Cascade screening in the family of each proband allowed us to expand the number of individuals tested to 53 to verify the presence of the pathogenic variant found in their family.
Results:
We identified 9 likely pathogenic variations among 11 index cases. Six were novel variations and three were known ones. Of these, five out of nine were in the COL4A3 gene, while four out of nine were found in the COL4A5 gene. Frame-shift, nonsense, missense, and alternative splicing variants were detected in our cohort. Most of these variants affected the Gly-XY codon.Thirty out of the 45 clinically identified siblings were tested and confirmed for Alport syndrome. Cascade screening then identified 3 additional affected individuals, along with 10 unaffected siblings and 10 unaffected parents.The mode of inheritance of Alport syndrome was autosomal recessive in 6 familiesand X-linked in 4 families.
Conclusions:
This study represents the first Tunisian screening of the mutational spectrum of Alport syndrome. It contributes new pathogenic variants to the literature and demonstrates that autosomal recessive inheritance of Alport syndrome is more frequent in the Tunisian population than the X-linked dominant form as reported in the literature.
Single Image Dehazing Algorithm using Complementary Saturation Prior
Authors: He Gang , Zhou DaTang , Yan LaiJun , Yu WenXin , Xu Kang , Chen Shuang , Chen ZhenGuo
Published: November 2023

With the rapid development of IoT and image processing technology, there is an urgent need to solve the problems of clarity and reliability of image recognition technology for monitoring systems in foggy environments. In this paper, a fast-dehazing algorithm based on complementary saturation prior is proposed. First, a mathematical model based on the brightness of the image to estimate the transmission is established, which will simplify the computation and reduce the running time of the program. Secondly, a method is proposed to estimate the atmospheric light based on the complementary saturation prior, which find the atmospheric light more accurately. The subjective and objective experimental results show that the algorithm significantly reduces the computational complexity of fog image recognition, and can effectively solve the problem of incorrect estimation of atmospheric light caused by traditional DCP algorithms in the presence of headlights, bright lights, and other environments. The proposed algorithm has the best FADE metrics compared to the up-to-date single image dehazing algorithm, which shows that the proposed algorithm removes more fog. It maintains the naturalness of the image while significantly reducing the haze and produces visually pleasing images without halo artifacts.
Algae-Mediated Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Iron Nanoparticles using Galaxaura rugosa Seaweed
Authors: Shehawy Ahlam S. El , Ali Elham M. , Elsayed Ashraf
Published: November 2023

A simple reduction method has been used for successfully synthesizing Galaxaura rugosa-mediated iron nanoparticles (FeNPs). The FeNPs were characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Selected area electron diffraction (SAED), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX), Zeta potential, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The early formation of FeNPs is supported by rapid color change from yellow to dark brown and UV-visible absorption peaks at 327 nm. The XRD pattern and SAED analyses show a crystalline nature of FeNPs. Biogenic FeNPs were found to be spherical with mean diameter sizes varying from 14.4 to 17.2 nm by TEM image. The high abundance of FeNPs produced is visible in SEM, and the particles are in aggregates. The biosynthesized FeNPs had a negative surface charge with zeta potential values of -38.4 mV. Functional groups play a significant role in the bioreduction of iron ions and the stability of FeNPs, according to FTIR analysis. This method is straightforward in application and environmentally friendly and could be performed in eco-friendly projects.
Unveiling Neolithic Economic Behavior: A Novel Approach to Chert Procurement at Çukuriçi Höyük, Western Anatolia
Authors: Brandl Michael , Hauzenberger Christoph , Filzmoser Peter
Published: November 2023

The expansion of the Neolithic way of life triggered the most profound changes in peoples’ socioeconomic behaviors, including how critical resources for everyday life were managed. Recent research spearheaded by ancient DNA analysis has greatly contributed to our understanding of the main direction of Neolithisation spreading from western Anatolia into central Europe. Due to the diverse processes involved in neolithization, which resulted in a high diversity of regional and local phenomena, the underlying mechanisms of these developments are still largely unexplored. One of these mechanisms is economic behavior and resource management. Neolithic economic behavior is the result of social processes involving the physical actions of the procurement, processing, use, discard and distribution of raw materials as well as finished products for utilitarian needs and to create and maintain social relations. Within this continuum, the key for tracing meaningful behavioral patterns is the identification of raw material procurement. Since stone tools are among the most ubiquitous and stable finds at Neolithic sites, they are ideally suited for this endeavor. Here, we present the results of a case study from the Neolithic site of Çukuriçi Höyük in western Anatolia tracing lithic raw material procurement. We employ a novel approach using geochemical provenance analyses coupled with quantitative technological and econometric methods. The key finding of this diachronic study covering almost 700 years revealed patterns of socioeconomic dynamics undetectable through conventional analytical approaches. We demonstrate that technological concepts fluctuate over time and are subject to innovations, whereas raw material procurement remains a stable element.
Comparative Analysis of Muscle Energy Techniques and Hamstring Nordic Lower Training on Hamstring Tightness and Agility Run Test in Young Athletes"
Authors: Bhutta Abdul Haseeb , Haneef Kinza , Khan Ahsan Ali , Sana Javeria , Yousaf samia , Ghafoor Faisal , Shah Saleh
Published: November 2023

Background
Hamstring tightness is a common issue among young athletes and can lead to injuries and reduced performance. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique (MET), specifically Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) and Post-Facilitation Stretch (PFS), with Hamstring Nordic Lower (HNL) training in addressing hamstring tightness and improving agility run test
Methods
A triple-blinded randomized controlled trial with a crossover design was conducted having trial registration number NCT06012344. Sixty young athletes with hamstring tightness were randomly assigned to three groups: Group A (PIR, PFS, HNL), Group B (PFS, HNL, PIR), and Group C (HNL, PIR, PFS). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA).
Results
Both PIR and PFS interventions demonstrated significant improvements in hamstring flexibility and physical performance measured in context to agility run test with significant improvement. PFS shows more significant improvement followed by PIR and least improvement showed by HNL.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that PFS shows more significant improvement followed by PIR interventions, as part of Muscle Energy Technique, are effective in releasing hamstring tightness and improving physical performance in young athletes. However, HNL training alone did not show superior effectiveness compared to the MET techniques. These results provide valuable insights for clinicians and sports professionals in designing interventions for hamstring tightness in young athletes.
Load resistance calculation based on an invariant input-output property of unstable communication line using a neural network with irregular steps of training data
Authors: Penin Alexander , Sidorenko Anatolie
Published: November 2023

The calculation of a resistive sensor is considered as the load of an unstable communication line using a neural network. In the corresponding approximation or regression problem, the feedforward neural network is trained using training data and additional control data. Such data are calculated from a mathematical model of the communication line in the form of a resistive two-port with some type of change step (regular or irregular) of the load and line parameters. The training data is traditionally divided into training, validation and test sets. It was established that in the training epochs, the neural network reveals this internal pattern (inherent in the used step of change) in these three sets. Therefore, when training the network and then applying the additional control data, small errors are obtained. But for the additional control data with a different type of step, the errors appear. The use of mixed training data by combining data with diverse type of change step eliminates said internal regularity and the neural network shows the capability to generalization and small errors by presented numerical experiments. To quantify the quality of the trained network, a special index is introduced as a repeatability of the specified relative error in percent for multiple retraining.
Optimizing substructure search: a novel approach for efficient querying in large chemical databases
Authors: Vaskin Vsevolod , Jakovlev Dmitri , Bakharev Fedor
Published: November 2023

Substructure search in chemical compound databases is a fundamental task in cheminformatics with critical implications for fields such as drug discovery, materials science, and toxicology. However, the increasing size and complexity of chemical databases have rendered traditional search algorithms ineffective, exacerbating the need for scalable solutions. We introduce a novel approach to enhance the efficiency of substructure search, moving beyond the traditional full-enumeration methods. Our strategy employs a unique index structure: a tree that segments the molecular data set into clusters based on the presence or absence of certain features. This innovative indexing mechanism is inspired by the binary Ball-Tree concept and demonstrates superior performance over exhaustive search methods, leading to significant acceleration in the initial filtering process. Comparative analysis with the existing Bingo algorithm reveals the efficiency and versatility of our approach. Although the current implementation does not affect the verification stage, it has the potential to reduce false positive rates. Our method offers a promising avenue for future research, meeting the growing demand for fast and accurate substructure search in increasingly large chemical databases.
MSC Classification: 92E10
The Impact of Obesity on Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia, a US Nationwide Study
Authors: Labban Mohamad El , Daou Michella Abi Zeid , Smaily Hiba , Hammoud Abbas , Hassan Ghandi , Khan Syed , Akl Imad Bou
Published: November 2023

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the leading causes of mortality in patients with critical care illness. Since obesity is highly prevalent, we wanted to study its impact on the outcomes of patients who develop VAP.
Methods: Using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) Database from 2017 to 2020, we conducted a retrospective study of adult patients with a principal diagnosis of VAP with a secondary diagnosis with or without obesity according to ICD-10 codes. Several demographics, including age, race, and gender, were analyzed. The primary endpoint was mortality, while the secondary endpoints included tracheostomy, length of stay in days, and patient charge in dollars. Multivariate logistic regression model analysis was used to adjust for confounders, with a p-value less than 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: The study included 3832 patients with VAP, 395 of whom had obesity. The mean age in both groups was around 58 years, and 68% of the group with obesity were females compared to 40% in the control group. Statistically significant comorbidities in the obesity group included a Charlson Comorbidity Index score of three and above, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Rates and odds of mortality were not significantly higher in the collective obesity group 39 (10%) vs. 336 (8.5%), p-value 0.62, aOR 1.41, p-value 0.39). The rates and odds of tracheostomy were higher in the obesity group but not statistically significant. Obese patients were also found to have a longer and more expensive hospitalization.
Conclusions: Obesity was not found to be an independent risk factor for worse outcomes in patients who develop VAP in the intensive care unit.
Microbial assemblages and associated biogeochemical processes in Lake Bonney, a permanently ice-covered lake in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica
Authors: Lee Hanbyul , Hwang Kyuin , Cho Ahnna , Kim Soyeon , Kim Minkyung , Morgan-Kiss Rachael , Priscu John C. , Kim Kyung Mo , Kim Ok-Sun
Published: November 2023

Background
Lake Bonney, which is divided into a west lobe (WLB) and an east lobe (ELB), is a perennially ice-covered lake located in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica. Several studies have reported the microbial community dynamics of ice-covered lakes in these ecosystems, yet little is known about genomic diversity and microbe-driven nutrient cycling. Here, we applied gene- and genome-centric approaches to investigate the microbial ecology and reconstruct microbial metabolic potential along the depth gradient in Lake Bonney.
Results
Lake Bonney is strongly chemically stratified, yielding three distinct redox zones based on oxygen and geochemistry, which provide distinct microbial niches. In the upper relatively freshwater zone with the highest level of sunlight, oxygenic photosynthetic production by the cyanobacterium Pseudanabaena and a diversity of protist microalgae provides new organic carbon to the environment. Carboxydotrophs, such as Acidimicrobiales, Nanopelagicales, and Burkholderiaceae were also prominent in the upper zone and their ability to oxidize carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide can serve as a supplemental energy source during organic carbon starvation and provide carbon dioxide to photoautotrophs. In the deeper saline chemocline zone of ELB, an accumulation of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus supports photosynthesis despite relatively low light levels. Conversely, in WLB the release of organic rich subglacial discharge from Taylor Glacier in WLB appeared to fuel the growth of heterotrophs with increased potentials for glycolysis, beta-oxidation, and glycoside hydrolase. The suboxic and subzero temperature zones beneath the chemoclines in ELB and WLB supported microorganisms that can utilize hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur as metabolic energy sources. Heterotrophs and hydrogen-oxidizing denitrifying bacteria dominated the bottom of the WLB, whereas the conditions at the bottom of the ELB inhibited microbial growth, except for halophile Halomonas and endospore-forming Virgibacillus.
Conclusions
The niche-dependent distribution of microbially driven C, N and S cycling genes/pathways in this unique lake reveals that microorganisms have their own survival strategies for nutrient and energy acquisition and stress responses through the water column, which are closely linked to biogeochemical cycling in the lake.
The response of muscle and inflammation-related miRNAs to breast cancer and its treatment
Authors: Jiang Yanping , Annuk Heidi , Miller Nicola , Zhang Sai , Gupta Sanjeev , Gupta Ananya
Published: November 2023

Aim
this study aims to evaluate the response of muscle-specific (miR-1, miR-133, miR-208, miR-486, miR-499) and inflammation-related (miR-21, miR-146, and miR-155) miRNAs, well documented in side effects caused by cancer treatment and exercise physiology, to cancer and cancer treatment in breast cancer, in hope to looking for promising biomarkers to be investigated in prospective exercise program for monitoring physiologic response to exercise.
Methods
a total of 77 plasma was obtained from either Discipline of Surgery, University Hospital of Galway or Amsbio company. A panel of miRNAs, well documented in cancer- and cancer treatment-induced complications and exercise physiology, were detected in these 77 plasma samples by qRT-PCR.
Results
cancer subtypes and treatment approaches strongly impacted the expression of selected miRNAs: Luminal A had more impact on muscle-specific miRNAs while Luminal B had more impact on inflammation-related miRNAs; surgery, chemotherapy combined therapy (4 out of 5 cases had both surgery and chemotherapy) had a prominent effect on miRNA change (miR-21 and miR-486) compared to endocrine therapy. Treatment duration and age hugely impacted the expression of selected miRNAs: Muscle-specific miR-133 and miR-486 significantly respond to cancer treatment in the first 91 days, and also have different responses to cancer treatment between younger and older breast cancer patients.
Conclusion
muscle-specific and inflammation-related miRNAs respond differently regardless of cancer subtypes, treatment regimens and duration, and age. miR-21, miR-133, and miR-486 may be promising biomarkers to be investigated in prospective patient cohort studies in exercise-based cancer rehabilitation for monitoring physiologic response to exercise.
Influence of modified Halloysite Nanotube on the properties of Poly(ether etherketone)
Authors: Siraj Naved
Published: November 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.