bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonographic evaluation of optic nerve sheath diameter in severe traumatic brain injury patients: a comparison with intraparenchymal pressure monitoring
Authors: Ferreira¹ Felipe M , Lino Breno T , Giannetti Alexandre V 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective: Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) can worsen the clinical condition of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. One non-invasive and bedside-performed technique to estimate ICP is ultrasonographic measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD). This study aimed to analyze ONSD and correlate it with ICP values obtained by intraparenchymal monitoring to establish the ONSD threshold value for elevated ICP and reference range of ONSD in severe TBI patients.
Methods: Forty severe TBI patients were included. Ultrasonographic measurement of ONSD was performed and compared with intraparenchymal ICP monitoring to assess their association and determine the ONSD threshold value. Exclusion criteria included individuals under eighteen years old, penetrating TBI, or direct ocular trauma.
Results: Fifty-three ONSD measurements were conducted in all patients. The mean ONSD value in the group with intracranial pressure < 20 mmHg was 5.4 mm ± 1.0, while in the group with intracranial pressure ≥ 20 mmHg, it was 6.4 mm ± 0.7 (p = 0.0026). A positive and statistically significant correlation, albeit weak (r = 0.33), was observed between ultrasonographic measurement of ONSD and intraparenchymal ICP monitoring. The statistical analysis of the ROC curve identified the best cut-off as 6.18 mm, with 77.8% sensitivity and 81.8% specificity.
Conclusion: Our results reveal a positive, albeit weak, correlation between ultrasonographic measurement of ONSD and intraparenchymal ICP monitoring, with an ONSD threshold value of 6.18 mm. Achieving only 77.8% sensitivity and considering the substantial variability between ONSD measurements (standard deviation at 1.0) might limit the reliability of ICP assessment based solely on ONSD measurements.
A novel electrochemiluminescent cytosensor using dual-target magnetic probe recognition and nanozymes-catalyzed cascade signal amplification for precise phenotypic enumeration of CTCs
Authors: Shen Congcong , Fan Simin , Li Xiaoqing , Guo Fanshu , Li Junru , Yang Minghui 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The inability of surgical biopsy to monitor the dynamic evolution of cancer cells hampers its capacity to reflect real-time tumor heterogeneity. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), as a crucial target in liquid biopsy, offer a novel approach for accurate monitoring of tumors. However, the rarity and complex phenotype resulting from epithelial mesenchymal transition pose challenges for conventional methods such as CellSearch and immunohistochemistry, which have insufficient ability for simultaneous phenotyping and enumeration of CTCs. The enumeration of a single phenotype CTCs is insufficient for accurately assessing disease progression. Herein, we propose a strategy to address this issue by fabricating an electrochemiluminescence cytosensor via the integration of dual-target enrichment and nanozymes-catalyzed cascade signal amplification. The graphene oxide@hollow mesoporous prussian blue/Pt (GO@HMPB/Pt) complex, possessing a large specific surface area and exceptional catalytic activity, is employed for loading a substantial amount of luminol as the signal probe. Dual-target magnetic PPy@Fe3O4/Au-antibody/aptamer is utilized for the magnetic capture of both epithelial and interstitial CTCs. Glutathione (GSH) can disrupt Au-S bond on aptamer by a thiol exchange reaction and selectively release a specific subset of phenotypic CTCs, thereby facilitating the efficient capture, accurate classification, and ultrasensitive detection of CTCs in peripheral blood. Using the epithelial MCF-7 and mesenchymal Hela cells as models, the ECL cytosensor demonstrates excellent performance in identifying cells spiked into whole blood. This study presents a novel approach for early detection of metastasis, tracking tumor recurrence, and monitoring therapeutic efficacy.
Molecular architecture of the altered cortical complexity in autism
Authors: Mamat Makliya , Chen Yiyong , Shen Wenwen , Li Lin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication challenges, and repetitive behaviors. Despite extensive research, the molecular mechanisms underlying these neurodevelopmental abnormalities remain elusive. We integrated microscale brain gene expression data with macroscale MRI data from 1829 participants, including individuals with ASD and healthy controls, from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) I and II. Using fractal dimension (FD) as an index for quantifying cortical complexity, we identified significant regional alterations in ASD, within the left temporoparietal, left peripheral visual, right central visual, left somatomotor (including the insula), and left ventral attention networks. Partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis revealed gene sets associated with these cortical complexity changes, enriched for biological functions related to synaptic transmission, synaptic plasticity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chromatin organization. Cell-specific analyses, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and gene temporal expression profiling further elucidated the dynamic molecular landscape associated with these alterations. These findings indicate that ASD-related alterations in cortical complexity are closely linked to specific genetic pathways. The combined analysis of neuroimaging and transcriptomic data enhances our understanding of how genetic factors contribute to brain structural changes in ASD.
Hydrothermal Activity around the Mienhua submarine volcano in the northern margin of the Southern Okinawa Trough
Authors: Tsai Ching-Hui , Hsu Shu-Kun , Lin Hsiao-Shan , Chen Song-Chuen , Chen Liwen , Liang Chin-Wei , Hsu Ching , Lin Lien-Kai , Cho Yen-Yu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Hydrothermal vents can be detected using echo sounders. Here, we employed a deep-tow side-scan sonar and sub-bottom profiler to analyze the seabed features associated with hydrothermal activity near the Mienhua submarine volcano (MHV). The MHV is located in the northern margin of the southern Okinawa Trough back-arc basin. Our deep-tow sub-bottom profiler data show an upward hydrothermal fluid activity in the seabed, confirming the active hydrothermal circulation around the MHV. Widespread acoustic transparent zones are found in the upper strata, ascribed to the intrusion of hydrothermal fluid into high porosity sediment layers. In the area where acoustic transparent zones exist, the strata tilt towards the summit of the MHV. The strata influenced by the intrusion of hydrothermal fluids may create minor normal faults or fractures. These faults provide new hydrothermal fluid pathways to spread outwards. The weakened upper strata due to the hydrothermal fluids may finally collapse because of the gravity instability. The hydrothermal activity in the western portion of the MHV is no longer active. In contrast, the hydrothermal activity in the eastern portion of the MHV is rigorous and is associated with the widespread hydrothermal vents, gas flares and chimneys. The area of potential hydrothermal mineralization near the seabed of the MHV is estimated to be ~30 km².
Video Head Impulse and Suppression Head Impulse Tests in Chronic Otitis Media Patients
Authors: Mustafa Nebi , YILDIRIM ALI , Duman Ece Damla 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Chronic Otitis Media (COM) is a common ear infection that can lead to significant hearing loss and balance disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the results of the Video Head Impulse Test (VHIT) and the Suppression Head Impulse Test (SHIMP) in COM patients and to investigate the correlation between these test results and balance disorders.
Methods: The study included a comparison of air conduction values at 250 Hz, 500
Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz, 6000 Hz, and 8000 Hz in both the right and left ears of COM patients and a control group. Statistical significance was assessed for differences in VHIT and SHIMP test results, focusing on lateral canal gains and saccades.
Results: As expected, the air conduction values at 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz, 6000 Hz, and 8000 Hz in both the right and left ears of the patient group were statistically significantly higher than those in the control group (p=0.001 for all frequencies) (Verhoeff et al., 2006). No significant gain loss was observed in the lateral canal for either the COM patients or the control group. Additionally, there was no statistically significant difference in the VHIT gain values between the groups (p>0.05). The mean left lateral gain measurement was 0.86±0.06, and the mean right lateral gain measurement was 0.89±0.06 (Sandhu et al., 2018). In the SHIMP test, the left and right lateral gain measurements in the patient group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p=0.001 for the left, p=0.007 for the right) (Monsanto et al., 2020). No overt or covert saccades were observed in the VHIT test, while the SHIMP test showed that the amplitude of overt saccades in the left and right lateral directions of the control group was significantly higher than those in the patient group (p=0.001 for the left, p=0.004 for the right) (Mostafa et al., 2013).
Conclusions: study's findings indicate no significant difference in the average lateral canal gains between the COM patients and the control group. Although no statistically significant difference was found in the lateral canal mean gains when comparing the patients to the control group, it is suggested that these canals may still be affected in chronic otitis media patients (Ho et al., 2012).
The Interplay of Food Systems, Markets, and Stunting in Mining Communities: A Critical Review of Nutrition Interventions for Optimal Impact
Authors: Nyirenda Herbert Tato , Mulenga David , Nyambe-Silavwe Hildah 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Malnutrition remains a persistent global and public health challenge, with limited evidence available on the synthesis of empirical findings and feasibility of nutrition interventions across various settings, particularly in vulnerable mining communities. This paper that’s seeks to use empirical data, corresponding it with existing interventions to provide a benchmark for selecting effective nutrition strategies, thereby optimizing their impact.
Methods
This study used a cross-sectional design and review of nutrition interventions. The target population included under-five children and their caregivers. The study had a sample size of 690 and used multistage random sampling technique to select participants. Data collection involved structured questionnaires, direct child measurements, and interviews. Anthropometric data used WHO standards to assess underweight. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and chi-square tests while evaluating context-specific nutrition interventions for their effectiveness and feasibility.
Results
The study findings reveal a statistical significant association between owning a vegetable garden (P = 0.002), access to a market/farmers market (p < 0.001), access to income to buy food (P = 0.034), availability of food products (p < 0.001), access to main grocery store (p < 0.001), training in agriculture (p < 0.001), feeding strategies (p < 0.001) and under-five stunting. Based on the empirical data and critical review of nutrition interventions, the following strategies are recommended: Community Nutrition Education Programs, Nutrition-Sensitive Social Protection Programs, Nutrition-Focused Community Health Workers (CHWs), Digital Health and Nutrition Platforms and Local Food System Development. Integrating these interventions with the study's findings will enhance their effectiveness and maximize impact.
Conclusion
The findings display the complex interplay of factors affecting child stunting and health. Findings emphasize the importance of considering diverse contextual factors, intervention intensity, and the integration of food system transformation to optimize the impact of nutrition interventions.
Relative Positioning Algorithm for Drone Swarms under GPS-denied Conditions
Authors: Wang Yazhe , Cheng Qing 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Drone swarms hold great potential for various applications. To enable the operation of drone swarms, the primary challenge is to resolve the relative positioning of drones within the swarm. A reliable method for relative position sensing is essential for maintaining formation. Currently, the mainstream approach to swarm position sensing involves GPS and communication-based position sharing techniques. However, GPS is susceptible to interference and has poor accuracy in certain environments. To address this issue, this paper proposes an autonomous relative positioning method for drone swarms based on monocular vision. This method achieves the computation of the three-dimensional position in the target camera coordinate system by combining target orientation information and distance information.Target orientation information is obtained through a target detection algorithm combined with monocular camera principles. To address the issue of insufficient real-time performance of the YOLOv5 algorithm, advanced lightweight architectures and attention mechanisms are integrated, ensuring fast detection speed while maintaining accuracy. The introduction of DeepSORT enables continuous confirmation of target orientation. Target distance information is derived using target detection in conjunction with monocular ranging principles. Experimental results indicate that, in dynamic validation experiments, the algorithm achieves average errors of 5.2%, 4.7%, and 3.8% in the X, Y, and Z axes, respectively, demonstrating high positioning accuracy.
Development necessitates homeodomain factors
Authors: Chow Paco C.K. , Bentley Peter J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Homeodomain factors are known to play important roles throughout biological development, yet it remains unknown whether the requirements of development necessitate homeodomain factors. Here, we find for the first time that homeodomain factors will functionally emerge in an alternative medium of development. Through comprehensively analysing a Neural Cellular Automata (NCA) model of morphogenesis, we find multiple properties of the hidden units that are functionally analogous to homeodomain factors in biological development. Firstly, the hidden units of our model display activity patterns similar to homeodomain factors during development. Secondly, we test the generalisation abilities of our model through transfer learning of other morphologies and find that developmental strategies learnt by the model are reused to grow new body forms, in the same way evolution reuses developmental processes to grow organisms of different morphologies. Our paper therefore shows that the principles of a homeodomain may be fundamental to development, regardless of the details of how development is being implemented.
Effects of climatic changes on olive fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) population dynamic and its damages in olive orchards in Iran
Authors: Keyhanian Ali Akbar , Mojdehi Mohammad Reza Abbasi , Rafiei Bahareh 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae Rossi (Dip.: Tephritidae) is one of the most economically damaging pests of olives worldwide. The present study was conducted in Qazvin Province (Ghooshchi and Siahpoosh), Iran, between 2014 and 2016 to investigate seasonal fluctuations and the population's bio-ecology characteristics of B. oleae using sex pheromone traps and McPhail traps. Fruit sampling was also carried out to reveal pest development and the fruit infestation rate. The results showed that adult insects are active throughout the year, and their density varies depending on the weather conditions. In the areas where the study was conducted, there are three to four overlapping pest generations per year. In late spring and early summer, the oviposition of female insects on the fruits coincides with the hardening of the olive pit. Immature stages of the pest were observed in late May at different dates, indicating the beginning of the first generation of olive fruit flies. The second generation starts from late August to late September, and the third generation begins in early October. The population density and economic damage of the pest varied over the three years, depending on temperature, relative humidity, and orchard management. Cyrtoptyx latipes parasitized pest larvae at a maximum percentage of 2.16, which was very low.
A New Generative Method for Multi-focus Image Fusion of Underwater Micro Bubbles
Authors: Li Xionghui , Zong Siguang , Duan Zike , Yang Shaopeng , Chen Bao , Lin Qiqin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The optical detection methodology stands as a predominant approach for detecting underwater bubbles. Nonetheless, owing to poor underwater imaging conditions, the acquired image depth of field proves inadequate, posing significant challenges for the study and identification of underwater micro bubbles. In this investigation, we present a multi-focus image fusion model tailored for underwater micro bubbles, grounded in the Denoising Diffusion Probabilistic Model (DDPM). We also propose a multi-focus image fusion metric suitable for underwater scenarios with micro bubbles. Experimental validation on the constructed dataset demonstrates that our model achieves up to a 43.9% improvement over traditional SOTA methods. These results substantiate the model’s efficacy in conserving image characteristics and attaining multi-focus fusion. Consequently, this research furnishes substantial empirical support for subsequent endeavors in image-related tasks.
Assessment of associations among urinary iodine concentration, iodized table salt and thyroid parameters during pregnancy in Algeria
Authors: Oudahmane-Akdader Samira , Lakabi Lynda , Kamel Assia , Zimmermann Michael Bruce , Kherrab Hanane , Hamouli-Said Zohra 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background and objectives: Iodine is a trace element whose adequate intakes are essential during pregnancy to promote the correct growth and development of the fetus. Iodine deficiency is the cause of several disorders associated with an increased risk of miscarriage or premature birth. The aim of this study was to assess the urinanry iodine concentration (UIC) and thyroid function of pregnant women (PW) in northern Algeria.
Methods: Healthy PW (n=173) were recruited from Gynecology-obstetrics service (Algiers) divided into three group. Spot urine and venous blood samples were collected to assess iodine status (urinary iodine concentration, serum thyroid hormones and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies concentrations. Correlation analysis was used to investigate the association between UIC and thyroid parameters.
Resultats: The median UIC values were 233 μg/L, 246.74 μg/L, 244.68 μg/L in the first, second and third trimester respectively. Median TSH and FT4 concentrations were within reference ranges during pregnancy. Among PW, 72.7%, 75.4% and 75.5% in the first, second and third trimester were TPO-Ab+. Among TPO-Ab+ PW in the first, second and third trimesters, 18.7%, 13% and 10.3% had subclinical hypothyroidism.
Conclusion: In northern Algeria, median UICs in PW indicate iodine sufficiency. About 75% of PW are TPO-Ab + and the frequency of undiagnosed SCH in pregnant women was the prevalence high. Monitoring of iodine fortification programs is vital to avoid both iodine deficiency and excess and raises an alarm of the potential risks of untreated thyroid disorder with an urgent need for a comprehensive national iodine status survey in Algeria.
12-hour phenotypic drug susceptibility testing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis variant bovis BCG
Authors: Elf Johan , Tran Buu Minh , Larsson Jimmy , Grip Anastasia , Karempudi Praneeth 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) kills approximately 200,000 people every year. A contributing factor is the slow turnaround time associated with anti-TB drug susceptibility diagnostics. The prevailing gold standard for phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (pDST) takes at least two weeks. In this study, we used Mycobacterium tuberculosis variant bovis BCG (M. bovis BCG) and Mycobacterium smegmatis as models for tuberculous and nontuberculous pathogens. The bacteria were loaded into a microfluidic chip, trapping them in microchambers, and allowing simultaneous tracking of single-cell growth with and without antibiotic exposure. A deep neural network image-segmentation algorithm was used to quantify the growth rate over time and determine how the strains responded to the drugs compared to the untreated reference. We determined that the response time of the susceptible strains to isoniazid (INH), ethambutol (EMB), and linezolid (LZD) at MIC was within 3 hours and 1 hour for M. bovis BCG and M. smegmatis, respectively. Resistant strains of M. smegmatis were identifiable within 3 hours, suggesting that growth-based pDST can be conducted in less than 12 hours for slow-growing M. bovis BCG. The results obtained for M. bovis BCG are most likely comparable to what we expect for M. tuberculosis as these strains share 99.96% genetic identity. This work could pave the way for a pDST for TB in less than 12 hours.
Oral frailty assessment links brain changes in healthy older adults and predicts future cognitive decline
Authors: Murahashi Makoto , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Noguchi-Shinohara Moeko , Ishimiya-Jokaji Mai , Ide Kentaro , Kawano Toshihiro , Tokuchi Shusuke , Suzuki Risako , Maruyama Nobuyuki , Isa Mikana , Kawashiri Shuichi , Ono Kenjiro 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the association between oral frailty and regional brain volumes in cognitively unimpaired older adults. We employed a modified version of the Oral Frailty Five-item Checklist (OF-5) and examined its relationship with brain structural changes using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A total of 732 participants who were cognitively unimpaired (mean age 70.32 years), from a community-dwelling Japanese cohort, were included in the study. Oral frailty was assessed using the original OF-5, revised OF-5, and novel revised OF-6 classification that incorporated social factors.
Our findings revealed that the revised OF-6 classification demonstrated stronger associations with reduced volumes in multiple brain regions than the original and revised OF-5. Individuals classified as orally frail by the revised OF-6 had significantly lower volumes in areas crucial for cognitive function, including the medial temporal lobe, parahippocampal gyrus, and entorhinal cortex. Furthermore, severe tooth loss (≤9 teeth) and solitary eating were independently associated with lower total brain volume and regional atrophy in areas typically affected by dementia. These findings suggest that when assessed using the revised OF-6 classification, oral frailty may serve as an early indicator of cognitive decline risk in older adults.
This study underscores the potential of comprehensive oral health assessments as noninvasive screening tools for identifying individuals at higher risk of dementia, highlighting the complex interplay between oral health, social engagement, and brain structure and suggesting that maintaining good oral health and social connections may play crucial roles in preserving brain volume in regions critical for cognitive function.