bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in tuberculosis risk after transplantation in the setting of decreased community tuberculosis incidence: a national population-based study, 2008–2020
Authors: Hyun JongHoon , Lee Myeongjee , Jung Inkyung , Kim Eunhwa , Hahn Seung Min , Kim Yu Ri , Lim Sungmin , Ihn Kyong , Kim Min Young , Ahn Jong Gyun , Yeom Joon-Sup , Jeong Su Jin , Kang Ji-Man 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Transplant recipients are immunocompromised and vulnerable to developing tuberculosis; however, active tuberculosis incidence is rapidly declining in South Korea. To evaluate the risk of developing active tuberculosis after transplantation, risk factors for tuberculosis and standardized incidence rates were compared with those in the general population.
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted based on the South Korean health insurance review and assessment database among those underwent transplantation (62,484 recipients) between 2008 and 2020. Tuberculosis incidence was compared in recipients treated during higher (2010–2012) and lower disease burden (2016–2018) periods. Standardized incidence ratios were analyzed using the Korean Tuberculosis Surveillance System. The primary outcome was the number of new tuberculosis cases after transplantation.
Results: Of 57,103 recipients analyzed, the overall cumulative incidence rate 1 year after transplantation was 0.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.7–0.8), significantly higher in the higher-burden than in the lower-burden period (1.7% vs. 1.0% 3 years after transplantation, P < 0.001). Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation had the highest tuberculosis incidence, followed by solid organ transplantation and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (P < 0.001). The overall standardized incidence ratio was 3.9 (95% CI: 3.7–4.2) and was highest in children aged 0–19 years, at 9.0 (95% CI: 5.7–13.5). Male sex, older age, tuberculosis history, liver transplantation, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were risk factors for tuberculosis.
Conclusions: Transplant recipients are vulnerable to developing tuberculosis, possibly affected by immunocompromised status, solid organ transplant type, age, and community prevalence. Tuberculosis prevalence by country, transplant type, and age should be considered to establish an appropriate tuberculosis prevention strategy for high-risk groups.
Clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic posterior lumbar interbody fusion and modified posterior lumbar interbody fusion in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease
Authors: Liu Zhengping , Wang Siyu , Li Tao , Chen Si , Li Ying , Xie Wei , Tang Jin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: To compare the early clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PE-PLIF) and modified posterior lumbar interbody fusion (MPLIF) in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease (LDD).
Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Ninety-five patients who were hospitalized in our department for surgical treatment of single-segment LDD from March 2019 to January 2022. They were divided into a PE-PLIF group (37 cases) and an MPLIF group (58 cases) according to the type of surgery. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospitalization time, and postoperative bedridden time were recorded. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of leg pain and low back pain, Japanese orthopaedic association (JOA) scores, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were assessed and compared before operation, 3 days after operation, 1 week after operation, 1 month after operation, 6 months after operation and the last follow-up. The modified MacNab’s criteria were recorded at the last follow-up. The fusion rate and surgical-related complications during follow-up were recorded.
Results: There were no statistical difference in preoperative baseline between the two groups. The average operation time in the PE-PLIF group was highly significant longer than that in the MPLIF group (P < 0.01). Intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospitalization time, and postoperative bedridden time were highly significant less in the PE-PLIF group than those in the MPLIF group (P < 0.01). There were highly significant differences in VAS scores of leg pain, VAS scores of low back pain, JOA scores, ODI scores at the last follow-up compared with those before surgery in the two groups (P < 0.01). At the same follow-up point, there was no statistical difference in the VAS scores of leg pain between the two groups(P＞0.05). 3 days after operation and 1 week after operation, the VAS scores of low back pain and ODI were highly significant less in the PE-PLIF group than that in the MPLIF group (P < 0.01). 3 days after operation, the JOA scores were highly significant higher in the PE-PLIF group than that in the MPLIF group (P < 0.01). At the last follow-up, the excellent rate of modified MacNab was 97.3% in the PE-PLIF group and 98.3% in the MPLIF group, which was no statistical difference (P > 0.05). All patients were obtained fusion at 6 months after operation. Two patients (5.4%) in the PE-PLIF group had complications.
Conclusion: Both PE-PLIF and MPLIF surgery have a satisfactory clinical efficacy and safety for patients with LDD. Compared with MPLIF, PE-PLIF has the advantages of less intraoperative blood, faster recovery time, and less tissue damage. PE-PLIF surgery can be used as an alternative treatment for single-segment LDD.
Interleukin-4 modulates neuroinflammation by inducing phenotypic transformation of microglia following subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Wang Jing , Wang Lili , Cai Yichen , Cui Chengfu , Yang Ming , Sun Baoliang , Mao Leilei , Wang Yuan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Neuroinflammation, a key pathological feature following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), can be therapeutically targeted by inhibiting microglia M1 polarization and promoting phenotypic transformation to M2 microglia. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is a pleiotropic cytokine known to its regulation of physiological functions of the central nervous system (CNS) and mediate neuroinflammatory processes. However, its specific role in neuroinflammation and microglia responses following SAH remains unexplored. In this investigation, we established both in vivo and in vitro SAH models and employed a comprehensive array of assessments, including ELISA, neurofunctional profiling, immunofluorescence staining, qRT-PCR, determination of phagocytic capacity, and RNA-Seq analyses. The findings demonstrate an elevated expression of IL-4 within cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) subsequent to SAH. Furthermore, exogenous administration of IL-4 ameliorates post-SAH neurofunctional deficits, attenuates cellular apoptosis, fosters M2 microglia phenotype conversion, and mitigates neuroinflammatory responses. The RNA-Seq analysis signifies that IL-4 governs the modulation of neuroinflammation in microglia within an in vitro SAH model through intricate cascades of signaling pathways, encompassing interactions between cytokines and cytokine receptors. These discoveries not only augment comprehension of the neuropathogenesis associated with post-SAH neuroinflammation but also present novel therapeutic targets for the management thereof.
Sasaki-einstein 7-manifolds and Orlik’s Conjecture
Authors: Valle Jaime Cuadros , Vicente Joe Lope 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
We study the homology groups of certain 2-connected 7-manifolds admitting quasiregular Sasaki-Einstein metrics, among them, we found 52 new examples of Sasaki-Einstein rational homology 7-spheres, extending the list given by Boyer, Galicki and Nakamaye in [6]. As a consequence, we exhibit new families of positive Sasakian homotopy 9-spheres given as cyclic branched covers, determine their diffeomorphism types and find out which elements do not admit extremal Sasaki metrics. We also improve previous results given by Boyer [12] showing new examples of Sasaki-Einstein 2-connected 7-manifolds homeomorphic to connected sums of S3 × S4. Actually we show that manifolds of the form #k(S3 × S4) admit Sasaki-Einstein metrics for 22 different values of k. All these links arise as Thom-Sebastiani sums of chain type singularities and cycle type singularities where Orlik's conjecture holds due to a recent result by Hertling and Mase [19].
Mathematics Subject Classification 53C25; 57R60.
Exploring the Role of Big Data Analytics and Dynamic Capabilities in ESG Programs within Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Pesqueira Antonio , Sousa Maria José , Costa Joana 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In the European pharmaceutical sector, Big Data Analytics (BDA) systems and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) programs are still emerging areas, lagging in substantial progress. Despite the recognition of the importance of both BDA and ESG programs across various industries, their effective implementation remains limited within pharmaceuticals. This deficit is particularly noticeable in managing complex variables such as employee skill sets, corporate goals, and managerial expectations. Drawing on Dynamic Capabilities (DC) theory and agile methodologies, this two-year research endeavor aims to create a BDA technology-based architecture to facilitate organizational management of ESG criteria. It focuses on enhancing data provenance, traceability, and availability while ensuring efficient, evolutionary ESG management. A multi-case study was conducted involving five pharmaceutical companies’ headquarters located in Germany, Portugal, and Switzerland. In addition to addressing key ESG considerations and challenges relating to policies and operational BDA technology, these organizations engaged the same consulting firm to execute their BDA systems. Overall, this study aims to identify the primary characteristics of companies that implement BDA systems effectively. It emphasizes not only technological components but also human behavioral factors and individual DC. The findings from the case studies demonstrate that the proposed BDA system is highly accurate and effective for ESG management. A further benefit is that it meets the real-time requirements inherent in both BDA and ESG applications, which establishes its practical utility in both cases.
Revealing the Impact of Selected Weed Plants on Larval Mortality of Culex Quinquefasciatus (say) Diptera: Culicidae Juveniles
Authors: Naeem Muhammad , Ahmad Naveed , Iqbal Babar 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases has precipitated significant global health concerns, particularly in tropical regions where millions of individuals remain at a heightened risk of infection. These diseases, often transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, can lead to serious illnesses, such as malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya. Given the substantial health and economic burden imposed by these diseases, there is an undeniable need to effectively address this issue. The efficiency of the selected weed plant extracts in water was evaluated for larval mortality of Culex quinquefasciatus (Cu. quinquefasciatus) after 24 h. The LC50 and LC95 values of the plant extracts of Carthamus oxycantha, Trachyspermum ammi, Achyranthes aspera, Convolvulus arvensis, and Cynodon dactylon were also determined. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with six treatments, each replicated three times. The plant extracts were tested at five concentrations: 200, 300, 500, 700, and 1000 ppm. Carthamus oxycantha in the water extract yielded a higher mortality of 42% after 24 h. Both LC50 and LC95 values were maximum for Cynodon dactylon (66749.45) and lowest for Carthamus oxycantha (2535.34), whereas the LC95 value was highest for Cynodon dactylon. The study recommends that these weed plant extracts be tested at lower concentrations, as higher concentrations yield 100% mortality of the pest. Natural bio-products are not only favored in vector control measures but also in resistance developed by the larvae. These findings highlight the potential of natural bioproducts for vector control and addressing larval resistance, emphasizing the need to identify new active compounds from cost-effective natural sources against mosquitoes.
Morphological and functional improvement in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 by surgical orthodontic treatment
Authors: Kamoya Takuo , Takeshita Nobuo , Kinjo Ria , Sasaki Satoshi , Seiryu Masahiro , Yamauchi Kensuke , Takahashi Tetsu , Mizoguchi Itaru 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Mechanisms of Formation of Oncoids of Miaolingian Zhangxia Formation at Chafangzi Section, Shanxi province, North China
Authors: Mei Mingxiang , Riaz Muhammad , Bhat G. M. , Liu Ziliang , Ahmed Mohamed S. , Fathy Douaa 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

As a variety of microbial carbonates, oncoids exhibit characterstics of coated grains that have relative large size than ooids with microbial origin, and features of successive lamination similar to stromatolites. The present study is aimed at investigation of formation of the Cambrian oncoids that developed in top part of the Zhangxia Formation at Chafangzi Section of Shanxi province, North China. All three subsequences of the Zhangxia Formation associated with calcareous mudstone in lower whereas oolitic limestone in upper part of the subsequences. Further top part of third subsequence of the Zhangxia Formation comprises a bed of oncolite overlying the oolitic beds at the studied section which was taken up for this investigation. The oncolites exhibit the characteristcs of coated grains as well as laminated stromatolites on large scale whereas small scale portrays the abundance of twisted and non-twisted filamentous cyanobacteria in the cortex and matrix among the oncoids that provide the concrete evidences of direct or indirect involvement of filamentous cyanobacteria in the formation of the Cambrian oncoids. This study reveals the Cambrian oncoids of the Zhangxia Formation provide a typical example of their formation that was associated with complicated calcification of EPS in the microbial mats dominated by cyanobacteria.
Mobile Crowd Sensing Based Road Anomaly Detection using Mask R-CNN
Authors: Jana Swadesh , Middya Asif , Roy Sarbani 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Road anomalies such as potholes and uneven surfaces create accident-prone zones that should be properly maintained to develop an easily scalable and intelligent transportation system. In this context, this study presents a unique contribution in the form of an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered mobile crowd sensing system for efficient detection, monitoring and mapping of road abnormalities. Specifically, an approach is proposed to build an end-to-end mobile application with a deep learning based object detection model in the cloud that can localize and classify road anomalies in images and videos. The models including Mask Region Convolutional Neural Networks (MRCNN), You Look Only Once (YOLO) and Single Shot Detector (SSD) are pre-trained using the COCO dataset, followed by application of transfer learning to retrain them on a road anomalies dataset. This dataset contains a pool of 1400 pre-processed, augmented images of potholes, uneven surfaces, manholes and speed bumps. The performance of the models are evaluated on the basis of established object detection evaluation parameters like Intersection over Union (IoU), mean Average Precision (mAP), log-average miss rate (LAMR) and model detection frequency in frames per second (fps). Two stage detector Mask R-CNN, specifically with ResNet101 backbone performs better in terms of overall mAP and LAMR scores, while YOLO-v3 performs the fastest. The proposed model is then used in a mobile application which will allow users to take images or videos of roads. These will be processed in the server and detected road anomalies are shown on a global map to assist in better road infrastructure and transportation systems.
Four‑Dimensional Echocardiographic Evaluation of Cardiac Iron Overload in Patients with Beta-Thalassemia Major
Authors: Fedai Ahmet Burak , Karakulak Ugur Nadir , Aladag Elifcan , Sayinalp Nilgun 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard to detect cardiac iron overload in patients with beta-thalassemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiac iron overload using four-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography in thalassemia patients with and without cardiac involvement detected by T2* value and to compare the two techniques.
Methods: This cross-sectional and observational study was conducted in 44 patients diagnosed with thalassemia major. Left ventricular systolic function was assessed using four-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography-derived global longitudinal (GLS), circumferential, radial, and area strain indices.
Results: Left ventricular ejection fraction, volumes and mass index were similar between the patients with T2* values less than 20 ms as compared to those with T2* values greater than 20 ms. However, patients with lower T2* values had significantly higher GLS values (-17.0% vs. -19.8%, p < 0.001) compared with those with higher T2* values. GLS demonstrated a sensitivity of 91.7% and a specificity of 71.9% at a cut-off value of -18.5%; however, 75%, and the specificity was 84.4% at a cut-off value of -17.5%. For -18.5%, the positive predictive value was 55%, and the negative predictive value was 95.8%; for -17.5%, these values were 64.2% and 90%, respectively.
Conclusions: This novel echocardiographic method, tested for the first time in our study in comparison with cardiac MRI in an adult patient group, has been shown to predict cardiac iron overload in thalassemia patients in the subclinical period without LVEF decline. Four-dimensional GLS is a marker with high sensitivity and negative predictive value.
Pharmacokinetics of L-theanine and the effect on amino acid composition in mice administered with L-theanine
Authors: Yamaura Shinnosuke , Sadamori Koki , Konishi Reiko , Majima Takashi , Mukai Akira , Uno Kyosuke , Kinjo Toshihiko , Komori Koji , Kuramoto Nobuyuki , Kawada Kou 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
L-theanine, an amino acid component of the tea leaves of Camellia sinensis, is sold in Japan as a supplement for good sleep. Although several studies in humans and mice have reported the effects of L-theanine on brain function, only a few reports have comprehensively clarified the disposition of theanine administered to mice and its effects on concentrations of other blood amino acids. In this study, we aimed to determine the changes in the blood levels of L-theanine administered to mice and amino acid composition of the serum. L-theanine were administered to four-week-old Std-ddY male mice orally or via tail vein injection. L-theanine and other amino acids in serum prepared from blood collected at different time points post-dose were labeled with phenylisothiocyanate and quantified. The serum concentration of orally administered L-theanine peaked 15 min after administration. The area under the curve for tail vein injection revealed the bioavailability of L- theanine to be approximately 70%. L-theanine administration did not affect any amino acid levels in the serum, but a significant increase in the peak area overlapping the Gly peak was observed 30 min after administration. L-theanine administered to mice was rapidly absorbed and eliminated, suggesting that taking L-theanine as a supplement is safe without affecting its own levels or serum levels of other amino acids. However, considering that Gly, similar to L-theanine, is used as a dietary supplement for its anxiolytic effects and to improve sleep, determining the effects of L-theanine administration on Gly is important and needs further research.
Towards Early Cyberattack Discrimination in the Smart Grid Using Statistical Approach with Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: M Nakkeeran , V Anantha Narayanan , P Bagavathi Sivakumar , S Balamurugan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Smart Grid has been exposed to cyberattacks that penetrate the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems, causing privacy and access control violations on security infrastructures. It is critical to address this issue with an early attack detection mechanism with a reduced missing rate and less response time that discriminates cyberattacks against natural and man-made events. Developing a robust intrusion detection system is still a challenging research problem to prevent the smart grid system from sabotage and processing downtime. This paper aims to develop a robust Anomaly-Based Intrusion Detection System using the statistical approach with a machine learning classifier to discriminate cyberattacks from natural faults and man-made events to avoid blackouts and cascading failures. The novel mechanism of Statistical Approach with a Machine Learning classifier (SAML) based on Neighborhood Component Analysis, ExtraTrees, and AdaBoost for feature extraction, bagging, and boosting respectively is proposed, to optimally tune the hyperparameters for early discrimination of Triple class events. The proposed model is tested on the publicly available Industrial Control Systems Cyber Attack Power System Triple Class Dataset. The test results provide a higher detection accuracy with a low missing rate, false alarm rate, and less response time than the existing approaches.
Why intensify the neo-adjuvant approach with chemotherapy and radiotherapy in rectal cancer? A Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tebano Umberto , Mandarà Marta , Giuliani Jacopo , Franceschetto Antonella , Giorgi Carlotta , Missiroli Sonia , Gabbani Milena , Zaninelli Marta , Napoli Giuseppe , Luca Nicoletta , Mangiola Daniela , Muraro Marco , Visentin Sebastiano , Perrone Maria Sole , Pinton Paolo , Fiorica Francesco 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background & Aims:
Despite optimal local control, chemoradiotherapy (CRT) data on overall and disease-free survival are still equivocal. This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pathological complete response (pCR), regression rate, disease-free survival and overall survival probabilities of rectal cancer patients treated with intensified chemotherapy.
Data sources:
Computerised bibliographic searches of MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases (1970-2023) were supplemented with hand searches of reference lists.
Study selection:
Studies were included if they were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing intensified chemotherapy with CRT to preoperative CRT and if they had patients with resectable, histologically-proven, rectal adenocarcinoma without metastases. Eighteen RCTs (7695 patients) were analysed.
Data extraction:
Data on population, intervention, and outcomes were extracted from each RCT, following the intention-to-treat method, by three independent observers and combined using the DerSimonian and Laird methods.
Results:
Intensified chemotherapy and CRT, compared to preoperative CRT, significantly increases the rate of pathological complete response (OR 1.37 (95% CI, 1.16-1.63) p=0.0003) and the regression rate (OR 1.57 (95% CI, 1.16-2.14) p < 0.00001). Furthermore, it increases disease-free survival HR 0.87 (95% CI, 0.79 to 0.95) p=0.002 and overall survival HR 0.84 (95% CI, 0.74 to 0.95) p= 0.007. Finally, the risk of therapy to severe adverse events (≥G3) is increased OR 1.96 (95% CI 1.35–2.85), p =0.0005.
Conclusions:
In patients with resectable rectal cancer, intensified chemotherapy can reduce by 13% the hazard of disease progression and by 16% the hazard of death.