Efficient and consistent string processing is critical in the exponentially growing genomic data era. Locally Consistent Parsing (LCP) addresses this need by partitioning an input genome string into short, exactly matching substrings (e.g., "cores"), ensuring consistency across partitions. Labeling the cores of an input string consistently not only provides a compact representation of the input but also enables the reapplication of LCP to refine the cores over multiple iterations, providing a progressively longer and more informative set of substrings for downstream analyses. We present the first iterative implementation of LCP with Lcptools and demonstrate its effectiveness in identifying cores with minimal collisions. Experimental results show that the number of cores at the i^th iteration is O(n/c^i) for c ~ 2.34, while the average length and the average distance between consecutive cores are O(c^i). Compared to the popular sketching techniques, LCP produces significantly fewer cores, enabling a more compact representation and faster analyses. To demonstrate the advantages of LCP in genomic string processing in terms of computation and memory efficiency, we also introduce LCPan, an efficient variation graph constructor. We show that LCPan generates variation graphs >10x faster than vg, while using >13x less memory.

Efficient and consistent string processing is critical in the exponentially growing genomic data era. Locally Consistent Parsing (LCP) addresses this need by partitioning an input genome string into short, exactly matching substrings (e.g.,"cores"), ensuring consistency across partitions. Labeling the cores of an input string consistently not only provides a compact representation of the input but also enables the reapplication of LCP to refine the cores over multiple iterations, providing a progressively longer and more informative set of substrings for downstream analyses. We present the first iterative implementation of LCP with Lcptools and demonstrate its effectiveness in identifying cores with minimal collisions. Experimental results show that the number of cores at the i^th iteration is O(n/c^i) for c ~ 2.34, while the average length and the average distance between consecutive cores are O(c^i). Compared to the popular sketching techniques, LCP produces significantly fewer cores, enabling a more compact representation and faster analyses. To demonstrate the advantages of LCP in genomic string processing in terms of computation and memory efficiency, we also introduce LCPan, an efficient variation graph constructor. We show that LCPan generates variation graphs>10x faster than vg, while using>13x less memory.

To assess the efficacy in relation to costs of three retention techniques: vacuum-formed retainers (VFR) with lingual-bonded braided and multistranded wire retainers in the mandible. A total of 93 participants, aged 12–21 years at the start of the retention phase (median age: 16 years; 66% females) were assessed. Analysis included retainer survival rate, costs associated with retention procedures, degree of mandibular incisor irregularity, and patient satisfaction. The cost-minimization analysis accounted for direct costs (material and production expenses, utility costs, and chair time based on personnel wages). The survival rate of retainers was 74% for VFR, 71% for rectangular wire retainers, and 62% for round wire retainers, with no significant differences among groups. Incisor alignment relapse was minimal overall but was highest in the VFR group compared to both wire types (p < 0.001). No differences in satisfaction were observed between groups. However, total retention costs varied significantly (p = 0.001), with the VFR group showing the lowest median cost (34.39 €) and rectangular wire group the highest (44.61 €). The retainers demonstrated similar survival rates, provided equal patient satisfaction, and maintained alignment effectively, with differences in stability remaining below evidence-based thresholds. However, VFR incurred 21–23% lower costs than fixed retainers, a finding with practical relevance for public or resource-limited settings. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05121220. Registered 02 October 2021.

This paper presents a vendor-agnostic architecture for secure pre-shared key (PSK) exchange between Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) nodes, leveraging post-quantum cryptography (PQC) tools. The proposed system combines PQC-OpenVPN and OQS-OpenSSH with USB mass storage emulation and single-board computers (SBCs) to automate the transfer of initial authentication secrets. This design significantly reduces manual intervention and mitigates risks associated with physical key handling. The solution was experimentally validated on IDQ Clavis3 and Cerberis3 devices and is broadly applicable to other QKD platforms that support only USB-based key input. Integration of lattice-based algorithms such as Kyber, Dilithium, and ML-DSA enables encapsulation and authentication of quantum-safe keys. Furthermore, a layered design using VPN and SSH channels provides robust cryptographic isolation for authentication material in transit. The work contributes a reproducible and cost-effective testbed for post-quantum hardened QKD deployments and demonstrates the practical feasibility of combining PQC mechanisms with QKD systems to enhance trust in future quantum-safe infrastructures.

This paper systematically analyzes the challenges of stabilizing tunnel excavations in zones with low overburden in urban environments, through an engineering-validated case study of the Kobilja Glava Tunnel. A combined approach involving the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) and the pre-installation of steel pipe umbrellas was applied as the primary pre-support measure under complex geotechnical conditions. The design, drilling, grouting, and formation of the temporary support arch were thoroughly documented, along with the implementation of shotcrete, lattice girders, self-drilling anchors, and reinforcement meshes. A numerical analysis was performed using the PLAXIS 2D software package, encompassing the modeling of deformations, shear forces, axial forces, and bending moments, with precisely defined support parameters. Geodetic monitoring recorded maximum surface settlements of up to 70 mm at an overburden of less than 3 m, while deformations were reduced to 28 mm at an overburden of 20 m. The numerical model confirmed soil plasticization within a 3 m wide zone, with maximum displacements reaching 6.3 cm, consistent with field measurements. Calculated tensile strain and angular distortion were classified according to established building damage criteria, confirming minimal structural impact on adjacent buildings. The applied combination of the NATM and the pipe umbrella pre-support system proved to be an effective and reliable solution for controlling deformations and ensuring excavation stability under conditions of limited rock cover and dense urban development. The obtained results provide a verified framework and practical recommendations for future tunneling projects in similar geotechnical and urban conditions, aiming to enhance safety, stability, and cost-effectiveness.

This article introduces a mechanistic framework to reclassify suboptimal responses to GLP-1 receptor agonists. It defines three mechanistic subtypes of incretin resistance—receptor-level, post-receptor, and secretory—highlighting their distinct pathways and therapeutic implications. This model promotes personalized care by moving beyond the oversimplified ‘non-responder’ classification.

BACKGROUND The value of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) prior to endovascular therapy (EVT) with emergent stenting for intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD)-large vessel occlusion (LVO) is unknown. We aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of IVT among patients with adjuvant intracranial stenting after EVT. METHODS RESISTANT is a study of consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients who underwent EVT and intracranial stenting from 36 comprehensive stroke centres in 7 countries across 3 continents. The primary outcome of interest was ordinal shift of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90-days after the intervention. Secondary outcomes were excellent outcome (mRS 0-1) and functional independence (mRS 0-2) at 90-days. Safety outcomes were rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) at 24-hours and 90-day mortality. Adjusted multivariate ordinal and logistic regressions were performed for all outcomes. RESULTS Of 828 patients (median age 67 years, IQR 59-77; 65% male), 23% have received IVT. In the adjusted analysis, receiving IVT was not associated with mRS ordinal shift (aOR 0.8, 95%CI 0.6 -1.1), nor with functional independence (aOR 1.1, 95% 0.7 - 1.7). However, there was a positive association with excellent outcome (aOR 1.6, 95%CI 1.0 - 2.7). There were no differences in sICH rates at 24-hours (aOR 1.5, 95%CI 0.8 - 2.9), nor 90-day mortality (aOR 0.8, 95% 0.5-1.3). CONCLUSION In this multi-center study of patients who underwent EVT with emergent intracranial stenting, IVT was associated with excellent clinical outcome, possibly due to indication bias, and there were no safety concerns. Receiving IVT should not be a criterion for deferring acute stenting among patients with ICAD-associated LVO and IVT should not be routinely withheld in suspected ICAD cases.

We study strong-field ionization by quantum lights with emphasis on high-order above-threshold ionization and the intensity-dependent enhancements in the photoelectron spectra. We find that the length of the plateau in the photoelectron energy spectrum generated by such quantum lights can be extended by an order of magnitude in comparison with that generated by the classical coherent laser light and that within this plateau resonantly enhanced groups of sharp peaks appear at energies which are integer multiple of the photon energy. We relate the observed intensity-dependent enhancements to the channel closing effect. Our results are particularly interesting in the context of the recent interplay and merging of quantum optics with strong-field physics and attoscience.

The paper investigated the variability of the morphological-anatomical traits of one-year-old oak seedlings (Quercus cerris L. and Quercus rubra L.) produced in three different container types (Hiko, Plantagrah, biodegradable). A two-factorial ANOVA showed for the morphological characteristics (root collar diameter and height) statistically significant difference between the species and between the containers, too. The interaction between the variability factors (container type and species) also affects height and root collar diameter. As for the obtained results of two-factorial ANOVA for anatomical parameters (wood, bark, pith proportion, and vessel width), statistically significant differences were obtained for all of them between species, as well as between container types. On the other hand, the interaction of container type and species does not affect vessel width and bark content unlike wood and pith proportion. Comparing the species, it can be concluded that the average values of all traits, apart from vessel width, are higher in Q.rubra L. The largest dimensions of all elements regardless of the species were obtained for Hiko, then Plantagrah, and the smallest for biodegradable container.

Reproducibility in biological research and manufacturing remains constrained by the complexity of multi-step protocols, fragmented data-analysis pipelines, and the intrinsic variability of experimental execution. Here, we present Agentic Lab, an agentic-physical AI platform that unifies large language model and vision language model (LLMs/VLMs)-driven reasoning with real-world laboratory operations. Agentic Lab uses multi-agent orchestration architecture, comprising of specialized subagents for knowledge retrieval, protocol design, multimodal data analysis, and training-free segmentation and representation learning for intrinsically explainable single-cell and organoid phenotyping. These agents operate under the orchestration of a virtual principal investigator MolAgent that is linked to an augmented reality (AR)-based physical AI interface, which can bridge digital reasoning with human physical execution. Agentic Lab perceives real-world experimental activities, provides context-aware instructions, identifying procedural errors in real time for humans to correct, and continuously evolves with its long-term memory database expanding through the accumulation of experimental data logs from human scientists. This interaction allows scientists and AI agents to collaborate and co-evolve dynamically, closing the loop between planning, action, and analysis in the traditional cell and organoid research lifecycle. We demonstrate Agentic Lab in organoid differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells, where it autonomously generates protocols, monitors culture procedures, and identifies subtle morphological heterogeneity linked to growth conditions. The system interprets these phenotypes, grounds them in literature, and proposes targeted instructions for improving differentiation efficiency. By combining multi-agent reasoning with physical laboratory awareness, Agentic Lab transforms experimentation and biomanufacturing from a static workflow into an adaptive, feedback-driven, bidirectional process that integrates agentic AI into the research lifecycle. This framework establishes a foundation for intelligent laboratories that integrate design, execution, and interpretation within a unified agentic-physical system.

This longitudinal study aimed to examine the in-season variations in morphological, cardiorespiratory, muscular, and motor fitness components in junior male basketball players during an 8-month competitive season. Eighteen male basketball players (16.56 ± 0.90 years) were tested at three time points (T1, T2, T3). Assessed variables included body fat (BF), fat-free mass (FFM), muscle mass (MM), total body water (TBW), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), final running speed in the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (VIFT), maximum and average heart rate (HRmax, HRavg), squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJmax), drop jump (DJ), 20 m sprint with 5 m and 10 m splits, T-test (TT), and Lane Agility Drill (LAD). Significant improvements were observed in body mass (T1–T3, p = 0.002; T2–T3, p = 0.039), along with reductions in BF (T1–T2 and T1–T3, p < 0.05) and increases in FFM and MM (especially T2–T3, p < 0.05). VO2max increased significantly from T1 to T2 and T3 (p < 0.01), while HRaverage decreased across all intervals (p < 0.001), and HRmax declined slightly from T1 to T3 (p = 0.031). VIFT improved significantly between T1 and both T2 and T3 (p < 0.001). Measures of explosive strength (SJ, CMJmax, DJ) and agility (TT, LAD) showed consistent improvement across the season (p < 0.001), with moderate gains from T2 to T3 (p < 0.01 for SJ). These findings suggest meaningful physical and physiological adaptations during the competitive season, highlighting the importance of structured and continuous training throughout critical phases of athletic development in junior basketball players.

INTRODUCTION obesity during university studies is becoming a growing problem. In order to recognize health risks in the young population as early as possible, it is important to define objective criteria for obesity. Body mass index (BMI) and percentage of body fat (PBF) are the most common parameters for assessing obesity. OBJECTIVE the aim of this research is to determine the criteria of BMI for young university students as a young adult population based on PBF criteria. METHODS this study included 1272 university students, divided by gender (675 females and 597 males). PBF was measured using multichannel bioelectrical impedance analysis InBody 720. RESULTS percentile distribution was used to establish obesity criteria for PBF based in four categories: athlete, fit, normally nourished and overweight. The results for female showed that the BMI cut-off value for the athlete criterion is 21.97 kg/m2, for the fit criterion is 22.01 kg/m2, for the normally nourished 23.18 kg/m2 and for the overweight 27.29 kg/m2. The results for male showed that for the athlete criterion the cut-off value for BMI was 23.70 kg/m2, for the fit criterion 25.66 kg/m2, for the normally nourished 26.63 kg/m2 and for the overweight 29.60 kg/m2. CONCLUSION the existing standard BMI criteria for young adults are not specifically accurate regarding obesity. We propose to redefine BMI nutritional status criteria based on PBF for young adult subjects.

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, progressive and degenerative joint disease whose main cause is the breakdown and loss of articular cartilage, along with other articular and extra-articular changes such as bone hypertrophy (osteophyte formation), hypotrophy or muscle atrophy. After cardiovascular Osteoarthritis is the second most common chronic disease, primarily of the hip and knee joints. Osteoarthritis of the knee is an important factor in the occurrence of physical damage in the elderly and affects a person's functional abilities, and thus the quality of life. Working hypothesis: Physiotherapy leads to an improvement in the quality of life of people with knee osteoarthritis treated at the "Reumal" Fojnica health resort, while the null hypothesis is the negation of the working hypothesis. Research goals: To examine the sociodemographic characteristics of subjects with knee osteoarthritis, to assess the quality of life of people with knee osteoarthritis before and after the use of physiotherapy, to analyze the type and modalities of physiotherapy use by subjects in the study group. Material and methods of research: The research was conducted in 2023 at the “Reumal” health resort in Fojnica. The research included 50 subjects of both sexes with knee osteoarthritis. The subjects completed a general and standardized questionnaire before and after the physiotherapy program. Research results: Of the total number of male respondents, 16 (32.0%) were male, and 34 (68.0%) were female. The average age of the respondents in the research group was 72.98±7.31 years. The most commonly used physiotherapy modalities were parafango (52.0%), pearl bath (46.0%) and TENS (44.0%). The assessment of quality of life established a statistically significant improvement in quality of life after physiotherapy on the mental health scale, difficulties in performing work and the scale of impact on sexual life. Correlation analysis shows that there is a statistically significant influence of age on the improvement in quality of life according to the pain scale, in the sense that older respondents have a lower probability of improvement (ro=-0.348; p=0.013). Conclusion: The results of our research confirmed the working hypothesis that the use of physiotherapy leads to an improvement in the quality of life of people with knee osteoarthritis treated at the "Reumal" Fojnica health resort.