bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of domestic combustion of biomass pellets on the environment and human health: Example from Poland
Authors: Drobniak Agnieszka , Jelonek Zbigniew , Widziewicz-Rzońca Kamila , Mastalerz Maria , Schimmelmann Arndt , Jelonek Iwona
Published: October 2024

In the context of the European Union's intensified efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions and meet climate targets, wood pellets have emerged as a pivotal element in the renewable energy strategy. Yet, biomass pellet combustion has been linked to a range of pollutants impacting air quality and public health. As biomass utilization gains popularity as a fuel for residential heating, it is important to determine this impact and enhance sustainable practices throughout the entire biomass energy production cycle. This study investigates the intricate dynamics of biomass pellet properties on their combustion emissions, with a specific focus on the differences observed between pellets of woody and non-woody origins. The data reveal a variation in pellet characteristics, especially regarding their ash and fines contents, mechanical durability, and impurity levels, and significant differences in the type and amount of utilization emissions. The results highlight potential health risks posed by the combustion of biomass fuels, particularly non-woody (agro) pellets, due to elevated concentrations of emitted particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), ammonia (NH3), chlorine (Cl2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and formaldehyde (HCHO), all surpassing recommended limits. Moreover, the study reveals that emissions from pellet combustion could be partially predicted by analyzing pellet characteristics. Statistical analysis identified several key variables—including bark content, fines content, mechanical durability, bulk density, heating value, net calorific value, sulfur, and nitrogen content—that impact emissions of CO, NO2, H2S, SO2, HCHO, and respiratory tract irritants. These findings underscore the need for proactive measures, including the implementation of stricter standards for fuel quality and emissions, alongside public education initiatives promoting the cleanest and safest fuels possible.
The impact of implementing a patient-ventilator asynchrony (PVA) management protocol on clinical outcomes in ICU patients
Authors: Ahvazy Maryam Roze , Adineh Mohammad , Savaie Mohsen , ghanbari Saeed
Published: October 2024

Background
Mechanical ventilation is a critical life support for ICU patients. However, this intervention can be associated with complications such as patient-ventilator asynchrony (PVA) and subsequent adverse events. This study aimed to investigate the impact of implementing a PVA management protocol on clinical outcomes in ICU patients.
Methods
In this randomized controlled trial conducted in 2023, 66 mechanically ventilated patients admitted to the ICU of a hospital affiliated with Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, were randomly assigned to either an intervention or control group. For the intervention group, PVA was assessed twice daily during the morning and evening shifts, and interventions were performed according to the protocol if necessary. The control group did not receive any specific protocol for PVA management. Data were collected using a checklist and analyzed using SPSS version 22.
Results
There was a significant difference between the intervention and control groups in terms of duration of mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001), length of ICU stay (p < 0.001), and successful weaning from the ventilator (p = 0.026). In all three dimensions, the intervention group showed better outcomes. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of ICU mortality (p = 0.138) or self-extubation (p = 0.85).
Conclusion
The use of a PVA management protocol can lead to positive outcomes such as reduced duration of mechanical ventilation, shorter ICU stay, and increased successful weaning from the ventilator for ICU patients. Given the promising results of this study, it is recommended that this easy-to-implement and cost-effective PVA management protocol be widely adopted in ICU settings. Further research is needed to solidify these findings and explore potential variations in implementation.
Septate Gallbladder In Adult:Case Report
Authors: Wani Imtiaz
Published: October 2024

Introduction
Septate gallbladder is rare in surgery. This may be an incidental finding during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Case History
A 42 year old female had laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis. She had diagnosis of longitudinal septum during decompression of of gallbladder through port for retrieval of gallstones.
Conclusion
Septum of gallbladder is rare and may be diagnosed intraoperatively during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This septate gallbladder has usually multiple calculi inside lumen.
Association of the beta-2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) rs1042714 variant with retinopathy of prematurity: case-control and functional pathways analysis
Authors: Chmielarz-Czarnocińska Anna , Durska Anna , Skulimowski Bartosz , Sobaniec Alicja , Gotz-Więckowska Anna , Strauss Ewa
Published: October 2024

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) remains a leading cause of childhood blindness globally. The clinical progression of ROP exhibits notable similarities to infantile hemangioma (IH), suggesting shared risk factors and underlying mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the influence of variants in genes postulated for IH—specifically, anthrax toxin receptor 1 (ANTXR1), beta-2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2), Fms-related tyrosine kinase 4 receptor (FLT4), kinase insert domain receptor (KDR), and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R)—on the development and severity of ROP. In our analysis of 210 infants born at a gestational age of less than 33 weeks, we identified the ADRB2 rs1042714G variant allele as a significant risk factor for ROP, particularly its proliferative form. This risk was exacerbated by interactions with factors associated with neonatal respiratory failure, such as surfactant therapy, postnatal resuscitation, and mechanical ventilation, as well as the angiotensin II type 1 receptor variant (AGTR1 rs5186A > C), previously linked to ROP risk in meta-analyses. Moreover, STRING protein-protein interaction analysis revealed that the ADRB2 protein interacts directly with a component of the vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway. These findings highlight potential pharmacological targets for ROP interventions, emphasizing the importance of understanding genetic contributions to this complex condition.
NIR Spectroscopy Application for Quality Control of Wheat Grain Produced in Albania
Authors: Mato Lorena , Osmanaj Arben , Topi Ardiana , Topi Dritan , Bajraktari Naser
Published: October 2024

Wheat and its processed flour-based items have been one of the main staple foods of Europeans, including Albanians. Its nutritional importance is attributed to its role as a crucial source of microelements and its versatility for conversion into many processed products, including bread, pasta, and pastries. Global marketplaces are concentrating on their quality indicators about safety and security. The study utilized near-infrared spectroscopy to assess the quality of domestically grown wheat by analyzing physicochemical characteristics, including protein, gluten, starch, moisture, and sedimentation index. This study included the application of NIRS in tandem with machine learning as a sustainable processing and quality assessment tool in cereals. Seventy-five samples were gathered from various areas throughout the 2022 harvesting season, either straight from the field or from silos. The protein content varied from 9.6–15.0%, with a mean of 12.7%. The gluten concentration varied between 19.4% and 37.5%, with a mean of 27.5%. The starch content ranged from 66.3–71.5%, with a mean value of 68.9%. The sedimentation index was measured between 21.1 and 57.8 cm3, with an average of 37.6 cm3. The moisture level varied between 9.8% and 12.5%, indicating that all wheat samples remained within the maximum limit of 14.5% stipulated by national and European Union food regulations. The crop quality indicators generated in Albania met the quality criteria established by EU and state food legislation.
Effects of nalbuphine and sufentanil on stress response and immune response in patients undergoing thoracoscopic unilateral lobectomy : A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Du Chengxu , Cheng Qianyi , Chen Pan , Xin Wenqi
Published: October 2024

Background:
According to the statistics of the American Cancer Society in 2024, the incidence of lung cancer ranks second, but its mortality rate ranks first. Thoracoscopy is one of the commonly used surgical methods in recent years. This study was to investigate the effects of nalbuphine on stress response, immune function and analgesic effect in patients after thoracoscopic surgery.
Methods
This study was a prospective trial of patients after thoracoscopic lung cancer resection. The cohort was randomly divided into two groups : nalbuphine group ( RN group ) and sufentanil group ( RS group ). Thoracic paravertebral nerve block was performed before surgery in both groups. RN group : 0.75% ropivacaine ( 10ml ) + nalbuphine ( 0.2mg / kg ) + normal saline = 20ml. RS group : 0.75% ropivacaine ( 10ml ) + sufentanil ( 0.2µg / kg ) = 20ml. After surgery, all patients were rescued with PCIA. RN group : nalbuphine 2 mg / kg + normal saline = 150 ml, RS group : sufentanil (2 µg / kg ) + normal saline = 150 ml.
Results:
Compared with RS group, ( 1 ) CD3 in T2 and T3 RN group was higher ( P < 0.05 ). ( 2) ACTH in RN group was lower at T3 ( P < 0.05 ). ( 3 ) IL-6 in RN group was lower at T3 ( p < 0.05 ) ; ( 4 ) compared with RS group, the VAS scores of patients in RN group were significantly lower within 2 hours and 24 hours after operation ( P < 0.05 ).
Conclusion :
In patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy, nalbuphine can reduce stress response and immunosuppression, reduce postoperative inflammatory response, relieve postoperative rest pain, and facilitate postoperative rehabilitation.
Groundwater Quality of Bogoberi in Calabar Municipality in Cross River State, Southeastern Nigeria.
Authors: Chukwura-Osoagba Uche Ogugua , Igwilo Paul Chinedu , Opara Clinton Chijioke , Akam Allen Dibang
Published: October 2024

Groundwater quality investigation was carried out in Bogoberi community in Calabar Municipality Local Government Area in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study was conducted to determine the quality of groundwater for drinking and other domestic purposes. Borehole water samples were collected and subjected to standard field and laboratory techniques, and analyzed for the physicochemical parameters. The groundwater samples were slightly acidic and soft when compared with the WHO standards and Nigerian Standards for Drinking water Quality. The electrical conductivity ranged from 97.2 to 254 µS/cm. The alkalinity ranged from 15 to 25 mg/L. The dissolved oxygen and biochemical oxygen demand ranged from 2.5 to 5.2 and 0 to 0.06 mg/L, respectively. The total dissolved solids ranged from 65.12 to 170.18 mg/L. The nitrate and sulphate ranged from 0.15 to 0.48 and 0 to 10.03 mg/L, respectively. The study area is dominated by the Calabar Flank unit. It is underlained by Teritary and Quarternary to Recent sediments known as the Benin Formation (Coastal Plain sands). The Benin Formation consists of alternating sequences of gravel and sand of various grain size, silt, clay and alluvium. In the area, the alternating sediments built up a multi-aquifer system. The Cretaceous sediments include mostly conglomerate, limestone, sandstone, mudstone, shale and marl of Calabar Flank. Statistical analysis gave significant correlation (at 0.05) between electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, alkalinity, and many other elements. The study aids in the understanding of chemistry of groundwater and setting background for related detailed study for long-term monitoring and management.
Factor structure and psychometric properties of the German version of the Reward-based Eating Drive scale
Authors: Herhaus Benedict , Barlang Marlene , Berth Hendrik , Vainik Uku , Epel Elissa S. , Tomiyama A. Janet , Mason Ashley E. , Petrowski Katja
Published: October 2024

Objective: The reward-based eating drive (RED) scales are well-established self-report scales that measure reward-related eating behavior. However, German versions of the RED has not yet been created and validated. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to develop and psychometrically evaluate a German version of the RED.
Method: A German university sample (N=311 medical undergraduates) completed a survey including the RED-9 and the RED-13, as well as several related measures, to test the established factor structure using a confirmatory factor analysis. Construct validity was assessed by correlation analysis with standardized and internationally established questionnaires measuring reward-related eating.
Results: The German 9-item RED (RED-9) with the 3-factor model showed the best psychometric properties in terms of fit indices with acceptable internal consistency, good item rest correlation, and good construct validity with other reward eating scales. There was also a positive association between the German RED-9 total score and BMI.
Conclusions: In conclusion, the German RED-9 is a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of reward-related eating behavior in non-pathological populations. Further research is needed to better understand associations among reward-related eating, obesity, and diabetes in the German population.
The effect of combined treatment with cold atmospheric plasma and doxorubicin on melanoma: a critical umbrella systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental studies
Authors: Rostami Zeinab , Alizadeh-Navaei Reza , Golpoor Monireh , Yazdani Zahra , Rafiei Alireza
Published: October 2024

Objective: Melanoma is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths, but there are several ways to combat this deadly disease. One method involves the use of anti-neoplastic agents, such as doxorubicin (DOX). Unfortunately, DOX can be toxic and may lead to drug resistance. However, researchers are excited about the potential of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) to selectively target cancer cells and overcome drug resistance. To gain a better understanding of the effectiveness of the combination of CAP and DOX on melanoma cell viability, cytotoxicity, and cell death, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation and meta-analysis in this study.
Results: A total of 41 studies out of 121 met our inclusion criteria. Pooled analysis revealed that the CAP and DOX combination had a significant effect on cell viability (ES =6.75, 95% CI: 1.65--11.85, and I2 = 71%) and cytotoxicity (ES =11.71, 95% CI: 3.69--19.73, and I2 = 56%). However, no statistically significant association was found between cell death and thecombination treatment.
Conclusions: Our studies confirmed that combined treatment with CAP and DOX has a synergistic effect on reducing cell viability and increasing cytotoxicity in melanoma cells. These results can assist researchers in selecting more effective treatment methods to address melanoma.
Application and nursing cooperation of immediate implant placement supported by dynamic navigation: a retrospective study
Authors: Deng Hua , Geng Ningbo , Dou Xiaolan , Yang Shuling , Wang Haishang , Huang Liufang
Published: October 2024

Background
The dynamic navigation technique is used in implant surgery, and there are many instruments and complex procedures during the operation. Therefore, standardized and smooth doctor-nurse cooperation is particularly important. The purpose of this study is to summarize the practical application of dynamic navigation system in immediate implant placement (IIP), and to preliminarily discuss the perioperative nursing cooperation.
Methods
In this study, 40 patients who underwent IIP using a dynamic navigation system in the Department of dentistry of our hospital from 1 January 2021 to 31 March 2024 were collected and the postoperative implantation accuracy was measured, including cervical deviation, apical deviation, depth deviation and angular deviation, and the key points of nursing cooperation were summarised.
Results
62 implants were successfully placed in 40 patients, and all implants had good initial stability. The deviations of the neck and root under navigation guidance were (1.36 ± 0.65) mm and (1.48 ± 0.65) mm, respectively, and the angular deviation was (3.71 ± 1.32) °. Patients were generally satisfied with the results of the implantation and no serious complications occurred.
Conclusion
The dynamic navigation system can improve the precision and success rate of IIP. The preoperative quality nursing care, the full preparation of instruments and items, and the skilled operative nursing coordination can improve the surgical efficiency and reduce complications.
Clinical trial number: not applicable
Association of Frailty and Quality of Life in Elderly Patients with Permanent Pacemaker
Authors: Gunawan Hendra , Salim Simon , Alwi Idrus , Setiati Siti
Published: October 2024

Background: Understanding quality of life status (QoL) is essential to know patient’s well being after pacemaker implantation. Most of the pacemaker’s recipients are elderly. Elderly patients have been associated with multiple comorbities that may interact one another with frailty is the major comorbid in elderly patients. However, there is not much known about the relationships of frailty and its associate factors towards patient’s quality of life status in pacemaker population. Aim: To analyze the association of frailty status and other factors such as age, gender, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, LVEF to QoL in bradyarrhythmic patients post permanent pacemaker implantation.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in cardiovascular outpatient department at Cardiocerebrovascular Integrated Unit in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta. Frailty status was assessed with FI-40 score and quality of life was assessed with AQUAREL questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted with bivariate analysis and logistic regression to assess the interaction of risk factors to the quality of life.
Results: There were 135 subjects, 68 (50.4%) people were men, aged 69 (64-78) years old, 64 (47.4%) people was a retiree, with 55 (40.9%) people had high school as education background. There were 101 (74.8%) people with a history of dual chamber permanent pacemaker implantation, with TAVB (40.7%) and SND (30.4%) as the most common etiology. The median duration of permanent pacemaker implantation was 4 (2-5.5) years. After adjusting for confounding factors such as age, sex, LVEF, BMI, frailty status was associated with all domain in AQUAREL questionnaire [8.934 (95%CI: 2.66-30.02) for dyspnea domain, 21.56 (95%CI: 5.09-91.33) for chest dyscomfort domain, and 19.78 (95%CI: 4.93-79.43) for arryhthmia domain].
Conclusion: Frailty status was associated with quality of life in elderly bradyarrhythmic patients post permanent pacemaker implantation in Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital.
Elucidating the Functions of fabF1 and fabF2 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Implications for Fatty Acid Metabolism and Pathogenicity
Authors: Hu Zhe , Yu Junfei , Li Mengchen , Liu Xiangru , Zhu Lei
Published: October 2024

Background
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen associated with severe infections in immunocompromised individuals, including burn patients and those with cystic fibrosis. β-ketoacyl-ACP synthases are a class of key enzymes in bacterial fatty acid metabolism, with functions that directly impact basic cellular metabolism and pathogenicity. Two types of long-chain β-ketoacyl-ACP synthases have been identified: FabB and FabF. This study investigates the roles of fabF1 and fabF2 genes in the fatty acid biosynthesis and virulence of P. aeruginosa PAO1.
Results
Complementation assays in Escherichia coli demonstrated that fabF2can substitute for the E. coli FabB enzyme, while FabF1 exhibits FabF-like activity. In P. aeruginosa PAO1, deletion of fabF1significantly decreased cis-vaccenic acid levels and increased palmitoleic acid, whereas deletion of fabF2 had no effect. The double mutant showed a marked reduction in cis-vaccenic acid. Virulence assays revealed that the ΔfabF1strain exhibited a 63% reduction in rhamnolipid production, while the ΔfabF2strain showed a 45% reduction. The double mutant retained only 28% of wild-type rhamnolipid levels. Additionally, pyoverdine secretion was substantially reduced in the double mutant, and both LasA protease activity and pyocyanin production were compromised. Motility assays indicated reduced swimming, twitching, and swarming abilities in the mutants.
Conclusions
These findings underscore the crucial roles of fabF1 and fabF2 in the fatty acid biosynthesis, virulence factor production, and motility of P. aeruginosa, providing insights into potential targets for antimicrobial development.
Impact of pharmacy clinical service redesign on quantity and quality of pharmacy interventions in a tertiary teaching hospital: a Pre-Post Cohort Study
Authors: Chubaty Adriana J , Wills Carly , Saran Harsheen K , Bordia Aagam S , Yeung Kingston , Widjaja Gabrielle , Penm Jonathan
Published: October 2024

Background
Pharmacists are integral to the multidisciplinary team; however, staffing and resource challenges limit pharmacists' impact. Aligning pharmacists by specialty, rather than traditional ward-based models, may address these challenges.
Aim
This study aims to evaluate the impact of a clinical pharmacy redesign on medication reviews.
Method
The pre-post observational cohort study was conducted at a 550-bed tertiary teaching hospital. The redesign of the clinical pharmacy service was conceived and implemented using redesign methodology. Implemented solutions involved alignment of pharmacists to specialty teams, multidisciplinary teamwork, pharmacist clinical specialisation, an emphasis on clinical documentation, and prioritisation of patients requiring medication review. Pharmacist interventions documented pre- and post-clinical redesign were compared. Two independent reviewers reviewed interventions to classify the type of intervention and determine the impact and significance.
Results
In total, 226 patients were included in the pre-cohort and 468 post. Age (mean 70 vs 69, p-value = 0.404) and other demographics were similar between the cohorts. Pharmacist interventions increased after the clinical pharmacy redesign (n = 310 vs n = 1,106). After the implementation of the clinical pharmacy redesign, there was a significant increase in the median number of clinical interventions per Full-time Equivalent pharmacist (13.5 [0–64] vs 81.5 [3-166], p = 0.004) despite no change in staffing. The redesign showed a positive impact and increase in all interventions, including Process of care interventions (45.2% vs 57.4%, p-value < 0.001).
Conclusion
The redesign of pharmacy services increased pharmacist impact without increasing resource requirements or using screening tools, resulting in improved prioritisation of patients, identifying DRPs and increased interventions.
The lateral acromial angle in patients with rotator cuff tears: MRI vs radiographic measurements
Authors: Nachawati Sofian , Nedelea Georgiana Dana , Dragosloveanu Serban , Capitanu Bogdan Sorin , Gheorghievici Gavril , Haritinian Emil-George
Published: October 2024

Background: The lateral acromial angle (LAA) was first described in 1995 by Banas. The angle is measured using two lines, one is drawn just inferior to the sclerotic line of the acromion undersurface and a second line connects the superior and inferior border of the glenoid fossa. Values of the LAA lower than 78 degrees are associated with a higher prevalence of rotator cuff disease. Originally described on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), this measurement has since been utilized by other authors on true antero-posterior (AP) radiographs. However, no study has yet described a difference between measuring the LAA on MRI or true AP radiographs, nor has evaluated the importance of scapular kinematics in influencing the value of this angle.
Methods: The clinical data of 610 patients with shoulder pain that came to our clinic from January 2018 and March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 50 patients were included in the final study population. Patients included were those with a full-thickness rotator cuff tear (n=23, 64%) and partial rotator cuff tears (n=17, 34%) diagnosed on an MRI of the shoulder. All the patients had a true AP radiograph of the shoulder taken in our institution. We measured the lateral acromial angle of all 50 patients on MRI and true AP radiograph.
Results: The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed a significant difference in LAA measurements between MRI and true AP radiographs, with MRI granting higher values (median 77.57°) compared to radiographs (median 73.05°), and a median difference of 4.84°. The mean age was 54.5 ± 9.8 years (range, 29-74 years), 54% of them were female. Pearson correlation indicated a moderate correlation between the two methods. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) suggested moderate to good agreement, but with notable variability. A Bland-Altman Plot was used to assess the agreement between the two measurement techniques.
Conclusion: MRI provides significantly higher LAA measurements compared to true AP radiographs. Scapular kinematics likely influences these differences, making measurements from MRI and radiographs not perfectly interchangeable with a potential impact on clinical decision making.
dehydrogenase subunit 5 (ND5) gene genetic differentiation of Anopheles arabiensis Patton (Diptera: Culicidae) the malaria vector in the Republic of Sudan
Authors: Mustafa Mashair , Jaal Zairi , Abukashawa Sumia , MNR SitiAzizah
Published: October 2024

Background
Anopheles arabiensis is the main malaria vector in Sudan. The abundance of Anopheles populations is subject to the environmental factors in which they inhabit. These factors play a major role in controlling their population genetic structure and their effectiveness as vectors.
Objective
The main objectives of this study were to investigate the genetic structure of Anopheles arabiensis, and to determine the relationships of An. arabiensis within the An. gambiae complex species based on mtDNA NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (ND5) gene.
Method
The samples were collected from six locations in different regions of Sudan during June 2010 to May 2011. The collection sites were; Mygoma, Alhaj Yousif and Algerif West (Khartoum State), Alkrmota and Alhalanga Shemal (Kassala State) and Abu Algoni (Sennar State). Partial mtDNA NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (ND5) gene was utilized to examine the interpopulation sequence variation in Sudan.
Results
Haplotype diversity was high (0.61- 0.90) with low nucleotide diversity (0.003-0.004). High gene flow and no isolation by distance were observed among populations using the ND5 gene
Conclusion
This study revealed high gene flow and no isolation by distance among the six populations investigated.
Exploring the Significance of Physical Activity and Quality of Life Among Hemiplegic Elderly: A Novel Approach Using Mixed-Methods Grounded Theory
Authors: Sawangjaithum Kanokthip , Riewpaiboon Wachara , Sirirungruang Issavara , Sunsern Ratchanee
Published: October 2024

Background
Elderly stroke survivors commonly live a sedentary life with some degree of physical disability despite their independent functional ability in performing activities of daily living (ADL) and ambulation. The perception and meanings given to physical activity (PA) play a significant role in promoting active aging for better Quality of life (QoL). This study aims to explore the QoL-related meanings of PA given by hemiplegic older adults living in Thailand's rural community to construct an explorative theoretical model.
Methods
A mixed-methods grounded theory (MM-GT) embedded research design. In-depth interviews collected the qualitative data from twenty samples of community-dwelling elderlies who were hemiplegic stroke survivors for more than one year. Quantifying the PA level of respondents was embedded using Global Physical Activity Questionnaires (GPAQ), whereas WHOQOL-BREF and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) were used for quantifying QoL.
Results
The constructive theoretical model displayed three hierarchical meaningful PA categories. Firstly, initial PA refers to activities that positively drive to being more independent in performing ADL and negatively drive to avoid burdening the family. Secondly, identity PA meant what they do regarding the accountabilities to prior family roles, which were commonly viewed negatively instead of living a sedentary, empty life. Thirdly, optimizing PA was denoted as what they do to maintain and balance their existence in the community’s social and physical context. The more meaningful PA was, the more possibility to turn into action and contribute to QoL of elderly hemiplegic stroke survivors. The MM-GT embedded design helped to disclose the multidimensional QoL-related meanings of the PA behavior of older people, while the cognitive theories enhanced learning property and explanatory power. On the other hand, the theory of everything helped to ensure the inclusion of individual and societal perspectives and subjective and objective evidence.
Conclusions
These findings have significant implications for geriatrics, rehabilitation, and public health, providing insights into the role of PA in the QoL of elderly stroke survivors and suggesting potential strategies for promoting active aging and improving QoL in this population.
Silencing LncRNA3643 inhibit the apoptosis and inflammation of LPS induced HK-2 cell
Authors: Li Siqi , Qin Yalong , Qin Guifu , Wei Lu , Yin Xietian , Zhuo Qin , Peng Tingting , Ye Zhiqin
Published: October 2024

Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of si-lncRNA3643 on the proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammatory response of HK2 cells and its possible mechanism.
Methods HK2 cells were divided into four groups: control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (10 µg/ml), empty vector (NC), and si-lncRNA3643 groups. Apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometry. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to evaluate cell proliferation. Western blotting was used to determine the level of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) associated death promoter (Bad), Bcl-2, cleaved-caspase 3, and nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-κ B) protein. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression was observed by RT-PCR. Results Compared with the control, cell apoptosis rate, Bad, cleaved-caspase 3, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α expression in the LPS group increased (P < 0.05), and Bcl-2 expression and cell proliferation rate decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with the LPS group, the cell apoptosis rate and the expression of Bad, cleaved-caspase 3, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α were decreased in the si-lncRNA3643 group (P < 0.05). The level of p-NF-κ B was increased in the LPS group (P < 0.05) but was reversed after si-lncRNA3643 intervention.
Conclusion Silencing lncRNA3643 inhibited HK2 cell apoptosis and inflammation by regulating the NF-κ B pathway.
Sleep Quality and Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Psoriasis and Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients
Authors: Baran Burcu , Solak Eda Oksum , Yetkin Nur Aleyna , Rabahoglu Bilal , Tutar Nuri , Gulmez Inci , Oymak Fatma Sema
Published: October 2024

Background/Aim
Psoriasis and Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) are chronic inflammatory skin conditions that significantly impact quality of life, sleep, and increase morbidity. This study aims to compare sleep quality and the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with these conditions. Additionally, it explores the relationships between sleep disorders, demographic factors, disease severity, and inflammatory markers.
Materials and Methods
The study included 25 HS and 50 psoriasis patients diagnosed and followed in the Dermatology Department of a tertiary healthcare institution. Disease severity was assessed using the HURLEY score for HS patients and the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index for psoriasis patients. Sleep quality and OSA risk were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Berlin, and STOP-Bang questionnaires.
Results
A total of 75 patients participated, with 50 in the psoriasis group and 25 in the HS group. Of the participants, %41 were female, with a mean age of 36.4 ± 12.7 years. HS patients had significantly higher PSQI and STOP-Bang scores compared to psoriasis patients (p = 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). No significant associations were found between disease severity and questionnaire scores in either condition. However, the rate of high-risk OSA was higher in males (p = 0.004) and more prevalent in HS patients than in psoriasis patients (%64 vs. %26, p = 0.002).
Conclusion
HS patients face a significantly higher risk for OSA due to factors like obesity, smoking, increased neck and waist circumference, and elevated inflammation. Routine assessment of OSA risk using tools like the PSQI, Berlin, and STOP-Bang questionnaires is recommended for these patients.
The eye in the media: Materiality and technical individuation
Authors: Filinich Renzo
Published: October 2024

Analysing the thoughts of theorists of technique and technology such as Gilbert Simondon (1958) and Bernard Stiegler (2018), we conclude that technique and technology constitute modes of individuals and their environment, as opposed to simple tools that prolong pre-existing capacities in individuals. Indeed, technique and technology enable diverse modes of individuation, whether at the individual, psychic, or social level. Thus each time change implies new technologies that structure the milieu suspending the existing programs. Stiegler called that suspension an epoché. This essay aims to account for the current material transformations that occur due to the interaction between the individual and new computational systems. These transformations have led to reformulate, to put in epoché, the old paradigms that focused on vision, perception, and the image from an anthropological point of view. To get there, I will explore the philosophical and theoretical resonances of artefacts from the perspective of Simondon’s information processing system approach. Additionally, I will incorporate Stiegler’s concept of deanthropologization to account for the new relationships that must be defined between individuals and machines, where classic concepts — such as the relationship between the image and human vision — must be reviewed. Currently, images are not limited to the visual because, as code, they can be processed by algorithms which do not need to “see”. Today, we also face a shift in scale, with an enormous mass of data that can be easily processed by algorithms, but not by individual humans. This is why the transformation of information into digital images or dataviz, that allow us to understand abstract and complex datafication, can be thought to establish new material relationships of individuation between algorithms and living beings.
Evaluation of heavy metals distribution in sediments of saf-saf wadi, case of Skikda city in the north-east of Algeria
Authors: BOUHAYENE Salah , KHALED-KHODJA Soumeya , FERKOUS Hana , DELIMI Amel , ABDENNOURI Amdjed , ROUIBAH Karima , BENGUREBA Yacine
Published: October 2024

Wadi Saf-Saf, one of the largest wadis in Skikda town, carries a large proportion of the agricultural, industrial, and domestic wastewater from the city and discharges them in coastal water. In this study, spatial and temporal analysis of metallic trace elements (Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Fe) in sediment samples was performed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results obtained revealed that the mean concentrations of heavy metals vary as follows: Zn (118 mg/kg) > Pb (60.60 mg/kg) > Cr (58 mg/kg) > Fe (27.20 mg/kg) > Cu (17.40 mg/kg) > Cd (1.26 mg/kg). By comparing, the levels of these trace metals in the wadiSaf-Saf with the SEQ-Water standards (2003), the results showed a very high toxicity of Chromium, Lead, and Cadmium exceeding the standard, presenting a dangerous and toxic environmental sedimentary quality.
Effectiveness of an educational intervention for improving knowledge about the risk factors and signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
Authors: Leirós-Díaz Claudia , Martin-Payo Ruben , Cachero-Rodriguez Judit , Zhang Xiaoxia , Ureña-Lorenzo Amalia , Fernandez-Alvarez Maria del Mar
Published: October 2024

Purpose: An evaluation was made of the effectiveness of an educational intervention for improving knowledge about the risk factors and signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
Methods: a randomized, experimental study was carried out involving an intervention group (IG) and a non-intervention control group (CG). Knowledge about the modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors and the specific and non-specific signs and symptoms of the disease was evaluated in both groups, before and after an intervention based on the use of a web-app with administration of the MARA questionnaire. The intervention had a duration of 12 weeks.
Results: A total of 289 women completed the study (IG = 101; CG = 188). The risk factors score was significantly greater in IG (4.97; standard deviation [SD] = 2.02) than in CG (4.11; SD = 2.03)(p < 0.001). The signs and symptoms was also significantly greater in IG (6.78; SD = 1.41) than in CG (6.15; SD = 1.91)(p = 0.002).
Conclusions: The intervention was found to be effective in improving knowledge of both the risk factors and the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
Smolyak algorithm assisted robust control for quantum systems with uncertainties
Authors: Zhang Zigui , Miao Zibo , Chen Yu , Deng Xiu-Hao
Published: October 2024

Efficient and systematic numerical methods for robust control design are crucial in quantum systems due to inevitable uncertainties or disturbances. We propose a novel approach that models uncertainties as random variables and quantifies robustness using the expectation of infidelity. By reformulating the robustness measure as a weighted tensor product quadrature, we employ the Smolyak sparse grid algorithm to develop a parametric robust quantum control scheme. This scheme significantly reduces computational cost while improving accuracy. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our Smolyak algorithm assisted gradient-based methods including \textbf{smGOAT} and \textbf{smGRAPE} in robust control problems regarding state transfer and quantum gate realization, with ultrahigh fidelity and strong robustness achieved. Our results contribute to improving the reliability and security of quantum computing and communication systems in the presence of real-world imperfections.
Support seeking in children from low- and middle-income countries: A multicultural investigation in South Africa, Iran and China
Authors: Aswegen Tanya van , Pouravari Minoo , Li Kexin , Morris Linzette Deidre , Straten Annemieke van , Bosmans Guy , Seedat Soraya
Published: October 2024

Parental support helps children manage stress and regulate emotions. As children mature, their need for parental support evolves to align with age-specific developmental challenges. In non-Western societies, little is known about how children’s experiences of situations as stressful influence their decision to seek parental support. In order to investigate this, we conducted a cross-sectional, qualitative study utilising an autobiographical memory method with children between the ages of 9–12 years from South Africa (n = 73, Mage = 10.75, SD = 0.99), China (n = 115, Mage = 10.48, SD = 0.71) and Iran (n = 66, Mage = 10.28, SD = 0.88) to recall support-related memories from both parents using a questionnaire devised for the study. Our findings indicate that children require parental support most frequently when faced with academic difficulties and competencies, social conflict and struggles with autonomy. The results support that similar age-appropriate situations perceived as stressful activate the attachment system across diverse cultures, with some content-specific variation. Iranian mothers tend to provide comfort as a means of support. Parents in China and South Africa offered support in the form of problem solving. These findings contribute to the literature on children’s support-seeking behaviours within the context of attachment theory.
Optimizing SIKE for Blockchain-Based IoT Ecosystems with Resource Constraints
Authors: Ismail Nabil A. , Khadra Shaimaa Abu , Attiya Gamal M. , Abdulrahman S. E.
Published: October 2024

Blockchain technology is a perfect way to integrate with the Internet of Things. It improves interoperability by building a more reliable system that enhances security and privacy and can be scalable with modern-era technology. However, the problem in the current blockchain system is the susceptibility of traditional cryptographic protocols to quantum attacks with the rapid achievement of large quantum machines that were used as recent computers. The NIST has supported research trends in post-quantum cryptography, leading to research challenges in using post-quantum cryptography to build blockchain-based applications for IoT devices. It’s likely to use relatively small public and secret keys that were found in the third evaluation round of the post-quantum standardization project from the NIST such as the supersingular isogeny key encapsulation (SIKE) protocol. However, the SIKE protocol faces a challenge in latency output, which encourages researchers to devote efforts and challenges to efficiently implement SIKE for many real-world applications. The main direction for this research is to achieve its objective, which was to rebuild a secure blockchain-based network to integrate resource-constrained IoT ecosystems by adding improvements to the cryptographic techniques used, such as SIKE, which has excellent resistance to brute force attacks and other types of attacks like the Whitewashing attack. Our FPGA implementation demonstrates a substantial performance improvement in the key processing time. The study is built in VIRTEX-6 XC6VLX760 and gives the results of 24 ms key p434 generation, 72 ms p434 encapsulation, and 73 ms p434 decapsulation inside SIKEp434.
Integrated analysis of bulk and single cell datasets with experimental validation of cancer stemness function in thyroid cancer prognosis and immunotherapy
Authors: Feng Zhanrong , Xu Yue , Ding Ying , Sun Xiaoxiao , Zhao Qian , Zhu Jingjing , Chen Qiang , Zhang Yang , Zhang Yilai
Published: October 2024

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are vital in tumor development, immune therapy resistance, and thyroid carcinoma (THCA) advancement. Nonetheless, the exact mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, 28 mRNAs linked to cancer stemness were identified through an analysis of 13 publicly available THCA transcriptomic datasets alongside a CRISPR dataset for thyroid cancer cell lines. Importantly, we found a negative association between cancer stemness and the effectiveness of immunotherapy. By applying multiple machine learning techniques, a tumor stemness cell (TSC) model was both developed and validated, encompassing genes related to cancer stemness. This model effectively predicted patient prognosis and immunotherapy results for Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Associated Protein 4 (CTLA4) immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) treatment across various cancer types. Additionally, chromosomal amplifications in regions 1q and 8p were identified as intrinsic contributors to the onset of thyroid cancer. Specifically, based on single cell dataset, the amplification of CKS1B on chromosome 1q was revealed to advance the progression of thyroid cancer cells by boosting their proliferation. Moreover, experiments uncovered that the over-expression of CKS1B also significantly promoted the proliferation and invasion abilities of THCA, which maybe a potential therapeutic target for THCA. In conclusion, our research illuminates the correlation between cancer stem cell characteristics and the effectiveness of immunotherapy, offering a new framework for forecasting the outlook and response to immunotherapy in THCA patients on an individual basis.
Enhancing Cross-Modality Person Re-Identification through Attention-Guided Asymmetric Feature Learning
Authors: Song Xuehua , Zhou Junxing , Jin Hua , Yuan Xin , Wang Changda
Published: October 2024

The main objective of the visible-infrared person re-identification (VI-ReID) task is to correlate images of pedestrians captured in daylight with their corresponding infrared (IR) representations. The main challenge lied in the cross-modal and intra-modal differences between VIS and IR images, which often result in reduced recognition accuracy. To address these changes, this paper uses a middle modality generator(MMG) that converts pedestrian images into middle-modality(M-modality) ones, transforming the dual-modality task into a tri-modality one. Commonly, VI-ReID utilizes a dual-branch network to extract features from two modalities. However, to enhance feature extracition across three modalities, we propose a four-branch parameter sharing network(FBPN) and explore its parameter sharing capabilities. Research conducted on datasets showed that the FBPN effectively minimizes modality disparities and mitigates background interference through a lightweight channel attention module. Furthermore, we introduce an Asymmetric Multi-Granularity Feature Learning (AMFL) module to further decrease modality diversity. The proposed method achieves a 70.60\% mean Average Precision in the All-Search mode on SYSU-MM01 and 86.7\% mean Average Precision in the VtI mode on RegDB, outperforming existing approaches.
Web-Enabled Insights for Sustainable Development in the Bengaluru- Mysuru Urban Region: A Way Forward for Urban Planning for Global South Cities
Authors: Barman Abhilasa , Goswami Santonu , Mahanta Anjishnu , Vivek G , Nagendra Harini
Published: October 2024

The United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals emphasize addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Rapidly urbanizing regions like the Bengaluru-Mysuru urban region in India are particularly vulnerable, facing unpredictable weather, frequent floods, and severe ecosystem degradation, exacerbated by ill-planned urbanization. Better urban planning is essential, but access to diverse environmental data remains a challenge in Bengaluru, as it does in many cities across the Global South. This study introduces a web-based application hosted on Google Earth Engine to improve access to environmental data. Using the tool, we analyze changes in biophysical indices—Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Built Index (NDBI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), and Land Surface Temperature (LST)—across urban-rural gradients in Bengaluru. The study highlights the importance of green spaces in regulating LST, showing up to an 8°C temperature increase as NDBI rose by 123% and NDVI dropped by 76% during the summer of 2023.