bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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.
Laparoscopic hepatectomy for primary hepatocellular carcinoma doesn’t affect rate of delayed recovery after anesthesia: a retrospective study
Authors: Liu Chang , Yuan Yanyun , Zhu Haoyang , He Ping 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Despite the expansion of laparoscopic approach in the treatment of liver tumors, only a few studies referred to the effects that pneumoperitoneum might be associated with delayed recovery after anesthesia. This study aimed to evaluate the two surgical procedures to see if laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) has less effects on post-anesthesia recovery and other short-term outcomes.
Methods
We retrospectively compared the postoperative intubation time and short-term outcomes of laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) with those of open hepatectomy (OH) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients from January 2015 to December 2020. Data of patients’ baseline characteristics, intraoperative data and short-term postoperative data were collected.
Results
There were 218 and 356 patients in LH and OH groups, respectively. Factors associates with delayed anesthesia recovery included diameter of tumor (P=0.010), preoperative pulmonary function (P=0.023), preoperative ASA grade (P=0.050), area of resection (P=0.000), preoperative Child-Pugh score (P=0.006), duration of operation (P=0.000), intraoperation blood loss (P=0.000), total fluid intake (P=0.000) and intraoperative urea volume (P=0.008). LH took longer operating time, however, caused less blood loss and less infusion. Rate of postoperative complications was less than OH group, and post-operation stay was shorter.
Conclusion
Method of surgery was not one of the factors that accounts for delayed emergence. LH doesn’t prolong time of intubation and on the contrary, given its advantages of minimally invasive abdominal operation compared with open techniques, reduced time to initiation of oral diet, faster return of gastrointestinal function, and shorter hospital stay, LH is the better choice.