bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Asthma Patients: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Alnesr Anas , Zabad Kareem , AlBundokji Fayezeh , Jame Yaman Khaddam , Albardan Hussam 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder characterized by recurrent upper airway obstructions during sleep, resulting in disrupted airflow lasting at least 10 seconds. Despite its high prevalence and significant comorbidities, OSA remains underdiagnosed, particularly in less developed regions. Asthma, another common respiratory condition, involves persistent airway inflammation leading to symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. The relationship between OSA and asthma is believed to be bidirectional, with each condition potentially influencing the other due to shared risk factors. Furthermore, airway inflammation from either condition can increase the risk of developing the other. Our study aims to investigate the prevalence of OSA among asthma patients in the Syrian community.
Methods:
The study recruited two groups: one consisting of individuals diagnosed with asthma and the other serving as a control group. The research was conducted at Al-Mouasat Hospital, with the asthma group recruited from the pulmonary clinic and the control group from the internal medicine clinic. Data collection involved the administration of a structured questionnaire through face-to-face interviews with both asthmatic patients and the control group. The Arabic version of the Sleep Apnea Scale of the Sleep Disorders Questionnaire (SDQ-SA) was utilized to assess the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), while the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) was employed to evaluate asthma control. Informed consent was obtained from all participants involved in the study, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.
Results:
A total of 276 patients participated in the study, with 111 in the asthma group and 165 in the control group. The two groups were matched for sex and age. It was found that 34.2% of the asthma group indicated a high risk for OSA, whereas only 13.9% of the control group showed a similar risk. The prevalence of OSA was 3.21 times higher in the asthma group compared to the control group. In the subgroup analysis of the asthma group, it was observed that 82.9% of patients had uncontrolled asthma, which was associated with a 12.109-fold higher risk for OSA compared to patients with controlled asthma.
Conclusion:
Our study revealed a significantly higher prevalence of OSA in asthma patients compared to those without asthma, with uncontrolled asthma showing an even higher risk. Building on these findings and in line with previous research, we recommend heightened awareness and enhanced screening for OSA among individuals with asthma, particularly focusing on those with uncontrolled asthma. Detecting and addressing OSA in this subgroup may lead to a reduction in related health complications and improve the management of both conditions.
Clinical trial number: not applicable
LsrK attenuates the pathogenicity of both the Gram negative bacterium Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Gram positive Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Yang Daoxin , Zhang Wenjing , Hao Zhenzhen , Guo Kairui , Luo Huiying , Yao Bin , Su Xiaoyun , Huang Huoqing 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The Escherichia coli LsrK gene encoding a phosphorylase acting on AI-2 quorum sensing signal molecules was recombinantly expressed in the E. coli BL21(DE3). Its role on affecting the pathogenicity of both Gram negative and positive pathogens was investigated using two representative enterohemorrhagic bacteria, the E. coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus. The recombinant LsrK catalyzed degradation of the typical AI-2 signal molecule 4,5-dihydroxy-2,3-pentanedione and decreased the transcript levels of multiple virulence factors in the two bacteria (fliC, ycgR, eaeA, ompX, ycgR, and eaeA in E. coli O157:H7 and sea, eta, hlα, sdrE, bbp, and cna in S. aureus, respectively). Interestingly, LsrK inhibited formation of the biofilm in E. coli but promoted this process in S. aureus, which might be partially related to transcription repression of SaaR involved in biofilm generation. LsrK also reduced the swimming motility, hemolytic ability, cytotoxicity, and the acid-tolerating ability of the two pathogenic bacteria. These collectively suggested that LsrK could serve as a promising enzyme in combating Gram negative and positive pathogenic bacteria infection.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health: PTSD and Post-Traumatic Growth Among Survivors
Authors: Milanowska Joanna , Mackiewicz Barbara , Aftyka Anna , Mazurek Patrycja , Samardakiewicz Marzena 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on mental health, with many survivors experiencing psychological challenges, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This study assessed PTSD symptoms and Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) among 62 individuals who recovered from COVID-19 and were under the care of the Department of Pneumonology, Oncology, and Allergology at the Medical University of Lublin. The results revealed that 40.32% of participants exhibited PTSD symptoms. Cognitive symptoms and post-COVID self-rated health were significant predictors of PTSD severity, with cognitive symptoms positively associated and self-rated health negatively associated with PTSD severity. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between PTSD severity and PTG, suggesting that while many individuals endure significant distress, they may also experience positive psychological changes, such as improved self-perception and resilience. These findings highlight the dual impact of COVID-19 on mental health and underscore the importance of integrated mental health care that addresses both mitigating PTSD symptoms and promoting resilience and growth in COVID-19 survivors.
A multi-proxy stalagmite record indicates a shift in forcing of 20th Century drought events in Normandy
Authors: Bejarano-Arias Ingrid , Nehme Carole , Breitenbach Sebastian , Ionita Monica , Baldini James , Pons-Branchu Edwige , Modestou Sevasti , Umbo Stuart , Mouralis Damase 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Drought events are increasingly impacting Europe. The study of past droughts helps disentangle the different factors that trigger hydrological drought, helping to forecast future drought severity. Here we identify the historical drought events of the 20th and 21st centuries in geochemical records of a stalagmite from Caumont cave in Northern France and develop a mechanistic understanding of their root causes. Subannually-resolved stable isotope records (δ13C and δ18O) and trace element data are directly compared with historical climatic records. δ13C, δ18O, Mg, and Sr peaks align well with most of the historical drought events of the 20th and 21st centuries. The comparison reveals a good correspondence between summer effective rainfall and δ13C, Mg, and Sr concentrations. Further comparison of geochemical records with the precipitation-evapotranspiration index (SPEI) reveals a change in the drought forcings for the past two decades. During most of the 20th century, droughts appear driven by a pluvial regime, whereas since the late 1990s, drought was driven by higher evapotranspiration due to increased temperature.
Hyperspectral anomaly detection via low-rank and sparse decomposition with cluster subspace accumulation
Authors: CHENG Baozhi , GAO Yan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Anomaly detection (AD) has emerged as a prominent area of research in hyperspectral image (HSI) processing. Traditional algorithms, such as low-rank and sparse matrix decomposition (LRaSMD), often struggle to effectively address challenges related to background interference, anomaly targets, and noise. To overcome these limitations, we propose a novel method that leverages both spatial and spectral features in HSI. Initially, the original hyperspectral image is segmented into several subspaces using the k-means method, which reduces redundancy among HSI bands. Subsequently, the fractional Fourier transform (FrFT) is applied within each subspace, enhancing the distinction between background and anomaly target information while simultaneously suppressing noise. To further improve the stability and discriminative power of the HSI, LRaSMD is employed. Finally, the modified Reed–Xiaoli (RX) detector is utilized to identify anomalies within each subspace. The results from these detections are then aggregated to produce a comprehensive final outcome. Experiments conducted on five real HSI datasets yield an average area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9777 with a standard deviation of 0.0116 for the proposed algorithm. These results indicate that our method is highly competitive in the field of anomaly detection.
Seed biopriming with Parachlorella, Bacillus subtilis, and Trichoderma harzianum alleviates the effects of salinity in soybean
Authors: Silva Dobyas Maclen Marques , Santos Cleberton Correia , Wagner Fábio Eduardo , Martins Luiz Otávio Montera , Ozório João Pedro Assis , Silva Obadias Alves , Ribeiro Dágon Manoel , Scalon Silvana de Paula Quintão 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Seed conditioning with bioinputs (biopriming) offers a promising and sustainable alternative to mitigate the adverse effects of salt stress on soybeans. This study aims to evaluate the potential of isolated or combined biopriming using microalgae and different microorganisms in alleviating salinity-induced stress in soybeans.
Methods
Seeds were subjected to five biopriming treatments: microalgae Parachlorella sp., Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma harzianum, Parachlorella sp. + B. subtilis, and Parachlorella sp. + T. harzianum, along with a control group without biopriming. Subsequently, the seeds were exposed to two conditions: i) control (0.0 MPa), and ii) salinity induced by NaCl (-0.8 MPa). Germination, photochemical indicators, and seedling performance were assessed.
Results
Salinity impaired root protrusion and seed physiology, resulting in a high percentage of abnormal seedlings, thus creating a stressful condition. However, biopriming alleviated the negative effects of salinity, particularly with T. harzianum, Parachlorella sp. + B. subtilis, and Parachlorella sp. + T. harzianum, which led to high germination rates and normal seedlings. All biopriming treatments, especially the combined ones, reduced the suppression of non-photochemical quenching, thereby enhancing the maximum yield of photosystem II. Seedlings under salt stress without biopriming exhibited short lengths and low fresh and dry mass, whereas those bioprimed with Parachlorella sp. + B. subtilis and Parachlorella sp. + T. harzianum showed significantly higher values.
Conclusion
Seed biopriming, especially with Parachlorella sp. combined with B. subtilis or T. harzianum, effectively alleviates the stressful effects of salinity on soybeans.
Analysis of nitrogen flow in the Yellow River Basin over a long time series
Authors: Cui Ying , Li Ruiping , Chen Xu 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Based on the basic statistical data and related parameters of The Yellow River Basin (YRB) from 2000 to 2019, the nitrogen flow model of the YRB was constructed by using the full nitrogen flow analysis model (FNFA) and the emission coefficient method to analyze the characteristics of the nitrogen inputs and outputs in the YRB. The results revealed that over the past 20 years, both the total nitrogen inputs and outputs in the YRB have shown a significant increasing trend. Specifically, the total nitrogen input rose from 12,806.69 Gg to 18,553.42 Gg, while the total output increased from 9,250.93 Gg to 12,955.0 Gg. Among the various subsystems, the industrial and agricultural sectors were the largest contributors to nitrogen balance, accounting for 28.30% and 26.22% of the total nitrogen input, and 26.22% and 40.48% of the total nitrogen output, respectively. The overall nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) across the subsystems required improvement, particularly within the cropland subsystem, which had an NUE ranging from 25.67–36.10%. In contrast, the livestock subsystem exhibited only half the NUE of the cropland subsystem. High emissions and inefficient nitrogen utilization led to a continuous increase in environmental nitrogen loads, with atmospheric nitrogen loads being particularly pronounced. Additionally, the life cycle analysis of industrial nitrogen revealed that a substantial amount of nitrogen was enriched in the atmosphere. These findings can serve as scientific basis and support for regulating nitrogen inflow and outflow within watershed areas, and formulating more rational integrated management strategies for nitrogen.
Identification of an Additional Periplanone Receptor Family Gene Preferentially Expressed in the Male Antennae of the American Cockroach
Authors: Watanabe Takayuki , Ugajin Atsushi , Tateishi Kosuke , Watanabe Hidehiro , Mizunami Makoto 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Periplaneta cockroaches use periplanone analogs as female sex pheromones to attract males. We previously identified two periplanone receptor genes, PameOR1 and PameOR2, in the American cockroach Periplaneta americana. Here, we report the identification of PameOR1-like, an additional olfactory receptor resembling PameOR1 in P. americana. PameOR1-like showed high-level sequence similarity to PameOR1, and is preferentially expressed in the male antennae. Quantitative expression analysis revealed that, in the adult male antennae, the expression level of PameOR1 is 2.4-fold higher than that of PameOR1-like. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed that PameOR1 and PameOR1-like are expressed in the PA-responsive sensory neurons (PA-SNs) within the single walled-B (sw-B) sensilla on the male adult antennae. These data support the idea that PameOR1 and PameOR1-like are generated by a recent gene duplication event and play a redundant function in sex pheromone reception in P. americana.
Usutu virus continues to spread across Europe: first report on multiple molecular detections of USUV Africa 2 and Africa 3 lineages in free-living and captive birds in Poland, July-November 2023
Authors: Dziadek Kamila , Niczyporuk Jowita Samanta , Styś-Fijoł Natalia , Czujkowska Agnieszka , Śmietanka Krzysztof , Domańska-Blicharz Katarzyna 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The growing importance of the Usutu virus (USUV) as an emerging zoonotic viral pathogen prompted Poland to investigate the epidemiological status of USUV infections among native bird species. Consequently, thirty-four avian individuals (n = 34) from different geographical parts of the country were confirmed to be USUV-positive in the RT-PCR between July and November 2023. The phylogenetic analysis indicates the first-ever recorded occurrence of the USUV Africa 2 and Africa 3 genetic lineages in Poland.
AGBS: Application-grained Block I/O Workload Simulation for Edge Computation
Authors: Wang Yizhen , Chen Sheng , Rao Huanle , Zhao Yumiao , Huang Ouhan , Le Kelei , Xu Xiaobin , Jia Gangyong 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

With the increasing scale and complexity of edge computing tasks, the requirements for storage system performance are becoming higher and higher. However, the current block I/O workload analysis methods are often too rough to accurately capture the diverse and complex I/O operation characteristics in the edge computing environment. This leads to optimization of the storage subsystem based on distorted simulated workloads, which cannot effectively support actual edge applications, resulting in overall system performance degradation. In this paper, we propose an application-grained block I/O workload simulation (AGBS) tailored for the edge computing environments, aiming for fine-grained workload characteristics. The framework structure of AGBS is first described, including trace collection, application isolation, application weight analysis, single application feature analysis and simulation, and multiapplication simulation load fusion. Following that, we discuss and validate multidimensional feature portrayal methods for a single application. Finally, using the AGBS framework, we implement a workload analysis simulator. Experiments show that the simulated I/O workloads based on the AGBS framework are stable within 40% error of the actual workload in terms of workload stress, autocorrelation, and request length; in the best outcome, the combined error is less than 5%.
Evaluating a camera-based approach to assess cognitive load during manufacturing computer tasks
Authors: Vasta Nicola , Jajo Noor , Graf Frida , Li Yujin , Zhang Legolas , Biondi Francesco N. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Assessing cognitive load in work environments is of utmost importance, as suboptimal levels have been shown to lead to distractions, stress, and physical injuries. Despite this, traditional methods for measuring cognitive load present known logistical and methodological issues: while self-reported measures suffer from poor construct validity, physiological measures often require expensive instruments and time-consuming calibration. In recent years, research has linked blink rate (i.e., the number of eye blinks per minute) with cognitive load, showing a higher blink rate with increased load. Although this suggests that blink rate can be an effective indicator of load, scientific-grade eye-trackers are usually expensive and invasive, making them unsuitable for work environments. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the accuracy of a camera-based approach to measure blink rate using a widely available generic webcam. To test this, we employed two tasks that resemble computer tasks common in office and manufacturing settings. Our results showed that the camera-based approach measured cognitive load as accurately as a scientific-grade eye-tracker. These findings are crucial as they provide an affordable alternative to expensive and invasive instruments for measuring cognitive load in the workplace.
Roles of School-Context and Goal Orientation on Emotion Regulation amongst Turkish Middle-school STEM Teachers. A Structural Equation Modeling Study
Authors: Ulubey Özgür , Alpaslan Muhammet Mustafa 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background Emotion regulation addresses how individuals regulate and monitor their emotion. Although the role of personal characteristics on emotion regulation has been well studied, there is a need for examination the role of school-contextual variables including support, discipline problems, autonomy and recognition and goal orientation in emotion regulation.Methods Data from 242 STEM teachers in fifty middle schools in Turkey were collected through Teacher Emotional Control Scale, Teacher Goal Orientation scale and School Contextual Scale in the spring 2022 semester. A Structural Equation Modelling approach, allows examining the direct and indirect causal relations among variables, was used to address the research questions.Results Results of SEM showed that the hypothesized model had an acceptable fit with data. The hypothesized model could be accounted for 52.2% of variance in emotion regulation. Whereas mastery goal orientation positively predicted emotion regulation, performance goal orientation negatively contributed to emotion regulation. School contextual variables were directly related to goal orientation and indirectly emotion regulation through goal orientation.Conclusion The socio-cultural environment in the schools are important determinants of how teachers regulate and control their emotions. Moreover, the path coefficients between goal orientation and emotion regulation underscore that what teachers want to accomplish in their work greatly contribute to how they regulate their emotions.
Research on the control of turbulent coherent structures on flat panel by porous medium
Authors: HE Yunao , ZHANG Kaiyuan , DU Hai , ZHANG Tonghao , MA Junyu , ZHANG Xiaodong 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Due to the unique internal structure of porous medium, the disturbance to the boundary layer involves both changing the dynamic behavior of the physical quantity in the conservation equation and changing the boundary conditions. In order to investigate the effect and mechanism of porous medium on the coherent structure near the wall of a flat panel, particle image velocimetry (PIV) experiments of a flat panel and a flat panel with porous medium were carried out in a low turbulence return flow wind tunnel.The coherent structures of flat panel and porous medium-laden flat panel were compared in the study. The flow-normal plane flow display results show that porous medium can significantly lower the near-wall flow velocity, lift up the vortex structure in the near-wall region, reduce the vorticity, and effectively reduce the shear stress. Meanwhile, the velocity statistical quantities were extracted and fitted using the velocity profile method to show that at a wind velocity of 5.8 m/s and a porosity of 10 pores per inch (ppi), the maximum drag reduction rate reaches 23.1%. The flow-spanwise plane flow display results show that the porous medium can destroy large-scale streak structures.
How is autonomy supported for people with dementia living in a nursing home, to what extent and under what circumstances? A realist evaluation
Authors: Weide Henny van der , Lovink Marleen , Luijkx Katrien , Gerritsen Debby 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Being autonomous is important for people with dementia living in nursing homes. Their health situation however complicates the way in which they can express their preferences and wishes. Our recent realist review indicated that supporting their autonomy depends on various aspects.
Objective
This study aims to uncover how people with dementia, their family members and professionals experience the support of autonomy in daily care practice: what works, to what extent and under what circumstances.
Design
A realist evaluation was performed using qualitative methods.
Methods
We applied a realist approach through interviews with family members and professionals, as well as on-site observations. We performed interviews with family members and professionals and observations on site to find out how, to what extent and under what circumstances, supporting autonomy interventions work in daily practice situations. Causal assumptions were derived from the empirical data, leading to Context (C) –Mechanism (M) – Outcome (O) configurations.
Results
Data extraction from 24 interviews and 8 observations resulted in 19 CMO configurations on four themes: A. Autonomy and boundaries: providing maximum autonomy influenced by safety and health restrictions. B. Organization of daily care processes: the influence of attempting to increase efficiency by working routines. C. Team competences and collaboration: the possibilities of care professionals to acquire the relevant competences and an appropriate level of team collaboration. D. Interaction and relationships: the accomplishment of a working relationship between clients, their family and care professionals.
Conclusion
The results showed that supporting autonomy is valued highly by all stakeholders. In streamlining care processes, working routines are influential to supporting autonomy. Weighing risky choices for clients in their decision making is another factor. Our study indicates that realizing autonomy is facilitated by a capable and collaborative care team and by a working relationship between client, family members and professionals.