bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hematological indices: potential markers of disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis patients treated with biological drugs
Authors: Ibrahim Amira M. , El-Nahal Ayat S. , Ahmed Hebatalla A. , Youssif Zeinab A. , Abdelsalam Mahmoud A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Some important hematological indices implement acute phase reactions. They can be used to assess disease activity and therapeutic response in many inflammatory conditions. This work aimed to determine whether different hematological indices can be used to assess disease activity and therapeutic response in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) on biological drugs.

Patients and methods
Ninety-seven AS patients and a similar number of controls were involved in the current study. The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) was used to assess the disease activity. Different complete blood count parameters and indices were assessed.

Results
There was a significant difference between the patients and controls as regards mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, red blood cells count, red cell distribution width, mean platelet volume, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII). Moreover, there was a statistical correlation between ASDAS on one side and hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HTC), lymphocyte count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), PLR, and SII on the other side. When the patient group was divided into 2 subgroups according to ASDAS, with patients with inactive and low disease activity in one subgroup and those with very high and high disease activity in another subgroup, there was a significant difference as regards Hb, HTC, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, NLR, PLR, SII, and also ESR and CRP levels. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between PLR and SII levels on one side and ESR on the other side.

Conclusion
Hematological indices such as PLR, NLR, and SII might be potential markers for follow-up of disease activity and therapeutic response in AS patients treated with biological therapy. This emphasizes the significance of a comprehensive approach for AS patient assessment and follow-up of therapeutic drugs, considering inflammatory markers, hematological indices, and disease activity scores.
Addressing the asthma crisis in Africa: challenges, strategies, and recommendations for improved management
Authors: Faniyi Ayodeji Amos , Okesanya Olalekan John , Nukpezah Ruth Nimota , Ibiwoye Deborah Oluwaferanmi , Eshun Gilbert , Adigun Olaniyi Abideen , Okon Inibehe Ime , Ukoaka Bonaventure Michael , Olabode Olaleke Noah , Eliseo Don Lucero-Prisno 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAsthma poses a significant health burden in Africa despite being often underdiagnosed and undertreated. With rising incidence rates and large variations in healthcare infrastructure, its management remains threatened by limited access to medical resources and qualified specialists. The prevalence of asthma in Africa is highlighted, with broad estimates and insufficient information on the disease’s burden and determinants. In addition to diagnostic challenges, under treatment, medication unavailability, sociocultural misunderstandings, and poor healthcare infrastructure remain the hallmarks of asthma management in Africa. This review synthesized evidence on the prevalence of asthma in Africa, explored the challenges in managing asthma across the continent, and proposed potential strategies to improve treatment outcomes. Literature was obtained via electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, with additional searches conducted via Google Scholar to identify all available studies. Studies have reported a staggeringly high prevalence of asthma, exceeding 12% on average. Notably, a significant number of these cases are suboptimally controlled, with limited access to healthcare and deficiencies in healthcare delivery systems identified as major contributing factors. Numerous strategies have been proposed to circumvent the limitations faced in effective asthma management. Measures such as the development of national and regional evidence-based asthma guidelines, the provision of affordable medicines and diagnostic equipment, and the improvement of community-based asthma education programs can expedite the goals of asthma control programs. Furthermore, reorienting health systems to incorporate asthma care into primary care and investing in human resource capacity are critical steps. Adopting evidence-based treatment guidelines, such as those established by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), can drastically reduce asthma morbidity and mortality. Through concerted collaboration and synergistic integration of these strategies, the potential for effective asthma management across the continent holds, transcending existing disparities and ushering in an era of improved healthcare services for individuals grappling with this chronic respiratory ailment in Africa.
Potential utility of hemogram indices in hepatitis C virus-related vasculitis: a case–control study
Authors: Abdulazim Dina O. , Fawzy Samar M. , El-Hindawy Aya K. , Abdelaziz Mohamed S. , Eissa Basma M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Hemogram indices are simple, economic indicators of the systemic inflammation characteristic of autoimmune diseases including vasculitides. The clinical utility of hemogram indices in hepatitis C virus-related vasculitis (HCV-V) has not been established. This study aimed to evaluate neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil/hemoglobin ratio (NHR), platelet/hemoglobin ratio (PHR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) as potential biomarkers of HCV-V, and their relationship with disease activity. This cross-sectional case–control study was conducted in the departments of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation and Hepatogastroenterology, at Cairo University Hospital. Patients with HCV-V, patients with HCV infection free from extrahepatic manifestations (HCV sine vasculitis), and healthy control subjects were recruited. HCV-V activity was assessed using the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS).

Results
Twenty-four HCV-V patients, 21 HCV sine vasculitis patients, and 40 healthy controls were recruited. Age and sex distribution was similar across groups. In HCV-V patients, NLR, PLR, NHR, and SII were higher than healthy controls, with NLR (area under curve (AUC) 0.94, p = 0.002), PLR (AUC 0.72, p = 0.007), NHR (AUC 0.89, p < 0.001) and SII (AUC 0.92, p < 0.001) discriminating both groups. PHR correlated with BVAS (r = 0.53, p = 0.007) while NHR correlated with ESR (r = 0.55, p = 0.007). NLR, NHR, and SII were higher in HCV-V than HCV sine vasculitis patients, with NHR (AUC 0.74, p = 0.022) and SII (AUC 0.75, p = 0.038) discriminating in both groups.

Conclusion
Hemogram indices are useful biomarkers of HCV-V. Longitudinal studies are recommended to explore the predictive power of HCV-infected patients developing vasculitis and their potential relationship with therapeutic response and disease relapse.
From virus to viral: content analysis of HIV-related Twitter messages among young men in the U.S.
Authors: Wang Yunwen , Bannon Jacqueline Ann , Roszkowska Natalia , Wilson Essence Lynn , Bonett Stephen , Lazarus Elizabeth , Dowshen Nadia , Stevens Robin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Adolescents and young adults account for over 21% of new HIV infections in the U.S. with most new cases among young men. As an important information source for this group, social media can uniquely reveal the perspectives and communicative patterns of this key population. We identified 6,439 young male Twitter users (ages 13–24) in the U.S. using an NLP pipeline with geolocations. From their Twitter timelines, we collected 24,600 HIV-related tweets, among which the most retweeted and favorited tweets (n = 472) were analyzed through a content analysis.

Results
Three themes arose in this online viral discourse around HIV among young men: (i) othering, (ii) politics and activism, (iii) risk and wellness. Othering tweets contained stigmatizing jokes and insults alienating individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, or being elsewhere on the gender and sexuality spectrum (LGBTQIA +), and people with HIV. Politics and activism tweets discussed awareness, stigma, HIV criminalization, violence, LGBTQIA + , and women’s rights. Risk and wellness tweets discussed risk behaviors for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (e.g., condomless sex, transactional sex, multiple sexual partners), or safer sex and preventive practices (e.g., pre-exposure prophylaxis [PrEP], condom use, achieving undetectable viral load, medication adherence, and STI testing).

Conclusion
The social acceptability of high-risk sex behaviors is high among young male Twitter users. Given the double-edged nature of social media—health-promoting (e.g., awareness, health activism) as well as risk-promoting (e.g., risky behavior endorsement, identity attacks)— this population may benefit from targeted health communication intervention. Future HIV prevention efforts should counter the stigma, misinformation, and risk-promoting viral messages prevalent on social media.
Experimental playback of urban noise does not affect cognitive performance in captive Australian magpies
Authors: Connelly Farley , Johnsson Robin D. , Mulder Raoul A. , Hall Michelle L. , Lesku John A. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
Exposure of wildlife to anthropogenic noise is associated with disruptive effects. Research on this topic has focused on behavioural and physiological responses of animals to noise, with little work investigating links to cognitive function. Neurological processes that maintain cognitive performance can be impacted by stress and sleep disturbances. While sleep loss impairs cognitive performance in Australian magpies, it is unclear whether urban noise, which disrupts sleep, can impact cognition as well. To fill this gap, we explored how environmentally relevant urban noise affected the performance of wild-caught, city-living Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen tyrannica) on a cognitive task battery including associative and reversal learning, inhibitory control, and spatial memory. Birds were housed and tested in a laboratory environment; sample sizes varied across tasks (n=7–9 birds). Tests were conducted over 4 weeks, during which all magpies were exposed to both an urban noise playback and a quiet control. Birds were presented with the entire test battery twice: following exposure to, and in the absence of, an anthropogenic noise playback; however, tests were always performed without noise (playback muted during testing). Magpies performed similarly in both treatments on all four tasks. We also found that prior experience with the associative learning task had a strong effect on performance, with birds performing better on their second round of trials. Like previous findings on Australian magpies tested on the same tasks in the wild under noisy conditions, we could not find any disruptive effects on cognitive performance in a controlled experimental laboratory setting.
Network pharmacology combined with molecular docking revealed the potential targets of Coridius chinensis in prostate cancer treatment
Authors: Zhang Mei , Ma Jing , Zeng Feng-Yin , Hou Xiao-Hui 
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND
Prostate cancer (PCa) has high morbidity and mortality rates in elderly men. With a history of thousands of years, traditional Chinese medicine derived from insects could be an important source for developing cancer-targeted drugs to prevent tumorigenesis, enhance therapeutic effects, and reduce the risk of recurrence and metastasis. Multiple studies have shown that Coridius chinensis (Cc) has anticancer effects.
AIM
To elucidate the mechanism of action of Cc against PCa via network pharmacology and molecular docking.
METHODS
Potential targets for Cc and PCa were predicted using ChemDraw 19.0 software, the PharmMapper database and the GeneCards database. Then, the STRING database was used to construct the protein–protein interaction network. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment and molecular docking analyses were subsequently conducted to identify the key targets, active ingredients and pathways involved.
RESULTS
GO and KEGG analyses indicated that the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway was the critical pathway (P value < 1.0 × 10-8). Multiple targeting ingredients that can affect multiple pathways in PCa have been identified in Cc. Seven active compounds (asponguanosines A, asponguanine B, asponguanine C, aspongpyrazine A, N-acetyldopamine, aspongadenine B and aspongpyrazine B) were selected for molecular docking with 9 potential targets, and the results revealed that aspongpyrazine A and asponguanosine A are the main components by which Cc affects PCa (affinity<-5 kcal/mol, hydrogen bonding), but more studies are needed.
CONCLUSION
We used network pharmacology to predict the bioactive components and important targets of Cc for the treatment of PCa, supporting the development of Cc as a natural anticancer agent.
Analýza vybraných diagnostických protokolů se zaměřením na manipulace s digitálním tachografem
Authors: Koutník Ondřej , Kledus Robert 
Published: July 2024

Za účelem zvýšení bezpečnosti silniční nákladní dopravy, sociálních podmínek řidičů a spravedlivé hospodářské soutěže jsou Evropskou unií stanovena pravidla pro provozování silniční dopravy, která se týkají zejména omezení maximální doby řízení a minimální doby přestávek a odpočinku řidičů. Dodržování těchto pravidel je předmětem silničních kontrol, přičemž se využívají zejména výstupy z povinně instalovaného záznamového zařízení, tzv. tachografu.
Z toho vyplývá, že útok na systém tachografu by mohl přinést řidičům a potažmo i dopravcům, značnou výhodu v podobě možnosti řízení bez provedení náležitého záznamu o době jízdy. Pro účely silničních kontrol, ale i pro znalecké zkoumání systému tachografu, je zásadní mít znalosti a dovednosti v oblasti diagnostiky řídících jednotek vozidel a technice nákladních vozidel. Specifikem zejména silničních kontrol je časový limit dostupný pro kontrolu vozidla.
V této práci se autoři zaměřili na analýzu využití vybraných diagnostických protokolů ISO 14229 a SAE J1939 s cílem ověřit jejich obecnou použitelnost pro analýzu systému tachografu. Předmětem zkoumání v této práci budou tachografy výhradně digitální, nikoliv analogové. Autoři pro analýzu využili softwarových nástrojů i hardware Vector Informatik GmbH a tachograf výrobce Continental.
Na základě výzkumu byly identifikovány prvky norem aplikované v systému tachografu, avšak bez znalosti proprietárních specifikací systému a efektivní orientaci v normách je uvedená metoda pro analýzu tachografu použitelná jen velice omezeně. Budoucí výzkum je tak vhodné zaměřit na úroveň embedded a software designu a identifikaci potencionálních metod vhodných pro analýzu tachografu.
Future Goal Aspirations of Students With Extensive Support Needs: Findings From NLTS 2012
Authors: Johnson David R. , Wu Yi-Chen , Thurlow Martha L. , LaVelle John M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This study used data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2012 (NLTS 2012) to explore the future goal aspirations of students with extensive support needs who participate in alternate assessments, compared to other students with extensive support needs and to students with other disabilities. We examined students’ individualized education program (IEP)/transition planning meeting experiences and postschool goals in relation to their functional, communication, and self-advocacy skills, as well as their school/community support. Students with other disabilities held higher expectations than all students with extensive support needs for future participation in postsecondary education, employment, independent living, and financial independence. All students had higher postschool goal expectations than their parents. Implications for supporting students with extensive support needs and directions for future research and practice are discussed.
High Q-factor Fano resonances based on an all-dielectric metasurface for high-performance refractive index sensing
Authors: Wang Tingting , Fang Wenjing , Guo Haoyu , Pang Jielong , Fan Xinye , Li Chuanchuan , Wei Xin , Kumar Santosh 
Published: July 2024

This paper proposes a high-performance refractive index sensor based on
an all-dielectric metasurface consisting of four silicon arcs arranged
back-to-back on a silicon dioxide substrate. A sharp Fano resonance
with a high quality factor (Q-factor) in the near-infrared (NIR)
wavelength is innovatively excited by electric quadrupole (EQ)
resonance by varying the size of the inner angle. And electromagnetic
field distribution and mode assessment further demonstrate that the EQ
resonance mode is governed by quasi-bound states in the continuum
(Q-BICs). Additionally, the ability to precisely control Fano
resonance peaks is demonstrated by tuning the geometrical parameters
of the structure, which makes the designed metasurface a promising gas
refractive index sensing candidate. The results show that the highest
Q-factor, sensitivity (S), and figure of merit (FOM) are 23,236,
603 nm/RIU, and 9869RIU−1, respectively. The proposed structure
provides a good application prospect for nonlinear optical devices and
air refractive index sensors.
Dynamic routing, spatial channel, and spectrum assignment in spatial channel networks based on a granularity switching threshold
Authors: Zheng Yu , Zheng Weichang , Yang Mingcong , Jin Cheng , Zhang Chenxiao , Zhang Yongbing 
Published: July 2024

As the demand for data transmission continues to grow, it is expected that the single-carrier bit rate will reach 1.4 Tb/s, necessitating a 14 Tb/s optical interface for efficient traffic transmissions. In such scenarios, a single request could occupy the entire C-band, and therefore such a large request can be transmitted without being groomed with others, eliminating the need for wavelength cross-connect (WXC). The spatial channel network (SCN) architecture has been proposed to address this issue. In SCNs, there are two types of groomed space lanes (SLs): spatial bypass SLs, which enable end-to-end transmission without the need for WXCs, and spectrally groomed SLs, equipped with WXCs and guardbands (GBs) to integrate requests from different nodes for transmission. Because of this characteristic of the SCN, the traditional first fit algorithm cannot allocate SLs efficiently for these two distinct SLs. In this paper, we propose a dynamic routing, spatial channel, and spectrum assignment (RSCSA) algorithm that employs a granularity switching threshold to differentiate incoming requests with different SLs. The proposed algorithm allocates smaller requests to spectrally groomed SLs and larger requests to spatial bypass SLs. This approach not only maintains network flexibility but also ensures transmission efficiency. We have identified by simulation the most suitable granularity switching threshold for given networks and request matrices.
Continuous-variable quantum key distribution at 10 GBaud using an integrated photonic-electronic receiver
Authors: Hajomer Adnan A. E. , Bruynsteen Cédric , Derkach Ivan , Jain Nitin , Bomhals Axl , Bastiaens Sarah , Andersen Ulrik L. , Yin Xin , Gehring Tobias 
Published: July 2024

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a widely recognized application of quantum information theory, guaranteeing information-theoretically secure key exchange. However, commercial viability of QKD systems is currently impeded by issues such as scalability, network integration, and high manufacturing costs. Low-cost, high-volume production of photonic and electronic integrated circuits could be the breakthrough needed for broad-scale deployment of cutting-edge QKD systems. Here, we present a continuous-variable (CV) QKD system that is based on an integrated photonic-electronic receiver. It combines a silicon photonic integrated circuit, featuring a phase-diverse receiver, with custom-designed GaAs pHEMT transimpedance amplifiers. Operating at a classical telecom symbol rate of 10 GBaud, our QKD system generates high secret key rates - exceeding 0.7 Gb/s over a 5 km distance and 0.3 Gb/s over a 10 km. The secret keys are secure against collective attacks, even when accounting for finite-size effects in the parameter estimation, thanks to well-designed digital signal processing that enables broadband system operation. Our experiment sets a record for secure key exchange and paves the way for the implementation of real-time broadband CV-QKD systems.
Is sexual autonomy a protective factor against intimate partner violence? Evidence from 27 sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: Tesema Getayeneh Antehunegn , Gbagbo Fred Yao , Okeke Sylvester R. , Ameyaw Edward Kwabena , Yaya Sanni 
Published: July 2024

Background
Though women in sub-Saharan Africa have increased risk of intimate sexual violence, research on the association between sexual autonomy and intimate partner violence among this population has not received the requisite attention. Consequently, we investigated if sexual autonomy is a protective factor against intimate partner violence among women in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods
Secondary data analysis was conducted based on the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHSs) of 27 sub-Saharan African countries from 2008 to 2021. A total of 104,523 married or cohabitating women were included in the study. We applied a multilevel Poisson regression model with robust variance to identify associated factors. Variables with a p-value<0.2 in the bi-variable multilevel Poisson regression analysis were considered for the multivariable analysis. The Adjusted Prevalence Ratio (APR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported, and variables with a p-value <0.05 were included in the multivariable analysis.

Results
The prevalence of intimate partner violence and sexual autonomy among women in SSA were 32.96% [95% CI: 32.68%, 33.25%] and 88.79% [95% CI: 88.59%, 88.97%], respectively. Women in Sierra Leone had the highest prevalence of IPV (52.71%) while Comoros had the lowest prevalence of IPV (8.09%). The prevalence of sexual autonomy was highest in Namibia (99.22%) and lowest in Mali (61.83%). The MOR value in the null model was 1.26. We found that women who had sexual autonomy are 1.28 times [APR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.40] more likely to experience IPV than women who had no sexual autonomy.

Conclusion
This study has demonstrated that sexual autonomy is significantly associated with intimate partner violence, however, it does not necessarily act as a protective factor. The study suggests the need for more education on intimate partner violence targeting women’s partners. This can help secure the commitment of the perpetrators to rather become proponents of anti-intimate partner violence and further offer women the necessary support for them to attain their full fundamental rights in all spheres of life.