bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sub-microscopic Plasmodium falciparum infections and multiple drug resistant single nucleotide polymorphic alleles in pregnant women from southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Ibekpobaoku Agatha N. , Oboh Mary A. , Faal Fatou , Adeniji Elizabeth , Ajibaye Olusola , Idowu Emmanuel T. , Amambua-Ngwa Alfred 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Objectives
The study evaluated sub-microscopic malaria infections in pregnancy using two malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests (mRDTs), microscopy and RT-PCR and characterized Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr) and Plasmodium falciparum dihydropteroate synthase (Pfdhps) drug resistant markers in positive samples.

Methods
This was a cross sectional survey of 121 pregnant women. Participants were finger pricked, blood drops were collected for rapid diagnosis with P. falciparum histidine-rich protein 11 rapid diagnostic test kit and the ultra-sensitive Alere Pf malaria RDT, Blood smears for microscopy and dried blood spots on Whatman filter paper for molecular analysis were made. Real time PCR targeting the var acidic terminal sequence (varATS) gene of P. falciparum was carried out on a CFX 96 real time system thermocycler (BioRad) in discriminating malaria infections. For each run, laboratory strain of P. falciparum 3D7 and nuclease free water were used as positive and negative controls respectively. Additionally, High resolution melt analyses was employed for genotyping of the different drug resistance markers.

Results
Out of one hundred and twenty-one pregnant women sampled, the SD Bioline™ Malaria Ag P.f HRP2-based malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT) detected eight (0.06%) cases, the ultra-sensitive Alere™ malaria Ag P.f rapid diagnostic test mRDT had similar outcome in the same samples as detected by the HRP2-based mRDT. Microscopy and RT-PCR confirmed four out of the eight infections detected by both rapid diagnostic tests as true positive and RT-PCR further detected three false negative samples by the two mRDTs providing a sub-microscopic malaria prevalence of 3.3%. Single nucleotide polymorphism in Pfdhps gene associated with sulphadoxine resistance revealed the presence of S613 mutant genotypes in three of the seven positive isolates and isolates with mixed wild/mutant genotype at codon A613S. Furthermore, four mixed genotypes at the A581G codon were also recorded while the other Pfdhps codons (A436G, A437G and K540E) showed the presence of wild type alleles. In the Pfdhfr gene, there were mutations in 28.6%, 28.6%, and 85.7% at the I51, R59 and N108 codons respectively. Mixed wild and mutant type genotypes were also observed in 28.6% each of the N51I, and C59R codons. For the Pfcrt, two haplotypes CVMNK and CVIET were observed. The SVMNT was altogether absent. Triple mutant CVIET 1(14.3%) and triple mutant + wild genotype CVIET + CVMNK 1(14.3%) were observed. The Pfmdr1 haplotypes were single mutants YYND 1(14.3%); NFND 1(14.3%) and double mutants YFND 4(57.1%); YYDD 1(14.3%).
Unveiling the role of CaMKII in retinal degeneration: from biological mechanism to therapeutic strategies
Authors: Sun Yuxin , Hao Mengyu , Wu Hao , Zhang Chengzhi , Wei Dong , Li Siyu , Song Zongming , Tao Ye 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCa2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a family of broad substrate specificity serine (Ser)/threonine (Thr) protein kinases that play a crucial role in the Ca2+-dependent signaling pathways. Its significance as an intracellular Ca2+ sensor has garnered abundant research interest in the domain of neurodegeneration. Accumulating evidences suggest that CaMKII is implicated in the pathology of degenerative retinopathies such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and glaucoma optic neuropathy. CaMKII can induce the aberrant proliferation of retinal blood vessels, influence the synaptic signaling, and exert dual effects on the survival of retinal ganglion cells and pigment epithelial cells. Researchers have put forth multiple therapeutic agents, encompassing small molecules, peptides, and nucleotides that possess the capability to modulate CaMKII activity. Due to its broad range isoforms and splice variants therapeutic strategies seek to inhibit specifically the CaMKII are confronted with considerable challenges. Therefore, it becomes crucial to discern the detrimental and advantageous aspects of CaMKII, thereby facilitating the development of efficacious treatment. In this review, we summarize recent research findings on the cellular and molecular biology of CaMKII, with special emphasis on its metabolic and regulatory mechanisms. We delve into the involvement of CaMKII in the retinal signal transduction pathways and discuss the correlation between CaMKII and calcium overload. Furthermore, we elaborate the therapeutic trials targeting CaMKII, and introduce recent developments in the zone of CaMKII inhibitors. These findings would enrich our knowledge of CaMKII, and shed light on the development of a therapeutic target for degenerative retinopathy.
Dynamics analysis and optimal control of delayed SEIR model in COVID-19 epidemic
Authors: Liu Chongyang , Gao Jie , Kanesan Jeevan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains serious around the world and causes huge deaths and economic losses. Understanding the transmission dynamics of diseases and providing effective control strategies play important roles in the prevention of epidemic diseases. In this paper, to investigate the effect of delays on the transmission of COVID-19, we propose a delayed SEIR model to describe COVID-19 virus transmission, where two delays indicating the incubation and recovery periods are introduced. For this system, we prove its solutions are nonnegative and ultimately bounded with the nonnegative initial conditions. Furthermore, we calculate the disease-free and endemic equilibrium points and analyze the asymptotical stability and the existence of Hopf bifurcations at these equilibrium points. Then, by taking the weighted sum of the opposite number of recovered individuals at the terminal time, the number of exposed and infected individuals during the time horizon, and the system cost of control measures as the cost function, we present a delay optimal control problem, where two controls represent the social contact and the pharmaceutical intervention. Necessary optimality conditions of this optimal control problem are exploited to characterize the optimal control strategies. Finally, numerical simulations are performed to verify the theoretical analysis of the stability and Hopf bifurcations at the equilibrium points and to illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained optimal strategies in controlling the COVID-19 epidemic.
Efficient and secure privacy protection scheme and consensus mechanism in MEC enabled e-commerce consortium blockchain
Authors: Li Guangshun , Wu Haoyang , Wu Junhua , Li Zhenqiang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe application of blockchain technology to the field of e-commerce has solved many dilemmas, such as low transparency of transactions, hidden risks of data security and high payment costs. Mobile edge computing(MEC) can provide computational power for blockchain, and can meet the demand for high real-time and low latency in e-commerce transaction systems. However, there are still some constraints in the MEC enabled e-commerce consortium blockchain, such as the leakage of user privacy information, low security of consensus algorithm and other security issues. In this paper, we propose a secure transaction model suitable for MEC enabled e-commerce consortium blockchain, aiming to ensure the efficiency of system transaction processing while improving the security of users’ privacy information and transaction data. The model adopts the lightweight Paillier encryption algorithm to protect the security of user privacy information and transaction data to prevent the leakage of user privacy information, and optimizes the security of leader election phase of Raft consensus algorithm by introducing the shamir secret sharing protocol to improve the anti-Byzantine failure capabilities of Raft consensus algorithm. The effectiveness of the scheme proposed in this paper is demonstrated by experimental simulations.
Towards a natural treatment for mania: red onion husk extract modulates neuronal resilience, redox signalling, and glial activation
Authors: Ekeanyanwu Chukwuma Raphael , Ekeanyanwu Chidinma Lynda , Ugochukwu Kingsley Nnaemeka 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Red onion husk, a readily available agricultural waste material, contains diverse bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. This study aimed to assess the safety and therapeutic potential of red onion husk extract in managing manic-like symptoms and associated neurochemical dysfunctions.

Methods
Acute and repeated oral dose studies were conducted in mice and rats to evaluate the safety profile of the extract. FT-IR analysis identified functional groups in the extract, while GC-MS analysis identified specific bioactive compounds in the flavonoid-rich fraction. A ketamine-induced manic behaviour model in Wistar rats was employed to assess the extract’s efficacy in attenuating manic-like symptoms. Behavioural and neurochemical analyses were performed to further investigate the extract’s effects.

Results
The extract demonstrated a favourable safety profile in both acute and repeated dose studies. FT-IR analysis revealed a complex mixture of organic compounds, including hydroxyl groups, alkynes/nitriles, aromatic and non-aromatic C = C bonds, amines, and polysaccharides. GC-MS analysis identified 17 bioactive compounds, including five-methyl-2-phenylindolizine, methadone N-oxide, and 3-phenylthiane, S-oxide. Ketamine administration significantly increased oxidative stress markers, TBARS, and suppressed antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GPx, CAT) in both the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, alongside elevated acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity, indicating enhanced neuronal excitability. Pre-treatment with FRF (25 mg/kg) effectively mitigated ketamine-induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by reduced TBARS levels and partially restored SOD and GPx activities. Interestingly, FRF significantly increased CAT activity (p < 0.001), potentially suggesting an additional compensatory mechanism. Notably, FRF pre-treatment also counteracted ketamine-upregulated AchE activity, offering neuroprotection against heightened neuronal excitability.

Conclusion
Red onion husk extract exhibits a favourable safety profile and exerts potent antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, possibly through modulating Nrf2 signalling pathways. Its ability to counteract ketamine-induced oxidative stress and neuronal hyperactivity highlights its potential as a complementary therapeutic strategy for managing manic episodes in bipolar disorder. Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise molecular mechanisms underlying FRF’s action and explore its clinical efficacy in human studies.
Long-distance migrations and seasonal movements of meagre (Argyrosomus regius), a large coastal predator, along the Iberian Peninsula coast
Authors: Gandra Miguel , Winkler Alexander C. , Afonso Pedro , Abecasis David 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
The meagre, Argyrosomus regius, is a large coastal predatory fish inhabiting waters from the north-eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea, where it is targeted by commercial and recreational fisheries. Previous genetic studies have found an unexpectedly high population differentiation not only between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, but also along the Atlantic coast. However, the reasons underpinning this genetic barrier remained unclear. Likewise, even though the species is amongst the world’s largest marine teleosts, knowledge about its movement ecology and migratory behaviour remains notably scarce, and primarily reliant on fisheries-dependent data.

Methods
In this study, we used a combination of acoustic telemetry and pop-up satellite archival tags to investigate the movements of 22 adult meagre (70–143 cm total length) along the Southwestern coast of the Iberian Peninsula.

Results
Our results strongly suggest that the previously reported genetic differentiation is not maintained by limited adult dispersal/movement, as hypothesized. On the contrary, we documented some of the longest individual annual migrations ever recorded for a coastal teleost, up to > 2000 km, with frequent back-and-forth movements between the West and Southern Iberian coasts. Moreover, their detected regional movement patterns support the existence of a marked seasonal behavioural shift, with individuals being less active and moving to deeper waters during winter, and are consistent with spawning philopatry associated to their summer reproductive movements. Finally, we identified putative aggregation areas that may harbour important feeding/overwintering grounds.

Conclusions
These findings shed new light on the movement and behaviour patterns of meagre that may be of particular importance for the conservation and spatial management of this species throughout its range, and open the door to further research on functional connectivity.
The influence of immediate occlusal loading on micro/nano-structure of peri-implant jaw bone in rats
Authors: Yorioka Hiroaki , Otsu Yuto , Suzuki Ryu , Matsunaga Satoru , Nakano Takayoshi , Abe Shinichi , Sasaki Hodaka 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The objective of the present study was to ascertain the effect of immediate occlusal loading after implant placement on osseointegration and the micro/nanostructure of the surrounding bone.

Methods
After extraction of a rat maxillary right second molar, an implant was placed immediately with initial fixation (2 N< ). The implants were placed to avoid occlusal loading due to mastication, and in the loaded group, a superstructure was fabricated and subjected to occlusal loading. Bone morphometry, collagen fiber anisotropy, and biological apatite (BAp) crystallite alignment were quantitatively evaluated in both groups after extraction and fixation of the jaw bone at Days 7 and 21 after surgery.

Results
Osseointegration was observed in both groups. Bone morphometry showed significant differences in bone volume, trabecular number, trabecular thickness and bone mineral density (BMD) at Days 21 postoperatively (P < 0.05). A significant difference was also found in the trabecular separation at Days 7 postoperatively (P < 0.05). In the evaluation of collagen fiber anisotropy, collagen fiber bundles running differently from the existing bone were observed in both groups. In terms of BAp crystallite alignment, a specific structure was observed in the reconstructed new bone after implantation, and preferential orientation of BAp crystallite alignment was observed in the longitudinal direction of the implants in the Day 21 postoperative loaded group.

Conclusion
When sufficient initial fixation is achieved at the time of dental implant placement, then the applied masticatory load may contribute to rapidly achieving not only bone volume, but also adequate bone quality after implant placement.
Relation between nutritional status on clinical outcomes of critically ill patients: emphasizing nutritional screening tools in a prospective cohort investigation
Authors: Moghaddam Omid Moradi , Emam Masoumeh Hosseinzadeh , Irandoost Pardis , Hejazi Mahdi , Iraji Zeinab , Yazdanpanah Leila , Mirhosseini Seyedeh Farnaz , Mollajan Abolfazl , Lahiji Mohammad Niakan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Malnutrition is a significant concern reported in adult critically ill patients, yet there is no gold standard to assess nutritional status in this population. This study examines the association between nutritional status and clinical outcomes in intensive care unit (ICU) patients using nutritional risk assessment tools and aims to look for the best tool.

Method
In a single-center prospective cohort study among 165 patients, the predictive performance of high or low malnutrition risk assessed by Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS), Modified Nutrition Risk in Critically Ill (m-NUTRIC), Mini-Nutritional-Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF), Controlling Nutritional status (CONUT), and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) were evaluated and compared for mortality, organ failure, length of hospitalization, and mechanical ventilation (MV).

Results
Different assessment tools showed various nutritional statuses. m-NUTRIC and NRS-2002 were found to be associated more strongly relative to other tools with mortality (RR = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.42–2.08) and (RR = 1.37; 95% CI, 1.08–1.72), organ failure (RR = 1.69; 95% CI, 1.44–1.96) and (RR = 1.22; 95% CI, 0.99–1.48), MV (RR = 1.46; 95% CI, 1.27–1.65) and (RR = 1.21; 95% CI, 1.04–1.39) respectively. There was no correlation between malnutrition levels assessed by mentioned tools except for NRS-2002 and length of hospitalization. In predicting mortality or illness severity, the cut points were different for some tools like NUTRIC-score and all assessed outcomes (3.5), MNA-SF and mortality (6.5), CONUT with mortality, and MV (6.5).

Conclusions
A considerable proportion of patients admitted to the ICU are at high risk for malnutrition. Compared to other tools, m-NUTRIC and NRS-2002 proved superior in predicting clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. Other tools overestimated the risk of malnutrition in the ICU so couldn’t predict clinical outcomes correctly.
Routine, Routine, Routine: Sleep Regularity and its Association with Sleep Metrics in Professional Rugby Union Athletes
Authors: Teece Angus , Beaven Christopher Martyn , Suppiah Haresh , Argus Christos K. , Gill Nicholas , Driller Matthew W. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Maintaining a consistent sleep and wake time is often reported as a key component of circadian rhythmicity and quality sleep. However, the impact of sleep onset and offset time variability on overall sleep outcomes are underreported in elite athlete populations. This study investigated the relationship between sleep onset and offset time variability using the sleep regularity index (SRI) and measures of sleep and well-being in professional rugby union athletes. Twenty-three professional male rugby union athletes (mean ± SD, age: 23 ± 3 y) underwent sleep monitoring via wrist actigraphy for three weeks during a pre-season phase of training and completed a daily wellness questionnaire. Median SRI was calculated and used to stratify the trainees into two quantile groups: >76.4 SRI (Regular, n = 11) and < 76.4 SRI (Irregular, n = 12).

Results
The regular sleep group showed significantly longer total sleep duration (p = 0.02, d = 0.97) compared to the irregular group (7:42 ± 0:29 vs. 7:18 ± 0:20 h: min per night, respectively). Furthermore, while not statistically significant, the regular sleep group showed greater sleep efficiency and less wake episodes compared to irregular sleepers, as demonstrated by moderate effect sizes (d = 0.71 and 0.69, respectively).

Conclusions
The results from this study indicate that minimizing variability in sleep onset and offset time is beneficial for increasing sleep duration and may improve sleep efficiency during pre-season training in elite male rugby union athletes. This study provides evidence for the importance of including sleep-wake routines as a key component of sleep education interventions.
Preliminary investigation of the sea-rail intermodal system's efficiency using a simulation approach: case of the Port of Trois-Rivieres
Authors: Abu-Aisha Tareq , Audy Jean-Francois , Ouhimmou Mustapha 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSea-rail intermodal transportation around the globe faces complex challenges that affect the satisfaction of shippers' needs. An efficient cargo flow between the port and its hinterland depends particularly on efficient connectivity between the seaport and rail. Sea-rail intermodal can be a cost-efficient and green alternative to unimodal road transportation. Inefficient sea-rail connectivity in the seaport slows cargo flow and affects port capacity. Various factors could affect the system's efficiency and create bottlenecks in the system. A case study adopts a discrete event-based simulation approach to assess bottlenecks in the sea-rail connection that affect cargo flow and generate congestion. The data were collected from the Port of Trois-Rivières, the focus of our investigation. Our objective is to identify bottlenecks in the sea-rail intermodal system in the port, identify strategies to mitigate bottlenecks and accelerate cargo flow. To this end, we examined various scenarios, including an increase in the share of trains for cargo transportation and an increase in the number of daily train convoys. The findings underscore that elevating the train share to 40% and introducing two daily train services yield significant enhancements in key performance indicators. Noteworthy advantages encompass a reduction in the average time ships spend in the port, a decrease in the average waiting time for trains to depart from the port, an overall improvement in cargo handling efficiency within the port, and a notable alleviation of bottlenecks within the system.
Gender composition of children and desires for the next child in “son preference” countries
Authors: Kazenin Konstantin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis paper studies the role of gender preferences for children in formation of desires for the next child in nine countries of the Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, the Caucasus and Balkans. For all countries selected for the study, effects of son preference have been detected in actual fertility during recent decades, but gender preferences in desires for the next child have been studied much less systematically. Using Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in these countries in 2010–2021, desires to stop fertility and to have a child within 2 years are considered separately for women with one and two living children. For women with one living child, the gender of that child has a significant effect on these desires only in South-Asian countries, where women who only have a daughter are more likely to want to have another child within 2 years and less likely to want to stop childbearing compared to women who only have a son. For women with two living children, in most of the considered countries, the desire to have another child within 2 years only shows a preference for having at least one son, whereas the desire to stop fertility shows effects of balanced gender preference in six out of the nine countries. The preference for a balanced gender composition of children observed for the desire to stop fertility actualizes the question of whether a son preference will remain unchallenged in actual fertility in these countries in the near future. In the final section, possible social correlates of son preference and balanced gender preference are discussed on the example of two countries, Bangladesh and Nepal.