bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transmission of quantum-secured images
Authors: Johnson Steven , Rarity John , Padgett Miles 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The secure transmission of an image can be accomplished by encoding the image information, securely communicating this information, and subsequently reconstructing the image. Alternatively, here we show how the image itself can be directly transmitted while ensuring that the presence of any eavesdropper is revealed in a way akin to quantum key distribution (QKD). We achieve this transmission using a photon-pair source with the deliberate addition of a thermal light source as background noise. One photon of the pair illuminates the object, which is masked from an eavesdropper by adding indistinguishable thermal photons, the other photon of the pair acts as a time reference with which the intended recipient can preferentially filter the image carrying photons from the background. These reference photons are themselves made sensitive to the presence of an eavesdropper by traditional polarisation-based QKD encoding. Interestingly the security verification is performed in the two-dimensional polarisation-basis, but the image information is encoded in a much higher-dimensional, hence information-rich, pixel basis. In our example implementation, our image comprises of 152 independent pixels. Beyond the secure transmission of images, our approach to the distribution of secure high-dimensional information may offer new high-bandwidth approaches to QKD.
OrthoFusion: A Super-Resolution Algorithm to Fuse Orthogonal CT Volumes
Authors: Abbott Rebecca E. , Nishimwe Alain , Wiputra Hadi , Breighner Ryan E. , Ellingson Arin M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

OrthoFusion, an intuitive super-resolution algorithm, is presented in this study to enhance the spatial resolution of clinical CT volumes. The efficacy of OrthoFusion is evaluated, relative to high-resolution CT volumes (ground truth), by assessing image volume and derived bone morphological similarity, as well as its performance in specific applications in 2D-3D registration tasks. Results demonstrate that OrthoFusion significantly reduced segmentation time, while improving structural similarity of bone images and relative accuracy of derived bone model geometries. Moreover, it proved beneficial in the context of biplane videoradiography, enhancing the similarity of digitally reconstructed radiographs to radiographic images and improving the accuracy of relative bony kinematics. OrthoFusion's simplicity, ease of implementation, and generalizability make it a valuable tool for researchers and clinicians seeking high spatial resolution from existing clinical CT data. This study opens new avenues for retrospectively utilizing clinical images for research and advanced clinical purposes, while reducing the need for additional scans, mitigating associated costs and radiation exposure.
Leaf and Seed Yield Response of Vegetable Amaranths to Nitrogen Fertilizers Applications and Harvesting Frequency at Jimma, South West, Ethiopia
Authors: Birhanu Tinsae , Olika Ambecha , Etissa Edossa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Amaranthus (Amaranthus cruentus) is an alternative food crops and requires low agronomic practice relative to other food crops, but the yield varies due to season, soil fertility, and variety and management practices variations. There is scant information on agronomic practices such as harvesting frequency and N fertilizer application rates.The objective of this study was to determine effect of nitrogen levels and harvesting frequencies on growth, leaf and seed yield and yield component of Amaranth Madiira-2 cultivar at Jimma under irrigation. Randomized complete Block design with factorial arrangement combination of five N levels (0, 34.5, 69, 103.5 and 138) with three harvesting frequency (weekly, Two weeks and every three weeks) replicated three times. Data on pheonological, growth yield and yield component were collected. Collected data were analysed using SAS software version (9.3). Results revealed that the combination effect of nitrogen and harvesting frequency significantly influenced (p<0.05) days to 50% flowering, days to 50% physiological maturity. whereas leaf area, leaf length, leaf width, plant height, above ground fresh weight, above ground dry weight per plant at harvest, leaf yield, and seed yield highly significantly influenced (p<0.01). However thousand seed weight highly influenced by harvesting. The highest leaf yield (30.33 ton ha-1) was obtained when 103.5 kg N ha-1 applied with Two weeks harvesting after transplanting. The highest seed yield (3.23 ton ha-1) was obtained for 103.5 kg N ha-1 and every three week harvesting. The positive correlation was observed between leaf yield, leaf area and branch there is also correlation between seed yield, plant height, branches and leaf area. Therefore, the present finding showed that farmers can benefit by applying 103.5 kg N ha-1 with Two weeks harvesting and 103.5 kg N ha-1 with every three week harvesting resulted in better leaf and seed yield respectively. However, since the data is collected from only one season and location, it would be worth repeating the experiment under field condition, across different season and locations to draw sound conclusions and recommendations.
Predictive Factors For The Outcome of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Surgery for Myelopathy Cervical Disc Herniation: A Single-Center Study in Vietnam
Authors: Pham Tuan Anh , Bui Hoang Thanh , Nguyen Duy Nhat , Le Viet-Thang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Cervical disc herniation is a prevalent condition contributing to cervical myelopathy. This technique has gained popularity in various centers around the globe. However, there is a lack of data on the actual surgical outcomes for this specific patient group in Vietnam. This study aims to investigate predictive factors for the surgical outcomes and postoperative complications associated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery in patients presenting with myelopathy due to cervical disc herniation.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 74 patients who underwent ACDF surgery for myelopathy resulting from cervical disc herniation at Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital, from January 2019 to September 2021. Data encompassing demographics, clinical and radiological characteristics, surgical outcomes, and complications were meticulously collected.
Results: Among the 74 patients, 53 were men and 21 were women, ranging from 29 to 79 years. Herniation occurred at one level in 45.9% of cases, at two levels in 47.3%, and at three levels in 6.8%. Neurological improvement was assessed during a 12-month follow-up. Patients were assessed with VAS and NDI preprocedural and postprocedural for 1-month, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups. There was a significant improvement in postprocedural VAS and NDI scores (p<0.001). The mean preoperative mJOA score was 11.1, increasing to 14.8 postoperatively. A recovery rate exceeding 75% was noted in 21.6% of patients. Dysphagia was the most common complication (8.1%).
Conclusions: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery emerge as an effective and secure treatment modality for myelopathy stemming from cervical disc herniation.
Haemosporidians mediate nestlings' life-history along an urban-to-rural gradient
Authors: Neumann Astrid E , Suarez-Rubio Marcela , Renner Swen C 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Urban areas, i.e. dense housing and reduced green spaces, can significantly impact avian health, through altering land use and increasing biotic and abiotic stress. This study assessed the influence of urbanization on Haemosporidian infections, vectors, immune response, and body condition in Parus major nestlings, across four classes of urbanization along an urban-to-rural gradient in Vienna, Austria. Contrary to our expectations, vector abundance remained largely consistent across the gradient, while urban environmental factors, particularly impervious surfaces, significantly influenced Haemosporidian intensity. We found that nestlings in more urbanized areas exhibited higher parasite intensities and altered immune responses, as evidenced by variations in the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio and leucocyte counts. Moreover, nestlings from smaller clutches faced higher infection risks, suggesting increased probabilities to precept infections. Urbanization negatively impacted nestling body condition, with a decrease in fat deposits from forested to highly urbanized areas. Our findings highlight the complex interplay between urbanization, vector-borne parasite transmission, and host immune response, emphasizing the need for comprehensive urban planning. Understanding how urbanization affects bird immunity and parasite infections is critical for adapting urban landscapes for wildlife health and ecosystem integrity.
Two hydatid cysts in the psoas muscle of a 40-year-old female: A rare case report from Syria
Authors: Arab Hazem , Alsaffaf Yousef , Kattan Osama , Khallouf Saleem 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:
Hydatid disease, a zoonotic infection common in pastoral areas, can affect any human organ. Muscular involvement, especially in the psoas muscle, is rare, comprising only 1-3% of cases, even in endemic regions. The presence of multiple cysts is even rarer. Clinical presentation varies, making them challenging to diagnostic. Surgical intervention is the primary treatment for psoas hydatid cysts.
Case presentation:
A 40-year-old female from a rural area presented with fatigue and abdominal pain, without constipation or changes in appetite. Physical examination revealed tenderness in the right hypochondrium. Her medical history included tonsillectomy twenty years ago, cesarean delivery two years ago, and pulmonary hydatid cystectomy seven years ago. Ultrasound detected a retroperitoneal hydatid cyst, while a multi-slice CT scan showed a hydatid cyst within the left psoas major muscle and an additional cyst in the anterior and lateral portions of the left psoas major muscle. Surgeries successfully removed two cysts from the left psoas major muscle, and the patient was discharged in good condition two days post-surgery.
Conclusions:
This case highlights the rarity of psoas major muscle hydatid cysts in a middle-aged woman from a rural area. Early recognition, accurate radiological assessment, and proper surgical treatment are crucial for positive outcomes and averting complications like infection, compression of nearby structures, or anaphylactic reactions.
Toward quantitative characterization of simulated earthquake- cycle complexities
Authors: Wang Shiqi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Earthquake cycle simulations based on the rate-and-state friction formulation are evolutions of nonlinear dynamical systems (NDS). The term “cycle” implies an overall stable structure that is a phase-space attractor naturally traced out by trajectories of NDS as it evolves. Quantitatively characterizing these attractors should be a basis for measuring complexities of the simulated earthquake cycles, i.e. to determine if and how regular or chaotic they are. I first revisit the textbook-standard quasi-dynamic spring-slider system from an NDS perspective, explicitly showing the attractors, their relationship with the parameters of the NDS, and how they can be characterized taken advantage of their low-dimensionality while aiming to extend the analysis to high-dimensionality. I evaluate two approaches, computing the Lyapunov exponents (LEs) and measuring correlation dimensions, with the simple spring-slider and earthquake-cycle examples whose phase-space attractors can be visually verified. I conclude LEs are too inconvenient and computationally expensive to use whereas measuring correlation dimensions is an easy and effective approach even with highly non-uniform time sampling present in all simulations. For earthquake-cycle simulations, an attractor reconstruction is performed based on Taken’s theorem to corroborate my correlation-dimension results. The current method is limited in its ability to detect chaos in a dichotomous manner, which illuminates the direction for future study. An improving ability to quantitatively characterize earthquake-cycle simulations as an overall stable structure offers new opportunities to understand exotic seismic observations such as slow-slip events and enables more informative comparison with real data, particularly from paleoseismology, which could have far-reaching implications in earthquake forecasting.
Revolutionizing Outcomes: Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Gallbladder Drainage Using Innovative Electrocautery Enhanced-Lumen Apposing Metal Stents for High-risk Surgical Patients
Authors: Chon Hyung Ku , Lee Yun Chae , Kim Tae Hyeon , Lee Seung Ok , Kim Seong-Hun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This study evaluated the outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) using novel electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) in high-risk patients with acute cholecystitis (AC). Between January 1, 2021, and November 30, 2022, 58 high-risk surgical patients with AC underwent EUS-GBD with the novel electrocautery-enhanced LAMS. The technical success rate was 94.8% (55/58), with one case of duodenal perforation requiring surgery with complete stent migration and two of partial stent migration into the gallbladder. However, the clinical success rate was 100% (55/55). Recurrent AC occurred in 3.6% of the cases (2/55), managed with double pigtail plastic stents alongside the LAMS. Early AEs observed in 1.8% (1/55) due to stent obstruction. Late AEs occurred in 5.4% (3/55), including two cases of cholangitis and one of stent obstruction. For 33 patients followed over 6 months, LAMS maintenance was sustained in 30 cases. Two patients underwent double-pigtail plastic stent replacement after LAMS removal, and one underwent LAMS removal during surgery following tumor stage regression after chemotherapy for cholangiocarcinoma. The novel electrocautery-enhanced LAMS demonstrated high technical and clinical success rates in high-risk surgical patients with AC, maintaining effective gallbladder drainage with AEs during long-term follow-up, thus highlighting its efficacy and safety in challenging patients.
TRIM28 promotes tumor growth and metastasis in breast cancer by targeting the BRD7 protein for ubiquitination and degradation
Authors: Xue Changning , Meng Hanbing , Niu Weihong , Li Mengna , Wei Jianxia , Chen Shipeng , Zheng Lemei , Duan Yumei , Deng Hongyu , Tang Faqing , Fan Songqing , Tan Ming , Xiong Wei , Zhou Ming 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose: BRD7 is downregulated and functions as a tumor suppressor in many types of cancers including breast cancer, and the dysregulation of BRD7 expression is closely related to the development and progression of breast cancer. Whereas little attention has been focused on the regulation of BRD7 protein levels in breast cancer, which needs to be further elucidated.
Methods: The protein stability of BRD7 in breast cancer cells and BRD7 protein level in breast cancer tissues was examined by Western Blotting. The potential E3 ubiquitin ligase proteins that interact with the BRD7 was screened by coimmunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry analysis in MDA-MB-231 cells. We proved the interaction between BRD7 and TRIM28 through Co-IP and immunofluorescence assays. The effects of TRIM28 on the BRD7 protein stability and ubiquitination level was investigated by qPCR , Western Blot and Co-IP assay. CCK-8 and clone formation assays were carried out to assess the effect of TRIM28 on proliferation ability of breast cancer ells. Transwell assay and wound healing assay were used to investigate the effect of TRIM28 on breast cancer cell invasion and migration. Flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of TRIM28 on cell cycle and apoptosis of breast cancer cells. In addition, we confirmed effect of TRIM28 on tumor growth and metastasis by xenograft and metastatic mouse models. We designed some recovery assays to explore the role of recovery BRD7 in TRIM28-mediated promotion of malignant progression of breast cancer in vivo and in vitro. Finally, the clinical significance of TRIM28 and BRD7 was proved by immunohistochemistry.
Results: In this study, we demonstrated that BRD7 was an unstable protein and might be regulated by ubiquitination in breast cancer; furthermore, we found that tripartite motif protein 28 (TRIM28) could directly bind to BRD7 and promote its ubiquitination and degradation by functioning as a potential E3 ubiquitin ligase. Moreover, TRIM28 promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, xenograft tumor growth and metastasis, thus playing an oncogenic role in breast cancer. Furthermore, the restoration of BRD7 expression in breast cancer significantly reversed the promotional effects of TRIM28 on malignant progression both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, TRIM28 was highly expressed in the biopsy tissues of breast cancer, and its expression was negatively correlated with BRD7 expression and positively correlated with TNM stage and poor prognosis of BC patients.
Conclusions: Our findings provide a novel mechanism by which TRIM28 significantly facilitates BRD7 ubiquitination and degradation, thus promoting breast cancer malignant progression. Targeting the TRIM28/BRD7 axis might be a novel potential strategy for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Culinary Comfort: Understanding the Connection between Food and Well-being
Authors: Yasmeen Bushra , Iftikhar Ifra , Fischer Florian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
This study investigates the complex interaction between individuals’ culinary tastes, at-home dining habits, and their broader impact on general well-being and relationships dynamics. An all-encompassing tool for assessing the impact of dietary choices on emotions of coziness, social interaction, and general wellness, the multi-dimensional Culinary Comfort and Connection Index (CCCI) focuses on traditional home-cooked meals in particular.
Methods
We used an online-based survey to validate the CCCI. With a Cronbach alpha of 0.844, this scale is reliable and valid. It covers a wide range of aspects including self-care advocacy, traditional values, and a preference for handmade food. We performed descriptive and stratified analyses and tested correlations. A significance level of 0.05 was chosen. We used Pearson Chi-Square and Likelihood Ratio tests.
Results
The CCCI shows complicated patterns when analyzed with respect to gender, education level, and family income that demonstrate the myriad of factors impacting people’s views on food and its relationship to health. While some patterns do emerge, the results imply that dietary choices do not necessarily correlate with overall health.
Conclusions
The research highlights the complex interaction between cultural, societal, and personal elements in determining perspectives on nutrition and health by drawing on theoretical models like Bronfenbrenner’s Societal-Ecological Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior.
Metformin prevents glucocorticoid-induced trabecular meshwork damage and intraocular pressure elevation via activating mitophagy
Authors: Xu Lijuan , Gang Xiaorui , Tao Zhou , Han Jialing , Zhao Yin , Zhang Xinyao , Ren Ruiyi , Song Shuning , Qi Binyan , Mao Huiyan , Yang Jingjing , liang Yuanbo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose: We investigated the preventive effects of metformin (MET) on glucocorticoid-induced intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation in mice and cellular damage to human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMC).
Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice received a 9-day preventive treatment of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or MET, followed by synchronous dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DEX) treatment for 19 days. A PBS group served as the negative control. MET's preventive effect on DEX-induced ocular hypertension in C57BL/6J mice was examined, focusing on IOP, fibrosis, and trabecular aqueous humor outflow (AHO) ultrastructure. HTMC were pre-stimulated with MET for 24 h, then exposed to DEX with MET for five days. Immunofluorescence and western blotting analyzed protein expression in the trabecular meshwork, and flow cytometry analyzed reactive oxygen species content.
Results: DEX significantly increased IOP from the 5th day until the 4th week's end (all p <0.05) in the PBS+DEX group, whereas MET partially neutralized this elevated IOP. The PBS+DEX group exhibited upregulated fibrotic markers in the AHO, which MET+DEX mitigated in trabecular tissues. DEX disrupted the HTMC cytoskeleton, whereas MET facilitated its recovery, induced more autophagosomes, and promoted biological activities of mitophagy and mitochondrial fusion.
Conclusion: MET prevents glucocorticoid-induced trabecular meshwork damage by inducing mitophagy, hinting at potential benefits for primary open-angle glaucoma.
A Network Analysis of ICD‐11 Complex PTSD in the Iranian Population Exposed to Trauma
Authors: mohammadi zahra , Dehghani Mahmood , Lavasani Fahimeh Fathali , Farahani Hojjatollah , Ashouri Ahmad , Omidbakhsh Zahra 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Introduction: The 11th revision of the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) includes a new disorder, complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), which is a heterogeneous condition, and identification of its core symptoms may inform how to conceptualize the heterogeneity. The network approach to psychopathology enables the investigation of the structure of disorders at the symptom level, which allows for the analysis of direct symptom interactions. The main objectives of the present study were to explore Complex PTSD symptom structure and identify key symptoms of Complex PTSD in the Iranian population exposed to trauma.
Methods: Participants consisted of 463 people referred to comprehensive health centers in Tehran from September to December 2023 with psychopathological syndromes. Complex PTSD symptoms were assessed using the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) and International Measurement of Exposure to Traumatic Event checklist. Network analysis was applied to identify the most central symptoms (nodes) and associations between symptoms (edges) by the graphical LASSO algorithm and the EBCglasso method for network estimation.
Results: The results showed that the network of estimated symptoms has perfect accuracy and stability, and the most central symptoms of Complex PTSD in Iranian culture were feelings of failure and feelings of worthlessness. Furthermore, "long-term upset" was the link between PTSD symptoms and DSO.
Conclusions: Feeling of failure and feeling of worthlessness were the most central symptoms in the Complex PTSD network, and they can be predictive of other symptoms of Complex PTSD. The long-term upset also uniquely predicts co-occurring symptoms of PTSD and DSO. These symptoms should be prioritized in theoretical and treatment models of Complex PTSD.
Acquisition of Fc-afucosylation of PfEMP1-specific IgG is age-dependent and associated with clinical protection against malaria
Authors: Lopez-Perez Mary , Seidu Zakaria , Larsen Mads , Nouta Jan , Wuhrer Manfred , Vidarsson Gestur , Ofori Michael , Hviid Lars 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Protective immunity to malaria depends on acquisition of parasite-specific antibodies, with Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) being one of the most important target antigens. The effector functions of PfEMP1-specific IgG include inhibition of infected erythrocyte (IE) sequestration and opsonization of IEs for cell-mediated destruction. IgG glycosylation modulates antibody functionality, with increased affinity to FcγRIIIa for IgG lacking fucose in the Fc region (Fc-afucosylation). We report here that selective Fc‑afucosylation of PfEMP1-specific IgG1 increases with age in P. falciparum-exposed children and is associated with reduced risk of anemia and parasitemia, independent of the IgG levels. A similar association was found for children having PfEMP1-specific IgG1 inducing multiple effector functions against IEs. Our findings provide new mechanistic insights regarding protective immunity to malaria and highlight the importance of cell-mediated destruction of IgG-opsonized IEs.