bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficient Information Reconciliation in Quantum Key Distribution Systems Using Informed Design of Non-Binary LDPC Codes
Authors: Mitra Debarnab , Shreekumar Jayanth , Tauz Lev , Sarihan Murat Can , Wong Chee Wei , Dolecek Lara 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), two users extract a shared secret key using a quantum communication channel in the presence of an eavesdropper. Among QKD protocols, the ones based on Energy-Time (ET) entanglement of photons have been studied extensively due to their ability to generate high key rates from the arrival times of entangled photons. For the information reconciliation (IR) stage of ET-QKD protocols (where the users communicate using a classical channel in order to reconcile differences in their data), a scheme called multi-level coding (MLC) was proposed by Zhou et al. in prior work. The MLC scheme splits the raw key symbols into bit layers and utilizes binary Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) codes to encode each layer. Although binary LDPC codes are able to offer low complexity decoding for IR, they have poor error-correcting performance compared to their non-binary counterparts, thus leading to low key rates. Additionally, existing LDPC codes do not fully utilize the properties of the QKD channel to optimize the key rates. In this paper, we mitigate the above issues by proposing a flexible protocol for IR in ET-QKD systems called Non-Binary Multi-Level Coding NB-MLC(a) which is parameterized by a positive integer a. The NB-MLC(a) protocol is a generalization of the MLC scheme and utilizes NB-LDPC codes from a Galois field of size 2^a. We show that by using a small value of a, the NB-MLC(a) protocol significantly improves the key rate without much increase in complexity. To further improve the key rates of the NB-MLC(a) protocol, we propose i) a joint rate and degree distribution optimization (JRDO) algorithm to design the NB-LDPC codes for the protocol; ii) an interleaved decoding and communication (IDC) scheme to decode the different layers of the NB-MLC(a) protocol. The JRDO algorithm is designed to use the QKD channel information and we show that it results in a higher key rate than codes used in prior work. Additionally, the IDC scheme improves the key rate compared to the decoding and communication methods utilized previously in literature. Overall, the NB-MLC(a) protocol that uses JRDO LDPC codes and the IDC scheme results in a significant 40 − 60% improvement in key rates compared to prior work for ET-QKD systems.
Teneurin-4 as a potential prognosis biomarker in gastric adenocarcinoma: a proteomics analysis in endoscopic tissue biopsies
Authors: Chaves Renata Carvalho Miranda , Silva Roberto Afonso , Lima Iasmin Lopes , Dias Carlos Gabriel Monteiro , Junior Luiz Alberto Reis Mattos , Filho Jose Luiz Lima , Martins Danyelly Bruneska Gondim 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
PURPOSE: Gastric cancer remains a global health problem, which still needs a better understanding of its biology. Its incidence and prognosis rates in different geographic regions, as well as its pathogenesis, clinical presentation, genetic expressions and the presence of distinct mutations had an impact on the heterogeneous behaviors of patients. METHODS: Endoscopies with standard histological examination of biopsies and experimental analysis with tissue samples. Subjects were grouped according to their histopathologic grade of differentiations and submitted to a proteomic analysis. RESULTS: A total number of 1,103 proteins were identified among the control group and the three histological grades of gastric cancer specimens. ANOVA multiple sample test found a set of 356 proteins differentially expressed in at least one of the groups. Among the top 10 upregulated genes, teneurin-4 was found in all histological stages, which were related to histopathological grade of differentiation.
CONCLUSION: Teneurin-4 levels were upregulated in all grades of tumor differentiation, suggesting that teneurin-4 could be a candidate biomarker of gastric adenocarcinoma.
"It's Time to Live More Calmly, More Focused and Quieter..." : Pages of the Diary of Nicholas Gudzij. February – March 1924
Authors: Фролов М.А. 
Published: December 2023

Публикация вводит в научный оборот страницы дневника литературоведа Н.К. Гудзия, относящиеся к февралю – марту 1924 г. Их историко-литературное значение об-условлено рядом причин: во-первых, отсутствием в довоенной части наследия ученого столь же подробных записей за другие годы, во-вторых, тем, что они документируют очень важный период научной активности Гудзия – его работу во II МГУ, Государственной Академии Художественных Наук и Обществе любителей российской словесности. Наконец, в-третьих – публикуемые записи фиксируют участие Гудзия в литературной жизни Москвы, его впечатления от встреч (полно обрисовывая ближайший круг его общения) и некоторые обстоятельства судьбы его трудов.
The publication introduces the pages of the diary of the literary critic N.K. Gudziy, relating to February – March 1924. Their historical and literary interest is due to several reasons: firstly, the absence of similarly detailed records for other years in the pre-war part of the scientist’s heritage, and secondly, the fact that they document a very important period of scientific Gudziy’s activity is his work at the 2nd Moscow State University, the State Academy of Artistic Sciences and the Society of Lovers of Russian Literature. Thirdly, the published notes record Gudziy’s participation in the literary life of Moscow, his impressions of meetings with people (fully describing the closest circle of his contacts), as well as some circumstances of the printed fate of his scientific works.
KIF20A Promotes CRC Progression and the Warburg Effect through the
C-Myc/HIF-1α Axis
Authors: Wu Min , Wu Xianqiang , Han Jie 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent form of cancer globally,
characterized by a high mortality rate. Therefore, discovering effective therapeutic approaches for
CRC treatment is critical.

Methods:
The levels of KIF20A in CRC clinical samples were determined using Western Blot and
immunofluorescence assay. SW480 cells were transfected with siRNA targeting KIF20A, while
HT-29 cells were transfected with a KIF20A overexpression vector. Cell viability and apoptosis of
CRC cells were assessed using CCK-8 and TUNEL analysis. Migration ability was investigated
using Transwell. The levels of pyruvate, lactate and ATP were determined through corresponding
assay kits. Western Blot was applied to confirm the level of proteins associated with glycolysis, cMyc, HIF-1α, PKM2 and LDHA. Subsequently, functional rescue experiments were conducted to
investigate further the regulatory relationship between KIF20A, c-Myc, and HIF-1α in colorectal
cancer (CRC), employing the c-Myc inhibitor 10058-F4 and c-Myc overexpression plasmids.

Results:
KIF20A was up-regulated in vivo and in vitro in CRC. KIF20A knockdown inhibited cell
viability and migration while promoting cell apoptosis in SW480 cells. Conversely, overexpression
of KIF20A yielded contrasting effects in HT-29 cells. Moreover, inhibition of KIF20A restrained
the pyruvate, lactate production and ATP level, whereas overexpression of KIF20A enhanced the
Warburg effect. Western Blot indicated that knockdown KIF20A attenuated the levels of c-Myc,
HIF-1α, PKM2 and LDHA. In addition, rescue experiments further verified that KIF20A enhanced
the Warburg effect by the KIF20A/c-Myc/HIF-1α axis in CRC.

Conclusion:
KIF20A, being a crucial regulator in the progression of CRC, has the potential to be a
promising therapeutic target for the treatment of CRC
The Development of the Combination Drug Leukovir® Tablets for the
Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Kalinichenko Elena N. , Babitskaya Svetlana V. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract:
The review is devoted to the development and study of the drug Leukovir® (cladribine+
ribavirin) and its use in the treatment of relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive
forms of multiple sclerosis, a chronic neurodegenerative disease aiming the risk reduction of relapse
and progression of a disability. In clinical trials Leukovir® has proved to be efficient by up to
56 weeks for the treatment of relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive forms of multiple
sclerosis. The drug is registered in the Republic of Belarus. The efficacy, safety and tolerability
profile of the drug Leukovir® suggests that it is well suited for disease-modifying therapy of multiple
sclerosis. Patients require four 35-day courses of treatment, each consisting of seven days of
treatment followed by a break of 28 days. The use of Leukovir® has contributed to the suppression
of inflammatory process activity according to MRI data and stabilization of the clinical condition.
It has reduced the number of relapses in patients with relapsing-remitting and secondary-progressive
forms of multiple sclerosis.
Study of Osteopontin as a Marker of Arteriovenous Shunt Stenosis in
Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Elbarbary Marwa R. , Ahmed Laila A. , El-Adl Doaa A. , Ezzat Alshimaa A. , Nassib Sherif A. 
Published: December 2023

Introduction:
Although arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the recommended access for hemodialysis
(HD), it carries a high risk for stenosis. Since osteopontin (OPN) is implicated in the process
of vascular calcification in HD patients, OPN may be a marker for AVF stenosis. The present study
evaluated OPN as a potential marker of AVF stenosis in HD patients.

Methods:
Diagnosing a stenotic lesion was made by combining B mode with color and pulse wave
Doppler imaging. Criteria for diagnosis of stenotic AVF included 50% reduction in diameter in B
mode in combination with a 2-3-fold increase of peak systolic velocity compared with the unaffected
segment.

Results:
The present study included 60 HD patients with stenotic AVF and 60 patients with functional
AVF. Comparison between the two groups revealed that patients in the former group had significantly
higher serum OPN levels [median (IQR): 17.1 (12.1-30.4) vs 5.8 (5.0-10.0) ng/mL, p<0.001].
All patients were classified into those with low (<s median) and with high (≥ median) OPN levels.
Comparison between these groups revealed that the former group had a significantly lower frequency
of stenotic AVF (31.7 vs 68.3%, p<0.001) and a longer time to AVF stenosis [mean (95% CI): 68.4
(54.7-82.1) vs 46.5 (39.6-53.4) months, p=0.001].

Conclusion:
OPN levels in HD patients may be useful markers for predicting and detecting AVF
stenosis.
Evaluation of Clinical, Echocardiographic, and Therapeutic Characteristics,
and Prognostic Outcomes of Coexisting Heart Failure among Patients with
Atrial Fibrillation: The Jordan Atrial Fibrillation (JoFib) Study
Authors: Alrabadi Nasr , Al-Nusair Mohammed , El-zubi Farah K. , Tashtoush Mais , Alzoubi Osama , Khamis Sa’ed , Masadeh Majd M. , Alzoubi Karem H. , Al-Hiari Mohammed , Hammoudeh Ayman 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most commonly encountered cardiac arrhythmia
in clinical practice. Heart failure (HF) can occur concurrently with AF.

Aim:
We compared different demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic characteristics between
patients with AF+HF and patients with AF only. Furthermore, we explored whether concurrent HF
independently predicts several outcomes (all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, ischemic
stroke/systemic embolism (IS/SE), major bleeding, and clinically relevant non-major bleeding
(CRNMB)).

Materials and Methods:
Comparisons between the AF+HF and the AF-only group were carried out.
Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were constructed for each outcome to assess whether
HF was predictive of any of them while controlling for possible confounding factors.

Results:
A total of 2020 patients were included in this study: 481 had AF+HF; 1539 had AF only.
AF+HF patients were older, more commonly males, and had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus,
dyslipidemia, coronary artery disease, and chronic kidney disease (p≤0.05). Furthermore, AF+HF
patients more commonly had pulmonary hypertension and low ejection fraction (p≤0.001). Finally,
HF was independently predictive of all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 2.17, 95% CI (1.66-2.85) and
cardiovascular mortality (adjusted HR 2.37, 95% CI (1.68-3.36).

Conclusion:
Coexisting AF+HF was associated with a more labile and higher-risk population among
Jordanian patients. Furthermore, coexisting HF independently predicted higher all-cause mortality
and cardiovascular mortality. Efforts should be made to efficiently identify such cases early and treat
them aggressively.
Endocrine Disorders and Peripheral Arterial Disease – A Series of Reviews
Cushing Syndrome-Cortisol Excess
Authors: P Poredoš , GH Schernthaner , A Blinc , DP Mikhailidis , M Jensterle , P Anagnostis , PL Antignani , K Bajuk Studen , M Šabović , MK Ježovnik 
Published: December 2023

:
Cushing syndrome (CS), characterised by endogenous or exogenous glucocorticoid hormone
excess, is associated with several systemic complications, including impaired glucose metabolism,
which often becomes clinically manifest as diabetes mellitus (DM). In addition, CS can harm
the arterial wall because of hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, hepatic steatosis, and central obesity.
These metabolic disorders promote atherosclerosis by synthesising adipokines, leptin, and proinflammatory
cytokines. Lower limb arterial complications in CS are common and significantly impact
morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, CS, in combination with DM, is likely to cause more diffuse
vascular disease that predominantly affects distal arterial beds. In conclusion, CS promotes atherosclerosis,
including peripheral artery disease, by causing functional and morphological deterioration
of the arterial vessel wall and increasing the presence of classical risk factors of atherosclerosis.
Factors Associated with Fatal COVID-19 Outcomes among People Living with HIV: A Cohort Study
Authors: Drobyshevskaya Elena , Lebedev Aleksey , Pronin Alexander , Bobkova Marina 
Published: December 2023

Background:
People living with HIV (PLHIV) are at increased risk of COVID-19
death. However, information about whether factors related to the HIV-infection influence the
COVID-19 outcome still remains conflicting.

Objective:
Here, we evaluate the risk factors for fatal COVID-19 in a cohort of PLHIV from the
Moscow region, aged >18 years and diagnosed with COVID-19 between March 2020 and December
2021.

Methods:
Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were compared between different
COVID-19 outcomes. To analyze the risk factors associated with COVID-19 death, we employed
the logistic regression method. A total of 566 PLHIV were included in the analysis.

Results:
The majority of individuals, 338 (59.7%), were male; 194 (34.3%) were on antiretroviral
therapy; 296 (52.3%) had a comorbidity; 174 (30.7%) of patients had drug and/or alcohol dependence;
160 (33.1%) patients had CD4 counts <200 cells/μl; 253 (51.9%) had undetectable viral
load. Our analysis revealed that PLHIV >55 years old (OR, 12.88 [95% CI, 2.32-71.62]), patients
with a viral load of more than 1000 copies/ml (OR, 2.45 [95%CI, 1.01-5.98]) and with CD4
counts <200 cell/μl (OR, 2.54 [95%CI, 1.02-6.28]), as well as with a history of cachexia (OR,
3.62 [95%CI, 1.26-10.39]) and pneumocystis pneumonia (OR, 2.47 [95%CI, 1.03-5.92]), and
drug/alcohol dependence (OR, 2.70 [95%CI, 1.36-5.39]) were significantly more likely to die
from COVID-19.

Conclusion:
These data show that people with advanced HIV-1 infection have an increased risk
of fatal COVID-19 outcomes and that there is a need to improve this population’s access to health
services and, hence, increase their survival rates.
A Case Report of NMO Transverse Myelitis
Authors: Lafian Anna , Mahani Tandis , Hojjati Mehrnaz , Sarlati Taraneh 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Transverse myelitis is considered one of the cardinal features of neuromyelitis
optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), an immune-mediated inflammatory condition of
the CNS characterized by severe, immune-mediated demyelination and axonal damage predominantly
targeting optic nerves and spinal cord. We describe a case in which a diagnosis of NMOSD
was established, associated with West Nile Virus (WNV) infection.

Case Summary:
A healthy 18-year-old female presented with intractable hiccups and rapidly progressing
paraparesis. MRI demonstrated T2 edema extending from the medulla to the conus, consistent
with longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. Serum and CSF Aquaporin-4 IgG
(AQP4) were both positive with high titers. In conjunction with antiviral therapy, immunomodulatory
treatment was initiated using pulse methylprednisolone, plasmapheresis and Rituximab. A
month and a half after admission, the patient was fully ambulatory with no residual symptoms. On
her rheumatology follow-up visit, West Nile Virus-specific IgM in CSF was found to be positive
from the patient’s initial presentation.

Conclusion:
We propose that West Nile Virus may have been the autoimmune trigger to the patient’s
development of NMOSD, highlighting the importance of evaluating viral triggers in autoimmune
diseases.
Antibiotic-resistant Pattern of Isolated Bacteria from Selected Foods Sold
at the Street Side Stalls and Restaurants of Tangail Municipality,
Bangladesh
Authors: Afrin Rezuana , Parvin Feroza , Ali Md. Firoz , Reza Md. Sajib Al , Mamun Shamim Al , Latif Mahmuda Binte , Mahmud Shahin 
Published: December 2023

Objectives::
The goal of this investigation was to determine the microbial load with special
emphasis on total viable count (TVC), total coliform count (TCC), total E. coli (TE.cC), and
Staphylococcus spp. counts (TSC) in food samples collected from selected areas of Tangail municipality,
Bangladesh.

Methods::
An intensive study was carried out from December 2021 to March 2022 in the Tangail
district of Bangladesh for investigation. A total of 5 types of food samples (15 from street side
stalls and 15 from the selected restaurants; n= 30) were collected with a semi-structured-based
questionnaire and tested by using different standard microbiological methods. Biochemical and
antibiogram tests were performed to confirm the bacterial isolates and antibiotic-resistant patterns

Results::
The results revealed that the values of TVC, TCC, TE.cC and TSC were found in the
range of 2.5 ×106 - 8.9 ×108, 2.5×105 - 7.1×107, 1.9×103 - 5.6×105 and 5.0×105 - 4.6×106 CFU/ml
in street vended foods and 5.5 ×105 - 9.5 ×106, 4.3×104 - 7.1×105, 0 to 3.9×104 and 3.1×104 -
6.6×105 CFU/ml in restaurant foods. The E. coli isolates displayed the highest resistance rates to
amoxicillin (80%), whereas Staphylococcus spp. showed 90% resistance to ampicillin.

Conclusion::
From the interview and observational assessment, it was found that the food service
system was not well managed, and there was a lack of hygiene practices. Thus, the study identified
the foods from selected areas as carriers of food-borne pathogens.
The Novelty of using Obesity Indices as Blood Pressure Predictors
Authors: Alkhatib Buthaina , Agraib Lana M. , Al-Shami Islam , AL-Dalaeen Anfal 
Published: December 2023

Aims:
To study the association between selected obesity indices, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP).

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 491 Jordanian adults (19-65 years old). The
sociodemographic data, anthropometrics, and blood pressure were measured and recorded. Obesity indices (Conicity Index (CI), Abdominal volume index (AVI), Body Roundness Index
(BRI), and Weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI)) were calculated using standard validated formulas

Results:
Based on age, the SBP had a significant moderate correlation with BRI and AVI in all
age groups. In the age group 20 to 34 years, SBP had a significantly moderate correlation with
CI, and DBP had a significantly moderate correlation with BRI and AVI. In the age group of 35
to 44 years, DBP had a significantly moderate correlation with CI, BRI, WWI, and AVI. For the
age group of 45 to 65 years, the SBP had a significantly moderate correlation with all the obesity
indexes, opposite to DBP. Obesity indices explain 23.6 to 24.1 % of the changeability in SBP,
and one unit increase in them, increased SBP ranges from 0.61±0.14 to 19.88±4.45. For DBP,
obesity indices explained 15.9% to 16.3% of the variability in DBP, and raising them by one unit
led to an increase in the DBP range from 0.27±0.11 to 10.08±4.83.

Conclusion:
All the studied obesity indices impacted SBP and DBP with the highest reported
effect for AVI and BRI and a lower impact for WWI. The impact of obesity indices on DBP was
affected by age group.
Neuroprotective Potential of Orientin with Antiepileptic Drugs against
Pentylenetetrazole-induced Kindling Model and Evaluation of Behavioral
Assessment in Mice
Authors: Shrivastava Aman , Gupta Jeetendra K. , Shah Kamal 
Published: December 2023

Background::
The neuroprotective effect of bioflavonoids has been demonstrated in epileptic
disorder.

Objective::
The objective of this study was to investigate the anticonvulsant and adjuvant effects of the
bioflavonoid and explore behavioural responses of orientin (Ore) on kindled mice induced by pentylenetetrazole
[PTZ].

Methods::
Albino Swiss mice weighing 20-30 g were divided into nine groups [n=6]. Prior to the PTZ
dose, alternatively, ore [10 mg/kg, i.p.] was given for 7 days, dissolved in 6% w/v carboxymethylcellulose
[CMC] salt. On the 7th day, saline was solubilized with Lamotrigine [Lmt], Phenobarbital [Pb],
and Gabapentin [Gbp] and administered as separate intraperitoneal [i.p.] injections 30 minutes prior to
the PTZ dose. For the development of kindling seizures in mice, PTZ [30 mg/kg, i.p.] was delivered to
all the mice for 12 days, alternatively until the animals appeared to develop full motor muscle jerking
seizures. Mice who survived from complete motor seizures were selected for further experimentation.

Results::
Data showed that anticonvulsive activity was exhibited by the control. Ore [10 mg/kg] with
PB [40 mg/kg, i.p.] was administered on the 12th day and showed an increase in transfer delays [ITL
and RTL].

Conclusion::
Anti-seizure efficacy of drugs was investigated at the effective dose of ore at 10 mg/kg +
PB 40mg/kg in group 7 and was found to have promising therapeutic outcomes and potency in therapeutic
strategies and associated concerns.