bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of health capital investments on mortality from cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes in Africa: a pooling data analysis
Authors: Njifen Issofou
Published: January 2023

Background
African countries face serious challenges from infectious diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis due to the weak health systems and the poor infrastructure. Over the last decades, they are undergoing a demographic transition leading to increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes which their health systems are ill equipped to handle. The prevalence of these chronic diseases is increasing becoming the main cause of mortality in the Africa region. To inform health system responses to these changing patterns of disease, we aimed to assess the effects of health capital investments on chronic diseases mortality in Africa.
Methods
We use a pooling data covering 40 countries from 2005 to 2021. A system Generalized Method of Moments is adopted as the estimation technique of dynamic panel model.
Results
The results suggest that health capital investment has a positive effect on chronic diseases mortality reduction in pooling data, independently of gender considerations. Furthermore, rising health capital investments is associated with greater chronic disease mortality rates in low-income countries and reduces in middle/high-income countries. In addition, chronic diseases mortality also depend on urbanization, unemployment, and alcohol and tobacco consumption.
Conclusions
Findings from this study suggest several main policy orientations, especially policies that aim to increase spending efficiency. The main challenge here is to reconcile current health needs, human resources planning, and available resources.
The “Operating Room Surgical Activity” (ORSA) study: a snap-shot international survey on the global management of the operating theatres for emergency surgery. When to persist is diabolical…
Authors: De Simone Belinda , Agnoletti Vanni , Rosato Chiara , Kaafarani Haytham , Stahel Philip F , Collaborative ORSA , Catena Rodolfo , Catena Fausto
Published: January 2023

Background
Despite advances and improvements in the management of surgical patients, emergency and trauma surgery is correlated with high morbidity and mortality. This is mostly due to delays in the management of patients from admission to surgical treatment in the operating room.
There is a lack of studies focused on operating room prioritization and resource allocation in emergency surgery.
The Operating Room Surgical Activity (ORSA) study was conceived to assess the management of operating theatres and resources from a global perspective.
Method
The ORSA study was conceived as an international web survey. The questionnaire was composed of 23 multiple-choice and open questions.
Data were collected over 3 months.
Participation in the survey was voluntary and anonymous.
Results
One hundred forty-seven emergency and acute care surgeons answered the questionnaire; the response rate was 7.35%.
Most of the participants come from Europe.
One hundred nineteen surgeons (81%; 119/147) declared to have at least 1 emergency OR in their hospital; for the others 20/147 surgeons (19%), there is not a dedicated emergency operating room.
Forty-six (68/147) % of surgeons use the elective operating room to perform emergency procedures during the day,
The planning of an emergency surgical procedure is made by phone (70%-104/147 of surgeons).
Conclusions
There is no dedicated emergency operating room in the majority of hospitals.
The emergency operating room is not always available.
Elective surgical procedures were postponed or cancelled to perform emergency surgery.
It is a priority to validate an effective universal triaging and scheduling system to allocate emergency surgical procedures.
Logistical issues have to be assessed in a multidisciplinary approach to improving patients' safety, optimal use of resources, and decreasing costs.
A simple method to enhance the interface properties of carbon fibre/polyamide 6 composites: Grafted caprolactam-blocked 3-isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane on carbon fibre surface
Authors: Sun Na , Zhu Bo , Cai Xun , Yuan Xiaomin , Zhang Ye , Zhou Jiaqi , Yan Shuhan , Li Chengsen , Zhou Mingzhe , Zheng Qi
Published: January 2023

Introducing the isocyanate group on the carbon fibre (CF) to improve surface activity is an effective modification method. Still, its application in the industrial field is restricted because the modification process is harmful to the environment and isocyanate is easy to fail. In this paper, 3-isocyanopropyltriethoxysilane (IPTS) has been blocked with caprolactam (CPL) have been prepared. By adjusting the hydrolysis conditions and concentration of the modified coupling agent solution, the CPL-blocked IPTS was grafted to the surface oxidized CF, and the CF-reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6) composites were prepared. After treating CF with 1.0wt% coupling agent solution, the composites’ interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) reached 52.53 MPa, which was 23.83% greater than that of the desized CF/PA6 composites. High-temperature composite molding caused CPL-blocked IPTS to unblock, and the isocyanate that was released thermally intereacted with the terminal amino group of PA6 to establish a high strength interface through covalent grafting, which was the main reason for improving ILSS. This study indicates that this method is safe and simple and can effectively improve the interface properties of CF/PA6 composites.
Real-time Fault Diagnosis and Method of Photovoltaic Module Based on Intelligent UAV Cruise
Authors: Jin Lu , Shi Liguo , Li Dezhi , Liu Kaicheng , Zhong Ming , Pang Yalei
Published: January 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Bifurcation results for quasi-linear operators from the Fučik spectrum of the Laplacian
Authors: Zongo Wend-Benedo Emmanuel
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we analyze an eigenvalue problem for a quasi-linear elliptic operators involving Dirichlet boundary condition in an open smooth bounded set of RN. We investigate a bifurcation results (from trivial solution and from infinity) of an eigenvalue problem involving the (p,2)-Laplace operator, from the Fučik spectrum of the Laplacian.
2010 Mathematics Subject Classification: 35J20, 35J92, 35J25.
Salinity fluctuations in a brackish-water lake influence the dissolved organic matter characteristics of pore water
Authors: Xie Lei , Zuo Dezhi , Ma Yushen , Zhu Xiang , Xu Bin , He Fei , Pang Qingqing , Wang Longmian , Peng Fuquan , Ni Lixiao , Jiang Wenjuan , Dong Haibo
Published: January 2023

The dissolved organic matter (DOM) compositions in lake water have been widely studied; however, it is not clear how salinity fluctuations in brackish lakes with reeds affect DOM transformation in pore water. This experiment included three salinity groups (1,200 mg/L, 3,600 mg/L, and 6,000 mg/L) to research the interactions between bacteria and DOM in sediments under a salinity gradient. The results showed that higher salinity reduced the Fmax of protein-like substances and resulted in DOM becoming more aromatic and endogenous. Salinity affected DOM compositions due to the responses of functional bacterial communities. Thiobacillus was salt-tolerant and dominated in the sediments, the relative abundances of which were negatively correlated with the Fmax of the protein-like components. The relative abundance of Flavobacterium showed a positive correlation with salinity and a negative correlation with the Fmax of fulvic acid-like and tryptophan-like components. Pseudomonas showed negative correlations with salinity and the Fmax of fulvic acid-like substances and a positive correlation with the Fmax of protein-like substances. Higher salinity inhibited the tryptophan degradation metabolic pathway and enhanced tryptophan biosynthesis. In addition, higher salinity simultaneously inhibited tyrosine biosynthesis and metabolism pathways. The results of this study may provide a new idea for understanding DOM cycling in brackish lake and organic pollution management.
Reducing of the System Load Using Asynchronous and Synchronous Service Methods
Authors: Zakirov Vakhid , Abdullaev Eldor , Shukurov Farrukh
Published: January 2023

In this article, the method of providing services to users through synchronous and asynchronous service methods and its mathematical models are presented. Also, the amount of load falling on systems organized in a synchronous and asynchronous form and its probabilities of losses during the service provided by transparent loss, waiting and conditional loss methods are mentioned. And with the help of these methods, the effectiveness of the distance education system was considered. In this case, the system quality efficiency is calculated separately for the principles of expectation, conditional and transparent loss. In the calculations, the change in the load entering the system was made depending on the number of waiting places and the change in the waiting time. Also, the graphs of the calculation results are presented and the differences in their efficiency indicators are determined. At the same time, the purpose of using synchronous and asynchronous service methods is to reduce the load on the system and increase the number of users of the system, and it has been determined that the load in asynchronous systems is 2–3 times less than in synchronous systems.
CPSF3 modulates the balance of circular and linear transcripts in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Huang Ying , Dong Jiani , Wang Xueying , Ji Haofei , He Zhilin , Cheng Zeneng , Zhu Qubo
Published: January 2023

Background: CircRNAs play an important role in tumorigenesis and metastasis, and their expression is comprehensively downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previous studies have shown that the polyadenylation signal1 is critical for circRNA expression, while the 3’-end processing complex participates in circRNA cyclization. As a core executor of 3’-end cleavage, we hypothesized that CPSF3 modulates the circularization of circRNA.
Methods: The clinical prognostic correlation was analyzed by TCGA database and tissue microarrays. Cytological experiments were performed to determine the role of CPSF3 in the proliferation and migration of HCC cells. The Red/GFP dual fluorescent reporter system was employed to explore the mechanism of RNA back-splicing regulated by CPSF3 protein and PAS sequences. The circRNAs regulated by CPSF3 were screened by RNA-seq and further validated by real-time PCR and dot blotting. Changes in the activity of downstream pathways were explored by various molecular experiments. Finally, the safety and efficacy of the CPSF3 inhibitor JTE-607 were verified by in vitro cytology experiments and in vivo xenograft nude mouse models.
Results: CPSF3 was highly expressed in HCC cells and promoted the proliferation and migration of HCC cells. Its high level of expression predicted poor prognosis in HCC patients. Mechanistic study revealed that CPSF3 enhanced RNA cleavage, thereby reducing circRNA levels, increasing linear mRNA levels, and ultimately inhibiting miRNA-mediated gene silencing. Furthermore, the chemical inhibition of CPSF3 by JET-607 suppressed the proliferation of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo.
Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the increased expression of CPSF3 in HCC promotes the shift of pre-mRNA from circRNA to linear mRNA, thereby disrupting miRNA-mediated gene silencing and ultimately leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. JTE-607, a CPSF3 inhibitor, exerted a therapeutic effect on HCC by blocking CPSF3 activity.
Host-response Transcriptional Biomarkers Accurately Discriminate Bacterial and Viral Infections of Global Relevance
Authors: Ko Emily R. , Reller Megan E. , Tillekeratne L. Gayani , Bodinayake Champica K. , Miller Cameron , Burke Thomas W. , Henao Ricardo , McClain Micah T. , Suchindran Sunil , Nicholson Bradly , Blatt Adam , Petzold Elizabeth , Tsalik Ephraim L. , Nagahawatte Ajith , Devasiri Vasantha , Rubach Matthew P. , Maro Venance P. , Lwezuala Bingileki F. , Kodikara-Arachichi Wasantha , Kurukulasooriya Ruvini , Silva Aruna D. , Clark Danielle V. , Schully Kevin L. , Madut Deng , Dumler J. Stephen , Kato Cecilia , Galloway Renee , Crump John A. , Ginsburg Geoffrey S. , Minogue Timothy D. , Woods Christopher W.
Published: January 2023

Limited diagnostics challenge management of acute febrile illness and sepsis (AFI/sepsis) globally. We generated transcriptomes for a 294-participant (USA, Sri Lanka) discovery cohort with AFI/sepsis. We used lasso to derive gene expression classifiers followed by cross-validation and generated: 1) a single model to distinguish bacterial vs. viral (Global Fever-Bacterial/Viral [GF-B/V]) and 2) a two-model system to discriminate bacterial and viral in the context of noninfection (Global Fever-Bacterial/Viral/Non-infectious [GF-B/V/N]). We then translated to a multiplex RT-PCR assay and independent validation involved 101 participants (USA, Sri Lanka, Australia, Cambodia, Tanzania). The sensitivity of the GF-B/V model in the discovery cohort was 84.2% and specificity 94.7%. Validation in an independent cohort showed the GF-B/V model had sensitivity of 78.8% and specificity of 84.3%. Similarly, the discovery cohort performance characteristics for bacterial infection for the GF-B/V/N model were was 87.7% sensitivity and 84.2% specificity, respectively. For viral infection, the sensitivity was 83.7% and specificity 81.5%. In independent validation, the sensitivity and specificity were 82.7% and 80.4%, respectively, for bacterial infection and 76.5% and 80.8%, respectively, for viral infection. Performance did not vary with age, demographics, or site. Host transcriptional response diagnostics distinguish bacterial and viral illness across global sites with different endemic pathogens.
A Note on Waldhausen Category
Authors: DAS ARINDAM
Published: January 2023

In this article, we study theWaldhausen category in topos language and compute K- theory.
2020Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 18F10,18F30,18F70,18N60.
Features of the Сrystal Structure of Benzyl Derivatives of Triacanthine. Effect of Weak Interactions on the Formation of Stable Channel Type Solvates
Authors: Turgunov Kambarali K. , Izotova Lidiya Yu. , Tashkhodzhaev Bakhodir , Rakhimov Shukhrat. B. , Vinogradova Valentina I.
Published: January 2023

The alkaloid triacanthine was isolated from Gleditschia triacanthos and its di- and tribenzyl derivatives were synthesized. Both compounds are crystallized in the R-3 space group with same unit cell parameters. A channel is formed in the crystals, in which water molecules with large thermal parameters located on the c axis on H-bonds distances. In the dibenzyl derivative of triacanthine, the prenyl group is disordered in two positions in a ratio of 0.65:0.35, which makes it possible to fill voids in the crystal packing. The Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H…H (about 57.9% and 51.4% for di- and tribenzyl derivatives respectively) and H…C/C…H (around 14.9% and 19.2%) interactions.
A Charcteristic Model of Cuproptosis-Associated Long Noncoding RNAs to Predict Prognosis and the Immunotherapy Response in Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: zhao tingting , Zhang Cui , Lin Huiyang , Liu Hui , Xuan Qijia
Published: January 2023

Background
Cuproptosis and lncRNAs are the focus of current research, which had been confirmed to play an important role in the development of tumor. Nevertheless, effects of cuproptosis-related lncRNAs on GC have been limited. The purpose of this study was to determine a characteristic model of cuproptosis-related lncRNAs to predict their prognostic role and therapeutic response in GC.
Methods
Transcriptome profiling data and clinical data from GC patients were available from the TCGA database. GC patients were randomly assigned to the training group and the testing group. In the training group, a risk prognostic model of cuproptosis-related lncRNAs was constructed by co-expression, univalent analysis, LASSO analysis and multivariate analysis, and the model was verified in the testing group. Supported by the risk score and clinical characteristics, we subsequently developed a mixed nomogram. Finally,immunotherapy response was evaluated by TMB and TIDE score.
Results
Based on previous literature, we collected 19 genes related to cuproptosis. Subsequently, 140 cuproptosis-related lncRNAs were available for consultation as a result of co-expression. The Cox model revealed and constructed five cuproptosis-related lncRNAs prognostic models(AC243829.4, AL353622.1, CMAHP, LINC01579, MIR194_2HG). Patients were subdivided into high-risk and low-risk groups based on a median risk score. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve and receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that the model had accurate predictive ability. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that the risk score was an independent prognostic factor. In addition, we used multivariate Cox regression to construct a mixed nomogram of the predictive power of prognostic markers. Most notably, patients with lower risk score had increased TMB score and decreased TIDE score, suggesting that these patients exhibited a better immune checkpoint blockade response.
Conclusions
The prognostic characteristic model based on cuproptosis-related lncRNAs has the potential to be laid down the survival, immune environment and immunotherapy efficacy of GC, which is helpful for clinical prediction and individualized treatment.
Voltage and small signal stability assessment of power systems under load and renewable energy sources uncertainties
Authors: Naidji Mourad , Boudour Mohamed
Published: January 2023

Due to the deregulation of the electricity market, power systems are showing increased uncertainties related to loads and renewable sources. Such uncertainties will involve the assessment of the impact of uncertain variables on the control and monitoring of the future power systems. Identification and classification of influential uncertain variables are imperative for power system stability assessment in future smart grid because they provide guidance for handling uncertainty for electrical system operators for management and securing the power grid operations with efficient control and monitoring. In this paper, a probabilistic analysis methodology is proposed for the assessment of the impact of critical uncertain variables on voltage and small-signal stability using quantitative sensitivity technique. The proposed methodology is carried out with different level of penetration of renewable sources and the impacts of influential variables are treated and discussed. The proposed methodology is performed using the modified IEEE 14-bus benchmark. The performances of the probability density function graphs for stability indexes are used for assessing their sensitivities.
FUNDC1-Induced Mitophagy Protects Spinal Cord Neurons against Ischemic Injury
Authors: Chen Dehui , Zhou Linquan , Chen Gang , Lin Taotao , Lin Jiemin , Zhao Xin , Li Wenwen , Guo Shengyu , Wu Rongcan , Wang Zhenyu , Liu Wenge
Published: January 2023

Local ischemia and hypoxia are the most important pathological processes in the early phase of secondary spinal cord injury (SCI), in which mitochondria are the main target of ischemic injury. Mitochondrial autophagy, also known as mitophagy, acts as a selective autophagy that specifically identifies and degrades damaged mitochondria, thereby reducing mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Accumulating evidence shows that the mitophagy receptor, FUN14 domain-containing 1 (FUNDC1), plays an important role in ischemic injury, but the role of FUNDC1 in SCI has not been reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether FUNDC1 can enhance mitophagy and inhibit neuronal apoptosis in the early stage of SCI. In a rat SCI model, we found that FUNDC1 overexpression enhanced neuronal autophagy and decreased neuronal apoptosis in the early stage of injury, thereby reducing spinal cord damage. In vitro studies showed that the neuroprotective effects of FUNDC1 were achieved by inhibiting mitochondria-dependent apoptosis and improving mitochondrial function. In addition, FUNDC1 enhanced mitophagy. The protective effects of FUNDC1 against apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction were reversed by 3-methyladenine (3-MA), an autophagy inhibitor. Taken together, our results confirm that FUNDC1 can protect against neuronal loss after SCI by inducing mitophagy, inhibiting mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, and improving mitochondrial function.
The application of a metal-organic framework based on copper (MOF-199) and its modified form (G@MOF-199) in the four-component synthesis of spiro indenoquinoxaline derivatives
Authors: hojati seyedeh fatemeh , amiri amirhassan , khaleghinasab faeze
Published: January 2023

The metal-organic framework based on copper (MOF-199) has been synthesized and loaded on the surface of the graphene sheets to give G@MOF-199 nanocomposite and characterized using FT-IR, SEM, and TEM analyses. The catalytic application of MOF-199 and its modified form (G@MOF-199) was investigated in the four-component synthesis of 2'-aminospiro[indeno[1,2-b]quinoxaline-11,4' -[4'H] pyran]-3'-carbonitrile derivatives and compared together. It was found that the G@MOF-199 nanocomposite is reusable and its catalytic activity is more than MOF-199. High yields, short reaction times, mild reaction conditions, and easy work-up procedure, in combination with stability, efficiency, and non-toxicity of the catalysts are noteworthy advantages of both methods.
Pure pompon structured Co-Mo alloy electro-deposited from ethylene glycol solution and used as electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: He Xinkuai , Hu Zousi , Zou Qingtian , Yang Jingjing , Wu Luye Y.
Published: January 2023

Design, development and fabrication of electrode materials with low-cost, excellent inherent electrocatalytic activity and stability are one of the most key challenges in the electrochemical water splitting technique. We employ deposition technique to fabricate the pure pompon structured Co-Mo alloy electrocatalysts from ethylene glycol (EG) solution, in which the pure pompon structure presents highly inherent electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The co-deposition behavior of Co(II) and Mo(VI) and Co-Mo electro-crystallization mechanism in ethylene glycol(EG) are recorded using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA). These results indicate that the Co-Mo co-deposition is representative induced deposition; Co(II) species can facilitate Co-Mo co-deposition, inversely, Mo(VI) species can inhibit Co(II) reduction and the effect can be enhanced as Mo(VI) concentration increases. Additionally, Co-Mo co-deposition in EG takes place through an instantaneous nucleation and diffusion-controlled three-dimensional growth mechanism. Co-Mo deposits with various Mo contents and different microstructures can be obtained from the EG solution. SEM micrographs present that the Co-Mo deposits with 1.56 wt.% Mo present a pure pompon microstructure. Benefiting from the composition engineering by alloying with Mo, as well as the simultaneous presence of a suitable pompon structure, Co-Mo deposits with 1.56 wt.% exhibits prominent electrocatalytic durability and activity with a η10 of 84 mV for HER in a 1.0 M KOH.
Alteration of Metabolic Profile During the Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Yu Wuhan , Li Xuebing , Han Ting-li , Yang Yang , Long Fei , Hu Cheng , Yu Weihua , Lü Yang
Published: January 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that threatens the population health of older adults. However, the mechanisms of how altered metabolism involving in AD pathology are poorly understood. The aim of the study was to identify potential biomarkers of AD and discover metabolomic changes that produced during the progression of the disease. The Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to measure the concentrations of serum metabolites in a cohort of subjects with AD (n = 88) and cognitively normal control (CN) (n = 85). The patients were classified as very mild, mild, moderate, and severe. Serum metabolic profiles were analyzed by multivariate and univariate approaches. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression was applied to identify potential biomarkers of AD. Biofunctional enrichment analysis was performed using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Our results revealed considerable separation between the AD and CN. Six metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers of AD (AUC > 0.85), and the diagnostic model of three metabolites could predict the risk for AD with high accuracy (AUC = 0.984). The metabolic enrichment analysis revealed that carbohydrate metabolism deficiency and disturbance of amino acids, fatty acids, and lipids metabolism are involved in AD progression. Especially, pathway analysis highlighted that l − glutamate participated in four crucial nervous system pathways (including GABAergic synapse, glutamatergic synapse, retrograde endocannabinoid signaling and synaptic vesicle cycle). Carbohydrate metabolism deficiency, amino acids dysregulation, fatty acids and lipids metabolism disorders were pivotal events in AD progression. Our study may provide novel insights into the role of metabolic disorders in AD pathogenesis and identify new markers for AD diagnosis.
Agro-ecological characteristics and gender gap in cereal productivity: evidence from small households in Burkina Faso
Authors: KY Habi
Published: January 2023

This paper analyzes the impact of agro-ecological partitioning on the gender gap in cereal productivity in Burkina Faso. The pooled OLS regression method and an extension of the Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition are used to estimate the effect of agro-ecological division on the gender gap in cereal productivity. The results show that women have 12.4% lower yields than men, and there is a 16.28% increase in the overall gap in the three environmentally less advantaged regions. A detailed analysis indicates that the gender effect is not significant in the region with high agricultural potentialities, whereas it is significant in the ecologically less advantaged regions. Considering the sample of household heads, we find that the Sahelian zone contributes to reducing the effect of agro-ecological characteristics on the yield gap. This result suggests that decision-making power within the household would allow women producers to improve their yields and close the gender gap. To reduce the gender gap in cereal productivity, policymakers should consider regional agro-ecological potentialities and women empowerment.
Clinical trial registration
Not applicable
JEL codes: J16; D24; C49
Environmental-related technologies and carbon neutrality challenges in emerging economies? A case study of China
Authors: Abbas Jaffar , Balsalobre-Lorente Daniel , Aljuaid Mohammed
Published: January 2023

This study provides new evidence for an unclear link between international cooperation (IC) and environmental-related technologies (ERT) with carbon neutrality (CN) in China. This research contributes to environmental economics literature by opening a new door for economic growth, fertility rate, environmental taxes, IC, and ERT from 1990 to 2020. Considering the sustainability initiatives taken by China, it is crucial to examine the mentioned factors' role in carbon neutrality. Therefore, we employed advanced techniques to investigate the study’s objectives. Estimated results show the harmful impact of economic progress, IC, and ERT on CN. Moreover, fertility rate and environmental taxes help out in emissions reduction. In addition, this study uses Breitung and Candelon causality test and supports the uni-directional association between economic progress to emissions and emissions to fertility rate in China. However, this study also proposes imperative policies to achieve the carbon neutrality target.
JEL Codes: O14, J13, O44, H23.
Heterologous booster vaccines reduce severity and mortality in COVID-19 during BA.2 and BA.4/BA.5 omicron predominance in Thailand
Authors: Intawong Kannikar , Chariyalertsak Suwat , Chalom Kittipan , Wonghirundecha Thanachol , Kowatcharakul Woravut , Thongprachum Aksara , Chotirosniramit Narain , Noppakun Kajohnsak , Khwanngern Krit , Teacharak Worachet , Piamanant Prapon , Khammawan Pimpinan , Iamsirithaworng Sopon
Published: January 2023

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has evolved quickly, with variants of concern resulting in the need to offer booster vaccinations. Unfortunately, the booster uptake has been slow and vaccine response has shown to wane over time. Therefore, it’s critical to evaluate the role of vaccinations on outcomes with newer sub-lineages of omicron.
Methods: Utilising a Hospital Information System established in Chiang Mai, Thailand, we conducted a cohort study by linking patient-level data of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases to the national immunization records, during BA.2 and BA.4/BA.5 predominance.
Results: In adjusted cox-proportional hazard models, BA.4/BA.5 was not associated with more severe COVID-19 outcomes or deaths as compared to BA.2. Risk of severe outcomes and deaths were significantly reduced with third (87% and 95%) and fourth (88% and 95%) dose vaccination, while events were not observed with a fifth dose. Across the regimens, vaccination within 14-90 days prior showed the highest level of protection. All the vaccine types used for boosting in Thailand offered similar protection against severe COVID-19.
Conclusions:Boosters provide high level of protection against severe COVID-19 outcomes and deaths with newer omicron sub-lineages. Booster campaigns should focus on improving coverage utilising all available vaccines to ensure optimal protection.
An overview on density peaks clustering
Authors: Wei Xiuxi , Peng Maosong , Huang Huajuan
Published: January 2023

Density Peaks Clustering (DPC) algorithm is a new algorithm based on density clustering analysis, which can quickly obtain the cluster centers by drawing the decision diagram by using the calculation of local density and relative distance. Without prior knowledge and iteration, the parameters and structure are simple and easy to implement. Since it was proposed in 2014, it has attracted a large number of researchers to explore experiments and improve applications in recent years. In this paper, we first analyze the theory of DPC and its performance advantages and disadvantages. Secondly, it summarizes the improvement of DPC in recent years, analyzes the improvement effect, and shows it with experimental data. Finally, the related application research of DPC in different fields is introduced. At the same time, we summarize and prospect the improvement and development of DPC.
Characterization of Hemodialysis Fistulas Experienced Abrupt Thrombosis and Determination of a Proper Follow-up Protocol: A Retrospective Cohort Study and an IR’s Prospective
Authors: Chen Matt Chiung-Yu
Published: January 2023

Background
Abrupt thrombosis is a form of thrombosis that occurs unexpectedly and without being preceded by hemodialysis fistula (AVF) dysfunction during dialysis. We found that AVFs with a history of abrupt thrombosis (abtAVF) appeared to have more episodes of thrombosis and required more frequent interventions than those without such history. Therefore, we sought to characterize the abtAVFs and examined our follow-up protocols to determine which one is optimal.
Methods
We performed a retrospective cohort study using routinely collected data. The thrombosis rate, AVF loss rate, thrombosis-free primary patency, and secondary patency were calculated. Additionally, the restenosis rates of the AVFs under the follow-up protocol/sub-protocols and the abtAVFs were determined.
Results
The thrombosis rate, procedure rate, AVF loss rate, thrombosis-free primary patency, and secondary patency of the abtAVFs were 0.237/pt-yr, 2.702/pt-yr, 0.027/pt-yr, 78.3%, and 96.0%, respectively. The restenosis rate for AVFs in the abtAVF group and the angiographic follow-up sub-protocol were similar. However, the abtAVF group had a significantly higher thrombosis rate and AVF loss rate than AVFs without a history of abrupt thrombosis (n-abtAVF). The lowest thrombosis rate was observed for n-abtAVFs, followed up periodically under the outpatient or angiographic sub-protocols.
Conclusions
AVFs with a history of abrupt thrombosis had a high restenosis rate, and periodic angiographic follow-up with a mean interval of 103.5 days was presumed appropriate. For selected populations, such as salvage-challenging AVFs, periodic outpatient or angiographic follow-up was mandatory to extend their usable lives for hemodialysis.
HHV-8 status in oral squamous cell carcinoma tissues in a group of Sri Lankan male patients
Authors: Perera Manosha Lakmali
Published: January 2023

Head and neck cancers (HNSCCs) are notable as a poignant public health menace and rank as the 8th most common cancer type according to a 2020 global estimation. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for 90–95% of oral malignancies in most countries. Moreover, oral cancer as well as Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) prevalence demonstrates geographic and population specificity. Immunosuppression in oral cancer patients could trigger the multiplication and transmission of oncogenic γ-herpes viruses in oral cancer patients. The objective of this study was to find out the HHV-8 status in oral squamous cell carcinoma tissues in a group of Sri Lankan male patients. Incisional biopsies of cases and excisional biopsies of controls collected, transported, stored, and dispatched as frozen tissues at -800 C. Then, DNA extracted from frozen specimens using Gentra Puregene Tissue kit (Qiagen, Germany), solid tissue protocol according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Subsequently, real-time PCR was performed to detect HHV 8 in these OSCC cases and FEP controls. HHV- 8 was not detected in 22 OSCC cases and 29 FEP control samples. Thus, HHV-8 viral infections may not be a problem in oral cancer patients in Sri Lanka.
Brain-behavior analysis of transcranial direct current stimulation effects on a complex surgical motor task
Authors: Walia Pushpinder , Fu Yaoyu , Norfleet Jack , Schwaitzberg Steven D. , Intes Xavier , De Suvranu , Cavuoto Lora , Dutta Anirban
Published: January 2023

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to facilitate surgical training and performance when compared to sham tDCS; however, the potency may be improved by selecting appropriate brain targets based on neuroimaging and mechanistic insights. Published studies have shown the feasibility of portable brain imaging in conjunction with tDCS during Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) tasks for concurrently monitoring the cortical activations via functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Then, fNIRS can be combined with electroencephalogram (EEG) where EEG band power changes have been shown to correspond to the changes in oxyhemoglobin (HbO) concentration, found from the fNIRS. In principal accordance with these prior works, our current study aimed to investigate multi-modal imaging of the brain response to cerebellar (CER) and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) tDCS that may facilitate the most complex FLS suturing with intracorporal knot tying task. Our healthy human study on twelve novices (age: 22-28 years, 2 males, 1 female with left-hand dominance) from medical/premedical backgrounds aimed for mechanistic insights from neuroimaging brain areas that are related to error-based learning – one of the basic skill acquisition mechanisms. We found that right CER tDCS of the posterior lobe facilitated a statistically significant (q<0.05) brain response at the bilateral prefrontal areas at the start of the FLS task that was higher than sham tDCS. Also, right CER tDCS significantly (p<0.05) improved FLS score when compared to sham tDCS. In contrast, left PFC tDCS failed to facilitate a significant brain response and FLS performance improvement. Moreover, right CER tDCS facilitated activation of the bilateral prefrontal brain areas related to FLS performance improvement provided mechanistic insights into the CER tDCS effects. The mechanistic insights motivated future investigation of CER tDCS effects on the error-related perception action coupling based on directed functional connectivity studies.
First record of Ozius tuberculosus H. Milne Edwards (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura) from the East Coast of India
Authors: Banerjee Someah , SREE CHEMMENCHERI RAMAKRISHNAN
Published: January 2023

The diversity of marine brachyuran crabs along India's east coast has been investigated extensively. This study deals with the widespread distribution of Ozius tuberculosus H. Milne Edwards'- 1834 species in India’s eastern coast of Visakhapatnam. Currently, the distribution of O. tuberculosus, covers the Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, the Lakshadweep Islands, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which herein we report the new record from Yarada beach (17.6548 N, 83.2697 E), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh as well as east coast of India, additionally, we provided new details regarding the geographic range of this species in India and throughout the world, and a taxonomic description is also given.
Theoretical Investigation of Adjustable Plasmonic Modes in Graphene- based Heterostructures in THz Range: Transfer Matrix Method
Authors: Heydari Mohammad Bagher , Karimipour Majid , Shirkolaei Morteza Mohammadi
Published: January 2023

In this article, we investigate the characteristics of the reflected beam from graphene-based hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN) heterostructure. Analytical expressions are obtained for calculating the reflection characteristics. A large value of the reflected group delay is reported in the lower Reststrahlen band; therefore, this frequency range is chosen to be studied. To show the tunability of the proposed structure, the variations of the reflected beam as a function of frequency are depicted and studied for various values of chemical potential. Our results indicate a large value of the reflected group delay, i.e. 𝝉r = 15.3 ps, at the frequency of 24.9 THz. Moreover, we will show that the thickness of graphene sheets, the hBN medium, and the SiO2 layer can change the quality of the reflected beam more effectively. The authors believe that the presented study can be utilized for the design of optical delay structures in the mid-infrared region.
A study of diabetic patients' awareness about diabetic foot care to prevent complications.
Authors: Aldammad Seba , Hammoud Taghrid
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Diabetic patient’s knowledge of how to take care of their feet plays an important role in preventing these complications with a reduced social, medical and economic burden of its consequences including foot ulcers and amputation. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices that affects the diabetic foot ulcers.

Aim

To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding diabetic foot care among diabetic patients.

Methods

It is a cross-sectional study conducted from January 25, 2022 to March 15, 2022 at Diabetic clinic, Damascus Hospital. Non‐randomized, non‐probability convenience sampling technique was used to collect data from 249 patients by using a validated and confidential questionnaire.

Results

The mean age of patients was 54.19 years with 54% male and 46% female patients. Majority of patients had diabetes for more than 10 years. and most of them had Type 2 Diabetes, also more than half of the patients stopped their education in middle school. An important percentage of having a family history of Diabetes was found. In addition, many of the patients take oral hypoglycemic medications with regulatory drugs for Diabetes. More than half of these patients had peripheral neuropathy. The mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 8.74, 2.97, and 7.95, respectively, all statistically significant.

Conclusion

Our study population has sufficient knowledge about diabetes and its foot complication, and they had a positive attitude towards its management. However, they were lagging in the practices required for diabetic foot management.
A Case report of atypical preeclampsia with severity criteria for hydatidiform complete mole
Authors: Pérez-Nieto Orlando Rubén , Herrera-Venegas Christian Alberto , Pozos-Cortés Karen Pamela , Flores-Ramírez Raymundo , Ugalde-Real Jesús Salvador , Argüello-Bolaños Jardiel , Phinder-Puente Marian Elizabeth , Zamarrón-López Éder Iván , Deloya-Tomas Ernesto
Published: January 2023

Background: Preeclampsia is defined as the elevation of blood pressure levels and any of the following severity criteria: proteinuria, thrombocytopenia, elevation of creatinine in the absence of another renal pathology, elevation of transaminases, pulmonary oedema or neurological symptoms. This after 20 weeks of gestation in a previously normotensive patient, however, cases of preeclampsia have been described in patients with less than 20 weeks of gestation associated with molar pregnancy.
Case description: A 26-year-old woman, with 14.1 weeks of gestation, is admitted with in the lower extremities, facial oedema, holocranial headache, nausea, epigastralgy, phosphenes and photophobia, with double-length uterine fundus for gestational age and ultrasound. obstetrician who showed image in snowflake, without foetus and annexes with multiple thecal-lutein cysts. Atypical preeclampsia was identified with severity data for complete hydatidiform mole.
Conclusion. Given the possibility of serious complications that may endanger the life of the maternal-foetal binomial, atypical forms of presentation of preeclampsia should be suspected.
Financialisation in south-eastern Europe
Authors:   , Zeitinger Marcel
Published: January 2023

This dissertation analyses the degrees and trajectories of financialisation in the region of South-Eastern Europe. It modifies and applies an eclectic comparative framework for comparing the degrees of financialisation across time and space on different levels. The thesis finds that from the turn of the century until the Great Financial Crisis of 2008, most South-Eastern European countries have increased their degree of financialisation on the different levels, especially on the levels of household, international financialisation and partly the financial sector. Financialisation of non-financial companies is barely existing. After the financial crisis, financialisation is revealed to stagnate in the region. In a second step, the dissertation conducts three case studies on extreme cases: financial sector financialisation in Bulgaria, international financialisation in Serbia and non-financial company and household financialisation in Croatia. Their trajectories are exposed to be mainly driven by deregulation, changed practices by foreign banks, the privatisation of public goods and the liberation of capital controls. The dissertation serves to geographically enlarge the research of financialisation to a peripheral region of the Global North and to add to the discussion on comparative financialisation approaches.
Berry Thinning Affects the Fruit Quality Composition of Two Table Grape Cultivars under Linkage Greenhouse Conditions
Authors: Jia Nan , Yin Yonggang , Li Minmin , Han Bin , Sun Yan , Liu Changjiang , Tian Kunqi , Liu Shiyuan , Wang Yingjie , Guo Zijuan
Published: January 2023

Protected grape cultivation develops rapidly because of huge economic benefits. However, adverse environmental conditions (insufficient sunlight, high temperature, etc.) in protected cultivation led to low-quality berries. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of berry thinning on the quality attributes of two table grape cultivars (Baoguang and Cuiguang) under linkage greenhouse conditions. Three treatments (L, light berry thinning; M, moderate berry thinning; H, heavy berry thinning) were compared with the control (C, no berry thinning). Berry thinning increased berry weight, total soluble solids (TSS), fructose, glucose, the ratio of TSS to titratable acidity (TA), anthocyanin contents, berry firmness, and mineral contents (Ca, Fe, Na, Mg). Conversely, TA and organic acid profiles were decreased by berry thinning. Cultivars showed significant effects on most of the berry quality parameters. The interaction of cultivars by berry-thinning treatments affected sugar and acid components, anthocyanin contents, and mineral elements.
Kajian Literatur: Pembelajaran Contextual Teaching and Learning pada Materi Pendidikan Agama Islam
Authors: Anwar Chairul
Published: January 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan mendeskripsikan konsep contextual teaching and learning (CTL) dalam proses belajar mengajar. Metode penelitian yang digunakan yaitu penelitian library. Data yang diperoleh kemudian dianalisis serta ditelaah secara mendalam atas referensi yang dipakai, sebagaimana halnya dalam studi kepustakaan atau library research. Penelitian ini, menjelaskan bahwa pembelajaran kontekstual teaching and learning (CTL) memiliki dasar normatif yang menjadi pijakan atau acuan untuk digunakan dalam mengajarkan materi pendidikan Agama Islam di sekolah ataupun pada madrasah. Hasil analisis yaitu bahwa secara konseptual bahwa CTL adalah jenis pendekatan yang menggunakan cara pandang dan/atau metode analisis terpadu. Proses pembelajaran yang memungkinkan untuk diintegrasikan perlu didiskusikan untuk menemukan kesamaan dan kegunaannya, sehingga dapat lebih komprehensif dan lebih kontekstual. Penerapan paradigma ini telah dijelaskan memiliki beberapa kendala ketika dievaluasi. Penerapan pembelajaran contextual teaching and learning di dalam kelas memberi kesempatan siswa untuk mengembangkan diri untuk belajar mandiri dan berkolaborasi. Penerapan CTL ini juga sangat bersinergi dengan materi PAI, sehingga dalam pengembangan bahan ajar dapat diterima oleh siswa. Temuan penelitian ini dapat menjadi referensi untuk penelitian serupa selanjutnya tentang konsep interkoneksi-integratif di masa mendatang.
Analisis Aspek Perkembangan Anak Pada Kegiatan Shalat Dhuha
Authors: Hikmah Aulia Nur , Robingatin  , Saugi Wildan
Published: January 2023

The background of this research is the importance of developing all aspects of child development. Development of aspects of child development by carrying out habituation activities. One of the habituation activities carried out at the Al-Azhar 5 Islamic Kindergarten in Samarinda is the dhuha prayer activity. The purpose of this study was to analyze how the aspects of child development in dhuha prayer activities at Al-Azhar Islamic Kindergarten 5 Samarinda. The method used in this research is a qualitative descriptive approach. The location of this research is the Islamic Kindergarten Al-Azhar 5 Samarinda. Data collection techniques used are observation, interview and documentation techniques. This study uses data sources, namely school principals, teachers/educators, students and school documentation. The data analysis technique used is data condensation, data presentation and conclusion drawing. The results of the analysis of the aspects of child development in the dhuha prayer activities developed well. First, physical motor development develops with children being able to move in a coordinated manner in the dhuha prayer movement. Second, children's language development develops with children being able to express receptive language by following the teacher's directions and expressing expressive language by reading prayer readings. Third, social emotional development develops with the child's ability to be responsible for completing Duha prayer activities to completion and following the rules of prayer correctly. Fourth, the development of religious and moral values ​​is developing, namely being able to recognize the religion he adheres to, namely Islam and knowing Allah as his Lord through the beautiful names of Allah, namely Asmaul Husna, carrying out worship, namely praying both obligatory and sunnah prayers such as dhuha prayer, and reading prayers. -prayers such as prayer ablution and prayer after prayer. Fifth, cognitive development develops with children being able to understand the concept of dhuha prayer.