bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 in Rwanda: Findings from a country-wide community survey
Authors: Uwimana Annie , Mukamana Liberata , Ruranga Charles , Nzabanita Joseph , Mugeni Regine , Nishimwe Aurore , Mutezimana Elias , Twizeyimana Laurence , Bahati Odile , Akili Viviane , Ngabonziza Jean Claude Semuto , Musanabaganwa Clarisse , Rukundo Gilbert , Semakula Muhammed , Twagirumukiza Marc , Jansen Stefan , Masabo Emmanuel , Kabano Ignace , Rubagiza Jolly , Abdallah Jean Nepo Utumatwishima
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted socioeconomic situation worldwide, and particularly in Rwanda which was rebuilding its economy in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Recent studies documented the macro-level socio-economic pandemic impact but the impact on a household’s daily life has been scarcely documented especially in low-and-middle income countries. This work reports a country-wide longitudinal community survey and describes the interplay between multiple factors to assess the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 on the Rwandan population at micro-level (household). The survey was conducted in Rwanda between December 2021 and March 2022 and data used comprised a total of 26,412 response forms received from around 4400 participants surveyed in 6 recurrent bi-weekly phases. This study revealed that the income of 57.7% of respondents has decreased and 15.5% of respondents received support to overcome the consequences. The univariate analysis results indicate that the decrease in income is more seen for females than males. The other most affected group is of daily laborer or small business (77.1%), people living in urban area (63.7%), retired people (66.4%), and people with primary school education level (62.0%). The multivariable findings highlighted that vulnerable groups: income-poor households with low socio-economic categories and females living in rural regions are among the most impacted in terms of food security, electricity, water and transport. The findings from this research will be used by policy makers to design and implement preventive and responsive measures for future pandemics that should be multifactorial and tailored to transversal parameters like gender and residence.
Allyl isothiocyanate suppressed the proliferation of oral squamous cell carcinoma in vitro, in vivo, and in patient-derived tumor xenografts by downregulating the KDM8/CCNA1 axis
Authors: Hsieh Cheng-Chih , Yang Cheng-Yu , Tsao Chang-Huei , Lin Chih-Kung , Lin Chun-Shu , Ho Sien-Lin , Peng Bo , Lin Heng-Yi , Huang Hung-Chi , Chang Szu-Chien , Lin Gu-Jiun , Sytwu Huey-Kang , Chia Wei-Tso , Chen Yuan-Wu
Published: March 2023

Background: Previous studies have shown that many cruciferous vegetables have anticancer effects, which can be connected with the presence of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC). Histone demethylase KDM8 and cyclin A1 (CCNA1) were required for cell cycle G2/M progression. AITC could induce G2/M arrest of various types of human cancer cells. We aimed to validate KDM8 as a target of the antitumor effects of AITC in patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDTX) models of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
Methods: The expression of KDM8 was assessed through tissue microarray (TMA) immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay. The effects of AITC on the expression of KDM8 and cell proliferation were investigated in OSCC cell lines, in PDTX models, and SAS subcutaneous xenograft tumors.
Results: KDM8 was overexpressed in OSCC. AITC repressed the tumor growth of OSCC PDTX and SAS subcutaneous xenograft. Furthermore, AITC downregulated the expression of KDM8 and CCNA1 and induced histone H3K36me2 expression in oral cancer cells.
Conclusions: AITC exerts anticancer effects on oral cancer by inducing cell cycle arrest via inhibiting the KDM8-CCNA1 axis.
Association of Fitzpatrick Skin Type with Metastatic Risk from Uveal Melanoma in 854 Consecutive Patients at a Single Center
Authors: Negretti Guy , Bayasi Ferris , Goldstein Samuel , Omega Michelle , Taylor Olivia , Ni Roselind , Chiang Lawrence , Kim Rachel , Lien Eric , Barke Matthew , Dockery Philip , Shields Carol
Published: March 2023

Objective: To assess the association of skin color using Fitzpatrick Skin Type (FST) with metastatic risk of uveal melanoma.
Subjects: 854 consecutive patients with uveal melanoma and documented FST
Methods: Retrospective detailed review of patient charts was performed for FST (type I- white, II-fair, III-average, IV-light brown, V-brown, VI-black), clinical details of the patient and the uveal melanoma, tumor cytogenetic classification according to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and outcome of melanoma-related metastasis and death.
Results: The FST classification was type I (n=97 patients), type II (n=665), type III (n=79), type IV (n=11), type V (n=2), type VI (n=0). A comparison of patient FST (type I vs. II vs. III-V) revealed significant differences in mean age at presentation (64.1 vs. 58.5 vs. 49.8 years, p<0.001), race white (100% vs. 98% vs. 75%, p<0.001), presence of ocular melanocytosis (3% vs. 3% vs. 10%, p=0.01), visual acuity <20/200 at presentation (6% vs. 7% vs. 13%, p=0.03), genetic results showing TCGA group B tumors (11% vs. 14% vs. 26%, p=0.01) or TCGA group D tumors (22% vs. 11% vs. 9%, p=0.01), 10-year incidence of melanoma-related metastasis (25% vs. 15% vs. 14%, p=0.02) and 10-year incidence of melanoma-related death (9% vs. 3% vs. 4%, p=0.04). FST was a significant predictor of melanoma-related metastasis (p=0.02, Hazard ratio 2.3).
Conclusions: Fitzpatrick skin type may be a predictor of melanoma-related metastasis, with metastasis and TCGA Group D tumors being more common in patients with FST I.
Are clean energy technologies a panacea for environmental sustainability in sub-Saharan African countries?
Authors: Byaro Mwoya , Dimoso Provident , Rwezaula Anicet
Published: March 2023

This study examines the impact of clean energy technologies on environmental sustainability in 29 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries while controlling for income, industrialization and trade from 2002 to 2018. We used the generalized quantile regression,which controls variable endogeneity using lagged instruments. In addition, Bayesian panel regression was used for robustness checks. We used the load capacity factor (LCF) as a broad measure of environmental sustainability that captures both nature's supply and man's demand for the environment. The findings show that clean energy technologies (clean fuels and renewable energy), have positive and statistically significant effects on environmental sustainability for nearly all quantiles in SSA. The findings are still the same after verifying the robustness analysis, showing that the coefficients for clean fuels and renewable energy technologies in quantile regression are within the Bayesian probability credible intervals and all have positive impacts on ensuring environmental sustainability in SSA. Furthermore, the results show that economic growth (income) has asymmetric (both negative and positive) effects on environmental sustainability across different quantile, confirming the Load Capacity Curve (LCC) hypothesis in SSA while accounting for clean energy technologies in the model. The findings further indicate that industrialization and trade have heterogeneous impacts on environmental sustainability. Overall, our findings imply that clean energy technologies improve environmental sustainability in SSA. Our main recommendation to policymakers is that sub-Saharan Africa needs to reduce the cost of energy services (i.e., renewable energy and clean fuels for cooking) in order to achieve greater environmental sustainability.
Hospital survival of patients with pulmonary embolism in a country with limited resources case of the city of Kinshasa
Authors: Marc Tshilanda Balekelayi , MD  , Florence Mpembe , Tousaint Mujijo , Serge Kazadi , Chadrack Bosenedje , Roly Kokusa , Gédéon Dizolele , MD  , Erick Kamangu Ntambue
Published: March 2023

Background: Pulmonary embolism is a frequent cause of intra-hospital mortality. The survival of patients depends not only on the speed of diagnosis but also on the treatment initiated.
Objective: to evaluate the intra-hospital survival of patients with pulmonary embolism in the city of Kinshasa.
Methodology: analytical cross-sectional study based on non-probability convenience sampling carried out in the city of Kinshasa. The data encoded with the smartphone on the Kobocollect application and then recorded on the Kobocollect site were exported in Excel format and analyzed with SPSS software version 23. The comparison of the means was made using the Student test and that frequencies with the Yates Chi-square test. The association was assessed by calculating the odds ratio and survival presented according to Cox regression.
Results: Eighty-nine cases or 63 women and 26 men were analyzed, the average age was 64.4 ± 15.6 years. About 60% had an intermediate clinical probability according to the Geneva score modified with D-dimers at 5171.4 ± 478.7 ng/L. Individuals over 65 died more (ß=0.043 and p-Value of 0.01) the female gender multiplies the risk of death by 1.38 (DNS, p-Value=0.478). About 80% of patients were classified as PESI stage II or III. Starting Rivaroxaban from the outset does not show any difference with enoxaparin in terms of intra-hospital survival.
Conclusion: the use of Rivaroxaban from the outset has the same result as enoxaparin in terms of efficacy.
Text classification of UK smallholding communities through Twitter
Authors: Munaf Samuel , Swingler Kevin , Brülisauer Franz , O’Hare Anthony , Gunn George , Reeves Aaron
Published: March 2023

Within the UK, livestock holdings are registered so that livestock can be traced, and animal diseases be controlled. These regulations are enforced irrespective of farm size, however, tend to be better followed on traditional farms, whereas holdings new to keeping livestock are less likely to be aware of their obligations. These smallholdings thereby may evade registration and are less likely to participate in national disease surveillance and ultimately complicate national animal disease control. Less information is known about small-scale livestock keepers, in particular those without a traditional farming background. Smallholders have been known to play a vital role in zoonotic disease outbreaks and more action needs to be taken to improve surveillance systems by incorporating this demographic into current intelligence. Literature indicates that parts of these communities often utilise social media as a means of communication and information sharing. Twitter followers from a prominent smallholder user in the UK were extracted and manually categorized as a smallholder or not, based on profile descriptions. Manual coding of just under 1,000 Twitter profiles was conducted to build a robust training dataset. Text classification algorithms were applied on this annotated data, and the resulting classification algorithms produced accuracies of over 80%. Results indicate that classification can prove to be a highly successful tool, if a sufficient training dataset is curated, and there is enough textual information within the user profiles on social media.
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the outcomes of HIV-exposed neonates: a Zimbabwean tertiary hospital experience
Authors: Gannon Hannah , Chappell Elizabeth , Ford Deborah , Gibb Diana M , Chimwaza Anesu , Manika Ngoni , Wedderburn Catherine J , Nenguke Zivai Mupambireyi , Cowan Frances M , Gibb Tom , Phillips Andrew , Mushavi Angela , Fitzgerald Felicity , Heys Michelle , Chimhuya Simbarashe , Bwakura-Dangarembizi Mutsa
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has globally impacted health service access, delivery and resources. There are limited data regarding the impact on the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) service delivery in low-resource settings. Neotree (www.neotree.org) combines data collection, clinical decision support and education to improve care for neonates. Here we evaluate impacts of COVID-19 on care for HIV-exposed neonates.
Methods: Data on HIV-exposed neonates admitted to the neonatal unit (NNU) at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, Zimbabwe, between 01/06/2019 and 31/12/2021 were analysed, with pandemic start defined as 21/03/2020 and periods of industrial action (doctors (September 2019-January 2020) and nurses (June 2020-September 2020)) included, resulting in modelling during six time periods: pre-doctors’ strike (baseline); doctors’ strike; post-doctors’ strike and pre-COVID; COVID and pre-nurses’ strike ; nurses’ strike; post nurses’ strike. Interrupted time series models were used to explore changes in indicators over time.
Results: Of 8,333 neonates admitted to the NNU, 904 (11%) were HIV-exposed. Mothers of 706/765 (92%) HIV-exposed neonates reported receipt of antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy. Compared to the baseline period when average admissions were 78 per week (95% confidence interval (CI) 70-87), significantly fewer neonates were admitted during all subsequent periods until after the nurses’ strike, with the lowest average number during the nurses’ strike (28, 95% CI 23-34, p<0.001). Across all time periods excluding the nurses strike, average mortality was 20% (95% CI 18-21), but rose to 34% (95% CI 25, 46) during the nurses’ strike. There was no evidence for heterogeneity (p>0.22) in numbers of admissions or mortality by HIV exposure status. Fewer HIV-exposed neonates received a PCR test during the pandemic (23%) compared to the pre-pandemic periods (40%) (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.41-0.84, p<0.001). The proportion of HIV-exposed neonates who received antiretroviral prophylaxis during admission was high throughout, averaging between 84% and 95% in each time-period.
Conclusion: While antiretroviral prophylaxis for HIV-exposed neonates remained high throughout, concerning data on low admissions and increased mortality, similar in HIV-exposed and unexposed neonates, and reduced HIV testing, suggest some aspects of care may have been compromised due to indirect effects of the pandemic.
The association between volume of the gallbladder based on sonographic findings and demographical data in patients referred to Guilan cohort center, Iran
Authors: Joukar Farahnaz , Ashoobi Mohammad Taghi , Tabatabaii Mohammadjavad , Zeinali Tahereh , Faraji Niloofar , Ghorani Najmeh , Mansour-Ghanaei Roya , Naghipour Mohammadreza , Mansour-Ghanaei Fariborz
Published: March 2023

Background: Determining the change in the size, structure and volume of the gallbladder by Ultrasound as a diagnostic method is clinically important due to possibility of stone formation in certain diseases and physiological conditions, especially in susceptible people who have a large gallbladder volume. Therefore, this study was carried out by examining the volume of the gallbladder with ultrasound and its association with patients’ demographic data in the Guilan cohort population.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study total number of 950 patients aged 35-60 years participated to determine the volume of the gallbladder by a radiologist based on the ultrasound method. Demographic data were collected by questioner according to the ultrasound was performed after fasting for at least 12 hours.
Results: The results showed that there was a statistically significant association between marriage and gender with the presence or absence of lesions in the studied patients (P<0.05). Also, there was a statistically significant relationship between BMI, sex, marriage, smoking, and alcohol consumption with the average volume of the gallbladder in the studied patients (P<0.05). There was no significant association between the presence or absence of a lesion and the average volume of the gallbladder in the patients (P>0.05).
Conclusion: According to our results, the volume of the gallbladder is greater in obese men than in women. Also, the volume of the gallbladder increases with age, alcohol consumption, and smoking.
A platform to reproducibly evaluate human colon permeability and damage
Authors: Marr Elizabeth E. , Mulhern Thomas J , Welch Michaela , Keegan Philip , Caballero-Franco Celia , Johnson Bryce G. , Kasaian Marion , Azizgolshani Hesham , Petrie Timothy , Charest Joseph , Wiellette Elizabeth
Published: March 2023

The intestinal epithelium comprises diverse cell types and executes many specialized functions as the primary interface between luminal contents and internal organs. A key function provided by the epithelium is maintenance of a barrier that protects the individual from pathogens, irritating luminal contents, and the microbiota. Disruption of this barrier can lead to inflammatory disease within the intestinal mucosa, and, in more severe cases, to sepsis. Animal models to study intestinal permeability are costly and not entirely predictive of human biology. Here we present a model of human colon barrier function that integrates primary human colon stem cells into Draper’s PREDICT96 microfluidic organ-on-chip platform to yield a high-throughput system appropriate to predict damage and healing of the human colon epithelial barrier. We have demonstrated pharmacologically induced barrier damage measured by both a high throughput molecular permeability assay and transepithelial resistance. Using these assays, we developed an Inflammatory Bowel Disease-relevant model through cytokine induced damage that can support studies of disease mechanisms and putative therapeutics.
Comparison between hydroxychloroquine and systemic corticosteroids in IgA nephropathy: A two-year follow-up study
Authors: Si Feng-lei , Tang Chen , Lv Ji-Cheng , Shi Su-Fang , Zhou Xu-Jie , Liu Li-Jun , Zhang Hong
Published: March 2023

Background: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is recommended as a treatment for IgA nephropathy（IgAN）to control proteinuria. The long-term effects of HCQ compared to systemic corticosteroids therapy remain unclear.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study at Peking University First Hospital. 39 patients with IgAN received HCQ for at least 24 months without corticosteroids (CS) or other immunosuppressive agents were included. 78 matched patients who received systemic CS therapy were selected using propensity score matching. Clinical data over a 24-month period were compared.
Results: In the HCQ group, the level of proteinuria decreased from 1.72 [1.44, 2.35] to 0.97 [0.51, 1.37] g/d (-50.5 [-74.0, -3.4] %, P < 0.001) at 24 months. Significant decline of proteinuria was also found in the CS group, and the proteinuria at 24 months in CS group was lower than that in the HCQ group (0.56 [0.15, 1.05] vs. 0.97 [0.51, 1.37] g/d, P=0.030). The percent reduction in proteinuria was not statistically different between the two groups at 24 months (-63.1% [-82.3%, -15.1% vs. -50.5% [-74.0%, -3.4%], P=0.228). In addition, the decline rates of eGFR between HCQ and CS groups were comparable (-7.9% [-16.1%, 5.8%] vs. -5.8% [-15.5%, 6.4%], P=0.729). More adverse events were observed in the CS group.
Conclusions: Long-term use of HCQ can maintain renal function stable with minimal side effects, though the anti-proteinuria ability is slightly weaker than systemic corticosteroids treatment. In patients who cannot tolerate corticosteroids, HCQ might be an effective and safe supportive therapy for IgAN.
The role of lactate dehydrogenase in the diagnosis of acute renal infraction: a retrospective case-control study
Authors: Li Renjie , Yin Tongxin , Luo Jiazhen , Li Jiaoyuan , Cui Lei , Yan Li
Published: March 2023

Background: To evaluate the value of serum lactate dehydrogenase in the early diagnosis of acute renal infraction(ARI).
Methods: We conducted a retrospective investigation in this study. A total of 63 ARI cases were recruited, and 219 cases which diagnosed with other acute abdominal diseases, including renal calculus, gall-stone and acute appendicitis, were also enrolled as controls. The clinical and laboratory data of those subjects were collected and analyzed. And the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to evaluate the value of laboratorial biomarkers in the classification of ARI.
Results: There was no difference about the demographic characteristics and clinical symptoms between ARI cases and total controls except for a higher frequency of vomit in ARI group (25.4%) compared with the control group (13.2%).More ARI cases suffered with underling hypertension and cardiovascular diseases than controls. Laboratory data analysis identified abnormality of leukocytes and neutrophils counts, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, LDH, uric acid, estimated glomerular filtration, fibrinogen and D-dimer levels, among which LDH was found prominently related to the area of renal infarction (r=0.63, P=0.027). The area under the curve (AUC) of LDH reached 0.93 (SD: 0.07, P<0.001) in the classification of ARI, with an optimal sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 97%.
Conclusions: Patients with ARI had a markedly higher LDH level compared with other acute abdomens. LDH might be an useful indicator in the differential diagnosis of ARI.
Trial registration: No result of a health care intervention on human participants in the article.
The anti-allergic potential of stingless bee honey from different botanical sources via modulation of mast cell degranulation
Authors: Yong Poi Yi Aw , Yip Ashley Jia Wen , Islam Fahmida , Hong Hui Jing , Teh Yi En , Tham Chau Ling , Tan Ji Wei
Published: March 2023

Background: Allergy is an inflammatory disorder affecting around 20% of the global population. The adverse effects of current conventional treatments give rise to the increased popularity of using natural food products as complementary and alternative medicine against allergic diseases. Stingless bee honey, commonly known as Kelulut honey (KH) in Malaysia, has been used locally as a traditional remedy to relieve cough and asthma. This study evaluated the anti-allergic potential of KH collected from four different botanical sources on phorbol ester 12-myristate-3-acetate and calcium ionophore-activated human mast cells.
Methods: The present study examined the inhibitory effects of all collected honey on the release of selected inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-8, histamine, and β-hexosaminidase in an activated HMC. Besides that, all honey's total phenolic content (TPC) was also examined, followed by using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to identify the phytochemicals in the honey. Further examination of the identified phytochemicals on their potential interaction with selected signaling molecules in an activated mast cell was conducted using computational methods.
Results: The results indicated that there were significant inhibitory effects on all selected inflammatory mediators’ release by KH sourced from bamboo (BH) and rubber tree (RH) at 0.5% and 1%, but not KH sourced from mango (AH) and noni (EH). BH and RH were found to have higher TPC values and were rich in their phytochemical profiles based on the LC-MS/MS results. Computational studies were employed to determine the possible molecular target of KH through molecular docking using HADDOCK and PRODIGY web servers.
Conclusions: In short, the results indicated that KH possesses anti-allergic effects towards an activated HMC, possibly by targeting downstream MAPKs. However, their anti-allergic effects may vary according to their botanical sources. Nevertheless, the present study has provided insight into the potential application of stingless bee honey as a complementary and alternative medicine to treat various allergic diseases.
The impacts of climatic changes on the yield and water use efficiency of maize grown under different sowing dates and two irrigation schemes in arid climate
Authors: Abaza Ahmed S.D. , Elshamly Ayman M.S.
Published: March 2023

Upper Egypt is characterized by high temperatures in summer and low temperatures in winter, which has a significant impact on the dates of planting maize in this region. The productivity of the maize crop as well as the efficiency of the use of water can be severely affected by planting dates and drought. Consequently, the optimum irrigation level and planting date must be determined based on local conditions.
Two irrigation schemes were used: (1) control (full irrigation water applied), (2) 70% of irrigation water. Field experiments were conducted at the water studies and research complex station, National Water Research Center in Toshka to evaluate two irrigation levels (full irrigation water applied and 70% of irrigation water requirements) under five planting dates (early seeding (mid-February and March), normal (mid- June) and late planting (mid- August and September) in 2019 and 2020) to determine the optimum planting date and irrigation level.
Early SD has increased the days between seeding and plant emergence. Late SD reduced the number of days until the plant matured and had higher grain yields and water use efficiency (WUE). The planting date in September under the irrigation level of 70% achieved the best productivity and the best water use efficiency, where the productivity was 7.01 Mg ha−1 and the water use efficiency was 0.72 kg/m3
The data confirm the general perception of farmers that the September sowing date under 70% irrigation levels is the best within the experimentation area.
The evaluation of Interleukin 34, Macrophage colony stimulating factor and Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa ligand levels in gingival crevicular fluid and saliva of patients with periodontitis
Authors: Aycan Seda , Bengi Vahdi Umut , Saygun Nuriye Işıl , Ozcan Erkan , Guler Ozlem Sebnem , Ozgurtas Taner
Published: March 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Cuproptosis‑related lncRNAs predict the prognosis and immune landscape in esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Chen Leijie
Published: March 2023

Background: Used cuproptosis-related lncRNA (CUPlncRNA) to construct an overall survival (OS) model of the esophageal carcinoma (ESCC) and predict potentially effective chemotherapeutic agents.
Methods: Gain RNA-seq and clinical date of ESCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, extract cuproptosis-related lncRNAs (CUPlncRNAs) by co-expression analysis with cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs). Cox regression analysis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis were used to construct the prognostic model. Kaplan-Meier survival curves, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and C-index was used to further test the model. Tumor mutation burden (TMB) analysis was performed. Finally, TMER and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (GESA) were applied to find out whether CUPlncRNA influenced the tumor immune microenvironment and to predict potentially effective chemotherapeutic agents for ESCC.
Results: Five CUPlncRNAs were used to construct prognostic model. The model showed power in survival prediction between the high- and low-risk groups both before and after binding to TMB. The high-risk group had increased immune checkpoint and HLA mutations, means immune evasion happens more easily. Finally, 15 chemotherapeutic agents were screened for differences in efficacy between groups.
Conclusions: This study has prognostic prediction and immune evaluation, provide theoretical basis for the role of cuproptosis in ESCC.
A multi-period fuzzy portfolio optimization model with investors' loss aversion
Authors: Yang Xingyu , Chen Jingui , Liu Weilong , Zhao Xuejin
Published: March 2023

This paper considers the problem of how to construct the optimal multi-period portfolio for investor with loss aversion in fuzzy environment. Firstly, we regard the return rates of the risky assets as fuzzy numbers, and use the value function in prospect theory to transform the return rate of a portfolio into perceived value, which reflects investors' loss aversion. Moreover, due to the fact that investors' perception level toward risk may vary with the loss aversion degree, we propose a new risk measure based on the perceived value. Then, we formulate the objectives of maximizing the cumulative expected perceived value and minimizing the cumulative perceived risk, and propose a multi-period portfolio selection model with diversification constraint. Furthermore, to solve the proposed model, we design a multiple particle swarm optimization algorithm with respect to its specific situation. Finally, using the data from real financial market, we construct a real case to illustrate the effectiveness of the model and algorithm. The results show that loss aversion has an important effect in investors' investment decisions, and the proposed model could provide more reasonable strategies for investors with different loss aversion degrees.
Inclusion unlocks the creative potential of gender diversity in teams
Authors: Vedres Balazs , Vasarhelyi Orsolya
Published: March 2023

Several studies have highlighted the potential contribution of gender diversity to creativity, while noting challenges of conflict and lack of trust. Thus, we argue that gender diversity requires inclusion as well to boost team creativity. We analyzed teams in 4011 video game projects, recording weighted network data from past collaborations. We developed four measures of inclusion, based on de-segregation, strong ties across genders, the incorporation of women into the core of the team’s network, and the coincidence of the three above. We measured creativity by the distinctiveness of game features compared to prior games, and success by review score and unit sales. Our results show that gender diversity without inclusion does not contribute to creativity, while with maximal inclusion one standard deviation change in diversity results in .04 to .09 standard deviation increase in creativity. Inclusion at low diversity has a negative effect. Gender diverse teams seem to face a penalty in success measured by review scores that is due to a lower probability to review games with higher female participation. Adding diversity first, and developing inclusion later can lead to higher diversity and inclusion, compared to the alternative of recruiting developers with already existing cross-gender ties, suggesting that developer firms should encourage building inclusive collaboration ties in-house.
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Induces Neural Injury that Promotes a Transcriptomic and Functional Repair Signature by Peripheral Neuroglia
Authors: Weitz Jonathan , Garg Bharti , Tiriac Herve , Martsinkovskiy Alexei , Patel Sandip , Lowy Andrew
Published: March 2023

Perineural invasion (PNI) is the phenomenon whereby cancer cells invade the space surrounding nerves. PNI occurs frequently in epithelial malignancies, but is especially characteristic of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The presence of PNI portends an increased incidence of local recurrence, metastasis and poorer overall survival. While interactions between tumor cells and nerves have been investigated, the etiology and initiating cues for PNI development is not well understood. Here, we used digital spatial profiling to reveal changes in the transcriptome and to allow for a functional analysis of neural-supportive cell types present within the tumor-nerve microenvironment of PDAC during PNI. We found that hypertrophic tumor-associated nerves within PDAC express transcriptomic signals of nerve damage including programmed cell death, Schwann cell proliferation signaling pathways, as well as macrophage clearance of apoptotic cell debris by phagocytosis. Moreover, we identified that neural hypertrophic regions have increased local neuroglial cell proliferation which was tracked using EdU tumor labeling in KPC mice. This study reveals a common gene expression pattern that characterizes solid tumor-induced damage to local nerves. These data provide new insights into the pathobiology of the tumor-nerve microenvironment during PDAC as well as other gastrointestinal cancers.
Trends in long-term use of antidepressants in Switzerland and associated factors between 2013 and 2021
Authors: Amrein Melanie A. , Hengartner Michael P. , Näpflin Markus , Farcher Renato , Huber Carola A.
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Antidepressant use has increased in many European countries, mostly driven by longer treatment duration. The aim of this study was to provide prevalence rates of long-term users of antidepressants for the Swiss population over the last decade and to investigate associated factors for longer use.
Methods: We examined the prevalence rates of individuals with at least one prescription for antidepressants using longitudinal health claims data. To compare different lengths of prescription duration, we defined short-term (<6 months), medium-term (6-12 months) and long-term users (>12 months). We applied a binary logistic regression model to investigate the effects of population characteristics and treatment patterns on long-term compared to short- and medium-term users.
Results: In 2021, 9% of the Swiss population (n=770 698) received at least one antidepressant prescription. This one-year-prevalence remained stable since 2013. In 2020, the proportion of long-term users was 69.4%, with steady increase from 2014 to 2020. The numbers of medium- and short-term users have decreased during this period. Older age, being a woman, living in an urban area, living in the Italian speaking part of Switzerland, living in a nursing home, being enrolled in a standard care plan, and receiving psychiatric or psychotherapeutic care were factors associated with long-term users.
Conclusions: The proportion of long-term users in Switzerland is steadily increasing. Taking antidepressants longer than recommended may indicate possible overprescribing. Given the ongoing debate about the confounding effects of relapse and withdrawal, more research is needed to investigate antidepressants overprescribing, particularly for older people.
Immunological and Prognostic Role of Hub Genes Defined Gene Signature in Septic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Li Wenli , Yang Jianzhong , Cao Yang , Gao Ranran , Sun Hu , Yang Kai , Wang Ying , Peng Peng
Published: March 2023

Septic cardiomyopathy is a life-threatening heart dysfunction caused by severe infection. Considering the complexity of the pathogenesis and high mortality, it was necessary to identify efficient biomarkers to guide the clinical practice. Based on the muti-microarray analysis, this study aimed to explore the pathogenesis of septic cardiomyopathy and the related immune landscape. The results showed that septic cardiomyopathy was organ dysfunction after extreme pro- and anti-inflammation. In this process, KLRG1, PRF1, BCL6, GAB2, MMP9, IL1R1, JAK3, IL6ST, and SERPINE1 were identified as the hub genes regulated the immune landscape of septic cardiomyopathy. Nine transcription factors regulated their expression: SRF, STAT1, SP1, RELA, PPARG, NFKB1, PPARA, SMAD3, and STAT3. Hub genes activated the Th17 cell differentiation pathway, JAK-STAT signaling pathway, and Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway. These were mainly involved in regulating inflammatory response, adaptive immune response, leukocyte-mediated immunity, cytokine-mediated immunity, immune effector process, myeloid cell differentiation, and T-helper cell differentiation. These nine hub genes can be seen as biomarkers for the early prediction of septic cardiomyopathy.
Modeling the navigation of Oecophylla smargandina on short-length scales in an unfamiliar environment
Authors: Charoonratana Lattawat , Smith Michael F. , Thiwatwaranikul Theerawee , Paisanpan Panyaphong , Suksombat Sukrit
Published: March 2023

The movement of individual weaver ants, of Oecophylla smargandina, was previously tracked within an unfamiliar arena. We develop an empirical model, based on Brownian motion with a linear drag and constant driving force, to explain the observed distribution of ants over position and velocity. Parameters are fixed according to the isotropic, homogeneous distribution observed near the middle of the arena. Then, with no adjustable parameters, the model accounts for all features of the distribution data. For instance, the tendency of the ant to remain near the arena edges can be explained as a statistical property of bounded, stochastic motion. Members of this species are capable of impressive feats of collective action and long-range navigation. But we argue that they use a simplistic algorithm, captured semi-quantitatively by the model provided, to navigate within the confined region.
Effect of acute normovolemic hemodilution on long-term prognosis of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma undergoing flap reconstruction: a retrospective study
Authors: Chen Qiumiao , Du Hongze , Shi Xiaotong , Zhou Yumei , Li Yuquan , Zhang Manqing , Xie Yubo
Published: March 2023

Objective
To investigate the effect of acute normovolemic hemodilution on long-term prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients after tumor resection and flap reconstruction.
Methods
This study retrospectively analyzed follow-up data for 371 OSCC patients who underwent tumor resection and flap reconstruction for the first time at our hospital from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2020. The patients were split into three groups: no blood transfusion (NBT), acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH), and allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT). Measurement data were analyzed by ANOVA and enumeration data by χ2 tests. Survival analysis with the Cox model was used to confirm independent prognostic factors. Disease-free (DFS) and overall (OS) survival were calculated by the life table method and K-M curve.
Results
The ANH group had a 0.523-fold higher risk of recurrence than the NBT group (P = 0.010). The ABT group had a 1.844-fold higher risk of death than the NBT group (P = 0.033). Among those with lymph node metastasis, the ANH group had a lower risk of recurrence, 0.436 times higher than the NBT group (P = 0.017), and the ABT group had a higher risk of death, 2.186 times higher than the NBT group (P = 0.032).
Conclusion
ANH can reduce immune system suppression by decreasing the amount of allogeneic blood to reduce tumor recurrence and risk of tumor-specific death, and this result is more prominent in OSCC patients with lymph node metastasis.
Clinical relevance
Preoperative ANH can effectively reduce the recurrence rate of patients with OSCC.
Mapping the Urban and Rural Planning Response Paths to the Pandemics of Infectious Diseases
Authors: Zhang Haozhe , Li Jinyi
Published: March 2023

Modern urban and rural planning has a long history in terms of epidemics. However, contemporary urban and rural planning lacks a comprehensive response map for the prevention and control of infectious diseases. As the process of comprehensive policies making for social issues, a bridge between urban and rural development and the prevention and control of infectious diseases must be established. This research sorts out the academic literature that studies the relationship and logic between epidemic infectious diseases and urban and rural physical environments. We constructed links between issues of urban and rural planning and the means of prevention and control of epidemic infectious diseases, and drew them to form a comprehensive map which illustrates the logic paths between 12 issues of urban and rural planning and epidemic infectious diseases.
Pediatric severe COVID – 19 and MIS-C in the Brazilian Amazon: independent risk factors to mortality
Authors: Farias Emmerson Carlos Franco , Pavão Manoel J.C. , Sales Susan C.D. , Nascimento Luciana M.P.P. , Pavão Dalila C.A. , Pinheiro Ana P. S. , Pinheiro Andreza H.O. , Alves Marília C.B. , Ferraro Kíssila M.M.M , Aires Larisse F.Q. , Dias Luana G. , Machado Mayara M.M. , S Michaelle J.D. , Gomes Rafaella R. , Moraes Sara M.P. , Galvão Gabriella M. , Sousa Adriana MB , Pontes Gabriela C.L. , Carvalho Railana D.F.P. , Silva Cristiane T.C. , Diniz Bruna da C. G. , Saraty Salma B. , Mello Mary L.F. , Carvalho Patricia B. , Braga Renata B. , Harada Kathia O. , Terreri Maria T. , Clemente Gleice , Chermont Aurimery G. , JUSTINO MARIA C.A. , Lima Miriam R.C. , de Almeida Kellen F.S.
Published: March 2023

Purpose: SARS-CoV-2 infection in children is usually asymptomatic/mild. However, some patients may develop critical forms. Our aim was to evaluate the independent risk factors associated to in-hospital mortality in children with critical disease related to SARS-CoV-2.
Methods: This is multicenter prospective cohort included critically ill children (1 month/18 years of age), with confirmed critical disease related to SARS-CoV-2 admitted to three tertiary Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU) in Brazilian Amazon, between April 2020/July 2022. Main outcome was in-hospital mortality. The independent risk factors associated with mortality were evaluated with a multivariable Cox proportional regression.
Results: 208 patients were assessed. Median age was 33 months and median follow-up was 277 days (range, 2-759). Death occurred in 37 (17.8%) patients with a median follow-up of 7 (4-13) days. Most non-survivors had at least one comorbidity - 34 (91.9%). Substantial clinical features, laboratory and ventilatory parameters were associated with mortality. Independent risk factors for mortality were underweight status (HR= 6.64, p=0.01), vasoactive inotropic score (VIS) > 84 (HR=4.76, p=0.05), acute respiratory distress syndrome (HR=8.63, p=0.02) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) >18 mm/hour (HR=3.95, p=0.03).
Conclusions: This study of critically ill patients with COVID-19 and MIS-C from the Brazilian Amazon showed a high mortality rate. The risk of death was higher for underweight individuals, those with higher levels of VIS and ESR, presence of ARDS. The majority of deaths occurred within 10 days of hospitalization, highlighting the importance of prompt recognition in regard to these patients.
Parietal epithelial cells differentiate into podocytes dependent on ROS-Nrf2-Brg1 signaling
Authors: Wang Minzhou , Lu Jiayue , Xie Kewei , Lu Renhua , Min Lulin , Song Ahui , Zhao Bingru , Wu Wangshu , Gu Leyi
Published: March 2023

The injury of glomerular visceral epithelial cells (podocytes) is the initial target in FSGS. However, podocytes are terminally differentiated cells in the glomerular and can hardly regenerate. Recent studies have shown that parietal epithelial cells (PECs) are potential stem cells in the glomerulus, which are able to differentiate into podocytes and participate in the regeneration and repair of podocytes after injury. Whereas the specific mechanism of regulation of PECs differentiating to podocytes remains unclear. Here, we found several podocytes also expressed PECs marker claudin-1 in ADR nephropathy mice. Podocyte markers WT-1, FOXC1, synaptopodin and podocin were upregulated after PECs differentiating into podocytes in vitro. After inhibition of total and mitochondrial ROS, PECs differentiation into podocytes decreased. Further studies showed that the expression of ROS related molecule Nrf2 and its target protein Brg1 increased after PECs were induced, while inhibition of Nrf2 or Brg1 reduced PECs transdifferentiation, and the overexpression of Nrf2 or Brg1 showed the opposite result. Brg1 directly regulates WT-1 transcription in PECs. We also observed an increase in WT1 positive cells at ADR damage in mice with PAX8 conditional overexpression of NRF2. We conclude when PECs are stimulated by extracellular signals, the high expression of WT-1 transcription factor in podocytes can be regulated by ROS-Nrf2-Brg1 signal, thus differentiating into podocytes.
How the behavior of tribocorrosion of biocomposites containing mollusc shell particles is affected by potential in the presence of bovine serum solution
Authors: sidia besma , BENSALAH walid
Published: March 2023

The study used a reciprocating tribocorrosimeter to perform tribocorrosion tests on a composite material composed of different weight percentages of MS (0, 5, 10, and 15 wt% MS). The open circuit potential of the Ti6Al4V pin in contact with the biocomposite was examined, and the impact of MS loading on the coefficient of friction and wear rate was analyzed in the presence of bovine serum. The results indicated that the optimum MS content was approximately 5 wt%. Finally, the study proposed a wear scenario for the MS loading when exposed to bovine serum solution.
Hybrid cross-laminated timber prepared with larch and OSB
Authors: LI Ming-yue , Hai-qing REN
Published: March 2023

This study explores the application of oriented strand board (OSB) to hybrid cross-laminated timber (HCLT). OSB and larch were used to prepare hybrid forms of HCLT for annlysis. Firstly, the effect of OSB surface treatment on the properties of the bonding line between materials was studied, including the surface properties of OSB before and after surface treatment. Block shear testing and cyclic delamination testing were used to study the bonding properties. The test results showed that suitable sanding can enhance the bonding performance. The optimal surface treatment process for OSB in this paper was found to be sanding at 0.2 mm depth. Secondly two layups of HCLT were prepared by combining OSB with larch, and the interlaminar shear strength was assessed in both the major and minor strength directions using a three-point bending test. The results showed that, due to the low density and mechanical properties of OSB, its application in HCLT as perpendicular layer is not a favorable choice, because it can not avoid the rolling shear failure in perpendicular layer, and it also reduces the interlaminar shear strength of HCLT in the minor strength direction. However, the interlaminar shear strength decreases in both the major and minor strength directions when OSB was used as the parallel layer, and larch was used as the perpendicular layer. Consequently, this improved the two-way carrying capacity of the HCLT plate.
An Energy Efficient WSN-Assisted IoT Network using Heterogeneous Dynamic Multi-hop Cluster-based Routing Protocol
Authors: Elmonser Malika , Chikha Haithem Ben , Attia Rabah
Published: March 2023

Heterogeneous Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) deploy hundreds to thousands of low-cost sensors in their area detection, and these heterogeneous nodes present the main parts of the Internet of Things (IoT) network. Sensor node parameters, such as initial energy and data processing capability largely influence the network's lifetime in WSN-assisted IoT. Despite the success of various hierarchical clustering strategies dedicated to WSNs, their widespread deployment makes the search for an optimal network routing protocol an open challenge. When every node starts off with the same energy, homogeneous networks are what most hierarchical protocols have in mind. Some protocols have considered heterogeneous networks, where sensor nodes have more power and traffic than others. The network lifetime can be extended as a result. In order to increase energy conservation and extend network lifetime, this research present a Heterogeneous Dynamic Multi-Hop Low-Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (HDM-LEACH) protocol for WSN-Assisted IoT. HDM-LEACH is mainly based on a heterogeneous network system model, multi-hop communication, and a hierarchical clustering routing mechanism. Our heterogeneous network system model is composed of two energy-level nodes: normal nodes and advanced nodes. The proposed hierarchical clustering mechanism calculates the CH selection probability in an efficient and dynamic way. According to the simulation results, HDM-LEACH shows performance supremacy compared to existing algorithms in terms of stable period, energy conservation, and network lifetime.