bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Exploration of the Association Between Fuel Subsidies and Fuel Riots
Authors: McCulloch Neil , Natalini Davide , Hossain Naomi , Justino Patricia
Published: September 2022

Between 2005 and 2018, 41 countries had at least one riot directly associated with popular demand for fuel. We make use of a new international data set on fuel riots to explore the effects of fuel prices and price regimes on fuel riots. In line with prior expectations, we find that large domestic fuel price shocks – often linked to international price shocks – are a key driver of riots. In addition, we report a novel result: fuel riots are closely associated with domestic price regimes. Countries that maintain fixed price regimes – notably net energy exporters – tend to have large fuel subsidies. When such subsidies become unsustainable, domestic price adjustments are large, often leading to riots.
COVID-19 Health Evidence Summary No.119
Authors: Piotrowski Helen
Published: September 2022

This weekly COVID-19 health evidence summary (HES) is based on 3.5 hours of desk-based research. The summary is not intended to be a comprehensive summary of available evidence on COVID-19 but aims to make original documents easily accessible to decision-makers which, if relevant to them, they should go to before making decisions. This summary covers publications on Clinical characteristics and management; Vaccines; Indirect impact of COVID-19; Social Science; Leadership and governance; Health systems; Comments, Editorials, Opinions, Blogs, News; Dashboards & Trackers; C19 Resource Hubs and Online learning & events.
Aquaculture and Mangroves
Authors: Bolton Laura
Published: September 2022

This report aimed to focus on the impacts of coastal aquaculture on poverty but it was often not distinguished from inland aquaculture in the literature and took extra time to ascertain. Aquaculture reporting was also combined with capture fisheries in some reviews. The initial search aimed to draw on evidence from the past 10 years but key papers emerged that were older and the reviews drew from earlier research. There seemed to be a lack of recent research on the links between poverty and aquaculture. The tension between environmental protection and economic development is present in the literature with different views being presented depending on either the agenda in grey literature or the focus of the publisher. There were data on mangrove loss that did not describe the cause of the loss, data that described human-driven mangrove loss but did not distinguish between different human influences, and a small amount of data that linked aquaculture and mangrove loss directly. Unfortunately, it was not possible to find recent data on aquaculture and mangrove loss to assess the latest trends.
Lessons on Disaster Resilience Pogramming in Pakistan
Authors: Kelly Luke
Published: September 2022

This rapid literature review finds that lessons drawn from disaster resilience programmes in Pakistan are focused on the best ways to co-ordinate between different resilience work in different sectors. This can be difficult because of the number of NGOs with different sectoral expertise, short time frames for intervention, and the differing capacities of levels of Pakistani government. More generally, although the benefits of linking disaster risk reduction (DRR) to climate change adaptation (CCA) and development work are advocated in many policies, the fact that they are often undertaken by different actors limits synergies. The report also finds that most DRR work is focused on reducing risk from hazards rather than social vulnerabilities. Pakistan is vulnerable to climate change and a range of natural disasters. Following the earthquake in 2005 and floods in 2010, the Pakistani government and international donors have sought to increase the country's resilience to natural hazards. This literature review focuses on disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts, as these constitute a significant portion of the resilience work in Pakistan. It first defines resilience, DRR and the related concept of CCA, as these all aim to improve resilience. It then surveys lessons learned in implementing resilience and DRR programmes in Pakistan. It focuses on lessons relating to sectoral focus, target populations, as well as strategic framework and operating models. It is mainly based on evaluations written by NGOs, UN bodies and international financial institutions. NGO reports are typically focused on specific programmes, although some point to broader features of the landscape for resilience programming in Pakistan. Academic papers charting the trends and issues in resilience programming have also been consulted.
INDONESIA PARTICIPATION IN DEFENSE DIPLOMACY IN INDO-PACIFIC [PARTISIPASI INDONESIA DI DIPLOMASI PERTAHANAN INDO-PASIFIK]
Authors: Dewita Jasmine Sika
Published: September 2022

Global political, economic, and social dynamics in this modern era have shifted the interests of every nation from defense power acquirement to domination of resources. One of the richest of resources area is Indo-Pacific. There is still no international statute about the region’s territorial borders, but some powerful states compose their own version of the borders scheme, based on their own national interests. As general geographical consensus, the area ranges from Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the land areas within. The geopolitically strategic region contains plenteous potential to empower Blue Economy and shipping industry, but also appeals various maritime security issues like piracy, smuggling and illegal fishing. Indonesia as one of the Founding Fathers of ASEAN and located at the strategic point of international trade route, has lots of potential to be major player in Indo-Pacific. Indonesia needs to enhance its political role while defending Indo-Pacific security through defense diplomacy. This research is conducted using qualitative method, with literature resources from various books, international articles, government and news website. The result of this research explains about Indonesia participation on defense diplomacy in Indo-Pacific, including the activities, opportunities and challenges within, and Indonesia’s national interest in the defense diplomacy.

Bahasa Indonesia Abstract: Dinamika politik, ekonomi, dan sosial global di era modern ini telah menggeser kepentingan setiap bangsa terhadap kekuatan pertahanan menjadi penguasaan sumber daya alam. Salah satu daerah yang kaya akan sumber daya adalah Indo-Pasifik. Masih belum ada undang-undang internasional tentang perbatasan teritorial kawasan, tetapi beberapa negara kuat yang menyusun skema perbatasan versi mereka sendiri, berdasarkan kepentingan nasional mereka sendiri. Sebagai konsensus geografis umum, wilayahnya berkisar dari Samudra Pasifik, Samudra Hindia, dan wilayah daratan di dalamnya. Kawasan yang secara geopolitik strategis ini memiliki potensi besar untuk pemberdayaan Ekonomi Biru atau industri perkapalan dan juga menarik berbagai masalah keamanan maritim seperti pembajakan, penyelundupan, dan penangkapan ikan ilegal. Indonesia sebagai salah satu Founding Fathers ASEAN dan terletak di titik strategis jalur perdagangan internasional, memiliki banyak potensi untuk menjadi pemain utama di Indo-Pasifik. Indonesia perlu meningkatkan peran politiknya sekaligus mempertahankan keamanan Indo-Pasifik melalui diplomasi pertahanan. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan metode kualitatif, dengan sumber literatur dari berbagai buku, artikel internasional, pemerintah dan situs berita. Hasil penelitian ini menjelaskan tentang partisipasi Indonesia dalam diplomasi pertahanan di Indo-Pasifik, termasuk kegiatan, peluang dan tantangan di dalamnya, serta kepentingan nasional Indonesia dalam diplomasi pertahanan.
Is COPD a Cause of Premature Death?
Authors: Duarte de Araújo António , Ferreira Daniela
Published: September 2022

N/a.
Comment on: Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma with Axillary Cutaneous Invasion in a HIV Positive Patient
Authors: Barbosa Joana , Valejo Coelho Margarida Moura
Published: September 2022

N/a.
Commentary to the Paper “Prevalence of the Most Frequent Neuropsychiatric Diagnoses in Hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 Patients Evaluated by Liaison Psychiatry: Cross-Sectional Study”
Authors: Andrade Gabriela , Saraiva Rodrigo , Ganança Licínia , Góis Carlos , Novais Filipa
Published: September 2022

N/a.
Design de Serviços em uma Organização Pública com Produção Industrial
Authors: Maia do Carmo Vianna Dantas Caroline , BORGES RENAULT THIAGO
Published: September 2022

O objetivo do estudo é a aplicação do design de serviços em organização pública com produção industrial gráfica. Neste intuito fundamenta-se na literatura sobre design de serviços, inovação em serviços centrada no usuários, proto-personas, jornada dos usuários, blueprint de serviços e user experience (UX) para coletar, tratar e processar dados oriundos dos questionários anônimos submetidos aos usuários do quinquênio 2015-2019 a respeito de suas experiências de uso. Consecutivamente, a pesquisa aplica as ferramentas provenientes da literatura, propondo soluções aplicadas e empáticas às necessidades vigentes dos usuários para desenvolver serviços com maior valor perceptível aos usuários.
PRESENTISMO E A EXPERIÊNCIA VIVA DO TEMPO: UMA APROXIMAÇÃO EXISTENCIAL E NARRATIVISTA
Authors: Costa Vítor Hugo dos Reis
Published: September 2022

Trata-se de uma tentativa de atualização das premissas da teoria da identidade narrativa de Paul Ricoeur diante do desafio lançado pelo presentismo tal como concebido por François Hartog. Nessa direção, em um primeiro momento serão apresentados elementos que enfatizam a presença da influência da teoria agostiniana do tríplice presente na noção ricoeuriana de experiência viva bem como na teoria da história de Reinhart Koselleck e no existencialismo sartreano. Em um segundo momento, será avaliada a possibilidade de equacionar a experiência viva do tríplice presente e a teoria da identidade narrativa. No terceiro momento, serão apresentadas algumas pistas para um novo modelo de identidade narrativa em sintonia com os desafios lançados pelo presentismo.
A MODERAÇÃO DA RESPOSTA DE THOMAS REID AO CETICISMO
Authors: Freitas Vinícius França
Published: September 2022

O artigo apresenta uma hipótese sobre a moderação na resposta de Tho- mas Reid ao ceticismo. Defende-se, inicialmente, que as crenças do senso comum, apesar de devidas a faculdades fiáveis, são dubitáveis, falíveis e corrigíveis, de modo que não estão completamente imunes ao ataque cético. Defende-se, na sequência, que Reid pretende responder tão somente a uma forma de ceticismo, a parcial – o ceticismo de autores que aceitam ao menos uma faculdade mental como fonte fiável de conhecimento. Reid não pretende discutir com o cético que nega igualmente seu assentimento a todas as faculdades mentais – isto é, o cético radical. Essa forma radical de ceticismo é inofensiva à vida prática e à filosofia e, por essa razão, não deve ser considerada. Por fim, busca-se considerar a interpretação aqui defendida à luz de leituras presentes na literatura secundária.
The Immunomodulating Properties of Noni Juice
Authors: West Brett J.
Published: September 2022

Morinda citrifolia (noni) fruit juice has the potential to influence immune system function. This review discusses results from several human and animal studies that provide insight into the potential mechanisms of action by which noni juice exerts its immunomodulatory effects. Increased natural killer cell activity is a likely a major contributor to the improved health outcomes and increased survival times described in case reports and as observed in LLC and S180 tumor bearing mice. Increased interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production is also an important mechanism of action through which noni improves immune function. IFN-γ promotes natural killer cell activity and phagocytosis, activities both seen in human and bovine studies as well as in rodents. Noni promotes regulatory cytokine expression, such as IL-2 which stimulates CD4+ T cell differentiation. Noni juice appears to influence this process via kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) protein kinase B (Akt) and nuclear factor-kappa-beta signaling. As oxidative status is known to influence immune function, this review also discusses the notable antioxidant properties of noni juice that have been demonstrated in human trials.
Computation of edge Pi index, vertex Pi index and Szeged index of some cactus chains
Authors: Vujošević Saša
Published: September 2022

A cactus chain is a connected graph in which all blocks are cycles, each cycle has at most two cut-vertices and each cut-vertex is shared by exactly two cycles. In this paper we give exact values of edge PI index and vertex PI index of an arbitrary cactus chain and vertex Szeged index of some special types of cactus chains.
Capacitação em uso e manejo de animais de laboratório
Authors: Bortolatto Cristiani Folharini , Strelow Dianer Nornberg , Krüger Letícia Devantier , Alves Amália Gonçalves , Paim Mariana Parron , Silva Wellington da , Rech Taís da Silva Teixeira , Brüning César Augusto
Published: September 2022

O uso de animais de laboratório é importante para as pesquisas científicas, especialmente na área da saúde. Para isso, é fundamental a garantia do bem-estar animal por meio do preparo e treinamento contínuo dos indivíduos que os manejam. O curso de extensão universitária “Capacitação em Uso e Manejo de Animais de Laboratório” tem como propósitos a difusão e a atualização de conceitos e protocolos de pesquisa que envolvam a experimentação animal, bem como a discussão de seus preceitos éticos. Assim, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo divulgar os resultados deste curso de extensão, desenvolvido por meio das mídias sociais. A metodologia utilizada para realização do curso (1ª edição) nos módulos teórico e teórico-prático foi adaptada para a forma on-line, por meio de mídias sociais, devido à pandemia da COVID-19. Para esta proposta, foram disponibilizadas palestras assíncronas e um encontro síncrono para o módulo teórico e teórico-prático, respectivamente, via plataformas digitais. Ao final, foram aplicados questionários on-line para avaliação das ações extensionistas. Neste trabalho, foram avaliadas questões referentes à divulgação, organização, realização, adequação da programação, duração do evento e conhecimento dos palestrantes. Como resultado, obteve-se uma avaliação positiva de forma majoritária sobre os pontos mencionados. Além disso, diversas respostas às questões discursivas das avaliações apontam para o sucesso da realização e a importância da oferta periódica do curso. Assim, infere-se que o evento cumpriu os objetivos propostos, proporcionando a propagação de um curso de extensão capaz de interligar conhecimentos em benefício da comunidade por meio das mídias sociais.
Improving the identification of large vessel occlusion stroke during the emergency call: Protocol for the controlled LESTOR study with a stepped-wedge design
Authors: Rau Diana , Zimmermann Nicole , Schuchardt Florian , Nau Anne , Meier Simone , Herrmann Matthias L. , Bergmann Ulrike , Brich Jochen , Farin-Glattacker Erik
Published: September 2022

BackgroundLarge vessel occlusions (LVO) cause up to 30% of acute ischemic strokes. Mechanical thrombectomy is the first line treatment performed by neurointerventionalists. In Germany, neurointerventionalists are mostly situated in comprehensive stroke centres (CSC). Thus, long transport distances to CSCs may be necessary. The aim of this study is to implement and evaluate an intervention that involves lay first responders in the early identification of LVO, followed by a direct assignment to a CSC.Methods This controlled study with a stepped-wedge design and clustering of six emergency control centres in southwest Germany will stepwise implement LVO screening performed during the emergency call. Individuals with suspected LVO in both the control and intervention group (n=250) will undergo the usual treatment. In addition, emergency medical service dispatchers will screen patients in the intervention group for cortical stroke symptoms. For those with suspected LVO, air rescue is initiated immediately by the dispatchers. If the emergency medical service on scene confirms the suspected LVO, the patient benefits from accelerated transportation to the CSC. The primary endpoint is the clinical outcome measured by the modified Rankin Scale 90 days post-stroke. In addition, we will perform a qualitative process evaluation.Discussion We will assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of a systematic screening for symptoms of acute LVO implemented at the emergency control centre. The process evaluation will provide additional insight into how the participating emergency professionals perceive the intervention and the psychological impact on lay first responders. We hypothesize that early, pre-hospital identification of LVO patients and an optimized rescue chain will enable earlier treatment - especially in rural areas. We expect improved clinical outcomes of LVO patients and a better understanding for future studies with larger sample sizes.Trial registrationDRKS (German Clinical Trials Register), DRKS-ID: DRKS00022152. Registered 19th October 2020, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00022152; WHO UTN: U1111-1253-5758.
A manganese oxide/MOF nano-composite for the adsorption of methylene blue from an aqueous solution
Authors: Geranmayeh Shokoofeh , Moradi Arezoo
Published: September 2022

Metal-organic framework composites exhibit several advantages, including water stability which is critical for the actual applications of MOF in aqueous-phase media. In this regard, a new MnO2/IRMOF-3 composite material was synthesized via the bottle-around-ship method and characterized using different techniques. The potential of the synthesized material was examined for the removal of methylene blue from an aqueous solution, as the structure becomes more water-stable by embedding the MnO2 nanoparticles in the IRMOF-3 framework. The potential of this composite has been studied as an adsorbent to remove methylene blue from aqueous solutions. The effect of adsorbent dosages, adsorbate concentration, pH of the solution, and adsorbant-adsorbate contact time was investigated. The synthesized material shows high efficiency in removing the methylene blue from an aqueous solution at almost neutral pH conditions with low contact time.
Identification of key molecules for castration resistance prostate cancer by bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Hu Jieping , Yu Yue , Liu Wei , Xi Haibo
Published: September 2022

Background: Castration resistance prostate cancer (CRPC) is a complex tumor associated with high mortality. To discover key molecules in CRPC, we dissected the data of CRPC based on arrays by bioinformatic analysis. Methods: The gene expression profiling datasets of prostate cancer were analyzed online. The Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID, https://david.ncifcrf.gov/) was used to perform Gene Ontology (GO) functional and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) in Cytoscape software (Cytoscape_v3.6.1) was applied to screen hub genes. Gene expression data were obtained from the ONCOMINE website (https://www.oncomine.org/). The gene expression and survival data were downloaded and analyzed. Results: 4 datasets (GSE104935, GSE120005, GSE78201, and GSE21887) were included for analysis. The 15 overlap up-regulated genes and 27 overlap down-regulated genes were identified and analyzed by DAVID. 11 proteins corresponding to genes (ELOVL6, ABCA1, FOXO3, and TNRC6B; ALDH1A3, OSBPL8, ACSL3, SLC45A3, KLK2, FKBP5, and PMEPA1) were identified to be key genes. Gene expression suggested OSBPL8, PMEPA1, and SLC45A3 were different expressed in CRPC patients, these genes were also associated with survival. Conclusions: OSBPL8, PMEPA1, and SLC45A3 were involved with CRPC. These candidate genes were rarely researched, their functions needed experiments in vivo and in vitro to verify.
Risk factors of pelvic fracture combined with humeral fracture: A retrospective study
Authors: Li Zhengjiang , Chen Xing , Zhang Yan , Li Shunqiang , Ji Haibo , Li Yongkui , Xing Shuxing
Published: September 2022

Background
Pelvic fractures are often associated with other injuries, and in our study, pelvic fractures associated with humeral fractures were the most common. We pooled patient data to analyze the independent risk factors for pelvic fractures associated with humeral fractures.
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted on the clinical data of 254 patients with pelvic fractures admitted to the Department of Orthopedics of Chengdu Fifth People’s Hospital, from August 2017 to August 2021. Independent sample T test found that pelvic fractures combined with humeral fractures were statistically significant. The main outcome indicators of pelvic fracture combined with humeral fracture were as follows: Tile classification of pelvic fractures, number of humeral fractures and Injury Severity Scale (ISS); Secondary outcome indicators: gender, age, body mass index (BMI), cause of injury, underlying diseases, etc. Single factor analysis was performed to screen risk factors for each indicator, and logistic analysis was used to determine independent risk factors for indicators with P < 0.05.
Results
Of the 254 patients with pelvic fractures, 24 (9.45%) were associated with humeral fractures, much higher than other single injuries, and only pelvic fractures associated with humeral fractures were statistically significant (P = 0.014). Pelvic fractures without concomitant humeral fractures (n = 230) and pelvic fractures with concomitant humeral fractures (n = 24) were associated with age (P = 0.006; 95% CI = 0.087–0.665; OR = 10.258), ISS score (P = 0.002; 95% CI = 1.839–4.445; OR = 8.721), Tile scores (P = 0.01; 95% CI = 22.554–87.419; OR = 22.736), but there was no statistical significance in gender (P = 1.03), BMI (P = 0.437) and injury cause (P = 3.04).
Conclusion
The combination of pelvic fracture and humerus fracture was statistically significant, and age > 60 years old, pelvic fracture Tile B2 classification above and high ISS were the independent risk factors for humerus fracture in pelvic fracture. Therefore, in clinical work, when clinicians treat patients with pelvic fractures aged > 60 years old, Tile B2 type above classification of pelvic fractures and high ISS, they should be highly vigilant about whether the humerus fractures are accompanied.
Visualizing the domino-like prepore-to-pore transition of Streptolysin O by high-speed AFM
Authors: Ariyama Hirotaka
Published: September 2022

Pore-forming proteins (PFPs) are produced by various organisms, including pathogenic bacteria, and form pores within the target cell membrane. Streptolysin O (SLO) is a PFP produced by Streptococcus pyogenes and forms high-order oligomers on the membrane surface. In this prepore state, multiple α-helices in domain 3 of each subunit exist as unfolded structures and transiently interact with each other. They subsequently transition into transmembrane β-hairpins (TMHs) and form pores with diameters of 20–30 nm. However, in this pore formation process, the trigger of the transition in a subunit and collaboration between subunits remains elusive. Here, I observed the dynamic pore formation process using high-speed atomic force microscopy. During the oligomer transition process, each subunit was sequentially inserted into the membrane, propagating along the oligomer in a domino-like fashion (chain reaction). This process also occurred on hybrid oligomers containing wildtype and mutant subunits, which cannot insert into the membrane because of an introduced disulfide bond. Furthermore, propagation still occurred when an excessive force was added to hybrid oligomers in the prepore state. Based on the observed chain reactions, I estimate the free energies and forces that trigger the transition in a subunit. Furthermore, I hypothesize that the collaboration between subunits is related to the structure of their TMH regions and interactions between TMH–TMH and TMH-lipid molecules.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality in people with dementia without COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Axenhus Michael , Frederiksen Kristian Steen ,   Robin Ziyue Zhou1, Waldemar Gunhild , Winblad Bengt
Published: September 2022

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to determine whether there was any significant difference in mortality amongst people with dementia without COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to previous years.MethodsA literature search was conducted in 5 databases. The relative risk ratio and confidence interval was used to estimate the change in mortality rates amongst people with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The I2 value was used to assess heterogeneity, publication bias, and sensitivity analyses were performed.ResultsPooled analysis of 11 studies showed that mortality amongst people living with dementia was significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic for people with dementia without COVID-19. Mortality risk increased by 25% during the time period studied.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that people with dementia had a significant increased mortality during the pandemic even if they did not have COVID-19 which could be an indication of worsened quality of care. Further research into the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on dementia mortality is warranted.
Ultrasound assisted exploration of the primary anatomical dimension of lumbar epidural fat affecting epidural labour analgesia
Authors: Xu Chenyang , Guo Wenjun , Zhang Peijin , Yuan Hongmei , Feng Shanwu
Published: September 2022

Background
There is ambivalence about the effect of epidural fat on local anaesthetic diffusion in epidural anaesthesia. This study aimed to investigate the primary anatomical dimension of epidural fat affecting epidural labour analgesia using ultrasound measurements of the ligamentum flavum-dura mater unit (LFDM).
Methods
A total of 162 women who received epidural labour analgesia were included in this study. The height (H), diameter (d), and volume (V) of the lumbar LFDM were measured and calculated using ultrasound as a proxy for the dimensions of epidural fat. After anaesthesia, the main observations were whether the analgesia was effective within 30 min and the changes in the levels of temperature and pain blockade within 30 min.
Results
A total of 160 patients completed the follow-up. The height (H) of the LFDM (AUC = 0.882) was more predictive of maternal analgesia than the volume (V) of the LFDM (AUC = 0.667). Although the volume (V) of the LFDM was weakly correlated with the temperature block level (r=-0.423, P < 0.0001) and pain block level (r=-0.459, P < 0.0001), the height (H) of the LFDM was strongly correlated with the temperature block level (r=-0.864, P < 0.0001) and pain block level (r=-0.811, P < 0.0001). With a height (H) of LFDM = 12.06 as the cutoff, the sensory block level was significantly higher in the short LFDM group than in the long LFDM group within 30 min.
Conclusion
The height (H) of the lumbar LFDM, as determined by ultrasound, rather than its volume, is the primary anatomical dimension of epidural fat that affects epidural labour analgesia.
PD-L1 on lymphatic endothelium inside tumor: a novel predictor for the efficacy of anti-angiogenesis (anlotinib) plus anti-PD-L1 antibody
Authors: Zhang Cuicui , Chu Tianqing , Wang Qiming , Cheng Ying , Zhang Yongxiang , Wang Ruili , Han Baohui , Li Kai
Published: September 2022

Objective
To elucidate the predictive power of programmed death receptor ligand (PD-L) 1 on endothelial cells of lymphatic (LECs) on the efficacy of anlotinib plus PD-L1 antibody and screen the advantageous population of treatment.
Methods
The positive rate of PD-L1 on LECs and tumor cells (TCs) was assessed through pretherapeutic paraffin sections in an Ib clinical trial of TQ-B2450 (PD-L1 antibody) alone or in combination with anlotinib on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The progression-free survival (PFS) of different PD-L1 expressions was compared.
Results
In 75 cases, mPFS of the cases receiving TQB2450 with anlotinib(10mg and 12mg) (161 and 190 days) was longer than for those receiving TQB2450 alone (61 days) (HR10mg = 0.390 [95%CI, 0.201–0.756], P = 0.005; HR12mg = 0.397 [95%CI, 0.208–0.756], P = 0.005). Similar results were exhibited among 58 patients with high PD-L1 expression on LECs and TCs (159 days and 209 days vs 82 days, HR10mg = 0.445 [95%CI, 0.210–0.939], P = 0.034; HR12mg = 0.369 [95%CI, 0.174–0.784], P = 0.009;). mPFS between TQ-B2450 or with combined therapy revealed no difference in 13 low/no LEC-expressed PD-L1 and 4 low TC-expressed PD-L1 patients.
Conclusion
Monoimmunotherapy is unsatisfiedly effective in patients with high PD-L1 expression LECs; anlotinib may increase the efficacy by downregulating PD-L1 expression on lymphatic endothelial cells, which is presumed to be a feasible marker for screening the optimal immune patient population undergoing antiangiogenic therapy.
Reliable Knowledge Discovery from Social Media Data in Health Crisis in Developing Countries
Authors: Naseem Ayesha , Hassan Malik Tahir , Naseer Ateeqa , Rafique Muhammad Aasim , Jeon Moongu
Published: September 2022

Social media is a barometer to anticipate sentiment of the public about the state of affairs and ongoing pandemic engaged an additional user base who are confined to their stations. COVID-19 startled the world and the crisis exacerbates in the absence of sufficient data for policy making. The data from social media and a timely analysis can provide sufficient statistics for decision-making. This study explores Twitter data to discover knowledgeable statistics on public sentiments about COVID-19 vaccination in developing countries. The study inspects data collected from two extremely populated developing countries: India and Pakistan. Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier achieves 74.3% accuracy on the manually labeled dataset. Furthermore, the sentiment analysis is correlated with other indigenous factors like regional literacy rate and COVID-19 calamities in the time interval. It is observed that the negative to positive sentiments correlates with a lower to higher regional literacy rate and a higher COVID-19 intensity causes positive sentiments towards vaccination. The correlations of results with indigenous factors may help to advocate the devised strategies to the right audience and social media knowledge discovery with machine learning techniques may help to recover from data scarcity challenges in a medical emergency like COVID-19 in developing countries. Please note: Abbreviations should be introduced at the first mention in the main text – no abbreviations lists. Suggested structure of main text (not enforced) is provided below.
Curative effect and technical key points of laparoscopic surgery for choledochal cysts in children
Authors: Bian Zedong , Zhi Yong , Zeng Xinhao , Wang Xiaoyong
Published: September 2022

Background
The purpose of this study was to investigate the curative effect of and experience with laparoscopic surgery for congenital choledochal cysts in children.
Methods
This is a retrospective analysis of 33 children diagnosed with congenital choledochal cyst in the pediatric surgery department of the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University between January 2019 and December 2021. The cohort included 8 males and 25 females aged 0.25 to 13.7 years (median age, 3.2 years), including 21 cases of type I and 12 cases of type IV choledochal cyst (Todani classification). Laparoscopic choledochal cyst resection and hepaticojejunostomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis were performed in all the patients.
Results
Laparoscopy without transit opening was successfully performed in the 33 cases. The duration of the procedure was 235–460 min (mean ± SD, 316 ± 61 min), and intraoperative blood loss volume was 15–40 ml (23 ± 7.6 ml). Postoperative hospital stay was 7–14 days (9 ± 1.8 days). Postoperative biliary fistula and pancreatitis occurred in two cases each, and all four patients were successfully treated with conservative treatment. No anastomotic stenosis, delayed bleeding, cholangitis, intestinal obstruction, or other complications occurred. All the children were followed up for 2–36 months. The clinical symptoms disappeared, and no obvious hepatic dysfunction was found on abdominal color ultrasound and liver function examination.
Conclusions
Laparoscopic surgery for congenital choledochal cyst in children is safe and effective, as it is a minimally invasive surgery that is associated with a low degree of trauma and bleeding, rapid postoperative recovery, and satisfactory aesthetic appearance.
Two-Tiered Stochastic Frontier Models: A Bayesian Perspective
Authors: Zhao Shirong , Losak Jeremy
Published: September 2022

Bayesian methods have been well studied in one-tiered stochastic frontier literature, but as of yet have not been proposed in a two-tiered stochastic frontier (2TSF) setting. Recently, 2TSF models have drawn much attention, observed by increased theoretical extensions and empirical applications. This paper fills the gap in the literature by presenting a Bayesian approach to estimating 2TSF models, with and without efficiency (or bargaining power) determinants. Posterior distributions for the parameters and efficiencies for two bargaining parties are derived. Finally, we use both maximum likelihood estimation and Bayesian methods to analyze bargaining power in Major League Baseball salary arbitration negotiations. We find that players who generate their value by hitting for power have more bargaining power, while players who generate their value by having high on-base abilities have less bargaining power. This result is consistent with pre-Moneyball free agent market valuations for these skills.JEL Classification: C1, C3, Z22
STOML2 Restricts Mitophagy and Increases Chemosensitivity in Pancreatic Cancer through Stabilizing PARL-induced PINK1 degradation
Authors: Qin Cheng , Wang Yuanyang , Zhao Bangbo , Li Zeru , Li Tianyu , Yang Xiaoying , Zhao Yutong , Wang Weibin
Published: September 2022

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal diseases with a relatively low 5-year survival rate, while gemcitabine-based chemoresistance happens constantly. Mitochondria, as the power factory in cancer cells, are involved in the process of chemoresistance. The dynamic balance of mitochondria is under the control of the mitophagy process. Stomatin-like protein 2 (STOML2) locates in the mitochondrial inner membrane and expresses highly in cancer cells. In this study, using a Tissue Microarray (TMA), we found that high STOML2 expression was correlated with higher survival of patients with pancreatic cancer. Meanwhile, proliferation and chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer cells could be retarded by STOML2. Besides, we found STOML2 was positively related to mitochondrial mass and negatively related to mitophagy in pancreatic cancer cells. STOML2 stabilized PARL and further prevented gemcitabine-induced PINK1-dependent mitophagy. We also performed subcutaneous xenografts to verify the enhancement of gemcitabine therapy induced by STOML2. These findings suggested that STOML2 regulated the mitophagy process through a PARL/PINK1 pathway, thereby reducing the chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer. STOML2-overexpression targeted therapy might be helpful for gemcitabine sensitization in the future.
Toxic Metals Contamination of Paddy (Oryza Sativa) and Imported Rice Sold in Kaduna and Its Human Health Risk Assessment
Authors: Feka D. P. , Anhwange B. A. , Adie P. A.
Published: September 2022

Hg, Cd, Pb, As, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cr, Co and V were evaluated in paddy (Oryza sativa) and foreign rice collected from thirteen local government areas of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Concentration of Cu was below WHO/FAO and NAFDAC (40.00 mg/kg) regulatory limit. Concentration of Zn was within the WHO/FAO limit, Ni (0.03 mg/kg) was above the WHO/FAO threshold limit in samples Le3, Kc1, Ik2, TO and KG. Pb was detected in all samples except inKa2. Co, Fe, Pb, Cd, Mn and Cr were below WHO/FAO and NAFDAC regulatory limits in all samples. Guidance value was not available for V. Associated health risks of these metals show the daily intake of metals (EDIM)for Cd (0.0000935 mg/kg), Cr (0.001105 to 0.002125 mg/kg), Mn (0.00034 to 0.00765 mg/kg). EDIM of As was below the daily limit Target hazard quotient measured for Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr, Mn and Co in all samples were < 1, except for As. There exists cancer risk at a lower limit of 64 chances in 1000 lifetime exposure and an upper limit of 14 chances in 100 lifetime exposure for any combination of two or more of Ni, Pb, Cd, As and Cr available for consumption. Statistical analysis reveals no significant differences (p < 0.05) in the concentrations of Cu, Cr, Mn, Pb, As and V but revealed significant difference in the concentrations of Zn, Ni, Cd, Fe and Co. Hg was not detected in all samples.
Lowering Propionic Acid Levels by Regulating Gut Microbiota with Ursodeoxycholic Acid Appears to Regress Autism Symptoms: An Animal Study
Authors: karakas Levent , Solmaz Volkan , Bagcioglu Erman , ozkul bahattin , sogut ibrahim , uyanikgil yigit , erbas oytun
Published: September 2022

Background
Autism is a complex neurobehavioral disorder that is associated with genetic and environmental factors. Patients with autism have altered gut microbiata, including higher frequency of bacteroidetes and clostridiales that produce of propionic acid (PPA) –a compound that is established as an autism-inducing agent. We hypothesized that lowering the PPA levels by regulating gut microbiata with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) can regress the autism symptoms.
Methods
Thirty male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: controls, PPA-induced (5 days of intraperitoneal 250 mg/kg/day dosage) autism model receiving oral saline, and PPA-induced autism model receiving oral UDCA (100 mg/kg/day). Oral treatments were applied for 15 days. At the end of the 15th day, all rats underwent behavioral tests and MR spectroscopy. At the end of the study, all animals were sacrificed and brain tissue / blood samples were collected for histopathological and biochemical analyses.
Results
Sociability test, open field test and passive avoidance learning tests were impaired, similar to the autism behavioral pattern, in PPA recipients; however, results were closer to normal patterns in the PPA + UDCA group. Biochemically, MDA, TNF-alpha, IL-2, IL-17, NF-kB, lactate, NGF and NRF2 levels in brain tissues showed significant differences between controls and the PPA + Saline group, and between the PPA + Saline group and the PPA + UDCA group. Histopathology showed that PPA injection caused increased glial activity, neural body degeneration, decreased neural count and dysmorphic changes in hippocampal and cerebellar tissues. UDCA treatment significantly ameliorated these changes.
Conclusion
UDCA administration has ameliorating effects on PPA-induced autism-like behavioral, biochemical and histopathological changes in rats.
Evaluation of eGFP expression in the ChAT-eGFP transgenic mouse brain
Authors: Gamage Rashmi , Münch Gerald , Zaborszky Laszlo , Gyengesi Erika
Published: September 2022

Background: A historically definitive marker for cholinergic neurons is choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), the synthesizing enzyme for acetylcholine, can be found in high concentration in cholinergic neurons, both in the central and peripheral nervous systems. ChAT, produced in the body of the neuron and is transported to the nerve terminal, where its concentration is highest, catalyzes the transfer of an acetyl group from the coenzyme acetyl-CoA to choline, yielding acetylcholine (Ach). The creation of the bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenic mice expressing promoter-specific fluorescent reporter proteins (green fluorescent protein - GFP) provided an enormous advantage for neuroscience. Both in vivo and in vitro experimental methods benefited from the transgenic visualization of the cholinergic neurons. Mice were created by adding a BAC clone into the ChAT locus, in which eGFP is inserted into exon 3 at the ChAT initiation codon, robustly and supposedly selectively expressing enhanced GFP (eGFP) in all cholinergic neurons and fibers in the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as in non-neuronal cells. Methods: This project systematically compared the exact distribution of the ChAT-eGFP expressing neurons in the brain with the expression of ChAT by immunohistochemistry using mapping, and comparison with in situ hybridization (ISH). Results: We qualitatively described the distribution of ChAT-eGFP neurons in the mouse brain comparing it with the distribution of immunoreactive neurons and ISH data, paying special attention to areas where the expression is not overlapping, such as the cortex, the striatum, the thalamus and the hypothalamus. We found complete overlap between the transgenic expression of eGFP and the immunohistochemical staining in the areas of the cholinergic basal forebrain. However, in the cortex and hippocampus we found small neurons that were only labelled with the antibody and not expressed eGFP or vice versa. Most importantly, we found no transgenic expression of eGFP in the lateral dorsal, ventral and dorsomedial tegmental nuclei cholinergic cells. Conclusion: While the majority of the forebrain choline acetyltransferase expression was aligned in the transgenic animals with immunohistochemistry, other areas of interest, such as the brainstem should be considered before choosing this particular transgenic mouse line.
The comparison of the watertight and non-watertight dural closure in supratentorial craniotomy: a single-institute 10-year experience with 698 patients
Authors: Wang Jianbo , Li Peiliang , Liang Bo , Ding Xinghuan , Gao Haili , Feng Enshan
Published: September 2022

Objective: Many neurosurgeons regard the watertight dural closure to be critical in cranial base surgery, infratentorial craniotomy, and spinal intradural procedure. Whether watertight dural closure also reduce complications remains controversial in supratentorial craniotomy. This study seeks to determine whether a watertight dural closure is associated with fewer complications during supratentorial craniotomy for intracranial space occupying lesion removal.Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients who suffered from intracranial space occupying lesions at Beijing Ditan Hospital between January 2011 and December 2021 was conducted. A total of 698 cases were reviewed with attention to the operative approach, subgaleal ﬂuid collection, wound healing impairment, postoperative infection, and post-craniotomy headaches.Results: A total of 423 patients with and 275 without dural watertight closure were included in this study, treated with supratentorial craniotomies. Patients without WTDC had a significantly higher rate of infection (10.9% vs 4.5% with WTDC, p = 0.001). The WTDC group had a rate of 9.7% in subgaleal ﬂuid collection, while the non-WTDC group had a rate of 11.3%, although this difference was not significant (p = 0.502). They suffered from a greater incidence of post-craniotomy headaches in the WTDC group (13.5% vs.9.5% in the non-WTDC group), but without statistical significance (p=0.109). We also found no difference in wound healing impairment (p = 0.719).Conclusions: There is less postoperative infection associated with watertight dural closure during intracranial space occupying lesion removal than without watertight dural closure in supratentorial craniotomy.
Edge Computing Load Balancing Offload Lightweight Strategy Based on Improved Optimal Stopping Theory
Authors: Pang Shanchen , Wang Nuanlai , Yu Shihang , Ji Xiaofeng
Published: September 2022

With the rise of edge computing, users can get efficient and secure services at the edge of the network, but the storage capacity of edge nodes is limited. When users upload data to edge servers, it is easy to cause the storage load imbalance between edge servers. In this paper, we propose a lightweight edge computing storage load balancing strategy based on the improved optimal stopping theory. The optimal stopping theory is used to guide intelligent vehicles to select the optimal target edge nodes, in order to maintain the storage load balance between edge nodes. In this paper, the sinusoidal load balancing evaluation function (SLBEF) is proposed as the selection criterion. Due to the delay requirement of data unloading and the hidden problem of excessive traversal in the traditional optimal stop theory, this paper proposes a nonlinear decay function to improve the optimal stopping theory. Simulation results show that the proposed method can effectively reduce the variance between edge nodes and has good performance in reducing the number of iterations compared with the traditional optimal stopping theory.
The Impact of Sewage Effluents on Water Quality of Lake Hawasa, Ethipia
Authors: Tibebe Dessie , Tesfaye Yemane , Kassa Yezbie
Published: September 2022

The physicochemical characteristics of water samples from Lake Hawassa was determined with the aim of pointing out possible impacts of industrial effluents, agricultural chemicals and domestic sewage on the water quality of the lake. For this, a total of 15 physicochemical parameters were measured in 72 water samples collected from four different locations on the lake that are adjacent to areas involved in various human activities including agriculture (Tikur Wuha), resort hotel (Haile Resort), public recreation (Gudumale) and referral hospital (Hitita). Samples were collected over a period of six months covering the dry and wet seasons in 2018/19. One-way analysis of variance revealed the presence of significant difference in the physicochemical quality of the lake’s water across the four study areas and the two seasons. Principal component analysis identified the most discriminating characteristics that differentiate the studied areas according to the nature and level of pollution status. Tikur Wuha area was found to be characterized by high levels of EC and TDS, with values of these parameters were about twice or more than that measured in the other areas. This was ascribed to contamination of the lake by runoff water from the surrounding farmlands. On the other hand, the water around the other three areas was characterized by high nitrate, sulfate and phosphate. Hierarchical cluster analysis classified the sampling areas in to two groups, where Tikur Wuha constituted one group and the other three locations the second group. Linear discriminant analysis provided 100% correct classification of the samples into the two cluster groups. The measured values of turbidity, fluoride and nitrate were found to be significantly higher than the standard limits set by national and international guidelines. These results show that the lake has been facing with serious pollution problems from various anthropogenic activities.