bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from SWI/SNF Complex Genomic Alterations as a Predictive Biomarker for Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Multiple Cancers
Authors: Wang Di , Wang Jianchao , Zhou Dongmei , Wu Zhixian , Liu Wei , Chen Yanping , Chen Gang , Zhang Jing
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Whether there is an association between SWI/SNF genomic alterations in tumors and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) remains unclear because prior studies have focused on either an individual gene or a predefined set of genes. Herein, using mutational and clinical data from 832 ICI-treated patients who underwent whole-exome sequencing, including sequencing of all 31 genes of the SWI/SNF complex, we found that SWI/SNF complex alterations were associated with significantly improved overall survival (OS) in melanoma, clear-cell renal cell carcinoma, and gastrointestinal cancer, as well as improved progression-free survival (PFS) in non–small cell lung cancer. Including tumor mutational burden as a variable, the multivariate Cox regression analysis showed SWI/SNF genomic alterations had prognostic value in melanoma [HR, 0.63 (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.47–0.85), P = 0.003], clear-cell renal cell carcinoma [HR, 0.62 (95% CI, 0.46–0.85), P = 0.003], and gastrointestinal cancer [HR, 0.42 (95% CI, 0.18–1.01), P = 0.053]. Furthermore, we used the random forest method for variable screening, identifying 14 genes as a SWI/SNF signature for potential clinical application. Significant correlations were observed between SWI/SNF signature alterations and improved OS and PFS in all cohorts. This suggests that SWI/SNF gene alterations are associated with better clinical outcomes in ICI-treated patients and may serve as a predictive marker for ICI therapy in multiple cancers.
Data from Netrin-1 promotes the immunosuppressive activity of MDSCs in colorectal cancer
Authors: Xia Xueli , Mao Zhenwei , Wang Wenxin , Ma Jie , Tian Jie , Wang Shengjun , Yin Kai
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSCs) inhibit antitumor immunity and confer a survival advantage for tumor evasion. Tumor cells also support MDSC expansion and recruitment by secreting multiple growth factors and cytokines, but the mechanisms by which tumors affect MDSC function are not completely understood. Here, we found that the neuronal guidance protein netrin-1 was selectively secreted by MC38 murine colon cancer cells, which could enhance the immunosuppressive activity of MDSCs. MDSCs predominantly expressed one type of netrin-1 receptor, adenosine receptor 2B (A2BR). Netrin-1 interacted with A2BR on MDSCs to activate the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway, which ultimately increased CREB phosphorylation in MDSCs. Furthermore, netrin-1 knockdown in tumor cells inhibited the immunosuppressive activity of MDSCs and restored antitumor immunity in MC38 tumor xenograft mice. Intriguingly, high netrin-1 in the plasma correlated with MDSCs in CRC patients. In conclusion, netrin-1 significantly enhanced the immunosuppressive function of MDSCs through A2BR on MDSCs, thus promoting the development of tumors. These findings highlight that netrin-1 may regulate the abnormal immune response in colorectal cancer and may become a potential target for immunotherapy.
Supplementary Table S1 from Mitochondrial metabolism drives low-density lipoprotein-induced breast cancer cell migration
Authors: Nóbrega-Pereira Sandrina , Santos Francisco , Santos Miguel Oliveira , Serafim Teresa L. , Patrícia Lopes Ana , Coutinho Diogo , Carvalho Filipa S. , Domingues Rosário M. , Domingues Pedro , Bernardes de Jesus Bruno , Morais Vanessa A , Dias Sérgio
Published: April 2023

List of primers used for measurements of gene expression levels and mtDNA content by quantitative real-time PCR.
Supplementary Figure S6 from Mitochondrial metabolism drives low-density lipoprotein-induced breast cancer cell migration
Authors: Nóbrega-Pereira Sandrina , Santos Francisco , Santos Miguel Oliveira , Serafim Teresa L. , Patrícia Lopes Ana , Coutinho Diogo , Carvalho Filipa S. , Domingues Rosário M. , Domingues Pedro , Bernardes de Jesus Bruno , Morais Vanessa A , Dias Sérgio
Published: April 2023

LDL-induced migratory behavior of TNBC cells relies in fatty acid transport into the mitochondria. Related to Fig. 5
Supplementary Figure S7 from Structurally Complex Osteosarcoma Genomes Exhibit Limited Heterogeneity within Individual Tumors and across Evolutionary Time
Authors: Rajan Sanjana , Zaccaria Simone , Cannon Matthew V. , Cam Maren , Gross Amy C. , Raphael Benjamin J. , Roberts Ryan D.
Published: April 2023

CHISEL plot for SJOS003939 samples
Supplementary Figure S3 from Structurally Complex Osteosarcoma Genomes Exhibit Limited Heterogeneity within Individual Tumors and across Evolutionary Time
Authors: Rajan Sanjana , Zaccaria Simone , Cannon Matthew V. , Cam Maren , Gross Amy C. , Raphael Benjamin J. , Roberts Ryan D.
Published: April 2023

Ploidy plots
Prevalence and Mortality Risk of Neurological Disorders during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Umbrella Review of the Current Evidence
Authors: Park Jong Mi , Woo Wongi , Lee Sang Chul , Park Seoyeon , Yon Dong Keon , Lee Seung Won , Smith Lee , Koyanagi Ai , Shin Jae Il , Kim Yong Wook
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a global pandemic, has infected approximately 10% of the world’s population. This comprehensive review aimed to determine the prevalence of various neurological disorders in COVID-19 without overlapping meta-analysis errors. Methods: We searched for meta-analyses on neurological disorders following COVID-19 published up to March 14, 2023. We obtained 1,184 studies, of which 44 meta-analyses involving 9,228,588 COVID-19 patients were finally included. After confirming the forest plot of each study and removing overlapping individual studies, a re-meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model. Results: The summarized combined prevalence of each neurological disorder is as follows: stroke 3.39% (95% confidence interval, 1.50–5.27), dementia 6.41% (1.36–11.46), multiple sclerosis 4.00% (2.50–5.00), epilepsy 5.36% (−0.60–11.32), Parkinson’s disease 0.67% (−1.11–2.45), encephalitis 0.66% (−0.44–1.77), and Guillain-Barré syndrome 3.83% (−0.13–7.80). In addition, the mortality risk of patients with comorbidities of COVID-19 is as follows: stroke OR 1.63 (1.23–2.03), epilepsy OR 1.71 (1.00–2.42), dementia OR 1.90 (1.31–2.48), Parkinson’s disease OR 3.94 (−2.12–10.01). Conclusion: Our results show that the prevalence and mortality risk may increase in some neurological diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future studies should elucidate the precise mechanisms for the link between COVID-19 and neurological diseases, determine which patient characteristics predispose them to neurological diseases, and consider potential global patient management.
Theology’s Concern for Wellbeing and Human Flourishing: A Research Program
Authors: Oviedo Lluis
Published: April 2023

This article proposes a new perspective for theology calling for fresh studies on religion and coping, resilience, wellbeing and flourishing. These studies have grown far from theological areas and could be seen as quite strange to that tradition, its methods, and views. However, theology can learn a lot from these new studies when trying to update its message of salvation, endowing it with a more explicit content and can offer interesting points to other treaties, like Christian Anthropology and Practical Theology. To that end the article reports and briefly reviews those relevant developments, tries to address several doubts and to connect better theology with that research, after assuming a more pragmatic and empirical stance.
The Chinese Textual Tradition of the Story of The King and His Dreams: An Analytical Investigation of Two Unstudied Recensions of the Story
Authors: Dehghani Farsani Yoones
Published: April 2023

This article provides the first translation into a European language of a barely-studied Chinese version (i.e., Yijing’s version) of a story found in Kalīla wa-Dimna known as “The King and His Dreams.” The article then compares the story with three versions from the Arabic textual tradition. Moreover, discussing the structure and content of this story, yet another unstudied Chinese version (i.e., Kinkara’s version) of the story is introduced. Both Chinese texts belong to the Chinese Buddhist canon (Taishō Tripiṭaka). Our study shows that of the two Chinese texts, Kinkara’s version bears less similarity to the three Arabic versions in terms of structure and content. Yijing’s text and the three Arabic versions are very close, but display in a number of scenes discrepancies in the general plot as well as in details, thereby creating different morals for the story in the two traditions. While the Arabic versions can be regarded as belonging to political advice literature, Yijing’s version remains a story with a religious moral. The variances between Yijing’s text and the three Arabic texts could partly be ascribed to possible adjustment of the original Sanskrit text of the story by the compiler-author of the Middle Persian Kalīla wa-Dimna in order to make the story adaptable to the agenda and the context of his book. Yijing’s text shows distinct similarities to the Tibetan version of the story.
De Ikoon Van Jezus' Doop in de Jordaan
Authors: Jacobs A.
Published: April 2023

L’icône du baptème de Jésus dans le Jourdain

Le baptème du Christ est une des images les plus anciennes de l’iconographie chrétienne. On la trouve déjà au 3e siècle. Le bapteme était un thème important à cause de la manifestation du Christ comme Fils-de Dieu et de la révélation du mystère de la Trinité. Avec le baptème le Christ commence sa mission sur terre.

A partir du 5e siècle la composition des différents éléments est déjà fixe. II n’y a que des nuances et des détails qui varient.

II existe un lien étroit entre l’icône du baptème et celle de la résurrection. Le Christ descend dans l’eau du Jourdain, symbole du mal et de la mort, et il sort de l’eau comme signe de la rédemption. L’icône de la résurrection nous montre le Christ descendant dans les ténèbres pour déliver tous ceux qui attendent la rédemption.
South America stygobiont crustaceans: a new species of Hyalellidae (Amphipoda) and new reports of Stygocarididae (Anaspidacea) and Protojaniridae (Isopoda) from Calingasta Valley, Pre-Andean region, San Juan, Argentina
Authors: PERALTA MARCELA ALEJANDRA , VERÓNICA ISA MIRANDA ÁGUEDA
Published: April 2023

We describe one new eyeless Hyalella species, H. cuyana n. sp., from the hyporheic zone of Calingasta River, San Juan Province, Argentina. Hyalella cuyana n. sp. differs morphologically from its stygobiont congeners by characters of antennae (both antennae subequal in size; aesthetascs elongated); coxal plate 4 (posteriorly without excavation); epimeral plates 1–3 (rounded posterodistally); male gnathopod 2 propodus (almond-shaped, ovate, palm slope strongly oblique); and pleopods (inner ramus reduced to 2–3 articles). We provide a detailed morphological comparison between stygobiont and stygophile Hyalella species. We comment on the sympatry and new report of stygobiont Malacostraca species Parastygocaris andina and Cuyojanira sp. Severe environmental changes and significant decline of habitat quality recorded along the Calingasta River increase the risk of extinction for this vulnerable and endemic fauna. We recommend that the new Hyalella species should be listed as Critically Endangered (CR) in the IUCN categorization according to criteria B1a as it is only known from the type locality; and criteria B1b iii (continuing decline, observed, inferred in the quality of habitat).
Notes on the morphology of two species of Limnocoris Stål (Heteroptera: Naucoridae) from South America
Authors: RODRIGUES HIGOR D. D. , SITES ROBERT W.
Published: April 2023

In the present study, new distribution records and notes on the wing polymorphism of Limnocoris pallescens (Stål, 1861), a species distributed in Colombia and Venezuela, are presented. Also, after the discovery of two female paralectotypes of L. pectoralis Montandon, 1897 deposited at the Natural History Museum in London, ongoing uncertainty about the shape of the diagnostic mediosternite VII (subgenital plate) of this species has been resolved.
Taxonomic study on the spider wasp genus Ceropales Latreille, 1796 (Pompilidae: Ceropalinae) with description of two new species from India
Authors: ANJU K. , THEJASS P. , BINOY C. , KUMAR P. GIRISH
Published: April 2023

The spider wasp genus Ceropales Latreille, 1796 from India was studied, resulting in the discovery of two new species in the nominotypical subgenus: Ceropales (Ceropales) anaghae Anju, Girish Kumar & Thejass, sp. nov. and C. (C.) keralaensis Anju, Binoy & Thejass, sp. nov. Description of the new species with illustrations, comparisons with congeners and a key to Indian species of the subgenus are also provided.
Intercomparison between Ground-Based and Spaceborne Radars’ Echo-Top Heights: Application to the Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor and the Global Precipitation Measurement
Authors: Mandement Marc , Kirstetter Pierre , Reeves Heather
Published: April 2023

The accuracy and uncertainty of radar echo-top heights estimated by ground-based radars remain largely unknown despite their critical importance for applications ranging from aviation weather forecasting to severe weather diagnosis. Because the vantage point of space is more suited than that of ground-based radars for the estimation of echo-top heights, the use of spaceborne radar observations is explored as an external reference for cross comparison. An investigation has been carried out across the conterminous United States by comparing the NOAA/National Severe Storms Laboratory Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor (MRMS) system with the space-based radar on board the NASA–JAXA Global Precipitation Measurement satellite platform. No major bias was assessed between the two products. An annual cycle of differences is found, driven by an underestimation of the stratiform cloud echo-top heights and an overestimation of the convective ones. The investigation of the systematic biases for different radar volume coverage patterns (VCP) shows that scanning strategies with fewer tilts and greater voids as VCP 21/121/221 contribute to overestimations observed for high MRMS tops. For VCP 12/212, the automated volume scan evaluation and termination (AVSET) function increases the radar cone of silence, causing overestimations when the echo top lies above the highest elevation scan. However, it seems that for low echo tops the shorter refresh rates contribute to mitigate underestimations, especially in stratiform cases.
Effects of organically-modified montmorillonite and alkalinization on physical, mechanical, chemical, morphological, and thermal properties of wheat straw/recycled polypropylene nanocomposites
Authors: Naghdi Reza , Nejat Tahereh
Published: April 2023

Valorization of wheat straw fiber/recycled polypropylene nanocomposites was investigated through studying the individual and combined effects of organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) and alkali treatments on the given composites. FTIR spectra indicated the reduction of wheat straw fibers' hydroxyl groups due to hemicellulose removal resulting from alkali treatment. There were also trace diminutions in C-O peak intensities due to the degradation of little amounts of lignin. X-ray analysis revealed the intercalation of nanoclay in the polymer matrix. The improved interaction of fiber-polymer interfaces brought about by alkali treatment was also confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The water absorption and thickness swelling properties of the nanocomposites were improved due to the barrier properties of nanoclay against water ingress. The flexural strength and modulus of elasticity increased by the individual, and likewise combined treatments. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the temperatures of first and second stages of composites' thermal degradation increased via the formation of a carbonized char layer thermally insulating the deeper composite layers. Differential scanning calorimetry showed some slight increases in the melting temperature, melting enthalpy, crystallisation temperature, crystallisation enthalpy, and crystallinity index of the treated composites due to the nucleating effect of nanofillers. The overall results showed that the combined treatment of OMMT and NaOH (vs. the individual ones) could significantly improve the overall properties of the studied composites. This was due to some interesting synergistic effects of the given treatments converting the wheat straw fiber/recycled polypropylene nanocomposites to high performance materials of choice for industry.
Application of image processing technology on testing blending ratio and blending irregularity of blended yarns
Authors: Cao Qiaoli , Zhou Yuyang , Yu Chongwen
Published: April 2023

The blending ratio and blending irregularity of the blended yarn determine its property and quality. In this article, the image processing method was introduced to accurately and conveniently measure the blending ratio and blending irregularity of blended yarn by using images of the blended yarn cross sections. The Euclidean distance peeling method was applied to segment the adhered fibers to make them individual. Then, the fibers were classified according to characteristic parameters of fiber cross section such as color, shape, and area. The experiments were implemented to verify the accuracy and applicability of the image processing method to test the irregularity of blended bundles, slivers, and yarns by different fibers including polyester, viscose, and wool. The results show that the fiber identification error rate of the image processing method for blended bundles, compared with the designed, is less than 2%; the blending irregularity difference rate between image processing method and the manual counting method is less than 5% for blended sliver by sliver blending; the difference rate of the blending ratio of polyester/viscose blended yarn between designed and measured by image processing method is less than 5%, while manual counting method is less than 10%. The findings mean that the image processing method proposed in this article can greatly save labor and time on identifying and counting fibers, and it is a more accurate, convenient, and reliable method to test blending irregularity.
In-orbit calibration of the pyramid coarse sun sensor using Lyapunov-based conical maneuvers of the satellite: A new framework
Authors: Mafi Maryam , Saki Saman , Bolandi Hossein
Published: April 2023

Due to the lightweight, inexpensive, and simplicity, coarse sun sensors (CSS) are an interesting part of the small satellites with low-earth orbit. However, the CSS drawbacks such as low accuracy and nonlinear distribution of the error contours through the sensor Field of View (FOV) apply a notable limitation in its application. This forces the literature to focus on laboratory or in-orbit calibration methods. The excellence of the in-orbit calibration in comparison with the laboratory cases is clear; however, the difficulty is to achieve enough data when the satellite is launched. To solve that, in this paper, a conical maneuver based on the Lyapunov theory is designed which causes the sunlight to cover the sensor FOV. After that, using the achieved rich data pack, the CSS calibration process, including the sensor misalignment, solar cells misalignment, and solar cells characteristic curve (Fresnel effect), is accomplished. Moreover, the results show that the combination of the new calibration methods with the iterative least square (ILS) algorithm leads to 0.89° accuracy through the FOV of 120°.
Some Philosophical Reflections on Teaching and Learning
Authors: Collins Peter M.
Published: April 2023

THE RECORD has seldom, in recent years, published articles dealing with teaching and learning from the classical realist point of view; and we have found this one, building on the thought of Etienne Cilson, to be of particular interest. Professor Collins, who specializes in philosophy of education, emphasizes the personal relationship involved in teaching and learning, the importance of authority and the conception of an active learner. The purpose of teaching, he writes, is to cause “a personal discovery”; and he reviews several methods for achieving that end, with a special focus on the teacher's own rethinking of what he is communicating to his students.
Underlying Policy Assumptions of Charter School Reform: The Multiple Meanings of a Movement
Authors: Wells Amy Stuart , Grutzik Cynthia , Carnochan Sibyll , Slayton Julie , Vasudeva Ash
Published: April 2023

Based on interviews with more than 50 policy makers in six states, this article examines the politics of charter school reform and argues that the bipartisan support for these more autonomous schools masks often opposing viewpoints regarding the purpose of this reform. The authors identify three salient and conflicting themes that emerge from policy makers’ explanations of their support for charter schools. The first theme was voiced by policy makers who see charter schools as the beginning of the end of government-run public education and the forefront of a move toward vouchers. The second theme was articulated by policy makers who are committed to a system of public education, but who see charter school reform as a “last chance” to save that system. And the third theme arose in interviews with policy makers who see charter schools as one of many, but not necessarily the central, reform that could strengthen the public schools. Thus, the authors write that charter school reform embodies less of a consensus of views about the future of public education than a fragile bargain between political adversaries who all seek to prove they favor educational reform, but for different reasons and toward different ends.
Kerala Development and the Attapadi Adivasi
Authors: George Anu
Published: April 2023

The development experience of the state of Kerala in southwest India is based generally on democratic principles of equality and popular participation. This article focuses on the lives of the Adivasi 1 people of Attapadi in the Palakkad district of Kerala. It argues that the state of Kerala largely treats the Adivasis as secondary citizens and ignores their right to be socially and economically empowered. The state of Kerala takes pride in its positive ranking on human development and social progress indexes but has not done enough to stop Adivasi infants from dying of malnutrition, and Adivasis’ demands for land rights have been disregarded. As a result, they are forced to live obscure lives in poverty and generally unable to influence their sociopolitical sphere.
Hemoglobin and cerebral hypoxic vasodilation in humans: Evidence for nitric oxide-dependent and S-nitrosothiol mediated signal transduction
Authors: Hoiland Ryan L , MacLeod David B , Stacey Benjamin S , Caldwell Hannah G , Howe Connor A , Nowak-Flück Daniela , Carr Jay MJR , Tymko Michael M , Coombs Geoff B , Patrician Alexander , Tremblay Joshua C , Van Mierlo Michelle , Gasho Chris , Stembridge Mike , Sekhon Mypinder S , Bailey Damian M , Ainslie Philip N
Published: April 2023

Cerebral hypoxic vasodilation is poorly understood in humans, which undermines the development of therapeutics to optimize cerebral oxygen delivery. Across four investigations (total n = 195) we investigated the role of nitric oxide (NO) and hemoglobin-based S-nitrosothiol (RSNO) and nitrite ([Formula: see text]) signaling in the regulation of cerebral hypoxic vasodilation. We conducted hemodilution (n = 10) and NO synthase inhibition experiments (n = 11) as well as hemoglobin oxygen desaturation protocols, wherein we measured cerebral blood flow (CBF), intra-arterial blood pressure, and in subsets of participants trans-cerebral release/uptake of RSNO and [Formula: see text]. Higher CBF during hypoxia was associated with greater trans-cerebral RSNO release but not [Formula: see text], while NO synthase inhibition reduced cerebral hypoxic vasodilation. Hemodilution increased the magnitude of cerebral hypoxic vasodilation following acute hemodilution, while in 134 participants tested under normal conditions, hypoxic cerebral vasodilation was inversely correlated to arterial hemoglobin concentration. These studies were replicated in a sample of polycythemic high-altitude native Andeans suffering from excessive erythrocytosis (n = 40), where cerebral hypoxic vasodilation was inversely correlated to hemoglobin concentration, and improved with hemodilution (n = 6). Collectively, our data indicate that cerebral hypoxic vasodilation is partially NO-dependent, associated with trans-cerebral RSNO release, and place hemoglobin-based NO signaling as a central mechanism of cerebral hypoxic vasodilation in humans.
State, capitalism and infrastructure-led development: A multi-scalar analysis of the Belgrade-Budapest railway construction
Authors: Szabó Linda , Jelinek Csaba
Published: April 2023

The 2008 financial crisis allowed for the rising power of China to expand deeper into more (semi-)peripheral regions: in the past decade, the role of China and Chinese SOEs has increased markedly in Eastern Europe. This has been in step with China's geopolitical and geoeconomic expansion, hallmarked by the Belt and Road Initiative; the reconstruction of the Belgrade-Budapest railway line constitutes one of its flagship projects in Europe. This paper aims to explore the complexities of the current reconfiguration of state-capital nexus through an empirical analysis of this particular development project; in doing so, we hope to contribute to the scholarly debate about the heuristic use of ‘new’ state capitalism in three specific ways. First, instead of conceptualizing the state as a territorially confined power container, we propose to scrutinize the state-capital nexus from a multi-scalar and relational perspective. Second, we claim that the study of funding, financing and governing of large-scale infrastructural investments is a fruitful analytical entry point to theorize the changing relations between ‘state’ and ‘capital’. Finally, we argue that from the perspective of contemporary shifts in global power structures, the emergence of state capitalist modalities in the Eastern peripheries of Europe should be understood as a ‘co-production’ of the geopolitical rivalry and elite capture of domains of infrastructure. In terms of methodology, in order to show how state-capital relations are produced, enacted and redrawn, the study builds on the analysis of media sources, policy documents, company networks, semi-structured interviews, and non-participant observations.
Predicting Driver Errors during Automated Vehicle Takeovers
Authors: Alambeigi Hananeh , McDonald Anthony D. , Manser Michael , Shipp Eva , Lenneman John , Pulver Elizabeth M. , Christensen Scott
Published: April 2023

The transition of control between partially automated vehicles and drivers is an important part of the operational design domain and poses unique and important design issues. One approach for enhancing the design of the transition of control mechanisms is to predict driver behavior during a takeover by analyzing his/her state before a takeover. Although there is a wealth of existing literature on modeling the prediction of driver behavior, little is known about the prediction of takeover performance (e.g., driver error) and its underlying data structure (e.g., window sizes or the inclusion of certain features). Thus, the goal of this study is to predict driver error during a takeover event using supervised machine learning algorithms for various window sizes. Three machine learning algorithms (i.e., decision tree, random forest, and support vector machine with a radial basis kernel) were applied to granular driving performance, physiological, and glance data from a driving simulator experiment examining automated vehicle driving. The results showed that a random forest algorithm with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.72, trained on a 3 s window before the takeover time, had the best performance with regard to classifying driver error accurately. In addition, we identified the 10 most important predictors that resulted in the best error prediction performance. The results of this study could be useful in developing algorithms for driver state that could be integrated into highly automated systems and, potentially, improve the takeover process.
Assessing the Effects of Deep Learning Reconstruction on Abdominal CT Without Arm Elevation
Authors: Fujita Nana , Yasaka Koichiro , Katayama Akira , Ohtake Yuta , Konishiike Mao , Abe Osamu
Published: April 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of deep learning reconstruction (DLR) on image quality of abdominal computed tomography (CT) in patients without arm elevation compared with hybrid-iterative reconstruction (Hybrid-IR) and filtered back projection (FBP). Methods: In this retrospective study, axial images of 26 patients who underwent CT without arm elevation were reconstructed using DLR, Hybrid-IR, and FBP. Streak artifact index (SAI) was calculated by dividing the standard deviation of CT attenuation in the liver or spleen by that in fat. Two other blinded radiologists evaluated streak artifacts on images (in the liver, spleen, and kidney), depiction of liver vessels, subjective image noise, and overall quality. They were also asked to detect space-occupying lesions other than cysts in the liver, spleen, and kidney. Results: The SAI (liver/spleen) in DLR images was significantly reduced compared with Hybrid-IR and FBP. Regarding qualitative image analysis, streak artifacts in the 3 organs, qualitative image noise, and overall quality in DLR images were rated by both readers as significantly improved compared with Hybrid-IR ( P ≤ .012) and FBP ( P < .001). Both blinded readers detected more lesions on DLR images than on Hybrid-IR and FBP ones. Conclusion: DLR resulted in significantly better-quality abdominal CT images in patients scanned without elevating their arms with reducing streak artifacts compared with Hybrid-IR and FBP.
Correlation Between Mean Arterial Pressure and Capillary Refill Time in Patients with Septic Shock: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Putowski Zbigniew , Gołdyn Mateusz , Pluta Michał P. , Krzych Łukasz J. , Hernández Glenn , Kattan Eduardo
Published: April 2023

Background: The initial hemodynamic goal during septic shock resuscitation is to achieve a mean arterial pressure (MAP) above 65 mm Hg, although this does not assure a normal tissue perfusion. Capillary refill time (CRT), a marker of skin blood flow, has been validated as a marker of the reperfusion process. The aim of the study was to explore the relationship between MAP and CRT in patients in septic shock. Methods: We systematically reviewed studies which reported CRT and MAP in septic shock patients. Authors of eligible studies were asked to provide necessary data for performing a meta-correlation of Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. Subgroup analyses were performed, including studies of good quality and studies with higher/lower norepinephrine doses. Results: We identified 10 studies, comprising 917 patients. There were 5 studies considered to be of good quality. A meta-correlation showed a statistically significant but poor negative correlation between MAP and CRT ( R = −0.158, range −0.221 to −0.093, P < .001, I2 = 0.0%). Subgroup analysis of best-quality studies gave similar results ( R = −0.201, range −0.282 to −0.116, P < .001, I2 = 0.0%). In subanalysis concerning norepinephrine doses, no significant correlations were found. Conclusions: In patients with septic shock, there is poor inverse correlation between MAP and CRT. MAP > 65 mm Hg does not guarantee normalization of CRT. Registration code: PROSPERO: CRD42022355996. Registered on 5 September 2022.
Research on improved driver model based on vehicle-road security situation under large curvature curves
Authors: Cai Bixin , Wang Qidong , Yan Mingyue , Zhao Linfeng , Chen Wuwei
Published: April 2023

Unreasonable path planning will make the vehicle prone to traffic accidents when driving at a limited maximum speed in the case of the low-speed situation and large curvature curve conditions. Considering the defects of neural network model based on the data-driven may cause unexpected results, an improved driver model was proposed to enhance driving safety. In this paper, the Dempster/Shafer evidence theory was used to detect critical features of lane lines for situation detection. And an observer was established to observe and analyze the model output based on the vehicle space motion safety and driving stability characteristics. Then, an optimizer was established to optimize the output and provide the optimal driving trajectory according to the analyzed situations. Finally, it is verified that the proposed algorithm can help the vehicle safely pass the ample curvature curves by the simulation platform and real vehicle in the laboratory.
Hindu-Right Activism in Pandemic: Exploring the Role of Durga Vahini in Covid-19
Authors: Chachra Manisha
Published: April 2023

Women’s activism in the Hindu right has gone through communication and mobilisation shifts in the context of Covid-19. The article traces how the hierarchy and coordination within the Durga Vahini—the women’s wing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad facilitate the propagation of two primary goals 1 of seva, and sanskar in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Through semi-structured interviews with the representatives of the organisation, the article focuses on understanding mobilisation strategies like e- satsangs, accommodation of marginalised groups through the distribution of raw food resources, and manipulation of mythological narratives for the recruitment of young girls to propagate Hindu nationalism. The core argument of the article is focused on understanding these mobilisation tactics and changing nature seva in the times of pandemic.
Satisfaction of Patients Other Than COVID-19 During the Pandemic at a Multidisciplinary Centre with COVID-19 Services
Authors: Sah Mukesh Kumar , Yadav Manoj Kumar , Silwal Shruti , Raut Randip , Joshi Arabind
Published: April 2023

Background

The services rendered by hospitals during the pandemic may not be efficient. This might impact the satisfaction of patients seeking healthcare. The aim of this study is to assess the satisfaction level of patients other than those with COVID-19 during the pandemic with different services provided by the hospital.

Method

A quantitative, analytical and cross-sectional study was carried out in a multidisciplinary hospital. Valid questionnaire, derived from PSQ III and PSQ 18, was used for data collection from 250 outpatients. Ethical approval was obtained. Systematic random sampling was done to enrol patients into the study after taking their consent. Descriptive analysis was performed using frequency, proportion, median and inter-quartile range. Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis test were carried out to find the association between overall satisfaction and different socio-demographic and other variables. Statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05.

Result

Almost two-thirds of the respondents visiting the hospital during the pandemic were female (male: 35.6% and female: 64.4%). More than half (50.4%) of the patients reported that access to the hospital was feasible. Of the patients reporting dissatisfaction, most of them (86.4%) considered the establishment of separate COVID-19 hospitals as the best option. The median satisfaction score for the overall satisfaction of patients towards different service domains was 54.0 (45–60). Almost all respondents (95.6%) found that services were easily available. Patient satisfaction score was significantly associated with expenditure ( p < 0.001). Satisfaction score was also significantly associated with the time spent in the hospital by the patients ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Majority of the patients reporting to the multidisciplinary hospital were satisfied with the provisioning of treatment and different services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Relatively lesser satisfaction was reported for the provision of maintenance of social distance, availability of hand washing/sanitisation, overall hospital cleanliness and cost of treatment. Moreover, satisfaction among patients was associated with their perceived fear of the pandemic.
Sanitize the Man, Sanitize the Car: COVID-19 Disease Control in Botswana
Authors: Aiyuk Sunny Enow , Molosiwa Phuthego Phuthego
Published: April 2023

COVID-19 has dominated global health since it became a global pandemic in early 2020. It has stressed global health systems and pushed many other health concerns to the back burner. There is an urgent need to look for innovative ways to tackle the pandemic in a sustainable and transferrable manner. This article examines the COVID-19 control measures in Botswana. It describes the innovative government actions taken to control the pandemic. It also presents the observations of the authors, who have observed these actions around the country. They report on the effectiveness of the control cordon belts and the disinfection of people and animals as well as the sanitizing of objects like shoes and cars that pass across the control boundaries. Based upon the effectiveness of the control measures in Botswana, the authors recommend an innovative disease control framework for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases which they contend is replicable in other countries.
The Promise of New Ventures’ Growth Ambitions in Early-Stage Funding: On the Crossroads between Cheap Talk and Credible Signals
Authors: Kleinert Simon
Published: April 2023

When entrepreneurs express their ambitions to achieve extraordinary financial growth, it may signal growth potential to early-stage investors. However, as this study proposes, promising overly high growth ambitions might backfire for entrepreneurs—dismissed as cheap talk and even penalized due to investors’ credibility concerns. Therefore, entrepreneurs may need to complement their high ambitions with costly signals, such as citing their rich experiences or patents. Such costly signals can serve as credibility buffers and transform high ambitions from cheap talk into credible signals. Two empirical studies, based on campaign data from an equity crowdfunding setting and a conjoint experiment, support these arguments.
Beyond Good Intentions in Special Education Policy: Engaging With Critical Disability Intersectional Research
Authors: Tefera Adai A. , Fischman Gustavo E.
Published: April 2023

This article describes critical disability intersectional qualitative approaches aimed to not just analyze but also contribute and transform special education policy research. We specifically examine the shortfalls of education policies that construct race and disability as essentially separate and distinct characteristics, failing to consider students’ intersectional identities. By utilizing findings from a case study of a suburban school district that struggled with multiple forms of racial disparities in special education, we demonstrate how a critical disability intersectional qualitative approach can generate new understandings of policy processes by shedding important light on the dual nature of disability.
Case Report: Psychiatric Symptoms Associated With the Moderna mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Administration and Their Resolution
Authors: Helman Daniel S
Published: April 2023

This case report describes the sudden presentation and successful cessation of psychiatric symptoms following the first administration of the Moderna mRNA vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus during early 2021. The process of discovery of symptoms is described, along with an empirical procedure which identified St. John’s wort as the mediating agent. Implications for self-medication of mild depression are discussed. Hypericin, a constituent agent in St. John’s wort, interacts with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Sensitization to hypericin following vaccine administration is consistent with the observed symptoms.
Prime ministers in waiting? Women leaders of the opposition in Westminster systems
Authors: Helms Ludger
Published: April 2023

One of the key defining features of Westminster-type democracies is the acknowledgement of an official Opposition and a Leader of the Opposition typically referred to as a ‘prime minister in waiting’. This article focuses on this crucial element of Westminster democracy and applies a gender perspective, looking into women Leaders of the Opposition in the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia (1975–2022). As this inquiry reveals, there have been few and mostly short-lived women Leaders of the Opposition. Further, contrary to plausible assumptions, there have been more women Leaders of the Opposition from conservative than from left-wing parties. In particular, however, the office of Leader of the Opposition has, with few exceptions, not proven to be a springboard to the premiership. In fact, a majority of women prime ministers were ‘takeover prime ministers’, inheriting the office from a predecessor from their own party, rather than former Leaders of the Opposition, while many women Leaders of the Opposition were not even given the opportunity to lead their party into a national election campaign. The article discusses possible explanations for these patterns.
Queer legibility and the refugee status determination process
Authors: Wolff Lotte , Cochrane Brandy
Published: April 2023

It is well documented that LGBTIQ+ applicants face a multitude of stereotypes and biases from decision-makers worldwide. We build on literature that argues that there is an unspoken component of credibility – to what extent the applicant is legible to the decision-maker. Based on interviews with legal representatives of LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum in Australia, we observe that if the applicant’s narrative and label of their lived experience is familiar to the decision-maker, they are more likely to be understood by the decision-maker. Those whose experiences fall outside Western, and specifically Australian, conceptualisations of sexuality and gender identity categories are less legible to the decision-maker, than those who present a dominant, definitive, and stable identity narrative that is ‘out and proud’. Importantly, this paper also found that legal representatives shepherd applicants towards a clear label to perform an identity that is understood, or knowable to decision-makers.
A Randomized Control Trial Testing a Medication Safety Dashboard in Veteran Transplant Recipients
Authors: Taber David J. , Milfred-LaForest Sherry , Rife Kelsey , Felkner Rebecca , Cooney Danielle , Super Nicholas , McClelland Samantha , Buchanan Casey
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Medication errors, adverse events, and nonadherence in organ transplant recipients are common and can lead to suboptimal outcomes. A medication safety dashboard was developed to identify issues in medication therapy.

Research Questions

Can a multicenter bioinformatics dashboard accurately identify clinically relevant medication safety issues in US military Veteran transplant recipients?

Design

The dashboard was tested through a 24-month, prospective, cluster-randomized controlled multicenter study. Pharmacists used the dashboard to identify and address potential medication safety issues, which was compared with usual care.

Results

Across the 10 sites (5 control sites and 5 intervention sites), 2012 patients were enrolled (1197 intervention vs 831 control). The mean age was 65 (10) years, 95% male, and 27% Black. The dashboard produced 18 132 alerts at a rate of 0.61(0.32) alerts per patient-month, ranging from 0.44 to 0.72 across the 5 intervention sites. Lab-based issues were most common (83.4%), followed by nonadherence (9.4%) and transitions in care (6.4%); 56% of alerts were addressed, taking an average of 43 (29) days. Common responses to alerts included those already resolved by another provider (N = 4431, 44%), the alert not clinically relevant (N = 3131, 31%), scheduling of follow-up labs (N = 591, 6%), and providing medication reconciliation/education (N = 99, 1%). Inaccurate flags significantly decreased over the study by a mean of −0.6% per month (95% CI −0.1 to −1.0; P = .0265), starting at 13.4% and ending at 2.6%.

Conclusion

This multicenter cluster-randomized controlled trial demonstrated that a medication safety dashboard was feasibly deployable across the VA healthcare system, creating valid alerts.
Research Progress of Immunotherapy for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zhang Zhipeng , Liu Ningning , Sun Mingyu
Published: April 2023

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal tract cancers worldwide, which has high incidence and mortality rates and poor prognosis. Although multidisciplinary comprehensive therapies consisting of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy have made great progress in GC treatment, a satisfactory curative effect still cannot be achieved in many circumstances, and the 5-year survival of patients with GC remains to be very low. In China, about 75% of patients with GC are diagnosed in the advanced stage and thus miss the opportunity of surgical resection. Although the conventional treatment of GC has improved the survival time of advanced patients to a certain extent, the clinical efficacy has encountered a bottleneck and cannot bring higher survival benefits to patients. With the development of immunologic and molecular biologic technologies, immunotherapy has gradually become a new essential treatment for GC, which has attracted extensive attention in the field of oncology. The US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) have approved a variety of immune-related drugs for the treatment of GC, and all of which have achieved good efficacy. In this review, we summarize the recent development in nonspecific enhancer therapy, adoptive immunocell therapy, tumor vaccine therapy, oncolytic virus therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, and their roles in the treatment of GC.
Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax Outcomes in Children: A National Analysis
Authors: Huerta Carlos Theodore , Saberi Rebecca A. , Gilna Gareth P. , Ramsey Walter A. , Kodia Karishma , Parreco Joshua , Thorson Chad M. , Sola Juan E. , Perez Eduardo A.
Published: April 2023

Objective:

Considerable variation in primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) management exists in the pediatric population. This study aims to compare nationwide outcomes of children with PSP.

Methods:

The Nationwide Readmissions Database (2016 to 2018) was used to identify patients 1 to 18 years old with PSP. Trauma, secondary pneumothoraces, and elective admissions were excluded. Demographics and complications were compared among patients undergoing initial nonoperative management (NOM; observation or percutaneous drainage) or operative resection using standard statistical tests.

Results:

A total of 3,890 patients were identified with PSP (median age, 16 [interquartile range 14 to 17] years). Most (78%) underwent NOM, of which 17% failed requiring operative resection. Of the intent-to-treat cohort, 28% failed NOM during index admission or required repeat percutaneous drainage or operative resection on readmission. Patients treated by NOM had higher 30-day and overall readmission rates compared with operative resection (all P < 0.001). Ipsilateral recurrent pneumothorax was higher in those receiving NOM (13% vs 3%, P < 0.001). Patients from the lowest median household income quartile more frequently received NOM compared with the highest income quartile (82% vs 76%) with more readmissions.

Conclusions:

Patients with PSP who underwent initial NOM experienced higher readmission rates than those receiving operative resection. Furthermore, socioeconomic status was associated with the utilization of nonoperative versus operative management.