bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular evolution in different subtypes of multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ding Keyue , Tang Xia , Xiang Lei , Li Qingshu , Shao Yue , Wan Li , Zhao Dachun , Li Xiaoyuan , Wu Songfeng , Wang Haijian , Li Dewei
Published: February 2023

Background: Multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma (MF-HCC) accounts for >40% of HCCs, demonstrating a poor prognosis than single primary HCCs. Characterizing the dynamic changes of mutation signature along with clonal evolution, quantifying intrahepatic metastatic timing, and investigating the genetic structure in the preneoplastic stage underlying different subtypes of MF-HCC are important for understanding their molecular evolution and developing a precision management strategy.
Methods: We conducted whole-exome sequencing in 74 tumor samples from spatially distinct regions in 35 resected tumor lesions and adjacent non-cancerous tissues in 11 patients with synchronous MF-HCCs, 15 histologically confirmed preneoplastic lesions and six samples from peripheral blood mononuclear cell. We also used the previously published MF-HCC cohorts (n=9) as an independent validation dataset.
Results: We classified MF-HCCs into three subtypes, including intrahepatic metastasis, multicentric occurrence, and mixed intrahepatic metastasis and multicentric occurrence. The dynamic changes in mutation signatures between tumor subclonal expansions demonstrated varied etiologies underlying the clonal progression in different MF-HCC subtypes, especially the contribution of aristolochic acid exposure decreased along with subclonal expansions. The clonal evolution in intrahepatic metastasis exhibited an early metastatic seeding that occurred at 10-4–0.01 cm3 in primary tumor volume, below the limitation in clinical detection. These findings were validated in another independent cohort. In addition, for multicentric occurrence MF-HCC, mutational footprints in the preneoplastic lesions revealed common preneoplastic arising clones, evidently being ancestors of different tumor sites.
Conclusion: Our study comprehensively characterized the dynamic mutational signature, early metastatic timing, and common preneoplastic clones in multicentric occurrence that characterized the varied tumor clonal evolutionary history underlying different subtypes of MF-HCC, and provided important implications for optimizing personalized clinical management for MF-HCC.
Almajiri Health; A Scoping Review on Disease, Health Literacy and Space for Participatory Research
Authors: Muhammad Muzzammil Imran , Abdulsalam Amna Hassana , Petit-Clair Fadhina , Acquaye Amber , Nobles Autumn , Fleischer Brian , Konkwo Chigoziri , Ransome Yusuf , Paintsil Elijah
Published: February 2023

Introduction Almajirai are male children in Northern Nigeria and Southern Niger who study Islam in the almajiranci system. Almajiranci has been associated with non-participation in formal education, abuse, poverty, and underdevelopment. However, the peer-reviewed literature around health among almajirai remains limited. We conduct a scoping review around almajiri health to synthesize evidence for health problems, draw links between findings, identify research gaps, indicate areas for intervention, and assess participatory approaches in this literature. Methods We searched the academic literature for articles concerning almajiri heath using a framework integrating the biopsychosocial and socio-ecological models of health. We included articles in English and French published between 2000 and 2022. For each study we collected information regarding authorship, study year and location(s), study design and aims, sample characteristics, findings, and almajiri participation in research design, execution, interpretation and dissemination. Results Of 1,944 studies, 17 were found relevant for data extraction. These included 14 cross-sectional studies, 2 descriptive articles, and one case-control study. All were conducted in Nigeria, though one included Nigerien almajirai. No study engaged almajirai in participatory roles. Domains evaluated included infectious disease (10 studies), oral health (2 studies), workplace injury, nutrition, health status, health determinants, and mental health (1 study each). Almajirai represented ranged from 3 to 28 years old. Included studies find high rates of malaria, intestinal parasitosis, urinary tract infection, N. meningitidis, and occupational injury among almajirai. Studies comparing almajirai to controls find significantly higher rates of cholera, urinary schistosomiasis, and psychiatric disorders, lower levels of rabies awareness and poorer oral hygiene among almajirai (p < 0.05). One study, concerning nutrition, describes an intervention to improve almajiri health, though does not provide health outcomes for that intervention. Conclusion We observe that the literature around almajiri health has concerned many domains, though the number of studies within these remains limited. We further note limitations in the geographic scope of this literature, interventions to improve almajiri health, and the consideration of demographic features, like age, that may influence almajiri health. We stress the need for further study in these areas, and for participatory approaches, which may be more likely to effectively improve almajiri health.
A Deep Insight into the Selectivity Difference Between Y(III) and La(III) Ions Toward D2EHPA Ligand: Experimental and DFT Study
Authors: Alizadeh Shahab , Abdollahy Mahmoud , Darban Ahmad Khodadadi , Mohseni Mehdi
Published: February 2023

The twofold extraction behavior of light and heavy rare earth elements transforms into a more selective extraction of heavy rare earth elements when Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA), one of the commonest cation exchange extractants, is employed. However, why this phenomenon has not been fully investigated from the quantum perspective yet. To confirm and interpret the laboratory-observed selectivity results in the extraction of Y(III) over than La(III), this study utilized the Density Functional theory (DFT) connected with Born Haber thermodynamic besides importing the solvent effect through the Conductor-Like Screening Model (COSMO). The hydration reaction energies of La(III) and Y(III) were estimated at -383.7 kcal/mol and -171.83 kcal/mol according to the cluster solvation model. It was observed that, among other influential factors, hydration energy is a critical one in the rate of the extraction free energy of every rare earth element and its tendency to be transferred to the organic phase in reacting to the extractant ligand. It was shown that the experimental ∆∆Gext results (2.1 kcal/mol) enjoyed a proper consonance with the ∆∆Gext results of DFT calculations (1.3 kcal/mol). In the pursuit of discovering the reasons for this phenomenon, the orbital structure of every aqueous and organic complex was studied, and the significant differences in energy magnitudes were discussed. The current comprehensive design of experimental studies and calculations can give birth to a deeper understanding of the interactions of the D2EHPA extractant with La(III) and Y(III).
Development of the entropy theory for wind speed monitoring by using copula-based approach
Authors: Tahroudi Mohammad Nazeri , Ramezani Yousef , De Michele Carlo , Mirabbasi Rasoul
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study is to development of the entropy theory by using copula-based approach for temporal and spatial monitoring of wind speeds in the Lut Desert, Iran at Bam, Tabas and Birjand stations in the period of 1973–2020. The conventional entropy method was improved by the two methods. In the first method, vine copulas were used to evaluate the interaction between the stations. At the second method, in addition to the first method, a 2-D copula function was used to analyze the joint frequency and conditional occurrence probability. In the first method, A D-vine copula was selected to simulate the wind speed at each station according to the wind speed at the other stations. In the second method, Frank copula function was used to joint probability analysis. The results of comparing the information transfer index in the two methods and the conventional entropy method showed that the percentage increase of this index in the first method at the Bam, Birjand and Tabas stations compared to the conventional entropy method is 25, 0 and 23%, respectively. This increase in the second method compared to the conventional entropy method at the mentioned stations is 24, 10 and 33%, respectively.
Radial deformation and stress distribution of grinding wheel on surface grinding
Authors: Zhang Chengxiang , Li Yanguo , Zou Qin , Luo Wenqi , Dai Lifeng , Lv Junyi , Li Kenan
Published: February 2023

High machining accuracy is the unremitting pursuit of grinding technology. The radial deformation of grinding wheel is an important factor affecting the machining accuracy of workpiece. In this study, a force model of grinding wheel during grinding was established, considering centrifugal force and distribution grinding force. The radial displacement and Mises stress distribution of grinding wheel under different grinding parameters (peripheral velocity, grinding depth and feed speed) were obtained by finite element simulation based on the established force model. The simulation results showed that the radial deformation of lowest point of the grinding wheel was most affected by peripheral speed, which increased with the increase of peripheral speed, and decreased with the increase of grinding depth and feed speed. The actual grinding depth had deviation caused by the radial deformation of grinding wheel, especially in grinding with large grinding depth and feed speed. The deviation value of grinding depth was also calculated. This work can provide reference for compensating the deviation and has certain engineering significance for improving the machining accuracy of workpieces.
Exploring the Link Between Mtor Inhibitors and Interstitial Lung Diseases: A Disproportionality Analysis Using Fda Adverse Event Reporting System Database
Authors: Shaji Anakha , Sony Aliena , Mytheen Shefin , Tom Antriya Annie
Published: February 2023

Background: The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors are immunosuppressive agents used to prevent organ transplant rejection. This class of drugs has shown significant high incidence of interstitial lung disease (ILD).
Objective: This study aims to find out the potential safety signal associated between mTOR inhibitors and ILD by Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) databases.
Methods: Publicly available FAERS database was used to perform a case/non-case retrospective disproportionality analysis (2009Q1 to 2022Q3). OpenVigil 2.1MedDRA v24 was used to extract and filter data from FAERS database. The preferred term used for the study was “interstitial lung disease” and the drugs included ere everolimus, sirolimus and temsirolimus. Reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR) and information component (IC) were used to detect signal.
Results: Overall, 62,117 AE reports related to mTOR inhibitors were recorded during the period. Of these 1,027 AE reports on ILD were submitted to the FAERS database. Everolimus accounted for 723, sirolimus for 191 and temsirolimus for 113 cases of ILD reports associated with mTOR inhibitors. On performing age and gender stratification, it was found that the age group of 19-64yrs and female sex had the highest signal strength.
Conclusion: This study has shown positive signals for ILD with everolimus, sirolimus, and temsirolimus which were not yet established in clinical trials. Further study with well-designed epidemiological data is required to validate these results.
A collection of control time varying delayed systems: Lyapunov Razumikhin-Approach
Authors: Rzig Ines Ben , Kharrat Thouraya
Published: February 2023

Time delay is frequently a source of instability in several modern systems. Therefore, stability and control is of practical and theoretical importance. Based on a common control Lyapunov Razumikhin approach, we study the problem of stabilization for a collection of time varying delay systems. We prove that if a collection of systems with varying delay satisfies some conditions then a delay feedback law, which renders the collection of closed loop systems asymptotically stable, is explicitly constructed.
AMS classification: 93C10,93D15, 93D20.
Quality Indicators in Paediatric and Perinatal Care in Japan: Development and Feasibility Testing
Authors: Shinjo Daisuke , Ozawa Nobuaki , Nakadate Naoya , Kanamori Yutaka , Matsumoto Kimikazu , Noguchi Takashi , Ohtera Shosuke , Kato Hitoshi
Published: February 2023

Purpose
Few paediatric and perinatal quality indicators (QIs) have been developed in the Japanese setting, and the quality of care is not assured or validated. The aim of this study was to develop QIs in paediatric and perinatal care in Japan using an administrative database and confirm the feasibility and applicability of the indicators using a single-site practice test.
Methods
We used a RAND-modified Delphi method that integrates evidence review with expert consensus development. QI candidates were generated from clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) available in English or Japanese and existing QIs in nine selected paediatric or perinatal conditions. Consensus building was based on independent panel ratings. The performance of each QI was retrospectively assessed using data from an administrative database at the National Children’s Hospital.
Results
From the literature review conducted between 2010 and 2020, 124 CPGs and 193 existing indicators were identified to generate QI candidates. Through the consensus-building process, 133 QI candidates were assessed, and 79 QIs were accepted. The practice test revealed wide variations in the process-level performance of QIs in four categories (patient safety: median 43.9% (interquartile range (IQR) 16.7–85.6%), general paediatrics: median 98.8% (IQR 84.2–100%), advanced paediatrics: median 94.4% (IQR 46.0–100%), and advanced obstetrics: median 80.3% (IQR 59.6–100%).
Conclusions
We established 79 QIs for paediatric and perinatal care in Japan using an administrative database that can be applied to hospitals nationwide. The practice test confirmed the measurability of the developed QIs. Benchmarking these QIs will be an attractive approach to improving the quality of paediatric and perinatal care.
Low-dose interleukin-2 for psoriasis therapy based on the regulation of Th17/Treg cell balance in peripheral blood
Authors: Qiao Zusha , Zhao Wenpeng , Liu Yan , Feng Wenli , Ma Yan , Jin Hongzhong
Published: February 2023

The imbalance between regulatory T (Treg) cells and efficient T cells plays an important role in psoriasis. Low-dose interleukin (IL)-2 can preferentially activate Treg cells and ameliorate the imbalance of Treg/efficient T cells. This study focused on the status of circulating CD4 + T subsets and the clinical efficacy of low-dose IL-2 therapies in psoriasis. This retrospective study included peripheral blood samples obtained from 45 psoriasis patients and 40 healthy controls. The 45 psoriasis patients received three cycles of subcutaneous low-dose IL-2 treatment (0.5 million IU/day for 2 weeks) combined with conventional therapies. Inflammatory indices, CD4+T lymphocyte subsets, and cytokines were measured in all patients before and after treatment. The percentage of Treg cells was dramatically decreased in the psoriasis group compared to the healthy group, and the percentage of Treg cells negatively correlated with the disease indices and the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) (P < 0.001). The Th17/Treg ratio was significantly increased in the psoriasis group compared to the healthy group, and the Th17/Treg ratio positively correlated with disease indices and PASI (P < 0.001). Low-dose IL-2 treatment significantly amplified the percentage of Treg cells and restored the Th17 and Treg immune balance in psoriasis (P < 0.001). Low-dose IL-2 combination therapy effectively improved the clinical manifestations of psoriasis but decreased the inflammatory indicators of the disease activity, with no apparent side effects. Thus, low-dose IL-2 provides a new strategy for the treatment of psoriasis.
New existence result of positive solutions for a class of fractional Kirchhoff-type systems with multiple parameters
Authors: Guefaifia Rafik , Bouali Tahar , Rasouli S.H.
Published: February 2023

This paper is devoted to the existence of positive weak solutions for a class of fractional Kirchhoff-type systems with multiple parameters. By using the sub-supersolution method and some analysis techniques, we prove a new existence result. To the best of our knowledge, our results are new in the study of fractional Kirchhoff-type systems.
Mathematics Subject Classifications: Primary 35J60, 35B30, 35B40.
Preliminary evaluation of haemostatic and wound healing potential of Heliotropium europaeum
Authors: Rekik Dorsaf Moalla , Khedir Sameh Ben , Amouri Sameh , Jardak Neila , Rebai Tarek , Sahnoun Zouheir
Published: February 2023

Heliotropium europaeum has been traditionally used to stop bleeding and accelerate scarring. This study provides a scientific evaluation of Heliotropium europaeum's hemostatic and healing potential. To evaluate the haemostatic effect of Heliotropium europaeum, the time of bleeding of fresh wounds induced experimentally in rats was studied. Excision wounds were induced upon four groups; each one contains six rats to estimate the healing properties of wounds. Group-1 was assigned as control (not treated), group-2 was daily treated with Heliotropium europaeum leaf powder, group-3 was treated with Heliotropium europaeum every 6 days and group-4 was treated with a reference drug, an emulsion containing 10% of Mimosa tenuiflora extract. All the parameters were significantly tested (P < 0.05) with comparison to a group control. The use of Heliotropium europaeum significantly shortened the bleeding time. The rats which were daily treated with Heliotropium europaeum healed in 12 days. This time period was significantly shorter than the control groups. Wound excision was uniformly induced randomly on the dorsum of rats in 4 groups (tested support and control). The post healing biopsies were histologically assessed, revealed a better healing quality, and continue complete tissue regeneration, abundant and well organized network of collagen fibers, and low numbers of inflammatory cells. The experimental data revealed that Heliotropium europaeum displayed remarkable haemostatic and wound healing activities.
Carbon Stock Potential of Shilabo Shrubs Land among Soil Texture Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Ayele Zemenu Tadesse , Teshome Zawde Tadesse , Lelamo Latamo Lameso
Published: February 2023

Forest, shrub, and grassland play an imperative role in climate change mitigation and balancing nature by sequestering and retaining carbon above and below ground in biomass. The study was conducted to determine the total carbon stock potential of shrub lands in Shilabo district, Somalia, Ethiopia, as well as the implications for climate change mitigation. The study was restricted to the carbon stock potential of the shrub land depending on soil texture for three major carbon pools: above ground biomass (AGB), below ground biomass (BGB), and soil organic carbon (SOC). Using generic allometric equations that are readily available, the biomass of each species of tree and shrub was determined. To gather the necessary and pertinent data for the study region at every 390 m between each sample plot and 700 m between each transect line, sample plots of 20 by 20 m were established using systematic random sampling techniques. Using breast height (BH) tape, standing trees with branches and twigs only measuring 5 cm or less in diameter at breast height (DBH) were measured on 400 m2 of sample plots. The height of the trees was also assessed using a hypsometer. Each of the five 1 x 1 m shrub land subplots, one in the middle and four at the corners of the main plot, had litter samples carefully taken from it. Litter samples from each of the five subplots of the main plot were combined to create a composite sample that weighed about 100 grams. Each of the five 1 by 1 m subplot regions, one at each of the four corners and the main plot's center, had samples of soil organic carbon and bulk density taken at a depth of 30 cm using an auger. The statistical package for social science (SPSS) software version 26 was used to estimate and assess the carbon stock of various carbon pools. The findings demonstrated that the below-ground and above-ground biomass total mean carbon stocks at the sandy loam and sandy textured soil sites were approximately 507.36 t ha and 297.24 t ha, respectively. An independent sample t-test revealed that the mean difference in carbon pool and carbon dioxide sequestration between sandy loam texture soil (site 1) and sandy texture soil (site 2) was statistically significant. Shrub lands have provided great environmental benefits and services, as well as mitigating climate change impacts. Therefore, any environmental protection agencies, both government and non-government, have to look for and protect this resource.
Cardiac surgery for a right atrial myxoma with traumatic intracranial hemorrhage: a case report
Authors: Ichinose Maki , Ogiwara Masanori , Ozaki Masahiko , Nishino Yoshifumi , Tanaka Kensuke
Published: February 2023

Background: The timing of cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for intracranial hemorrhage is controversial.
Case presentation: We report the case of an 82-year-old woman who was transferred to our hospital because of a head injury. Brain computed tomography (CT) revealed traumatic intracranial hemorrhage, and transthoracic echocardiography revealed a giant right atrial myxoma. After confirming the disappearance of intracranial hemorrhage on brain CT, cardiac surgery with CPB was performed, which was uneventful.
Conclusions: For an uneventful surgery, the optimal timing of cardiac surgery with CPB in patients with giant right atrial myxoma and intracranial hemorrhage should be based on brain CT.
Cholesterol removal significantly improves performance of a model anti-tumor biomimetic nano delivery system integrating immunotherapy and STING activation
Authors: Li Lin , Li Jing , Fu Leyao , Zhang Mengxing , Liu Tiantian , Bao Qixue , Huang Shiqi , Zhang zhirong , Liu Zhenmi , Zhang Ling
Published: February 2023

Biomimetic drug delivery systems have attracted much interests as they could accomplish tasks such as precise delivery and biological barrier penetration. Biological membranes often play important functional roles in these systems. We discover that the circulating time and targeting capability of biological membrane-coated nanovehicles could be significantly improved by reducing their cholesterol content with simple (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin treatment. A proof-of-concept biomimetic nano system using cholesterol-reduced T cell membrane with overexpressed PD-1 to deliver photothermal agent and STING agonist SR-717 is fabricated and assessed. Comparing with non-modified membrane and conventional PEGlaytion modified membranes, these membranes offer remarkably improved performance in immunocompetent mice, with ~ 2-fold increase in tumor accumulation. After intravenous injection and laser irradiation, melanoma tumors are completely eliminated with no recurrence for > 100 days in > 80% treated mice. Mechanistic studies suggest that the treated membranes could efficiently escape the immune surveillance to avoid blood clearance while keeping functional surface molecules exposed. This subtractive strategy does not introduce new substances and appears to be highly safe. In summary, we discover a simple, safe and widely-applicable biological membrane modification strategy that could significantly improve delivery performance. This strategy displays advantages than conventional PEGlaytion in some aspects and has good potential for further development.
Drug delivery applications of exopolysaccharides from endophytic bacteria Pseudomonas otitidis from Tribulus terrestris L
Authors: Kalimuthu Arjun Kumar , Pandian Sureshbabu Ram Kumar , Parasuraman Pavadai , Panneerselvam Theivendren , Kabilan Shanmugampillai Jeyaraguru , Sankaranarayanan Murugesan , Chandu Ala , Kunjiappan Selvaraj
Published: February 2023

The present study aimed to produce a novel biocompatible, stable and biodegradable exopolysaccharide (EPS) from endophytic bacteria to deliver drugs into malignant cells effectively. EPS-producing endophytic bacteria, Pseudomonas otitidis was isolated and identified from the roots of the medicinal plant Tribulus terrestris L. The ice-cold ethanol precipitation method was used to isolate EPS from an endophytic bacterial culture. The isolated EPS was partially characterized by FTIR, NMR spectroscopy, and the presence of reducing sugar and protein contents were also measured. The isolated EPS contained 26.665±1.302% of reducing sugar and 0.912±0.023% of proteins. Further, EPS-based quercetin-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) were formulated through the precipitation method to deliver quercetin into breast cancer cells. The fabricated nanoparticles size, shape, physical nature, drug release and release kinetics properties were studied and confirmed. EPS-based nanoparticles could cause the highest release of quercetin in an acidic medium at pH 5.0, and they had high biocompatibility in a physiological medium. In addition, the NPs showed significant free radicals (DPPH* and ABTS*) scavenging and ferric ion reducing potentials and concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects against breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 cells) after 24 h treatment with IC50 value of 14.313 μg ml−1. The obtained results demonstrated that the isolated EPS from endophytic bacteria can positively applied as a drug delivery vehicle and enhanced the activity of the loaded drug.
Convergence Theorems in G- Metric Space and its Application
Authors: Kamal A. , Rizk Doaa
Published: February 2023

The present paper is an attempt to prove convergence theorems to a unique fixed point in complete G-metric space. It also provides the consequences of our main result. Furthermore, some up to date results in the setting of G-metric spaces will be improved and supplemented by the convergence theorems. As an application of our results, it also proves some previous theorems as special cases. The results demonstrated in this study unify and enlarge some known results in this area.
AMS: 46E15, 47B33, 47B38, 54C35.
Herbivory baseline estimates in Spanish Protected Areas, and environmental implications.
Authors: Serrano-Zulueta Rubén , Pardo Guillermo , Prado Agustín del , Manzano Pablo
Published: February 2023

Context.
There are no estimations of herbivory baselines in Spain. Due to the bioclimatic conditions, ungulates have maintained Open Ecosystems until the Holocene. Pastoral tradition later fulfilled the niche of wild grazers, but this role is not considered in environmental assessments of grazing livestock.
Objectives.
We attempted to better understand the scale of herbivory in Spain. We aimed to estimate the weight of current wild herbivory and evaluate the role of domestic herbivory in these baselines. We apply them to improve the allocation of environmental impacts and emissions from grazing livestock.
Methods.
We inferred equations relating Net Primary Productivity (NPP) with ungulate biomass and enteric CH4 with data from 11 Spanish Protected Areas. We applied the equations to the current grazable areas in Spain and we analysed the ecological conditions to get the herbivory baseline. We also estimated the proportion of grazing livestock that would be part of such baseline.
Results.
We found relationships between NPP and ungulate biomass and enteric CH4 emissions. However, current abundances are several times below the estimated baselines and the carrying capacity. There are major constraints for herbivore populations to reach their baseline state, particularly the absence of migration and the extinction of grazers among wild herbivores. Structural maintenance of Open Ecosystems must therefore be led by domestic grazers that cannot be replaced by the extant wild, mostly browser, ungulates.
Conclusions.
We concluded that Spain is widely susceptible to being populated by herbivores that generate Open Ecosystems as baseline landscapes. Current grazing livestock accounts for a significant part of them, so baselines must be included in their environmental assessments. For the case of Spain, we propose a minimum baseline of 36% of the herbivore biomass and 30% of the enteric CH4.
The Global Impact of Vaccine Certificates on COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake: A Scoping Review
Authors: Zhu David T. , Mithani Salima S. , Smith David , Wilson Kumanan
Published: February 2023

Background
Globally, COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be instrumental for promoting population health by curbing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and achieving herd immunity. Vaccine certificates have emerged as a promising solution for encouraging vaccination and facilitating the safe reopening of society, however, they remain controversial due to criticisms of infringing upon individual rights of bodily autonomy. While there is extensive literature describing the ethical, legal, and public health implications of vaccine certificates, there is currently a gap in knowledge about the impact of vaccine certificates on vaccine uptake during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Objectives
The objectives of this scoping review are to (i) evaluate the impact of vaccine certificates on the rates of COVID-19 vaccine uptake across several countries and (ii) describe the myriad intrinsic and extrinsic barriers or facilitators that moderate this relationship.
Methods
We conducted a scoping review based on PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRSIMA-ScR) guidelines. We searched three bibliographic databases (APA PsychInfo, Embase Classic + Embase, OVID-Medline) and preprint severs on May 17, 2022. Two reviewers independently screened the studies based on pre-specified eligibility criteria and performed data extraction for pre-specified themes.
Results
Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority documented that vaccine certificates significantly increased the rates of COVID-19 vaccine uptake (n=9), motivated by factors such as travel/employer requirements, influence from the government/peers, and trust in the safety, efficacy, and science behind COVID-19 vaccines. Three studies had non-significant or mixed findings. Only one study found a significant decrease in COVID-19 vaccine uptake, motivated by pervasive distrust in the QR code-based system of digital vaccine certificates in Russia.
Conclusion
Our findings provide valuable insights into the consequences of vaccine certificates on vaccine uptake at a global scale, which can be used to guide future implementation of vaccine certificates in a more acceptable, feasible, and sustainable manner.
Analysis of strain, sex, and diet-dependent modulation of gut microbiota reveals candidate keystone organisms driving microbial diversity in response to American and ketogenic diets
Authors: Salvador Anna C. , Huda M. Nazmul , Arends Danny , Elsaadi Ahmed M. , Gacasan Anthony C. , Brockmann Gudrun A. , Valdar William , Bennett Brian J. , Threadgill David W.
Published: February 2023

Background
The gut microbiota is modulated by a combination of diet, host genetics, and sex effects. The magnitude of these effects and interactions among them is important to understanding inter-individual variability in gut microbiota. In a previous study, mouse strain-specific responses to American and ketogenic diets were observed along with several QTL for metabolic traits. In the current study, we searched for genetic variants underlying differences in the gut microbiota in response to American and ketogenic diets, which are high in fat and vary in carbohydrate composition, between C57BL/6J (B6) and FVB/NJ (FVB) mouse strains.
Results
Genetic mapping of microbial features revealed 18 loci under the QTL model (i.e., marginal effects that are not specific to diet or sex), 12 loci under the QTL by diet model, and 1 locus under the QTL by sex model. Multiple metabolic and microbial features map to the distal part of Chr 1 and Chr 16 along with eigenvectors extracted from principal coordinate analysis of measures of β-diversity. Bilophila, Ruminiclostridium 9, and Rikenella (Chr 1) were identified as sex and diet independent QTL candidate keystone organisms and Rikenelleceae RC9 Gut Group (Chr 16) was identified as a diet-specific, candidate keystone organism in confirmatory factor analyses of traits mapping to these regions. For many microbial features, irrespective of which QTL model was used, diet or the interaction between diet and a genotype were the strongest predictors of the abundance of each microbial trait. Sex, while important to the analyses, was not as strong of a predictor for microbial abundances.
Conclusions
These results demonstrate that sex, diet, and genetic background have different magnitudes of effects on inter-individual differences in gut microbiota. Therefore, Precision Nutrition through the integration of genetic variation, microbiota, and sex affecting microbiota variation will be important to predict response to diets varying in carbohydrate composition.
Anti-inflammatory Effects of First-line Anti-arthritic Drugs on T-cell
Activation
Authors: Manolios Nicholas , Hou Guojiang
Published: February 2023

Aim:

The in vitro effects of commonly used first-line anti-arthritic drugs on early stages
of T-cell activation were examined.

Methods:

The 2B4.11 murine T cell hybridoma cell line recognizing pigeon cytochrome c (PCC)
as the antigen was co-cultured with the histocompatible antigen presenting B cell hybridoma line
LK35.2, PCC, and anti-arthritic drugs, including methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, salazopyrine,
cyclosporin, and leflunomide. After 16 hours of incubation, the supernatant was removed, and
cytokines were assayed.

Results:

Anti-arthritic drugs inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-2, IL-6,
IFN-γ, GM-CSF, and TNF-α (Th1 cytokines) to a varying extent. Surprisingly, leflunomide, salazopyrine,
prednisone and indomethacin as well as blocking Th1 cytokines, stimulated the production
of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, a Th2 cytokine.

Conclusion:

Anti-arthritic medications can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines
and in some cases, incite a Th2 response that could potentially inhibit the progression of the immune
response.
Admission Avoidance for Older Adults Facilitated by Telemedicine during
the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gregory Jemma , Noble Benjamin , Ward Donna , Wyrko Zoe , Laghi Luca
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

The coronavirus pandemic has disproportionately affected older adults
and has provided an incentive to find alternatives to emergency department attendance to avoid
unnecessary exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. To address this issue, a specialist geriatric
multidisciplinary team at Queen Elizabeth Hospital set up a novel telemedicine approach to the
ambulance service with the aim of reducing unnecessary emergency department attendance for
older adults. This study provides a service evaluation in its first year of use.

Methods:

Service evaluation in the first year of the ‘Ask OPAL’ (older person Assessment and
liaison) hotline for ambulance paramedics, run by a multidisciplinary acute geriatrics team at the
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. Data on the number, patient demographics, intervention,
and outcome of the calls, were recorded

Results:

During the study period, 2552 ‘Ask OPAL’ calls were conducted. Of the 2552 calls carried
out, 1755 patients (69%) remained at home. Of the patients who remained at home, 76% received
verbal advice only, while 24% were referred to community services in addition to receiving verbal
advice.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the use of an integrated multidisciplinary team communicating with
paramedics via telemedicine appears to be successful in preventing avoidable hospital admissions
in complex patients.
OPTIMASI EKSTRAKSI METODE MICROWAVE ASSISTED EXTRACTION (MAE) PADA SARANG SEMUT (MYRMECODIA PENDANS)
Authors:   Universitas Brawijaya, Diantoro Agung , Arum Mentari Sekar ,   Universitas Brawijaya, Mualimin Lulus ,   Universitas Brawijaya, Setyawijayanto Danny ,   Universitas Brawijaya
Published: February 2023

Myrmecodia pendans termasuk tumbuhan epifit yang mengandung komponen bioaktif yang dapat berperan menjadi antioksidan didalam tubuh, seperti flavonoid, tanin dan polifenol. Ekstraksi ini sudah banyak di terapkan, namun masih sedikit yang menerapkan MAE dalam proses ekstraksi sarang semut. Tujuannya untuk menentukan kondisi optimal konsentrasi ethanol, rasio bahan-pelarut, waktu ekstraksi sarang semut menggunakan metode MAE terhadap kadar fenol total dan kadar flavonoid total. Rancangan penelitian eksperimen ini memakai software Design Expert 10.0 Box Behnken Design (BBD) dengan pemodelan yang ingin diketahui yaitu interaksi rasio konsentrasi etanol, rasio pelarut dan bahan serta lama ekstraksi sarang semut terhadap kadar fenol total dan kadar flavonoid total. Kemudian dilakukan langkah optimasi untuk mendapatkan respon yang optimal, selanjutnya diverifikasi. Pada proses verifikasi didapatkan kadar flavonoid total 115.47 mgQE/g dan kadar fenol total 464.39 mg GAE/g. Sedangkan hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa hasil optimal adalah konsentrasi ethanol 75%, rasio pelarut dan bahan 25ml/g dan lama ekstraksi 20 menit menghasilkan kadar flavonoid total 118.87 mg/QE dan kadar fenol total 469.13 mg/GAE.
OPTIMASI SUHU DAN LAMA WAKTU STEAM BLANCHING UNTUK PEMBUATAN JAGUNG MANIS PIPIL BEKU VARIETAS PARAGON
Authors:   Universitas Brawijaya, Nur Mokhamad , Tanita Nafisa Dwi ,   Universitas Brawijaya, Suprayogi Suprayogi ,   Universitas Brawijaya
Published: February 2023

Jagung merupakan komoditas yang mudah rusak dalam keadaan segar. Salah satu metode yang dapat memperpanjang umur simpan sekaligus menjaga kualitasnya yaitu dengan mengolahnya menjadi jagung manis pipil beku. Dalam pembuatan jagung manis pipil diberikan perlakuan blanching metode steam karena dapat menghentikan reaksi enzimatis, mengurangi jumlah mikroba awal, menjaga tekstur bahan, dan menghilangkan komponen yang tidak diinginkan. Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu mendapatkan nilai optimal dari waktu dan suhu blanching untuk respon kadar air, total gula dan warna. Riset ini menggunakan metode RSM (Response Surface Methodology) dengan rancang percobaan CCD (Central Composite Design). Tahap optimasi menggunakan dua faktor yaitu suhu blanching (80○C, 90○C, 100○C) dan waktu blanching (2, 4, dan 6 menit). Analisis data menggunakan software Design Expert 13 dan minitab 18. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan perlakuan terbaik pada pembuatan jagung manis pipil yaitu suhu 80○C selama 2 menit menghasilkan kadar air 83.91%, total gula 4.23%, dan perubahan warna 6.04.
Ocena jakości leczenia bólu pooperacyjnego u pacjentów oddziału chirurgicznego leczonych metodą laparoskopową
Authors: Krajewska Karolina
Published: February 2023

Wstęp. Laparoskopia jest jedną z najbardziej skutecznych metod leczenia operacyjnego. Głównymi korzyściami płynącymi z leczenia metodą laparoskopową jest szybszy powrót do zdrowia, mniejsza ilość powikłań, blizny niewielkich rozmiarów oraz zminimalizowanie odczuwanych dolegliwości bólowych.

Cel. Celem pracy jest analiza oceny jakości leczenia bólu pooperacyjnego po zabiegach operacyjnych przeprowadzonych metodą laparoskopową.

Materiał i metody. W pracy wykorzystano metodę sondażu diagnostycznego przy użyciu techniki ankietowania. Narzędziem badawczym służącym do przeprowadzenia badań była ankieta własna wraz z narzędziem standaryzowanym - Polska Wersja Skali Klinicznych Wskaźników Jakości Postępowania z Bólem Pooperacyjnym. Analizie badawczej poddano 100 pacjentów oddziału chirurgicznego Wojewódzkiego Szpitala Specjalistycznego we Włocławku leczonych metodą laparoskopową.

Wyniki. Uzyskane wyniki są zbliżone do badań przeprowadzonych przez innych badaczy. Ogólna ocena jakości świadczonej opieki pielęgniarskiej w minimalizowaniu odczuwanych dolegliwości bólowych świadczy o konieczności poprawy opieki w sferze środowisko oraz komunikowanie.

Wnioski. Personel pielęgniarski posiada wiedzę w zakresie uśmierzania bólu pooperacyjnego oraz szybko reaguje na zmieniający się stan chorego. Wyniki badań jednoznacznie wskazują, iż przekaz informacji na poziomie pielęgniarka – pacjent powinien ulec poprawie. Zapewnienie odpowiedniego otoczenia choremu do odpoczynku po operacji nie zawsze jest możliwe z przyczyn niezależnych od personelu pielęgniarskiego.
Russia's Role in the Far-Right Truck Convoy
Authors: Orr Bueno Caroline
Published: February 2023

Nearly a year after the start of Canada’s 2022 Freedom Convoy—a series of protests and blockades that brought together a wide variety of far-right activists and extremists, as well as ordinary Canadians who found common ground with the aggrieved message of the organizers—the question of whether and to what degree foreign actors were involved remains largely unanswered. This paper attempts to answer some of those questions by providing a brief but targeted analysis of Russia’s involvement in the Freedom Convoy via media and social media. The analysis examines Russian involvement in the convoy through the lenses of overt state media coverage, state-affiliated proxy websites, and overlap between Russian propaganda and convoy content on social media. The findings reveal that the Russian state media outlet RT covered the Freedom Convoy far more than any other international media outlet, suggesting strong interest in the far-right Canadian protest movement on the part of the Russian state. State-affiliated proxy websites and content on the messaging platform Telegram provide further evidence of Russia’s strategic interest in the Freedom Convoy. Based on these findings, it is reasonable to infer that there was Russian involvement in the 2022 truck convoy, though the scope and impact remain to be determined.
Received: 2023-01-13Revised: 2023-01-24
FUTURE OF SECURITY THROUGH UX DESIGN: A CASE STUDY OF MySOS
Authors: Niemann Emily
Published: February 2023

On November 25, 2022, Ms. Emily Niemann, a User Experience (UX) Designer at Esri presented on the Future of Security Through UX Design: A Case Study of MySOS. The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer period with questions from the audience and CASIS-Vancouver executives. The key points of discussion were the UX design process, human and user-centric focuses on UX design, a case study of the MySOS app in Japan, and the impact of old processes and norms in Japanese society.
WHY NATO HAS BECOME A FLASHPOINT WITH RUSSIA IN UKRAINE
Authors: Kupchan Charles
Published: February 2023

On November 21, 2022, Dr. Charles Kupchan, senior fellow with the Council of Foreign Relations and School of Foreign Service and a professor of International Affairs at Georgetown University, presented on Why NATO Has Become a FlashPoint with Russia in Ukraine at the 2022 Annual CASIS Vancouver West Coast Security Conference. The key points discussed were North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) roots in liberal democracy, NATO’s role within the Ukrainian-Russian war and their collaboration with the European Union, the future threat of a potential Russia-China alliance, challenges to address within the near coming future regarding Ukraine, and NATO’s role within the strength of democracy.
 
Received: 2022-12-09Revised: 2023-01-02
DO DISRUPTION, IDEATION, AND INNOVATION FEED ONE ANOTHER?
Authors: Adlakha-Hutcheon Gitanjali
Published: February 2023

On November 21, 2022, Dr. Gitanjali Adlakha-Hutcheon, A/Chief Scientist of the Health Sciences domain at the Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) presented Do Disruption, Ideation, and Innovation Feed One Another? The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer period with questions from the audience and CASIS-Vancouver executives. The key points discussed were the positive and negative natures and impacts of disruption; the manner in which ideation and innovation addresses disruption; and the interdependence of disruption, ideation, and innovation within the context of emerging threats and societal resilience.
 
Received: 2022-12-28Revised: 2023-01-04
CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS AND POLITICAL MILITARY RELATIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF THREAT RESILIENCY
Authors: Lee Carrie
Published: February 2023

On November 21, 2022, Dr. Carrie Lee, associate professor and Chair of the Department of National Security and Strategy at the US Army War College, presented on Civil-Military Relations and Political Military Relations in the Context of Threat Resiliency. The key points discussed included the importance of good civil-military relations, how they are critical in establishing resiliency, and some of the threats that require good civil-military relations.
 
Received: 2022-12-05Revised: 2022-12-07
EMERGING NATIONAL SECURITY CONCERNS AND BUILDING STATE RESILIENCE
Authors: McGuinty David
Published: February 2023

On November 22, 2022, the Honourable David McGuinty, Chairman of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP), presented on Emerging National Security Concerns and Building State Resilience. The key points discussed were what is NSICOP, how NSICOP conducts reviews into Canada’s National Security and Intelligence community, and the future of NSICOP’s mandate. The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer period with questions from the audience and CASIS Vancouver executives.
 
Received: 20223-01-02Revised: 2023-01-12
DIVERSITY DISCUSSION: INTENTIONALITY AND BLINDSPOTS
Authors: Peters Michael
Published: February 2023

On November 22, 2022, Dr. Michael Peters, Director of the Naval Reserve Professional Development and Mentorship Program for the Royal Canadian Navy presented Diversity Discussion: Intentionality and Blindspots. The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer period with questions from the audience and CASIS Vancouver executives. The key points discussed were the benefits and challenges surrounding Diversity and Inclusion programs, the need for intentionality and accountability in the creation and implementation of the programs, and the ways in which role modelling and mentorship from those in leadership positions helps to foster and sustain an environment conducive to diversity and inclusion.
 
Received: 2022-12-30Revised: 2023-01-05
PROFESSIONALIZING AND STANDARDIZING INTELLIGENCE PRACTICE IN THE CONTEXT OF NATIONAL SECURITY
Authors: Mendoza Roberto
Published: February 2023

On November 22, 2022, Roberto Mendoza, the Co-Chair of the Canadian Association of Professional Intelligence Analysts (CAPIA), presented on Professionalizing and Standardizing Intelligence Practice in the Context of National Security. The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer period with questions from the audience and CASIS-Vancouver executives. The key points discussed were the role and function CAPIA serves in the Canadian Security & Intelligence Community (S&I Community) and how intelligence practices can be improved.
 
Received: 2023-01-02Revised: 2023-01-04
PANEL TWO CLOSING REMARKS
Authors: Dumbrille Charles
Published: February 2023

On November 22, 2022, Charles Dumbrille, Chief Risk Officer for IN-D-TEL International, provided closing remarks for Panel 2: Intelligence Toolkit. The key issues discussed were the opportunities and ethical challenges for the intelligence and security community (ISC) presented by the rapid global advancement of technology, and the difficult conversations to be had on these issues by organisations and private citizens.
 
Received: 2023-01-14Revised: 2023-01-20
EVOLUTION OF INCELS: ONGOING SECURITY IMPLICATIONS OF INCEL IDEOLOGY
Authors: Kates Naama
Published: February 2023

On November 23, 2022, Naama Kates, the writer, creator, and producer of the Incel podcast, presented Evolution of Incels: Ongoing Security Implications of Incel Ideology. The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer period with questions from the audience and CASIS Vancouver executives. The key points discussed were the definition, demographics, and rhetoric of the incel community, prominent attacks attributed to incels, and common misconceptions regarding the community and the impacts on future engagement.
 
Received: 2022-12-21Revised: 2023-01-08