bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating Experiences of Cancer Patients under Outpatient Oncology Treatments, a phenomenology study
Authors: salehi kobra , Shakour Mahsa , Kashani Fahimeh , Hashemi Maryam
Published: January 2023

Background
Today, cancer is one of the most important medical problems. Successful management of cancer patients requires an understanding regarding their experiences. The aim of the current study was to answer the question regarding experiences of cancer patients under outpatient oncology treatments.
Methods
Phenomenological method was used in order to access the depths of experiences felt by patients. The study was done in specialized cancer hospital and private hospital in 2018. Data gathering by in-depth and unstructured interviews were carried out with participants with previous arrangements. Data precision and robustness was determined based on Guba and Lincholn criteria. Data analysis was carried out based on Colaizzi seven-step method.
Results
A total of 9 people participated in this study. The experiences of cancer patients were categorized in five main concepts including 1) Individual problems, 2) Expectations from the physician and health care system, 3) the quality of health care system, 4) Coping with the cancer and 5) Support in the fight against cancer.
Conclusions
These patients have a wide range of medical, psychological, support and emotional needs which are only known to the patients themselves. Cancer itself is not the source of all these problems; instead they have various sources including family, society, policy making and treatment team, many of which can be solved with proper education. Therefore, it is necessary to offer comprehensive planning, starting with medical teams, and create the necessary infrastructures in the society.
Electing the Labor Analgesia and Satisfaction of Primiparous Women: An Interventional Study of the Impact of Shared Decision-Making
Authors: Shahveisi Maryam , Mehrabi Esmat , Nourizadeh Roghaiyeh , Shamsdanesh Shiva
Published: January 2023

Background: Most physicians and childbirth care providers choose analgesia for mothers during labor and childbirth based on their own preference for various reasons, which sometimes leads to the mothers’ dissatisfaction with the decision made in selecting the type of labor analgesia. Present study aimed to assess the impact of shared decision-making (SDM) in electing the labor analgesia on the satisfaction of primiparous women.
Methods: The present experimental study was conducted on primiparous women with a gestational age of 38- 42 weeks. The participants were assigned to the intervention (n=33) and control (n=33) groups using block randomization with block sizes of 4 and 6. Women in the intervention group decide about the type of pain relief based on SDM during the latent phase of labor after receiving the required information regarding various applicable analgesia methods. The questionnaires, including satisfaction with the decision, O'Conner’s decisional regret scale, and SDM questionnaires, were completed after childbirth. Data were analyzed by SPSS 24 software and independent t-test and ANCOVA were used.
Results: The baseline characteristic of participants was similar in both groups. After the intervention, the mean score of decision satisfaction‎ in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group [Mean Difference (MD): 2.86, 95% CI: 1.94to 3.77, (P <0.001)]. The mean score of decisional regret (DR) in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group [MD: -4.86, 95% CI: -5.95to -3.76, (P<0.001)]. After the intervention, the mean score of SDM in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group [MD: 13.22, 95% CI: 10.33 to 16.12, (P<0.001)]. The highest mean difference in the intervention group was associated with the SDM and the lowest mean difference was associated with the decisional regret .
Conclusion: Participation of women in decision-making to choose the type of labor pain relief during childbirth improved decision satisfaction and perception of SDM. Therefore, it is recommended to use this method during labor and childbirth, since it is considered a patient's right and autonomy.
Numerical study on the relation between seismic source parameters and the occurrence of coal bursts due to pillar failure
Authors: Jia Jinhe
Published: January 2023

Numerical tests using the seismic analysis method are conducted to investigate the occurrence of coal bursts due to pillar failure, which is represented by a shear fracture in the pillar’s elastic core area. The assumption is that the fracture development process is the key factor affecting the occurrence of coal bursts and coal burst damages. Three fracturing patterns are offered to simulate different development processes of the same fracture with the given original and final mechanical properties and the given fracturing time. A series of slip movements occur between two sides of the fracture during the fracture development process and cause seismic events. The seismic source parameters, including peak velocity and duration of slip velocity pulses, moment factor and moment intensity factor, are employed to characterize the seismic events. Data are obtained to investigate the relation between seismic source parameters and the occurrence of coal bursts or the coal burst damages. The results show the fracture development process has a great influence on the coal burst damages; the moment intensity factor is a qualified seismic source characteristic parameter for determining the occurrence of coal bursts, and can distinguish not only between burst cases and non-burst cases, but also between slight burst cases and moderate burst cases; moment factor is not a qualified seismic source characteristic parameter for determining the occurrence of coal bursts, though seismic moment is generally regarded as the strength of seismic events.
Investigating the Effects of Climate Change on Precipitation over Eastern Iran under CMIP6 Scenarios
Authors: Imanipour Hossain , Karami Mokhtar
Published: January 2023

Global climate change has caused numerous concerns about its harmful effects on natural and human systems. One of the obvious effects of global warming is the change amount of precipitation. The present study aims to investigate the effects of future climate changes on the precipitation situation in eastern Iran using the precipitation combination of eight Atmosphere-Ocean General Circulation Models (AOGCMs) from the -Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) and the zoning of precipitation values for the baseline period (1988–2020), the near-future period 2021–2053, and the far-future period 2054–2086 under three scenarios SSP1_2.6, SSP2_4.5, and SSP5_8.5 in the study area. Initially, to verify and rank the models, the results of statistical measures, root-mean-square error (RMSE), explanatory coefficient, standard deviation (SD), and the Kling-Gupta efficiency (KGE) were employed to compare the results of historical period data of models and observational data of the selected stations. After ensuring the ability of all eight models in simulating precipitation to reduce uncertainty, the results of all eight models were combined using Chen's weighting method, and the weight value of each model was obtained month by month for the stations of the study area. Finally, analyzing the obtained results showed that the amount of precipitation has decreased in summers and winters, while it has increased in springs and autumns slightly. But the annual precipitation in all scenarios of the future period shows lower figures than the observation period. This is a warning for the environment and agricultural affairs and all aspects that require greater vigilance from managers and planners to adapt to the reduction of precipitation, address the destructive effects of climate change, and prevent economic problems in the study area.
MiR-651-3p/CAV1/EGFR axis Modulates Progression and Vasculogenic Mimicry in Triple-negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Hai Linyue , Zhao Jingjing , Cao Xuchen , Xiao Chunhua
Published: January 2023

Background: Breast cancer (BC) has become the most common type of cancer and the second most common cause of cancer-related death. In comparison with other subtypes of breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly aggressive, more likely to metastasize, and has a shorter survival time. MiRNAs play an inhibitory or promoting role in cancer, and are involved in several cell signaling pathways, including growth, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is associated with invasive disease, tumor spread, metastasis, and poor prognosis. Additional research is needed to determine the mechanisms governing VM formation in TNBC.
Methods: We measured RNA and protein expression using quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blotting. Assays assessing cell proliferation were conducted with CCK-8, cell cycle, and colony formation. Cell migration and invasion were evaluated using transwells, scratch tests, and high-intensity imaging. Luciferase reporter assays were used to confirm miR-651-3p and CAV1 target relationships.
Results: In TNBC, miR-651-3p was significantly overexpressed, implicating it as an oncogene. By inhibiting CAV1 transcriptional synthesis, miR-651-3p can enhance the activity of EGFR pathways, leading to promotion of TNBC proliferation, VM formation, and migration.
Conclusion: It was determined that miR-651-3p/CAV1/EGFR axis could be a therapeutic target for TNBC in this study.
Estimation of the AC electrical properties of some clay ceramic samples under different compositions and firing temperatures
Authors: Gomaa Mohamed M.
Published: January 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Decadal changes in global oceanic primary productivity and key drivers
Authors: Maishal Subhadeep
Published: January 2023

Ocean phytoplankton form complex groups of interplayed living organisms in the marine food web, with profound control in marine biological and geochemical cycles, forming ecological structures and affecting climate regulatory systems. They have a significant impact on the marine biochemical and geochemical cycles, help to construct ecological structures, and influence the mechanisms that regulate the global climate. The world's oceanic regions are changing very rapidly there Physical processes and biogeochemistry. A significant portion of the global population relies on ocean resources for their daily livelihood. Since the biogeochemistry of the oceans is crucial for the marine food chain. It is imperative to monitor and detect the changes in oceans' Primary Productivity (PP). Rates and drivers of Primary Productivity (PP) have been well understood for many terrestrial diversified ecosystems but persist unsolved for many marine ecosystems, particularly those within open ocean environments. Here, we analyze the decadal changes in Net Primary Productivity (NPP) in the global ocean and their potential drivers. Ocean warming strengthens upper ocean seasonal or inter-seasonal thermal stratification, mesoscale circulation, water density, and nutrient uptake. These are the major factors playing central roles in regulating PP all over the ocean.
Incidence, severity and reversibility of acute kidney injury after elective hip and knee arthroplasty in patients receiving celecoxib perioperatively as one of the standard multimodal analgesic protocols
Authors: Chan Manson Tak Hei , Chan Timmy Chi Wing , Mak Henry Chi Yeung , Chan Will Shing Him , Wong Stanley Sau Ching , Wong Vincent Kai Chung , Chan Lewis Ping Keung , Cheung Chi Wai
Published: January 2023

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) may complicate up to 10% of primary lower-extremity total joint arthroplasties. However, none of these previous studies evaluated the duration and reversibility of AKI. Moreover, none specifically evaluated the impact of perioperative celecoxib on the incidence and severity of AKI, especially for patients with preexisting renal impairment.
The aim of this study was to retrospectively review the incidence, severity and duration of AKI with short term perioperative celecoxib. We also aimed to evaluate the impact of perioperative celecoxib on the incidence and severity of AKI in patients with and without preexisting renal impairment.
Methods We retrospectively reviewed 1077 patients at Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, from January 2018 to December 2021. Data were retrieved from the computerized medical records system.
Results One hundred of 1077 patients (9.3%) had postoperative AKI. Eight hundred eighty-eight patients (82.5%) were prescribed perioperative celecoxib, while 189 patients (17.5%) were not.
The overall incidence of AKI in those taking perioperative celecoxib was 9.2%, while it was 9.5% in those not taking perioperative celecoxib. There was no statistically significant difference. There was no association between perioperative celecoxib and postoperative AKI.
Among those who received perioperative celecoxib, the overall incidence of postoperative AKI in those with and without preexisting renal impairment was 9.3% and 9.2%, respectively. This was not statistically significant. The duration of AKI was 4 days for both groups. In both groups, most AKI cases were stage 1.
Conclusions Short term perioperative celecoxib probably had no additional AKI risk even in patients with preexisting renal impairment. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT05595694.
Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT05595694
RNA-Sequencing Predicts a Role of Androgen Receptor and Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1A1 in Osteosarcoma Lung Metastases
Authors: Heim Tanya , Hankins Margaret , Belayneh Rebekah , Douglas Nerone , Dinh Vu , Kovvur Murali , Boone David , Ukani Vrutika , Bhogal Sumail , Patel Vaidehi , Moniz Taylor , Bailey Kelly , John Ivy , Schoedel Karen , Weiss Kurt , Watters Rebecca
Published: January 2023

One-third of pediatric patients with osteosarcoma (OS) develop lung metastases (LM), which is the primary predictor of mortality. While current treatments of patients with localized bone disease have been successful in producing 5-year survival rates of 65–70%, patients with LM experience poor survival rates of only 19–30%. Unacceptably, this situation that has remained unchanged for 30 years. Thus, there is an urgent need to elucidate the mechanisms of metastatic spread in OS and to identify targetable molecular pathways that enable more effective treatments for patients with LM. We aimed to identify OS-specific gene alterations using RNA-sequencing with a focus on those corresponding with LM in a genetic comparison of primary and metastatic human tissues. Samples of primary and metastatic tumors, including 4 matched sets, were obtained from patients with OS. Our data demonstrate upstream regulation of the androgen receptor (AR) pathway in LM and predicts aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1) as an upstream regulator. Identification of AR pathway upregulation in human LM tissue samples may provide a target for novel therapeutics for patients with LM resistant to conventional chemotherapy.
Negative impact of the microvascular area to tumor area ratio on the response to EGFR-TKI in NSCLC with EGFR mutation
Authors: Anai Moriyasu , Saruwatari Koichi , Imamura Kosuke , Fujino Kosuke , Jodai Takayuki , Sakata Shinya , Iyama Shinji , Tomita Yusuke , Saeki Sho , Ichiyasu Hidenori , Ikeda Koei , Suzuki Minoru , Sakagami Takuro
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate whether a tumor microenvironment, abundant in microvessels, affects epidermal growth factor receptor–tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) efficacy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and EGFR mutations. We retrospectively studied the data of 40 post-operative patients with recurrent NSCLC and EGFRmutations who received EGFR-TKIs as a first-line treatment at Kumamoto University Hospital between January 2010 and February 2021. Tumor sections were retrieved from the tissue registry and analyzed for CD34-positive microvessels using immunohistochemical techniques. The microvascular area ratio (MVR), which is the CD34-positive microvascular area compared to the total tumor area, was measured using StrataQuest. The predictive value of MVR on treatment outcome, assessed via progression-free survival (PFS), was evaluated using a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. The median PFS in the high MVR group (≥0.058) was significantly shorter than that in the low MVR group (<0.058; 296 d [95% confidence interval [CI]: 217–374 d] vs. 918 d [95% CI: 279–1556 d], P=0.002). Multivariate analysis revealed that high MVR was an independent negative predictor of PFS (hazard ratio, 3.21 [95% CI: 1.18–8.76], P=0.022). High MVR may critically affect EGFR-TKI resistance in patients with NSCLC and EGFR mutations.
Piecewise Congruence Regressed Indexive Extreme Learning classifier for Software Fault Prediction
Authors: S Sureka , P Venkatesh
Published: January 2023

Early detection of software faults is significant task in the software development process. With the development of defect prediction technology, software with defects negatively impacts on operational costs and finally affects client satisfaction. Therefore, early defect prediction by the project managers is critical and challenging task. Different approaches were developed to predict software faults. However two essential factors are major issues such as timely and accurate detection. Therefore, a novel technique is required for accurate and timely software fault production. In this paper, a Piecewise Congruence Regressed Indexive Extreme Learning Classifier (PRILEC) is introduced for accurate software fault prediction with minimum time. The PRILEC technique consists of two major processes namely feature selection or software metric selection from the input dataset and the classification. In the first process, feature selection or software metric selection process is carried out by using congruence correlative piecewise regression. First, the numbers of features or metrics are collected from the dataset. Then the correlation between the features is measured using congruence coefficient and identifies the more relevant features. With the selected features, the classification is performed by applying statistical indexive levenberg extreme learning classifier for fault prediction with higher accuracy. In the extreme learning classifier, the testing and raining data analysis is performed with the help of Camargo's statistical index. Then the Hardlimit activation function is applied to identify the defective or non-defective software code. Finally, the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm is applied to minimize the least square problem and obtain the final better classification results at output layer. In this way, software fault prediction is carried out with higher accuracy and minimum time. Experimental assessment of the proposed technique is carried out with respect to fault prediction accuracy, precision, recall, F-measure, prediction, specificity and time complexity with a different number of data. The quantitatively discussed results indicate that the performance of proposed technique increases data accuracy of software fault prediction with a higher minimum time as well as space complexity than the conventional method.
The aftereffects of mass dismissals and detentions of academics at Turkish universities
Authors: Hosoglu Salih , Aktürk Zekeriya
Published: January 2023

The number of scientific publications is an essential objective indicator of the scientific level of countries. After 2016, the academic reputation of Turkey declined in the rankings steadily despite significant investments in higher education. Between 2016 and 2018, more than eight thousand academics were dismissed from state universities, corresponding to 5.7% (n = 3 542) of the 60 385 academics. This study evaluated the effects of these mass dismissals on scientific publication performance. We assessed all 108 state universities’ scientific publication performances in 2016. The universities were categorized according to the dismissal levels compared to the number of academics in 2016 as < 5% (n = 47, Group 1), 5–10% (n = 41, Group 2), and > 10% (n = 20, Group 3). The performed and expected annual scientific publications were compared after the mass purge. The publications increased approximately 13.2% per year between 2012 and 2016 (from 34 130 to 52 168) and 3.1% from 2016 to 2019 (from 52 168 to 57 013). The expected total numbers of publications were calculated as 55 643 for 2017, 60 225 for 2018, and 64 806 for 2019; the observed-expected differences were 13.8%, 13.4%, and 12.0%, respectively. The mean number of publications decreased in 2017 in all three groups. Group 2 and Group 3 were more affected than Group 1. Significant differences were shown between Group 1 and Group 3 (p for 2017, 2018, and 2019, 0.027, 0.009, and 0.017, respectively). The academic purge at Turkish universities showed a significant impact on overall academic productivity beyond the number of academics dismissed.
First isolation of the terbinafine- and itraconazole-resistant Trichophyton indotineae in China
Authors: Kong Xue , Mei Huan , Zheng Hailin , Song Ge , Tang Chao , De Hoog Sybren , Li Xiaofang , She Xiaodong , Liu Weida , Liang Guanzhao
Published: January 2023

Background

Trichophyton indotineae, a new species of dermatophytes, has become a significant concern in treating dermatophytosis due to the high level of terbinafine resistance reported in India and even worldwide.

Objectives

We aimed to report the first case of the terbinafine- and itraconazole-resistant T. indotineae in China, by identifying the phylogenetic classification of the isolate strain, and detecting the drug resistance, gene mutation and expression.

Patients/Methods:

The skin scales of patient were cultured on SDA and authenticated by DNA sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS. Antifungal susceptibility to itraconazole,terbinafine et al was tested following the M38-A2 CLSI protocol to examine MIC. The isolate was screened for mutations in the squalene epoxidase (SQLE) gene by Sanger sequencing and detected the expression of CYP51A and CYP51B by qRT-PCR.

Results

We isolated the first multi-resistant ITS genotype VIII sibling of the T. mentagrophytes complex (T. indotineae) in China. The strain harbored high terbinafine MICs (>32 µg/mL) and had a mutation in the squalene epoxidase gene with amino acid substitution (Phe397Leu, mutation 1191C > A). In addition, overexpression of CYP51A and CYP51B was observed. With multiple relapses, the patient finally achieved clinical cure by itraconazole pulse therapy and topical clotrimazole cream for 5 weeks.

Conclusions

We reported the first indigenous case of T. indotineae in China, indicating the intensification of drug resistance in dermatophytes. Besides, we found longtime itraconazole pulse therapy (0.2g p. o. BID) may provide a practical reference for clinicians in treating refractory dermatophytes.
Optimal Drug Dosing to Prevent Chemotherapy Induced Neutropenia
Authors: Radisavljevic-Gajic Verica , Karagiannis Dimitrios
Published: January 2023

In the first part of this paper, we have considered the well-known myelosuppression mathematical model of Lena Friberg and her coworkers from the system analysis point of view. We have studied the linearized model at steady state and considered its stability, controllability, observability, and scaling of model variables. It was noticed that the linearized dynamics of two state variables is slow (corresponding to the numbers of maturing cells in the third compartment and the number of circulating cells) and that three remaining state variables display fast dynamics (corresponding to the number of proliferative cells and the number of maturing cells in the first and second compartments). In order to avoid numerical computations with large numbers scaling of system state variables by a factor of \({10^9}\) has been utilized. An interesting and important result regarding a dosing strategy has been obtained by simulating dynamics of the considered nonlinear system and observing the steady state value for the number of circulating neutrophil cells. In the second part of the paper, a method was proposed for optimal chemotherapy dosing using a result from optimal control theory in order to reduce the amount of administrated chemotherapy drugs and to keep the number of neutrophil cells above a pre-specified desired ANC (actual neutrophil count) level. It was shown that in the case of continuous dosing, the variable optimal amounts of the drug have to be administrated daily based on information regarding the actual count of neutrophils. This result mathematically establishes that administrating constant amount of drugs daily cannot provide the optimal dosing schedule. In general, the obtained results open a door for modern personalized and optimized medicine that requires daily monitoring of fundamental variables and daily drug administration in variable quantities based on the actual state of the patient’s fundamental variables (parameters) for the considered decease.
Calculation of the Cosmological Constant for Fermion and Boson Electric Charges Swap Lie-Groupoid
Authors: Koorambas Elias
Published: January 2023

Following a previous article [1], in this paper, we investigate a version of the Standard Model (SM) algebroid with the anchor map depending on the Electric Charge Swap (ECS) angle θs. We find that many SM algebras depend on θs. We call these ECSM algebras. Furthermore, the SM algebroid is integrable to the SM groupoid; our results, therefore, potentially extend well beyond this case. We then investigate how the massive ECS particle can be derived from the breaking of the symmetry of the SM groupoid. We find that the ECS particle mass is related to the SM particle mass through the ECS angle θs. We investigate the finite subgroups of the ECS Möbius transformations. The ECS angle qs could originate from the ECS dihedral group that refers to the symmetry of the Particle polygon (P-gon). This angle can then be determined through the multi-triangulation of a convex-particle P-gon. Finally, we find that, at loop-level, the ECS Physics is different from the SM physics, and the ECSM mass is suppressed by the particle Catalan numbers CP. For 24-fermions [1], and 6-vector gauge bosons, the calculated one-loop radiative correction to the bare cosmological constant Λ0 is 10-47GeV4—very close to the experimental value.
PACS numbers: 02.20.-a, 11.25.Uv
The Low Systemic Immune-inflammation Index predicts Poor Outcome and Early Recurrence in High-risk Patients with Pancreatic Head Cancer Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Chen Qing , Ren Siqian , Cui Songping , He Qiang , Lang Ren
Published: January 2023

Background: To investigate the clinical significance of preoperative inflammatory status in patients with pancreatic head carcinoma (PHC), we performed a single-center study to assess it.
Method: We studied a total of 164 patients with PHC undergoing PD surgery (with or without allogeneic venous replacement) from January 2018 to April 2022. Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) was the most important peripheral immune index in predicting the prognosis according to XGBoost analysis. The optimal cutoff value of SII for OS was calculated according toYouden index based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the cohort was divided into Low SII group and High SII group. Demographic, clinical data, laboratory data, follow-up data variables were obtained and compared between the two groups. Kaplan-Meier curves, univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were used to determine the association between preoperative inflammation index, nutritional index and TNM staging system with OS and DFS respectively.
Results: The median follow-up time was 16 months (IQR 23), and 41.4% of recurrences occurred within 1 year. The cutoff value of SII was 563, with a sensitivity of 70.3%, and a specificity of 60.7%. Peripheral immune status was different between the two groups. Patients in High SII group had higher PAR, NLR than those in Low SII group (P＜0.01,＜0.01, respectively), and lower PNI (P＜0.01). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed significantly poorer OS and DFS (P < 0.001, <0.001, respectively) in patients with high SII. By using the multivariable Cox regression model, high SII (HR, 2.056; 95% CI, 1.082–3.905, P=0.028) was significant predictor of OS. Of these 68 high-risk patients who recurrence within one year, patients with widespread metastasis had lower SII and worse prognosis (P＜0.01).
Conclusion: High SII was significantly associated with poor prognosis in patients with PHC. However, in patients who recurrence within one year, SII was lower in patients at TNM stage III. Thus, care needs to be taken to differentiate those high-risk patients.
Do findings on immediate post-radiation advanced MRI change treatment decision and clinical outcome in glioblastoma? A propensity score-matched study
Authors: Moon Hye Hyeon , Kim Ho Sung , Park Ji Eun , Kim Young-Hoon , Kim Jeong Hoon , Lee Ji Sung
Published: January 2023

Purpose
We aim to evaluate efficacy of immediate post-concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) advanced MRI in patients with glioblastoma to guide treatment decisions and improve survival outcomes.
Methods
This retrospective study included 168 patients with IDH wild-type glioblastoma who showed measurable enlarging enhancing lesion on MRI within 12 weeks after CCRT between January 2013 and August 2021. Patients were classified with positive MRI group when early progression was suspected on advanced MRI. The rate of switching to second-line treatment was compared between patients with positive and negative findings. Overall survival (OS) after adjustment with propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was compared between patients continuing primary treatment and those switched to second-line treatment. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed on PSM patients.
Results
Among 168 patients, 110 exhibited positive findings and 58 showed negative findings on advanced MRI. The positive MRI group showed higher rate of switching to second-line treatment than negative MRI group (49% [54/110] vs. 2% [1/58]; p < .001). However, OS was not significantly different between two groups after adjustment using PSM (HR, 1.09; CI, 0.72–1.67; p = .68) and IPTW (HR, 1.08; CI, 0.68–1.71; p = .74). Switching to second-line treatment did not show survival benefit in multivariable analysis (HR, 1.20; CI, 0.75–1.92; p = .45).
Conclusion
Although advanced MRI in patients with IDH wild-type glioblastoma influenced clinicians to make early change in treatment, no survival benefit was observed between patients with and without change in treatment.
Updating and refining of economic evaluation of rotavirus vaccination in Spain: A cost-utility analysis
Authors: Imaz-Iglesia Iñaki , Carmona Montserrat , García-Carpintero Esther E. , Martínez-Portillo Alejandro , Alcalde-Cabero Enrique , Linertová Renata , García-Pérez Lidia
Published: January 2023

Background
Two vaccines against rotavirus diseases, Rotarix® and RotaTeq®, are being marketed in Spain; but rotavirus is not among diseases covered by universal vaccination in Spain. The aim was to assess the efficiency of extending Spain’s current targeted rotavirus vaccination strategy including only preterm babies, to a policy of universal vaccination.
Methods
A de novo cohort-based Markov model was built to evaluate the efficiency of three rotavirus vaccination strategies in Spain, i.e., targeted, universal, and no vaccination. Using Rotarix® or RotaTeq®, we compared the cost-utility of these strategies from both a societal and Spanish National Health System (SNHS) perspective. The model represents the most important clinical events conceivably linked to rotavirus infection. Efficacy, effectiveness, safety, costs and utilities were identified by systematic reviews.
Results
Incremental cost-utility threshold (ICUR) is €23,638/QALY (Quality Adjusted Life Year) for targeted vaccination with Rotarix®. The ICUR for the rest of the strategies evaluated are above €30,000/QALY. Sensitivity analysis shows the price as the only parameter that could make the universal vaccination strategy efficient.
Conclusions
Considering a threshold of €25,000/QALY, only targeted vaccination with Rotarix® from the societal perspective would be efficient. Price drops of 36.9% for Rotarix® and 44.6% for RotaTeq® would make universal vaccination efficient.
Preventive treatment modifies endothelial function and oxidative stress status in patients with migraine: an observational study
Authors: Mingot Cristina González , Lasaosa Sonia Santos , Campàs Laura Colàs , Canaval Laura Chilangua , Sánchez Anna Gil , Ruiz Luis Brieva , Alonso María Cristina Marzo , Moncusí Silvia Peralta , Marsal Joan Valls , Carner Serafí Cambray , García Francisco Purroy
Published: January 2023

Background
To evaluate whether preventive treatment can modify endothelial function and the oxidative stress profile of patients with migraines.
Methods
88 treatment-naïve patients with migraines and 56 healthy sex/age matched controls underwent ultrasonography exams and blood tests at baseline, and again in the migraine patients after 3 months’ treatment with metoprolol or topiramate. Biomarkers for endothelial function and oxidative stress were analyzed.
Results
At baseline, patients with migraines had higher C-reactive protein (CRP; 2.55 vs. 1.64 mg/dL; p = 0.025) and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (61.7 vs. 66.8 mg/dL; p = 0.048), nitrate (19.4 vs. 27.3 µM; p = 0.037), and isoprostane levels (181 vs. 238 µM; p = 0.036) than matched controls. After treatment biomarker levels improved in patients with migraine, including CRP (2.55 mg/dL at baseline vs. 1.75 mg/dL at 3 months; p = 0.045); HDL cholesterol levels were the exception (significantly decreased). Treatment responders (> 50% reduction from baseline in migraine frequency) had higher nitrate (24.2 vs. 13.8 µM; p = 0.022) and nitrite levels (10.4 vs. 3.4 µM; p = 0.002) than non-responders after treatment.
Conclusion
Patients with migraines exhibit endothelial and oxidative dysfunction, which can be modified with prophylactic therapy.
Prognosis and clinical issues of esophageal atresia in extremely low birth weight neonates: a case series
Authors: Horiike Masaki , Mimura Hitomi , Yokoi Akiko
Published: January 2023

Purpose Esophageal atresia (EA) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) neonates is rare. This report aimsto clarify the clinical courses and prognosis of EA in ELBW neonates and the clinical issues of long-term survival cases.
Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted for 8 neonates diagnosed with esophageal atresia. Medical records of ELBW EA neonatestreated at our institution were reviewed to assess patient demographics, clinical courses,and outcomes. Transferred patient data was obtained from their local physicians through questionnaires.
Results EA in ELBW neonates were included in 8 of EA infants (7%). Complications of trisomy 18and pulmonary hypoplasia were associated with poor prognosis. During primary operations, gastrostomy and esophageal banding were performed together in 50% of the cases, while gastrostomy was performed alone in 25%. Esophageal anastomosis was not performed during any primary operation. All causes of death, except for 1 case, were due to non-surgical causes. A long-term survival case of 17 years postoperatively was included.
Conclusion Most cases had a high mortality rate. Therefore, it is essential to share information about the prognosis with parents and multidisciplinary specialists and to select an appropriate treatment strategy for each case.
The Economic Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Market Vendors in Kampala City in Uganda
Authors: Kizza James , Kamaduuka Regis Zombeire , Arineitwe Julius , Amwonya David , Kigosa Nathan
Published: January 2023

Background

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic struck Uganda, much emphasis by the policy makers and researchers were on the health effects of the pandemic at the expense of the economic effects hence creating a research gap. The cardinal aim of this study was therefore to examine the economic effects of the pandemic on the wellbeing of the market vendors in Kampala city, which was the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. The specific objectives of this study were; examining how the COVID-19 pandemic economically affected the market vendors in Kampala city, and determining if the pandemic was a demand or supply side shock.

Methods

the study employed the Blinder-Oaxaca (B-O) decomposition technique, which was originally used in labor economics to decompose earnings gaps and to estimate the level of discrimination. This decomposition method analyses changes in a given variable over time. Descriptive statistics such as means, frequencies, and percentages were generated to gain insights into the data. Consumption and Sales were used as proxies for demand whereas the proxy for supply was production.

Results

The decomposition results from the Oaxaca estimates show that consumption, sales, and production reduced after the introduction of the COVID-19 restriction. The pandemic affected the market vendors economically through reduced consumption, sales, and disruption of the supply chain. It is recommended that the government provide appropriate support in form of income support, access to low credit and building the digital capacity of market vendors.
Research contribution: This study contributes to the understanding of the economic effects of the pandemic on one of the most vulnerable groups-the market vendors.
JEL Codes: 1,118,131
Point Spread Functions of aberrated Leaky annular apertures with defocus
Authors: Sabitha N. , Rani S. Vidya , Venkanna M. , Sagar D. Karuna
Published: January 2023

The point spread function of the optical system in the presence of defocus and primary spherical aberration with the complex Hanning filter with amplitude and phase has been investigated. A substantial improvement in the intensity profile of the impulse response of the optical system has been achieved. When the optical system is subjected to higher orders of aberration and apodization, the optical system behaves like a super-resolver with lateral resolution of the central peak being improved radically. The presence of first minima with zero intensity suits the optical system to be applied for two-point resolution studies in terms of Rayleigh criterion.
Tricomplex Numbers and idempotent elements in C3
Authors: WAGH MAMTA AMOL
Published: January 2023

This paper gives seven different representations or different forms of writings of a tricomplex number which is a generalization of bicomplex numbers. The different writings show different features of this number and help us to understand the structure of tricomplex space, C3. Algebraic structure of C3 has been given. We have shown how C3 is isometric and isomorphic to C22 , C14and C08. We have found that there exist exactly ten nontrivial idempotent elements in C3.
AMS Subject Classification: Primary 32-01, Secondary 32A10, 32A65
MsFaaS: Microservices Forensics as a Service
Authors: Shehata Abubakr , Aslan Heba
Published: January 2023

The rapid increase in using cloud services leads to the rise of unlimited cyber threats. Due to the distributed architect nature, services like Software as a Service (SaaS) are hard to be monitored. Consequently, in digital crimes, the investigator faces several forensics challenges. Mainly, in collecting data and presenting acceptable electronic evidence at the court. While most researchers went towards the external investigator’s responsibility, fewer researchers went to the Cloud Service Provider’s (CSP) responsibility. In literature, no complete framework that resolves all challenges and succeeds in presenting trusted evidence to the court has been suggested. In the present paper, we propose a framework named Microservices Forensics as a Service (MsFaaS) that suggests solutions to resolve open challenges. Since the CSP holds the crime scene and there is a global legal responsibility against digital crimes, MsFaaS relies on enforcing international law and putting the responsibility on both CSP and local authorities where the victim/attacker and CSP operate. We collect several data types and use event reconstruction methodology to build a comprehensive crime scene in both live and postmortem scenarios. In addition, MsFaaS provides a validation service against man-in-the-middle attacks microservices. It also triggers a response action to virtual machines incidents and external attacks; finally, the framework is helpful for auditing and recording the external and internal traffic inside the cloud environment. As a result, the service provided by the framework offers an evidence report that is certified by the local authority which can be accepted in a digital crime trial.
Langzeitergebnisse nach 10 Jahren unterstützender Parodontitistherapie: Zahnbezogene Parameter
Authors:   , Pfeifer Leon Matthias
Published: January 2023

Ziel: Die Einschätzung der Prognose eines parodontal erkrankten Zahnes zu Beginn der unterstützenden Parodontaltherapie (UPT) ist Teil der Behandlungsplanung. Ziel dieser Studie war es, Zahnverlust bei parodontal kompromittierten Patienten über einen Zeitraum von 10 Jahren zu evaluieren und einflussnehmende zahnbezogene Risikofaktoren zu identifizieren. Material und Methoden: Die Patienten wurden 120 ± 12 Monate nach aktiver Parodontaltherapie nachuntersucht. Zahnverlust während der UPT wurde als Hauptzielkriterium definiert. Zahnbezogene Faktoren [Pfeilerstatus, Furkationsbeteiligung (FB), Lockerungsgrad (LG), mittlere Sondierungstiefe (ST) und Attachmentlevel (AL) zu Beginn der UPT, initialer Knochenabbau (KA)] wurden mittels adjustierter logistischer Multilevel-Regressionsanalyse analysiert. Ergebnisse: Siebenundneunzig Patienten (51 weiblich, Ø Alter 65,3 ± 11 Jahre) verloren 119 von initial 2323 Zähnen [Gesamtzahnverlust (GZV): 0,12 Zähne/Patient/Jahr] während 10 Jahren UPT, hiervon 40 aus parodontalen Gründen [parodontal bedingter Zahnverlust (PZV); 0,04 Zähne/Patient/Jahr]. Signifikant mehr Zähne wurden aus anderen Gründen extrahiert (p <0,0001). PZV (GZV) trat nur bei 5,9 % (14,7 %) der Zähne mit KA ≥ 80 % auf. Nutzung als Pfeilerzahn, FB III, LG I und II sowie mittlere ST und AL korrelierten positiv mit dem GZV. Bezüglich des PZV konnten ein FB III sowie ein LG III und mittlere AL als zahnbezogene Risikofaktoren identifiziert werden (p <0,05). Schlussfolgerungen: Nach 10 Jahren UPT konnte ein Großteil (96,4 %) der parodontal vorerkrankten Zähne erhalten werden. Dies unterstreicht den positiven Effekt eines etablierten Behandlungskonzepts. Bereits bekannte zahnbezogene Risikofaktoren für Zahnverlust konnten bestätigt werden. Die vorliegende Studie wurde durch die Stiftung Carolinum (Frankfurt am Main) finanziell unterstützt.
Efektivitas Penerapan Model JIGSAW dalam Meningkatkan Hasil belajar Siswa pada Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab di Ma'had Al-Husna Samarinda
Authors: Abusyairi Khairy , Abdillah Yazid
Published: January 2023

One important component of learning is the use of appropriate methods. Because the right method will provide a thorough understanding to students, especially cooperative-based methods. The background of the problem with the low learning outcomes of students in Arabic lessons shows that the learning carried out so far has not reached completeness because there are several factors, namely the learning used is still using the lecture method, question and answer questions and assignments. By using the jigsaw learning model is expected to improve learning outcomes. Therefore, the researchers formulated the problems in this study: 1. How is the effectiveness of the application of the jigsaw model in learning Arabic in improving learning outcomes at the Al-Husna Islamic boarding school Samarinda? 2. How to increase the effectiveness of learning outcomes in learning Arabic at the Al-Husna Islamic boarding school Samarinda by using the jigsaw model? The type of research used is Classroom Action Research (CAR), data collection techniques used are tests, observations, and documentation. It can be concluded in this study that the process of learning Arabic by using the application of the jigsaw method can improve student learning outcomes, by meeting the Minimum Completeness Criteria (KKM). The increase in student learning outcomes can be seen from each cycle, in the pre-cycle the average value of student learning completeness is 58 (9 students), with a percentage of 45%, in cycle 1 the average value of student learning mastery is 64 (12 students), with a percentage of 60 %, in cycle 2 the average value of student learning completeness is 70 (17 students), with a percentage of 85%. As well as on the results of observations of teachers and students there is an increase and is carried out well. The researcher uses the demonstration learning method with a more focused focus on involving students directly in the learning process, as evidenced by using the jigsaw model to improve student learning outcomes.
Views of the journey of grade 1 learners with barriers to learning, in the inclusive education system : a multi-level systemic investigation
Authors:   , Van Vuuren Cornelia Margaretha
Published: January 2023

Embedded in South Africa’s humanitarian discourse, inclusive education (IE) followed global trends of inclusion of all people into wider society without discrimination. Inclusion in mainstream schools should also, according to the Salamanca agreement provide equal quality education, enabling learners with special educational needs (LSEN) to reach their full potential as a basic human right. IE started in South Africa with the implementation of the inclusive policy EWP6 in 2001. Including all children with barriers to learning in schools in their communities promoted social inclusion with their peers. The DoE introduced the Policy of Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support (SIAS) in 2014. This policy was implemented to assist teachers to identify learning barriers, as a means of offering support to these learners through the inclusive system. However, it seems that educators found this process cumbersome, without resources to maintain the process and with multiple systemic barriers preventing, rather than enhancing, support to LSEN. This multi-level systemic study explores the views of educators and other stakeholders on the effectiveness of the IE system in supporting LSEN, to serve the best interests of these learners in their first year of formal schooling. The study was conducted in three selected diverse mainstream Eastern Cape (EC) rural schools, involving the views of educators, district officials and parents. The study probed the impact of the inclusive system on LSEN’s development and social wellbeing, the perceived effects and benefits of the current system, and how the education model contributes towards human rights objectives and constitutional imperatives. The study acknowledges the theories and policies of the current inclusive system as promoting inclusion, but not being successfully realised in rural areas in the South African context, due to several systemic and contextual barriers. The findings revealed that although all participants noted the possible benefits of IE, the current system did not serve the individual educational needs of LSEN in rural mainstream schools, in their first formal year of schooling. Several constraints were reported including lack of resources, insufficient Allied Health support services, and insufficient training of educators. These lead to feelings of inadequacy in educators, along with systemic and contextual barriers and financial constraints in the schools. There also seems to be a need for better collaboration between education and other departments serving children and communities. To conclude, this study suggests a broader multi-level networked system, in which there needs to be greater interaction between the DoE and other government departments supporting children with barriers, like the Departments of Health (DoH), Social Development (DSD) and Justice (DoJ).