bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Progress in the knowledge on the transformation of lung adenocarcinoma to small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Aiguang , Han Cuiping , Zhao Hui , Zheng Zhaomin , Ye Xin , Shan Rong 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
Lung cancer is a common type of carcinoma and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The two broad histological subtypes of lung cancer are non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for 85% of cases and includes adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), which accounts for 15% of cases. Substantial improvements in treatment have led to remarkable progress and changed outcomes for many patients in the past two decades. However, with prolonged survival time and awareness of repeat biopsy, more and more patients with lung cancer have been found to undergo a histological transformation during treatment, with lung adenocarcinoma (LAdC) to SCLC transformation being the most frequent. In this article, we summarized findings on the mechanism, clinical characteristics, therapeutic strategies, and predictors of the transformation of LAdC to SCLC. A non-systematic narrative review was performed using the Pubmed/MEDLINE (US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health) database with the following keywords: “transformation from NSCLC to SCLC,” “transformation from lung adenocarcinoma to small-cell lung cancer,” “NSCLC transformation in SCLC,” and “NSCLC and transformation and SCLC.” Articles published until June 2022 were analyzed. Search results were limited to human studies without restriction for language.
Prognostic effects of different malignant obstructive jaundice sites on percutaneous biliary intervention: A retrospective controlled study
Authors: Xu Junming , Zhuang Shaowu , Liu Mingqiang , Wu Songhui , Li Huajie 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Purpose:
To compare the survival prognosis of percutaneous transhepatic biliary stenting (PTBS) in the treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice (MOJ) at different horizontal sites.

Methods:
A total of 120 patients with MOJ who underwent biliary stenting were retrospectively included and analyzed and divided into the high-position group (36 patients), middle-position group (43 patients), and low-position group (41 patients) according to biliary obstruction plane by biliary anatomy. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to test for differences in the overall survival (OS), risk assessment of death and potential risk factors for 1-year survival were analyzed using multifactorial Cox regression.

Results:
The median survival of the high-, middle-, low-position groups were 16, 8.6, and 5.6 months, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.017). The 1-year survival rate was 67.6%, 41.9%, and 41.5% in the high-, middle-, low-position groups (P < 0.05), and the 1-year risk of death was 2.35 and 2.93 times higher in the medium- and low-position groups, respectively. The incidences of the main complications were 25%, 48.8%, and 65.9% in the high-, middle-, and low-position groups, respectively, (P = 0.002). While the differences in median stent patency were not statistically significant (P > 0.05) in the groups, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and total bilirubin levels decreased gradually in each group at 1 month and 3 months after interventional therapy (P < 0.001), while there was no significant difference in the decrease between the groups.

Conclusions:
Different levels of biliary obstruction in patients with MOJ affect survival, especially at 1 year, where high obstruction treated with PTBS has a low incidence of complications and a low risk of death.
Efficacy and safety of apatinib and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization as second-line therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Tao , Zhao Jingfang , Zhang Shuai , Wang Hui , Sun Linlin , Hu Jinhua 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have demonstrated clinical efficacy against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as first-line therapy. However, there is limited evidence on the efficacy and safety of apatinib plus TACE as second-line treatment for advanced HCC.

Aim:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of apatinib in combination with TACE for advanced HCC patients with disease progression or intolerant to first-line treatment.

Patients and Methods:
Between May 2019 and January 2022, 72 advanced HCC patients received apatinib plus TACE as second-line treatment. Clinical parameters, efficacy, and safety were assessed. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) and the secondary the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR).

Results:
The median follow-up duration was 14.7 months (range, 4.5–26.0). The median PFS from the beginning of treatment was 7.1 months (1.0–15.2) and its 95% CI was 6.6–8.2 according to Kaplan–Meier analysis. The ORR and DCR were 34.7% (95% CI: 23.9%–46.9%) and 48.6% (95% CI: 36.7%–60.7%), respectively. By the cutoff date, 33 patients (45.8%) had died and 39 (54.2%) were undergoing survival follow-up. The estimated median overall survival (mOS) was 22.3 months (95%: CI: 20.6–24.0) by Kaplan–Meier analysis. The most common apatinib-related adverse events of any grade were hypertension [35 (48.6%)], appetite loss [30 (41.6%)], and hand–foot syndrome [21 (29.2%)].

Conclusion:
The combination of apatinib and TACE as second-line therapy demonstrated promising clinical efficacy and tolerable adverse effects for advanced HCC patients.
USP7 mediates TRAF4 deubiquitination to facilitate the malignant phenotype of ovarian cancer via the RSK4/PI3K/AKT axis
Authors: Wang Ying , Luo Xia , Wu Nayiyuan , Liao Qianjin , Wang Jing 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 7 (USP7) is upregulated in multiple human cancers, including ovarian cancer; however, its functional role in the latter remains largely unknown.

Methods:
We conducted quantitative real-time PCR to detect the expression of USP7, TRAF4, and RSK4 in ovarian cancer cell lines. In addition, Western blotting served to determine USP7, TRAF4, RSK4, PI3K, and AKT (protein kinase B,PKB) protein levels and USP7 expression in the tissues was detected by immunohistochemical staining. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay was used to evaluate cell viability, transwell assays to evaluate cell migration and invasion, and co-immunoprecipitation to evaluate TRAF4 ubiquitination.

Results:
The results showed USP7 and TRAF4 upregulation, and RSK4 downregulation in ovarian cancer cell lines. Knocking down USP7 suppressed viability, migration, and invasion of ovarian cancer cells; TRAF4 knockdown and RSK4 overexpression had similar effects in ovarian cancer cells. TRAF4 is deubiquitinated and stabilized by USP7, whereas RSK4 is negatively regulated by TRAF4. A mouse xenograft model confirmed that knocking down USP7 suppressed ovarian tumor growth by regulating the TRAF4/RSK4/PI3K/AKT axis.

Conclusion:
Knocking down USP7 decreased the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ovarian cancer cells and suppressed ovarian tumor growth in mice. Mechanistically, USP7 increased TRAF4 ubiquitination, promoting its degradation and leading to RSK4 upregulation.
Predicting chemosensitivity based on mini patient-derived xenografts in osteosarcoma patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Long Zuoyao , Lu Yajie , Li Minghui , Ji Chuanlei , Chen Guojing , Li Jing , Xiang Liangbi , Yu Hailong , Wang Qi , Wang Zhen 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Context:
The survival of patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma has not improved in the past three decades because of chemoresistance.

Aim:
This study aimed to improve the prognosis of patients with osteosarcoma.

Settings and Design
From January 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019, a total of 14 patients with osteosarcoma were enrolled who underwent mini patient-derived xenograft (mini-PDX) assay in our hospital.

Methods and Materials:
We recruited 14 patients with osteosarcoma having acquirable lesions to establish PDX models and examine the sensitivity of nine drugs, including methotrexate (MTX), ifosfamide (IFO), epirubicin, and etoposide. Drug sensitivity was evaluated using the tumor relative proliferation rate (TRPR), and the patients’ responses were assessed according to the RECIST 1.1 guidelines.

Statistical Analysis Used:
The difference in TRPR was analyzed using a paired t-test, while progression-free survival (PFS) was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results:
The mini-PDX results revealed that IFO had a lower tumor proliferation rate than MTX, indicating that IFO was more sensitive in patients with osteosarcoma (38.3% vs. 84.3%, P = 0.031). Thus, the regimen where IFO alternates with doxorubicin and cisplatin was recommended as adjuvant chemotherapy. MTX could replace IFO if the TRPR was better. Finally, 11 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. A comparison of PFS revealed that sensitive patients with TRPR of <40% had a better prognosis (9.4 months vs. 3.7 months, P = 0.0324).

Conclusions:
Chemotherapy based on mini-PDX can improve the survival of patients with osteosarcoma whose TRPR was <40%, and that chemotherapy without MTX could be an alternative for osteosarcoma.
Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Palatal Rugae Patterns in Bhopal Division: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Patel Narendra , Thukral Rishi , Chokotiya Heeralal , Gulati Ruchi , Patel Dharika , Dhakad Satendra Singh 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Objective:
The goal of this investigation is to assess the palatal rugae patterns in male and female participants from the Bhopal Division population.

Material and Methods:
A randomly selected cohort of 104 individuals, consisting of 47 males and 57 females, was included in the study. Both metric and non-metric characteristics of the palatal rugae were documented and analyzed using two-sample t-tests and chi-square tests, with a significance threshold set at 5%.

Results:
No significant difference was observed in the total number of rugae between genders. However, the mean number of primary rugae was significantly higher in males (P = 0.038). In contrast, females exhibited a higher mean number of vertical (P < 0.001) and fragmentary rugae (P = 0.004), with these differences achieving statistical significance.

Conclusion:
The rugae pattern demonstrates potential as a gender-differentiating characteristic, serving as a supplementary method to traditional techniques such as cranial anthropometry and dental analysis.
Exploring the role of ketogenic diet in ADPKD treatment: A promising avenue
Authors: Mutaal Abdul , Shehzad Dawood , Samdani Khubaib 
Published: October 2024

Dear Editor,
This letter intends to highlight the importance of the keto diet in the treatment and slowing the progression of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD). We aim to increase awareness about this newly advertised nutrition plan for ADPKD patients.
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is a disease that continuously expands multiple cysts in both kidneys. Clinical symptoms (Flanks pain, haematuria, hypertension) mostly develop in the fourth decade of life and around 50% of almost 12 million worldwide affected people will go into end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in their sixth decade of life.1 In 2015, EMA approved the use of Vasopressin receptor antagonists, i.e., tolvaptan, for the treatment of ADPKD in adults with CKD stages 1-3 and with rapidly progressive disease.2 However, these drugs are associated with side effects such as transient extracellular volume reduction and continuous symptoms of increased aquaresis, liver toxicity, avoiding pregnancy and breastfeeding and drug interactions.2 Moreover, strict criteria for patient selection such as GFR values, changes in GFR, patient age and cost-effectiveness needed to be fulfilled before commencing this particular therapy.2
The ongoing advancements in medical sciences have recently provided evidence that introducing the keto diet in patients with ADPKD can lead to a decline in the reduction rate of GFR and to a reduced rate of increasing kidney volume.3,4 A small study published in November 2023 compared the effects of the keto diet (KD) with control and water fasting groups.5 KD group surprisingly showed a decrease in height-adjusted total kidney volume by 0.55% and height-adjusted total liver volume by 4.7%.5 The most important observed effect was an increase in eGFR by 5.5% compared to the other groups, which showed a decrease in eGFR.5 Serum levels of Beta Hydroxy Butyrate were used to evaluate the ketosis state.5 The most commonly reported side effect was transiently occurring keto flu. However, one patient developed appendicitis and one patient also had nephrolithiasis.5 This three-month duration study overall shows good outcomes in ADPKD patients.
We encourage physicians and the broader community of nephrologists to prioritise and carry out larger-scale randomised controlled trials based on the previously mentioned study using the keto diet in the management of ADPKD patients. This will require not only the aggressive participation of physicians in carrying out the research study but also the active education of the general public about this newly introduced nutrition plan.
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E-Governance and Service Delivery by Rwanda National Public Service Commission
Authors: Uwingeneye Gertrude , Akims Malgit 
Published: October 2024

Purpose: This study examined the effect of E-governance and service delivery by Rwanda National Public Service Commission. The specific objectives of this study included, determining the effect of E-administration on service delivery by Rwanda National Public Service Commission and determining the effect of E-participation on service delivery by Rwanda National Public Service Commission. The three theories that provided the basis of this research are the following: Stakeholders Theory, Technology Acceptance Model and Expectancy Disconfirmation Theory. Chose these ideas because of what they have to say about how services are provided in a tech-driven setting. In order to accomplish these goals, an analysis of relevant literature was conducted.
Methodology: Data were gathered from 47 randomly selected workers of the Rwanda National Public Service Commission using a census sample approach. Data was gathered using a combination of questionnaires and document analysis. As part of the study, SPSS 25 was used.
Findings: The Rwanda National Public Service Commission found a high level of correlation (R = 0.844) between the predictors of service delivery and administration, and participation. With an R-squared value of 0.712, these variables account for around 71.2% of the variance in service delivery. Their unstandardized coefficients emphasize the impact of each predictor on service delivery. With a coefficient E-administration also has a notable positive effect, with a coefficient of (β = 0.404, t = 4.646, and p-value = 0.000). Similarly, E-participation contributes positively, with a coefficient of (β = 0.505, t = 5.973, and p-value = 0.000). All coefficients are statistically significant, underscoring their crucial roles in enhancing service delivery, as indicated by their p-values being below the conventional threshold of 0.05.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended that Rwanda National Public Service Commission should enhance the user interface and accessibility of online platforms, expand online services while integrating with other government systems, and improve cybersecurity protocols.
An Information-Theoretic Approach for Multivariate Skew Laplace Normal Distributions
Authors: Quaez Uday Jabbar 
Published: October 2024

Due to its flexibility, the skew distributions (univariate and multivariate) have received widespread attention over the last two decades because they're become widely used in the modelling and analysis of skewed data sets. The main goal of this paper is to introduce asymptotic expressions for entropy of multivariate skew Laplace normal distribution to deal with the issue by providing a flexible model for modeling skewness and heavy tiredness simultaneously. Thus, we extend this study to the class of mixture model of these distributions. In addition, upper and lower bounds of Rényi entropy of mixture model are found, by using generalized HӦlder’s inequality and some properties of multinomial theorem.. Finally, we give a real data examples to illustrate the behavior of information. A simulation study and a real data example, are also provided to illustrate the information behavior of MSLN and MMSLN distributions for modeling data sets in multivariate settings
Leukemia Detection using Machine Learning Algorithms: Current trends and future directions
Authors: A. Maryoosh Amal , Pashazadeh Saeid 
Published: October 2024

The process of medical diagnosis of leukemia cases is a complex process and requires diligent efforts. It is done by examining samples under a microscope and distinguishing the number, shape, size, and morphological features of white blood cells. This process takes a long time to predict leukemia. The professional skills and experience of the pathologist may also influence this procedure as a large number of overlapping structures and conditions, distractions, fatigue, and limitations in the human visual system can lead to an inappropriate diagnosis. Machine and deep learning approaches have been found to be effective strategies for enhancing the precision and efficiency of diagnosis and classification of medical images, including those of microscopic blood cells. In this paper, we will review the recent studies of leukemia detection and/or classification in the period of (2015 - 2023) in machine and deep learning and the combining of them. The review of these schemes is carried out in a systematic manner. In order to achieve the desired objective, segmentation schemes can be classified into four main categories: supervised machine learning techniques, unsupervised machine learning techniques, deep learning approaches, and traditional image processing techniques. Classification approaches can be categorized into three main groups: classical machine learning, deep learning, and a combination of both. CNN-based categorization systems can be further classified into three categories: conventional CNN, transfer learning, and additional developments in CNN. This paper also provides a concise analysis of these strategies and their significance in the categorization of leukemia. Ultimately, a comprehensive examination is conducted to elucidate the current state of research in this particular domain.
Peningkatan Semangat Berwirausaha Pada Paguyuban Umkm “Aku Bisa” Di Kota Semarang
Authors: Yani Tri Endang Yani , Wibisono Totok Wibisono , Roestanto Anantya Roestanto , Sujito Sujito 
Published: October 2024

Abstract: In Krobokan Village, West Semarang, there is a Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Association (MSMEs)”AKU BISA”. This asssociation accommodates approximately 50 MSMEs with various types of productss produced, including culinary to handycraft. The problem faced by this association is that their business has not developed since at was pioneered until now. This is due to the lack of understanding of entrepreurship and the lack of entrepreneurial spirit. The purpose of Community Service is to provide knowledge about entrepreneurship and motivate MSMEs to be more enthusiastic in running their businesses. The method of implementing community service activities is the lecture and discussion method. Meamwhile, the implementation of community service activities in March – May 2024. After the counseling was carried out, there was an increase in knowledge and understanding of entrepreneurship among the participants, understanding and understanding the success factors of a business and there was a positive change in behavior, namely being more enthusiastic in entrepreneurship.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Motivation, Counselling, Skills technology
INTERNATIONAL LAW AND THE PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES
Authors: Tuffuor Kwadwo Addo Tuffuor , Korantema Stella Korantema , Yin Elijah Tukwariba Yin 
Published: October 2024

International law functions principally in maintaining the fabric of international relations, which reflects the overriding desire by states to resort to a supra-national power of legal mechanisms to resolve disputes that may arise among them on territorial claims without force and in a peaceful manner. The United Nations (UN), its Security Council, and its judicial organ - the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - were established after the Second World War primarily to achieve international peace and security. Consequently, the Constitutive Charter of the UN placed an obligation on member-states to resolve all disputes in a peaceful manner which was ostensibly geared towards forestalling the occurrence of another world war. Under the auspices of the UN, the world has achieved a comprehensive body of international law and dispute resolution mechanisms, some of which have helped to resolve disputes that would have otherwise threatened international peace and security. Despite this, scholars have paid less attention to how international law and the implementing agencies of the UN have contributed to global dispute settlement. This paper examines the significance of international law and its implementing agencies in the peaceful settlement of disputes. We argue that international law and its implementation agencies provide an effective framework for peaceful dispute settlement among nations, promoting global security and cooperation.
GHANA’S REGULATORY FRAMEWORK AND SUSTAINABILITY IN THE MINING SECTOR
Authors: Asumda David Asumda , Situma Francis Situma , Muigua Kariuki Muigua 
Published: October 2024

The mining sector in Ghana predates independence and has, over the years, contributed significantly to Ghana’s socio-economic development through revenue generation, employment creation and increase in foreign direct investments. This can be attributed largely to the institution of comprehensive and attractive legal, fiscal and institutional frameworks by the Ghanaian Government, which have helped to attract investments into the mining industry. Nonetheless, lack of effective revenue mobilization, generous tax incentives, damaging environmental effects, and destruction of livelihoods of host communities, especially due to illegal mining activities, remain major challenges. Most of the problems associated with mining in Ghana are due mainly to a weak mining regulatory framework. Ghana has enacted the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) (the Minerals and Mining Act), as amended in 2010, 2015, and 2019, as the basic law that regulates the mining sector, to improve the fiscal regime and to ensure effective regulation and sustainability of the mining industry. Even though Act 703 has been amended twice, and the Government has proposed a third amendment, previous amendments focused on “non-essential” areas, without special focus on the management of the environment for sustainability in the mining sector. Making the mining industry sustainable seems to have been addressed as an incidental. The Minerals and Mining Act has not undergone any major amendments to align it with regional frameworks, reflect international best practices and address sustainability challenges in the mining sector in Ghana. This paper reviews the key provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act, with a special focus on how the same facilitates environmental management for sustainability in the mining sector.