bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Device for automatic measurement of light pollution of the night sky
Authors: Karpińska Dominika , Kunz Mieczysław 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Research on light pollution of the night sky has been carried out in Toruń since 2017. Initially, the measurements were conducted within a network of 24 points using a handheld SQM-L photometer (Unihedron, Canada). Based on these measurements, the first accurate maps of night sky pollution by artificial light in Toruń have been developed, both in seasonal and annual terms. Using the experience gained and addressing the expectations, a decision was made to construct an automatic network of mobile devices measuring light intensity at night, covering the entire city. This paper presents the technical characteristics of the constructed automatic measurement devices that make up the distributed monitoring network and the process of testing and using the devices. The implementation of this project has started in 2020. To accommodate the evolving expectations of different user groups and the observed trends in the concept of Smart Cities, especially those related to the communication between devices of the Internet of Things (IoT), LoRaWAN was selected for data transmission. The first stage involved the construction of a prototype of an automatic, portable and cost-effective device, which was subjected to months of field testing under operational conditions. The device was built using off-the-shelf electronic components and a housing that met the requirements for outdoor use. The next stage was to calibrate the device by simultaneously comparing the obtained results with measurements taken using professional SQM devices. This was followed by the preparation of 35 identical devices, which are already operating in the measurement network in the city of Toruń.
High efficiency broadband (＞210 nm) in-band pumped Tm: LuGGG solid-state laser
Authors: Zhang Ning , Wang Peifu , Chen Bo , Wang Zhanxin , Liu Shande , Zhao Yongguang , Jia Zhitai , Zhang Baitao , Sun Zhipei 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Here, we demonstrate a broadband tunable (Lu0.0541Tm0.0548Gd0.8911)3Ga3O12 (Tm:LuGGG) laser in-band pumped by a home-made 1645-nm Er:YAG laser. A maximum average output power of 0.7 W at 1997 nm is obtained with a slope efficiency of 46.3%. We also demonstrate a continuously tuning output ranging from1854 to 2066 nm with a tuning coverage of 212 nm. The results indicate that the Tm:LuGGG crystal is an excellent laser medium for high-efficient broadband light generation, which may help to explore potential applications in ultrafast lasers.
Microstructure analysis, tribological corrosion properties and strengthening mechanism of aluminum matrix composites
Authors: Wang Fei , Liu Heping , Liu Zesheng , Guo Zhiming , Sun Fenger 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
In this paper, graphene reinforced aluminum matrix composites are successfully prepared by high-energy ball milling. The results show that no graphene agglomeration is found in the mixed powder. The complex composites prepared by high energy ball milling and powder metallurgy have about 4–5 layers of graphene and the thickness of single-layer graphene is about 0.334 nm. The final experimental results confirm the formation of compound AlC3 in the microstructure, and its diffraction spots index is (\(\stackrel{-}{2}\)00), (\(\stackrel{-}{1}\)1\(\stackrel{-}{1}\)) and (11\(\stackrel{-}{1}\)). The maximum friction coefficient is 0.126 and the average friction coefficient is 0.027, suggesting good wear resistance and corrosion resistance. Also, the friction corrosion mechanism of the material is deeply analyzed. The results of strengthening mechanism analysis show that the main strengthening mechanism of the materials designed in this experiment is thermal mismatch strengthening. It can be concluded that the yield strength of the material calculated by the modified model is 227.75 MPa. This value is slightly lower than the calculated value of the general shear lag model (237.68 MPa). But it is closer to the yield strength value of actual material (211 MPa).
Improved skeletal muscle fatigue resistance in experimental autoimmune myositis mice following high-intensity interval training
Authors: Yamada Takashi , Ashida Yuki , Tamai Katsuyuki , Kimura Iori , Yamauchi Nao , Naito Azuma , Tokuda Nao , Westerblad Håkan , Andersson Daniel C. , Himori Koichi 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Muscle weakness and decreased fatigue resistance are key manifestations of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). We here examined whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) improves fatigue resistance in skeletal muscle of experimental autoimmune myositis (EAM) mice, a widely used animal model for IIM.
Methods
Female BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to control (CNT) or EAM groups (n = 28 in each group). EAM was induced by immunization with three injections of myosin emulsified in complete Freund’s adjuvant. The plantar flexor (PF) muscles from mice with EAM were exposed to either an acute bout or 4 weeks of HIIT (a total of 14 sessions).
Results
The fatigue resistance of PF muscles was lower in the EAM than in the CNT group (P < 0.05). These changes were associated with decreased activities of citrate synthase and cytochrome c oxidase and increased expression levels of the endoplasmic reticulum stress proteins (glucose-regulated protein 78 and 94, and PKR-like ER kinase) (P < 0.05). HIIT restored all these alterations and increased the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and the mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes (I, III, and IV) in muscles from EAM mice (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
HIIT improves fatigue resistance in an IIM mouse model and this can be explained by restoration of mitochondria oxidative capacity via inhibition of the ER stress pathway and PGC-1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis.
Modeling malaria in southernmost provinces of Thailand: A two-step process for analysis of highly right-skewed data with a large proportion of zeros
Authors: Ammatawiyanon Lumpoo , Tongkumchum Phattrawan , Lim Apiradee , McNeil Don 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Malaria remains a serious health problem in the southern border provinces of Thailand. The issue areas can be identified using an appropriate statistical model. This study aimed to investigate malaria for its spatial occurrence and incidence rate in the southern provinces of Thailand.
Methods
The Thai Office of Disease Prevention and Control, Ministry of Public Health, provided total hospital admissions of malaria cases from 2008 to 2018, which were classified by age, gender, and sub-district of residence. Twenty-four sub-districts were excluded since they had no malaria cases. A logistic model was utilized to identify spatial occurrence patterns of malaria, and a log-linear regression model was employed to model the incidence rate after eliminating non-cases.
Results
The overall occurrence rate was 10.9% and the overall median incidence rate was 431 cases per 100,000 population. Malaria occurence peaked at young adults aged 20–29, and subsequently fell with age for both sexes, whereas incidence rate increased with age for both sexes. Malaria occurrence fluctuated, with the largest peak in 2008 and the lowest in 2018, while the incidence rate decreased. The area with the highest malaria occurrence and incidence rate was remarkably similar to the area with the highest number of malaria cases, which were mostly in Yala province's sub-districts bordering Malaysia.
Conclusions
Malaria is a serious problem in forest-covered border areas. The correct policies and strategies should be concentrated on in these areas, in order to address this condition.
Quality of health care services and performance in public hospitals in Africa: A protocol for systematic review
Authors: Njau Bernard , Mosha Neema , Jeremia Damian 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: The delivery of high-quality health care services and performance is the main aim of all health care systems globally. This review objective is to determine the quality of health care services and performance in public hospitals in Africa through a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing studies.Methods: The search will be conducted in pre-determined databases (e.g., PubMed), for eligible studies between 2000 and 2020, to identify studies published in English, which applied the service quality gap (SERVIQUAL) model to determine the quality of health care services and performance in public hospitals in Africa. The search will also include a review of reference lists of included studies for other eligible studies. Eligible studies will include experimental and observational studies. Two authors will independently screen the search output, select studies and extract data, resolve discrepancies by consensus and discussions. Two authors will use Cochrane risk of bias tools for experimental studies, and Hoy for observational studies. The review will also assess study quality and risk of bias using standardized tools. The review aims to provide comprehensive information on the quality of health care services and performance in public hospitals in Africa.Discussion: Understanding patients' or clients' expectations and perceptions on the quality of health care services provided in the health care systems are very crucial in the improvement of the health status of the general population. The SERVIQUAL model is a standardized tool used to assess the quality gap of patients/clients perspectives on health care services in hospitals globally. The findings from this review will provide information on the quality gap of health care provided in public hospitals in SSA. Also, we anticipate that the findings will inform policymakers in health care systems on how to improve and maintain the quality of health care services in public hospitals in different African settings.Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO CRD 420212264100 dated 25/07/2021
Visual acuity biomarkers on OCTA in adults aged 50 and above: A prospective and cross-sectional community-based study
Authors: Li Yan Kiu , Fung Nicholas SK , Chan Jonathan CH , Choy Bonnie NK , Chow Loraine LW , Shih Kendrick C , Wong Jasper KW , Wong Ian YH 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background/AimsTo assess the normative values and parameters of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) influencing the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in adults aged 50 and above. MethodsThis was a prospective cross-sectional study from an eye screening programme in Hong Kong for citizens aged 50 and above. Images were analysed using a validated quantification software calculating vessel density (VD) and capillary perfusion density (CPD), along with other OCTA parameters, such as the fovea avascular zone area (FAZ) and circularity. OCTA data was collected from May 2019 to December 2020, including a total of 4188 healthy eyes from 4188 subjects. ResultsMean superficial vessel density (MSVD) was 14.48 ± 3.60mm-1, while the mean capillary perfusion density (MCPD) was 0.41 ± 0.06. Multivariate analysis revealed ageing (β= 0.321, p<0.001), being male (β=-0.089, p<0.001), having a high body mass index (BMI) (β=0.039, p=0.006), high FAZ area and low FAZ circularity (β=0.039 and -0.034, p=0.01 and 0.024 respectively), low MSVD in the outer ring (β=-0.513, p<0.001), specifically in the nasal and temporal outer quadrants (β = -0.226 and -0.259, p<0.001 for both), and low CPD in the outer superior quadrant (β= -0.123, p=0.016) being independently associated with BCVA.ConclusionHigh FAZ area and low FAZ circularity, low MSVD in the outer ring, specifically the nasal and temporal outer quadrants, and low CPD in the outer superior quadrant can be used as biomarkers in predicting a low visual acuity. Older women with a high BMI should also carefully monitor their visual acuity.
Design, synthesis, docking studies and biological evaluation of novel 2-(1- isonicotinoyl-3-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-3-phenylthiazolidin-4-one derivatives as novel anticancer agents with Aurora-A Kinase inhibition
Authors: Beniwal Meenu , Jain Neelam , Jain Sandeep , Aggarwal Navidha 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Introduction Aurora-A kinase is associated with the Aurora kinase family which has been considered a striking anticancer target for the treatment of human cancers. Objective To design, synthesize, docking studies, and biological evaluation of novel 2-(1-isonicotinoyl-3-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-3-phenylthiazolidin-4-one derivatives as novel anticancer agents with Aurora-A Kinase inhibition.Method A total of 21 Pyrazole derivatives P (1-21) were synthesized by using the Vilsmeier Haack reagent which was characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and Mass spectroscopy. The synthesized derivatives were evaluated for their potential in vitro anticancer activity and Aurora A kinase inhibitory activity.Results The cytotoxicity assay (MTT assay) showed that compound P-6 exhibited potent cytotoxicity (IC50 = 0.37- 0.44 μM) against two cancer (HCT 116 and MCF-7) cell lines, which were comparable to the standard compound, VX-680. Compound P-6 also showed inhibition of Aurora-A kinase with an IC50 value of 0.11±0.03 µM. A Docking study was done to compound P-6 and P-20 into the active site of Aurora A kinase, in order to get the probable binding model for further study. Conclusion A series of 21 novel pyrazole derivatives P(1-21) were designed, synthesized, docking studies, and evaluated for their in vitro anticancer activity by MTT assay and Aurora A kinase inhibitory activity. The results established that P-6 is a prospective aspirant for the development of anticancer agents targeting Aurora-A kinase.
Comprehensive analysis of immune ferropotosis gene on renal clear cell carcinoma: Prognosis and influence of tumor microenvironment
Authors: Yang Lin-hui , Xu Li-zhen , Huang Zhi-jian , Pan Hong-hong , Wu Min , Wu Qiu-yan , Lu Tao , Zhang Yan-ping , Zhu Yao-bin , Wu Jia-bin , Luo Jie-wei , Ye lie-fu 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
In this study, immune-ferropotosis-related prognostic differentially expressed genes (IFR-DEGs) were selected from the TCGA database, and a total of 103 differentially expressed genes were found. Fifty-two differentially expressed genes related to immunity and ferropotosis were identified using univariate Cox analysis. Stepwise regression was used to establish a Lasso-Cox risk score prognostic model consisting of four immune ferropotosis genes, and overall survival (OS) was significantly better in low-risk patients than in high-risk patients (training set: P < 0.001).In multivariate Cox regression analysis, the risk score was an independent predictor of OS (HR > 1, P < 0.001). Time-dependent ROC curve analysis indicates that the model has good predictive ability. The prognostic model was also well validated in the validation set and the total TCGA cohort. Subcellular fluorescence localization of model genes showed that ACADSB, CHAC1, and PLA2G6 were distributed in the cytoplasm, while LURAP1L was distributed in the nucleus. The expression of mRNA and protein suggested that ACADSB and CHAC1 were lower in renal carcinoma than in normal renal tissue, LURAP1L and PLA2G6 were higher in renal carcinoma. RNA sequencing localization analysis of ACADSB single-cell indicated that ACADSB was enriched in the distal tubule cluster. After mutation correlation analysis of model genes, 1.56% (7/448) patients were found to have genetic changes, ACADSB was significantly positively correlated with LURAP1L, and negatively correlated with CHAC1 and PLA2G6. CHAC1 was negatively correlated with LURAP1L. We found that CD8+T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), macrophage M0, and macrophage M1 levels were significantly higher in high-risk than low-risk patients. Among immune-related functions, we also found that the high-risk group had higher immune function in terms of immune checkpoint, proinflammatory, T-cell co-inhibition, and type II interferon response. Compared with the low-risk group, the high-risk group had a higher immune score in the immune microenvironment, a stronger immune escape ability, and a higher abundance of immune checkpoints. A novel prognostic model of immune ferropotosis-related genes (ACADSB, CHAC1, LURAP1L, and PLA2G6) was constructed, which can effectively predict the survival of patients with KIRC and play an important role in immune infiltration, microenvironment, and immune escape.
Comparison of different effective parts of Panax Ginseng in enhancing immune function of mice
Authors: Yu Ping , Liu Juntong , Zhang Yuhan , Chen Yuqiu , Zhang Qinghe , Chen Changbao 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The present study focused on comparing the effects of different active parts of five-year-old ginseng on the immunological activity of cyclo-phosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed mice. Preparation of ginseng water extract, total ginsenoside complex, ginseng glycoprotein complex, ginseng glycopeptide complex, by water extraction and alcohol precipitation method and enzymolysis method. The immunomodulatory effects of different effective parts of ginseng were determined by carbon clearance test, immune organ index, delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response, leukocyte count in peripheral blood, spleen lymphocyte transformation experiment, splenic NK cell activity, serum hemolysin and Experiment on the determination of cytokines. The results showed that ginseng water extract, total ginsenoside complex, ginseng glycoprotein complex and ginseng glycopeptide complex improved immune organs indices, DTH response, leukocyte count, NK cell activity, cytokine content, hemolysin content and the phagocytosis of macrophages in immunosuppressive mice. Ginseng glycoprotein complex and ginseng glycopeptide complex had more effectiveness on cellular immunity. Total ginsenoside complex and ginseng glycoprotein complex can better enhance the humoral immune function of mice. Total ginsenoside complex, ginseng glycoprotein complex and ginseng glycopeptide complex had a better effect on improving the function of macrophages phagocytosis. The enhancing effect of ginseng glycoprotein on NK cell activity was better than other extracts. Total ginsenoside complex, ginseng glycoprotein complex and ginseng glycopeptide complex can significantly increase the content of TNF-α in mice, ginseng water extract can significantly in-crease the content of IL-2, ginseng water extract and total ginsenoside complex are more effective in enhancing IL-6 levels in mice. Different effective parts of ginseng can improve the immunity of mice, and the effect of ginseng glycoprotein is more obvious. It is speculated that ginseng glycoprotein is the main active site of ginseng against CTX immunosuppression. This study laid a theoretical foundation for further study on the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of ginseng to improve immunity.
The effect of immunomodulator thymosin α1 on the expression of TNBC PD-L1 through Wnt/β- catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Jian Zheng , Xiaoxi Li , Youhong Jiang , Cunwei Cai 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Explore whether thymosin affects the expression of PD-L1 on the surface of tumor cells, which in turn affects the immunotherapy of triple-negative breast cancer.Method: After treating human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells with different concentrations of thymosin α1, the PD-L1 expression of the cells was tested for protein and gene. Through bioinformatics analysis, the target gene was screened out, and the signal pathway that thymosin α1 might participate in was further verified.Result: After adding 130μM and 160μM of thymosin α1, the expression of PD-L1 in MDA-MB-231 cells was inhibited at 12h, 24h, 48h and 96h. The related pathways of genes down-regulated by Tα1 in KEGG are: cancer pathway, basal cell epithelioma, apoptosis, Hippo and Wnt signaling pathway; immune pathway, such as rheumatoid arthritis, bacterial infection. After MSAB treatment of the experimental group, the expression of AXIN2 was up-regulated, and the expression of β-catenin in the cells was up-regulated. Compared with the cells in the untreated experimental group, PD-L1 was up-regulated. However, we found that β-catenin in the nucleus was not significantly up-regulated, but the expression of C-myc was up-regulated.Conclusion: Thymosin α1 down-regulates the PD-L1 expression of TNBC through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which may affect PD-L1-dependent TNBC immunotherapy.
Financial Risk of Emergency Abdominal Surgery: Experience from Ethiopia
Authors: Genetu Abraham , Gezahegn Demmelash , Getachew Hana , Deneke Andualem , Bekele Abebe 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
BackgroundThe Lancet Commission on Global Surgery suggested six indicators every country should use to measure their surgical systems. One of these indicators, catastrophic expenditure (CE), is defined as money paid for service which amounts to more than 10% of the patient’s total annual expenditure, or more than 40% of annual non-food household expenditure. There is no study from Ethiopia that assessed financial risk of emergency abdominal surgery.MethodsUsing a cross sectional study design, financial risk assessment was carried out on 142 patients from Yekatit 12 and Zewditu Memorial hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from May 15 to September 15, 2021.ResultsAppendectomy (69.0%), emergency laparotomy (26.1%) and cholecystectomy (4.9%) resulted in mean direct medical expenditures of 111.7USD, 200.70USD and 224.60USD, respectively. Medications and imaging accounted for 60.8% and 13.9% of total treatment cost. By applying the two definitions of catastrophic expenditure, 67.6% and 62.7% of patients sustained CE, respectively. Laparotomy and cholecystectomy resulted in higher rate of CE than appendectomy. Thirty-five (24.6%) patients had some form of insurance, with Community Based Health Insurance being the most common form (57%). Noninsured patients were 10.9 and 9.9 times more likely to sustain CE (p = 0.002 and p = 0.006 respectively).Conclusion and RecommendationsSignificant financial burden because of emergency abdominal surgery in Addis Ababa is very high. Insurance based financial care is shown to decrease risk of CE significantly. Policy makers should work on expanding insurance and other forms of surgical care financing to a larger proportion of population.